Category: Contemporary fiction

Michael Rupured on Characters, Writing, and his new release The Case of the Missing Drag Queen (A Luke Tanner Mystery #1) (guest blog)

The Case of the Missing Drag Queen (A Luke Tanner Mystery #1)

by

Michael Rupured

DSP Publications

Cover Artist: Alexandria Corza

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AMAZON | B&N | KOBO | DSP PUBLICATIONS

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to have Michael Rupured here today talking about writing, characters, and the latest in the Luke Tanner mystery series, The Case of the Missing Drag Queen.  Welcome, Michael.

♦︎

Our Interview with Michael Rupured……

 

How much of yourself goes into a character? Sometimes more, sometimes less, depending on the character. Probably more than I realize. Many combine aspects of people I know, have seen on television, or in a few instances, passed on the street. Regardless of the inspiration, characters have a way of taking on sometimes surprising lives of their own before I finish the first draft.

Does research play a role in which genre you write? A desire to show how much things have changed for the LGBT community in my lifetime motivates me to write. Homosexuality was considered a mental illness, same-sex relations were illegal, and discrimination was the norm throughout most of the 20th Century. Because life for homosexuals was often dangerous, mysteries are the ideal genre for my stories.

How do you feel about the ebook format and where do you see it going? Like them or not, ebooks in one format or another are here to stay. More options make reading accessible to more readers. I prefer paperbacks, but because of vision issues, usually buy (or rent) audiobooks. Piracy, however, is a huge problem with ebooks. I get notices almost every day about a site offering free downloads of one or more of my books.

How do you choose your cover? I envy authors who know exactly what they want for a cover. I never do. Filling out the cover request form is always a struggle. My brain doesn’t work that way. The artist creates a few different versions, I say what I like and don’t like about each one, and we repeat the process until everyone is satisfied. The stunning cover Alexandria Corza designed for The Case of the Missing Drag Queen is perfect for the story.

Do you have a favorite among your own stories? And why? The Case of the Missing Drag Queen is a contender. It’s the first set entirely in Lexington KY—my hometown—and it takes place in 1982, a few years after I came out. Whippersnapper is the best story. Unfortunately, it’s in the wrong genre. Rather than the May-September romance suggested by the cover and blurb, it’s really about Peggy Tucker’s big awakening. The HEA ending makes me cry every time.

Have you ever put a story away, thinking it just didn’t work? Funny you should ask. After Happy Independence Day was published, I abandoned half a dozen manuscripts. Around 15,000 words, the story ran out of gas leaving a great cast of characters with no place to go. With a lot of encouragement, I did finish Whippersnapper, then couldn’t finish a story if my life depended on it. In May of last year, I figured out what was wrong with my abandoned stories. I found out a novel is supposed to be about the main character’s literal or figurative journey. You could have knocked me over with a feather! The Case of the Missing Drag Queen is my first novel since that epiphany.

What’s the wildest scene you’ve imagined and did it make it into the story? I first heard about m-m romance a few weeks after I started writing Until Thanksgiving. When pressed to identify the genre, a member of my writers group said it was m-m romance and sent me several to read. Like many gay male authors who stumble into the genre, I confess to having had a bit of a chip on my shoulder for a short time about all the straight female readers and writers. I felt like I had something to prove, and wrote some extremely graphic sex scenes. Another member of the group said lighting was the difference between romance and porn, and my scenes were very brightly lit. In the end, I kept a few paragraphs from the beginning and end of each scene and cut the rest.

If you could imagine the best possible place for you to write, where would that be and why? It’s tempting to say the beach, or the mountains, or by a lake, but I’d be lying. I’m happy writing in my comfy leather recliner here in Athens GA with my diabetic chihuahua between my legs and everything I need within easy reach.

Blurb

Broke, saddled with a mountain of debt, and dependent on his Aunt Callie’s support, aspiring writer Luke Tanner has returned to Kentucky to put his life back together after a failed five-year relationship.

On his twenty-fifth birthday, Luke meets diminutive Pixie Wilder, a long-time performer at the Gilded Lily. After headliner Ruby Dubonnet doesn’t show up, Pixie takes her place as the star of the show—a motive that makes her a suspect in Ruby’s disappearance.

