About the Author
I’m always a little bit uncomfortable writing about myself. It feels too egocentric. Then again, I enjoy stalking people online, so it’s only fair I allow others to do the same.
My name, if you haven’t guessed already, is Jay Bell and I was born February 19th, 1977 in Merriam, Kansas. For simplicity’s sake let’s say I grew up there, although I also spent a decade in Missouri and Texas somewhere in between. I suppose my childhood could be summed up in two words: rebellious nerd. Come to think of it, that pretty much covers my teen and adult years as well.
I was never much for school. Professionally I got by doing tech support or other computer related jobs. While working in Lawrence, Kansas I met my future husband. Andreas was an exchange student from Germany, a country I hadn’t given much prior thought to. Andreas was that just-right combination of handsome, intelligent, kind, and talented for me to fall in love. What he saw in me is the real mystery, but we packed up the cats and moved to Germany to get married.
Not being able to speak German left me blissfully unemployable and allowed me to focus full time on my writing. I’ve always loved books, delving into fantastic worlds and letting myself get lost there. I grew up marvelling at the creative genius of C.S. Lewis, Piers Anthony, Robert Asprin, Terry Brooks, even that guy that wrote the Mr. Men books. The list could go on and on. It’s a daunting task to try and add my own stories to the countless volumes already out there, but I’m giving it my best.
Anything else you’d like to know, feel free to ask. Reading my blog will reveal most of my hobbies and interests as well. Or you can check out the interviews below. And hey, just so this isn’t all about me, feel free to tell me about yourself below. We can start our own biography party!
Interviews with Jay Bell:
Interview at QMO Magazine (Feb 2013)
Interview at True Colorz (Jan 2013)
Interview at ‘Raant’ (Oct 2012)
Movie Interview at ‘Reviews by JesseWave’(Jan 2012)
Interview at ‘Diary of a Gay Erotica Author’(Sept 2011)
Interview at ‘Taboo Indeed’ (Jun 2011)
Interview at ‘Book Addict Patti’(Feb 2011)
Hi Jay, just wanted to say how much I have been enjoying your books-only discovered them in the last couple of weeks and they are fabulous! At first I have to admit I felt I was very much outside your demographic but on reading through your website have realised that you seem to have a fairly wide fan base as well as the amount of things I found of interest(mentions of; MOTU, Harry Potter, Terry Pratchett and your views of who should read YA fiction, Erasure, Pet Shop Boys, Billy Idol-not to mention Robert Aspirin! Nobody I know reads him anymore! Did you read any of the Phule series?) Anyway, I also live in Germany, in my case with my British Army husband who speaks hardly any German, and my 7 year old son who is convinced he is German and corrects my many language errors with patient condescension!
So far I have only read the 3 romances, but am looking forward to the others! I LOVED Kamikaze Boys especially, the relationship between Connor and David was perfectly drawn and I loved that they kept trusting each other even through everything that happened. The hospital plot line was scarily realistic but I loved the sense of balance you kept and the camaraderie of the patients and that eventually David emerges stronger and more confident. Perhaps he forgave his father too quickly, in the end he didn’t seem to think his parents to be important enough to really confront them? And of course I loved Connor!
I’m looking forward to hearing Tim’s side of the story as I have to admit I am one of the people who really doesn’t like him-I think because of the way he tried to split up Ben and Jace. It was such a calculated form of deceit and he managed to carry it through for so long. I think what jarred most was that he managed to hurt Jace as well as Ben and for that I would have thought Ben would struggle more to forgive him. Although Ben took part of the blame, and Tim tried to justify it by saying it was all for love, he never seemed sorry other than for himself! So, convince me!
Anyway I will leave some reviews on Amazon, just wanted to say hi and let you know how much I enjoyed them!
Actually I have another question-or challenge maybe? There seems to be a dearth of books in the 8-12 age group which even mention same sex relationships or anything out with the norm. The field seems to jump from board books about ‘my 2 Dads’ and a rather scary looking one about 2 male hamsters getting married to the YA genre with nothing in between. Have you any thoughts/ recommendations of any stories with gay dads/ big brothers/ sisters – how young is too young for a child to know about themselves and for it not to be a big deal? I just long to find age appropriate books for my son which do not perpetuate the same norms! We are looking forward to Chris Colfer’s book for this age coming out although have no idea if it explores any of these themes. Have you ever wanted to write for this age group?
Anyway this has turned into an essay so will finish by wishing you and Andreas all the best, and thanks again for writing such amazing books!
Hey Fiona!
You’re right that all sorts of people read my books. I was surprised too in the beginning. Now I just feel very lucky. Super-very-much-so lucky!
I have indeed read some of the Phule books. The first three I think. Poor Robert Asprin had a breakdown after the first couple and his writing was never the same since. Regardless, he wrote some absolute classics. He won’t be forgotten.
Hooray that you like Kamikaze Boys! That one’s still fresh so I haven’t heard much back about it yet. I loved writing David and Connor. Those hospital scenes were realistic for a reason. Without going into detail, I can say that someone like David might forgive his parents because he understands that they feared for him. But you better bet that he would bring it up in future arguments. You know how teenagers can be.
