GRL2017 Blog Tour: Bayou Book Junkie Welcomes Lane Hayes

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.

GRL2017 Blog Tour: Bayou Book Junkie Welcomes J. Scott Coatsworth

GRL2017 Blog Tour: Bayou Book Junkie Welcomes 

J. Scott Coatsworth

A Banner Year

J. Scott Coatsworth

Last year was my first at GRL in Kansas City. I was a GRL virgin and a Supporting Author, which basically meant I had a few novellas out and some other miscellaneous work. It was an amazing con for me, and Mark and I are thrilled to be returning this fall for GRL Denver.

This year is different. I’m attending as a Featured Author for the first time. It’s a choice I made with some difficulty, as I still feel like the little guy no one really knows about. Yeah, folks know me for Queer Sci Fi and QueeRomance Ink, but I’m really just beginning to make my mark as an author.

My first novel, “Skythane”, came out in February, but up until two days before the GRL 2017 slots went on sale, I had no idea if my second novel would be accepted, and I didn’t want to attempt a Featured slot with just one full-length novel to my name.

So I made myself a bargain. If the second novel was bought by the publisher, I would try things out as a Featured Author this time.

In the end, it came right down to the wire. On Thursday night before the Saturday GRL registration release, I got my email from DSP. It was a YES—I was in. There may have been some dancing in the Coatsworth-Guzman household that night.

GRL2017 Blog Tour: Bayou Book Junkie Welcomes Dianne Hartstock

GRL2017 Blog Tour: Bayou Book Junkie Welcomes Dianne Hartstock

Hello! Welcome to my stop in the GRL Blog Tour. Are you having fun with the tour? I know I am. We have some fabulous hosts for us again this year, and I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone participating, authors and readers and blog hosts alike.

How many of you will be at GRL this year? This is my virgin trip, and though I’ll be attending as a supporting author, I’m still a little nervous. I saw a meme on Facebook the other day that said something like, ‘If you look up introvert in the dictionary, you’d find my name.’

That’s so me! I was a nervous wreck just signing up for GRL. I mean, what if I get there and no one wants to talk to me, and I end up sitting alone and lonely in some bar? Or worse! What if they all want to talk to me and are then disappointed I’m not the life of the party? Yep, this is the convoluted thinking I do every day.

But I took a deep breath, gathered my courage, and hit SEND.

And honestly, when I look passed the numbing fear, I’m genuinely excited to be going. Have you seen the list of participating authors? Wow! So many of my favorite authors will be there. I’ll be in fan girl heaven. Can’t wait to share this joy with my fellow readers.

You know, I think this is why I write the characters I do, each a trifle flawed and insecure, attracted to the flame of a more outgoing, confident lover. Well I know the pounding heart and sweaty palms as he waits, breath held, for their glance to meet.

Oh, the electricity when it does! Caught, he can’t help but stare at the object of his desire. Blood rushes. His face is hot. Dear god in heaven! Don’t let his uncontrollable arousal be noticeable. Shyness strikes light lightning and he drops his gaze to his shoes. How would such a gorgeous creature be interested in someone like him? He fights the demons in his head telling him he isn’t good enough. What is he doing there? Better question, why had he come in the first place!

But like most introverts, he stumbles across the room anyway, blurting out the words he’s rehearsed in his head all evening, hoping to hell he doesn’t sound like a blathering fool, “Hi. I was hoping you’d be here tonight.’

Did he even make sense? Hard to hear over the roaring pulse in his ears. But glorious day! His crush smiles and says, ‘I said I’d come.’

Okay, I’m getting off topic. I’ll take a breath, though I must confess this scenario sounds more like me than any of my characters. They always seem to have more poise and confidence than I ever will, sweet and sure, with that indefinable something that draws their lover like a moth to flame.

So anyway, if you happen to see me at GRL with a self-conscious, slightly bemused but happy smile on my face, come introduce yourself. I’d love to meet you. I just might have trouble making the first move.

GayRomLit 2017 Blog Tour Welcomes Author Kim Fielding

GayRomLit 2017 Blog Tour Welcomes Author Kim Fielding

Hi! I’m Kim Fielding. As I’m writing this, I’m simultaneously procrastinating one of my least favorite tasks: packing for a trip. I love traveling, but the packing part is always painful for me whether I’m going for a night or five months. I don’t know why. It’s just traumatic.

