Hey everyone!
I want to address something today. It’s not in response to anything anyone said to me today, its because of a few things I’ve seen online recently, in response to somethings that have been said previously to me that I never addressed, and in early response to things I know I will hear when #Junkie comes out on January 20th.
I can’t really explain why but I already feel defensive about #Junkie. (well, I’m going to try and explain why I feel that way. bear with me). I don’t like drama. I don’t do drama. I don’t like posting these kinds of posts but these words…. these feelings they rattle around inside me and have been for a long time – since I really started just thinking about Drew and Trent’s story. Before I even started writing their book.
So I’m going to say this once.
I’m going to give my opinion in this post and this is it. This is how I feel. I’d LOVE to say I’ll never defend my boys again (Trent and Drew) but that would be a lie because the truth is I will. I am VERY protective of all my characters (esp the hashtag series characters) and these guys are no exception. If anything I’m a little more so with these two. You can have ANY opinion you want, I totally respect that. I even understand it. But don’t say anything rude to me about my guys. I will defend them.
My books are like my children, I think most people can understand why I feel that way. This is why – and yes – I realize this will make some people mad – I don’t plan on reading many reviews for #Junkie. I try not to read any of my reviews. Why? Because a review is a place for a reader/blogger/reviewer to give their opinion; express their reaction to the work. I respect that. I hope for it. I want honest reviews. But I don’t necessarily want to read it. lol. Sometimes reading reviews is hard, its like walking into a room and hearing someone talk about you or someone you love dearly.
Anyway, the point. I have one. lol.
#Junkie is the first book in the GearShark series. There will be more than just this one. I’m not sure how many there will be in the series. They won’t be standalones. #Junkie ends on a cliffhanger. Yes. I know.
I see way too many statuses of people who hate cliffhangers. Who don’t want to read series.
Well this is both.
It is also an M/M romance.
For those that don’t know M/M romance means a gay romance. I want to make it clear right now I do NOT like calling it a gay romance. To me its a romance just like ALL of my other ones. I don’t like labeling it. I don’t have to call my other books a “straight romance”. It makes me mad. but I understand its a means of letting people know what kind of book it is.
So basically I feel as though I’ve stacked the deck against myself. A series. A cliffhanger and a debut novel in a genre I’ve never written in before.
I don’t care.
This is the book that was being whispered to me by the characters in my head. This is the book I never really planned to write, not because I didn’t want to but it was never inside me until now.
Here’s the deal. If you are offended by m/m romance. Don’t read this book. If you are not a fan of cliffhangers. Don’t read this book. If you don’t want to read a series. Don’t read this book.
If you are upset with me for writing Trent in a M/M relationship, well, don’t read it.
Side note: whats the beef with cliffhangers? Yeah, yeah, you don’t want to wait. Well I think my track record with putting out books shows I am not going to make you wait very long. And what’s with the beef with series? I thought people liked spending more time with characters they loved?
I want readers to love my work. I want readers to want to read it. But I’m not writing just to please people. It is impossible to please everyone anyway. I write what I feel.
Does it hurt my feelings when someone who always reads my books tells me they don’t want to read this one? Yes. It makes me feel like they don’t think I make this kind of story beautiful. It is beautiful. Its the most beautiful book I’ve EVER written. All love is beautiful.
Does it offend me when people email me and ask me what the sex scenes in this book are going to be like? Yes. This book is just like ALL my other books. I’m not going to sit here and list what happens in this book. If you want to know what a scene or two will be like pick it up and read it. Give it a try. If you are that hesitant then don’t read it.
It also offends me that I feel like I have to “warn” people it’s an M/M book. I usually don’t, because it makes me mad to do so. But at the same time I don’t want people pissed off because they didn’t know.
I’m not offended if you tell me #Junkie isn’t for you. That’s totally fine, but don’t tell me how disappointed you are its M/M and don’t tell me you are just going to imagine my characters with who you want them to be with instead. I’m not going to not publish this book or change the story to satisfy someone who complains, so don’t bother telling me what you want different.