As for gay books in the 8-12 range, I’m afraid I can’t name any either. Even disregarding sexuality, love and sex are two closely related subjects. That might be why there’s a gap between explaining things to little kids, and books for teenagers that tackle the sexual aspect as well. I keep thinking of books I’d be okay handing to a twelve or thirteen year old, because they depict sex even if it isn’t graphic, but not kids younger than that. It’s tricky. I’m pretty happy writing for teens and up. The Cat in the Cradle doesn’t feature graphic sex. There’s sex implied in one scene, but I don’t think someone too young would understand it. I still don’t know if I would want an eight-year-old reading it, but mostly because of violence. Not that I’d stop a kid if he/she was really determined. If you do read it, I’d be interested in your honest opinion as a parent.
Great meeting you!
J
Hi Jay, hope you’ve had a good week and thanks for replying!
I think for me it was the realisation how many negative views kids receive about same sex relationships from such an early age and how important it is to counteract them. I got a shock when Alex was 6 and told me about how they all laughed at a boy at school who kept kissing other boys and was schwul. I made an extra effort to let him know that it is perfectly normal to be gay, that all good parents just want their kids to be happy and fall in love and to let him watch eg some Glee with me and talk about the issues (and how much of the storylines are unrealistic and badly written!), some of the Trevor Project videos and Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka on Oprah- led to a long discussion on surrogacy after he asked how could 2 men together have a GIRL!? We also watched some of your You Tube videos – obv I watch them first!- and he thinks it is great for you that you fell in love with Andreas because you got to come to Germany and you get to have cats!
I realised that all these things are working the other day when he announced out of the blue that he used to think it was bad to be Schwul but now he knows lots of famous people are, especially the man who is the voice of Spiderman(NPH) and Mr Spock and they are really cool so he has told all his friends! My husband thought it a bit depressing how fickle kids are, but it just made me realise how much they need to have stuff made personal to them and to become part of their culture and tap into what is important to them-kids are inherently self centred!
I read and enjoyed ‘Cats in the Cradle’ yesterday- it always takes me a bit longer to get into fantasy books but once I do it is so worth it. Am looking forward to the sequel. As for pre-teens reading it, I didn’t think that most of the violence was too graphic, Alex listens to the Harry Potter audio books and there was nothing worse than the Deathly Hallows although the scenes of animal cruelty would probably upset him most. The sticking point for me though is the attempted rape scene and I would not want him reading that till he was considerably nearer 14. It occurred to me that actually I would have no real problems with a 10/11yr old reading Kamikaze boys as the sex is shown as normal and healthy and better as part of a committed relationship. Of course at 10 I remember reading ‘the Thorn Birds’ and ‘the carpetbaggers’ among others and think your book is probably considerably more balanced! I’ll be sure and let you know in 3 years if I still feel the same once Alex gets to that age! In the meantime he loved looking at the pictures in The cat in the Cradle so please pass on his appreciation to Andreas( he spends hours pouring over my Terry Pratchett books and the like looking at the illustrations!)
Hope I haven’t bored you senseless with long stories of my boy-I think I am so determined that if he was to ever decide that he is gay-have no idea at the moment, he is 7- that I would hate him to go through some of the things that kids do and worry about our acceptance. And I would like him to grow up to be a decent human being regardless of his sexuality. Perhaps I over think things!
Hope you have a great weekend and thanks again-off to read ‘Hell’s Pawn’ now!
Hi there Mr. Bell. I’ve just finished reading Something Like Summer and just thought I’d thank for writing such a great book. Your book was in the “daily recommendations” list on my NOOK, so I downloaded it without question and was honestly thankful that I did. I’ve been searching for distractions for the last few months as I’ve just been diagnosed with stage 3 Lupus Nephritis and a few other problems. I basically went from being an active, healthy 30-year-old woman to someone who has no clue how they’re going to be feeling from day to day in less than a year. So there are few things that I can take pleasure in doing until I get back up on my feet. Finding your book just happened to be one of those aforementioned pleasures, and I’m totally grateful for having found such a little gem.
I’ve been through some really tough times, so having such a great book in front of me to take my mind off all my worries (even if only for two and a half days) was more than I could ever ask for–especially since I barely have the strength to even hold my NOOK at times.
Thank you for writing such a wonderful book and for giving me something to enjoy through these tough times. I’ll definitely be buying the rest of your works A.S.A.P.
Take care~!
AM
P.S. Sorry about the strange “Mr. Bell” thing, btw. I was raised in one of those highly sociable southern families that believe that southern hospitality is the key to life. As much as I understand that be totally weird and possibly lame in the eyes quite a few people…well, what else can I say? It was practically programed into me. Old habits really do die hard.
Hi AM!
Occasionally messages slip under the radar, and this was one such time. So here is my very, very late response. Sorry! Not just for being so tardy, but you have my sympathies as well. A dear family friend has Lupus and I know what a struggle that can be. It makes me happy that my books could distract you somewhat. I do the same thing whenever I’m not feeling well. Music helps the most, since one little song can put me in a completely different mood. Want me to come sing and dance for you? I don’t know if you’ll feel any better, but you’ll definitely find it distracting.
The Mr. Bell thing is fine. It always tickles me when I get called that, since it sounds so grown up, and I never feel that way. You might be interested to learn that Germany agrees with those southern ideals, and everyone is called by their family name unless they are close friends or a similar age. Honestly, it’s a little confusing, but also sort of fun.
