Hi there! I'm Jay Bell and I like making up stories! I'm the guy who wrote My new book is out and proud!
Written by Jay Bell on January 13, 2011 – 3:12 pm -
Watch out! Print and eBook copies of Something Like Summer have been unleashed and are rampaging the internet! If there’s only one book of mine you try, I would totally give you my first born child if you make it this one. Never before or since have I written something quite so personal, so near to my heart. Not that this is the story of my past, because it isn’t, but I did draw heavily from my experiences of being an openly gay teenager in high school. Feeling alienated and alone, even after coming out? Check. Falling in love with the wrong person, realizing it, and loving them anyway? Oh, yeah. Been there. Being brave enough to seduce the hottest guy in school? Uh, I only wish! Something Like Summer travels beyond high school too, into that strange wilderness of adulthood that we’re promised is less complicated, even though it really isn’t.
I should warn you that there is scalding hot sex in this novel as well. Oh, okay, that’s less of a warning and more of a calculated sales pitch. However, this book is about the nature of relationships and one aspect of that is physical intimacy. There are some graphic sex scenes, but tastefully done and tempered with heart. That’s all that matters to me in a story, is being able to relate to the heart of a character no matter how similar or different they are to me.
For those with a trigger finger, there are some buying options to the right. The eBooks are dirt cheap, but if you prefer paperback, you can get 10% off the price when buying directly from CreateSpace. Just use the code X6VKP2K4 during checkout. Not only is this cheaper for you, but my royalties almost double, so it works well for both of us. Don’t let the shipping dates scare you off either, since CreateSpace delivers much faster than they claim. For those still uncertain or tight on cash, there is more information and free chapters here.
I hope you enjoy reading Something Like Summer. Be sure to drop me a line once you’ve done so. The second greatest thrill of being an author (after writing of course) is hearing the thoughts and feedback of the readers.
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Posted in Books, Gay, Something Like Summer | 12 Comments »
Hi Jay
Just finished The Cat in the Cradle while skiving off work and spent large portions of the weekend reading Something Like Summer – rather than slaving away in front of a computer researching an essay for my Linguistics MA, or catching up on sleep next to my snoring boyfriend, which are just two of the things I was supposed to be doing instead! I’d already read the free chapters from The Cat so when I finished SLS I thought getting back to see how Dylan and Ty were doing show spoiler ▼
– and I was right! I really enjoyed both books – and loved Andreas’ illustrations and your commentary in the Sketchbook: what a talented pair! I read somewhere on your blog that you’ve got another fantasy novel in the pipeline: any chance of you revisiting the world of the lokas? I’d really like to see how the relationship between Dylan and Tyjinn develops, and you said you were sorry the story didn’t have time to visit Drigend – couldn’t Lali be facing some kind of problem which necessitates our two heroes paying her city an extended visit to lend her a hand? That way you could also explore the city to your authorial heart’s content!
Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks for the last two books and I’m looking forward to the next two. And Ada’s reaction in that bit near the end of The Cat where Dylan comes out to her and his father reminded me so much of when we came out to my boyfriend’s mum – she’s Japanese, so rather less demonstrative than Ada, but the sentiment was the same!
Thanks again – and go and give that husband of yours a cuddle: you too make a great team!
Tom
Hey Tom!
What an honor that you read both of my books! And that my stories temporarily took precedence over a warm, boyfriend-filled bed is really flattering. Thanks for that! As for a sequel to The Cat in the Cradle, well… I’m not quite ready to announce anything, but I’d be surprised if we didn’t see Dylan and his friends again sometime. In fact, your comments about Drigend are a little spooky. Did you hack into my personal notes or something?
The next book that’s coming out is another standalone story and takes place entirely in the afterlife. I’ve been calling it fantasy for lack of a better term. Hopefully you’ll give that one a read too. For now, go snuggle up to your man. The essay research can wait!
Sorry, my previous post might contain plot-spoilers – feel free to edit or delete it as you see fit!