Just because you are a reader of mine doesn’t mean you have to read every single book I write. Its totally fine. Just don’t be rude about it. Okay?
I’m also aware that even if you are a fan of M/M, series and cliffhangers you might not like this book. That’s okay too. J I wrote this book the way I wanted to write it. That’s all there is about it. I hope people love it. I hope they feel the beauty I felt when writing it. I hope Trent makes them hold their heart when they are reading (because that’s how I was when I wrote him). I hope you walk away from this book not only thoroughly entertained but also wanting to read more.
This post is not me whining. Its not even me complaining. This is me giving my thoughts on things I’ve been seeing, feeling, experiencing. I have not been getting “hate” for this book. In truth almost everyone is SO excited. I’m actually so blown away by all the enthusiasm and excitement for this book. It thrills me (and makes me nervous, eep!) I want to take a minute to THANK everyone who has been so supportive. You rock! I truly appreciate it and I am SO glad you are excited for this book!
I’m gonna wrap up this post bc its too long, but if you want to read more about my experience/thoughts on writing #Junkie read my author’s note in the back when it comes out.
If you’ve read this far thanks for hanging in and reading.
Drew Forrester is a total adrenaline junkie.
His high of choice?
Cars.
The faster, the better.
He’s been making waves in Maryland’s underground racing circuit since he crossed the state line, and after speaking with him, we know he’s not hitting the brakes anytime soon. …
So what exactly does it take to burn rubber and make a name for yourself in a world where the only rule is there are no rules?
You gotta be hungry…
You gotta have balls…
And you can never back down.
What’ve we learned here at GearShark?
Drew is all of the above.
We also know he’s got some secrets buried under his hood.
Secrets we think are loaded with octane and just might set the world of cars on fire.
#Junkie releases 1.20.16
An M/M sports romance novel.
Pre-Order #Junkie now.
Amazon http://tinyurl.com/omgwl6w
BN http://tinyurl.com/oxmeup6
iBooks http://tinyurl.com/q2pafay
Kobo http://tinyurl.com/gon4gf3
*this is a spin-off of the Hashtag series but it can be read on its own.
I personally applaud you for defending your boys in this new series. I also believe you are brave for writing your characters how they appear to you in your head and tell you their story. Personally any kind of romance should just be labeled just as romance. Not M/M or F/M or F/F. It’s all romance to me. So thank you for being an author brave enough to stand up for her boys in her books.
It is sad in the world we live in that an author has to defend her work. Why can’t we as readers, just read? The characters are fictional, (which in some cases is a tragedy) however, we read to escape reality even for just a short time. I read all genres it doesn’t matter to me who loves who or whatever it’s the love story that we all secretly want. Just to feel the passion for a second. It’s time to stop being so harsh and sometimes people need to just keep their opinion to themselves let others just enjoy whatever they want to enjoy. This author I’d read anything she wanted to write no matter what genre because she is just that good and sucks you into the story and I like escaping into her world any chance I get. Life is too short to be mean.
My response to post is this. While I never really liked the cliffhangers or the series type books in the past I’ve grown to enjoy them now. It makes me feel like I’ve joined a new group of friends in a different location. I absolutely loved the #hashtag series and look forward to the Gearshark series. The recurring characters in the series keeps me reeling for the next one. As for protecting your characters why wouldn’t you. You created them in your head they are absolutely your babies. As for the m/m part for Gearshark I applaud you for branching out. I am not very familiar with the genre but I know have an open mind. I didn’t always have an open mind but I have read one other m/m book and absolutely loved it. It was a first book in a new series by an author I love. Leveled by Jay Crownover. I also read 3.2.1 a m/f/m by JA Huss. So to others I say read the book or don’t but personally I can’t wait until January 20th. Thanks Cambria
While I’m not a fan of cliffhangers, I know your books are worth it. I’ve read the first four books in the Hashtag series (and reviewed all (good reviews, btw)). I haven’t read book five or six but I do have them. I plan on getting #Junkie when it comes out. You have every right to protect your characters. You created them and they are yours to mold into what you want. No one else can tell you what to do with them whether it be to make them straight/bi/gay or anything else. They are YOUR babies and not theirs!! While I’ve not really been a fan of m/m I will read the GearShark series because I love your work and believe in you. Simple as that. 🙂
I love and adore you, and am always here for you!!!