This particular trip involves me and the husband running away from home. One kid is currently on the East Coast on a school trip, while the other—who graduates high school next month—is eager for the chance to stay home alone. That means we can travel kid-free yet guiltless, which is a rare thing indeed.

We’re going to Vegas. It’s generally not a city I get excited to visit. I don’t enjoy gambling, I don’t drink much, and the tackiness gets to me after a while. Still, if you’re willing to set aside certain expectations and live in an alternate reality for a time, the city can be fun. I think of it as the creation of Walt Disney’s evil twin. And this time I’ve talked my husband into a fancy hotel and two shows, so that’s good.

GayRomLit 2017 Blog Tour Welcomes Author CJ Elliott

GayRomLit 2017 Blog Tour Welcomes Author CJane Elliott

Hello, All!

I’m looking forward to being with old friends and making new ones at GayRomLit2017. I’ve been at GRL twice now, once as a Supporting Author in San Diego and once as a Featured Author in Kansas City. Of the two, I enjoyed last year’s GRL in Kansas City the best. I wasn’t suffering from “ohmigod what do I do?” nerves and I had one of my best friends, Kathleen, with me. Kathleen is a funny gal. She maintains she has no talents, usually after she tells me what a talented writer I am, and I just laugh. Because Kathleen’s talent is for making friends wherever she goes (in person and on Facebook). I know she made friends with several of you GRL types last year. Here she is with fellow Dreamspinner author Ben Brock.

GayRomLit 2017 Blog Tour Welcomes Author Renee Stevens

GayRomLit 2017 Blog Tour Welcomes Author Renee Stevens

Renee Stevens GRL Blog Tour

I was so excited to hear that GRL was going to be in Denver this year. I instantly told my husband all about it and couldn’t wait for registration. With Denver being only a five hour drive from me, I knew that as long as I was able to procure a spot, I’d be able to go. Unfortunately, I didn’t realize when registration started, and by the time I got to the computer and tried to reserve my spot, there were no author spots available. I was bummed, to say the least, but I put my name on the wait list and hoped for the best.

May came around and I was sure that it just wasn’t going to happen. Then, one day, I opened my email and there it was. An invitation to register as a Supporting Author. I couldn’t believe it, and after I reread the email about five times, I called my husband to tell him about it and he was just as excited for me as I was. I emailed back and waited patiently to be told I could register. Within a few hours, I was registered, had my hotel reservations, and was so excited.

Then the nerves kicked in. I’ve never been to any kind of retreat, so I had no idea what to expect. Once I got to talking to other attendees, I felt a lot better. Why? Because I’m not alone. There are quite a few that this is either their first GRL or their first one as an author. Not just that, but there is a wealth of knowledge available from those who are veterans of GRL and retreats like it. I haven’t quite gotten to ask all my questions, but that is more due to the fact that I was going out of town just days after getting registered and wouldn’t have internet access. I have no doubt that, once I make it back home, all I have to do is ask and I’ll find the answers I seek. It will be a learning challenge, but I’m up to the task and I have little doubt that as the date approaches for me to leave and drive to Denver, that I’ll be as ready as I can be.

GayRomLit 2017 Blog Tour Welcomes Author Hans M Hirschi

GayRomLit 2017 Blog Tour Welcomes Author Hans M Hirschi

An author’s day at GRL

First of all, a big thank you for hosting the GRL blog tour and for providing me with an opportunity to reach out to your readers. It’s greatly appreciated.

GRL in Denver is going to be my fourth one. I was late out of the gate so to speak, but once I was there, there was no looking back. I understand that a lot of newbies, or first-timers, ask a lot of questions about what it’s like to be at GRL, whether or not they should be scared or how they, as introverts, would get by.

My answer is simple: you’ll be fine! This is the most open-minded and loving bunch of people I’ve ever met. Is there drama? Yeah, but as a reader you won’t feel much of that. Most of the GRL-related drama has to deal with authors who didn’t make the cut (author spots sell out really quick) and who take out their disappointment on the organizers. #meh

To give you a little bit more insight into a typical author day at GRL, I decided to write this post about one of my days last year. It’s a typical GRL day, and if I remember correctly, it was a Friday.