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. 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!
Maybe it’s a little liberty to write some words here,and i know my english is poor( i’m just a chinese schoolgirl :p),but..
the reason i enter this website is,i am watching the movie online,and i like Gary.
i am finding more about his photos in google.but there are only several ones.
somehow i finded a picture,big and clear.then i entered here from the link.
so…em..it’s really hard for me to make request to a stranger,however…
would you please send me more photos about Gary if you are not busy?
well,i like the name:The Cat in the Cradle.very nice mood,i like the feeling.i do hope i can read it.
thank you very much.
you don’t know how lucky you are to flee the United Statelets of a Belt Between Canada and Mejico, kid-o.
Mr. Bell – Came across your movie review and coming out vids on Youtube. I was impressed and took a look at your website. Gave your site a link on my humble site – right hand column under “Writers”. If you have something coming up that you would like publicized, give me a holler and I’ll post it under my SHOUTOUT header. I do this for free, cuz I know how difficult it can be for gay creative types, esp. when starting out.
regards,
Rick
Hullo, Jay Bell.
I’ve been wanting to talk to you ever since I came across your videos on youtube. I’m Charlotte, I’m a lesbian and I’m French. Of course it is a very conventional and meaningless introduction, but that’s all I can think of for the moment.
I was tremendously touched by your videos. Your words have a strange power – that of stirring what is good inside people. You helped me a lot, and I’m not the only one saying that, as I could see on youtube.
Then when I saw that you were a writer… I couldn’t help myself, I had to get to you.
I happen to be an unpublished writer too, and am currently working on a fantasy story featuring a gay heroine. I thought maybe you would be glad to hear you’re not alone in this boat.
I greatly admire your behaviour and your ideas. You would oblige me in answering that post, and do me an immense favour if you agreed to email me from time to time.
Charlotte
Hey Charlotte!
I’m so glad you like my videos. I keep thinking that they will bore people, but when I get a comment like yours it makes me feel good about them, so thank you.
I like the idea of fantasy novel with a lesbian protagonist. Has that been done before? Xena is the only thing that springs to mind. I never read a proper book like that, so I hope it gets published.
As for email, it’s easier to contact me through YouTube or Facebook messages, since I check those more regularly. All the links are on the front page. =)
Dear Jay:
I am a Spaniard who lived in the U.S. for quite a few years, came back to Europe, met my German husband who has always lived in Luxembourg, fell in love and married. Now we spend part of the year in Madrid, part in Luxembourg, and the rest in different places.
I’m also a writer and I publish novels in the wonderful places that come up in the web. I’m in the process of working to have my books in KINDLE format for Amazon.
We have a lot of things in common except our age. I am already retired.
I enjoy your videos very much. Go on, please!
Joaquin
Hey Joaquin!
Thanks for stopping by! I haven’t visited Spain or Luxembourg yet, but they are both on my list. Did you and your husband get married in Spain, since there is full marriage there, or Luxembourg?
I’m interested in getting my books on KINDLE as well. I’ve heard great things about the sales. I really think eBooks are the way of the future.
Mr. Bell:
, well the thing I’m contacting you is becouse I was trying really hard to find your book but I’ve failed to, so I wanted to ask you if you have shipped your book to my country (Venezuela) and if you haven’t, are you planning to?
well, first of all, Hi!
Miguel
Hey Miguel,
I think your best bet for getting my book in Venezuala is The Book Depository ( http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/book/9781934041871/The-Cat-in-the-Cradle ) because they ship worldwide for free! I hope that helps!
Jay
I am a frequent reader of your blog posts. I liked the recent one and other posts on your blog so much that I have subscribed to the blog’s RSS feed in Thunderbird. Even thinking of stealing some ideas and put them to work. Keep all the good work going by posting more informative posts. Thank you. Time well spent on this post.
I am just curious how you respond to the backlash regarding the racial situation with the movie “the last airbender”.? It is disappointing for me .. because I really love the cartoon series and I loved the movie. I want to take the time to congratulate you on your cartoon it is great! I think that they (the crazies with too much time on their hands) are being ridiculous!! I think that the parts were cast-ed really well! Just curious what you think…. since you wrote the story .. it should be how you think it should be .. it wasn’t written from a nonfictional character that “the crazy people” can compare it to. If I’m not mistaken. LOL
I think they should have cast actors based on acting abilities only. I wouldn’t have chosen one race or another to represent the Fire Nation. I don’t plan on seeing the movie, since I love the cartoon version so much and haven’t heard much good about them film.
I didn’t write the Avatar story though. Not sure how you came to that conclusion. I wish I had! =D
Hi Jay
I happened across your YouTube video on the ten best gay films and from there have watched quite a few of your musings on various topics – they really are quite addictive and thought provoking.
