BAQWA Presents: Queer Cheer

Happy Wednesday Scribblers, how are you all doing today? Well I hope. Today I’m excited to share that I will be part of another anthology this year; BAQWA Presents: Queer Cheer (you can pre-order the anthology here). This is BAQWA’s (learn more about the Bay Area Queer Writers Association [BAQWA] here) third anthology and all the money we raise from the book sales of Queer Cheer will go to support the Rainbow Community Center in Concord, CA (find them here). This year I contributed a wonderful ‘meet cute’ story called; Thanksgiving Pie.

Here is the blurb for my short story:

When the holidays aren’t what they’re supposed to be. When you’re on your last nerve because your boyfriend recently dumped you and your family lives out of state. What are you supposed to do? Sit home alone and be miserable? That’s exactly what David planned on doing this Thanksgiving. However, he needs to pick up his less than festive meal at the grocery store. While shopping, fate and the universe decide to step-in with a chance encounter placing Fernando and his pumpkin pie right in David’s path. How will this Thanksgiving remind David that events happen around us all the time to be thankful for? Will David be grateful and open to meeting someone new?

And here are the details on the anthology:

The Bay Area Queer Writers Association presents queer cheer in a collection of tales and poems to delight readers this holiday season. Authors K.S. Trenten, Pat Henshaw, R.L. Merrill, Liz Faraim, Richard May, Vincent Traughber Meis, M.D. Neu, Kelliane Parker, Allison Fradkin, Wayne Goodman, Alexandra Caluen, Andrew Beierle and Sarah White have written short stories or poetry with a queer twist to reflect various holidays or celebrations throughout the year. All proceeds from this collection will be donated to the Rainbow Community Center in Concord, California.

BAQWA Presents: Queer Cheer anthology includes:

Queer Cheer, a poem by K. S. Trenton

Miles to Millicent, a Valentine’s Day short story by Pat Henshaw

Let Me Stand Next to Your Fire, a short story by R. L. Merrill

Cassidy’s Return, a Fourth of July short story by Liz Faraim

Dia de los Muertos, a short story by Vincent Traughber Meis

Thanksgiving Pie, a short story by M. D. Neu

Selected Poetry by Kelliane Parker

Challah If You Queer Me, a short story by Allison Fradkin

Krampusnacht, a short story by Wayne Goodman

View from the Bridge, a short story by Alexandra Caluen

Home Alone, a short story by Andrew Beierle

Selected Poetry by Sarah White

Don’t forget to order your copy of Queer Cheer here, and remember this is a charity fundraiser so we hope you’ll help us raise money for the Rainbow Community Center (learn more here) in Concord, CA. Well, there you go, another short one this week. Until next time, have a great week.

Reading Event and Amazon Top Ten List

Happy Wednesday Scribblers. What a week, and weekend I had. Firstly, I hope you are all having a great day and taking good care of yourself. I don’t know if I say this enough to you all, but know this; You all matter. You are all enough. And taking care of yourself is imperative. Now, I have some exciting news about Volaria to share with you today and an update from the book reading I was part of this last weekend. Let’s jump in.

This last weekend (Saturday February 25, 2023) I was up in Sacramento, CA at the Lavender Library doing a charity reading with the wonderful authors from the Bay Area Queer Writers Association (BAQWA) learn more here. We did a reading from our 2022 anthology with all the proceeds from the sale of the anthology BAQWA Presents: Two, being donated to support the Lavender Library, in all their excellent work. If you haven’t been to the Lavender Library, you need to check it out (learn more here). As a group we raised over $200 for the library and we had about 30 people show up for the reading. Being at this event was a blast. Raising more money for the library would be wonderful, so if you haven’t read BAQWA Presents: Two (click here), while you still can. All additional funds will be donated to the Lavender Library. Get your copy now and help BAQWA support this wonderful organization.

Here are some photos from the event:

At the reading were: Kelliane Parker, Liz Faraim, M.D. Neu, Richard May, and Wayne Goodman. Not all those who contributed works to the anthology were able to attend, but we had a wonderful showing.

As promised here is the exciting news I have about Volaria. This week Volaria returned to the Top Ten Lists on Amazon. I couldn’t be more pleased with this news. There are a lot of books out there and to see this novel climb back to the top is amazing.  These are the rankings (as of writing this post): 

Number 1 – LGBTQ+ Science Fiction

Number 4 – Gay Fiction

Number 11 – Science Fiction 

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Amazon Best Sellers List, Volaria Number 1.

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Amazon Best Sellers List, Volaria Number 11.

