Which WIPs sound good? (#poll #mmromance)

Here are the three stories I’m currently working on. Please vote on which one(s) sound interesting to you

1. Untitled Sequel to Shifting Gears. This story continues Gray and Kenton’s story, introducing more backstory and worldbuilding of Gray’s shifter pack and origins. Kenton meets the pack and comes to terms with Gray’s abilities–and the associated limits it puts on their relationship. They also discover that Will’s partners have influence far beyond Northern California.

2. Untitled novella. Three couples–best friends and their partners–go away for a weekend and none of their relationships is the same afterward. More details later…

3. Sci-fi novella.  It’s something brand new for me, but I’m trying different things until I find the place that works best. This one is about a man who donates at a fertility clinic. He doesn’t expect to find himself on a space colony, but he soon forms an attraction to the guy who’s assigned to collect the samples. I’ll share more about this one soon.

WIP: something different for me! #scifi #mmromance

This has nothing to do with the post. Who cares?

I’ve been working on a sci-fi novella for a while, and debating what to do with it. After getting such a cold response to the re-release of Shifting Gears, I debated whether I should even try to publish something else. But I’m going to forge on, finish this one and see what happens. I’m just holding the cards close to my chest until it’s done, and then I’ll share a little bit more about the story and an excerpt.

I’ve got another longer sci-fi story–probably novel-length–I’ve been developing, but I’ll start with this one and see how it goes!

So, in the mean time, who out there likes some m/m sexy sci-fi? If you do, what’s your favorite story or author?

Authors have feelings too — Breaking outside the romance box #reviews

Originally this story was published with Silver. A lot of you know the issues that publisher had, and the whole experience put me off writing any more. So when Dreamspinner wanted to republish this, I was thrilled, and did rework and expand the story.

So I was really excited to see the first review posted for Shifting Gears was 4.5 stars at MM Good Books. I couldn’t believe it. It’s wonderful when the reader gets why I did certain things in a story.

But that sense of well-being soon got shattered with a 2-star review that another review site posted. Yes, I’ll admit it hurt my feelings.

To be honest, I just don’t understand quite how two readers had such different experiences with my book. One reviewer loved the characters the other didn’t. One thought the writing was “wonderful” the other said it was “okay.”

Amazon readers seem to like it. Goodreads readers don’t. It makes my head spin!

I know it takes some getting used to what reviewers are going to say, and with just one book out, I don’t have a track record or group of avid followers. I hope it gets easier.

Without spoiling anything, I tried something a little unconventional in this story and something I hadn’t seen elsewhere (in part regarding one MC’s relationship with another man before he starts up with the other MC). I can see it hasn’t gone over well, no matter how it was intended. I discussed this with my editor and betas and felt it worked here, but it hasn’t.

Quite honestly, I’m not sure if it was my writing or just that some readers don’t like things outside of the normal romance structure. Should I just stick to the safe stuff? The fun for me in writing is breaking outside the box in terms of sex an romance, yet still bringing the two main characters together in a satisfying and emotional romantic conclusion. But maybe trying something unconventional is not a good idea if I want to sell books and get new fans.

As readers, do you prefer that the romance and relationship follows the normal patterns?

4.5 stars for Shifting Gears “Wonderfully Written” #PNR

4.5 stars! Wonderful release day review from MM Good Book Reviews!!!

Shifters? Weres? What’s in a Name (#pnr #amreading #gayromance)

Cover by Bree Archer

Shifting Gears releases today from Dreamspinner Press. I tried to make this story different from your average wolf-shifter book and I hope I’ve succeeded. Today I’m exploring some aspects of shifters and werewolves and how I don’t see them as quite the same thing.

Gray Fowler, my alpha wolf-shifter is very particular. He is not a werewolf. “There’s too much mythology going on there,” he tells Kenton.

Order Shifting Gears at Dreamspinner

Order Shifting Gears at Amazon

I agree! To me, the word “werewolf” conjures up all sorts of dark (and hairy) images, most of which aren’t at all sexy. I think of the Wolf Man, who’s more Saturday matinee than movie star dream. Over the years, pop culture has given werewolves a pretty bad rap. They do some bad shit. Even the ones we love, like Oz in Buffy.