Luke reluctantly agrees to help his new-found friend clear her name. He and Pixie set out to find the missing drag queen, and in the process, put themselves in danger.

About the Author

Michael Rupured writes stories true enough for government work about gay life from the 1960s to today. This life-long Southerner was born in Fayetteville NC, grew up in Lexington KY, and after 18 months in Washington DC, moved to Athens GA where he’s lived since 1999. By day, he’s senior faculty in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Georgia. He’s an avid fan of the Georgia Bulldogs, the Kentucky Wildcats, and any team playing the Florida Gators. In his free time, Michael tinkers with his garden, plays with Toodles (his diabetic chihuahua), and keeps up with his many friends around the country. Previous novels include Until Thanksgiving (thriller), No Good Deed (mystery/thriller), Whippersnapper (regional), and Happy Independence Day (historical). Visit his website, follow on Twitter and Goodreads, like his Facebook page, or shoot him a message (mrupured@gmail.com).

 

The Case of the Missing Drag Queen

Series: Luke Tanner Mysteries, Book One

Genre: Mystery, LGBT Fiction

Word Count: 60K

A VVivacious Review: Just A Year (Just A #2) by Jena Wade

Rating: 3.5 Stars out of 5

Seth and Maddox have been in a long term relationship for a year and a half and just when they think that they can finally be together, Seth’s career drags him in another direction. But as Seth and Maddox keep reminding themselves it’s just for a year. But as it turns out life has other plans for these two…

I guess this story is the culmination of the lesson that Seth had begun to learn in the first book that, time and tide wait for no one. I also liked the fact that while Seth realises that his approach to life might need to be tweaked he still remains to be the guy who plans out everything he can in his life, now, just with the experience of knowing that not everything will work out the way he wants it to.

Seth and Maddox have been in a relationship for quite some time now and seeing them together and in love is amazing. I’m really happy for these two.

This story is further proof that Seth has learnt his lesson of not judging things based on isolated incidents but trying to really see things as they stand instead of painting everybody with the same colours.

I liked how this story contrasted the two sides of  “an entire year” with “just a year”. The former being a realisation of how much life could change in a year and the latter dismissing a year in relevance to a lifetime. I also liked how both Maddox and Seth were yo-yoing between these two points of view.

Overall this was an enjoyable read with another lesson to be learnt at its heart.

Cover Art by Silver Heart Design Studio. I liked the cover.

Sales Links:

Amazon US 

Amazon UK

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 87 pages
Published May 12th 2018
ASINB07D22KPVF
Edition LanguageEnglish
SeriesJust A #2

A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Denim (A Material World #4)by KC Wells

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

KC Wells has hit my favorite hot buttons with this story—two sweet older guys, one a sexy construction worker, and the other a bear who has no concept of his own appeal.  Both in their thirties but with two diametrically different views of the world, when Tony spots a cute bear headed into his nearby work site, he has to wolf whistle, right?  Too bad it takes days for Harry to realize he’s the object of the whistles coming from the construction site where the cute guy with the muscles is working.

This story is a journey of discovery for Harry, who begins as a guy with a poor outlook on life—dead end job in a dead end neighborhood with no good future prospects. Forget men—his clubbing days are long gone since he moved back home to take care of his ailing mother who passed away a while ago.  He hasn’t even cleaned out her closets and family memorabilia. Why bother? 

Tony, on the other hand, recognizes his value and enjoys his family, though he’d rather not still be living with his mother at age 30. But he’s full of life and he loves a bear—specifically the one he spots every day, so he sets his heart on Harry and won’t take no for an answer. Fortunately, it works, and though it takes time, he eventually convinces Harry that he really wants him and desires him exactly as he is.  Too bad Harry’s self-esteem is so low that he can’t help believing that Tony would like him better if he were thinner. 

That plan doesn’t work well, thankfully, and by the end of the story, it’s evident that this couple is truly meant for one another.  I appreciated the author’s treatment of Harry’s issues, not making light of his very real fears, but showing the consequences of the actions he chose to make changes.  Tony is a sweetheart with a hoard of friends, many of whom we meet and get to enjoy, and Tony’s persistence, love, and support bring Harry to the peace and contentment he never believed he’d have. 