Gay Fiction

Amazon Best Sellers List; Volaria Number 4.

I don’t think Volaria ever placed this high in the Amazon Science Fiction category which is fantastic. I hope the book will continue to stay at the top, if you haven’t nabbed your copy of Volaria yet get it here or if you want a signed copy and live here in the US click here.

One additional announcement for this week. If you are in the San Jose area next week (March 8th) and plan on attending the Rainbow Chamber of Commerce Connect 2023 event (learn more here) I’ll be at the event selling and signing my books. I’m proud to have been selected to be part of this event and I’m excited to be associated with the Rainbow Chamber of Commerce, please check them out (click here).

There you have it, what a busy week. I’m so appreciative of all the love and support I get from each of you. Don’t forget if you want to learn more about writing and the writing craft check out my YouTube Channel (click here) and watch my Writing Tips and Tricks for Authors. Also, if you aren’t signed up for my quarterly newsletter don’t miss out, because you can get a free short story.  Until next time have a great week.

The Bay Area Queer Writers Association Presents: Two – Anthology Out Now

Happy Wednesday Scribblers. Can you believe it’s September! Crazy right. This week I’m excited to share that for the second year in a row I’m part of the Bay Area Queer Writers Association’s (BAQWA, find them here) anthology. This year the anthology is titled: Two (click here to get your copy). This anthology features ten authors who share a mix a short stores and poetry all focused around the number two. This is quite the unique collection and I couldn’t be prouder to be part of it. As with last year’s anthology all proceeds from this collection will be donated to the Lavender Library and Archives (click here to learn more) in Sacramento, California. I hope you will pick up a copy and help us support this wonderful organization.

Check out the Cover:

Book Blurb:

Sit down and kick your feet up with your favorite warm beverage this fall. It's time for you to enjoy stories and poetry that reflect the number two.

The Bay Area Queer Writers Association is proud to present this year’s collections of short stories and poetry featuring authors: Michael Alenyikov, Liz Faraim, Wayne Goodman, Kelliane Parker, Richard May, Gar McVey-Russell, Vincent Traughber Meis, R.L. Merrill, M.D. Neu, and K.S. Trenten. Sometimes you need to be able to sit back and let the words from the pages wash over you. See how these amazing authors spotlight the number ‘two’ in each of their works.

All proceeds from this limited-time anthology will be donated to the Lavender Library and Archives in Sacramento, California.

I’m really excited to be part of this anthology and found creating a story for book to be a lot of fun.

The story I contributed to this anthology is called; Nightingale’s Heart, and today I’m pleased to share the blurb with you:

Rahim is the head of security for Aza, a popstar, who had a fan with mental health issues break into their home a few years back. Since being hired Rahim has ensured Aza, and their team’s, safety. However, Rahim, over this time, has grown fond of Aza, hoping for more but never wanting to cross the line of professionalism. Could his feelings be reciprocated? Could Aza, find this lug of a man who protects them more than a ‘Big Guy’ who sees to their safety? Or is this another relationship where Rahim will get hurt.

Also, I created an author’s note for the story, that I think goes to the heart of the tale:

Have you ever had a crush on someone you’ve worked with? I think we all have. As time passed, you finally accepted that a business relationship was all you would ever get, but not today. Not now. This short story is all about crossing lines and taking chances and seeing what happens, for good or for bad. We may not get to explore those choices in real life, but in the safety of these pages, we get to indulge in our fantasies.

Well, that’s all for this week. Please pick up your copy of BAQWA Presents: Two (find it here) and see all the creative ways these authors have spotlighted the number two. Until next time, have a great week.

Bay Area Queer Writers Association – Spring 2022 Reading

Happy Wednesday Scribblers. I hope you are all doing well today. A quick announcement this week. Me and several members of the Bay Area Queer Writers Association will be holding a virtual reading on March 12th at 4:00pm (PST). You can find out more here:

Click the link to get more information and RSVP. https://bit.ly/363JJWp

This is a free online event. We hope to see you all there. The readings should be varied and enjoyable.

Until next time, have a great week.

Bay Area Queer Writers Association Holiday Reading 2021

Happy Wednesday Scribblers, today is going to be nice and short, because I know how busy everyone is. On December 11, 2021 (that is this Saturday) the Bay Area Queer Writers Association is hosting a virtual Queer Cheer holiday reading. The members providing a reading are: Liz Faraim, R.L. Merrill, Wayne Goodman, Richard May, and K.S. Trenten. The reading begins at 6:00 p.m. (PST) and promises to be a wonderful way to get you into the holiday spirit.

