Imago
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Good Morning Monday – It’s Imago time!!
It’s release week!! *twirls* Cue the nerves and release day jitters, but I’m really excited for the world to meet Lawson and Jack! They’re so super cute <3 Release days are always awesome but scary, and it messes with my productivity.
In case you missed it, I did an interview with Lawson and Jack for a Valentine’s Day post for the lovely RJ Scott. I’ll include it here, so you can read..
<3
NR: I’d like to welcome two very special people. Lawson Gale and Jack Brighton, from my next release, Imago. Please take a seat.
*both men sit. Lawson looks around the room, taking in every detail. Jack just smiles. Lawson is wearing a blue button down chino shirt with a navy blue bowtie, navy trousers. His hair is perfect. Jack is wearing jeans, boots, and an old T-shirt. His scruffy hair is not perfect.*
Lawson: Hello.
Jack: Hi. Nice to be here.
NR: Okay, so let me introduce you properly. People are yet to meet you, and they’re excited. Lawson, I’ll start with you.
Lawson: *tries not to cringe and fails* If you must.
NR: I must. You’re a lepidopterist. Can you explain to our readers what that is?
Lawson: I study butterflies and moths. Though I specialise in butterflies.
NR: And this field of study takes you to Tasmania, were you met Jack.
Lawson: *looks at Jack and smiles* Yes, that’s correct.
Jack: *smirks*
NR: And Jack, you work with the Parks & Wildlife. But that’s not where you met, was it?
Jack: Nope. I met him on a plane from Melbourne to Launceston.
Lawson: *his brow furrows* That’s not entirely correct. We saw each other on the plane. You laughed at me, remember? Then you tried to trample me into the aisle. We technically met at the airport in Launceston.
Jack: *looks at Lawson with the patience of a saint* Well, yes. But I didn’t laugh at you. I made a lame mental joke about jerking off. *Lawson’s mouth falls open. Jack smiles* And I didn’t trample you into the aisle. I bumped into you, quite by accident.
Lawson: *unamused* Casu consulto.
Jack: *again with the patience of a saint thing* And that means…?
Lawson: It’s Latin for accidently on purpose.
Jack: *sighs* I didn’t bump into you intentionally, but I’m glad I did.
Lawson: *rolls eyes* Then you lied to me and told me the Museum in Launceston was on your way.
Jack: That wasn’t exactly a lie. And anyway, I don’t regret it. Because it gave me an excuse to spend time with you.
NR: *clears throat* So, um, what was your first impression of each other?
Lawson: I thought he was a serial killer.
NR: *blinks*
Jack: It’s true. He did. My first impression of Lawson was that he was unlike any guy I’d ever seen before. Well, that and the bowtie. I was a goner.
Lawson: *smiles at Jack* He likes suspenders too.
Jack: *shifts in seat and clears throat* That’s true, also.
NR: *looks at Lawson* You thought he was a serial killer but you went with him anyway? I thought you were supposed to be a genius?
Lawson: *looks at Jack* I told you this would happen.
Jack: *laughs loudly* He came with me because he needed a lift.
Lawson: And he was cute. With a dimple when he smiled.
NR: *nods slowly* A cute serial killer. Got it.
Lawson: *peers at NR’s notepad* With a dimple when he smiled. You didn’t write that.
NR: *amends interview*
Lawson: *preens*
Jack: *chuckles*
NR: *looks at Jack* Let me guess. You find him endearing.
Jack: *laughs* Completely.
Lawson: I’m sorry, was there a point to this interview?
NR: *clears throat* Yes, actually. Valentine’s Day is coming up and I was wondering what you two had planned…
Jack: *blinks. Twice.*
Lawson: *looks at Jack* Well?”
Jack: *looks at Lawson* Well, what?”
Lawson: What do you have planned?
Jack: *puts hand to his chest* Why do I have to be the one to plan something?
Lawson: *takes a moment to look duly offended* You haven’t organised anything?
