“Hey, hun,” RJ wrote, “how do you fancy writing me a small blog post … about your writing journey … writing MM in general …”
Oookay, so here we go. I’ve been writing stories since I was a kid, and because I discovered the Greek and Roman myths, along with the Greek classics, when I was about 11, I accepted the idea of two men or two women in love to be as natural as a man and woman. Therefore it didn’t come as a shock when I read Mary Stewart’s book, The Last Of The Wine, when I was twelve. Writing two men together, though, didn’t happen for years.
First, I discovered Star Trek [TOS], Star Trek fandom, and Kirk/Spock fanfics. Then Starsky & Hutch arrived, and that pairing inspired me and a friend to write my first fanfics – MM naturally – though my original stories were mostly MF. I dabbled in a couple of other fandoms, but then Highlander: The Series happened, and took over my brain for some years.
In between times, I was writing and submitting novels to publishers, without success. A friend suggested switching from trad publishers to the then-newish e-publishers, and recommended Ellora’s Cave and its imprint, Cerridwen. Well, we all know what happened to them… Now, years later, I have a collection of self-published works, two co-authored with the rather wonderful RJ, Heat, and Ice – and books with Manifold Press.
My stories range from novel-length like two of my favourites, Finders, Keepers, and Paradox, to shorts such as In The Dog House, and Sullivan’s Yard.
That’s my writing journey… As for writing MM in general, it isn’t complicated. The pairings I fell for in fandom are all formed of two very different men. Both are complete in themselves, strong and independent, but finding some element in the other that augments what they are as a couple. Exploring what brings them together, and the dynamics between them, are what attracts me to read and write MM.
Heat
An arsonist is burning their way through the cathedral city of Salisbury. Can Lewis and Devon overcome their mutual dislike to fight for Laurels and their lives?
Betrayal and grief have left Master Chef Lewis Mandineau a broken man. As the primary carer for his sister, injured in the crash that killed their parents, she is his priority, and nothing will stop him from creating a safe place for her to call home. But, when an ex-lover embezzles from the company accounts, his fragile hold on life disintegrates. However hard he works, he can't balance the books and his only solution is to sell the family restaurant to an American hotel chain.
Hard-headed businessman, Devon, heir to the Trelawney Hotel empire, is sent from the US to assess the viability of Laurels. Debts swamp the restaurant, and his first reaction is to sell the real estate and call it a financial win for his family. He understands tradition, but sentiment has no place in his business plans. Until he meets innocent Rachel with her love of beautifully simple things, and Lewis, who shows him that anything is possible with enough love.
More info →
Ice
Nothing is worth dying for—not even millions in diamonds.
Footloose adventurer Greg Drakowski used to live for the moment, but these days shadows of grief and guilt cling to him. Following one lead to the next, Greg crosses oceans at the very hint of riches beyond compare and doesn’t care that he rushes into danger.
When Greg’s research takes him to the cathedral city of Salisbury, and he meets Jon, he falls hard and fast, but his secrets could get them both killed.
Renovations expert Jonathan Ellis is part of Ageless Wood Restorations - three generations of knowledge and trade. Focused and hard-working, Jon finds value in recreating the elegance of the past, and it will take something - or someone - extraordinary to break into his enclosed world.
Greg And Jon face unknown dangers, but Jon knows one thing for sure. He has to stand by Greg if only to save the idiot from himself.
More info →
Leave a Reply