GRL2017 Blog Tour: Bayou Book Junkie Welcomes
Lane Hayes
Denver will be my fourth GRL. Unbelievable! I attended my first one in Chicago as a reader and though I had three books in my Better Than Stories series under my belt, I have to admit, I was a nervous wreck. I didn’t know anyone and I wasn’t particularly active on Facebook so I figured my best bet was to volunteer. I thought if I looked like I was supposed to be there, I wouldn’t feel quite so conspicuous and out of place. I’m happy to report that while I was glad I offered to lend a hand, I never felt as though I didn’t belong. In fact, it was the opposite. I’d found my tribe.
Every year that feeling has grown for me. The inclusive atmosphere and contagious excitement in a room full of MM romance books readers is extraordinary. This is our forum. It’s incredibly special knowing every single person in attendance shares a passion for a well-written story featuring strong and relatable LGBTQ characters. And the best part is they want to talk about it! There’s no need for major introductions and backstories when you find yourself next to someone who read or wrote or blogged about one of your favorite MM books. These discussions happen in the lobby, the bar, the elevator, standing in line for coffee… and they’re a blast! Social media interaction can be fun for sure, but nothing compares to meeting the folks you chat with daily on FB in person. It’s truly priceless.
The sense of community at GRL extends beyond the books. Uncertainty and fear are rampant in our current political atmosphere and the LGBTQ community is not immune. It’s important to raise our voices and fight for what we know is right, but it doesn’t always feel safe. I live in a conservative area where a few people may know my oldest son is gay but they have zero interest in talking about my concerns as a parent and an ally. To be with a group who just by showing up is proof they care is yet another reason I look forward to Denver. Pride is in full bloom and it’s a beautiful thing to see.
Then there’s Denver... I’ve never been and I can’t wait to do a little exploring. I’d love to check out Mile High Stadium if the Broncos are in town. Maybe it will inspire me to write that football series I’ve been thinking about. Hmm. Then again, you’ll probably find me in the lobby or the bar discussing romance with a cup of tea or a glass of wine in hand. Sounds like paradise. See you there!
Happy Reading!
Lane Hayes
Lane Hayes is grateful to finally be doing what she loves best. Writing full-time! It’s no secret Lane loves a good romance novel. An avid reader from an early age, she has always been drawn to well-told love story with beautifully written characters. These days she prefers the leading roles to both be men. Lane discovered the M/M genre a few years ago and was instantly hooked. Her debut novel was a 2013 Rainbow Award finalist and subsequent books have received Honorable Mentions, and were winners in the 2016 Rainbow Awards. She loves red wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband in an almost empty nest. Books by Lane Hayes: Better Than Good, Better Than Chance, Better Than Friends, Better Than Safe, The Right Words, The Wrong Man & The Right Time, Leaning Into Love and Leaning Into the Fall, A Kind Of Truth, A Kind of Romance, A Kind of Honesty, A Kind of Home AND A Way with Words
Looking forward to seeing you again - roll on Denver! Cheers, JP
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