Jeff reports that he completed the first draft of Codename: Winger #4 and that he did volunteer training at Sacramento's Lavender Library, which was featured in episode 142, so that he can work the circulation desk.
Jeff reviews the audiobooks With A Kick Collection #1 by Clare London and narrated by Joel Leslie and Hearts in Ireland by J.C. Long with narration by John Steinkamp. He also discusses the children's book Maiden Voyage. Will reviews The Palisade by Rosalind Abel and narrated by Kirt Graves.
The guys talk to Jennifer Morris, the director of the Coastal Magic Convention. They get all the details on the 2019 gathering, why she started the con and how she curates the weekend's activities. One special listener will receive a free registration to the 2019 convention by using the hashtag #WINMYWAYINCMCON19. Full rules on the giveaway are at the bottom of the shownotes page.
Complete shownotes for episode 144, including the Coastal Magic giveaway details, are at BigGayFictionPodcast.com.
The show kicks off with a look at the Coast Magic Convention's author reveal and news that registration is now open.
Jeff & Will review the plays and musicals they saw on their recent New York trip, including Angels in America, The Boys in the Band, Afterglow, Once on this Island, A Letter to Harvey Milk and Carousel.
They also discuss watching Man in an Orange Shirt and Will reviews Andrew Grey's The Best Worst Honeymoon Ever.
Brandilyn stops by to recommend the audiobooks of North on Drummond by K.C. Burn and Blood from a Stoner by L.A. Witt.
Complete show notes for episode 143 are at BigGayFictionPodcast.com.
Big Announcement! The Big Gay Fiction Podcast will be joining the other Featured Bloggers at the 2019 Coastal Magic Convention (February 28 - March 3 in Daytona Beach, Florida).
For movies this week, Jeff talks about the extras on the Love, Simon Blu-Ray while Will talks about two older films featuring gay leading men of yesteryear -Jack the Giant Killer and The Female Animal.
Children's and YA books are also the focus this week. The guys remind everyone that Maiden Voyage, the second book from the duo behind last year's Promised Land, arrives on June 26. Will also reviews Prince & Knight and The Story of Harvey Milk & The Rainbow Flag. Meanwhile, Jeff discusses C.B. Lee's Not Your Sidekick.
The guys visit Sacramento's Lavender Library, Archives, and Cultural Exchange to interview board member Trevor Neeley. They talk about the history of the library, what its mission is, how it serves the community and what's coming as it prepares to celebrate its 20th Anniversary. To see Trevor give a tour of the library, go to the last eight minutes of this week's YouTube video.
Complete show notes for episode 142 are at BigGayFictionPodcast.com.
Jeff & Will welcome Greywolf as a new patron and also congratulate Jen for winning the ebook giveaway for Running with Lions by Julian Winters from episode 139.
Last weekend's Tony Awards are discussed along with NBC's Rise and the movies Paris is Burning, a documentary about the ballroom scene in late 1980s New York City, and Strike a Pose which looks at the dancers who were on Madonna's Blonde Ambition Tour.
Jeff reviews two books by Seth King: Honesty and Twinkle Toes. Seth is then welcomed to the show to discuss his latest book, Who's Your Daddy? Seth also talks about starting to write at an early age, his process and what it was like to come out with the publication of Honesty.
Complete show notes for episode 141 are at BigGayFictionPodcast.com.
Jeff & Will welcome Layla as a new patron and also congratulate Katie for winning the "Champions of Desire" giveaway from Christa Tomlinson from episode 138.
The guys talk about Pose, the new FX series from Ryan Murphy that looks New York City's ball culture in the late 80s. Netflix original film Alex Strangelove is also discussed. Jeff reviews the first two books in Layla Reyne's Agents Irish & Whiskey Series, Single Malt and Cask Strength.
Jeff interviews Charlie David about his new anthology TV series Shadowlands, which is based on his short story collection. Charlie talks about adapting his stories for television, what it was like directing scripted television for the first time (including directing himself) and what projects are coming next for him. He's also got a discount code for listeners to get 25% off of Shadowlands on Vimeo.
