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Category: giveaway

The LGBTQ Push Back Charity Giveaway, And Why I’m Thankful For That Pizza Fundraiser

In 2008, I was a recent transplant to the city of Los Angeles. I reveled in the diversity and in the social atmosphere—one very different from what I’d known in my previous rural town. My friends and colleagues in graduate school were of different backgrounds, different ethnicities, and different sexualities, but we all shared mostly liberal sensibilities—not unusual, as our program had “social justice” in its unofficial title.

Proposition 8 appeared on the scene, and my friends and I all agreed it was disgusting that ‘a group’ had dared to introduce this proposal in our state. I attended protests in my small corner of the city, and I remember being surrounded by likeminded people and being so happy to see the crowds—all these humans in support of equality, proving the world had changed.

Then came November 4th. I sat at my computer staring at the results of the voting, shock and confusion casting me adrift in the world I thought I knew. It had really passed? In beautiful, liberal California? How was this possible?

My husband came home and found me that way, and he shook his head sadly. “There’re a lot of people who still just don’t like gay anything,” he said.

And yeah, I knew that. But this many people, here? How did I miss that?

Perhaps because I was living in a bubble. A bubble of people who believed the things I did, and being with them for so many hours of the day had skewed my perception. As a newcomer to the state I wasn’t fully aware of the social climate. I’d forgotten to look beyond my immediate field of vision. Doing so isn’t always an easy task—the world can be ugly out there, and it can be painful. But it’s necessary, for me. Necessary that I don’t let myself be blindsided again.

I spoke at a Con once about the dangers of tailoring our lives to our desires. It’s easy enough to do these days, to avoid the things that make us cringe and surround ourselves with our favorites. I can regulate my social media streams and block my triggers and subscribe to my preferred news sources. And that’s not all terrible (certainly less stressful), but I believe I should cast my net wider than just what I want to see. For one thing, if I don’t I may miss out on the opportunity to discover something new, to change for the better or to grow. For another, once I am steadfast in a belief, I may not be prepared to face those who are opposed to it—I should know what they are saying, thinking, and doing in order to be ready for the fight.

And that’s why I’m thankful for the pizza fundraiser. It’s big enough news that it breaks through many people’s bubbles and shakes us to the core. It reminds us just how many people still fight against equal rights, just how many people still hold hatred for others disguised as love for themselves in their hearts. Yes, the world is changing, but the battle is not over.

I wasn’t that surprised by the outcome of the pizza fundraiser—my husband and I both predicted it would happen when the 1-star yelp reviews first appeared—but I know many people who were shocked and disgusted. Good. Let’s channel that into forward momentum.

The LGBTQ Push Back Charity Giveaway is in support of LGBTQ teens. Three charities have been set up in response to that pizza parlor one, and authors and publishers are offering 224 prizes to people who donate and/or share about the fundraiser. I’m including either of my titles and the Social Skills audiobook. Details/entry can be found here:

http://diversereader.blogspot.com/2015/04/lgbtq-push-back-charity-giveaway.html

LGBTQBannerFB

Thanks for reading!

Giveaway!

 Rainbow Award Winner

I’d like celebrate Silent’s Rainbow Award win with a giveaway! I have ebooks, paperbacks, tote bags, and some special Santa Monica Pier artwork/postcards to give away. See the rafflecopter entry form below for details. 🙂

SMFerrisWheelNothing is mandatory, but if you’d like to share about the book with others, or share your favorite (not-too-spoilery) moment here, I’d love that. Thank you again to all the readers!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy Holidays

Just wanted to wish everyone happy holidays, vacation days, or whatever you have in store for this time of year. 🙂

I haven’t been writing, or thinking about writing, for a bit as my furry best friend (black and white kitty) became very sick and had to have surgery. She’s doing well now but it was a tough time for us. I’m going to take this holiday season as a little break and a chance to officially ‘move in’ to my house, which we’ve owned for two years now with nothing up on the walls and a room full of still unpacked boxes (Crazy, I know. My husband and I are lost causes.).

I’m also a bit late in sending out the giveaway prizes (sorry!) as it took a while to find the time to get over to Santa Monica with everything going on. But I did spend a nice crisp winter day there yesterday, and it doubled as my 4 year wedding anniversary celebration.

As promised, here’s the video of the winner’s artwork being created (if you listen closely, you can hear me say a word or two. 😛 Well, actually, just the same word twice).

http://youtu.be/nIXiovYQouA

http://youtu.be/YUVt5TNA3QM

 

A couple other things:

*Voting for the M/M Group Member Choice Awards is open until 12/31  http://www.esurveyspro.com/Survey.aspx?id=31dc63a9-f374-40b9-a220-b3aad4f2ba0d

*If you’re looking for a place to do a little donating, recently engaged M/M authors TJ Klune and Eric Arvin are dealing with unexpected serious health concerns. Surgery and a lengthy hospital stay are in Eric’s future and they could use the support. http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/eric-arvin-support-fund/116877

 

Happy Holidays! 🙂

Paperback Now Available and Giveaway Winners

Silent paperback is now available on Createspace and Amazon! 😀

Here’s a $2 off coupon code for Createspace, good for the next two weeks: S2XQ6E63

My cat is very excited.

