My Writing - My Life!

By Jennifer Wright (Guest Blogger)

I’d like to start off by giving a big thank you to Lisabet for hosting me today. I’m really excited to be here.

I've had a couple of people ask me,“Why do you write m/m romance?”  Well that's easy... because I enjoy it.  I started out writing m/f romance, and I did enjoy that, but writing about two men finding love and getting hot and bothered together is soooooo much better!

I'll admit that at first I was a little scared to write m/m romance.  I was worried that people would think differently of me and even act differently around me - or not be around me at all anymore.  I even kept the m/m books I read to myself, hidden on the bottom shelf of my bookcase, making sure none of the covers could be seen. Trying to find a way to hide the cover while I was reading them was hard as ever, but I did it.  I loved - and still do of course - reading m/m romance, but I let the world and its ugly views it still has get to me, so I kept that part of my life a secret.  It finally got to the point, though, that my writing wasn't as creative anymore.  I felt deep down that I could do so much better.  It took about a year to realize it was because I was writing the wrong genre.

After reading and being inspired by a series by my favorite m/m author, JL Langley, I said screw it!  If I want to write gay romance, then I will!  Who cares what other people think? It's my writing, it's my life, and I'm going to do what I want to do.  People can accept me or not, it makes no difference to me. Boy did I get all worked up for nothing because my family and boyfriend are behind me 100%. I don’t go shouting to the world the type of genre I write, but if someone asks I generally tell them. There are the few cases that I only say ‘romance’ and then finagle my way around describing my books without actually revealing they’re m/m, but I only do this to keep the peace. There are still those people that I have to associate with that I’d rather not have animosity between us just because they’re not accepting of it. I do it for my peace of mind – not theirs.

So, Pavarus actually started out as an m/f romance. Instead of Wesley, the heroine’s name was Elena. I was probably a good third of the way through the story when I decided to change it. Let me tell you something, going through that much writing and changing every she/her to he/him/his is a big pain in the butt. Not to mention how many scenes I had to change because ‘putting on the dress…’ no longer fit.

It was worth it, though, because until then I had never had this much fun writing. It finally feels natural – it finally feels right. The words and storyline come to me so much easier now.

With that being said, how about I give you a little taste of Pavarus.

Book Blurb

Thrown into another world where dangerous creatures live and rule, will Wesley stay and find love with a vampire, or will the terrors of an unknown realm have him running home?

On a camping trip in Louisiana, Wesley finds himself sucked down a hidden portal and thrown into another realm where he meets Remus, a warrior vampire. With the help of Remus, Wesley embarks on an adventure to find his way home, back to a world not filled with vampires and dragons and magic folk. Along his journey, the handsome vampire finds his way into Wesley’s heart. But will his love for Remus overcome his fears of the creatures that reign in this world?

Remus has never wanted a man before but finds himself drawn to Wesley despite his denying efforts. He’s happy with his life as the Commander of the vampires, and has had no interest in finding a mate. But after Wesley is kidnapped, Remus discovers his feelings for the man are stronger than he thought. Is he strong enough, though, to honour Wesley’s wish to return home, and let go of the man he loves?

Excerpt

Wes woke to a light, bouncy, swaying motion. It was soothing, and all he wanted to do was cuddle up against the soft cotton that covered the hard chest where his cheek rested. Somehow he knew that the strong arms around him would keep him safe and that he could rest for a little while longer.

“Are you going to wake up enough for me to put you down?” a gentle voice asked.

Wes tried burrowing deeper in his arms. “No. Why would I want to do that?”

The man’s laugh rumbled in his chest like a deep lullaby. So relaxing. Wes breathed in deep, taking in his scent—Remus’ scent—and he smelt wonderful.

Wait. Man? Remus?

Vampire!

Wes gasped and jerked his body right out of Remus’ arms, landing flat on his ass.

Ouch!

“Well, that just wasn’t smart. If you asked, I would have set you down.” Remus reached down for him.

Wes scooted back. “Don’t touch me!”

“I’m not going to hurt you, Wesley. If I wanted to hurt you, don’t you think I would have done it already?”

“I don’t know, you’re a vampire, I don’t know what I’m supposed to think.”

“So, you do know that I’m a vampire?”

“That’s what you told me. Were you lying?”

“No, I wasn’t lying, I am a vampire. I’m just surprised you’re taking it so well now, considering how you reacted earlier.”

“Yeah, well, one can only handle so much craziness in one night, and I’d say the fire-breathing dragons and the ‘we’re on a different planet’ took up a lot of that.” Wes pointed up. “Not to mention the two moons. So right now, I’m up to believing just about anything. Besides, with some of the things I’ve seen you do…”

With furrowed eyebrows, Remus crouched down in front of him. “Wesley, I’m glad you believe me about being a vampire, now I need you to believe me when I say we’re not on a different planet. We’re on Pavarus, and always have been.”

“No. I don’t care where you’re from, but I’m from Earth.” Wes frowned at him. “Stop looking at me like that.”

The man shook his head. “I refuse to believe Zane and his thinking you’re crazy. But I am beginning to think you’ve bumped your head or something, and maybe you’re confused. Let’s just get you to Gamden and they’ll be able to help you.”

“What? No.” Wes didn’t feel comfortable being with a vampire, and would admit he was afraid—at least of the others—but for some reason the thought of leaving Remus and being left with strangers was worse. “I don’t want to go to Gamden.”

Remus sighed and stood back up. “You have to. I know of nowhere else to take you.”

Wes looked around, as if the trees would give him an answer. “I could go with you.”

“No.”

“Why not?” Wes stood up, trying pointlessly to dust his pants off.

Remus reached out and brushed his thumb across Wes’ cheek. “Because, there is no room for a human in my world.”

“Please. I don’t want to be left at Gamden.” Wes knew his voice cracked but he couldn’t help it. Vampire or not, Remus was all he knew, and he wasn’t ashamed to beg. “Please.”

Moments passed as Remus just stared at him. Wes’ hope began to blossom, that whatever internal battle Remus had going on inside him…

Pavarus: Finding Home Series #1 is available today at Total-E-Bound!

Buy link: http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=1831

Giveaway

Want more? Just leave a comment and you’ll be entered into a drawing to win an e-copy of Pavarus. The cut-off time to enter will be at midnight on Friday the 9th of November (US Central Time) and a winner will be randomly chosen. Please include your email address at the bottom of your comment to be eligible for the giveaway – if there’s no address I won’t know where to send the book ;)

Bio

I was born in Arizona, but have spent the better part of my life in Wisconsin. While I enjoy living close to my family, my heart longs to live in the South—or anywhere where the winters are warmer, and I hope to someday get there. I love writing, and try to dedicate as much of my free time to it (ha! what free time?). If I’m not typing away on my laptop, you’ll find me with my nose buried in a book, or with my loving boyfriend debating on what movie to watch and the never ending back and forth decision of what we should have for dinner. I love spending time with my family and boyfriend, cuddling with my two cats, and laughing as much as possible (cuz I like to think I’m funny J).

Some little tidbits about me are - I love horses and cats, I have a really big sweet-tooth, and I’ve been told I like to talk with my hands (insert hand gestures here).

My links

Blog: www.authorjenwright.wordpress.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/_JenWright

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/117019946000205455450/posts