However I’ll restrict myself for the moment to just a couple of thoughts/suggestions. You say your don’t speak German. Can that still be true after living so many years in the country? I know that Germans love to practise their English, but I would urge you to learn the language. It’s not half as difficult as people imagine, and it enables you to get a much better insight into the people, their culture and their politics. As you have probably worked out by now, I’m a great fan of the country and its language, and though I’m reasonably fluent in German and regularly read about Germany on-line and listen to the “Tagesschau”, I really envy your living in the country.
Another thing I have noticed is your use of the term “husband” to describe Andreas. Is this term regularly used by American gay couples? As you probably know, technically Germany does not recognise gay marriage, but uses the term “partnership” – as in the UK. Moreover I do not think that a German civil partnership gives you all the benefits of a straight marriage. Here in the UK gay civil partners have exactly the same legal rights, including social security and tax benefits, as heterosexual married couples, but I hardly hear anyone talk about their “husband”. “Partner” seems to be a term now widely used by both gays and straights – particularly straights who live together and are not married!
Tschüß
Graham
PS The website relates to a group which I run. If you’re ever in London on one of the days in the programme, do come along.
Hey Graham!
Nice of you to write. I’m a bit of an Anglophile myself, so it’s funny that you have such an interest in Germany. Maybe we should switch places?
That might actually be hard because I love it here. I do speak German and started learning it on my own before I moved over here. As a result, my grammar is horrid, but I’m able to comfortably handle most social situations these days, so it’s good enough for me.
As for the civil partnerships, as of summer last year a Lebenspartnerschaft is mostly equal to a marriage. I think the only difference is when it comes to filing taxes, but I haven’t researched it recently. As for the term Husband, I’ve always used it and always will, since I believe it’s not in the power of any government or person to grant a marriage. Only two people can decide between themselves if they want such a commitment. That may be a bit philosophical, but it’s where I stand. However, I understand and recognize the importance of government granted rights.
I’ve also noticed a lot of couples, especially in the UK. using the term partner. I think that’s cool. Whatever people term want to use is fine.
Anyway, thanks for taking the time to drop me a line and check out my videos. I’m off to see your site now!
Jay
Hi Jay
Your comment upon the power of governments to “grant a marriage” is interesting because the Harvard professor Michael Sander in his 2009 Reith lectures puts a very strong case for officially recognised gay marriage (as opposed to civil partnerships) – based on the recognition which the state and society thereby confers on a same-sex relationship. “The debate over same sex marriage is fundamentally a debate about whether gay and lesbian unions are worthy of the honour and recognition that in our society state sanctioned marriage confers, so the underlying moral question is unavoidable.” Until recently gay marriage was not a big issue in the UK – with civil partnerships many gay people thought the battle was over, and in any case in the UK religion plays a far less important role than it does in the USA. However, it has recently been reignited by gays with strong religious convictions. This is because a civil partnership ceremony cannot contain any religious element at present. Gays of a religious persuasion argue that this is wrong, and they should be allowed to form a union recognised by the state in a church, and/or include religious texts in their civil partnership ceremony. However the reason why this is currently not allowed is that the Government wanted to maintain the concept of marriage as being between a man and a woman; if a gay civil partnership ceremony became identical in its content to a religious marriage, then the distinction would become meaningless, and de facto we would have gay marriage.
I must admit that this was not an issue that particularly concerned me until I listened to Michael Sander’s lecture. I think he makes a very strong case for gay marriage. So I now do think it important that the state recognise the concept of gay marriage. Just seeing this as essentially a personal matter between two individuals is not enough. If you want to hear the complete lecture, or read a transcript the link is http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00l0y01 .
Best wishes
Graham
I’ll be sure to check the lecture out. I visited your London walk page, and that’s something we may do someday. Andreas I usually visit once a year, and we love historical stuff. Looks like a lot of fun!
[...] can find out more about Jay at his [...]
Just wanted to say that I started your book The Cat in the Cradle earlier today (While at work, which I shouldn’t have done because I’ve been having a hard time putting it down), and I’m not even half-way done with it and had to tell you how wonderful it is. It’s nice to read a story where the main character is gay and it’s not just an excuse to make the book smut. I’m thoroughly enjoying the stories and characters, and I can’t wait to read more from you. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to rejoin the group as they first set out toward the Cradle.
Hey David!
It’s great to hear that you’ve been enjoying the book. I hope the second half treats you just as well. I love that you’ve been reading it at work. There aren’t many jobs where you can get paid to read, so take advantage of that all you can. Be sure to stop by again when you’re finished to let me know your thoughts.
Thanks for reading!
Hey, sorry if this double posts, but it looks like my first one didn’t go through. But I finished reading your book earlier today and I have to say that the second half is even better than the first half. The plot was amazing and the interaction between the characters was captivating. I knew it was a great book when I was sad that it ended and when I tried to start reading a new book, I couldn’t get into it because the plot of your book was still stuck in my head. You are a very talented writer, and I hope you continue. I also hope there’s a sequel to The Cat in the Cradle somewhere in your head.
