Craig Chats... Was TC Talks Now It's... Well Just read and find out... #giveaway

Before I start this week’s article let me address the elephant in the room. Yes, my name has changed (T.C. Orton was my pen name, Craig Barker is my real name). And, yes, this is going to play into today’s topic. 

Here we go… 

You see, I love the MM community. I love the people I’ve met, the things I’ve learned (as both an author and a human being), and the experiences I’ve shared. I love seeing support for the LGBT community all over my news feed. I love seeing people of all genders/races/sexualities banding together through a love of man-on-man action. 

I love it all. 

However, something I don’t necessarily “love” is MM fiction. As a gay male, I’ve always felt that I “stumbled” into the genre rather than sought it out because it’s something I enjoy. In my spare time, I do not read MM books. I don’t really enjoy romance at all—just ask my fiancé. 

What do I enjoy? I enjoy coming-of-age stories about ragtag groups of teens fighting supernatural threats with underlying messages about adulthood, the world, politics and mental health. I enjoy shows like Buffy, and while not anywhere near as insightful, I enjoy reading The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare and Midnighters by Scott Westerfeld. 

I enjoy urban-fantasy fiction above all else. It’s my true passion. 

So, shortly after my last article, where I half-heartedly tried to convince myself that the contemporary-romance story I was writing was going to be the one to make me fall in love with the genre, I changed things up. I rid myself of the pen name, confining all my MM books into the T.C. Orton casket before nailing it up and shoving it under the bed. Henceforth, I’ll be going forward as myself—Craig Barker—and only penning stories I’d want to read myself. 

What does that entail? 

As stated, I enjoy urban-fantasy stories. Young Adult, New Adult, it doesn’t matter. I enjoy the ensemble adventures where each person brings something unique to the story, and where their sexuality and romantic relationships come second place to the overall plot. Thus, that’s what I’ll be creating. 

I want to write female characters. I want to write straight characters. I want to have a leading gay protagonist who is more concerned with the issues at hand rather than the issues at hand being that he’s gay. 

And don’t get me wrong. I appreciate the MM genre to no end. I respect everyone who writes in it. I have the upmost admiration for people who manage to tell epic love stories between same-sex couples to give those that are still dreaming of their own love story the fantasy they deserve—but that’s not me. 

I don’t need to read about two guys falling in love because I’ve lived it. I don’t need to read about two guys banging because I’m doing it. (Not right now, it’s taco night.) 

What I do want to read is leading gay men saving the world—possibly falling in love along the way, but putting the mission first. What I do want to read is gay chosen ones. Gay heroes. Gay leaders. I want to see LGBT people be superheroes. I want to see them wield swords, cast spells and struggle with more than just their sexuality. And I know some of these exist in the MM world, but again, these themes always play into a character’s sexuality or there’s a heavy focus on the sexualisation surrounding the characters in play—that’s not what I’m after. 

I want to see more. More than the MM genre can provide me. And that is the reason for this change up. 

With that said I am currently working on a brand new series—and shared universe in which all my new stories will take place in. I won’t take up anymore of your time with the details in this article, but if you’re interested in following me on this new adventure then please go to - https://www.facebook.com/groups/craigbarkerbooks/ and take a look around at the various excerpts and announcements that have recently been posted. 

And, if you know any YA/NA series that feature LGBT characters in spotlight roles (not necessarily the leading protagonist, but present throughout) where their sexuality ISN’T the main plot, please leave your recommendations in the comments.

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TC Talks: My Next Release.... Book Release, Pervs ~Cover Reveal and #Giveaway

Hello everyone! Thank you for coming back to my small corner of the blog—especially after the last two pieces I penned. I’ve thought long and hard (insert dirty joke here) about what this week’s T.C. Talks might bring, and I shamelessly decided to promote myself.

You see, apart from being a bona fide bottom, video game enthusiast, and fried chicken lover, I also—on occasion—enjoy writing novels.

My last release was Campus Life; a choose-your-own-adventure, light-hearted college rom-com that ended in bukkakes aplenty and holes gaping. However, my latest project is the start of a new series: Straight Money | Boys with Billions #1

It’s contemporary. It’s gay-for-you. It’s billionaire bottom, former-child-actor (Fox) meets gruff, manly college-dropout (Ashton) fresh from his breakup.

There’s drama. There’s laughter. There’s tears. There’s something akin to prostitution going on—it’s a good time. Of course, most importantly, it’s a romance; it’s about two men, lost in their own way, coming together to make that sweet, sweet man love we all enjoy.

I’m currently aiming for a mid-June release, so please feel free to follow my author page to keep up to date with my goings on–

https://www.facebook.com/groups/tcortonbookclub/

And before I skedaddle, I’ll leave you with an excerpt from the book. 
As always, thanks for taking the time to read my ramblings!

Excerpt:

“Who’s meeting who?” Ashton reappeared, shoving Fox’s glass of water into his hands before resuming his position in the doorway.

Olivia lowered her head, blushing. She traded a few more lines with Ashton before excusing herself. However, just as she took her leave she said something that caught Fox’s attention—

“By the way, Mr. Shaw. I looked into those apartments within your price range and found someone willing to negotiate. Give me another week and I think you could have twice the space for fifty dollars less per month.”

Less? Fox looked to Ashton, his mind racing to conclusions. I’m paying him a generous wage. Why would he need to cut back? And now that I think about it, he jumped at the chance to drop his gym membership too…

Olivia said her goodbyes, leaving Fox to wallow in the mighty shadow she’d cast over his and Ashton’s time together, further emphasized by Ashton’s obvious excitement.

“She’s something,” the blond stated, smirking. “I know women aren’t your thing, but c’mon.”

It was the first time Ashton had acknowledged Fox’s sexuality, and it pushed him over the edge.

“Ashton.” Fox’s face drained of emotion. “I’m attending an event next weekend—the Blue and Black Masquerade. It’s a dull affair filled with duller people, but it’s for a good cause. However, the prude in charge of the seating insists that she can’t have an odd table, and if I don’t find myself a date, I won’t be allowed into the venue.”

Ashton appeared taken aback by Fox’s sudden transformation from carefree millennial to businessman.

“Okay… Are you asking me if I know any gay guys?” he replied.

“No.” Fox was blunt, cold, sharp. “I’m asking you to be my date for the evening.”

Ashton began to laugh, shaking his head and commenting how Fox had got him. However, that laughter soon faded when he reached the center of the room and turned to see Fox still staring at him; eyes locked on and with a face full of purpose.

“You’re shitting me?” he sighed. “Man, I’m not gay.”

Fox marched toward him. “Who said anything about being gay?”

“You’re asking me to be your date! I don’t do that with guys. I’m sorry, but no.”

A tension began to grow between the two, and it was clear Ashton wanted no part of it. He swiftly gathered his things and made for the door, mumbling to himself in frustration, but just as he reached for the handle…

“Ten-thousand!” Fox called out, bringing Ashton to a grinding halt.

“What?” Ashton turned his head over his shoulder. “What the hell do you mean?”

Fox shrugged. “I’ll pay you ten-thousand to be my date. In cash. On the night. We’ll enter through the back—no red carpet or paparazzi. And it’s a masquerade so everyone will be wearing masks. Then, when we get back into the limo, I’ll hand you the money.”

He could barely believe what he was saying, but Fox couldn’t help himself. He had finally found something—someone—that made his days seem a little bit brighter, and although it wasn’t fair to burden Ashton with that role…in that moment, Fox didn’t care.

A few seconds of silence later, Ashton’s lips parted, and the young celebrity braced himself.

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