I hope you are doing well!
J
i just finished reading your great book “something like summer”. i think this book changes my views towards many things. this is my first time reading gay novel, and i am so excited to find out that this book is more than great.
there are some many coincidents and other interesting things evoked by the book. i have an education class (i am a freshman, and want to major in early child education)this semester, and coincidentally, there is a guy whose name is also Ben and i definitely love the way he looks, so every time i go the class, with Ben in the book in my mind, i imagine Ben is looking like the way as Ben in my class. Also, there are many places you mentioned in the book that i want to visit so eagerly, such as Berlin(my most special one), Chicago (which i will visit during this thanksgiving break), Austin(i was about to apply U of Texas-Austin, but i did not apply it, and i want to visit this city so eagerly), and London( i really want to see lots of famous places of interest in this city, such as Big Ben). Talking about Berlin, my cousin(female) is also married to a Germany exchange student, and he is from Berlin. i think he is handsome and fit my most requirement for a boyfriend ( i am a girl). Besides, there are so many things that i am interested in Berlin, i always want to go there.
i have noticed that your birthday is on Feb.19, i used to have crush on two guys who share the same birthday, Feb.24 (not the same year though). one is my middle school classmate, he is now in Germany, the other is my high school biology teacher, he is a Canadian. When i read the lines that says Ben and Jace went to Berlin, i can’t believe my eyes, it just happened so many things and people related with Berlin and Germany(and i felt unbelievable that your husband is also from Germany, oh my god, why all good and fantastic things and people all originated from Germany, i can’t wait to go there). the only German i know how to say is: Ich liebe dich.
i want to be a kindergarten teacher in the future(i was supposed to major in Accounting, which i found it is such a boring subject, and believe it not, i changed my major within one week of my university life, i knew i rushed, but i do not regret my decision). in this summer before university life started, i went to Europe with a travel agency and unfortunately, the route did not include Berlin, but i visited Frankfort, and i love this city too, but i firmly believe Berlin will be different and special. i found out that European kids are so cute especially German ones, i am not flattering, this is true. and i love children all the time, and i think it would be perfect to be a kindergarten teacher and staying with all those lovely children as long as i am not retired.
also, my university often hold piano recital on campus, and i attend most of the time. i love pieces written by Schumann, who is a German composer, and those pieces just sounds so familiar to me. Germany is really a good country , at least Frankfort is, the city definitely left me good impressions.
last but not least, i really appreciate this book (i searched “gay” in the book category in Amazon website because i felt bored of homework while curious about gay love, this book have lots of reviews so i chose to buy it, and after i so unwillingly finished the book, i found the book has so such a great impact on me).
i even grin without any reason when i walk on the rainy street, with Ben and Tim in my mind. i suddenly felt all the beautiful songs and melodies are sung for them.
Hi there Jiali!
Wow! There are so many interesting coincidences that connect us. Most of them seem to be related to Germany, which is fine because I love it here. I hope you do get to visit again. Frankfurt is nice, but it isn’t like other German cities at all. I used to live in Berlin with my husband for many years, and it’s an amazing city. If you go there, but sure to set many days aside. The middle of Berlin feels very modern and is cool, but you also need to see the smaller areas, like Kreuzberg, which has a lot of artistic culture and a great night life.
I also like your passion for kids and hope you fulfill your dream of becoming a teacher. I feel very passionately about good education for children, and it all starts in Kindergarten. I still remember my teacher there fondly, so it’s a very important role. Great career choice!
Lastly, thank you for reading Something Like Summer. The next book, Something Like Winter, just came out this weekend. If you read it, be sure to let me know. Maybe there are other connections there between us.
Nice hearing from you,
J
Wow! Thank you a lot for replying me, i just bought from amazon, can’t wait to read it. I bought the paper book so hopefully it will support you financially. Sadly, I have education test and math test on Wednesday and Thursday, there are lots of things to review and study, but I think I will balance my life well, reading your book make me feel happy and optimistic about life.
Thanks a lot, your book definitely change my life and I feel so lucky that I read .
Hello Jay. my name is George, I am 19 year old collage student from California, I just wanted to start off by saying that Something Like Summer is one of the best (if not the greatest) gay novel I have read so far. I’ve read it 3 times this past year, the third time just being this past week when I saw that Something Like Winter was coming out sooner than I thought.
And just half an hour ago, I finished Something Like Winter. I was going to order both books on paperback, already having SLS in my nook, but I just couldn’t wait since I have classes all week and wouldn’t get much time to read it once I start. And I thought it was a great compliment to SLS. Let me start off with my opinion with SLS. It was a really well written book. Ben and Tim’s story is one that I will probably remember for the rest of my life, most likely because I probably be reading the book again every now and then just to keep it fresh. As much as I hated Tim for breaking up Ben and Jace, I felt sorry for him. Jace dying left me in tears, and Tim coming back to pick up the pieces just left me in more tears. I can say that I am glad that this book is going to become a movie. Not to be an ass, but I hope it doesn’t disappoint, I’m going to be looking forward to this.