Click the image to learn more

Click on the image to learn more

You can learn more about each of these authors here:

Liz Faraim

R.L. Merrill

Wayne Goodman

Richard May

K.S. Trenten

To learn more about the on-line event click here or find the Bay Area Queer Writers Association on their Facebook Page here. Hope to see you all this Saturday at 6:00 p.m. (PST) Okay, that’s all I have to share this week. Until next time, have a great week.

Coming Soon – BAQWA Presents: Horror Show 2021

Are you all getting in the mood for the spooky season now upon us? I hope so. Today I’m thrilled to share that the local writing group I belong to, the Bay Area Queer Writers Association (BAQWA) is putting out our first anthology: BAQWA Presents: Horror Show 2021. This is a follow up to last year’s highly successful Bay Area Queer Writers Association - Halloween Radio Hour 2020. If you haven’t listened to last year’s creepy story time, give the radio show a listen here.

This year we have ten stories written by five of our authors: Wayne Goodman, M.D. Neu, Richard May, Liz Faraim, and R.L. Merrill. We wrote each story to give you a delightful fright. Also, this year, all proceeds from the book will be donated to the Billy DeFrank Center in San Jose, CA. We are excited to help support this wonderful center here in the heart of Silicon Valley.

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To give you a little tease as to what to expect in the anthology, here are the two blurbs for my two stories:

LandsEnd:

Prom Night. The last hurrah before college. Brandon and Ed are the chaperons for the Land’s High Senior Prom, hosted at the Land’s End Yacht Club. Its a night of dreams until the ground shakes and flashes of light brighten the sky knocking out everything electrical casting the event into darkness. Cut off and alone. The adults and the students have to figure out what to do and what’s happening. Additionally, what is that strange clicking sound off in the distance that seemed to scare off the animals.

The Old Road:

Halloween; a night of tricks and treats, but what happens when you take a stranger for a creepy night of mischief and fun? Anything can happen on Halloween, even the unimaginable.

Find out more about the anthology here and you can pick up your copy here.

Find out more about BAQWA and our authors here.

Want to learn more about the Billy DeFrank Center click here.

Well, that is all for this week. Keep an eye out for more details about BAQWA Presents: Horror Show 2021. I hope you have a wonderful day and see you next time.

Am I doing too much, or not enough?

Happy Wednesday Scribblers, here we are another week into 2021 and these last two months feel so 2020, but you know what we are making progress and things are getting better. We need to keep our spirits up because we’ve got this. Look how far we’ve come and what we have already survived. Now if you recall, last week I shared with you some announcements (click here for the blog post) and that got me thinking. Am I doing too much, or not enough? I really don’t know.

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This last week I was a guest on WROTE Podcast, if you haven’t checked out the interview here it is for you to listen to, and really you need to listen to it.  We had a blast. However, Baz asked me a question that stopped me dead in my tracts; when do you sleep?

For a second, I froze, I didn’t realize until that moment how much I’ve been doing.  Let me break it down here, so you have some context:

  • I work full-time, Monday -Friday 7:30am – 4:30pm (that’s my day job)

  • I write part-time. Currently I have the following: The Called will be launching April 2021. I have Conspiracy-A New World, Book 3 with my Editor. I’m in various stages of three different works in progress: A Sci-Fi/Urban Fantasy mashup (55,000 words or 205 pages), an Alternate World Urban Fantasy (8,000 words or 33 pages), and an alternate world story (nothing written yet, but characters and story ideas laid out and set to paper).

  • I’m currently involved with two virtual cons; Rainbow Space Magic(RSM) happening March 12th – March 14th, which is an LGBTQIA Sci-Fi and Fantasy Con for readers and authors, check out the information here. IQARUS Book Con is a conference that features all kinds of genres of books and is open to anyone who wants to learn more about great authors, books and writing (happening May 8th) find out more here.

  • Then I’m part of a writers group Bay Area Queer Writers Association (BAQWA) that meets once a month, and we host virtual readings and other book related activities. You can find the group here on Facebook.

  • And for my writing, I manage my website and blog, a Twitter account, a Facebook Page, an Instagram account and now my YouTube channel.  All of which take time to provide and create content for.

  • This doesn’t include any other virtual events (or public events when aloud)

So, yes there is a lot going on, and yes, I’m busy. But here is the rub, what does all this translate to, honestly, not much. If I’m being completely honest, book sales are stalled out and a lot of the time I feel like I’m spinning my wheels; not getting anywhere.