Giveaway Winners

My apologies on being a day late on the announcement– had some car and cat troubles. I used a random number generator to select the winners out of the 47 entries.

Winner 1: Peaches

Winner 2: JohnRay

    

I really loved reading the comments you guys shared on all the posts. If I had infinite resources, I’d send you all paperbacks, but until that day, I’d like to offer anyone who participated a postcard from LA, if they’re interested. Just leave a comment here letting me know (using the same email address you used for the giveaway posts) and I’ll send you a private message. 🙂

Scenes from Silent pt. 6 (+giveaway)- Final Post

Part 1: Watts, Los Angeles

Part 2: Mid City, Los Angeles

Part 3: Bel Air and West Los Angeles

Part 4: Huntington Park, Los Angeles 

Part 5: Venice Beach

Scenes from Silent

Santa Monica Beach

 

Last stop, at least for my photos. Santa Monica is only a few miles north of Venice–they share a border–but the feel is slightly more upscale. The Promenade is a pedestrian mall lined with the latest fashionable department stores, fancy boutiques, and mix of fast food and fine dining restaurants.  There are also street performers and occasionally (sadly) a nut job with a microphone who spews hate to a crowd that (thankfully) either ignores him or throws his stupidity in his face with counter-arguments. A few blocks west you’ll come to the beach, where families from all over can be found enjoying the sun and the sand–though few swim in the water unless they’re tourists, as it’s not known for its cleanliness.

The pier is the focal point of the beach, and houses an amusement park with the famous Santa Monica Ferris wheel. Street artists who create unique works of art by request also set up shop on the wooden planks. You could spend an entire day just out on that pier–eating a meal or two at various restaurants, maybe doing a little fishing off the far end, going on the rides at the park and playing a few games. There are also several shops and a trapeze school to occupy your time. Have your face sculpted in clay, or your name painted in bright colors. It’s an entertaining place where you’re sure to find love of all ages–from teenagers on their first dates to elderly couples out for a sunset stroll.

This is where Alex learns about love and sacrifice.

 

Well, that’s it! I’ve really enjoyed sharing these images of LA, and hope they were able to provide readers with a glimpse into Alex’s world. 🙂

Giveaway!

I’m giving away 2 prizes at the end of the month:

Winner 1: Paperback and a finger painting from the Santa Monica pier (as featured in Chapter 22).

Seemingly careless streaks transformed into fantastic scenery as the man worked, but I couldn’t give him my full attention. I had other concerns on my mind…like why I felt so nervous standing beside Seb. Was I too close? Or not close enough? Why did that matter all of a sudden?

Here’s a clip of one being made:

Depending on the wishes of the artist, I may even be able to record a video of your artwork being created. 🙂

Winner 2: Paperback and postcards of LA scenes, including some from Inner City Arts, a nonprofit organization providing arts education to students in low-income areas of Los Angeles.

 

Rules/Entry Info

~To enter, just leave a comment on any “Scenes from Silent” post (one comment per post is eligible as another entry).

~Entries will be accepted from now until midnight PST on December 1st.

~Winners will be selected by random drawing and announced on December 2nd.

~Must be 18 or over to enter.

 

Thanks for reading! 🙂

 

 

Scenes from Silent pt.5 (+giveaway)

Part 1: Watts, Los Angeles

Part 2: Mid City, Los Angeles

Part 3: Bel Air and West Los Angeles

Part 4: Huntington Park, Los Angeles 

 

Scenes from Silent

Venice Beach

 

And now we’ve gone west again. Venice Beach is the people-watching capital of Southern California. You’ll see everything here—tourists from all over the world, locals from every part of LA (which by now you know is pretty diverse), artists, musicians, body builders, break dancers…you name it, Venice Beach probably has it. Street vendors line the boardwalk, selling everything from popcorn to life-size statues of movie characters.

I love the atmosphere here—the laid-back, anything-goes kind of feeling that I have walking the beach. You can dress up or dress down, you can purchase expensive works of art or just a few kitschy odds and ends. You can eat at a fancy café or grab a hot dog and some curly fries. Or you could just sit back and watch the vibrant scenery around you, both natural and man-made.

This is where Alex finds reason to hope again.

Part 6: Santa Monica Beach

Giveaway!

