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11 Days until Someone to Keep Me comes out!

On the first part of the journey…

We’re almost to the New Year! 2014 marks a huge change in my life and I’m going to bore you with all the details! (Well, most of them anyway…)

I’ve worked at my current job for the last 27 years. I started out as a busman in one of the restaurants and went to Room Service a year later. About 24 of those years I spent on 3rd shift as the graveyard server. I loved my job. It was fast-paced, sometimes exciting. I’ve met many famous people during my tenure and made some really great friends of fellow associates. After an incident I had no control over, I was unable to continue doing the job I enjoyed. The hotel allowed me to move into the position I’m currently in and I’m not happy. I’ve lost my direct contact with the guests, and instead only talk to them on the phones. This was a big difference from what I was used to and even though I held out hope that I’d be able to go go back to my job, two years later and nothing has changed.

I’ve adapted as best as I could, but my thrill at showing up to work each day has shined less.

During this time, I started writing more. I became a published author. I also got to co-write a book with Kc Wells which comes out on January 10th.  As time went on, and I got more into my writing, I started to realize that this was what I wanted. To put out stories that I could only hope that people would enjoy. With the encouragement of some amazing people (Becky Condit, KC Wells, Laura Harner, Havan Fellows, SJD Peterson, Tom Webb, and some amazing FB friends) I decided to drop two days a week at work and focus on my writing.

Beginning January 1, 2014 that’s what I’m going to do. The first book of 2014, Someone to Keep Me, comes out January 10th and Kc and I are SO excited about it.

My future plans for the year include Wet Paint (as Will Parkinson), the follow-up to Pitch. The story is Benny & Addy’s, two of the characters from Pitch. Where I was nervous and hesitant when I wrote Pitch, I like to think I’ve found some footing. Nessa Warin from Harmony Ink (the Young Adult division of Dreamspinner) has given me some awesome advice. Those who read Pitch are aware of Addy’s history. It was glossed over in Pitch because I didn’t want to be too graphic about it. In Wet Paint it comes to the forefront and there isn’t any way to sugarcoat it. Wet Paint will be harsher than Pitch was as it deals with darker subject matter.

There is also a shifter story I’ve been working on that will likely be my first self-published story (as Parker Williams).

Then Kc and I will be working on Damian’s Discipline. It features two characters you’ll meet in Someone to Keep Me and will be something totally different than what we’ve done before. We’re not going to say too much about it until the first book comes out, but we’re very excited about it. If you haven’t pre-ordered Someone to Keep Me, you can do so here: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4555 for the e-book, or http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4556 for the paperback. (The first 20 paperbacks were signed by KC and Parker at GRL in Atlanta!)

I’ve got several other projects in varying stages of preparedness and I’m hoping that you’ll join me as I start the new journey in 2014!

Someone to Keep Me – Coming Soon!

 About a year ago, I met this delightful woman from England. Her name was K.C. Wells and she was writing a book called ‘An Unlocked Heart’. The story of Leo and Alex quickly caught my interest as we discussed the story, the characters, the nuances. I gave some thoughts that she incorporated into the the story and fell in love with the tale of a Dom who finds new love after his first is lost to him in an accident. K.C. then told me she was going to write a sequel, Trusting Thomas, and that she’d like to discuss it with me. I immediately said yes, because I was so enchanted with the characters.

 

 

 

 In Trusting Thomas we meet Peter, a submissive who has been betrayed by the man he called Master. Peter had been horribly abused, mentally and physically, but has never known anything else. When he’s rescued, he is turned over to Thomas, part owner of Collars & Cuffs. Thomas trains Doms and subs.  He helps them to unlock their potential. Peter provides a challenge because of the emotional baggage he carries, as well as the secret he possesses. In this book, we meet Ben, a barman at the club. He is to become the focal point in the first book of an off-shoot series by KC Wells and Parker Williams.

 

 

 

It is with great pride and pleasure that we announce the release date for our first collaborative effort, Someone to Keep Me. It’s the tale of Ben, who has longed to have a submissive of his own, but personal problems may keep that dream far out of his reach. When he meets a young man on the run from the United States, his protective instincts kick in and he decides he’ll do what he has to to keep Scott safe.

