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Writing Characters Who Aren’t Like Us

I posed the question “Why is there no market for FF sci fi, fantasy (or romance fiction in general)?” recently in the MM Gay Sci Fi group on Facebook. There were some great, thoughtful responses to the post, but the one that struck me most came from Angel Martinez: “even if you haven’t written a specifically F/F story – how many of you have included lesbian characters in your work?” And I realized that I have never had a lesbian character in one of my stories. Even though they often feature gay characters, and I believe in inclusion. I have … Read more

Setting the Scene

When I’m writing sci fi (or any fiction, for that matter), I tend to write scenes fairly quickly, without a whole lotta scenery, and then go back and layer that in later. I usually do an initial draft, an indepth second read and edit, and then two more lighter passes to get everything right. I find that, especially for shorter stories, choosing a song that fits the theme or mood of the story often helps me “see” it better. For instance, my short story A New Year, about two men who meet, seemingly by chance at first, ever 11 years … Read more

Finding the Ending

I’ve just finished my first draft of a short sci fi story set about 500 years in the future. As I’ve gotten back into my writing with a vengeance this last year, I’ve been re-learning my writing process. Every author is different. Some like to write in the middle of the night (or do so out of necessity). Some can only write for 10-20 minutes at a time, while others like to go on writing retreats and dedicate themselves for a week at a time to the art. Some write full-time, while others fit it around an unrelated full-time job. … Read more

Books That Influenced Me as a Gay Sci Fi/Fantasy Writer

There have been a handful of books that I’ve read that have influenced me as I have strived to become an openly gay writer of sci fi and fantasy. I’m talking historically, not the great crop of gay-themed sci fi and fantasy currently on the market. The first of these was inarguably The Dancers of Arun, book two of the Chronicles of Tornor by Elizabeth A. Lynn. The book contains a pivotal sex scene between the differently abled protagonist and the man he has fallen for that sent me swooning as a gay teen. Never before had I read a … Read more

When is Your Best Time for Writing?

One of the things I think about a lot is when I should be writing. I mean, probably first thing in the morning should be best, but I have daily commitments that keep me busy every morning until breakfast. And I have a more-than full time job, too. It’s our own business, so I have some flexibility, but still… So I settled on an hour every day at the end of the day. But sometimes that doesn’t work out – we go out to dinner, or other things intrude. So instead, sometimes I’m writing in bed, or writing in line … Read more

Live Interviews on Facebook With Gay Sci Fi / Fantasy Authors

Our friend Ashlyn Forge, over at Gay Sci Fi (MM Romance) is hosting a series of author interviews: Angel Martinez Erotic Fiction for the Hungary Mind Friday, June 20th, 9 AM EDT https://www.facebook.com/events/284900568349307/ KC Burn Voodoo “n” Vice Frday, June 27th, 9 AM EDT https://www.facebook.com/events/1434106500191828/ Becky Black Patient Z Friday, July 4th, 9 AM EDT https://www.facebook.com/events/651921478227778/ Ashlyn Daube Ivory Prison Friday, July 11th 4 PM EDT https://www.facebook.com/events/1497054543861145/ Ashlyn Forge Erosions: The Careless I Friday, July 18th, 9 AM EDT https://www.facebook.com/events/599943996779607/ Ashlyn Forge Westbrooke Jameson Friday, July 25th, 5 PM EDT https://www.facebook.com/events/497895273644256/ If you have time, check them out!

“Devil Boys” From Beyond in San Francisco

New Conservatory Theatre Center presents “Devil Boys From Beyond,” Buddy Thomas and Kenneth Elliott’s drag sci-fi play about an alien invasion in swampy Florida. [8 p.m., NCTC, 25 Van Ness Ave., S.F.] Full Story at the SF Examiner

Launching a New Queer Sci Fi Writers’ Group

We just had a new section of the blog installed. We’re working on getting it ready over the next week or so – it will be a place where member authors can post their LGBT sci fi, fantasy, and supernatural work for critiquing. I’ve wanted to have a writers’ group for a long time where I could post parts of my stories that I’m working on or having trouble with. This part of the blog is password-protected and will be open to members only, so there’s no risk of getting dinged for having “published” your work on the blog. If … Read more

Itching for A Little Fantasy

Hey all, I’ve been getting back into writing this year after a long hiatus. I’m a fantasy-sci fi writer at heart, but as a gay man, I also enjoy writing gay characters. In the last few months, I’ve tried my hand at a little MM romance. Most of these stories still have a bit of a sci fi, fantasy, or supernatural twist. Although I did write one that was just romance. Funny thing – mu hubby, Mark, who doesn’t really care for sci fi or fantasy, felt like that story was missing something – the twist he’s come to expect … Read more

Sex in Space – An LGBT Writer’s Perspective

Note: this post crossposted with permission – original post appeared at Rainbow Romance Writers. Anyone who tells you that sex in space would be cool is not a true science fiction fan, or at least doesn’t have a good grasp of actual science. Issues with sex in zero or low gravity environments are, perhaps, not insurmountable, but they are considerable. Low gravity interferes with certain blood flow functions – erections are just less reliable. Sweat tends to layer on the body making it slippery. Every action leads to an opposite and highly exaggerated reaction. So – you’re trying to get … Read more