alex canton

I liked the story being told in first person. It felt very real, even with the different choices that Josh seemed to sift through.

Five years ago I spent ten days in Kathmandu. It was on my bucket list, and I must say that I was enchanted with the people. Watching guys as old as myself holding hands while walking was a pleasant surprise -- not necessarily gay but just friends. I understand that the hotel I stayed in went down. I am so glad that I did include this trip in one of my novels. May the people of Nepal recover

In Utopia you will not suffer by exposing your inner feelings. In our society the price may be so overwhelming that it can never be paid. Nevertheless, I did like the concept that "coming out" is not only a gay issue.

Well, I just had to buy this book. The cover really caught my attention. So, I guess it is going to be an enjoyable read.

Yes, but another good thing about being here is that I can express my feelings without being judged. Even at 71 I am still learning much about the gay world and learning to feel OK while writing about it. All my work has revolved around the subject of gay, but it's not something I can discuss openly in my country.

Well, simple things such as "are sexually explicit scenes" needed in a story of gay content? Perhaps here I can get the most objective opinions. Thanks for your question, Valkyrie.

I liked this review. When a book hits home -- makes the reader identify with a character -- I think that it has performed a social function. And, yes, it is important to be yourself and not just part of a stereotype.

I like the concept of "someone like me." How about giving us as bit of information about yourself --likes, dislikes.

Do not close your eyes When I see myself in them My heart feels at peace ----- No cierres tus ojos Mientras me miro en ellos Olvido mis amarguras

I like to use word economy to express my feelings. Permission was granted to translate these short poems to Spanish.

I have been blogging since quite a few years, and I recently discovered this site, which I have found to be varied and friendly. It is not frequent -- I think -- to find a place to discuss or exchange concerns about our writing within the gay community. This is especially true in my case, as I live in Panama, and this aspect is kept under the carpet -- not in the closet. My experience with the gay theme stems from my clinical work in the field during 40 years. This produced several scientific publications and one novella -- 1985. Since 2010 -- If I remember well -- I have published several almost-fiction stories. Anyway, I do not write erotica. I write about themes where the characters may be gay or have concerns about their sexual orientation -- I grew up in the times when gay was an illness. Many topics go through my mind. Maybe you would share your concerns as authors? BTW, I love cats!

Yes, Silly Cat, it is important to make a difference between writing porn and writing a gay theme. Thank you.

It seems that I may have been doing it right. If it does not enhance the characters' story it doesn't belong to my work.

It makes sense. Thank you.

I have been writing stories, short novels, and a novel on gay themesclassi since a few years ago. Since my background has been more clinical than anything else, my work is practically devoid of "hot, steamy sex." This has lead to some readers feeling that something is missing -- explicit sex scenes. My writing centers around themes, and I have been more interested in the end messages and have found no need to reinforce gayness by sexual scenes. I do not write erotica -- not my genre of interest. Nevertheless, I wonder if I am doing something wrong in this aspect. I would like your opinion.

I'm trying to learn my way around all the great stuff that seems to be going on in here. I like writing what I call flash poems. BTW, I'm bilingual -- English and Spanish. Here goes a small example: Dreams / Sueños My dreams Are the light In my darkness ------ Mis sueños Son la luz En mi oscuridad

Thanks for the welcome, Robert. I am looking forward to some good times here.

Hi There: I'm brand new here, though I am quite on in life. During my previous life -- I have it divided in two -- I was married for forty years -totally straight- have three grown-up sons, six grandchildren and worked for forty years as a clinical psychologist with a concentration in clinical sexology. At the time, I was quite active in clinical research, having published enough reports on the subject of my professional area. In 1985 I published a short story in Spanish -- Machito -- which raised a stir in my community in Panama -- yes, the Canal place. Emita passed away due to cancer a few years ago -- hence the actual life -- and there has been a strong turn. I started writing fiction -- well, almost fiction -- on sexual orientation and gay life. My latest novel is Memories of Beautiful People, which covers a story starting in the late 60s and ending recently. I don't know if this is allowed, but this is the link: http://www.amazon.com/Memories-Beautiful-People-Doc-Book-ebook/dp/B00VQKPS6E Am I gay? The truth is that I am really still trying to figure it out. It is the least of my worries at present. The main thing is that I want to keep on living and writing, plus enjoying the company of Luisito, my best friend. I have a page in Authors Den, where there is more information on what I've been doing. I hope to meet more of my colleagues here. http://www.authorsden.com/visit/author.asp?AuthorID=150986