As for Something Like Winter, I found it to be a great companion to SLS. Tim’s story answered the many questions I had, especially as to who Eric was. Marcello was hilarious to me, and as much as I saw him as the anti-eric, I loved them both equally for both being a source of guidance for Tim. As much as I’d love to talk more about the book, I wouldn’t want to spoil it for everyone else.
I’d love it if you could continue the story, but I’m happy about the way it ended, I found that what Tim did in the end was just beautiful. I couldn’t be any more sad that their story has ended, but couldn’t be any more happy with both books. I look forward to many more of your future writings, you have done a wonderful job with keeping my nights full of joy,laughter, tears.
I wish you the best of luck,
- George
Hey George!
Nice to meet you! And thanks for being so into Something Like Summer. When I published it originally, I didn’t picture anyone reading it three times in a year. Just the thought of that makes me smile, so thank you! Whenever I like something that much, sometimes the sequel can’t live up to the hype, so I’m happy you enjoyed Something Like Winter as well! You’re the first person to mention liking Marcello, which is awesome. He was a big surprise for me. His character kind of developed into this completely flawed but lovable guy, and I’d love for him to show up in another of my books someday. Who knows what the future may hold! I was also sad about Ben and Tim’s story ending again, but that’s just for us. For them, their story goes on and on and on.
Thanks for your encouragement and support!
J
Hello, Jay! I just happened to come here in my quest for some info about you to accompany my book review we’re doing for english class. I live in sweden and I saw your reviews for some gay movies on youtube and when you mentioned that you’d written a book.
I searched my local library’s but to my demise I could not find it… I however pushed on and convinced my mother that your book was indeed a must have and so we ordered it and I must say it is wonderful!
But then I must also accuse you of having put my sixteen-year-old heart at a high standard as I have set my mind on finding my very own Jace.(cried my lenses out when he passed!)
I am over the moon about the movie plans and as George I have some expectations for it. ;D
And also in my city Umeå we just opened a rainbow shelf during the Pride week and it’s coming along nicely with lots of gay litterature, however I am missing your book “Something like summer” Which happens to be the book I purchased and I will go and recommend it.
Best wishes
- Sofie
Hi Sofie!
Thank you so much fro ordering my book and having it sent all the way to Sweden. After all that, I’m glad it didn’t disappoint or else you would have been mad at me.
Seriously though, it makes me very happy that you enjoyed the book. I love the idea of a Rainbow shelf, and I hope my book can be added there. You can tell the organization that I’d be happy to mail them a copy for free. Just let me know!
As for finding your own Jace, it might take some time, but just keep trying. I found mine eventually because I refused to give up. Nice guys are definitely out there! I hope you find yours soon!
Great hearing from you!
J
Love your book something like summer. My son is 21 and just let me know he is gay. He has struggled with this for some time now and finally willed the courage to tell me. Right now I am the only one who knows and he says the weight of the world was lifted when he told me. Being a very good looking guy he always had girls throwing themselves at him so imagine my surprise when he told me. He was a highschool star athlete and graduated 2nd in his high school class so this is going to be a journey that is going to have some highs and lows I’m sure, but then doesn’t every journey. I want him to tell his mother but he is not ready even though I know she will be as supportive as I was. I am giving him your book “Something like Sumer” and hope he likes it. Wish there was a book for dads to help there child with any questions they may have about being gay however this is new territory for both of us. Hope I can give him the right advise.
Hey Carl!
Congratulations on your son coming out! I suppose that might sound a little odd, but hopefully as you’ve seen in Something Like Summer, it takes a tremendous amount of courage for anyone to come out, and having such a brave son is definitely cause for celebration. I’m assuming you read my book in support and because you wanted to understand what your child is going through. Even if you didn’t, I’m very touched by how supportive and open you’re being with him. You sound like an amazing dad, and I’m sure your son is just as proud of you!
As for wanting to help and advise him (you’re so awesome!) I would focus on two things. Safe sex, of course. Gay or straight, that’s critical these days. Secondly, I’d always reassure him that this changes very little. He can still have a loving partner, he can still get married, and there are various options for having kids. Meeting that special someone is a little trickier than in the straight world, but aside from that, the world is getting better everyday and he still has every opportunity.
Thank you for being a stellar example of a great parent!
J
Hello Jay,
I just finished something like summer for the second time tonight. i just want you to know it is the best book i have ever read. it stirs so many emotions in me and i dont even know its happening until the end. such and amazing and overwhelming story! I just saw that you have something like winter. i already have it ordered and cant wait to read it! keep up the great work!
Thanks, Ren!
It’s cool that Something Like Summer was able to move you emotionally, even on a second reading. Thanks too for buying Something Like Winter. I’ll be very interested to hear what you think after you’ve delved into it. Happy reading!
Hi Jay!
Finished Something Like Summer today; read it in 5 days, which is quite quick I guess as english is not my mother tongue.
Actually, I first bought Dream Boy from Jim Grimsley because it was rated so well on Amazon, but after less than an hour I put the book down, because it seemed so childish and in such a simple language.
