Torchwood and The Ravens Crossing

So, I've been vacationing in Wildwood. Don't beleive me? Well, head on over to The Ravens Crossing and check out the character interviews we got while we were there. Find out about my shopping spree with Sharon. There are interviews planned with all of The 13 main characters from all three authors this week and next. We might even share some of our vacation photos before the break is over. There's fun to be had every day at TRC. 

In reality, I'm back at work on TRC, The 13: Season 2 which will begin in just 17 days. Where does the time go? And while we're considering questions, you might ask what I'm doing this evening? Could it be final edits on the anthology? Story boarding? Developing new characters? Updating character bios? Writing, writing, writing? Well, yes. All of the above. And when I hit a wall, where do I go? To Torchwood, of course. I highly recommend it for all your late night, unwinding needs. Who can resists Jack, Ianto, Gwen, Owen, and Toshiko? Here's a little Season 1 Blooper reel for your viewing pleasure.

A Sneak Peak at Cory's Pride

The Love is Always Write event on the Goodreads M/M Romance Group is in full swing. While you read this blog, there are over a hundred stories being written all over the world. I happen to be one of the writer's this year. I chose the prompt by Deanna about a zookeeper and a vet who meet when Bogo the African lion turns up with a limp. Given my background as a zookeeper, and my penchant for writing and reading M/M Contemporary Romance, this was just too perfect an opportunity to pass up. So, thanks again Deanna for the inspiration.

Yesterday, I turned in my title and main character names. Drum roll, please......The title is Cory's Pride. Cory Stephens is my lion keeper, and Dr. TJ Dylan is the new vet in town. I've been happily clacking away on this story whenever I'm not working on my weekly deadline for The Ravens Crossing. And, because I literally live in Wildwood most of the time these days, it's not surprising that my boys live in Iowa City, too. So, you might just see a few Wildwood characters here and there. Who knows. 

Anyway, I thought you might enjoy seeing the models I am using for inspiration. 

Inspiration for Cory Stephens

Inspiration for Dr. TJ Dylan.

Yes, I'm having all kinds of fun. Off to the zoo, now.

When the Muse Goes Wild

Today, I have reigned in the Muse. She took over last week and went a little wacky on me. She didn't let me sleep enough.  Yesterday I crashed and slept half the day. Today, we are back on good working terms. The words are flowing all around me. My eyes are no longer droopy, and my brain is cleared of the fog. A nice, crisp snow cleared the air outside this morning, too. Then, the sun came out and it's a gorgeous day. The birds are singing like it's spring. It makes me smile despite the wacky weather patterns. 

So, I am going to make this short and sweet and get back to Wildwood. Morgan & Holly and Sharon & Alex are all four together today for an event in the WHS gym.  While I clickety clack over here, I direct you to a few really good reads:

Head on over to Slash & Burn and read what Andi Lea has to say about LGBT fiction and our project, The Ravens Crossing. Many thanks to Amanda Young for offering to host us. 

You can find tons of great free reading at The Ravens Crossing. Lucas & Riley share some romantic time alone together this week. I love those two. I think you will too.

Don't forget to swing on over to JCP Books and get your copy of Jordan Castillo Price's new book, The Starving Years. It just went on sale today. I can't wait to read it!

Oh, and for your visual enjoyment, take a peek at my last post if you haven't already. :D

That ought to keep you busy. Have a great evening. I'm headed back to the WHS gym now to finish up my current scene. 

The NBA, GLSEN, and Elliot Greene

I know, you're wondering who is Elliot Greene, right? Well, he's the captain of the Wildwood High School Ravens' basketball team at The Ravens Crossing, of course. Today, Andi Lea's Darci & Elliot story goes up at 8 AM. Join them at the Broussard Community Center Valentine's Dance. Since it's flash fiction, it will only take you a couple of minutes to read, and I promise this story is so worth your time! You can find archives of the previous stories on the side bars of the page, too.

Keeping with my ongoing celebration, today's blog is for Elliot. Since I know Elliot is an inclusive kind of guy, with numerous friends in the LGBT community, I feel pretty certain he will be thrilled by the NBA's recent partnership with The Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN).

The organizations partnered with several others to create a series of PSA's featuring Phoenix Suns stars Grant Hill and Jared Dudley about the use of anti-gay language among teens. The announcements promote the Think B4 You Speak campaign and their "Changing the Game" initiative. 

In an article on the GLSEN website, Kathy Behrens, NBA Executive Vice President of Social Responsibility and Player Programs, said, "The NBA is honored to work on this important campaign in partnership with GLSEN and the Ad Council...NBA players like Grant Hill and Jared Dudley know that words are powerful, and they understand the impact they can have by encouraging young fans to think before they speak."

So, thanks Grant and Jared, and everyone involved with this project! I'm sure Elliot is as thrilled as I am. Check out one of the PSA's: 

Morgan Tiernan on GSA

Hi, I'm Morgan Tiernan. You can read more about me over at The Raven's Crossing. First off, I'd like to thank my creator, Amanda Corlies, for allowing me to take over her blog today. I wanted to talk about something very important. If you've read my bio, then you already know that I'm a leader for Wildwood High School's Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA).

In case you are wondering, a Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) is a student-run club in a high school or middle school that brings together LGBTQ and straight students to support each other, provide a safe place to socialize, and create a platform for activism to fight homophobia and transphobia. 

Personally, I have been very lucky. My best friend, Sharon Avery, is a straight ally. When I came out to her, I was afraid she would treat me differently, that I would lose her friendship. But, she just hugged me and said she was glad I'd told her. She's the bomb. Many LGBT youth aren't so lucky. And even with allies, all of us in the LGBT community live life every day with thousands of reminders that we are not thought of as equals. That's why having allies and supporters who will stand beside us and help us fight for human rights is so very important. I'm proud to be a part of creating a safe place where friends can be together to share who they are and support each other. I'm extremely proud of the fantastic work that all GSA groups are doing! 

GSA Network just released this PSA featuring SBNN Founder Avan Jogia and SBNN supporter Josh Hutcherson, star of the upcoming film, The Hunger Games. In it, they talk with GSA leaders about why they got involved. Thanks to all of them for being a part of GSA! 

Find out how you can make a difference! I hope you'll drop by The Ravens Crossing and meet my friends.