Another author buddy of mine, commented, “with all you’re doing, your book sales should be through the roof.” My response was, “not so much.”

I guess, what this got me thinking is that maybe I’m not doing the right things. Maybe, I’m spreading myself too thin. I’m not sure. All the books and videos I’ve read and watched about being an author and engaging with people say to make it easy for people to find you, to engage with readers where they are. Well, my audience is everywhere. Readers have found me from all the places I’ve mentioned.

What do you think? Am I doing too much? Or, not enough. Do you have suggestions or ideas? Of everything I mentioned above what resonates with you? Do you enjoy the book readings I post on YouTube? Do you enjoy my blogs? What about the content I share on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook? Would you rather I not do any of that and focus on pumping more stories out, keeping in mind that I’m at the will of my publisher so even if I wrote a new story every six months the books are still going to take a year or more to publish.

I will admit, I get tired and I seem to be going every day. In fact, today, I have two zoom meetings, one about RSM and the other my BAQWA group. Then tomorrow I have a meeting with the folks who are working on IQARUSBookCon. However, on the flip side I know several other authors who do way more than I do. They are amazing. These authors pump out the books, engage everyone on social media, have huge followings which leads to great sales. They are incredible and that would be an excellent goal to have.

I do want to make one thing clear, I’m not trying to complain or whine, well maybe a little, I understand how blessed I am. I only want my books to be read and enjoyed. I want to know that there are people out there who love my work as much as I do. I really don’t do all this for me (well I write the stories for me). I do all the social media, the events, cons, etc. for you and to help others like you find my novels, so everyone can, hopefully, enjoy the works and see themselves reflected in the stories. After all, everyone wants to be seen and heard. And we all want to be the hero of our own story.

There you have it, Scribblers, that is my writing world in a nut shell this week. Thank you for taking the time to read this and to continue to support me. I’m curious, what do you think about all this? Let me know in the comments below. Please consider sharing this post on your social media sites, it really does help, as does clicking on this little heart below. Until next time have a great week.

Virtual Readings, Virtual Events, Anthology Coming Soon

Happy Wednesday Scribblers, I hope you are all having a wonderful week.  Can you believe we are little over a week away from Christmas and fifteen days from the start of the new year? What an insane 2020 we’ve had and I would be lying if I said I’m gonna miss this year. Despite the long road ahead, there is a light at the end of the tunnel and 2021 will be a good year, fingers crossed. Despite 2020 being a less than stellar, there have been some high points. My publisher NineStar Press has picked up two more of my books; The Called and Conspiracy-A New World (Book 3). Also, this month has been busy for me and my writing. Let me share the highlights with:

December 4, 2020 started my month off with a virtual reading with the gang from Queer Sacramento. It was a wonderful virtual event with some fantastic authors. I’m happy to join these great writers, we always have a blast.  Here is where you can find the whole group of readings:

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On December 6, 2020, I was invited to take part in the 8th annual LocalLit 202 event jointly hosted by the San Jose Public Library and San Jose State University. You can find out more about the event and all the other authors here . I was asked to be part of the SciFi and Mystery Panel. You will be able to view the whole event on YouTube here once they upload the video.

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Then on December 12, 2020, the amazing authors of the Bay Area Queer Writers Association (BAQWA find out more about the group here), celebrated their one-year anniversary with a virtual reading event.  You can check out the readings here.

Up next on December 14, 2020, my short story, A Dragon for Christmas (check it out here) was selected by Nobody Reads Short Stores (learn more about them here) to be their end of year reading performance. After the reading by the amazing cast, I was part of a live Q&A. It was so much fun.  Check out the video performance here.

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Lastly, this December, 2020 A More Perfect Union Anthology (A Voting-Themed Romance Anthology benefiting Fair Fight learn more about Fair Fight here.) will go up for preorder, with a release date of January 18, 2021. A More Perfect Union is a series of short stories that has been put together to benefit Fair Fight in Georgia all funds raised from the sale of this anthology will go to Fair Fight. I was honored to be asked to provide a story for the anthology. My short story is called: Election Night.

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Election Night – Blurb

Elections are stressful enough, and none more than this one. With so much riding on the vote this year, Sammy needed involvement to get her candidate elected and into the Whitehouse. Now on election night she’s had a terrible day, but plans to work until the bitter end. Already late for her volunteering, Sammy rushes for the ancient building elevator, mercifully being held for her by an attractive stranger. More than an election is held in the balance when the elevator gets stuck between floors and Sammy finds out that the woman stuck with her works for the enemy camp. Who will win the election, and how will these two women make it out of the elevator in one piece?