Have to say kudos to you, both for writing the M/M romance and defending your boys and your reasons for writing their story. I LOVE LOVE LOVED the #Hashtag Nerd series and have been looking forward to reading the Gearshark series. Can’t wait to hear how their story plays out.
romance is romance…and love comes in all shapes and forms, it’s sad in today’s society there are still those that can’t accept that. and totally agree if you don’t want to read it don’t…..but don’t make hateful comments about it either!!
Cliffhangers and series are awesome…sure the cliffhangers are a bit frustrating because you have to wait to find out what happens….but they just add to the story overall and the series keeps our favorite characters with us for longer, no complaints about that!
Thank you everyone!
I’m with you!! I also feel like people act like same sex relationships are out of this world or as if it just happened… Well guess what? For all of you people who don’t like M/M romance, cliffhangers, and series, you do have the choice to either read or not read just don’t be nasty about it cause there are people like me who sure do love all of the above. So guess who excited about #Junkie? Me!!! Been waiting for it and I hope I can’t get enough of it. Cambria Hebert please make this just as good or even better than the last ones. I’m cheering for you!
I’m with you, Cambria. As a writer, you have every right to write characters that speak to you, and you never have to defend yourself or them. As a reader, we can choose to read a book or not, no need to be rude or offensive about it.
Yes, you’re right that there are people who still find M/M or F/F romance as offensive (some of my family and friends do), so you’re absolutely thoughtful to mention #junkie is an M/M story. It doesn’t make it alright for them to be rude though. If they don’t agree with same sex romance, then don’t read it. I think it’s as simple as that.
I personally believe you’ll write all kind of romance beautifully, as you always were.
Just wanted to say I love the way you write your stories and also love m/m, so I am beyond excited to read Trent and Drew’s story!!
Had my fingers crossed we would get one from you!!
You could write the phone book and I would read the crap out of it. Getting to read more about any of your hashtag characters is never a bad thing. A book about Drew and Trent is 10 lbs of icing on my reading cupcake. Series? Uh, yes please. Cliffy? Bring it. That means MORE! Again, never a bad thing. Seriously, I can not wait to read this.Once you announced their book, I was all happy-clappy like a 12 year old girl.
Amen Sista you defend our Boys and you may have created them but I consider them ours already and I luv both of them who gives a Fu*ck Love is Love and if you are a Great great Author like you we Luv them already which I know i have since Trent was Romeo’s teammate & Drew showed up to be there for his Sister.Now that being said I Hate Hate Hate cliffhangers LOL but that’s just because if the book is good you want the next in the series right away and let’s face it yours are always good.LOL As always you keep being you HUN We Luv you and true fans will not care I know I will not.
I read all kind of romance, and I’m what would some say, a straight girl, but I love to read M/M romance!!! Just love it! Some would ask why – well lets put it this way – guys are so much less drama in those books than any girl in there place would ever be. 😉 In those books I see different, more simpler and in the same time more profound emotions, struggles and love. Maybe it’s just me, but almost all books that I have read about M/M romance are one of my favorite books ever. I am sooooooooo excited that Cambria has written a book about Drew and Trent as a couple, that I just can wait to read it! And if anybody thinks that they know how book sholud end, what caracters should be together and not together – write the book yourself! (Sorry if my grammar isn’t correct, and lots a hugs and kisses for Cambria from Serbia) – Alexandra
I couldn’t wait to read #Junkie. I have to say it was everything that you can expect from a great author. I loved Trent and Drew. I have read a lot of M/M books and I have to say that written with taste. Everyone should be able to find true love regardless of their gender. Can’t wait for the next book. Hashtag series was awesome. Hope to read more from them.