Q&A with Josh Lanyon discussion

Lauraadriana wrote: "ns wrote: "Josh wrote: "There's a Kevin in A Dangerous Thing. :-D"

That's of course who I was referring to, I figured this crowd would get that right away (or else they didn't hate him as much as ..."


I liked him. After all, he liked Adrien and was such a nice guy. I didn't feel the threat to Adrien and Jake from Kevin (no contest)... not like I did the smarmy one.

Josh wrote: "Merith wrote: "Josh wrote: "There's a Kevin in A Dangerous Thing. :-D"

Not that this question really belongs here, but... Josh - how do you come up with names for your characters? I can understa..."

Is Septimus in a baby book? :D

Pooooor Kev. :-D

Merith wrote: "Josh wrote: "Merith wrote: "Josh wrote: "There's a Kevin in A Dangerous Thing. :-D"

Not that this question really belongs here, but... Josh - how do you come up with names for your characters? I c..."

How about Alesteir Grimshaw and Valentine Strange? lol. I'm reading Strange Fortune and enjoying it, especially the world building. So fascinating.

I think Adrien-with-an-E is a stroke of genius. You see the name, it's like seeing a picture or a hieroglyph representing the character.

Emanuela ~Zstyx~ wrote: "I think Adrien-with-an-E is a stroke of genius. You see the name, it's like seeing a picture or a hieroglyph representing the character."

You know what I like most about Adrien-with-an-E? Is the way Jake refers to him as that. Just lights a fire. I can only imagine what it did to Adrien!

Emanuela ~Zstyx~ wrote: "I think Adrien-with-an-E is a stroke of genius. You see the name, it's like seeing a picture or a hieroglyph representing the character."

LauraAdriana...thinks that Adrian with and A would have worked too...but she's biased ;O)

LA is biased, alright :-)

Emanuela ~Zstyx~ wrote: "LA is biased, alright :-)"

:OP

Merith wrote: "I liked him. After all, he liked Adrien and was such a nice guy. I didn't feel the threat to Adrien and Jake from Kevin (no contest)... not like I did the smarmy one.
"

See, this is fascinating. It's very true that readers bring their own baggage to the text. For me, the fact that Kevin recoiled in horror when he saw the scars on Adrien's chest was painful to bear.

Having had people recoil in horror from me due to (thankfully temporary) scars when I was young, and for that matter, the color of my skin, it's a much less forgivable sin. I just remember feeling crushed, unloved and alone (and of course, it brings up all sorts of residual resentments most of which I'm probably even unaware of). Ergo, Kevin sucked. That' not even counting the first time he left (although memory doesn't serve me well here on who/what/why of their first breakup...

ns wrote: "Ergo, Kevin sucked. "

Actually, it's also true this is more a reflection of how ridiculously intensely I related/sympathized with Adrien than anything else...

ns wrote: "For me, the fact that Kevin recoiled in horror when he saw the scars on Adrien's chest was painful to bear."

Are you sure you're not thinking of Mel? Mel, Adrien's first boyfriend, recoiled in Dark Tide, but I don't think Adrien had his shirt off around Kevin at all.

Emanuela ~Zstyx~ wrote: "I think Adrien-with-an-E is a stroke of genius. You see the name, it's like seeing a picture or a hieroglyph representing the character."

It was irresistably charming - how can you not love Jake when he says that when they are in Robert's apartment? I remember that as my first "Jake!" moment...

Merith wrote: "ns wrote: "For me, the fact that Kevin recoiled in horror when he saw the scars on Adrien's chest was painful to bear."

Are you sure you're not thinking of Mel? Mel, Adrien's first boyfriend, reco..."

Urghhh, yes, Mel [slaps self!!]. Kevin was the boyfriend who simply couldn't deal with Adrien's impending health issues, right? Sigh, rejection all around. I apparently need to read FS again and not just the good bits...

ns wrote: "Merith wrote: "ns wrote: "For me, the fact that Kevin recoiled in horror when he saw the scars on Adrien's chest was painful to bear."

Are you sure you're not thinking of Mel? Mel, Adrien's first ..."


Oh no, that was Mel. Mel left Adrien before Fatal Shadows started. He 'appears' in Dangerous Thing as a resource Adrien reaches out to for info regarding one of the professors at the dig site. Then doesn't reappear until Dark Tide. Where he recoils from Adrien when they strip to go swimming. After Adrien has the heart surgery. THAT got me. I was so pissed at Mel, I wanted to slug him myself. And afterwards, when Jake stroked and kissed Adrien's scars, I just cried. (I'm a sap, if you didn't know.)