I recommend this to those who enjoy MM romance among the over 30 group, especially those that feature characters struggling with personal issues and self-esteem.

~~~~

Cover by Meredith Russell features a close-up of a young man in a denim jacket, open to reveal his smooth chest. This represents Tony, the sexy construction worker—spot-on and attention-getting and in keeping with the series theme.

Sales Links:  Amazon

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 229 pages
Published June 7th 2018
ASINB07DM7DDC9
Edition LanguageEnglish
SeriesA Material World #4 settingEngland
Croydon, England (United Kingdom)

An Alisa Review: Expecting (Pine Wood Falls #1) by Sarah Havan

Rating:  4 stars out of 5

Conrad Mayfair is finally becoming comfortable in his own skin, so he wants to tell his best friend Mason that he’s gay and in love with him. He can’t seem to get the words out, though. But soon the flirting starts, followed by a weekend of marathon sex, and the shocking news a few months later that Conrad is going to be a father.

Something’s going on with nineteen-year-old Mason Donnelly. He seems to be developing breasts, has felt sick for months, and is constantly tired. After a doctor’s appointment to try to figure things out, his life flips upside down. He learns not only is he intersex, but he’s also pregnant, a condition only made possible because Mason is an omega and Conrad is his alpha.

Conrad and Mason are introduced to a new way of life they knew nothing about. While Conrad is willing to jump in and accept it, Mason isn’t so sure. Together, they have to decide if it’s a life they truly want.

This was a very sweet story and I loved the concept of this taking place in the real world.  Mason isn’t sure about the changes that are happening to his body but he definitely appreciates how Conrad reacts to them.  Conrad has been trying to figure out how to tell Mason how he feels and their hormones seem to get the best of them which pushes them both in the right direction.

Mason has always been thought of as a “late bloomer” but finds out he is so much more and isn’t quite sure how he feels about that.  Now that Conrad has come around to his feelings he is ready to grab Mason and not let go forever.

These two were just so cute, we get to see them coming to terms with themselves and learning more about themselves and each other that bring them even closer together.  I could feel Mason’s confusion and frustration at learning something new that made him doubt how he had felt his whole life but how wonderful it was once he accepted the changes that were happening in his life.  I loved Conrad’s unwavering support and his ability to go with the flow that counteracted Mason’s nerves.  This was a wonderful start to a new series and I can’t wait to read more stories what they come out, I hope we get to see Thomas find his HEA.

The cover art by Melissa Liban is absolutely adorable and perfect for this story.

Sales Link:  Amazon

Book Details:

ebook, 262 pages

Expected Publication: June 21, 2018

Edition Language: English

Series: Pine Wood Falls #1

A VVivacious Review: Just A Week (Just A #1) by Jena Wade

Rating: 3.5 Stars out of 5

Seth finds himself in Milton for a week, a town he was happy to see in his rear view mirror when he got out of it at the end of high school. He doesn’t want to be here but as he keeps reminding himself it’s only for a week. A week that suddenly seems too short when he finds himself intrigued by an orange haired skater, but can Seth find time in his carefully planned life to let love run its course…?

This is a sweet story featuring Seth Brown, a guy who has his entire life planned out and Maddox, a guy living life, flying by the seat of his pants. Seth and Maddox are polar opposites when it comes to how they live their lives and that makes their attraction that much more compelling.

This is a slow paced romance, it’s not exactly slow but everything happens in its own time, I guess the right word to describe the pace of the book would be unhurried which is quite ironic considering the title.

Seth and Maddox realise the connection that they share is unique but they can’t decide if a week of knowing someone is something you can base a relationship of off. 

I liked the story, it’s kind of soft and fluffy with no peaks and troughs, sitting in a comfortable middle. Though this book didn’t get a reaction out of me one way or another by the end of the book I found myself rooting for Maddox and Seth.

The main plot of the story is Seth coming to the realisation that life just happens and no matter how much you plan, life has a way of blindsiding you, and that when love comes knocking you really need to embrace it but I also really liked the sub plot of the story which is Maddox making Seth realise that he has been colouring everyone in Milton with the same brush and while some people have hurt him and maybe would continue to do so, there are more people in his home town who would openly embrace him.

Cover Art by Silver Heart Design. I liked the cover especially the silhouette of the skater at the bottom.

Sales Links:  Amazon

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 78 pages
Published May 12th 2018 (first published July 5th 2016)
Original TitleJust A Week
ASINB07D239YPZ
Edition LanguageEnglish
SeriesJust A #1

A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Damage Control (Laws of Attraction #1) by Kate McMurray

Rating: 5 stars out of 5

Senate candidate Parker Livingston chose his political dreams over a future with the man he loved. He lives with constant regret about not having Jackson Kane in his life. Or in his bed. And when a strange woman is found dead in Parker’s apartment, Jackson is the only person Parker trusts to help clear his name.

Jackson never forgave Parker for the way their relationship ended. He moved on, built a name for himself as a criminal defense attorney, and swore he’d never let heartbreak back in. But when Parker shows up on his doorstep, wild-eyed and handsome and desperate for his help, Jackson can’t say no. Parker is a lot of things, but he’s no murderer.

I absolutely loved the characters in this story. Each was well-developed and their personality was spot-on with their role in life, up to and including Parker’s campaign manager, Martha. Neither Jackson nor Parker is a yes man to the other. They disagree on politics and the economy and aren’t afraid to debate their ideas, opinions, and experiences. I wanted to dislike Parker because he basically just walked out on Jackson after they’d lived together for a few years, but because of the author’s time and patience in developing his personality and making him a living example of his political ideals, I was able to see why he left. Jackson was strong and yet the wounded one in their initial relationship—always thinking of the best ethical next step and questioning his moral judgment—a very likable character.

The host of secondary characters were also important to the plot and the underlying mystery and suspense added to the drama that culminated in the crisis in the latter portion of the story. The resolution for the question of whether or not Parker would come out and put Jackson ahead of his campaign was not one that was easily guessed by this reader. Without giving spoilers, suffice it to say that mystery was kept tight-lipped to the end.

I also appreciated the author’s depth of knowledge, and the obvious research she did, on economic topics and the political aspects of both parties—those that are more conservative and those that are more liberal. Health care, the economy, law—all were well-structured and supported in the story. In other words, it was evident the author took time to get facts and didn’t just enclose the MCs in a bubble that focused only on the couple themselves. The romance was there and the sex scenes were hot, but it was expertly woven in to a politically astute and dramatically intriguing story.

Very highly recommended.