It’s been only more recently that wolf shifter characters have gotten a little sex appeal going. Though I’m not a fan of the Twilight franchise, I can still enjoy Taylor Lautner, even though his wolf is CGI. Teen Wolf is another departure from the more clichéd examples. When the wolves in human form can get our hearts and sympathy, we can forgive some of the things they do. Actually, I can forgive Alcide in True Blood just about anything. He only kills people who deserve it, but he still kills.

I’m not a fan of gore in my books or films, which is another reason I’ve shied away from many of the classic wolves. The transformation scenes get my skin crawling, though I think they are incredibly important to understand the experience from the shifter’s point of view, and sometimes that’s just yucky (think of the scene in Supernatural when the shapeshifter takes on Dean’s appearance. That scene still makes me need to wash my eyes out!)

What about other weres and shifters? Somehow the idea of a wereduck or wereotter sounds cute and cuddly, and they are. I definitely put them in a different category. These characters live in a different world than that of the wolf who is pursued in animal form, whether or not he’s actually done something reprehensible.

I haven’t even had a chance to touch on how to explain yourself to a non-shifter significant other? Or his parents? “Mom, this is my werewolf boyfriend. We promise not to visit during the full moon. Go on, give him a hug!”

So, there are a lot of fun aspects to explore with a shifter, wolf or not. I couldn’t possibly address even a fraction of them here or in Shifting Gears, but doing a little reading and research opens up so many possibilities.

What aspects of a shifter’s life interest you most? Who is your favorite wolf and why?

Shifting Gears (2nd edition) Releases Friday 11/21 (#pnr #amreading @dreamspinners)

I’m just thrilled to bits that Dreamspinner Press is releasing my novella tomorrow. It’s also available for pre-order over at Amazon.com

Here’s more about the story and check out the gorgeous cover by Bree Archer.

One rainy night, bike-shop owner Kenton Palmer finds an injured dog on the road and takes him to the nearest vet clinic, only to discover he’s actually a wolf. Undeterred, he wants to nurse the injured animal following a necessary surgery. The handsome Dr. Will Barclay’s interest and his own brand of animal attraction overwhelm Kenton, who’s been doubting himself after a failed romance.

Gray Fowler is a wolf-shifter and pack alpha. After Kenton rescues him and takes him home to heal, he’s forced to remain in wolf form. But that doesn’t prevent him from falling hard for Kenton. It begins as jealousy, but Gray soon discovers Will, Kenton’s new admirer, is caught up in something sinister. However, he’s forced to wait until he’s healthy before he can shift and enter Kenton’s life as a man. Then Gray must discover how Will’s shady activities are linked to the men who ran him down and expose the scheme before Kenton gets too involved with Will.

Pre-order at Dreamspinner

Pre-order at Amazon

Don’t forget, if you leave a comment on any of my posts this week, you’ll be entered to win a Dreamspinner gift certificate. The amount will depend on how many people comment. More comments = more $$$$.

My First Official Review — by Petra Lynn

I came across this one almost by accident, but I found the first official review of Shifting Gears from a book review site! And imagine how exciting to discover it was a 4-star review. Thanks very much to Wendy at Hearts on Fire.

I’m grateful she chose to highlight what made the story enjoyable and unique, rather than focusing on the negatives. Of course it’s not perfect, but lots of people did enjoy it.

Cover by Reese Dante

““Shifting Gears” is a very appropriate title for this unique shifter story.  In a typical shifter storyline, the MC meets the shifter in his human form, the relationship progresses, and then comes the angst over the big reveal.  Well, that’s where this particular story shifts gears from the traditional path and becomes uniquely different.

I found myself captivated by the story and the characters and enjoyed the journey.  I love animals and really felt the vibe between Kenton and Gray’s wolf.  This is a wonderful debut book and I look forward to more by this author!”

(Read the full review)

 

Buy Shifting Gears at Amazon or Silver Publishing or ARE

 

 

Poll Giveaway Winner

First off, thanks to everyone who voted and commented in my recent poll about series–what makes you keep reading, and what makes you stop reading series. I like polls, so I’ll be doing another one soon.

Second, I want to congratulate Toni for voting and commenting on my poll about series. Please comment or email me (petra.lynn77 @ gmail.com) to claim your prize–an e-book of Shifting Gears, m/m paranormal romance.

You can still vote and comment on the poll and discussion.

Thanks!

What Makes a Great Series? (Poll and Contest)

As an author with just one published work, and another in progress, I run the risk of boring visitors here with talk of the same book over and over. I certainly do not want to do that! But I would like to know what readers are looking for with a series. I know what I like to read, but I’m realizing my idea of a perfect story is far from what others want to read!