Kevin was the grad student studying archeology. The one who's dog was killed and he came under suspicion because his rifle was used to kill Livingston and Harvey (the caretaker).

Merith wrote: " And afterwards, when Jake stroked and kissed Adrien's scars, I just cried. (I'm a sap, if you didn't know.)"

I think there are lots of saps around - me included of course.

Merith wrote: "ns wrote: "Merith wrote: "ns wrote: "For me, the fact that Kevin recoiled in horror when he saw the scars on Adrien's chest was painful to bear."

Are you sure you're not thinking of Mel? Mel, Adri..."

Yeah, thank god, I meant Mel. I was wondering how we could have such a radical difference in our opinions because generally I agree 100% with every thing you say :). And two differences before breakfast today was unnerving me :). That Kevin. Sigh, yes, him. Yes, fully agree, nice guy.

ns wrote: "Merith wrote: "ns wrote: "Merith wrote: "ns wrote: "For me, the fact that Kevin recoiled in horror when he saw the scars on Adrien's chest was painful to bear."

Are you sure you're not thinking of..."

That just means you need to read the AE series again. ;) What a punishment! I don't know how you'll stand it.

Merith wrote: "That just means you need to read the AE series again. ;) What a punishment! I don't know how you'll stand it. "

Are you sure you're not ..."

See, I read them pretty frequently as it is! I have read each at least 5 times, and DoPK and DT at least a dozen. But I admit, I read my favorite parts when I read FS and DG again (and OK, I admit to not reading THYS! again after the first 3 times).

I am just having some kind of brain synapse problem this morning, completely unable to deal with names. I remember all the dialog, scenes, characters, and what I felt while reading, but I can't remember their names. I'd say some form of early onset of Alzheimer's if I hadn't been this way most of my life -- and just unusually so today (late start, not enough tea in me yet).

Emanuela ~Zstyx~ wrote: "Merith wrote: " And afterwards, when Jake stroked and kissed Adrien's scars, I just cried. (I'm a sap, if you didn't know.)"

I think there are lots of saps around - me included of course."

You make me reread that part again... and Adrien summed it up perfectly... It melted my guts and made me want to cry.

Cleon wrote: "Emanuela ~Zstyx~ wrote: "Merith wrote: " And afterwards, when Jake stroked and kissed Adrien's scars, I just cried. (I'm a sap, if you didn't know.)"

I think there are lots of saps around - me inc..."

I am so bad... I had to go pull it out and paste it here. *sniff*

He undid the last button, pushed the shirt back off my shoulders. He glanced down at my chest.

“Ugly, isn't it?”

I heard the rough intake of his breath. “Is that what you think?”

“Oh it is,” I said easily. Somehow I knew the ugliness didn't frighten him any more than it frightened me.

He bent his head and kissed the curve of my neck, said against my flushed skin, “Nothing about you could be ugly to me.” I shivered despite the warmth of the room, the heat of our bodies. He pushed me back in the smooth used sheets, and he kissed the lowest point at my sternum, working his way, his mouth nuzzling up that tender pink ridge—stinging and soothing at the same time. It tickled and made me want to laugh. It melted my guts and made me want to cry. I tried to hold still, not wriggle away, finally relaxing as his mouth nibbled and kissed its way beneath my jaw and at last found my mouth. We kissed long and hungrily.

Finished, sigh. What a beautiful story, I'm feeling a little blue that it's over.

Cleon wrote: You make me reread that part again... and Adrien summed it up perfectly... It melted my guts and made me want to cry.

I read your post...went to Adrien...re-read that part...and cried...SAPPP!

Lauraadriana wrote: "Cleon wrote: I think your characters have become more ... vulnerable. You write their emotion more deeply and profoundly, I can feel their emotion more deeply. The personal battles and growth are m..."

I always feel a little drained after a story like this. I wonder if I'm affected this much because a vulnerable state I'm in or that I am so vulnerable because of what I read.

Lauraadriana wrote: "Emanuela ~Zstyx~ wrote: But Neil really made me laugh when he went to the Chinese guy and asked for herbs or a potion to cure THAT problem. It's for a friend of mine. Huh huh, yes, sure :)

I know ..."
I'm so glad I never buy a book based on the cover, especially since I have an e-reader.

