So I wrote down the name and address of the
publisher, went home, and wrote a story. The publisher bought that story and
eleven others, none of which were ever published because of some sort of a legal dispute
that essentially closed the business down.
Nonetheless, I had sold and been paid for twelve stories, so I was now a “professional” author.
That was in 2001.
I immediately submitted to other
publishers who not only bought, but also published my work. I had found my niche.
Since then, I've sold about seventy short stories to various publishing houses. Along
the way, STARbooks Press has also published a novella and three novels. They
have also has agreed to three additional novels, one due out in Spring 2014, one in Autumn 2014, and the third in Spring 2015.
My short story erotica covers a broad range of
types: mystery, adventure, love, fantasy, sci-fi, military, police, sport… and
probably some others. Much of my work explores the sexual discovery process and
often involved cross-cultural relationships. Native American cultures and their
approach to “Two Spirits” particularly fascinate me.
I consider my books CUT HAND and RIVER OTTER to be
historical novels more than gay erotica. Between the two, they span the 19th
Century from 1832 to 1870, a period that encompasses the rapid expansion of
Europeans into the Dakota Territory, until then considered to belong to the
Indians. It also covers the entire duration of the American Civil War, and the
effects that conflict had on the tribes. They also explore the difference
between the way many native cultures view homosexuality. Man-love was
considered sinful and an abomination to the Anglos, who viewed queers and fags
and berdaches with fear and loathing. Such conduct was often a death sentence
among the dominant culture. On the other hand, winktes, two-faces, and
two-spirits were often accorded places of honor among some of the tribes. At
the least, they were permitted to lead lives according to their nature, not
what others deemed what their nature should be. A third in the series to be
released in Spring 2014, ECHOES OF THE FLUTE and MEDICINE HAIR continue the story line up
through 1890, the end of the major Indian Wars.
THE VICTOR AND THE VANQUISHED is a contemporary
story of a young man dealing with his gay nature and pulling himself out of
poverty, alcoholism, and abuse. CHARLEY BLACKBEAR, due out in the Fall of 2014,
approaches these issues from a different perspective.
After a three-year stint in the US Army, I tried oil painting with modest success before taking up writing. I have written forever, but not always in a focused
way. Because of a childhood health problem, I spent many summers at the library
doing research on other cultures—usually Native American—and putting the
information into long themes or dissertations. Then I started making up stories
based on my findings. In college, I majored in Government and History, and I
have been a lifelong history buff. Now that I’m living and writing in New
Mexico, which I believe is the greatest place on earth, I sometimes set my stories
in Albuquerque or other parts of the state to give my readers a sense of the
culture and flavor of my adopted home.
Writing allows me to relax and lose myself in the
stories. Nothing would please me more than for you to get lost in them, as
well.
Thanks to everyone who has posted
reviews or otherwise contacted me about my work. I consider it essential to hear my readers'
opinions on my stories or novels. After all, without readers there would be little writing, a loss for us all. Whether you love my work or hate it, your feedback helps me sit down at the computer and write. Keep those comments
coming!
