Amy: This community is very close knit– sometimes that’s difficult, because it means it takes very little to rock our small boat.  But on the plus side, we are all in this boat together.  Being a part of a community means you help people out in that community, and that means a lot to me, and hence, a little story about helping out.

Dani: Could you tell Us about your contribution to the anthology.

Madison: The story I wrote is called Kid Confusion. Both TJ Klune and Eric Arvin have published stories with “Kid” in the title, and this story is very much an homage to those works. You could almost call it crossover fan fiction.

It’s a story about a young man who has misgivings about celebrating Pride. He has only recently come out publicly and is intimidated by the “flashiness” of Pride. The story features two characters from my novel Play Me, I’m Yours: Lucas and Donovan. I loved revisiting these characters! They have such great chemistry, and their love for TJ Klune and Eric Arvin’s writing was a natural fit.

Dani :What is your favorite TJ & Eric Memory (either in person or not)?

Madison: Without question, the proposal at GRL in Atlanta. I was up front taking pictures and had no idea the proposal was coming. What’s funny is right before their session began, I asked everyone in the room to hold their hands up in a heart shape so I could get a picture. It turned out to be a fitting symbol of how much love we all have for TJ & Eric.

Dani : Why did you choose to participate in the anthology?

Madison: It was an opportunity to help and to show TJ & Eric that I care about them. When I first heard about Eric’s hospitalization, I felt so completely helpless. I wished I had the power to make things right, because the thought of Eric leaving us felt very, very <em>wrong</em>. Contributing to the support fund and donating a story for the anthology to help support Eric during his recovery was a no-brainer (I hope Eric still appreciates a good pun).

Dani: Do you have anything you want to say to TJ & Eric?

Madison: I love you both. I am so inspired by your strength, your courage, and your sense of hope. Being strong doesn’t mean you never feel weak, being brave doesn’t mean you never feel scared, and being hopeful doesn’t mean you never have doubts. It means that you push through those difficult moments and never give up. Thank you for sharing your journey with all of us. xoxo

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Madison Parker grew up in Germany where she feasted on Gummibärchen, wandered through the woods on many a Volksmarch, and dreamed of one day living in a castle on a mountain with a boy who knew how to rock a pair of lederhosen. The Fates had other plans for her, but she’s not complaining. Although she aspired to be a writer at an early age and often wrote poems and short stories for fun, she pursued a career in teaching. Madison has a Bachelor’s Degree and two Master’s Degrees in the fields of Mathematics and Education. She has taught both middle and high school and enjoys working with young adults.

She has a passion for math and art, and likes to dabble a bit with web and graphic design. She also has an affinity for all things geeky (read: Star Trek and TRON). Although she is extremely left-brained (logical, rational, orderly), her artistic, creative side never ceases to flail around in a desperate attempt to be noticed. Madison now spends her days reading, writing, solving math problems, and playing with her feisty German Pinscher. She lives in North Carolina with her husband, her pup, and her troop of sock monkeys.

She began writing LGBTQ fiction to help address issues of bullying and low self-esteem in our young adult populations. Madison’s short story, SOCK IT TO ME, SANTA!, explores one boy’s struggle to come out in a hostile school environment. Her debut novel, PLAY ME, I’M YOURS, takes the reader on an emotional journey in search of love and self-acceptance.

*Shae Connor*

Dani: Could You tell Us about your contribution to the anthology?

Shae: My story is called “Stripped,” and it was previously published, but I got the rights back a year ago. I hadn’t decided where to re-publish it yet, so when I heard about the anthology, I jumped at the chance. “Stripped” is about an exotic dancer and a customer who find themselves mutually attracted and decide to do something about it. A hot night together turns into something much more for both of them.

Dani: What is your favorite TJ & Eric Memory (either in person or not)?

Shae: The video of TJ proposing to Eric in Atlanta. I wasn’t able to be at that panel, but of course I watched it later, like so many others did. It was so sweet and heartfelt and really captured them and their relationship. I’m a tough nut to crack, but I cried a little.

Dani: Why did you choose to participate in the anthology?

Shae:I wanted to help out a couple of great guys! I cannot imagine what they’ve been going through, and I think it’s wonderful that the community has pulled together to do so much for them. There is so much love being poured out, and it makes me smile to see it. I’m proud to be able to be a tiny little part of that.

Dani: Do you have anything you want to say to TJ & Eric?

Shae: May you have many more grand and happy adventures together. 🙂

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Shae Conner lives in Atlanta, where she works for the government by day and writes by night. She’s been making up stories for as long as she can remember, but it took her a long time to start writing them down. Now, she usually has far too many stories in progress, but when she does manage to tear herself away from her laptop, she enjoys running, hiking, cooking, and traveling, not necessarily in that order.

The Paperback can be ordered through this link : Dreamspinner Press

The eBook can be ordered through this link : Dreamspinner Press

Order the Cover Print small  or the large cover print

Did You see the T shirts that are designed for this : You can order them here together with all the other merchandise on this tour : Dreamspinner