Sylvia wrote: "Lauraadriana wrote: "Cleon wrote: I think your characters have become more ... vulnerable. You write their emotion more deeply and profoundly, I can feel their emotion more deeply. The personal bat..."

Josh's writing has an uncanny ability to make me feel like an exposed nerve...so it might be him :O)

Ha! I got it! It showed up in the Sony store, so I snatched it up. I'll be starting it later tonight!

Now I am off to do my happy dance while finishing my current read.

Enjoy!

Sylvia wrote: "I always feel a little drained after a story like this. I wonder if I'm affected this much because a vulnerable state I'm in or that I am so vulnerable because of what I read."

You bring your emotions with you and the writing strikes your chords. My favorite writers always seem to speak to me, to say something I can recognize myself into.

Totally E I think that's what makes an author or book a favorite...when the emotions resonate so much it's personal

Lauraadriana wrote: "Totally E I think that's what makes an author or book a favorite...when the emotions resonate so much it's personal"

And isn't that an AMAZING feeling? :)

You bring your emotions with you and the writing strikes your chords. My favorite writers always seem to speak to me, to say something I can recognize myself into.

I think this is the basis of "writing what you know." It's misinterpreted to mean...writing your own life, but it's really about digging into the universality (is that a word?) of our human experience. That's what I try for, anyway. If I feel it, I figure a good portion of readers will recognize what I feel.

I'm so glad you're enjoying the story! Historical is always a little bit tricky, I think.

LOVED IT! Josh, thank you for yet another wonderful story! <3

Suhi wrote: "LOVED IT! Josh, thank you for yet another wonderful story! <3"

Thanks so much!

"...I started, trying to make sense of him. Now I knew why that old Sarah McLachlan song seemed so appropriate. Especially the line, 'You're so beautiful. A beautiful fucked up man.' That about summed it up."

I can't hear this song without thinking of them...these books are perfection...There is nothing better than Adrien and Jake...there just isn't :O) I love them so...

:-D Thanks, both of you!

Josh wrote: ":-D Thanks, both of you!"

Nuh uh...Josh thank you for Jake and Adrien...Let me know if you get tired of me telling ya...cause I can go on and on about those two :O)

"Without the sanction of society
Without the sanction of the church
Without the sanction of God
I love you"

Such a beautiful poem! *melts* Now I really really want that book!

Edina wrote: "Cleon wrote: ""Without the sanction of society
Without the sanction of the church
Without the sanction of God
I love you"

Such a beautiful poem! *melts* Now I really really want that book!"

Sorry..."

Thanks for the clarification!

Edina wrote: "Back to This Rough Magic
I was much surprised by the plot when Brett's mum turned up "undead"!!! I did not see that one coming. JL got me there, I have to admit. Though, I expected ..."

Can I just say I'm squealing with delight that we are still discussing this book!!

This book was so twisty, I loved that...but I think my favorite thing was how it read. Every scene was picture perfect in my head.

I loved Neil and Brett so unlikely, and so beautiful together. Neil was so sweet and understanding with Brett, and so strong for him...Josh's men...What can I say?

Edina wrote: "Back to This Rough Magic
I thought: she is unconventional considering that she left her husband to live "in sin" with the man she loves, AND Brett-Neil have an unconventional love. Hum, hum... Possibilities. But I don't feel like her presence had a big effect. Did anybody else feel like there was an opportunity missed there? ..."
Maybe Josh saves her for the sequel? :)

Edina wrote: "I was much surprised by the plot when Brett's mum turned up "undead"!!! I did not see that one coming. JL got me there, I have to admit. Though, I expected the fact that she was alive to have a massive effect on the plot, on Brett's life, on Brett and Neil's love story. I thought: she is unconventional considering that she left her husband to live "in sin" with the man she loves, AND Brett-Neil have an unconventional love. Hum, hum... Possibilities. But I don't feel like her presence had a big effect. Did anybody else feel like there was an opportunity missed there? "

Oh, I think she had a big impact... or at least will shortly. It was a pivotal point in Brett's way of thinking. Here he'd been ready to sacrifice himself for his family's sake, giving up any chance at happiness and there those he trusted had betrayed him in such a gross way.

Don't think we've seen the end of this plot thread. It's more of a series thread than limited to a single book. I'm sure we'll see more of mama and what effect her leaving had. I think it's more the lie ol' pater and auntie fed 'em all that rankles most. Because really, WHO tells their children their mother is dead?