Complete show notes for episode 140 are at BigGayFictionPodcast.com.
Jeff & Will wish everyone a happy Pride month.
The guys congratulate recent giveaway winners: Dee, Theresa, Danielle and Christina who won Audible codes from episode 136 as well as Lisa, Heather and Rhonda who each won an ebook from Hans Hirschi in episode 137.
Jeff reviews The Lightning-Struck Heartby TJ Klune and Running with Lions by Julian Winters.
Jeff interviews debut author Julian Winters. They discuss Running with Lions along with how Julian was encouraged to write the book, his love of comic books and what's coming next. Jeff's also giving away a Kindle ebook of Running with Lionsto one listener. To enter send an email to giveaway@biggayfictionpodcast.com with "Lions" in the subject line.
Complete show notes for episode 139 are at BigGayFictionPodcast.com.
Jeff kicks off this week talking about the recent readings by the Queer Sacramento Authors Collective.
Adam Rippon is congratulated for his Dancing With the Stars win.
Jeff reviews the new anthology TV series from Charlie David, Shadowlands. The guys talk about Jason Gaffney's new movie Analysis Paralysis as well as the new short film starring Ben Bauer, Something New. Jeff also reviews Off the Ice by Avon Gale & Piper Vaughn with narration by Kirt Graves.
Jeff & Will interview Christa Tomlinson. She talks about her Cuffs, Collars, and Love series as well as the Champions of Desire series. The guys also get the lowdown on her roller derby past as well as discuss her recent blog post on the lack of diversity in gay romance. She's also got a tremendous Champions of Desire prize pack to give away to one lucky listener.
Complete show notes for episode 138, including the chance to win the prize package from Christa Tomlinson, are at BigGayFictionPodcast.com.
Jeff updates everyone on the Codename: Winger books, including news that Tacker Hacker (book #1) is available for free, through May 15, at Amazon and other online retailers.
Mark, Maureen and Katie are congratulated for winning the Keira Andrews giveaway from Episode 134. They guys also share the news that Tammy Middleton's Autism Awareness Auction in April raised more than $2400.
Kendra is thanked for raising her pledge on Patreon.
The guys talk about Adam Rippon's stint on Dancing with the Stars.
Will reviews Showing Him the Ropes by Christa Tomlinson. Together, Jeff & Will review Wilde Fire by Lucy Lennox. Jeff discusses Nothing Happened by Molly Booth and Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Albertalli.
Audiobook narrator Finn Sterling (aka Jess Hanks) stops by to talk about how he got into the business, what his favorite type of characters are to voice as well as the band he's in. Along with Dreamspinner Press, he's offering four listeners the chance to win an Audible code to get one of his books.
Complete show notes for episode 136, including the chance to win Audible codes, are at BigGayFictionPodcast.com.
Schooled, the second book in Jeff's Codename: Wingerseries comes out on Tuesday, May 1.
Lizzy, the winner of the Mary Calmes giveaway is congratulated. R.L. and James are welcomed as new patrons.
Jeff & Will talk about TV they've been watching with the Riverdale take on Carrie: The Musical, Good Girls and Champions. Will discusses To Walk Invisible, a documentary on the Bronte Sisters, and Louisa May Alcott: The Woman Behind Little Women.
Book reviews this week include Will's take on Finding It by Devon McCormack & Riley Hart and Beyond the Seaby Keira Andrews. Meanwhile, Jeff looks at Keira's Kidnapped by the Pirate.
Keira then joins the guys for an interview to talk about her latest, Test of Valor, as well as her origins in fanfic and what's coming up next for her. Keira also has a giveaway for three listeners to win a copy of Valor on the Move, the first book in the Valor series.
Complete show notes for episode 134 are at BigGayFictionPodcast.com.
Jeff & Will remind everyone about the Autism Awareness Auction currently happening through the end of the month. They also discuss their April 21 and 22 appearances at the LA Times Festival of Books.