Jack: Not yet, but you know I will. *looks to NR for help*
NR: *looks at Lawson, panic struck* This is true. Jack has organised some incredible dates in the past.
Lawson: True… *smiles at Jack* The dates he’s taken me on have been remarkable.
NR: Shall we tell our readers any more on what happens in Imago?
Jack: Yes, good idea.
Lawson: Well, that would be redundant if you want them to read the book.
NR: We won’t tell them everything. Just a little taste.
*both Lawson and Jack blush*
NR: Okay, so maybe ‘taste’ was the wrong word…
Jack: *clears throat* Well, Imago takes place in Scottsdale, Tasmania.
Lawson: Yes. And I stay in Jack’s hometown to search for a butterfly. That’s where the remarkable dates take place.
NR: And what does Imago mean? It’s an unusual word.
Jack: *sighs*
Lawson: How is it unusual? To whose standard?
NR: Mine.
Lawson: *scowls* That’s hardly―
Jack: I think she means it’s not a common word, to the uninitiated.
Lawson: *turns to Jack* Why didn’t she say that?
NR: *raises eyebrow at Jack* Is he still endearing?
Jack: *laughs* Totally.
Lawson: *ignores NR and sniffs* Imago is the final and fully developed adult stage of an insect, typically winged.
NR: That’s so apt!
Lawson: Of course you’d say that. You named the book.
NR: *shrugs* True. So tell me, have you guys met each other’s families yet?
Jack: Nope. That happens in the sequel, right?
Lawson: *leans in* He’s not nervous. How can he not be nervous?
Jack: I don’t know why I’m not. I figure if you’re happy with me, they’ll be happy with me. I don’t know why you’re so nervous. I told you my folks’ll love you.
Lawson: I tend to get off on the wrong foot with people. People think I’m strange.
Jack: No they don’t. People love you.
Lawson: *raises one eyebrow at Jack* Everyone I work with hates me.
Jack: Because they’re mostly idiots. We’ve established this. Well, the people you used to work with. You don’t work with them anymore.
Lawson: *tilts head thoughtfully* They had above average intelligence, so they weren’t actually idiots. But yes, they were…
Jack: Idiots.
NR: *snorts* And how’s the work going now, Lawson?
Lawson: Very well. *frowns for a moment, then turns back to Jack* I’d like to revisit our earlier conversation pertaining to Valentine’s Day.
Jack: *sighs*
Lawson: I think I’d like to do something we’ve not done before.
Jack: *smirk* And that is?
Lawson: *smiles ridiculously* Guess.
Jack: Rock climbing? Skiff sailing on Hobart Harbour? Horse riding?
Lawson: *pales more with each suggestion* I was going to say dancing.
Jack: *squints at Lawson* Dancing?
Lawson: Yes, as in moves-to-music. You’ve not taken me dancing.
Jack: *looks at NR, not amused* Dancing? I don’t know how I’ll ever thank you…
Lawson: It wasn’t NR’s idea. It was mine.
Jack: *takes Lawson’s hand* Lawson, I don’t dance. Well, actually, I can’t dance, more to the point.
Lawson: Everyone can dance. The degree of ability is a factor on how well one dances, but everyone can dance. *seems to ponder a moment* I should add a disclaimer that being able-bodied is also a factor.
Jack: *acts like this is normal conversation* Well, I am able-bodied…
Lawson: *blushes* Yes, you are.
Jack: But it’s my ability to dance that is sorely lacking.
Lawson: I don’t believe you.
Jack: Well, I’m sure there’s university footage of a Peter Garrett impersonation somewhere.
Lawson: *blinks* Oh.
Jack: *nods*
Lawson: But I’m talking of slow-dancing.
Jack: *looks horrified* Waltzing?
Lawson: No, just slow dancing. *takes out phone and scrolls through screen*
Jack: What are you doing? Are you Googling Peter Garrett dance impersonations?