I’m giving away 2 prizes at the end of the month:

Winner 1: Paperback and a finger painting from the Santa Monica pier (as featured in Chapter 22).

Seemingly careless streaks transformed into fantastic scenery as the man worked, but I couldn’t give him my full attention. I had other concerns on my mind…like why I felt so nervous standing beside Seb. Was I too close? Or not close enough? Why did that matter all of a sudden?

Here’s a clip of one being made:

Depending on the wishes of the artist, I may even be able to record a video of your artwork being created. 🙂

Winner 2: Paperback and postcards of LA scenes, including some from Inner City Arts, a nonprofit organization providing arts education to students in low-income areas of Los Angeles.

 

Rules/Entry Info

~To enter, just leave a comment on any “Scenes from Silent” post (one comment per post is eligible as another entry).

~Entries will be accepted from now until midnight PST on December 1st (extended a day because I have one more post :P).

~Winners will be selected by random drawing and announced on December 2nd.

~Must be 18 or over to enter.

 

Thanks for reading! 🙂

Scenes from Silent pt. 4 (+giveaway)

Part 1: Watts, Los Angeles

Part 2: Mid City, Los Angeles

Part 3: Bel Air and West Los Angeles

 

Scenes from Silent

Huntington Park, Los Angeles

 

The previous two stops were progressively north and west, but this time we’re dipping southeast again. Huntington Park is similar to Watts in that it’s considered inner city and a low-income area. The population here is less mixed than in Watts, though, with around 97% of the residents identifying as Latino or Hispanic. Of course, within that majority there is still diversity, as some are recent immigrants—from various countries—and others have been citizens since birth.

Like Watts, it’s not the safest place in LA and not a place you’re likely to find a tourist. But also like in Watts, there are still members of close-knit families, wonderful displays of street art, and great cultural traditions. In my other profession I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of this community for years, and have many happy memories here that are no less meaningful just because they’re interspersed with more difficult ones.

This is where Alex makes one of the toughest decisions of his life.

Part 5: Venice Beach

Giveaway!

I’m giving away 2 prizes at the end of the month:

Winner 1: Paperback and a finger painting from the Santa Monica pier (as featured in Chapter 22).

Seemingly careless streaks transformed into fantastic scenery as the man worked, but I couldn’t give him my full attention. I had other concerns on my mind…like why I felt so nervous standing beside Seb. Was I too close? Or not close enough? Why did that matter all of a sudden?

Here’s a clip of one being made:

Depending on the wishes of the artist, I may even be able to record a video of your artwork being created. 🙂

Winner 2: Paperback and postcards of LA scenes, including some from Inner City Arts, a nonprofit organization providing arts education to students in low-income areas of Los Angeles.

 

Rules/Entry Info

~To enter, just leave a comment on any “Scenes from Silent” post (one comment per post is eligible as another entry).

~Entries will be accepted from now until midnight PST on December 1st.

~Winners will be selected by random drawing and announced on December 2nd.

~Must be 18 or over to enter.

 

Thanks for reading! 🙂

Part 5: Venice Beach

Scenes from Silent pt. 3 (+giveaway)

 

Part 1: Watts, Los Angeles

Part 2: Mid City, Los Angeles

 

Scenes from Silent

Bel Air and West Los Angeles

 

Another ten miles. Except this time, I’ve heard more than one person joke that you need a passport to travel the distance. On the West side, and particularly in areas like Bel Air and Brentwood, you’ll find large homes with perfectly-kept yards, trendy boutiques, and tons of restaurants, ranging from everyday burger joints to expensive (but delicious) organic health food. Billboards advertising the latest TV shows, movies, and designer clothes grace skyscrapers and heavily-trafficked roads.

Residents are a mix of races and ethnicities, but obviously there’s less diversity in their socio-economic statuses—you have to have a certain amount in the bank to be able to afford the cost of living. Behind the scenes, though, much of the service sector work at restaurants, office buildings, and homes is done by people who live in the near-and-yet-so-far places further east and south.

This is where Alex loses faith before finding a new purpose.

Part 4: Huntington Park, Los Angeles

Giveaway!

I’m giving away 2 prizes at the end of the month:

Winner 1: Paperback and a finger painting from the Santa Monica pier (as featured in Chapter 22).

Seemingly careless streaks transformed into fantastic scenery as the man worked, but I couldn’t give him my full attention. I had other concerns on my mind…like why I felt so nervous standing beside Seb. Was I too close? Or not close enough? Why did that matter all of a sudden?

Here’s a clip of one being made:

Depending on the wishes of the artist, I may even be able to record a video of your artwork being created. 🙂

Winner 2: Paperback and postcards of LA scenes, including some from Inner City Arts, a nonprofit organization providing arts education to students in low-income areas of Los Angeles.