Will reads a special letter to listeners regarding diversity in the gay romance genre.
Will reviews "Bearly Legal" by Kiki Burrelli. Jeff talks about the recent audiobook release of "City Boy" by A.E. Wasp and narrated by Michael Pauley.
Mary Calmes stops by to talk about her latest book, "Twisted and Tied," as well as how she got started in gay romance, her writing process and what's still to come this year. She's also got an audiobook giveaway for listeners.
Complete show notes for episode 132 are at BigGayFictionPodcast.com.
Jeff & Will look at some of the authors and exhibitors coming to the L.A. Times Festival of Books on April 21 and 22. They also remind listeners that Joyfully Jay's paranormal theme week is running through April 14.
New patron Danielle is welcomed.
Christina from Christina's Bookshelf recommends two books for baseball season: Love by Number by DJ Jamison and Bases Loaded by Sean Michael. She also talks about Campus Life, a choose your own adventure gay romance, by T.C. Orton.
Will reviews A Match for Mike by Jason & Ed Gaffney. Jeff reviews Swann's Revenge by Shira Anthony and also discusses the audiobook of The Hockey Player's Heart. The guys also review the recent NBC concert presentation of Jesus Christ Superstar.
Tammy Middleton, who writes under the name T.M. Smith, is here with the details on this year's Autism Awareness Month Auction, which runs through April 30. She also talks about her new book, Lover.
Complete show notes for episode 131 are at BigGayFictionPodcast.com.
Jeff & Will discuss their second viewing of Love, Simon.
Their co-written book, The Hockey Player's Heart, is now available as an audiobook performed by Finn Sterling. They've got a giveaway on the shownotes page for a lucky listener to win an Audible code for the book.
The guys will be at the upcoming L.A. Times Festival of Books on April 21 and 22. They'll be doing a signing for their books and other fun stuff during that weekend.
In other news this week, Changing on the Fly: The Second Period charity anthology will disappear soon as the NHL season wraps up on April 7. Tammy Middleton's Autism Awareness Month Auction is underway with lots of great items for authors and readers to bid on. It's also Love Bytes Reviews Fifth Anniversary and Dani and her team have a ton of great giveaways planned to celebrate.
Jeff reviews the YA novel History is All You Left Me by Adam Sllvera, while Will reviews the romantic comedy Creating Clark by Jason T. Gaffney & Ed Gaffney. They also discuss some performances from MCC Theatre's recent Miscast fundraiser.
Jessica & Markie from the Top to BOTM Podcast to talk about their show, their reading influence and their love of the gay romance genre.
Complete show notes for episode 130 are at BigGayFictionPodcast.com.
Jeff & Will have completed their move and have news about Love, Simon, TJ Klune's new YA trilogy, Romance Writer's of America awards and Eastsiders.
New patrons Jennifer, Lita, Olivia, Jules and LizaStar are welcomed.
Will reviews books from K.C. Wells and A.R. Barley while Jeff has one from Lucy Lennox. The film Every Day and the new NBC series Rise are also discussed.
Jay from Joyfully Jay stops by to preview the site's upcoming paranormal theme week, which begins April 9. She also recommends books by Lily Maxton, Morgan Brice and Lisa Henry & J.A. Rock. She also gives a shout out to Love, Simon.
Complete show notes for episode 129 are at BigGayFictionPodcast.com.
Jeff & Will wish everyone a happy spring (or fall) this week.
Will reviews Game Point by M.J. O'Shea.
Jeff and Becky Albertalli continue their interview. Finishing up the discussion of Love, Simon they talk about the importance of a gay teen at the center of a big studio movie and her cameo. They also discuss books, including last year's The Upside of Unrequited as well as the forthcoming Leah on the Offbeat.
Complete show notes for episode 128 are at BigGayFictionPodcast.com.