Scott has never known respect at home. He’s been kept out of the public eye as an embarrassment to his family. His life has been planned for him, but it’s not the one he wants. When an escape route opens up, he takes it. And that leads him to England, and trouble that he never thought about. Soon he’s taken with the country, the people, and the lives that his friends Alex and Peter have, and he wants the same.

The story is going to be released on January 10, 2014 from Dreamspinner Press. You can pre-order the paperback here: PAPERBACK <Ordering the paperback also gives you access to the digital copy if you’re in the US, as well as the first twenty will find an autograph inside from the authors.>

You can pre-order the e-book here: E-BOOK

It was a true honor to work with K.C., and we’ve already got other stories in the planning stages! We hope you’ll enjoy meeting Scott and Ben as much as we loved introducing them.

Much love,

K.C. & Parker

Going the Extra Mile – Eric’s Story

In June, 2013 MLR Press released my very first story, 500 Miles. Becky Condit of Mrsconditreadsbooks.com did a special event for the release and set up donations to the Wounded Warrior Project for every comment received. In total, we donated $117 to the project and thank everyone for their support. That special event included “Going the Extra Mile – Eric’s Story”. Eric was a secondary character in 500 Miles. Mark’s brother and Jase’s best friend, he garnered a few people who really liked him and wanted something from his viewpoint.

—

I paced the length of the room, anxious to receive any news about Shannon. I scrubbed my fingers through my hair for the umpteenth time, feeling the sweat that was matting it down coating my shaking digits.
“Eric, will you please sit down? You’re making me nervous. And believe me, you do not want me to start pacing.”

I turned to face Jase, my best friend since we were little kids. He gave me a wicked smile. I felt a grin tugging at the corner of my mouth.

“It’s going to be fine, bro. Shannon’s only been in there six hours. They said it could be quite a bit longer. Come over here and sit down.”

My brother, Mark, patted the couch. I trudged over and sat next to him. Jase joined us a few moments later. I was sandwiched between the two men who meant the most to me in my life.

“I don’t think I’m ready for this,” I moaned.

Both of the traitors laughed, but silenced quickly when I shot them a look.

“Maybe you should have thought about that before you went and got her pregnant.”

That made me laugh out loud. I turned to Mark and could see how tired he was. I had woken him up at three in the morning after all. Jase had come after his shift ended, and we all set up camp in the waiting room.

“I’m not sure I can do this. I don’t know anything about being a father,” I told my brother. “I might be okay with one, but twins?”

“You’ll be great. You’re both going to be the most amazing parents any kid ever had. Mom and Dad are so proud of you.”

I felt my face warm. “Mom always said that when I had kids she was going to spoil them rotten, just for a little payback from the trouble we caused her.”

Mark sucked in a breath. “I never caused her problems. You and Jase always seemed to be the ones who got into messes. Remember the time that the two of you went sledding down Peak’s Hill? You said anyone could do it forward and swore you guys could do it backward. She was so pissed when you broke your arm.”

“Yeah, did you ever bother to tell her that you dared us? No, pretty sure that didn’t happen.”

Jase chuckled. “If you remember, I was the one who talked you out of telling her.”

I hugged my brother and then turned to Jase. “Thank you both for being here. I don’t think I could have handled this on my own. Both of you have been lifesavers.”
God knows the therapy was helping, but I still woke up some nights disoriented and crying. Shannon had held me enough times to know what she was getting into, but I still hated her seeing me being so weak. She didn’t want me in the delivery room with her because she was worried I might not be able to handle it. Mom told me she would be there and hold my wife’s hand.

“I’m glad that Mom came in early,” Mark said. “She had to go buy out the toy store before she left. Dad said he rolled his eyes at her, but told me he put a few things in the basket himself. It’s nice having her here. Dad’s going to be along later today.”

My family was amazing. Growing up, I knew people who had parents split up. Most of them were bitter teens, wondering if they were worthy of love. My folks were very tight and loving. They always had our backs, but both of us know never to step out of line.

I faced my brother. “Mark? Do you think Shannon and I will really be as good as Mom and Dad?”

I don’t think I had ever seen such a serious expression on his face before. “You will be. We have great role models. I’ve seen you and Shannon. Jase and I know how badly you wanted the baby. I can say without a doubt that you two will have a baby that knows nothing but love their whole life.”

I don’t think Mark could know how badly I needed to hear those words. “So what about you, Jase? When do you plan on having a baby?”