?This is just to let you know that your video posts on YouTube.com
are appreciated. I have recommended your video account to
friends.
I have a copy of your novel that I plan to read.
All the best to you and Andreas.
Sincerely.
Hector J. Trau
609 Franklin Street
Gretna, Louisiana 70053
Thanks Hector! I’ve been a little behind on the videos lately, but I have a lot of ideas and topics I want to get to. I’m flattered that you’ve been recommending my videos to others. I hope you enjoy the book too.
Thanks for all your support,
J
?I enjoyed The Cat in the Cradle so much. I am sorry it has taken a while to let you know.
The illustrations of Andreas were the best.
Hopefully the adventures of Dylan and his friends will continue
in print.
I do look forward to reading more of your work.
All the best.
Hector J. Trau
hjtrau@tulanealumni.net
Thanks Hector! Glad you enjoyed the book. I hope we’ll see more of Dylan and his friends too.
Jay,
Thank you for taking the time to reply.
As soon as I finish “Genius” by Patrick Dennis, I plan to start your book.
I am looking forward to your videos.
If may, you may wish to see “Breakfast on Pluto,” a film on DVD by Neil Jordan.
Best.
Hector
I recently got a Kindle. I’ve had a difficult time finding gay themed books that wern’t solely dedicated to ‘interaction.’ Then one night I saw your book listed and purchased it. I enjoyed the book. There’s nothing better than being wrapped up in a blanket reading about characters that arn’t just stereotypes. I’m going to check out “Flesh and Blood.”
I hope your release more stories soon (and on the Kindle.)
Hey Mike! I’m thrilled to hear that you enjoyed The Cat in the Cradle. I have a couple of books completed, one of which is almost ready to go. I hope it will be out later this year, although it might be early 2011. I’m a big believer in eBooks, and will definitely be releasing all my full length novels on the Kindle through Amazon. Thanks for stopping by, and for giving my book a shot! -J
Hi Jay,
I have not yet gotten around to purchasing your book, but I very much intend to. I’ve watched a few of your youtube clips and I like some of your ideas.
I’m very busy at the moment, as I too am a writer. I have chosen to publish my trilogy series electronically and you should notice them floating around mid-next year.
Why am I telling you this? I am a straight, happily married man and the heroine of my story is a lesbian. One of the reasons I decided to write a lesbian character is because I am so tired of gay people being stereotyped by their sexuality. Any time you ever hear about gay people, the topic that immediately comes up is their sex lives. I look forward to the day when gay men and women will will be able to state their sexual preferences, and no one will think anything more of it than they would if the person were straight. That is why in my story, their is very little focus on the fact that the heroine is gay, it simply … is. You know? Anyway, I hope my ramblings have made some kind of sense. I look forward to purchasing your book shortly. I of all people, identify with how much of your soul it takes to create a novel. Keep up the good work!
CJM
Hi Jay!,
It’s a pleasure to read your biography. I wish you sweet graces, and much success. In friendship always, Marcel.
What an adventure when you read Something Like Summer in one sitting. Great work. The backdrop of Austin fuels the fire inside as I dream of Austin when I am not there. The characterization is so fleshed out, I have spent the day seeing parallels in the 20 year journey with my own Tim Wynman. Now on to The Cat in the Cradle to be taken away to another realm. Thanks, Richard.
Thanks for the wonderful comment Richard. I’m thrilled you liked Austin as a setting, because I have to confess something. I’ve never been there. I did a ton of research though, so hopefully I got everything right. If not, feel free to correct me.
Thanks for reading my stories! You’re the best!
Happy birthday! I enjoyed Something Like Summer so came here to check what else you’d written, and noticed that today is your birthday. Hope it’s a good one.
Hey,
I just felt like dropping by and thank you for two wonderful novels. I read both of them last weekend and I felt really touched. I can’t remember the last time a novel was so exciting and heartwarming.
From time to time I am working in a small book store, so through browsing the variouse lists of publications, I know that about 90% of every years publications are total rubbish and as for for gay interest it’s mostly filthy or stereotypical garbage.
I am so sick of looking for identification in straight stories and protagonists, thank you for ending the search and delivering these fine pieces of literature. I am really looking forward to whatever is up next.
By the way, I hope you have come to like living here in Germany, although I bet we can’t even begin to compete with Texas in the sunshine department
Hallo Tobias!
Vielen dank dass Sie haben meine Bücher gelesen. Dass ist eine große Ehe und bedeutet mir sehr viel! Er… My German isn’t as good as your English, but I’m learning.
I’m glad you felt both of my books were of good quality. As a reader, I too find myself searching for protagonists I can relate to, so I’m very happy to hear you felt a connection to these characters. I hope you find my future books just as pleasing. The next couple of novels have gay main characters as well, but the stories don’t focus on sexuality or coming out, since I want to show gay people having adventures just like straight protagonists do.