There are a lot of “gay” books out there and obviously a lot is crap, so I searched for a long time, for a new gay book to read, and finally I came across yours, and decided to give it a try. Starting with the very first pages I fell in love with your book and its characters, Ben, Tim, Jace… But, I must say, it sometimes really was like an emotional rollercoaster… there are so many familiar/recognizable situations in the book…
Oh, and I MUST mention that I could not suppress a smile when you wrote about Tim and the European Standard…;-) A lot of guys here in Europe have a huge admiration for the American Standard…
Your book made me think a lot about how much you and Ben have in common
I wish you had written a (auto)biography already;-)
Thanks for making so many people happy with your books and writing talent!
PS: I REALLY do hope you will get Something Like Summer translated into Dutch… I am sure that would be phantastic for the young gay kids;-)!
I don’t know you in person, but by ways of your book you became precious to me.
I’ll follow you and continue to read your books.
Greetings, also to your husband Andreas!
Hey Leon!
Nice to hear from you! I’m glad Something Like Summer managed to grab your attention, especially against a well-established author like Jim Grimsley. That’s a very nice compliment! Interesting observation about the American Standard. I wish I’d made Tim use that term. LOL I never thought much about there being an appreciation for it, but I suppose anything that makes two guys different from each other is intriguing.
As for how much Ben and I have in common, we definitely have similar temperaments when it comes to coming out and being who we are, for better or worse.
I think he has a better head on his shoulders though, since I got into much more trouble growing up than he did.
Your English is great! I never would have guessed it isn’t your native tongue. Speaking of which, I’d love to see a Dutch version of Something Like Summer, as well as many other languages. That’s something I intend to pursue in the future. If you know of any good Dutch publishers that handle gay fiction, please let me know!
I hope you are staying warm today!
J
Hi Jay,
I just completed reading Something Like Winter and once again feel oh-so-envious of Ben and Tim. I stumbled across Something Like Summer earlier this year after deciding to find some good gay books. I’d never heard of this book before but I was instantly enthralled in the story and couldn’t put my Kindle down.
Imagine my surprise when I got on my Kindle last week to try find something half as good, when I saw ‘Something Like Winter’ had recently been released. There was no hesitation in purchasing it and I found reading Tim’s journey just as enthralling, if not moreso than Ben’s.
As an aspiring writer myself I look to yours books with the most sincerest and greatest admiration, though I also doubt I could even write anything as remotely good as these books. I’ve also purchased Kamikaze Boys and will be starting on this book shortly.
Thank you for bringing these characters to life, they have certainly enriched my own. I look forward to any and all future projects from you, and as much as I want to read more about Tim and Ben, I do agree they’ve had enough hardship and deserve the rest of their lives to be united bliss.
From a fan far away in New Zealand.
Hey Michael!
Great news! I’m flying to New Zealand tomorrow and moving in with you! Not really, but we just got our first snow here, so I’m very envious that you’re somewhere so toasty and warm.
Thanks for the kind words about the Something Like books! I’m especially glad to hear that Winter worked for you. Penning a follow-up to Summer was a little intimidating, but if you enjoyed it, then I am happy. As for you writing, give it a shot! I’m sure you could do just as well if not better, as long as you write from the heart. I feel that’s a crucial key. If it feels true to you and moves you as you write, then you’re on the right track.
Thanks for taking the time to write. Go outside and get some sun for me today!
J
Hey Jay!
Stumbled upon your blog when I was looking up info on the Tom of Finland Rebel figure for my own blog… recognized your name from this book I just read (“Something Like Summer”) which made me cry and really stuck with me for days after I finished it. And so now I’ve discovered “Something Like Winter” exists, which has gone on my Amazon wish list; if I don’t get it for Christmas I’ll buy it for myself in January.
If you really want to know about me… I’m a freelance artist who does a lot of work on toys/action figures, I freelance a lot for one of the big toy companies but have been trying to focus on my own stuff lately which is homo-erotically charged. I’ve included the website on this form if you want to check it out.
Thanks for “Something Like Summer” – it was great! – and I’m looking forward to “Something Like Winter”!
Hey Andrew!
I think you dropped me a line on here a long time ago because of my top ten gay figures article. I definitely remember visiting your site before, but now I see some new stuff there. The “I’m Not Gay” figure is absolutely brilliant! How cool that you get to freelance for one of the big boys. When I first saw your figures, I was reminded of the Homies line, although having looked at them again, I like your style more. The Crest figure is a work of art!
Best of luck with your figures. If I ever do another gay action figure list, I’ll definitely include them!
J
Letter to jay
Hi how r you doing
I need to thank you for the hours, the precious moments your novels give me. Tim & Ben are my absolute favorites.
Something like winter really touches me.
I envy Ben for his courage coming out in his teens , me being a coward for to many years out of no good reason and by that lost my first love forever, only 2 find out I couldn’t t deny myself all my live.
It’s good that things have developed and I do hope many more boy then I my time will find the right decision of who to and when to come out. You’re right, I am way out of the target ge group of your readers, but let me assure you a great fan of yours.
Keep up your style – make more people happy –
Take care & be good
Thankful regards from Germany
Stefan
Hi Stefan!
Thanks for your letter. Ben and Tim are my favorite characters too. I love ALL of my characters, but my mind keeps returning to them the most. As for coming out, I’m sorry you lost the first love of your life, but I hope my books have shown that it’s never too late. Characters like Marcello and Eric still find love, in their own ways, and in real life, I know some older guys that found the right man too. The heart stays young, no matter what age we are, so love is always possible.
