Jay Bell Books

Big Gay Movie Review: Judas Kiss

When Andreas and I went to a gay film festival last year, there was only one movie on the docket that sounded interesting: Judas Kiss. I wasn’t clear on the plot, but I caught the words “time travel.” I couldn’t imagine how that would play out in a gay movie. A pink police box? Or a DeLorean blaring Lady Gaga at 88 decibels to break through the time barrier? The man who introduced the film at the festival said: “Here’s a film about very unusual events … uh … Just watch it and see what you think.” At the time, it seemed a lousy intro. Now I find myself agreeing with the guy. You really should just watch it, preferably a few times, and see what you think.

But you probably want to know more, so here we go. First the basics. Judas Kiss does have elements of science-fiction, but only in a Twilight Zone kind of way. There are indeed unusual events, namely the main character meeting his younger self. There’s no cheesy plot device or tiresome explanation of how this happens. Instead, the main character Zachary Wells takes a trip back to the university where his career as a filmmaker hit its peak. Once there, things get a little surreal when he meets his younger self, Danny Reyes (who hasn’t yet changed his name to Zachary Wells), and gets caught up in the very events he feels ruined his life. Sound convoluted? It is, but that journey of discovery makes the fist viewing of Judas Kiss such a joy.

Zachary tries to stop his younger self from making the same mistakes, which is hopeless since Danny is on top of the world and still at that age where he feels invincible. Plus he has problems of his own. The most influential guy on campus, Shane Lyons, has taken a shine to Danny and has the power to make or break him. And then there’s adorable doe-eyed Chris, Shane’s former pet project, who knows first hand how Danny will be used and discarded. Chris wants to protect Danny while stealing his heart away from Shane. Oh, the wonderful drama of it all!

That there’s so much happening in Judas Kiss makes it delightfully rewatchable. Aside from the ninety minutes stuffed with plot and the complex relationships of the major players, the secondary and sometimes silent characters also have their stories to tell if you pay attention. And while your mind is enraptured, your nether regions will be just as pleased, since the boys of Judas Kiss are very hot. Best of all, they aren’t the muscle bound clones that infest many gay films. They each have character and charm that makes them delicious to the eye. Charlie David (Zachary) is hunky, Richard Harmon (Danny) is haunting, Sean Paul Lockhart (Chris) is notoriously attractive, and then there’s Timo Descamps (Shane) who plays the bad boy to perfection. Not only do they look good, but each is a competent actor as well.

Judas Kiss has got it going on and deserves the praise it’s been getting. If you’re put off by the sci-fi elements, don’t be. There’s plenty of love and romance in this film to keep you satisfied. There’s also much that is new and fresh, which I feel is long overdue in gay cinema. Give Judas Kiss a shot—really give it your full attention—and I think you’ll discover an exciting new movie that promises a successful future for the creators of the film, and many more delights for us in the audience.

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Happy Birthday, Something Like Summer!

Something Like Summer was published one year ago today, and man, what a year it has been! Over a hundred positive reviews on Amazon, book of the month on many wonderful sites, a movie deal, and now a sequel! The winners of the M/M Romance Member’s Choice Awards were revealed last night, and Something Like Summer did especially well in one particular category, placing first in Best Story that Should/Must have a Sequel. I said this was the best way to make your voice heard and yes, you lovely people, I have listened. As soon as work on my current project is wrapped up, I’ll get started on writing another book featuring Ben and Tim. Something Like Summer will have its sequel, a companion novel that explores Tim’s complete story. Love him or hate him, Tim has one wild tale to tell, and along the way many moments he shared with Ben will be revealed for the first time.

As for birthday presents, in addition to the award for most desired sequel, Something Like Summer also won for Best Young Adult Characters and scored another award for Best Cover. Go Andreas! Crashing the party, Hell’s Pawn won awards for Best World Created and Most Surprising/Unique Plot Device. Along with the total of eight nominations, my little gang of books are really feeling the love. I have all of you to thank for that. Come give me a hug! 2011 was an incredible year, and I promise to work my hardest to make 2012 just as exciting.

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Something Like Summer – The Movie!