~~~

Cover is done as a black-and-white photo of two men in suits—one leaning on a post toward the rear and the other in the front appearing to be opening his suit jacket. Though I normally don’t like black-and-white covers, this one is perfect for the story and the characters.

Sales Links:  Carina Press | Amazon

Book Details:

ebook
Expected publication: June 18th 2018 by Carina Press
ISBN139781488099519
Edition LanguageEnglish

An Alisa Review: Stowaway Heart by Suede Delray

Rating:  3 stars out of 5

Joel Ricki has decided he’s had enough of being in foster homes. A few weeks before his eighteenth birthday, he plans to grab a bus to anywhere. Before he does, he has only one desire, to see The rock group Unhinged in concert. He doesn’t have a ticket but he’s not going to let that stop him. In fact nothing will stop him from seeing the band that saved him.

Stone Lewis is the frontman for Unhinged. He is gorgeous, and talented. It appears he has everything. Yet he can’t sleep at night and he drinks too much. Consumed by guilt and grief, the nightmares remind him of the brother he lost in a horrific car accident two years ago. Then Joel Ricki shows up on their tour bus and everything changes

This was an alright story but there were just a few things that couldn’t redeem it for me.  Joel successfully gets into the concert but hides out on the wrong bus.  Stone takes Joel under his wing and helps him build a life now that he is free to make those decisions.

Joel has had to do a lot of things to survive the times he has been on the street and wants to escape the endless circle he has been in and we see him get the chance to do this with the help of all the members of Unhinged.  He is very emotionally open and innocent and wears his feelings on his sleeve.  Stone feels responsible for Joel but not just in the older brother sort of way.  Stone hides his feelings behind booze and what his record label wants him to do.  I can’t forgive him for using and hurting Joel the way he did throughout the book though, I just feel that he dug the knife a little too deep before he finally opened his eyes.

The cover art by Martine Jardin is okay gives a nice visual of Stone.

Sales Links: Extasy Books | Amazon | B&N

Book Details:

ebook, 195 pages

Published: April 27, 2018 by Extasy Books

Edition Language: English