Best of luck in your future, und viele liebe Grüße aus Stuttgart!
J
Hi Jay: Happy Holidays to you & Andreas. Just finished reading Kamikaze Boys on my Nook last night. I couldn’t put my Nook down. What a great story! I have paper copies of Something Like Summer & Devils Pawn. Really like the stories & the great cover art. I miss that on my plain old Nook.
Thank you so much for the price break on the e-books. I downloaded the Loka Legend books and Something Like Winter. Also voted for your books at Good Reads.
Best regards and good luck with your future publishing endevours
Hi Joe!
Happy New Year! I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed Kamikaze Boys. Lately I’ve been missing those characters. I had a great time working on that book, and while I don’t plan on writing a sequel, I do like to imagine what David and Connor are up to in their new life together.
I know what you mean about cover art not being as nice on an eReader. I recently got a Kindle Fire, which helps with that since it’s in color, but the downside is that the screen is hard on the eyes after awhile. I don’t have that problem with the normal Nook and Kindle. Ah well. We’ll see what advances the future brings.
Thanks for your support, and for your vote!
J
Hi Jay,
I just finished the Something Like books and Kamikaze Boys. I can hardly describe how much I enjoyed them all. I rarely shed a tear when reading or watching movies, but I cried while reading both of the Something Like books. You’re idea of retelling the story through Tim’s eyes was pure genius!
I read a lot of gay fiction, but it is rare to find a male author who can write a good mix of reality, romance and sex. An awful lot of M4M fiction written by men is just porn-without-pictures, and sometimes female authors go the other way and there is nothing hot about the book. I think you got the mix PERFECT in Something Like Winter.
I anxiously await your next book. In the meantime…are there any authors in the genre that you would recommend? I figure that you write what I like, so I would probably enjoy any authors who got the mix right for you.
Thanks again for the wonderful books!
Mike
Hi Mike!
Thank you so much! I’m flattered all the way down to my toes that you enjoyed my books. Er, I’m not sure what that means, but I really am happy. I know what you mean about the balance between sex and love in fiction. It’s one of the reasons I don’t read the genre much, even though I love writing for it. For me, it’s important to write sex explicitly, since it reveals so much about the nature of a relationship, but I try to always use sex to express how the characters feel about each other. Or to show how their relationship is changing. Sex without love isn’t as appealing. The scenes between Tim and Ryan might be erotic, but they are also sort of repulsive because the love isn’t there. At least not from both of them.
All that having been said, I’m a big fan of Ben Monopoli’s books. The Cranberry Hush and The Painting of Porcupine City both have a similar balance to my own books. His newest, Homo Action Love Story!, is very heavy on the sex, but still mostly tempered with emotion. I recommend checking out Cranberry and Porcupine first though. I also enjoyed Chris Corkum’s XOXO Hayden, and Rick R Reed’s Orientation. Orientation is an odd duck, since it shows the ugly side of casual sex and the beauty of platonic love, or how love rises above sexuality. I’m not sure if it fits the bill, but I loved it. Hopefully one of those is new to you and what you’re looking for. If not, I’ll try to get a new release out there for you soon!
Thanks Jay.
I’ve been watching a bunch of your videos on YouTube. You have a very sweet spirit. (It’s not stalking if it’s YouTube…right?)
I downloaded all the books you recommended that were electronic, and I’m looking forward to reading them. I also REALLY look forward to the next thing you come out with.
Take care and stay sweet.
Mike
Hi Jay!
I just had to tell you how much I loved Winter. I had put off reading it because I liked the first one so much and didn’t think I cared that much for Tim. Once I started the book I could not put it down. I also see now what Ben loved so much.
Thanks again!
Glori
Thanks, Glori! I also get nervous about any sort of sequel when I liked the first one so much. I’m glad Something Like Winter didn’t disappoint! I’ll be giving my all to make sure the other two books in the series are of the same caliber.
Hi Jay,
I just want you thank you for writing the best romances I have ever read…EVER. I’ve read plenty of romance novels, including Nicholas Sparks, but I never got anything out of them. I found them boring and repetitious and cliche. Something Like Summer set a whole new standard for me. The story and the characters and the span of their relationship were so meaningful and wonderful. I literally couldn’t put the book down until I finished it, and once I finished it, I quickly got Something Like Winter and buried my nose in that for two days straight! Ben is a terrific character – a great role model for LGBT teens and also an inspiration to ME as a heterosexual ally. Tim, although somewhat of a tragic figure at times, also resonates with anyone who has gone through an identity struggle, whether based on sexuality, race, or anything like that. THANK YOU for creating such amazing characters we can all relate to. I got lost in Ben and Tim’s story; I laughed and cried and wished for both books to go on forever. I can’t wait to read the next Something Like books. Again, thank you, Jay. I’m a writer myself – an amateur, of course, but if I ever publish anything, I’m without a doubt citing you and the Something Like series as one of my main inspirations.
-Alona
Thanks Alona!
It’s inspiring to hear how you were able to connect with Ben and Tim. You make a great point about how all sorts of people can relate to identity struggles. It’s hard to get through life without one happening at least once. Hopefully people who are still homophobic will realize this and be more sympathetic in the future. We all live different lives, and yet, we all have so much in common regardless. Anyway, I’m glad you enjoyed spending time with Ben and Tim. They will be back soon!