Yes, it’s true! Something Like Summer is becoming a movie. Producer Tom Ly approached me a few months back, smoothed talked me into giving him the film rights and then wrangled up some of the best talent in gay cinema. I had the honor of speaking with many amazing directors, and like puppies, I wanted to take them all home with me. Choosing felt impossible, so I watched and rewatched their films. There was one—Judas Kiss—that to me feels like the future of gay cinema. Not only is Judas Kiss fresh and new, but the cinematography and quality of directing is worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster. I’m absolutely thrilled that the talent behind Judas Kiss has agreed to transform Something Like Summer from ye olde fashioned text to glorious moving pictures! The road from script to screen is a long one, but if you want a hint of what Something Like Summer will be like as a film, I urge you to check out Judas Kiss. I know I’ll be celebrating this news by watching it again tonight!

Here’s the official Something Like Summer movie press release:

‘Judas Kiss’ Director, Producer Re-Team for ‘Something Like Summer’ Adaptation

SEATTLE — The makers of this year’s acclaimed scifi fantasy, “Judas Kiss,” are teaming with Seattle-based Jade Knight Productions to adapt the bestselling coming-of-age love story, “Something Like Summer,” for the screen.

The new project will be helmed by director J.T. Tepnapa, with screenwriter Carlos Pedraza penning the screenplay, based on the book by author Jay Bell. Tepnapa’s and Pedraza’s Los Angeles-based company, Blue Seraph Productions is a co-production partner.

“I’m honored that Jay Bell and producer Tom Ly have asked Blue Seraph Productions to turn the critically acclaimed novel into a movie,” Tepnapa said. “The life of the main character, Ben, mirrors so many moments in my own life, I cannot help but want to treat his own journey with care. I love this story, and I want to see it come to life.”

“Something Like Summer” traces the tumultuous relationship of Ben and Tim, secret high school sweethearts who grow over the years into both adulthood enemies and complicated friends.

The novel is Bell’s second and most acclaimed, earning a spot in Amazon’s Best Books of 2011 list, with a customer rating of 4.7 out of 5, and outstanding reader reviews on the popular literary site Goodreads.

Queer Magazine Online said the novel “not only has lots of passion, humor, angst and twists and turns, it also takes an in-depth look at how the choices we make in life affect not only ourselves, but everyone around us.” The Alpha Reader review commented: “Jay Bell has written one of the most heartfelt and sincere romances I have ever encountered.”

The book was optioned by Jade Knight Productions of Seattle and producer Tom Ly. With Blue Seraph Productions on board, the project moves into development immediately.

“We are on track to have the screenplay ready by Spring 2012,” screenwriter and co-producer Pedraza said. “J.T. and I are looking forward to translating the magic of this story from page to screen.”

“I’m very excited to have the opportunity to work with J.T. and Carlos,” Ly said. “I was so impressed by what they accomplished with ‘Judas Kiss.’ I know they’ll take us to the next level with ‘Something Like Summer.’”

Author Bell had similar praise for “Judas Kiss”: “I was blown away after seeing the film in Germany this year. My heart was pounding when I left the theatre and I knew that this was the right creative team for a ‘Something Like Summer’ movie. Ben, Tim, and Jace are in very safe hands, and I can’t wait to see them on the big screen.”

“Something Like Summer” will be Tepnapa’s and Pedraza’s second feature film, following quickly on the heels of their debut, “Judas Kiss,” the genre-bending scifi fantasy released in 2011, garnering critical acclaim and multiple awards from film festivals around the world. The film is in distribution worldwide, and continues at the top of the sales charts in its genre.

Blue Seraph Productions is a Los Angeles company headed by Tepnapa and Pedraza. Their work has been featured in the New York Times, BBC, Variety, The Advocate, Edge Magazine, ATV Network, Frontiers, Fab magazine, the Today Show, MSNBC, and other international news outlets.

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Something Like Sequel

Want there to be a sequel to Something Like Summer? This is the announcement you guys have been waiting for! Almost. Goodread’s M/M Group is having their first ever Reader’s Choice Awards, and it’s up to the public to nominate and vote for their favorite authors and books. Something Like Summer was nominated in the “Best Story that Should/Must have a Sequel” category, which got me thinking. You guys have been demanding a second book for a long time, and I’ve been teetering on the edge all the while. This is the way to push me over. If Something Like Summer wins, I’ll write the sequel and make it just as unforgettable as the first book, if not more so. You can vote by clicking here.