Merith wrote: "Oh, I think she had a big impact... or at least will shortly. It was a pivotal point in Brett's way of thinking. Here he'd been ready to sacrifice himself for his family's sake, giving up any chance at happiness and there those he trusted had betrayed him in such a gross way. "

Yup! I agree with you. Her appearance was brief, but it was a turning point for Brett.

After work last night, I did my usual routine, checking the different sites I haunt and saw a review for This Rough Magic out on Reviews by Jesse Wave. Then did a double take because the reviewer had given it a 3.5 stars! What?!? Is he crazy??, was of course my first thought. I had to read what this cretin said, why he thought this fantastic book only merited so little. In a nutshell, the reviewer was looking for more 'Nick and Nora', and didn't find it. The reviewer did cite other things that led him to give lower marks, but the lack was what seemed to stand out.

Josh's book was part of a 'dueling reviewers', and the next review was a little more to what I'm used to seeing for one of Josh's books. Leslie gave it a 4.75 stars and her review held a few gushing comments. She loved it. Since she isn't especially interested in the noir aspects of the story, what Jeff found lacking, didn't bother her.

In reading these two separate and nearly conflicting reviews, I had to think about it. Neither changes my opinion of the story, but looking at it from Jeff's point of view (who, btw, was quite clever in some of what he had to say), I can understand his disappointment. I hope he finds the following books more to his liking. Leslie's review held a few comments that had me scratching my head. Maybe, if I squinted, I could see what patterns she called out, but they weren't the ones I would have cued in on.

Reading both of these reviews, both that held some flavor of the negative, had me thinking how tough it must be to review a well-known and well-loved author. When your every word will be scrutinized and anything said in disagreement with the norm has the potential of bringing the wrath of fans. I also realized that for me, I'm not so much of a technical reviewer; it's more of the emotional aspects of a story that will bring high praise.

Merith wrote: "Then did a double take because the reviewer had given it a 3.5 stars! What?!? Is he crazy??, was of course my first thought. "

My thoughts were along the same lines when I read his review... ;-)

As everyone can have his own opinion there can't be said anything against him given only 3.5 stars. My problem with this review was that it felt a lot like measuring with different scales.
What you said about how tough it must be to review a well-known and well-loved author. might slip in here. It happens all the time that someone or something that is already outstanding is held to a higher standard than any other would have been. And with this higher standard there are only 3.5 while on every other scale it would have been 6 stars out of 5. :-)

Calathea wrote: "It happens all the time that someone or something that is already outstanding is held to a higher standard than any other would have been. And with this higher standard there are only 3.5 while on every other scale it would have been 6 stars out of 5. :-) "

Exactly my thought when I read that review and I think Jeff did admit it.

I think the double reviews also show how subjective reading experience is. Everyone brings their own expectations and background when reading a story. Sometimes even mood effects how we perceive and rank a story.

Take a look at Allromanceebooks bestsellers list. A few weeks ago I remember that some of the bestseller books got very low rating from reviewers. However, many people must have loved them or they wouldn't buy the books otherwise. I've read one of the book that is top reader rated there and I dropped it after 20 pages. Sometimes I wonder if I read the same books like them.

Merith wrote: "...and anything said in disagreement...has the potential of bringing the wrath of fans."

I agree, Merith. Even we, Josh's hardcore fan base, will not always be in agreement about everything he writes. Yet it still unnerves to see anything, even slightly negative, written about his work. The reviewer did seem to put Josh up to a higher standard in his review.

I heard that. How to advertise yourself as a total amateur.

The Thin Man is NOT noir. The Thin Man was written in hopes of attracting the Smart Set market. It's Hammett's effort at witty, sophisticated mystery. Anyone who doesn't know this most basic fact is clearly not up on even the most basic ABCs of crime fiction.

That's like the baby stuff.

Jeez, I could care less about what this guy thinks about my writing. I totally agree that this stuff is subjective. I started whatever his Dreamspinner title is and I couldn't make it through the first few pages.

(I wouldn't previously have shared that, though. Which is why writers slamming fellow writers for the sake of a little press is such a bad idea.)

No, what offended me is the whole pretense at being an expert in a genre he clearly knows nothing of. THAT offended me. Lordy did it offend me. :-D

But then I take the mystery/crime genre very seriously. It's my life. I don't expect it to be everyone's life or calling, but if you're going to set yourself up as an expert in this genre, you'd better know your stuff.

There's nothing more pathetic than a pretender in a fedora.