J
Hi Jay!
I know you have heard it time and one again, but your books have had a profound effect on me. Before I read Summer, I was a lost college closeted gay man who didn’t know what I should be doing with my life. Even though I wanted to have the bravery and courage of Ben, I related more with Tim. I denied myself and who I really am, in many ways Tim did. It was SUCH a relief to see that the same struggles I had been going through did exist in other guys and not just me.
Now, I don’t want to make it sound like this book gave me my “finding Jesus” moment, but it did shine some light at the end if my dark gay tunnel. After finishing Summer, and after going through a box of tissues, I decided to call up a close gay friend of mine. Ben’s bravery allowed me to tackle the fear of officially admitting to my friend that I accept I am gay and before you know it, we began dating. However, hardly the gay fairy tale. We broke up a few months after due to him moving away for his career but it all worked out eventually. I am now happily dating an amazing man of 9 months and love him more than life itself!
I really don’t think I would be in the position I am in now had it not have been for reading Summer. You could call it the little rock that kicked down the mountain to start my own avalanche.
Thank you, Jay.
Nick.
Hi Nick!
I love hearing stories like yours! It’s so cool to hear that one of my books helped encourage you to come out. You’re absolutely right that a book can only do so much though. I know from my own struggle that the decision has to come from inside. The strength and courage too, so I’m very proud of you for facing your fears and chasing after love. I wish you and your boyfriend that absolute best, and hope that your life will be filled with love for years and years to come.
You go, boy!
J
Hi Jay!!
ILOVEYOU! ????
Hey Sebas! I love feeling loved, so I love you too!!!
J
I’m sorry for the question marks on my previous comment, my keyboard didn’t do what it was supposed to hahahaha, sorry.
I really love you, you’re like my row model, i’m 18 from Nicaragua, and your books make me feel butterflys, specialy on Something like summer the phraze “Enseñame a volar, mi hermosa mariposa”, when i read that, my heart starts melting haha, i know cheesy.
Thanks for being so awesome jay.
Love you
Sebas. <3
Hey Jay,
hope you’re doing good and making good progress in writing Something Like Autumn! I’m really excited and looking forward to learn more about Jace story!
I just finished reading Something like Winter after I got Something like Summer for Christmas and read it within a few days
I literally couldn’t put the book(s) out of my hands. And WOW! I love the books, they are perfect in every imaginable way! After almost every chapter I put the book aside for a while and just imagine all the scenes, places and emotions – you did an outstanding job here. I laughed, got angry, felt sad or even cried (both of happy and sad moments) and I want to thank you for all those wonderful emotions 
I’m really, really glad I discovered your book since they’re not very known in Germany! So consider me as just another big fan of your books from Germany.
Could you tell us something about the similarities between you and Adreas, and Ben and Tim?! I mean like you’re from Kansas, Andreas was the foreigner from somewhere else …you’re blond and shorter, Andreas draws and paints
– I think you get what I mean?! Are there any similarities?
And a general question: What do you do, when you run out of inspiration?!
Thanks again and hurry up with Something like Autumn – I can’t wait to read it!
Cheers!
-Martin
Grüß Martin!
It’s always nice to hear from readers in Germany! I’d love to have Something Like Summer and Winter translated into German so more readers could discover the story here. That’s something I’m working on. It’s great that you can dive into English books so comfortably. I really admire that, since German is still a tough language for me.
As to your questions, I try not to write characters that are too similar to anyone I know in real life. You’re right though that I draw on certain traits. I’m very outspoken, like Ben is, but sadly I can’t sing. Andreas is actually more like Jace when it comes to his personality. He’s very kind and patient. Then again, I’m crazy about cats like Jace is, so you can see how it’s all a big jumble. My characters usually have something in common with me, which allows me to write them more realistically, but everything else about them is a mix of things that are made up or taken from somewhere else, so in the end, none of my characters are recognizable as real people. All that having been said, Ben and Jace’s relationship is a lot more like the one between Andreas and I than the one Ben and Tim share.
As for what I do when I run out of inspiration, that hasn’t happened yet. When it does, I’ll head to the Arbeitsamt.
Seriously though, I usually go for a nice long walk or take a hot bath. Anything to clear my head and get me away from distractions. Once that happens, ideas start pouring in!
Thanks for reading!
J
Hey Jay,
there is a “dich” missing between “Grüß” and “Martin!”
but I don’t want to be nit-picking about that – German is a tough Language indeed, especially for somebody who only knows English.
I’ll keep reading your books in English since I like it better and it’s a good English practice for me and a great way to improve my vocabulary!
So here is even an educational value your books have for me, besides the pure enjoyment of just reading them haha
But I kinda already got the Jay Bell Virus and starting Kami Kaze Boys now.
I hope and pray then, that you’ll never run out of inspiration!
