Brandon Shire

Author of Contemporary Gay Romance

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Why participate in the Blog Hop? #HAHATB

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2015PngI recently had someone ask why I participate in blog hops like this?  This, being the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia.

The question was probably not meant to be as revolting as I took it. But to me, the undertone had more to do with a secret phobia of  ‘the gay agenda’ than it did with anything I post on this blog. That it came from someone who I thought of as a close personal friend bothered me even more.

So why do I do this? Better yet, why do I fill my timelines with LGBT news of suicides and murders and beatings? Why not just talk about books and cats and those funny gay YouTubers who shit rainbows and never have a bad day. They can just shave their forty-year-old chest and say “We’re all queer and happy here!”  and everything is okay. [Read more…] about Why participate in the Blog Hop? #HAHATB

Gender Fluidity in Transgression

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Friend and author Theo Fenraven stopped by to give us the scoop on his latest book Transgression. You can also read his original short story The Elevator only on this blog. 

Transgression 300x469Last I heard, Facebook offers fifty-seven different gender choices when you sign up for an account. This change went into effect after I opened mine, so I went back and checked “gender fluid.” You’ve heard the saying, right? “Sex is between the legs, gender is between the ears.”

Most days, I am happily male, but there are others when I want to celebrate my female side by putting on something girly or painting my nails. There is makeup in my bathroom cabinet, and I enjoy wearing it. I can walk in heels, but I don’t like them and currently don’t own any. I do like how skirts let the air circulate between my legs. I’d wear them more often if society didn’t frown on it so much. Well, “frown on it” is putting it mildly, isn’t it? I’d get the shit beat out of me if I went out in public like that. [Read more…] about Gender Fluidity in Transgression

Losing My Con Virginity

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rainbowcon2014So, I finally did it. I took the plunge and came out to visit a few of my fans. It was a pleasant experience. Humorous mostly. The ladies were so gentle, as if I was going to run away if the crowd got too thick. “You okay?” was a constant. And, other than a developing cold that had me running back and forth to the loo (to blow my nose) like a coke head, I was okay. The panels were informative. I got a chance to meet so many of the authors I know only online, and I got a chance to grab a few books too. I wanted more, but no one was manning the tables at times.

Sue Brown made my whole day right from the start when she came racing around her table speechlessly grabbing me into an embrace. Loved that bubbly little smile the moment I saw it. We had a chance to have dinner later with several others and she made quite an impression on me, enough that I asked her to bring me some real British tea when we get a chance to meet again. (Which I hope happens.)

 

But somehow I came to the Con too late and missed the strip show and the hunk flashing his hot self to one of the ladies upstairs. (Think I might try getting “lost” in the hotel if I attend another con. Don’t think I’ll be so lucky though.)

Lisa, Joann, Susan, and Jodi were a hoot, and I want to especially thank them for their courtesy and graciousness.  They made the trip worthwhile, as did many of the other authors I had a chance to meet.

If you get the chance, I would recommend Rainbow Con 2015, especially if you’re a reader looking for some great lgbt books. Or, if you’re an old cranky author who shies from the spotlight (like me), it’s still small enough that you’re not overwhelmed. Though honestly, I’m expecting this con to be one of the hottest tickets in just a few short years.

B.

 

My Favorite Book – Natsuya Uesugi

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NatsuyaUesugiphotoI have published 4 books in the science fiction grydscaen series, with another due out next year. I think my favorite is grydscaen:beginnings which is technically the first book in the series and provides the backstory to grydscaen:retribution.

Grydscaen:beginnings tells the story of Lino Dejarre, a psychic clandestine operative of the Psi Faction and his pursuit of two escaped psychic test subjects Faid Callen, the leader of the hacker group, the Packrats, and Riuho Dejarre, Lino’s half brother who was horribly tortured at the Psi Faction. The book follows Riuho and Faid’s exploits up until their escape from the Psi Faction when they rejoin the Packrats. [Read more…] about My Favorite Book – Natsuya Uesugi