As for Germany, I absolutely love it here. I went through a few years of culture shock and uncertainty, but not anymore. Nun ist Deutschland meine Zuhause, und ich kann mir nicht vorstellen irgendwo anderes zu wohnen.
Anyway, thank you for writing and being so supportive!
Viele Grüße aus Stuttgart,
Jay
Hello Jay, I discovered your website by way of a google search about colors and elements and ended up reading about Manannan. The experiences made me laugh out loud with recognition. Thank you. So, then I clicked on your jaybell site and watched a youtube video on relationships 101. You are definitely an inspiration. I too am a writer. I’ve got a book in me that wants to come out??? (subject unknown as of today). I also created (and learned html)my own website…www.eyekill.com. Now it is there in its infancy and I have stalled. So, thank you for the great example. I am sure I will refer back to your site again for more inspiration. p.s. My husband is from Kansas too. Peace and Love, Melisa
Hey Melisa,
Thanks for visiting both sites! I checked yours out and enjoyed it. Not only is it fun, but you cover a lot of causes and topics I believe in as well. Plus, cute dog photos! If you’re into paganism, you’ll probably like a book I have coming out later this year, since it features a huge number of the old gods, Manannan included. As for your own book, I always recommend writing just a little bit every day. You’d be surprised how quickly it adds up to a full length novel.
Thanks for stopping by!
J
Hello Jay, just forgot to mention that my mother is German and both my aunts and cousins are near Hamburg. And would you please give me some suggestion about my website if you get the chance. Thank you!!!
Hi Jay!
I just got finished reading Something Like Summer, and I loved it! The characters all felt so real, and the crafting of the different relationships and interactions made for a really beautiful story. By the end I was so emotionally invested in all of the characters that Jace’s death brought me to tears and then the epilogue turned around and gave me such a great sense of fulfillment!
I’m very into his flawed but admirable and courageous character. But really, you should!
To get to the point, though, I feel like the story is so cinematic, and that it would be very easy to adapt it into a great film. I loved the story so much, and I think it would have such appeal in theaters! So I was wondering if you planned on looking into turning it into a movie? Since it is still a recent publication, I’m sure it would take a while to wait for it to become popular as a book first, but I think it has such potential. Also, I’d love to play Ben
Thanks for a great read!
Seth
Hey Seth! Thanks for the kind words about Something Like Summer. I too would love to see it turned into a film. I’m not really sure how one goes about that though. I’d like to imagine a director picking the book up and getting excited about the story, but maybe I need to be more proactive. Regardless, I’ll definitely let you know when there’s a casting call.
Thanks for reading! -Jay
You seem to have a very interesting website going on here. I’ve just started checking it out, but I thought I’d leave a reply before checking out the rest in a few minutes.
I, too, am a writer for fiction (mostly drama and romance) and I’m working on quite a few novel series simultaneously. One of them is an LGBT teen drama series (I don’t say “gay” because it has characters of those four letters). Once I get it published (not sure how and where just yet, since I’m completely new to it) I would hope you’d check it out one day and give it a review, if it becomes popular enough. It’s been told that it has potential. Of course, I’m still not finished with the first book of what will be quite a few books (it’s not a trilogy… it’s a continuous drama). I’m getting my first e-reader soon, once I decide to make my selection between Kindle and The Nook. So, that is when I will purchase your books (I haven’t bought physical books in a while solely for that reason).
I’m also learning German, so it’s nice to relate to you other than writing. I’d like to go to Germany one day to experience the culture, food, music, and people. I speak English, Spanish, Portuguese, and some French, and Italian is next on the list, along with Latin, Arabic, and Dutch.
It is also nice to see that you are happily married. That is just very cool; and may you two last forever!
Hey Frankie! Best of luck with your books. I like that you’re including the entire LGBT spectrum with your characters. That’s a really cool idea. Be sure to let me know when you’ve got the first novel published.
As for eBook readers, I can chime in with my own opinion. I’ve had a Nook for a year and a Kindle for a few weeks, and I already love the Kindle much, much more. It feels less sluggish and the interface is much more intuitive. I really believe the Kindle is going to be the eReader of choice in the future.
Anyway, thanks for stopping by!
Thank you for the reply and about my novel series! I will also definitely consider your opinion about the e-readers.
My other half has the kindle and I agree, it is much better than the nook v1, but have you tried the nook v2? I played with it for 5 minutes and was sold on it bought it there and then. Not sure what kindle v4 is going to bring, but for the moment the nook v2 has it by a mile.
I haven’t been hands on with the Nook 2 yet, but it looks very nice. I have to say I like both my Nook 1 and Kindle 3 just fine. Both are great devices. I just prefer the Kindle slightly more. I bet both devices will keep overtaking each other in the race as it goes on.