Jase’s eyes lit up. “Well, I’m not sure how that would work out. I guess there’s always Hasti.” As soon as he said it, his eyes went wide and I knew he regretted it.

Mark growled and pulled away. Hasti was one thing we never talked about. Ever.

“Sorry, Mark. I didn’t mean to hurt—”

Mark cut him off. “It’s fine,” he spat. He stalked to the door and pushed his way through it.

I turned back to Jase. “Yeah, that was bright.”

Jase had the decency to blush. “It slipped out. I didn’t mean to upset him. I’ll go talk with him.”

I put my hand on his shoulder. “It’s fine. I think he needs me more right now.”

I found Mark standing by a soda machine, kicking it when it wouldn’t give him the bottle of water he wanted.

“He didn’t mean it, you know.”

He gave a slight shrug. “I know. I just don’t like hearing about her. He knows what she did to my life.”

“Mark, you need to let it go. Seriously.”

“You don’t think I haven’t tried? When Jase came home I thought things would go back to normal, but she’s always there. Every time I look at him she’s there.”

I shook my head. “Mark, you know she—”

“I know!” he shouted. “That’s what makes it all the worse. In my head I know it’s not right to be angry about it, but it hurts.”

I pulled him into a hug. “Let it out, Mark. Tell him that you’re angry. Stop holding it in. It’s not going to get any better if he doesn’t know why you’re upset.”
He pulled back and wiped his sleeve across his runny nose.

“Yeah, this. See? This is why you’re going to make a great dad. You’ve got a great head on your shoulders and you care.”

I pulled him to my chest again. “I love you. You and Jase mean everything to me. I may not always say it, but it’s true.”

I heard the soft, uneven footsteps coming from behind me. I turned to find Jase standing behind us.

“I’m sorry, Mark. That was stupid of me. I really didn’t mean to hurt you.”

Mark smiled. “I know. We’ll talk about it later, okay?”

Jase shook his head. “No, I need to say this. What I said? It was wrong. I never should have brought up a painful memory. I was a dick and I hope you can forgive me.”

Mark’s eyes brightened a bit. I gave him a shove in Jase’s direction.

“Hug it out, guys,” I told them. I got a warm feeling throughout my body when they did. I knew that no matter what else, we would all move beyond that difficult period in our lives.

We went back to the waiting room and …well… waited. And waited. Dad came in, gifts in hand, asking if we’d gotten any news. Mark shook his head and he took Dad for some coffee. Finally, after eighteen hours a slender, way too perky nurse came in. “Mr. James? Your wife is asking for you. You can bring your family if you’d like.”

The four of us went to Shannon’s room. She looked exhausted, weak, and oh my God, she had never looked lovelier than when she was holding our baby. She gave us a watery smile when we circled the bed. Mom was holding my other son, looking so proud of her new grandchildren. Dad walked over to Mom’s side and pulled her in close.

“Hey babe,” I said quietly, rubbing my fingers over her cheek, “how you doing?”

She crooked her finger, beckoning me closer. “Hi,” she said weakly. “I just wanted to let you know, after this? Yeah, you’re never getting sex again.”

Mark and Jase started laughing so hard that the nurse had to tell them to be quiet. They were sheepish and offered their apologies several times. Shannon handed me the baby.

“It’s twin boys,” she told me sleepily.

I looked into the sweet, red faces of my newborn sons and I knew peace. Even when they started squalling in unison.

“Have you guys decided on names yet?” Jase asked.

I looked to Shannon who gave a sleepy nod.

I turned back to my brother and my best friend and happily announced, “I’d like to introduce you to Mark Fletcher and Jason Daniel James.”

Both of them looked at me, their eyes watering.

“Why?” Mark finally asked.

“Because my family saved me,” I told them. “Without having the two of you in my life, this little guy might never have been born. The babies will have your first names and Dad and Shannon’s father’s names as their middle names.”

“It was my idea,” Shannon said, stifling a yawn. “You gave me a gift I can never repay. This is my way of saying thank you.”

I placed the baby back in Shannon’s arms before Mark and Jase drew me into a group hug. Looking at the faces of my family, the most important people in my life, I was grateful for the chance at life that Jase had given me and the lease on life Mark renewed.

“I love you all,” I said. “I’m glad you could be here for this.”