Jeff & Will are on the movie this week. That doesn't stop them from bringing you the very best in gay fiction. Jeff reviews the audiobook of Jack of Thorns by Amelia Faulkner and narrated by Joel Leslie. The guys also discuss the YouTube Red original series Step Up: High Water, a spin off of the Step Up movie franchise.
Jeff interviews Becky Albertalli, author of the best selling book Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda which hits the big screen this week under the title Love, Simon. Jeff and Becky talk extensively about the book's journey to the screen, including why the title changed, which actor came up with a new scene that Becky loves, and Oreos!
Complete show notes for episode 127 are at BigGayFictionPodcast.com.
Jeff & Will give a shout out to Pucks & Percentages, the new m/m hockey romance serial from V.L. Locey and RJ Scott. They also look at the horrible author payout Audible made after the first quarter of the Audible Romance Package.
WIll reviews The Bunny and the Billionaire by Louisa Masters. The guys review Tom of Finland, the amazing biopic about the famed Finnish artist.
Brandilyn and Jeff discuss the Young Adult works of Rick Riordan, which includes the Percy Jackson series, and in particular, the inclusive universe Riordan has created for LGBTQ+ characters.
Complete show notes for episode 126 are at BigGayFictionPodcast.com.
Jeff & Will start off with updates from the past week.
They give a birthday shout out to The Ripped Bodice bookstore, which celebrates its second anniversary on Sunday, March 4.
The Book2Pod service is discussed further, including some listener feedback from last week's sample. Book2Pod's Nigel, the British narrator, provided the intro for this week's show.
New patron Liz is welcomed.
Jeff reviews The Sumage Solution by G.L. Carriger and narrated by Kirt Graves. The guys review of The Fireman's Pole by Sue Brown with narration by Finn Sterling.
Poppy Dennison chats about her new Bartlett Boys series as well as the forthcoming re-launch of Coconut Grove, which she co-writes with M.J. O'Shea. She also talks about her entry in the Heart2Heart charity anthology.
Complete show notes for episode 125 are at BigGayFictionPodcast.com.
Jeff & Will kick off the episode with updates on writing and that they both registered for GayRomLit. They also talk about a listener email they got.
The 2018 Winter Olympics are discussed, especially the representation from openly gay athletes Adam Rippon and Gus Kenworthy.
The Book2Pod service was unveiled last week, offering to create computer-read books in podcast format. Jeff submitted a sample of his book, Dancing for Him, so listeners can sample a book as read by computer. The 100 second sample is on the shownotes page. Jeff & Will encourage listeners to leave their thoughts about the concept in the comments on the shownotes.
Lisa from The Novel Approach recommends books by Andrea Speed, Jordan Castillo Price and Harper Fox.
The guys review the Heart2Heart charity anthology as well as Lucy Lennox's Felix and the Prince.
Lucy returns to the show to talk about Felix, what's coming up next in the Forever Wilde series and lots more.
Complete show notes for episode 124 are at BigGayFictionPodcast.com.
Jeff & Will kick off the episode with updates on writing and moving.
A shout out is given to Cupid Strikes Again Free Male/Male romance stories available from February 11-18 from authors including Garett Groves, Piper Scott, Amy Tasukada, Kiki Burrelli, Alex Miska, Lucy Lennox, and others. GayRomLit registration is also discussed as it comes up on Saturday, February 17.
Will reviews Fortune's Slings & Cupid's Arrows by Ari McKay. Jeff reviews Down on the Farm and The Past Comes Home, both by Silvia Violet with narration by Greg Boudreaux. The guys also discuss the films Call Me By Your Name and God's Own Country.
V.L. Locey and RJ Scott stop by to talk about Poke Check, the latest in the Harrisburg Railers series. They also discuss how they become co-writers, what's coming next for them both and give an update on the Changing On The Fly charity anthology.
Complete show notes for episode 123 are at BigGayFictionPodcast.com.
Kickstarters have begun for two of Jeff & Will's favorite things: Where the Bears Are (for season seven) and Love & Luck Podcast (for season 2).
New patron RobK is welcomed.