While you’re there, my stories have also been nominated in a number of other categories. Thank you those whatever kind souls did that! Here’s a breakdown of all the categories my books are in, should you be so inclined:

Best Story that Should/Must have a Sequel:
Something Like Summer

Best Young Adult Characters (theme):
Something Like Summer
The Cat in the Cradle

Best Short Story 25 pages or 15K words or less (book):
Language Lessons

Best Free Story:
Flesh and Blood

Best Cover:
Something Like Summer

Best World Created:
Hell’s Pawn

Most Surprising/Unique Plot Device:
Hell’s Pawn

Best of luck to all those other talented authors and artists that made the list. The people have the power on this one, which I absolutely love. Let’s hope this is the first of many years for the M/M Group’s Member’s Choice Award!

Update: Some wonderful readers loyal to Ben and Tim have expressed concern about these characters having their happily-ever-after ruined. The “sequel” I have in mind would be a book retelling the story from Tim’s perspective, while also showing what he got up to in all those years apart from Ben. Without going into detail, I’m confident I can tell a new story that runs alongside the first book, one that gives us another chance to spend time with Ben and his friends.

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Ten Reasons You Should Read Hell’s Pawn

1. Because one of the characters from Something Like Summer makes an appearance. Considering this book takes place in the afterlife, you can probably guess who. It’s just a small cameo, taking up about six pages, but it’s heartfelt and writing that scene felt like visiting an old friend again.

2. One of the main characters is an irresistibly sexy and charming demon. Another a scruffy Irishmen without a moral to his name. And then there’s the main character, who is searching for love and purpose, something we can all relate to.

3. Sex in the afterlife! Have you ever wondered what it would be like, or if it’s even possible?

4. The book deals with the religious beliefs of different world cultures, and presents the information in a way that’s fun to read and easily digestible. Just think how smart and worldly you’ll sound at the next party you go to!

5. Because you’ve already read tons of boy-meets-boy books, and it’s good to branch out occasionally and try something new.

6. Hell’s Pawn is an award winner, landing a Rainbow Award for Best Gay Fantasy and an honorable mention as Best Gay Novel of 2011.

7. My prices are awesome. Most gay themed books cost twice as much as mine, if not more. That doesn’t mean I skimp on the editing or presentation. You’re still getting a professional product, just at a ridiculously cheap price. Plus, buying this book will help keep me alive and fed so I can write that book you guys have been clamoring for. You know the one!

8. All the good reviews at places like Amazon, or even Forbes.

9. It may be fantasy, but the settings and characters are contemporary, and there is plenty of gay romance and hot guys involved. In a sense, it’s only fantasy because it’s such a wild tale.

10.

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Hell and Summer win Rainbow Awards!

I love rainbows, and I love getting awards, so it’s no wonder that I love the Rainbow Awards! This year even more so than usual, because two of my books won! But first, some background information, since you may be wondering what the Rainbow Awards are all about. Some years back, Elisa Rolle decided to create a new literary award contest with the aim of being as inclusive as possible. Straight people writing gay fiction? No problem. Self published? That’s cool! Only have an eBook and not one in print? Come on by! The books entered are read by volunteer judges, which anyone can become, and the best cover art is voted for by the public. This gives the Rainbow Awards a strong sense of community, something very in the spirit of Elisa’s blog. Her site functions year round as a platform supporting gay fiction, authors of all creeds, and artists past and present.

Considering this, you can understand why I feel so proud to be recognized on that site. For once, Something Like Summer wasn’t the star performer. Hell’s Pawn won a Rainbow Award for Best Gay Fantasy and also won an Honorable Mention in the Best Gay Novel category. Of course the most popular kid in school didn’t go completely unnoticed. Something Like Summer scored an Honorable Mention in the Best 2011 LGBT Cover contest. My lovely husband has much to be proud of. His art was up against hundreds and hundreds (and hundreds!) of covers, with some really stunning work on display this year.

The biggest winner in the Rainbow Awards is the reader, since it’s not just the top sellers that are gaining recognition. A lot of overlooked books rise to the top through this contest, which means we can look over the list of winners and runners-up on Elisa’s site and discover great new books to read. But first, I’m off to buy some champagne!

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