Hi Jay, I just finished reading Something like Summer and I just wanted to say it was such a beautiful story I confess I had a little cry at the end ;p I was able to really relate to the characters you created and it was such an amazing experience for me having never sought out or read gay fiction before. Thanks for writing such a great novel, it was worth so much more than the kindle price I paid for it
Ryan
Hi Ryan!
I’m glad you enjoyed the book, and I’m honored to be your first foray into the world of gay fiction. Thanks for reading and for your kind words. They mean a lot to me.
J
Hi Jay,
Just finished reading Something like summer. Awesome.
. The way you write just drew me further and further into the story and every page had me engrossed in Ben and Tim’s evolving lives.
I finished it in 2 sittings which is something like a record for me. I couldn’t put the damn thing down
I have to say, it has inspired me so much, for the first time I have put pen to paper (so to speak) and have started off on my own novel. They say everyone has at least one novel in them, so I’m going to put it to the test, and it’s all thanks to you.
Thanks for being my inspiration.
Hey Jim!
I’ve had a lot of great feedback about Something Like Summer, but no one has said that it inspired them to write before. That’s really cool! If I may give you a tip, try to write a little every day, even if it’s just one sentence. You’ll be surprised how quickly it adds up. Most of all, have fun with it!
Thanks for reading and best of luck with your own story!
J
I just finished reading Something Like Summer. I bought it randomly this morning, what a great purchase. I could not but the book down until I finished it. I knew that I needed to do some googling to find a way to leave you a comment.
This book is amazing. I fell in love with the characters and did not want it to end. I laughed, I cried, I rejoiced and I was heart broken. Thank you for writing such an amazing piece of literature.
I look forward to reading more of your work.
Thank you so much Shawn! I love hearing that the story moved you and that the characters meant something to you. That’s all the motivation I need to keep writing and better than any paycheck I’ve received!
Best wishes and big hugs,
J
Hi Jay,
I found my way here via the awesome review for “Hell’s Pawn” on ReviewsbyJessewave.com today. Authors named Jay(e) are apparently having a very good week there.
Congratulations, and I wish you much success with your books.
–Jaye
Hey Jaye! Congrats on both Star Crossed reviews. It’s always good to see follow indie authors doing well. Best of luck to you and your writing partner too!
Jay, “Something Like Summer” is such an epic love story that it cast a spell on me. I noticed that you like using “spell” in the that book, but tell me who can break the spell cast by your magic book. After your book, I am simply not able to read any other gay romance novels. I simply fell love with Tim and Ben. Jace is also adorable, but too perfect for my taste. He can only exist in our fantasy land. I prefer characters that are flawed. Please promise that some day you will revisit the story of Tim and Ben. I want to know the story of the scar on Tim’s shoulder and his fraternity years.
Congratulations on this grand accomplishment.
Hi Eric!
Thank you for the flattering words here and on Facebook. It’s great to hear how much you enjoyed Something Like Summer. I didn’t notice using the word “spell” often in the book, but I suppose the book cast one over me too while I was writing it. I might revisit Ben and Tim again someday, since you’re right, there are still stories to be told. Tim, Ben, Allison, and Jace are never far from my heart, and I’d be surprised if I managed to to stay away from them for too long.
Thanks for reading and taking the time to write!
J
Hi Jay,
I just finished “Something Like Summer” and what a wonderful book it was! I really enjoyed it very much. Well-written characters and storyline. I absolutely LOVE it! Thank you for sharing that story. I am now going to pass on the book to my best friend. By the way, great to hear about you and your husband, Andreas.
Take care!
Mike
Hi Mike!
It’s great to hear that you enjoyed the book. Thanks for passing it on to your best friend too. Hopefully they will like it as well. If not, they aren’t allowed to be your best friend anymore.
Thanks for stopping by!
J
Hello there,
Just wanted to say that I thouroughly enjoyed ‘Something like Summer’. For 2.99 on the Kindle, I felt almost like I am cheating you since it’s such an in depth read !
Can you please , PLEASE write a sequel for Tim and Ben?! I will name my first born child after your husband
Hi Danielle! Glad you liked the book. The price is indeed low, but it’s important to me that it reaches as many people as possible. As for a sequel, I might just take you up on that first-born offer, especially if the kid’s middle name is Jay.
Okay, Mr. Bell (do you like that–that was me trying to be respectful of you, a perfect stranger–it’s okay, you don’t have to thank me–really–oh stop!)
I found you at Jessewave–well, technically, I found your giveaway of Hell’s Pawn there but it was your delightful banter, $50 fee and desperate need for porn like images of my husband that really drew me in!
So, I just order up the revised Cat in the cradle. Now listen Jay, (I know–how quickly respect flies, right?) I’d like to lie and tell you I’m a twenty something young adult looking for a great read but actually I am as old as dirt (51) and well, yes, looking for a great read! SO I’m going in–diving deep–giving it the old college try–and any other euphemism you might like to add–I’m reading your book! Dear God, man, how are you not starving on this ridiculously low prices???
