I suppose I ought to have weighted in on the last kurfuffle in the genre, but others said it better than I would have. I could try to sell you my latest book, but you already know it’s there. I could try to be witty and amusing, but seriously, have you met me? There isn’t enough alcohol in the world to make me funny and witty. So instead I’ll offer some thoughts on this the 4th anniversary of Love Bytes.
When Dani asked me to do a monthly column, I was gobsmacked. I mean, I was a no one in the genre (and still no one after all these years.) There were/are plenty of other voices people would rather hear from. I’ve tried a couple of times to ‘resign,’ not because I don’t love the gig, but I feel I’m taking up valuable space and offering little in return. Dani has refused my offer each time. That is how she rolls. She doesn’t only associate with the ‘big names,’ the blog is open to all.
Many authors – myself included – have used the space Dani provides to connect with people we’d have never met otherwise. She has shared with readers new authors and helped us find followings. She given us (me) a voice where we’d otherwise labor rightly to reach a fraction of the people she helps us touch. I remember talking to her about how awesome it is she gives us/me this space and how important she is to all of us who come to the site. In typical fashion, she didn’t see the value of what she does. To her this is a tiny blog she runs for others. To us, it’s a meeting place in the pixelated universe of the internet where we can find our friends, both old and new. A way station along the way that she doesn’t charge people to use.
I’m pleased to be a tiny part of her Love Bytes family and wish her all the best as she begins her fifth year.
-AQG
Andrew Q. Gordon wrote his first story back when yellow legal pads, ball point pens were common and a Smith Corona correctable typewriter was considered high tech. Adapting with technology, he now takes his MacBook somewhere quiet when he wants to write.
Since devouring The Lord of the Rings as a preteen, he has been a fan of all things fantastical. His imagination has helped him create works of high fantasy, paranormal thrills and touch of the futuristic. He also writes the occasional contemporary story.
He currently lives in the Washington, D.C. area with his husband of twenty-two years. Together they are raising their pre-school age daughter and three dogs. Andrew tries to squeeze writing time in around his most important jobs, being husband and ‘Papa.’ Along with teaching how to kick a soccer ball or ride a scooter, he has become fluent in cartoon characters and children’s books. To find out more about Andrew, his writing and his family, follow him on his website or on Facebook.
You can also sign up for his monthly newsletter and get an exclusive short story only available to subscribers. Use the link below to join:
http://andrewqgordon.getresponsepages.com
Follow Andrew:
website: www.andrewqgordon.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/andrewqugordon
Twitter: @andrewqgordon
email: andrew@andrewqgordon.com
Books:
The Last Grand Master: (Champion of the Gods–Book 1)
The Eye and the Arm: (Champion of the Gods–Book 2)
Kings of Lore and Legend: (Champion of the Gods–Book 3)
Child of Night and Day (Champion of the Gods—Book: 4)
Self published:
Thanks for the post, and I agree with Dani, don’t resign 🙂 Such posts are a different and good way of connecting with readers, and I value what’s shared, and getting to know authors better. So I’ve a question – how do you decide what to put in an author guest post, versus a promotional post or what you might or could put elsewhere?
Thanks for the support – I’m not planning to resign ‘again’ any time soon. 🙂
When I write post for Love Bytes, I try hard not to write about writing or my books. (I’ll admit, I do both sometimes.) I figure most people know or can find out about my books or my writing already. My goal is to show a more personal/private side (well not TOO private/person) and to give readers a glimpse of me as a person, not just a writer. Sometimes it works, sometimes not so much. And if I really can think of anything interesting to say in a month, THEN I can do something about my books or writing. 🙂
Thanks for reading and for taking the time to comment.
-AQG
So gratifying to see good people like you and Dani doing well!
Dani is super easy to get along with, so I’ll give her the credit. 😉
Thank you for the post. I think it’s great that Dani has these guest posts and she has authors taking the time out of their day to allow readers to get to know them. I think it’s very therapeutic and a great experience for all authors new and more experienced.
Thanks H.B. I find it most rewarding when people comment. That lets me know what resonates with them and what they like to hear.
Thanks for taking time out of your day to come share your thoughts with us.
Thank for reading and taking the time to comment!
-AQG
Thank you for the post, Andrew. It is great that you took the time to write this and to place Dani and Love Bytes in the lime light. They have done a wonderful job with all their reviews and posts. I have met several new authors, like you, through their blog. I wish them luck for the next couple of years.
I agree, Love Bytes does a great job and not just for MM Romance authors, they give LGBTQ fiction authors a place to connect as well. Like you, I hope they are around for many anniversaries to come.
Thanks for reading and for the comment.
-AQG