-Martin
i feel like im late to the biography party, but its never to late to party! anyways, i am a female that feels like a man… i mean im not lesbian, but i wish i was born a guy, i dont know how to explain it… but oh well! i like to read good books. i hate the warmth, but at the same time i hate it when its too cold, i dont know im weird… i like writing but i never think about getting them published, its kind of like a hobby i guess… i like polar bears, i have a small amount of friends, but i dont really care mostly because these are the people i can talk anything to and not be afraid to. thats it i guess, im not as interesting as my name, but hey im at a biography party!!!
Hi there! Nice to meet you. I definitely know what you mean about feeling like a man even though you’re a woman. I have friends that feel this so strongly that they’ve taken steps to change their gender, a decision that is very difficult. They’re amazingly brave. Like you, I also have just a few close friends. I’ve been that way my whole life. Quality over quantity!
Hi there Jay,
Is Berlin a good place for an author; I want to relocate from rural France and everyone says Berlin baby, yeah! So, you’re there, what do you say?
They say that 80 percent of m/m erotic romance readers are straight women; is that something you have taken into account when writing; I have to admit that when I started I assumed this was gay guys for gay guys, how wrong was I.
Love the website, very simple and euro-chic.
Looking forward to reading you now that a new friend has put you my way. I don’t read that much, I write almost everyday with a mania.
Love
Alp
Hi Alp!
I’m actually in Stuttgart at the moment. We don’t live in Berlin anymore. As for Berlin being a good place to be a writer, I suppose so. Cost of living is cheap, which certainly helps! There’s a lot going on there, all sorts of characters to meet and learn from, so yeah. Personally though, all I need is a quiet space and I’m good to go. As for all the female readers, I think it’s absolutely wonderful, but I don’t try to cater to them or anyone else. I primarily write for myself. Only when editing do I think of the audience, and then only to focus on clarity and brevity. Aside from that, I’m a very selfish author.
Nice meeting you!
J
Many people have said the same, write your own story, don’t think too much about who reads it, a good story will be enjoyed by everyone. Quiet is good for the most part, that’s why I live where I do but connecting is much harder especially in the winter when the telephone cable gets pulled down by the weight of the snow!
Which of your stories do I start with first?
Alp
xxx
Yeah, I definitely believe in writing for oneself. That way, even if it tanks, you at least still have a nice book to enjoy. LOL As for my books, Something Like Summer seems to be the one that sells most people on my work, although I’m probably fondest of Something Like Winter. Up to you, really. Whatever strikes your fancy! *towel snap!*
Sorry, I’m forgetting my manners, thank you for replying to both posts; I’ll start with your suggestion for the first one to read. I’ll put a link on my website to yours if you don’t mind; for me, building a community of authors that share this passion for story-telling is really important, who knows where that leads; well done on the film thing, I guess that’s one of the Holy Grails isn’t it, that and the Booker Prize, do we dare to dream?
Alp
xxx
Jay,
Just added a carousel to my website featuring your work, please check it out to make sure I picked up all volumes, I love these widgets you get from Amazon; they’re so easy to use.
http://alpmortal.weebly.com/my-picks-for-march.html
Published a book today, “Love, Bytes and Hurts” it’s for sale for charity; can I ask you to please spread the word if you don’t mind.
link to Kindle Store
http://www.amazon.com/Love-bytes-and-hurts-ebook/dp/B00BQUFT3G/ref=as_li_tf_cw?&linkCode=waf&tag=alpmor-20
Thanks
Alp
x
Hello Jay and others,
I am half-way reading the book “Something like winter” and I LOVE it!!! I am a 23 years old man who now lives in London and has trouble finding true love. Emotionally I have reached bottom since I can’t stand one more freaking day of being alone. I mean don’t get me wrong it’s not that I can’t stand being on my own. I miss romance and love. Everyone (especially men my age) are after sex and sex only in this big city. It’s not easy to meet gay men to go on a date with. If you look online you end up having endless conversations with strangers that 99% of the time lead nowhere. Then if you go out to clubs no one takes you seriously not to mention that you can barely have a conversation with someone as the music is too loud. Sure there are gay bars you can go to but they are usually full of greasy 50+ years old men. I have a quest for you: Where do young gay men find love in a BIG city today? That can be a new book for you to write and hopefully inspire young gay men like me. When reading your book I feel very emotional because both Tim and Benjamin are the kind of teenagers that I never was. I wasn’t lucky enough to fall in love when very young (I was 21 years old when I really fell in love with someone). I was never popular in school and still today I have not come out to my parents yet just a few examples. Please keep writing books and I promise to buy them.
P.S. I would love to meet you and your partner one day. I need to meet the person who kept me up at nights reading but who also gave me a virtual hug and when I felt that there is no hope. Having said that I know that you probably get a lot of requests of this kind from fans.
And for the record to all out there who might read this and come to wrong conclusions. I am a handsome man and the proof that looks can’t buy you everything, including love.
Meeting someone is extremely hard, especially if you’re gay. I don’t have a magic answer on how to do it, other than persistence pays off. I met my husband at a bar. Neither one of us enjoyed the bar scene, but we both happened to be there hoping for something more substantial. It took a lot of visits for us to finally find each other. You could always try gay reading groups, sports groups, dinner groups or just about anything else. There are a lot of options in London besides bars, so maybe look into that. Back when I was single, I did it all. Online ads, bars, groups… anything and everything. That’s how hungry for love I was, and though it took years and years, in the end all the effort was worth it.