Episode 11 - Before Coming Out Books

This episode is not about guidebooks to coming out or anything like that: it's about a few books I read before I came out that featured small but important lesbian moments. These moments had a huge impact on me. I also talk about a recent book that I think might do the same for young lesbians today. Also, your romance novel of the week and some more musing on self-publishing.

Listen below the cut or download on iTunes.

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R. E. Bradshaw's thoughtful post on why she self publishes and what she would want from a publisher to give up her independence.

Money quote complete with extended pie metaphor:

What would entice me to give up the complete control self-publishing affords me? Why the publisher of my dreams, of course. And what would that look like, you may ask? I’ll tell you. I’m sure publishers do provide many of the things of which I dream, but I want it all in one bundle. Too selfish? Too self absorbed? Maybe, but if I’m giving up some of my pie, I’m of the mind that I should get some whip cream to go with my remaining share in return. My speaking openly about the business side of writing may take some of the romance out of the profession, but the sad truth is, publishing is a business. Gone are the days of the starving writer, while the publisher eats most of the pie. We're pulling up to the table, ladies. Pass the whip cream.

I think Bradshaw is getting at the heart of this issue here. Authors who self publish are accepting the business side of the industry. It's admirable, but I think there's also an argument to be made that if the author is thinking too much about business, true art may get left behind.

I'm continuing to think about this issue, trying to think about what all this means for readers in the short and long term.

More exciting self publishing news

From last night: Announcing my second novel, TWIXT! A dark fantasy YA w/a lesbian heroine, coming April 16th! muserising.com/?p=1966 #GayYA

— Sarah Diemer (@sarahdiemer) March 28, 2013

Books discussed this week:

BEFORE IT STAINS by R. E. Bradshaw
HORSE HEAVEN by Jane Smiley
ARROWS OF THE QUEEN by Mercedes Lackey
KISSING THE WITCH by Emma Donoghue
UNSPOKEN by Sarah Rees Brennan

Micro Reviews!

BEFORE IT STAINS by @rebradshawbooks. Refreshing romance about rekindling a relationship on the rocks. Great concept.

— Mary(@queer_booksplz) March 31, 2013

ARROWS OF THE QUEEN by @mercedeslackey A fun, classic fantasy. My first introduction to lesbian characters as normal.

— Mary(@queer_booksplz) March 31, 2013

HORSE HEAVEN by Jane Smiley. Another surprising, brief moment acknowledging lesbian desires. Also damn fine in all other regards.

— Mary(@queer_booksplz) March 31, 2013

KISSING THE WITCH by @edonoghuewriter. Read it at 13, thought they were just feminist tales. Then kiss at the end blew my mind.

— Mary(@queer_booksplz) March 31, 2013

UNSPOKEN by @sarahreesbrennaRecent exciting paranormal YA. Very high joke per line ratio. Diverse, inclusive, fun, hilarious.

— Mary(@queer_booksplz) March 31, 2013

Music used this episode

Heartsick (Miss Chain and the Broken Heels) / CC BY-NC 3.0

Please Mind the Dubstep (Bitbasic) / CC BY-NC-SA 3.0

Disco High (UltraCat) / CC BY 3.0