Learn more about the anthology and the authors here. You can learn more about the short story I contributed to the anthology here. You can preorder the new novel here.

Well Scribblers, that has been my month, so there has been a lot going on. Thank you all for continuing this journey with me. Without your love and support I wouldn’t be able to keep going.

Do you want to learn more about my two novels coming out in 2021? Check out The Called here and Conspiracy-A New World(Book 3) here.

That’s all for this week. If you have questions or want to learn more about what I have coming up next check out my events page here. If you have any questions please drop them in the comments below. Please consider sharing this post it really does help, as does clicking on this little heart below. Don’t forget you can buy signed copies of my books here (at this time I can only ship in the US). Until next time have a great week.

Story Time – Bay Area Queer Writers Association

Hello Scribblers. Am I the only one who is absolutely hating this heatwave.  It’s crazy. I know California typically gets one or two of these a year. I’ll never get used to them. They sure suck. And don’t even get me started on all the fires.  It’s been insane.

Today I wanted to share with you that this Saturday August 22nd at 4pm the writers of BAQWA (Bay Area Queer Writers Association) will be hosting a Story Time (virtual reading) this will be our second virtual event. We were so impressed with the turnout of the last one, we decided to do another one. The plan is to offer virtual readings on a regular basis, so check out my event page (click here), or join our group on Facebook so you never miss out. Click here.

I’m very excited to be doing another one of these, maybe at some point I’ll get more comfortable in front of the camera. Let me know down below what you think I should read from. The choices are: Conviction (Book 2 – A New World), T.A.D. – The Angel of Death, The Reunion, or A Dragon for Christmas. Cast your vote and stop by on Saturday at 4pm to see what I’ll be reading.

Here is a direct link to the event:

https://www.facebook.com/events/303856394182119

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Also, this week, I wanted to share the exciting news that I received the pre-edits for The Called (the second and final book in my The Calling series). I’m really thrilled to get these, because it means we are that much closer to the release of the final novel in this duology. If all goes well the book should be out early next year (January or February), but perhaps it’ll be sooner.

Here is the book blurb to wet your appetite:

The world is changing quickly for Chris now that he’s part of the Immortal Community. With the events of his past finally behind him, he’s still having visions and true magic is gradually taking hold in our world. There are new challenges that the Immortals must face, but Chris is still new and has no real standing in the immortal community. Learning that nothing in the Immortal community is what Chris thought and now having to face new threats, how will his new world unfold? Old enemies must work together and longtime friends may not be trustworthy. Who is lurking in the shadows? Why are they here? What does this mean for witches, immortals and humans?

Can Chris’ visions even be trusted given recent events, and how easily his mind is manipulated? With Juliet, Amanda, and Kirtus by his side they have to prevent the immortal and witch community from being exposed. Can they trust the local witches that are there to assist them? Can they trust their fellow Immortals? New friendships are made, and longtime alliances are called into question. How will The Called defeat these latest threats, and what does it mean for our world?

And that is all I have for you this week Scribblers. Don’t forget to leave me a comment and let me know what story you want me to read from this Saturday. Additionally, are you looking forward to The Called?  Please remember to drop me a heart/like letting me know you stopped by. If you want to help support me and my writing efforts please consider sharing this post on your social media platforms to help keep the conversation going. Until next time I hope you stay safe and have a great week.

Virtual Book Reading

Hello Scribblers and a happy Wednesday to you all. This week, well this last weekend, in case you haven’t heard yet, I was part of a virtual book reading with one of the writers’ groups I belong to; the Bay Area Queer Writers Association (BAQWA). There were six of us reading from our various works. We had a blast.

There was a little something for everyone. We had readings from romance, fantasy, vampires, and even an essay about South Africa. The reading, and our readers were quite the mix.  If you missed it check it out by clicking here.

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To learn more about BAQWA and our group of authors click here.

For the virtual book reading I read from my debut novel The Calling. If you would like to view the reading (which I would love) check it out below.

Don’t forget I have several books out right now, not just The Calling. You can find all my works here.

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That’s it for this week, I’m keeping it nice and short. Next week I’m having another amazing guest author here for chat so keep an eye open for that. Check out the reading and learn more about the amazing authors from BAQWA and their works. Is there something you would like me to read from for my next book reading? The Calling was requested by a fan, so if there is a book of mine you’d like me to read from let me know in the comments below. Until next time, please stay safe, wear a mask, support each other, and practice social distancing.