Now I am off to read–and seriously if your books are as good as your banter–I will soon be in blissful reader heaven–I’ll let you know!
Sammy
Dear Mr. Young-at-heart Sammy2006,
I am indeed starving at the prices I sell my books, but it helps maintain my girlish figure. Mostly I just want my books to get out there and be read, even if I don’t get rich off of them. That’s the most important thing. (Are you moved by my nobility yet?)
It’s cool that you chose The Cat in the Cradle. It’s not my most popular book. Not that it’s not good, but a lot of folks turn their nose up at fantasy. That book is kind of like the uncool kid at school, something I can relate to. Please be kind to it and tuck it in at night!
Thanks,
Jay
Dear Mr. Bell, (again–points for the respect!)
There is a lot to be said for uncool kids–the hubby, as knock down gorgeous as I think he is was a high school band geek and (cringe here) president of the student council (an uncool student council)–oh and did I mention a cowboy–it’s true–I know you’re drooling now–quick look at your own hottie husband and repeat after me–I am soooo happy–I do not enjoy the porn images I now have floating around my mind! As for tucking the book in–I gave a soft kiss and gentle pat to the tushy of the kindle screen as well–I distinctly heard your book sigh–just thought I’d let you know! Isn’t it wonderful when fans turn out to be a little stalker-esque and just this side of weird–I promise I do live stateside and have no plans to travel to Germany in the near future.
Oh and this is me in a slight huff=:( I did not win the free book over at Wave even after agreeing to pay the $50 fee! Huh–go figure!
I do love my stalkers! Andreas built me a tower to live in that keeps me safe while still enjoying all the benefits. I’ll keep an eye for you and your cowboy husband though. You never know. I may just throw down my hair when I see you guys coming!
J
Hello Mr.Bell,
I am currently reading “The Cat in the Cradle”. I really liked it ..I am from India but currently living in Germany as part of my work ..The book had me awake till now and tomorrow have my office but couldn’t stop myself reading the book..I really like it…Thanks for such a nice book…And also I went through the your youtube channel yesterday evening…and I really really like the way the videos start(You updating on us on your day to day events), it gives a friendly touch something like sharing to friends…Thanks for everything…
Looking forward for reading more of your books…
Thanks and Regards
Rama
Hi Rama!
It’s great to hear that you’re reading The Cat in the Cradle. I hope that you’re enjoying the story and Andreas’s art. I also hope you’re having a good time in Germany. It took me a little time to get used to living here, but now it feels like home. I’d love to visit India someday! We’ve talked about it a few times already, but haven’t made any solid plans yet.
Great to hear from you!
Jay
Hi Jay,
Thanks for the reply.I have finished reading Cat in the Cradle…I really enjoyed it. Andreas Art is superb..I saw the video in youtube how Andreas made the Black’s castle..I was astonished and greatly impressed…I like Germany especially the people and colleagues here are very helpful..yes the weather is bit different to in India and this time the summer here was not really a summer…But its a great and secure country and I like it here very much…Hope you visit India sometime..and when you visit India I hope you like the place…I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the Loka Legends series..to see how Dylan and Tyjinn are carrying on with their adventures…Its sometimes very good to vanish into fantasy and forget the woes of the reality..Thanks a lot for the book Jay…
Regards
Rama
I just finished reading Something Like Summer, and oh hell. You are awesome. I try new types of books and that was the first male-male romance i have read. a lot of people hiding in the closet see Ben as the bravest man, ever. while a lot can relate to Tim thinking how the society would think of him. I loved how you made Tim become the jerk I always read to a guy who becomes the knight in shining armor. Great job!
Glad you liked it, especially since it was your first m/m romance. Oh my gosh.. I’m your first!
And yeah, Tim is a big jerk. He has a good heart, but he’s no knight in shining armor. Personally, I think that makes him much more interesting.
Thanks for taking a chance on my book!
Hi Jay,
Saw your great list of films on YouTube and wanted to recommend A Love To Hide.
Looks like I may have to check out one of your books as well.
Cheers,
Kevin
Hello Jay!
Thank you so much for writing Something Like Summer. It has been a while since I have stayed up until 6am reading, only to wake up and immediately finish the book! I fell in love with all the characters and related to all of them in a different way. The story has given me hope to find some love in my life again!
Also, I was so excited to find out that you also write fantasy! So, I now have all of your books and short stories on my nook to hold me over for a while
Ciao,
Ethan
Thanks, Ethan! I love causing sleepless nights. It’s such an awesome compliment when people go without one of life’s simple pleasures to read one of my stories. That’s great that you’re a fantasy fan too! My other books don’t get as much attention as Something Like Summer, so they’ll be glad to be read by you.
