Inspiration and Coffee!

No, not me!

     So… Here I sit… again, wondering what the hell to blog about this week. Someone suggested something about my playing in the dirt. Well… that would be rather short. Not much to say about that. I checked my messages and saw something that inspired me in more ways than one, if you know what I mean.
    Nooooo, get your minds out of the gutter, y’all. Sheesh…
     I think I may have mentioned this a few hundred times, but I get inspiration from all kinds of places. Yeah, I know, I’ve got five, six or ten books already in mind, but there are a few that just grab me. P.O.W. was inspired by a broadcast by Anderson Cooper. Going Home, personal experiences, My Hero’s, football and the Olympics and The V Unit, on a dare.

Inspiration for one of the characters for
Life After Living.

     I do have a work in progress that is progressing nicely. Life After Living is the title and it is going to be a hard read for some. It’s been tough doing the research and then writing some of the scenes are quite heartbreaking. There are a few secondary characters that seem to want to be main characters, but that is okay too. You know how I am about those.
     No, this time, this photo struck a chord with me. A simple black and white photo was all it took. I’ve been wanting to write something about more mature men and this one came at the right time and gave me that ‘feeling’ that there was a story that needed to be told. I’ve already done a brief outline of the story. Just a niggle of a thought. The research on this one will be easy, and I can tell it is going to be one of those tales that is going to practically write itself.

     A week or so I posted a photo, of the picture that inspired me, and asked if anyone would be interested in a story about a more mature man and the response was an overwhelming yes. That made me very happy and started the wheels turning.
     As a side note, I contacted the model and he’s a very nice gentleman. Yes, I said gentleman.
     There are times when I know… a gut feeling, if you will, if a story has merit to pursue. This one is a big fat yes. Believe it or not, I’ve written some things that I’ve never shown anyone. I have one that is just a big ol’ rambling mess that will more than likely never see the light of day. I’ve written two stories that I know I’ll never publish, especially with the way that Going Home was treated by Amazon and All Romance ebooks. I mean, why would I put myself through that again?

     No, this one… it is going to be one of those special works that I’ll take my time with and enjoy it as I would a fine wine. A really good red wine needs time to age and mature, as this character has.
     I’m sorry to say, there is this current WIP to finish, and then two more that I’ve promised to do before I can really delve into this new venture, but I am so looking forward to it. I can be patient… I think. Oh hell, we’ll see. It isn’t too unusual for me to be working on two things at once, but not often.
     So why am I telling you about it now? Yeah, I’m a tease. I’m going to flirt with this and yank your chains with it. Why? Because if I have to be tortured in having to wait to write it, it only seems fair that you feel my pain. That’s rational, right?
     Let’s talk coffee…

     Yeah, you know I love my coffee. No, it’s not Starbucks or Dunkin’, nothing that fancy. I get an Italian espresso blend from a local grocery store. The damn stuff is almost black it is so dark. And yes, I drink it black and very strong. My day doesn’t even start until I’ve had my coffee.

     There are those who know me by my morning coffee photos. I figure I’d combine two of my favorite things: coffee and handsome men. How can I go wrong with that? I’m glad that so many of you out there appreciate my loves and stop by to say good morning.
     I’ve been planning on visiting Europe again next year. Italy, Paris, Berlin and a few days in London. A book convention in Italy to start things off, then Paris for a book signing and party. Berlin is Euro Con, and then flying out of London. There is a show that my friend Lauren wants to see there, so why not.
     Why am I bringing this up? Well… I kinda, sorta started a little contest. I asked readers from France and Italy to submit photos of handsome men drinking coffee. The more risqué, the less clothes, the better chances of winning. I have to say… I’ve gotten some pretty nice/racey photos. There is one reader in France that is… well, she’s just blown me away. I can’t wait to see what the Italians have to offer. I must say, they’ve got some catching up to do with the French.

Submitted by French reader.

     It got me to thinking… it kinda hurt, so early in the morning, but I came up with an idea. So listen up you people in the New York City area… Starting in January, I’m going to start a little contest. Let’s see if y’all can’t compete with the Europeans. I’m going to be in New York City for the Rainbow Book Fair, April 9, 2016, and will award the winner then. What will you win? Every printed book I have out, signed, and breakfast that morning. A coffee and a bagel? New York’s the place for that!
     So… who’s gonna be the one to send me that winning photo? I will post rules, requirements and such sometime this week. I will also start up a separate Facebook page just for this event.

Of course NUDES are accepted!

     What else…
     Did anyone see the CNN Hero Awards? Wow, there are some really great people out there who do so much for others. What kind of world would we be living in if everyone did a little something for those who are less fortunate?
     If we were to have our own little M/M genre contest, I would nominate Lynn Schmitz. She is a participant in her local chapter of PFLAG, bakes cookies, collects books for LGBT youth, and is always helping others. Warms my heart every time I see her bright smile and loving nature. You go Lynn… keep on keeping on and more power to you!

My Hero

     This year are you willing to do something for someone else? Can you afford to get a little something for a child who may not have much of a Christmas or Hanukah? Toys for Tots? How about Lost n Found? You don’t even need to leave the house to get something on their wish list on Amazon. It really is easy and a lot of things there are under $20.00! Let’s do our part, shall we?

     Lost-n-Found Link

     Okay, I think that’s enough of me rambling on for this week. I’m off to play in the dirt. Yeah, I’ve been out for the last few days playing, but I can’t resist. I do love getting dirty.
     Have a grrreat week, y’all,
     Max