Lawson: *snorts* No. *stands up and put phone on seat*
Jack: Uh, Lawson.
Lawson: *holds out hand to Jack*
Jack: *is scared*
Lawson: *waits with hand out for Jack*
Jack: *sighs but takes Lawson’s hand and reluctantly stands*
Lawson: *presses play on phone*
<music starts to play>
Jack: What song is this?
Lawson: *pulls Jack close* Wicked Game, by James McMorrow. Now just put your arms around me, and move with me. Can you feel the beat?
Jack: *does what Lawson says* I can feel something.
Lawson: *chuckles*
NR: *watches the two men slow dance, and stands up slowly* I’ll just be going…
Jack: *nuzzles Lawson’s ear*
Lawson: *runs hand down over Jack’s arse*
NR: *is awkward* Right then. Thanks for your time…
Lawson: *hums something to Jack*
Jack: *chuckles*
NR: *gets to the door* Maybe next time we can do an actual interview.
Lawson: *still slow-dancing, looks up to Jack*
Jack: *slowly pressed his lips to Lawson’s*
NR: *opens door and walks out* Bloody characters. Never do what they’re supposed to.
<3
Hope you enjoyed 😉
~ YouTube version of Wicked Game they dance to…
In other exciting news, Switched was awarded Book of the Month at Love Bytes Reviews!
That makes two from two!! Last month, The Weight of It All won Book of the Year, now Switched is Book of the month! I’m so very honoured, for whomever nominated me and for everyone that voted, I am grateful and humbled. Thank you so much for your continued support!
I’ll be back real soon with links to Imago when it goes live, but until next week…
<3
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Good Morning Monday! And the week that was…
Another busy week! I didn’t get as many words done on my WIP as I’d have liked but with admin stuff, errands and RL, it was all kinda uphill.
For anyone who uses it, I now have a Google+ thingy. I’ve been super slack with it, but it’s set up now. Feel free to add me. My profile is HERE.
Some exciting news: Last week I also signed contracts for FIVE, yes FIVE, titles to be done in audio with Tantor!
The Cronin’s Key trilogy, The Weight Of It All, and Switched!
It’s hard to believe that just a year ago, I had NONE of my books in audio. Now I have two and with another 12 months, I’ll have nine with another three scheduled to be done! Because after my narrator, Joel Froomkin, finishes with Red Dirt Heart Series, he’s going to bring Spencer Cohen to audio! *flails*
So I also realise it’s about time I stop calling my current writing project “my WIP” or “the sequel to Imago” and let you guys in on the actual title…
As you know, Imago is a very specific word to its origins, and coming up with a sequel name wasn’t easy. BUT as the Latin plural of imago is imagines – and this is the term generally used by entomologists – it only stands to reason that the sequel (making Imago plural) be called Imagines. 🙂
Imagines has a cover already, and there will be a special reveal with Bayou Book Junkies, as I am currently their Author of the Month! So stay tuned for that!!
As part of RJ Scott’s Valentine’s Day special, I introduced Imago’s Lawson and Jack to the world in an interview. You can check it out HERE
It’s just over a week until Imago comes out! I’m so excited for you all to meet these two boys! 🙂
But this week, I’m super excited because I’m flying to Sydney for a brief stopover to… are you ready? To have lunch with Keira Andrews, of course!
Eeeeek! I’m super excited! I’m sure we’ll take some pics to share with all our readers!
Also coming on the 27th Feb is a 99c deal for Switched. Follow me at BookBub to be notified!
I’ll be back later this week to share an excerpt of Imago, but until then…
<3
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Imago, and The Butterfly Hunter by the lovely Julie Bozza
I mentioned in a blog post a few weeks ago that I would explain the story of Imago and how I found out about The Butterfly Hunter, and how I almost died thinking I’d possibly (unknowingly) copied the story line.
