The Rainbow Book Reviews Blog is a fairly new blog dedicated to GLBTQ-related books, reviews and authors. And they've asked each participant to work with the following theme for their hop post:
"What does writing GLBTQ literature mean to me?"
I had some long convoluted answer to this question because as usual I was over-thinking things. I wanted to sound intelligent and like I was with the times and up on all the issues involved in the GLBTQ community. But in reality - and after trying for two days to write something that didn't make me sound shallow and brainless - I write because I love it and loving what I'm doing has the biggest meaning for me.
That's not to say that I don't think it's a valid question and it's not that I'm trying to trivialize it in any way, but it's not something I've really thought about before. I never set out to write m/m so I could make a difference but I do think the positivity of GLBTQ literature is a important way to showcase vital issues in the community. I'm a straight, married, forty-something woman who raised three kids and I've never experienced any of the issues that I generally give my characters but that doesn't mean I don't have empathy for those who have. I think empathy is important and being part of a community that strives to make a difference makes me proud so maybe that also adds some meaning to my writing and to my life.
I write because I love to write. I write because it makes me happy. I write because it keeps me sane (and my sanity definitely has meaning to me). I write m/m because I love the relationship between men and I believe everyone should have the right to love whoever they want in a non-judgmental way. I write in hopes I will have a positive impact on people who read my writing and I write because it gives me meaning in my own life. My answer is definitely not rocket science but it's mine. J
~*~*~*~
I'll be doing random draw for an ebook copy of one of my books - winner's choice of Countdown to Daddies or Lucius' Bite (Family of Misfits 1). Contest closes midnight Sunday, August 26.
Now click the Follow the Rainbow logo and hop on back to the main page of
the Rainbow Book Review Blog Hop and find another author to visit. Cheers.
I love your answer and I will just say that I love to read gay fiction because it makes me happy, particularly if there is a slow build up and a happy ending. Would love to discover your books and would love to be considered in the prize draw.
ReplyDeleteZoe Ride
Probodie@blueyonder.co.uk
I think that's a great answer. That's the same answer for why I read what I do, it makes me happy.
ReplyDeleteWhich is about what I said too, only more succinct. :)
ReplyDeleteThere can be no better reason for writing.
ReplyDeleteavaliereads(at)aol(dot)com
Just found you through the hop, and your answer is the best I've seen yet. Adding your books to my "to-read" list! =)
ReplyDeletestashlab at gmail dot com
Thanks for sharing your story and participating in the Rainbow Blog Hop.
ReplyDeleteI just love the range and nuance of personalities and relationships in m/m romance.
ReplyDeletevitajex(at)aol(dot)com
I think your answer is a good one, just like why many of us read it is for enjoyment of the stories.
ReplyDeleteThanks for participating in the hop.
strive4bst(At) yahoo(Dot) com
I read what I read because I enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteYvette
yratpatrol@aol.com
Hi, K-lee. That's a great answer. I also find it hard to explain WHY I write m/m, especially to those who don't "get it." Most of my real-life family/friends don't get it. Why would a straight person write gay fiction? My mom doesn't know what I'm writing. I think she's afraid to ask, LOL, based on the many pro-gay pictures, quotes, and sentiments I post on FB. She asked me once, "Aren't you afraid people will think you're gay?" *sigh* I replied that THAT was exactly the reason I needed to continue doing it. Why should that be someone's first reaction? Why is it that only gay people should care about gay people? Wow! Sorry, I kinda went off on a rant there... anyway, thanks so much for participating in the hop. I'd love to enter the drawing for Countdown to DADDIES. xoxo
ReplyDeletemadisonparklove@gmail.com
I had some long convoluted answer to this question because as usual I was over-thinking things. I wanted to sound intelligent and like I was with the times and up on all the issues involved in the GLBTQ community.
ReplyDeleteI had to laugh here because this was ME! And yes, it all comes down to writing what you love, doesn't it? :-)
akasarahmadison at gmail dot com
Loved your post. Thanks for participating in the Hop.
ReplyDeletegisu29(at)yahoo(dot)com
I think writing because you love it is one of the MOST valid reasons to write, period.
ReplyDeleteAnd you do a damned good job at it too.
Thanks for the post and hop.
ReplyDeletecvsimpkins@msn.com
Loved your post. Thanks for participating in the Hop.
ReplyDeletegisu29(at)yahoo(dot)com
Hi, K-lee.
ReplyDeleteIt was a pleasure to read your post; it was a great read.
I look forward in reading your works.
Thanks,
Tracey D
bokklover0226 at gmail dot com
Funny how many of us think something making us happy is not "enough" of an answer for why we do what we do, hey? I've come across that many times, so like so many others, I like your reasoning, as happiness is probably the best reason for doing anything!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
I love reading the different answers each author gives for the same question :)
ReplyDeletepenumbrareads(at)gmail(dot)com
Hello fellow MLRPer! Great post - love all the pictures on your blog too... wiping the slobber off my keyboard as I type.
ReplyDeleteCameron
Liked your honest response to the question - most of us dont get to do something we really love as a job so glad you can and do!
ReplyDeleteSuze
Littlesuze at hotmail dot com
Hi K-lee! Just wanted to stop by and say hi. Enjoyed reading your post. I'm glad that writing makes you happy because reading your stories always puts a smile on my face. :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful post! I love that you write to be true to yourself. We should all feel that way. Count me in please.
ReplyDeleteYvette
yratpatrol@aol.com
Hi, K-lee, I'm pleased to come by your blog, which is full of beautiful men. :)
ReplyDeleteI loved your post, which summed up why you write but in many ways why I read m/m too.
I'd really like to win Lucius' Bite, so please add me to the no doubt long list:
Sue
corieltauviqueen at yahoo dot co dot uk
Loved the answer! Thanks so much for sharing and participating!
ReplyDeletetiger-chick-1(at)hotmail(dot)com
No apologies for your answer please. That is your reality but if you had said you were in it only for the money I might have wrinkled my nose a bit. Loved Countdown to Daddies and its cover.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post it was honest so that's great.
ReplyDeletePlease enter me for your Contest thank you
ShirleyAnn@speakman40.freeserve.co.uk
I loved your answer
ReplyDeleteThank u for sharing
Sarah S
Sarahs7836(at)gmail(dot)com
I think your answer is a great one! I bet your love of writing comes through in your work, and that makes the best writers!
ReplyDeleteLilly
lillywriting@gmail.com
Hey kiddo-- I love your brand of rocket science! Can't wait to see you too. : )
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining the hop! And have to tell you, love your website by Zathyn! Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteseritzko AT verizon DOT net
Very nice post.
ReplyDeletebn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com
It's the opposite of odd, as answers go. (Though admittedly I am kinda odd so I might not be the best judge--I'll put that to one side for now.) It's wonderful. It's alllll about the story. Love it.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your post and being part of the blog hop. Gale
ReplyDeleteClearly we are similar! ROFL...
ReplyDeleteI need to read some of your stuff NOW... Hugs xxxx
Thank you all for stopping/hopping by. It's always validating to me when comments are left and people understand what I'm trying to say. I've expanded the contest so I now have 3 winners.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Madison Parker, Zoe Ride and Suze. I'll be emailing you with your book and format choices.
And if you found my blog at all interesting, please stop by again. I'll be doing a contest for a free copy of my upcoming release Domestic Relations. :)
Cheers.