Only Time Will Tell if I Am Right or I Am Wrong

As a person who usually doesn't put a whole lot of stock in reviews for things like movies and records, I am much more wishy-washy when it comes to reviews of my own work. I tend to ignore the bad ones and tout the good ones. I'm sure I'm not alone in that, as most people who receive negative feedback about their work aren't in a big hurry to tell everyone about it. I've been trying to take reviews for what they are, one person's opinion and nothing more. But, that isn't always so easy.

I think this is especially true when it comes to the inexact science of writing what turns people on. What works for some and gets them all hot and bothered, doesn't work for others. Like MC Esher's print that is at the top of this post, you can either see the angels first or the demons. When you read a story, do you focus on the good or the bad? Everyone is different, and everyone sees something different when they read a story. That all sounds very philosophical, doesn't it? But, I must admit, I haven't had much success when it comes to maintaining this Zen-like attitude about reviews.

In the span of two weeks, I got one great and one not so great review of my novella, White Out. The not so good one came first. It was hard for me not to be a little angry about a review of my work that was, at least in my estimation, a little nit picky. (Even now, I'm hesitant to write those words as I know that the reviewer was just saying what he thought.) I tried not to let the critique bother me, but I'd be lying if I said it didn't get under my skin a bit. I tried to let it go, but every once in a while, a little pin prick of anger would pop up when I thought about it.

Then, the good review came out. And, when I read it, I couldn't help but laugh. The very thing that the first reviewer saw as a fault in the story, the second reviewer LOVED!! The irony of that moment made me smile almost as much as the nice review did and I truly appreciated the kind words about my story. It also perfectly illustrates my point about reviews in general.

So, who's right? Who's wrong? Of course, I'd like to say that the good review is absolutely right and the other one is 100% wrong. But, the truth is most likely somewhere in the middle. My reactions to reviews are still a work in progress but I'd like to think I'm getting to a better place about it all. At least, I am at this moment.

If you are interested in reading the reviews you can go here and here and decide for yourself. I thank them both for their input and the time they took to read and review my book. There. That was a little bit more Zen, wasn't it?

My Man Candy this week is celebrating the joys of the side bottom. How I love it so . . .

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Another Week, I Promise Things Will Get Better

It wasn't the best weekend in the world, but those are the breaks. I'm not getting into what made me angry and why I was ready to punch the wall, I'll let you use your imagination. I'm not really ready for the start of another week, but I can't seem to find the pause button anywhere. So, I'm looking to the healing powers of Man Candy to make things a little better. This is the 100th Man Candy of this blog. Delicious, no?

Anyway, time to take a deep breath and start again. And, maybe have a cupcake.

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You Wake Up, Another Year is Gone

As I write this, I am a mere twenty minutes from the official start of my birthday. At 2:14 am, September 15th, 34 years ago, I came screaming into the world, almost in the back on my grandfather's Cadillac. My mother's desire to wait for my father to return home from his late shift at work nearly ruined a perfectly wonderful backseat of a very nice car. But, luckily, they made it to the hospital with about 15 minutes to spare, and thus depriving me of a kick-ass story to tell friends and future children about the day I was born.

Despite my typical and humble beginnings, I'm pretty happy with how my story has turned out so far. I'm trying not to get hung up on the number staring back at me from glowing birthday cake, but all the wonderful things I've done with those 34 years. I'm thankful for so many things, not the least of which is writing this blog and sharing my life and work with wonderful and far-flung friends. I'm grateful to have an amazing partner by my side through it all, and an incredible family who is supportive and loving while being completely and absolutely bonkers at the same time!! So, as I lay my head down to rest this morning, I will say a prayer of thanks for all the wonderful gifts in my life and hope that this coming year provides me with more chances to say AWESOME, rather than DAMN IT, more opportunities to grow and more wisdom to go along with all my new gray hairs. And, if it's not too much trouble, I want that cake!!

If you are feeling like you need to get me a gift, why not buy yourself one instead? Perhaps I can interest you in some fresh off the presses porn!! Torquere Press is now selling the three-story e-book called Toy Box: Public Places, which contains my story, The Touch of Nostalgia. What better way to celebrate my birthday than with smut!

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Seems All I Do is Try Not To Remember, That You Just Forgot

Gosh, the weekend kind of got away from me. So much so that I forgot to post Man Candy first thing this morning. Sorry, it will never happen again.

The weekend was great, got some writing done, got some impromptu ink from Landon at the Baltimore Tattoo convention, reconnected with some old co-workers while I was there and managed to find some time to relax and watch some football, both NFL and AFL. The picture of the ink will be forthcoming, once it calms down a bit and stops looking so red and angry. So, stay tuned.

Also, there is some good stuff to report. Rock and Roll Over is now available from Starbooks Press, and features my story, Pounding the Skins. More good news is coming later in the week, so stay tuned for that as well.

So, again, sorry for the delay in the Man Candy. I hope it didn't mess up your Monday too much!

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You Should Have Known By Now You Were On My List

I hope everyone had a lovely holiday weekend, I know I did. While the burgers and hotdogs were grilling, I got some good news. My story, White Out, had itself a good couple of weeks. It is number 6 on Amber Allure's Best Sellers of August list!! So, thank you to everyone who bought it, reviewed it and told someone else about it. I couldn't have done it without you. Here is the whole list, in case you're curious. And, if you haven't bought it yet, there is still plenty of time.

AMBER ALLURE - August 2010 Best Sellers

1. Lift Your Voice - T. A. Chase (Gay / Contemporary)

2. A Bid For Love - T. D. McKinney & Terry Wylis (Gay /Contemporary)

3. A Big Hunk O' Love - Hunter Raines (Gay / Contemporary)

4. Best Laid Plans - Cassie Stevens (Gay / Contemporary)

5. Open Roads - KC Kendricks (Gay / Contemporary)

6. White Out - Heidi Champa (Gay / Contemporary) THAT'S ME!!!!

7. Sins Of Affection - India Harper (Gay / Suspense)

8. Chain-Male - Angelia Sparrow & Naomi Brooks (Gay / Contemporary)

9. The Manituw - Lisbeth Jenkins (Gay / Contemporary)

10. Cops And Rubbers - A. J. Llewellyn (Gay / Contemporary)

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Take Your Instinct By The Reins

Happy Labor Day, all!

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