*takes deep breath* So, here it is…
A few weeks back when I was in Sydney, I met up with another author friend for coffee. We were discussing our WIP’s and I gave her a very brief plot rundown of my first draft of Imago. An Australian Lepidopterist. A parks and wildlife officer. A search for a butterfly that supposedly doesn’t exist.
She gave me a strange, slightly horrified look and said, “that sounds familiar.”
She quickly Googled this other book. The Butterfly Hunter by Julie Bozza. And yes, I agreed wholeheartedly that it sounded like Imago. Or, rather, Imago sounded like The Butterfly Hunter.
I, of course, died.
An Australian Lepidopterist. A bush guide/parks and wildlife officer. A search for a butterfly that supposedly doesn’t exist. How could this even be, right?
The first thing I did was bought a copy of The Butterfly Hunter. The second thing I did was contact Julie Bozza. The third thing I did was put a call out for prereaders, who had also read Julie’s book.
My first contact with Julie, where I explained what had had happened was more a panic-stricken rant that went like “OMG I’ve just written a book and I think I copied you but I can’t have because I have never read your book but I’m just diving into it now, and I would DIE if anyone thought I’d plagiarised you. Please send help!”
To which Julie replied, with a lot more sense and less panic than me.
I asked if she would mind reading my first draft to see if she was comfortable with what I’d written. Julie very graciously, very generously, agreed. I told her I’d be happy to re-write anything she found too similar. She only had to say the word, and I would.
Julie replied a few short hours later with a long, detailed response that boiled down to her final conclusion:
I think there are a few superficial similarities, but it’s a very different kind of story, and I don’t think you should change anything. To me it’s perfectly obvious it’s all your own work.
Relief, thy name is mine.
Yes, there are superficial similarities. That’s never going to be denied. It can’t be. It’s there for the world to see. But each story is different in the details, in the telling. Like Julie pointed out, it’s not unlike the thousand same Billionaire CEO/struggling intern stories, the vampire/vampire hunter stories, the werewolf alpha/beta stories, the bad guy/good policeman stories, the overweight person/fitness trainer stories… The list of similar tropes/plot devices is endless.
I also sent the book to five pre-readers who had also read Julie’s book. I needed external opinions from people with nothing invested in either story. Every single pre-reader said the same thing. The similarities are superficial, the stories are very different. Don’t change a thing.
For the record, and full disclosure, after reading The Butterfly Hunter, I did change two very minor details in Imago. One, the type of car/4WD that Lawson drove (it was a Land Cruiser, like Dave from TBH – Julie’s comment was that Dave would be horrified if Lawson drove anything but a Cruiser LOLOL but alas, Lawson now drives a Defender). The second minor change being, Jack’s best friend Remmy’s husband Gino was Italian (like Dave from TBH’s best friend’s husband, Vittorio). My character is now Nico and he’s now from Portugal. Neither detail (car make/model or secondary characters’ nationality) was important to the plot development and were very easy to change. But while they were very small minor details, all together added/helped to paint a bigger picture of unintentional similarity.
Of course I take plagiarism seriously. Very seriously. I’d be horrified to think anyone thought I’d be reckless (read: stupid) enough to publish a book without all due care and respect to another author’s work. Which is why I’m so very grateful for my friend who pointed out my plot had parallels to another book. Because at that point, I hadn’t read The Butterfly Hunter. I had no clue such book existed. I would have died if I found out only after I’d released Imago.
Knowing beforehand gave me the opportunity to contact Julie and get her seal of approval first. I’m truly grateful Julie responded warmly and she welcomed my approaching her. She could have very easily told me she didn’t want Imago published, but she took time from her busy schedule to read my first draft and offer feedback. I’m forever grateful. I should also mention a special thanks to Manifold Press. <3
I’m also grateful that readers are wary and look out for another author whose work might possibly be plagiarised. Plagiarism is a very serious issue in this industry and I’m thankful readers are vigilant.