Lucy Lennox stops by to talk about the Heart 2 Heart charity anthology that releases this week. She tells us about the origin of the book as well and the charities it supports.
Jeff and Will discuss Wrapped Up in You by Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine, which is also being made into a film by PassionFlix. Jeff also reviews The Glamour Thieves by Don Allmon.
Greg Tremblay is interviewed and gives his origin story, the scoop on his most recent titles by Santino Hassell and A.M. Arthur as well as a look at his process. He's also got a giveaway.
Complete show notes for episode 122 are at BigGayFictionPodcast.com.
Jeff & Will open the show talking about their past week in writing and revisions. A couple of shoutouts are given to Oscar nominees, Call Me By Your Name and The Greatest Showman. They also discuss the past week's announcement that Kobo and WalMart have formed a partnership to distribute ebooks and ereaders.
New patron Cali is welcomed.
Jeff reviews Fish Stick Fridays by Rhys Ford. The guys also review the indie movie Do You Take This Man starring Anthony Rapp and Jonathan Bennett.
Jeff & Will interview A.M. Arthur about her Clean Slate Ranch series, her latest installments in the Breaking Free series (out this week), how she got started in gay romance and what's to come in 2018.
Complete show notes for episode 121 are at BigGayFictionPodcast.com.
Jeff & Will talk about release week of The Hockey Player's Heart as well as offer some writing updates.
New patrons Lisa and Aurora are welcomed.
Jeff reviews Straight from the Heart by Sam Burns, Come What May by A.M. Arthur, Romancing the Werewolf by Gail Carriger along with a re-read of Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli. The guys also talk about two TV shows that debuted in the past week: FX's American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace and the latest CW superhero show Black Lightning.
Author Heidi Cullinan and voice artist Iggy Toma return for the second part of their interview with Jeff. In this week they discuss how their collaboration started and how it works, their latest audio Antisocial, what's coming this year for both of them and more.
Complete show notes for episode 120 are at BigGayFictionPodcast.com.
Jeff & Will discuss various aspects of their debut collaboration, "The Hockey Player's Heart." The book is now available from Dreamspinner Press at all major online book retailers.
Among the topics they talk about this being Will's debut novel, their writing process, populating the book with out and proud characters, their love of category romance, short reads vs. epic length, the small town setting and they wrap up with Will reading from the book's prologue.
Complete shownotes are available at BigGayFictionPodcast.com.
Jeff & Will talk about the release of The Hockey Player's Heart, which happens on Tuesday.
New patron TJ is welcomed.
Christina from Christina's Bookshelf has recommendations for books by Nicky James and Christian Baines.
Jeff interviews author Heidi Cullinan and voice artist Iggy Toma about their collaboration on The Roosevelt series, which is Carry the Ocean and Shelter the Sea. In part one of their interview, Heidi talks about the origins of the characters and story while Iggy talks about bringing those characters to life.
Complete show notes for episode 119 are at BigGayFictionPodcast.com.
Jeff & Will open the show with news that the blog tour for The Hockey Player's Heart gets underway this week. The guys will be doing Facebook Live segments on their author page starting Wednesday, January 10 and the tour starts on Friday, January 12 at Hearts on Fire.
Plans were also made to attend the Los Angeles Times Book Festival, April 21 and 22. They'll have much more details on what they'll be doing there closer to the event. A brief mention is also given to The Ripped Bodice bookstore, which appeared on the CBS comedy Life in Pieces this past week.
Jeff reviews Shelter the Sea by Heidi Cullinan and read by Iggy Toma as well as Among the Living (PsyCop #1) by Jordan Castillo Price and read by Gomez Pugh. They guys also briefly talk about The Untold Tales of Armistead Maupin, which they watched on PBS this past week.
Editor turned author Kris Jacen talks about her debut book, Wait for Me, and what led her to become an author in her own right after working with writers for a decade as Editor in Chief of MLR Press. Her next book, "Explore with Me," arrives February 9.
Complete show notes for episode 118 are at BigGayFictionPodcast.com.