Hi jay,
I want to read your books so bad but i’m in kuwait, no gay culture here. that’s not the reason i’m leaving a replay. i’m 16 and i’m gay i came out to my parents 2 weeks ago and they still having problems with it.They want to “cure” me like i’m sick, but i’m hanging in there because in the end they are gonna have to accept me for who i am.They think this is just a phase, somthing i’ll get over and they don’t want anyone else to know. i don’t know why i just wrote all of that, i guess i need someone to talk to. the reason why i’m leaving a reply is to know YOUR coming out story.
anonymous
Hey there! That’s great that you came out to your parents! I’m sorry that they aren’t accepting it yet, but even the best parents need time to adjust. Mine did too. It can be a slow process. Just hang in there and try to stay strong. As for my coming out story, I made a video about it quite some time ago. You can see that here: http://www.jaybellbooks.com/coming-out-day/
I hope that helps in some way!
J
Jay,
I really loved the character development in “Language Lessons “, which was the first book I read of yours. It made the romance seem so real. I am 41 going on 42 and it seems my chances for romance have passed. All your characters seem so young and hot looking. Is there any hope for an older not so hot looking , not so perfect man to find love? If there were a story to write about it, what would it be like? Have you written a story about finding true love after 40? Is there a hope for a luscious garden when all seems to have dried up and is nothing but dust and is barren?
Mr. Shawna Mann
PS Merry Christmas everyone.
Hi Shawna!
I haven’t written a story about an older guy that finds love yet. The book I’m working on now does have a very positive older gay guy in it. I suppose there is a little bit of a love story there, but not one that’s at all traditional. I also have another book idea involving an older gay guy, but all of this is in the far future. As for you, just because you’re forty doesn’t mean you can’t still find love. A friend of ours is fifty and recently found a great boyfriend just a couple years ago. I wouldn’t give up on love just yet, if that’s what you want.
Thanks for writing! Merry Christmas to you too!
J
Hi Jay,
just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed Something like summer. It’s Christmas, I moved to my parents within the same town in Slovakia for 2 days and as I expected it to be a little bit boring time I took the book with me.
Not easy to get some gay topic ones for me btw – always when a friend flies over to the US I order couple gay novels in english to their addy and they bring it over, first time 5 years ago I did it by myself buying QAF. Helps my english definitely as well, besides the fun while reading.
Just now I finished yours, last 150 pages at once, the ending kept me breathless, even crying which my boyfreind did not want to believe when mentioned in SMS. Maybe now he can see I am so hard only on the surface. I hope so at least.
Tried to be quiet as much as possible, not to show the tears in my eyes to parents as they were sitting in same room watching TV.
I mean really, this books means a lot to me, it is even teaching, showing stuff i would maybe not realize in my own life. I am old enough, 1 year younger than you, but still managing relations is so hard for me. With partners, parents, friends… Mine never accepted it since i came out with 23, now years later we get along well besides this one topic, it just does not exist and they clearly said they would not support me. Oh well, at least I have a life of my own meanwhile, but still, it is ones parents and one would like to have them knowing all, be accepted, supported. Maybe with the time it will change.
Definitely your book helped me a lot to see I am not alone struggling with emotions in my life. Thank you for that.
Happy holidays,
Mike
Hi Mike!
I always like hearing where my books end up, and I’m pretty sure no one has written me from Slovakia before. I’m sorry to hear that your parents aren’t as supportive as they could be. I hope they will change their minds eventually. It’s good that you have your own life and are doing what is best for you. That’s the right thing to do. As for the book, I’m honored that Something Like Summer made you so emotional. That’s a huge complement to an author, and that you care about these characters as much as I do makes me happy. Thanks for taking the time to write and for sharing your story.
Best of luck in the new year!
J
Brilliant! It has been a week since I finished Something Like Summer and I cannot get it out of my mind. I closely identified with Tim. I was not brave when it mattered and let my true love slip away. I immediately regretted it and compounded my folly with a series of poor decisions and unhealthy actions. I am still waiting on my happily ever after but I like to think that, as with Tim, redemption is possible.
I read that you are thinking of writing a sequel retelling the story from Tim’s perspective. I hope you do. The rich characters you created are the perfect device to explore a variety of different gay relationships, both healthy and unhealthy.
Thank you for sharing these characters with the world.
Hey Delancey.
Something Like Summer has stuck with you, even a week later? That’s excellent! My favorite books are those that haunt me, so I take this as a wonderful compliment. Sorry to hear that you went through some of the same rough experiences that Tim did, but I hope like him you get a second chance or two in the future. Happily-ever-afters can take a while, but they’re worth waiting and fighting for. Thanks too for another vote for a potential sequel. I’m eager for an excuse to revisit Ben and Tim, so it’s looking very likely at this point.
Thanks for writing!
J
Hello ! I just finished reading Something like Summer. This is my favorite contemporary M/M romance to date! I cried when Jace died
( and I felt I am Ben who need to choose between Tim and Jace. It was a hard choice and you did a GREAT job doing it that way.