 

Rules/Entry Info

~To enter, just leave a comment on any “Scenes from Silent” post (one comment per post is eligible as another entry).

~Entries will be accepted from now until midnight PST on November 30th.

~Winners will be selected by random drawing and announced on December 1st.

~Must be 18 or over to enter.

 

Thanks for reading! 🙂

Scenes from Silent pt. 2 (+ giveaway)

Part 1 is here: Watts, Los Angeles

 

Scenes from Silent

Mid City, Los Angeles

 

Between beach-bordered West LA and the inner city—two very different worlds—lies the aptly named Mid City.

It’s only about ten miles from Watts to here. The ‘culture shock’ for a transplant probably wouldn’t be too great, since the areas have many things in common—few chain stores, lots of Mom and Pop shops, graffiti and bright street art decorating building fronts and alleyways. Drugs and gangs still have their influence in some areas, too. But Mid City is also a bridge of sorts, between the places seen in LA tourism commercials and the deep inner city. There’s a greater mix of races, ethnicities, and socio-economic statuses. It’s a place where you can see a variety of people from different walks of life, all blending together on pot-holed sidewalks.

This is where Alex first learns there’s a chance for a life outside the one he knows.

 

Part 3: Bel Air and West Los Angeles

Giveaway!

I’m giving away 2 prizes at the end of the month:

Winner 1: Paperback and a finger painting from the Santa Monica pier (as featured in Chapter 22).

Seemingly careless streaks transformed into fantastic scenery as the man worked, but I couldn’t give him my full attention. I had other concerns on my mind…like why I felt so nervous standing beside Seb. Was I too close? Or not close enough? Why did that matter all of a sudden?

Here’s a(nother) clip of one  being made:

Depending on the wishes of the artist, I may even be able to record a video of your artwork being created. 🙂

Winner 2: Paperback and postcards of LA scenes, including some from Inner City Arts, a nonprofit organization providing arts education to students in low-income areas of Los Angeles.

 

Rules/Entry Info

~To enter, just leave a comment on any “Scenes from Silent” post (one comment per post is eligible as another entry).

~Entries will be accepted from now until midnight PST on November 30th.

~Winners will be selected by random drawing and announced on December 1st.

~Must be 18 or over to enter.

 

Thanks for reading! 🙂

Part 3: Bel Air and West Los Angeles

 

 

Scenes from Silent pt. 1 (and a giveaway!)

Well, Silent has been out for two weeks now, and I’m holding a proof of the paperback! It will be ready for release by December. To celebrate, I’m doing a giveaway. 🙂 See the details at the bottom of the post.

I thought I’d take a moment to share a little about the places where Alex and Seb find themselves throughout the novel. Silent is set almost entirely within Los Angeles, but each stop on the boys’ journey has a very different flavor. In October I drove around LA with a camera in tow and took photos of some of the places that inspired scenes in the book.

Scenes from Silent

Watts, Los Angeles

Tell anyone in most parts of LA that you’re going to Watts, and chances are you’ll get a skeptical eyebrow raised and an incredulous “What for?” You might even receive some advice to keep your car doors locked while driving, or to not wear certain colors. Don’t stop certain places, don’t go through the projects, and don’t even think of going there at night.

Some of this fear is based in reality, but a lot of it is fear of the unknown. Though Watts may not be a tourist destination, it’s still a neighborhood. Yes, there are gangs, and yes, there is crime. I don’t mean to sugar coat it—it’s not the safest place and there are real struggles that many of the residents face. But there are also families and businesses and music and amazing street art. It’s still home to many Los Angelenos.

This is the neighborhood where Alex grew up.

 

 

Part 2: Mid City, Los Angeles

Giveaway!

I’m giving away 2 prizes at the end of the month:

Winner 1: Paperback and a finger painting from the Santa Monica pier (as featured in Chapter 22).

Seemingly careless streaks transformed into fantastic scenery as the man worked, but I couldn’t give him my full attention. I had other concerns on my mind…like why I felt so nervous standing beside Seb. Was I too close? Or not close enough? Why did that matter all of a sudden?

Here’s a little clip of one  being made:

[youtube=http://youtu.be/tnd2etC–x4&start=0&end=40]

Depending on the wishes of the artist, I may even be able to record a video of your artwork being created. 🙂

Winner 2: Paperback and postcards of LA scenes, including some from Inner City Arts, a nonprofit organization providing arts education to students in low-income areas of Los Angeles.

 

Rules/Entry Info

~To enter, just leave a comment on any “Scenes from Silent” post (one entry per post is eligible).

~Entries will be accepted from now until midnight PST on November 30th.

~Winners will be selected by random drawing and announced on December 1st.

~Must be 18 or over to enter.

 

Thanks for reading! 🙂

Part 2: Mid City, Los Angeles

 

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