nice way to start the day....

I was browsing through LJ this morning - when I saw that Mark changeling72 from the UK had posted a review of my novel, House of Wolves:

I started reading Robert B McDiarmid's novel House of Wolves on Friday and finished it yesterday. Love it! I wanted to read the book since one of my LJ chums had written it, but it also appealed because of the theme of Native American culture. I have only been to the States once (and that was twelve years ago) and have never been to the North West or ventured into Native American culture, but have somehow developed an interest in it. I have been meaning to get some reading material on the subject, but college is clearly dominating my reading. I found McDiarmid's writing style is clear, fluid and engaging. He conjured the eternal natural beauty of Washington State in my mind's eye, so much so that I am gagging to visit it and explore. I could smell the scent of pine in the air and the needles crunching beneath my feet. He also stoked my already burgeoning interest in Native American culture, particularly the spiritual beliefs and customs. I found the themes of honour, companionship, spirituality, erotic desire and brotherhood deeply compelling. I longed to be a member of the House of Wolves.

Following on from my gripe last week about gay literature being peopled with physically perfect characters, I found House of Wolves to be a refreshing contrast. I didn't find any of the characters described in terms that I found sexually appealing, although I found them beautiful in their spirits. McDiamid's writing is powerfully erotic. The men of the House of Wolves, physically, aren't my type: I'm not into bears, facial hair, body piercing - and certainly not Prince Alberts! David's smoking didn't attract me either. I guess the only things physically I was in favour of were the tattoos and muscles! The epilogue was particularly touching. I cared about these people. Thank you, Mr McDiarmid, for a beautiful reading experience and one that reignited my appreciation of the natural world and the beautiful spirits that inhabit it.

I am so delighted! :) Not only for my first international review - but - for an honest review from someone who found all sorts of new things about the book to talk about. Thank you so much, Mark!

House of Wolves was a journey I wasn't entirely convinced I should "write out" as a short story - leave alone a novel - - and now that it's been out for three years - I can't see having NOT done it. I've received emails and stories from all over - and I'm just delighted Mark liked it so much to give it a shout out. :)

(#32/365) Offerings

"I do not believe in a fate that falls on men however they act; but I do believe in a fate that falls on them unless they act." - Buddha


I spent most of my train ride to find an image to accompany this - and simply couldn't. :) so - I'm leaving this one image-less. if anyone would like to comment with an image they think runs along with this quote, I'd love to see that. :) be well!!

um. okay? why?

Tom Selleck vs. the Arbys Sandwich

full set of "Tom Selleck Sandwich" photoshop "essays" at http://selleckwaterfallsandwich.tumblr.com/