I finished “SLS” today. What an awesome story. I hadnt read your book before the Goodreads awards. This story truly qualifies for a sequel. Congrats on the movie rights.
Thanks, Hannah. And thanks for the review on Amazon as well!
Hello
Hii Jay Bell, My name is Julian and I just finish reading your book Something Like Summer and it really touhes my heart. Ben and Tim are just so adorable together. I’m 13 and is currently in middle school. I’m gay and only the closest to me knows. What Ben and Tim went threw really inspired me and after this very day January 6th, 2012 I will always remember the book Something Like Summer.PLEASE MAKE A PART 2 , SEQUEAL , WHATEVER THIS BOOKS WAS JUST TOO GOOD TO MOVE ON ! P.s You’re my favorite author Jay Bell ! I will always stalk you lol 
Thank you alot !!
Hi Julian!
Thanks for your message here and for your email. I’ll answer you back via email quicker than you can say “Blarrgh-pfffnomia-groogroo-wangabit!”
J
Aww yay !! , I sent you an e-mail back
Thanks again !
i’m so happy for you finding your husband. i’m still working on this, with a diminishing hope
.well, i’m encouraged from your story, i’ll seize my chance next time as what you and Ben (in your fiction) did.
i’ve heard that German is so difficult.you must be frustrating there. you’re also very brave to follow your love. no matter what language it is, a husband’s language will be the most romantic language, i think. love each other till the world ends ?? .
German is pretty hard, but I get by. I can be understood and can understand everything that’s being said. Regardless, I’m glad Andreas speaks perfect English. That’s what we spoke when we met, so that’s what we always speak together. It’s a comfortable habit.
Hi Jay
my name is Yann and i wanted to ask if your books were published in German because I’m from Germany and I’d rather read it in German even though my English isn’t too bad. And I wanted to tell you that I enjoy watching your videos! Mach weiter so 
Leider nicht, Yann. Keines meine Bücher ist auf Deutsch erhältlich. Vielleicht in der Zukunft irgendwann.
Hi Jay,
My names Patrick, i’m gay, and I guess I’m a bit of a fan. I read “Something like Summer” and couldn’t help but fall in love with it. The characters are so easy to relate to. I mean really the first time I read it I totally thought “Story of my life” lol. But on a more serious note, Im a senior in High school, and this really helped me cope with a lot of my own problems. I was raised in a rather traditional Christian household and was a bit of a homo-phoebe, so I had a hard time coming to terms with my sexuality. I’ve only felt secure in myself for like a year and reading your book only reiterated my gay pride. Not to be too cliche, but it’s because of people like you that the world is becoming tolerant. You may call yourself a writer, but I think humanitarian should be in your job description :p So Thank you, for all that you’ve done, and all that you will
Thanks, Patrick! That’s very kind of you. I’m glad Something Like Summer helped you cope with your situation. Being gay is way more fun once you’re out of high school, so just hang in there. Soon you’ll be living a love story way more exciting than Ben and Tim’s.
I have another book coming out next Friday called Kamikaze Boys. You might want to check that one out, since one of the characters is a senior just about to graduate high school. Might give you something else to relate to.
J
Just finished Kamikaze Boys. Thank you for another great book. Is it wrong that I want to go dig my baseball bat out of the closet?
I’ll grab my bat too, Delancey!
Glad you enjoyed the story!
herr bell,
i can only say that your novel, “something like summer”, was excellent. very rarely am i moved by a book of any sort, and yours was one of the few which have, as most of the gay-themed stuff i find is either hollywood romances (which are fine, but can be a bit too saccharine at times) or hard-core erotica (yeck). your story was the most realistic one i’ve read so far. apparently it’s also a movie, so mazel tov on that.
do keep writing, sir, as i’ll be anxious to peruse more of your books. i almost wish i had found your works sooner.
ein guter tag zu sie (i think that’s how you say it),
reb yid
Hi Reb! Thanks for the praise. I’m glad Something Like Summer could move you. I suppose the line between cheesy romance and trashy erotica is a thin one, but I’ll keep walking that tightrope as best I can. I hope my other books are just as balanced in your opinion!
Viele Grüße aus Stuttgart!
J
Dude, I’ve only gotten through like, the first I don’t know how many pages of Something Like Summer and at first, I thought it would be one of those boring gay-love stories but no, it’s better than almost any story I read. I can’t wait to finish it really. I myself am trying to get writing into that genre specifically. Do you have any tips? Also, I grew up reading Terry Brooks and I LOVE his stories…though, I don’t remember the titles of the books I read by him sadly. As a finishing note, when I finish the book, I’m gonna try and see the movie “Something Like Summer” and hope it’s just as good as the book. ^_^ So glad I found this site…and to think that I was looking up the Egyptian God Anubis before stumbling upon this. Thank you, Anubis.