I’m getting mixed reviews for Shifting Gears. That’s fine. I’m learning my way to being a better writer. I didn’t tell the whole story of either character or put lots of information about the shifters. Those are ideas I am spending more time on the sequel. For me, a series with the same main characters reveals more information about them as the series goes on. I’m hoping readers like Gray and Kenton enough to want to read more about their separate pasts and about their shared future.

What makes a great series for you? Please take the poll and be entered to win a copy of Shifting Gears! You’ll need to leave your email address or FB contact in a comment, since the poll is not collecting any contact information. Thanks.

[multiple choice ok]

Extra credit:

I’ll keep the poll open but I’ll choose a winner for the book on Sunday, Feb 24.

Feel free to discuss further in comments. I love to hear your opinions and what you like/don’t like about popular book series. Thanks!

Fringe Final Season – Catching Up on Favorite Shows

I recently had some free time and a chance to catch up on the last two seasons of Fringe. I remember when the show first started, I watched every week for the first two seasons and then lost track of the story sometime during Season 3.

It started out feeling a lot like X-Files with hints of some other similar shows. Then they really introduced more of the arcs with the other universe. I hated the other Olivia. Then they smoothed over the conflicts between the universes and they started working together. I was surprised to be so upset when they closed off the bridge. I had come to like the other Olivia. And I still think “Walternate” has to be the best character name ever. I have to believe they chose the name “Walter” simply so they would be able to have Walternate. Brilliant. The fact that the characters called him that was even better.

Fast-forward to Season 4 and 5. I didn’t care at all for how they had Peter show up in some new dimension. It wasn’t either of the two universes we already know. We started off with different Olivia, Walter and Astrid. Nina Sharp was nicer than ever. Olivia-3 then becomes the original Olivia through proximity with Peter and that was okay? Sorry, but not for me. That was probably where things went off course most for me. And never recovered. The last part of Season 4 and then Season 5 in 2036 didn’t take the show in a direction I enjoyed.

How did Etta’s partner not know she was “that” Bishop? They carefully avoided saying her last name during the whole episode, but still he had to know. It was a nice touch the way she called Peter “Dad” but it felt far too contrived. Walter’s plan to take the Observer child forward in time so that they Observers wouldn’t be created also didn’t really feel completely logical to me. And yes, despite all the far-fetched things that happen on Fringe, I still expect the “big solution” to make sense. I probably should have expected this since JJ Abrams did the same thing during the last part of Lost. I never liked how that wrapped up either.

At least this one ends up with a happy ending, though I still need to puzzle through the logic as to when Walter would have disappeared from the timeline and whether Olivia would even have met Peter. She only meets him when she needs to get to Walter, so if Walter left before that point… well, you can see why it’s still a bit fuzzy. I should watch the last few episodes again. I admit I haven’t read any commentary, but just wanted to share some of my own thoughts on the end of the show.

Overall, I’m glad I watched and I think there were a lot of brilliant aspects to the show. I’m constantly impressed with John Noble. He’s a fantastic actor who brought so many sides to Walter that even when he was doing something ridiculous I liked him. Seeing Noble as Walternate was a great foil and further proof of his skills. Anna Torv definitely improved along the way. She didn’t impress me at all to start, but gradually grew into her role. I even began to enjoy her as the other Olivia. Leonard Nimoy’s special appearances were fun as well, though I wish they had resolved William Bell’s storyline differently. Finding that he was even crazier than Walter was a surprise, but it still felt wrong.

I could go on about more things, but I won’t. I’ll just wrap up by saying that after watching the last of Season 5 I started watching Season 1 again, just to get an idea of how everything started, particular because I hadn’t really grasped the importance of the Observers—or even remembered them as far back as Season 1. I do like that they wove that thread in from the beginning.

I saw a lot of parallels with Season 5 of Supernatural. Olivia taking cortexiphan and turning into something more powerful reminded me of Sam’s plan to defeat Lucifer by taking power from the rings and from the blood. It’s no wonder that JJ Abrams and Eric Kripke ended up working on a show together. They seem like the kind of guys who could create something fantastic if they teamed up. And they can both pull off the multi-season arc in ways I haven’t seen done as successfully in other shows.

Which means I really need to start watching Revolution. Is it as good as Fringe, Supernatural and Lost all rolled into one?