Shannon reached out and put her hand on my arm. “We have an awesome family,” she informed me.

I gazed around the room and smiled. My past was here, as was my present, and my wife held our future in her hands. If I could go back and talk to myself when I was a kid, gung-ho about joining the Army, seeing the world, keeping it safe, I realized that despite what happened to Jase, how it affected my family? I would tell myself not to change a thing.

Because our lives were going to be perfect.

Why do I write romance?

Whether I’m writing young adult as Will Parkinson or scribing something a tad racier as Parker Williams, the reason I write what I do doesn’t change: People need to see others like themselves.

When I wrote Pitch, I did it because when I was a teen, there were no books about growing up gay. Yeah, there were some adult books, but even they were ‘safe’ reads, nothing too racy or challenging. As a young adult, though, the pickings were extremely thin. Books like “Reflections of a Rock Lobster” by Aaron Fricke were like gold, as far as I was concerned.

As a kid, I enjoyed writing. Even if they weren’t stories I’d ever share with anyone, I had Grant and Rusty, and scores of others to keep me company.

Now that I’m an adult (cough), I write some YA stuff (as Will Parkinson) to give back to my younger self. To show other kids that they’re not alone in the world. Pitch was my first effort. I didn’t know the ‘rules’ of YA stories then, and I’d like to think that my writing has gotten better thanks to the friends that I’ve made (KC Wells, Sjd Peterson, Tom Webb, Laura Harner, Becky Condit, Max Vos, and so many others).

I think Wet Paint (my current work in progress) is going to be better than Pitch. At least that’s my fervent hope. It will be a tougher read than Pitch, that’s for sure. Issues that were raised in the first book are resurrected in this one. Addy, one of the characters in Pitch, will have to deal with some emotional baggage he’s been carrying around forever.

On the other hand, Parker Williams is teaming up with K.C. Wells and revisiting her Collars & Cuffs world with new characters Scott and Ben.  Favorites in Alex, Leo, Thomas, and Peter will show up and another character gets a mention. Working with Kc was a very heady experience.

So now you know (at least a little better) why I write what I do. It’s important for kids today to have access to YA literature of all shapes and sizes, but it’s vitally important for them to know that there are characters like them in the worlds that we create.

First Round of Edits for Someone to Keep Me: DONE!

Someone to Keep Me, the collaboration between Kc Wells, author of the Collars and Cuffs series, has just completed the first round of edits.

God, what a journey this has been. When Kc first asked me about writing with her, I turned her down flat. Her being from England and me being from the US, I honestly thought we could not make it work. But when I read An Unlocked Heart and helped her to plan Trusting Thomas, I had an idea for a story that we could try. I approached Kc with it and she said hell yes. (But in a nicer way because she’s British and you know how sweet and proper they are.)

Scott Keating is an embarrassment to his family. He’s small, non-athletic, doesn’t want to follow in his father’s footsteps. He’s kept hidden away, home schooled, and lonely. His parents give him a Nook, filled with information about the career that’s been chosen for him, but Scott finds out that it’s also a window to the outside world when he connects to the Internet via the browser. What he finds is unlike anything he’s ever known. Who he meets is the catalyst for the start of his journey.

Jeff is smooth as glass. He says all the right things, worming his way into Scott’s heart. When Jeff utters those three little words, Scott is over the moon. When Jeff offers to fly Scott to England to live with him, Scott doesn’t even hesitate.

When he arrives, Jeff isn’t there. Scott is afraid. He’s in a strange country (I mean it’s England after all), has no money, nothing but the clothes on his back. What can he do but sit and cry.

Enter Ben Winters, who has just seen his sister off at the airport. He finds Scott and immediately offers assistance. Ben takes Scott to Collars and Cuffs, the place he tends bar, to meet with the owners Thomas Williams and Leo Hart. Thus begins Scott & Ben’s tale.

It was a thrill writing with Kc. Even though our styles were different (she’s more of a planner, I prefer seeing where the story takes me), we melded our styles, each being able to write the characters with little difficulty. The only thing we had to do was read what the other wrote to make sure differences in language were accounted for. From that the story evolved.

Kc and I would like to thank Max Vos and Becky Condit for reading the story for us and helping us move it along. We’d also like to thank those who beta read the story for their valuable input and their time.

Look for Someone to Keep Me coming in January from Dreamspinner Press.