If you haven’t read Julie Bozza’s The Butterfly Hunter, I strongly urge you to. It’s a gorgeous book, filled with gentle prose and elegant, intelligent storytelling. I know you’ll fall in love with Dave and Nicholas, just like I did.
You can buy Julie’s book at Amazon and B&N and Manifold Press.
You can find Julie’s Amazon page HERE.
You can check out her Website HERE.
So, there’s the long story short. Yes, I’m aware of The Butterfly Hunter. Yes, Julie’s aware of Imago, she has read it, and has NO issue with it. (Edited to add: Julie wrote a blog post on Imago. You can read it HERE) I have, however, in finding Julie’s writing now added a whole bunch of her books to my TBR list. LOL If you’re new to Julie Bozza, like I was, you’re in for a real treat. She sure knows how to write!
I’ll be doing more guest posts with Julie and giveaways in the coming weeks, so stay tuned!
Thanks for reading! Until next week…
<3
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Good Morning Monday! It’s an Imago kind of day…
I’ve been sitting on this cover FOREVER. I actually found the cover twelve months ago on a pre-made site and just had to have it. I had no story idea for it, but it was so striking, I just had to have it.
Then, in my travels across the US, I had a spark of inspiration at, of all places, an airport. Lord knows I spent enough time in them across the country LOL. All I knew was these two characters met at an airport and one of them had car rental issues and the other offers him a lift.
That was all I had. I let the story ferment in my head for a while and the characters grew. I was given names, descriptions, traits… then came their occupations. Lawson was a lepidopterist (butterfly specialist).
And so Imago was born.
Maybe the cover I’d bought played in my subconscious. But whatever the reason, the story had to be written.
Jack and Lawson are simply the cutest couple ever! Imago is 45K words long and I’ll be posting more on them in coming weeks, so stay tuned. But for now, the cover and blurb!
Isn’t it GORGEOUS??? Now you can see why I just HAD to have it. Made by Harper By Design.
Now for the blurb:
Nerdy, introverted genius lepidopterist, Lawson Gale, is an expert on butterflies. He finds himself in a small town in Tasmania on a quest from an old professor to find an elusive species that may or may not even exist.
Local Parks and Wildlife officer, Jack Brighton, is an ordinary guy who loves his life in the sleepy town of Scottsdale. Along with his Border collie dog, Rosemary, his job, and good friends, he has enough to keep from being lonely.
But then he meets Lawson, and he knows he’s met someone special. There’s more to catching butterflies, Jack realises. Sometimes the most elusive creatures wear bowties, and sometimes they can’t be caught at all.
Lawson soon learns there are butterflies he can’t learn about it in books. They exist only in a touch, in a kiss, in a smile. He just has to let go first, so these butterflies can fly.
Imago is the story of finding love, bowties, and butterflies.
<3
Imago will be live on February 21st. There will be no presale links, unless I change my mind…
But there is a sequel. I’ve just started it (literally 1.8k words into it) and I’m hoping it will be out in April. At this point in time, I envisage only two books. That, however, is subject to change, depending on what the characters tell me. Lawson’s kind of stubborn, so anything is possible… 😉
In other news, The Weight Of It All has been voted THE BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR on Love Bytes!!!
*falls down dead*
I just cannot believe it. I’m so very thankful and honoured and humbled by all the readers who not only read and reviewed the book, but for those who nominated and voted. And of course, a huge thank you to Love Bytes for their tireless work and efforts in helping authors reach readers.
I receive a lot of emails and messages about my books. Anywhere from 2 to 10 a week. But Henry and Reed’s story far surpasses all other books people contact me about. People share with me their stories of courage and hope, in taking back control of their lives. Henry has touched more people than I ever could have imagined. When I wrote Henry’s story, I had no clue at the profound effect he would have on readers.