Tom
Jay,
I rarely read a book in a day, but that’s what I did today. Somewhere toward the middle I realized that I was so much happier spending a sick day at home reading Something Like Summer than I would have been sitting behind my desk at the office. I enjoyed the sense of reality in the characters, and the “non-romance novel-y” (isn’t that am interesting phrase
) aspect to the book. I will say that I was frustrated a bit because I could never really decide who I was rooting for. All of those frustrations were gone, however, when I finished the book and thought to myself; “Now THAT was the right ending.” I look forward to reading whatever comes next. Thanks for making a sick-day much better.
B
Hey Bryan!
I think Mr. Ben Bentley has been a bad influence on you! You read about him skipping school and then you go and skip work.
I have to admit that I like the idea. Thanks for giving my book a read and for finishing it so fast. That’s quite the compliment!
I’m especially glad to hear that you liked the ending. I suspect it will be a controversial point for some people, since I’ve already heard from readers that wanted things to end differently. It’s the ending my heart said was right, and I wouldn’t change it for the world, but it’s comforting to hear that you felt it was right too.
Thanks for reading and for sharing your thoughts! Hope you don’t get in trouble with the boss.
Jay
Jay,
I just finished Something Like Summer (after finishing Flesh and Blood and The Cat in the Cradle). I am torn about hoping for a sequel. Part of me would like to see how Ben’s story plays out as he gets older. However, good storytelling requires conflict, and I am not sure I want that. The other part of me wants a “happily ever after.” But a story about that could be somewhat boring. Do you plan on follow on novels (or short stories) for Ben or Dylan/Tyjinn? [Of the two novels, I likes SLS better. The character development was better done. Still I would very much like to hear more about Dylan/Tyjinn as well.] Other original stories would be good too. You have a talent for storytelling. I look forward to you next book.
take care . . .
Paul
Hey Paul! Thanks for the feedback and for reading both books. Of the two, I think The Cat in the Cradle has the most potential for a sequel. We still have a lot to learn about Dylan and Tyjinn and what happens in their lives. Besides, fantasy novels lend themselves naturally to sequels.
A few people have suggested writing Something Like Summer from Tim’s perspective. This could be interesting, since we’d be able to experience first hand the love and confusion that wars inside him. The book could also extend into the future, and show what happens to Ben and Tim after SLS. I don’t currently have plans to do this, but it is an interesting idea.
My next book will be another original story, so before any sequels happen, that will be coming out first. I’ll make a blog post about that novel soon.
Thanks for your support!
J
Jay,
Well, let me add my voice to those encouraging Something Like Summer from Tim’s perspective. That would be fascinating. For some reason, this book has really stuck in my mind. I have been reluctant to begin a new book out of an irrational feeling that to do so would be somehow disloyal.
Also, I saw your post regarding Purgatory (or whatever you plan on calling it). Sounds like an excellent premise. I am looking forward to when it is finished and available.
take care . . .
Paul
OMG I think that something like summer has to be the BEST book I have ever read!! (and trust me I read A LOT!!)I loved loved loved it! I laughed and I cried. I can’t wait for another book just as great! I will definitely be on the look out. Thanks so much for such a wonderful story!!!
Thanks Tara! I’m always nervous when prolific readers check out one of my books, but knowing that you liked it is a huge compliment. I’ll keep writing if you keep reading!
J
As a gay out 14 year old male this book has been so inspirational and reflective of my own personal life. I’m so happy i discovered it. i cant believe my luck he he. Its kind of inspired me to pursue something with the Tim of my school. i’m not sure if im brave enough though. anyway this book is the most inspiring and amazing book and it is uncanny how it is like my life. Oh and by the way i loooooooooooooove Tim gaaahh. i want a tim in my life
Thank you for writing this book. Just thinking about it makes me wanna read it again. any chance of a similar book? i would like a sequel but it feels like the book ended in the right way. anyways byeee
Hey Tom!
Thanks for writing. I’m impressed that you’re 14 and already out. That’s amazing! You should be very proud. That’s great that you enjoyed Something Like Summer. I have plans for another book that takes place in high school, so there will be a similar story coming out eventually, but I have a couple of other books I’m releasing first. All my novels feature gay characters and romantic subplots, so you might like them anyway.
Good luck with your Tim! I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you!
J