Just yesterday, when I posted that TWOIA had won Best Book of the Year, the wonderful Kat Juellyn posted this:
Oh my goodness gracious! I am so excited that “The Weight of it All” by N.r. Walker won Book of the Year at Love Bytes Same Sex Reviews!!! I can’t tell you how thrilled I am that this phenomenal book won. It was up against so many amazing books but this book is the one that affected me personally. It actually encouraged me that, even though I am mobility challenged and in need of several big surgeries more, I had to try and get some movement back in my life. I headed back to my home in Hawaii on the heels of reading and reviewing this book. And I did accomplish some of my goals. I landed there being dependent on an electric scooter. By the time I left I hadn’t touched it in weeks. Thank you N. R. AND Henry and Reed for your motivation. Do yourself a favor and give this fabulous book a chance, I can guarantee you will not be disappointed! Congratulations again N. R.! You totally deserve this honor.
(shared with Kat’s full permission)
But it’s this kind of response that makes me cry actual physical tears. There have been dozens like this post. Literally dozens. I can’t explain what it means to me. My heart is so full of warm and fuzzies. <3 It’s also the reason I still make myself go to CrossFit and be so sore I do my own walking Tin Man or T-Rex impersonations for days afterwards.
For anyone who hasn’t read TWOIA, it’s currently on sale at just 99c at Amazon. But only for another day or two, so be quick!!
So, that’s it for this week. I’m aiming to pump out some more words on the sequel to Imago this week, so I’ll be busy and not on social media much. I’d love to add 10K or more if I can. Fingers crossed.
Until next week…
<3
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Good Afternoon Thursday! Say what?
So sorry I missed my usual Good Morning Monday post. I was travelling and have been feeling a bit under the weather since I got home. But I come bearing news…
Red Dirt Heart 2 is now available on Audio!! You can find it on Audible HERE
I’m super excited about this one. Joel Leslie, the narrator, does such a fabulous job. He really captures Charlie and Travis beautifully. <3 I’ll be running an audio book tour soon! More news on that when it comes to hand.
In other news, The Weight of it All is now currently on sale for .99c at Amazon! I’m running a Bookbub deal to coincide with the books’ return to Kindle Unlimited. So if you haven’t read it, now is the time to grab it!! I’ll post links to the Bookbub when I have them!
In translation news, Red Dirt Heart is now available in French! When I first wrote these boys, I had no idea my words would reach so many people around the world. I’m very touched that Charlie and Travis’ story is adored by so many <3 You can find it at Amazon or with MXM Bookmark Publishing.
You can also grab the Italian version of Red Dirt Heart 2 at Amazon or Triskell
I have it on good authority that the German version of RDH2 isn’t too far away. And the French version of Cronin’s Key II should be out soon too!
To recap, Perfect Catch, has been sitting at #1 in 2-hour short reads on Amazon for a few days now. I’m so thrilled that people have loved Troy and Cal’s story. <3
A quick writing update: Imago is now with my editor! It ended up being 45K words long, and is super sweet. I’ll be doing a cover reveal soon, and telling a little story on what happens when you write a book and you’re telling a friend the basic plot line, and she says it sounds familiar and you soon realise you might have just unknowingly copied a book released a few years ago. *sigh* Crises averted though, so no need to panic. LOL
Release day of Imago is set for February 21st 🙂
And I’ve started the sequel! Woooooot!! Lawson and Jack are just so adorable. Can’t wait for you all to meet them.
I also won a lot of awards at the Goodreads M/M readers choice awards!!
The Weight Of It All won Best Contemporary for 2016!
Red Dirt Heart Christmas won Best Short Story for 2016!
The Weight Of It All was third for Best Book of the Year!
The Weight Of It All won second for Best Humour of 2016!
Spencer Cohen Book Three won third for Best Performance Artist (incl Tattooists)
The Weight Of It All won third in Best Friends To Lovers of 2016!
It Was Always You won second in Best Anthology of 2016!
Thank you to all who nominated me and voted for me!
Until next time…
<3
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