Posted by Matthew Lang, on March 28th, 2012 
MLR Press is currently having an open call for Christmas and Australia Day short stories:
Australia Day:
There's more to Australia Day than hunks in swimwear…but hey, it's nice to look at
Australia Day is the Australian version of July 4, it’s when the whole of Australia drops everything and PARTIES to celebrate ALL THINGS Australia. It’s fireworks, festivals, food, beer, ferryboat races on Sydney Harbour, you name it… It’s their national day. Every city puts on the most amazing celebrations.
So here’s your chance if you’ve always wanted to write a story about Australia, help us celebrate Australia Day! Imagine the stories you can write about HOT Aussie men in iconic Aussie locations/scenarios:
- Surf Life Savers on Bondi Beach – Jackaroo horsemen in the Outback – Drag queens and HOT men at Sydney’s party of parties the Gay Mardi Gras – Lovers snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef – Romance in Melbourne, the Paris of the southern hemisphere – Opera at the Sydney Opera House – The mystical Ayers Rock and the Red Centre – Love in a hot wool-shearing shed on a sizzling Queensland – A steamy crocodile safari in Darwin
Now that you’re tantalized with the possibilities…here’s the details:
Stories should be between 5k and 40k
Any subgenre you’d like (but MUST be set in Australia around the celebration)
Due November 5, 2012
Submissions should be sent to special_submissions@mlrpress.com
Christmas Stories:
Christmas Memories (2011) by Matthew Lang
H-oohhh-H-ohhh-Holiday Time! Let’s celebrate MLR style! From the sweet to the scorching, the winter holidays have it all. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Winter Solstice, Hanukkah, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve – no matter the holiday if it’s in the winter months, let’s celebrate it!
Stories should:
- Be set around a winter holiday between Thanksgiving (US) and New Year’s Eve – Be between 5k and 40k – Any subgenre is welcome
Deadline for submissions: August 15th, 2012
Submission should be sent to winter_holiday_subs@mlrpress.com.
Posted by Matthew Lang, on March 27th, 2012
On Thursday 16 February 2012, the Selection Committee asked the Committee to inquire into and report on the Marriage Equality Amendment Bill 2012 and the Marriage Amendment Bill 2012. One of the things being considered are the views of the community–and as such, every one of us needs to speak up and share our stories and views. As my friend Dan Whitthaus found on his national tour of Australia, homophobia is a very real concern for Australia as a society, and the benefits of combating it are backed up by scientific research. Not only would it decrease the amount we spend on mental health, it would also have a marked impact on bullying, boost our economy–and possibly tourism–and perhaps most importantly, stop Canadians being able to call us a country of backwards homophobic bigots.
Of course, the first people to jump on board have been everyone from the homophobic right, and for the sake of our collective mental health, we all need to take action now. So if you do nothing else, please take 5 minutes to go and take the online survey and give your feedback to the committee and tell them why equality is so important. So stop reading my site and go on over. Go. Now. Right now.
Posted by Matthew Lang, on March 21st, 2012 Mass Effect 3, Bioware’s (alleged) finale to the Mass Effect Trilogy hit the shelves this March as one of the year’s most anticipated games. It has been lauded for it’s improved action sequences, branching narrative and there’s also currently a petition out there demanding that the ending be changed–after it already was changed due to a furious reaction when the original ending was leaked onto the internet.
Design and Aesthetic
Mass Effect 3 is stunning visually, with both environments and characters rendered in gorgeous detail which far surpasses those from Mass Effect 2 or 1. Frankly, I’m a bit amazed the aging Xbox can cope with the rendering, even across two discs. There is still some texture pop, but overall the graphics make the game feel like an interactive movie, and the addition of an additional combat-minimalist, narrative style of gameplay gives that option additional weight. The locations are also a far cry from the repetitive interiors of Mass Effects past (do not talk to me about Dragon Age 2), with every location that you visit unique in design and flavour–even the N7 side missions take you to uniquely designed levels that may have a cohesive design style, but are a far cry from the ‘same base, different filling’ that was hidden behind the old ‘pre-fab building’ excuse in earlier games.
Musically, the Mass Effect Soundtrack is a joy, although at some times it pushes to the forefront in a rather intrusive ‘here’s the soundtrack’ moment, most notably in the early cutscenes with Kaiden/Ashley. Still, the sound design in Mass Effect 3 is generally supurb, swelling beneath the action or drawing away to heighten the impact of the story.
Gameplay
Perhaps the area that has received the most tweaks since ME2, Mass Effect 3′s combat is generally a faster paced experience, with a better variety of enemies, and improved AI that makes the battles just that little bit more difficult. It’s also worth noting that squad powers have been tweaked in unexpected ways beyond the multiple evolution options provided, so it’s worth double checking before sinking points into the very familiar warp ammo, which now combines with biotics rather than being the go to for bypassing enemy defenses. Despite the AI improvements, I still find one of the best tactics for dealing with combat is biotic crowd control, as sinking points into fast power recharge means you can donate singularities left right and centre do deal with most threats, and the new ability of all classes to carry all weapons has made the sniper rifle a weapon of choice for just about any situation.
There are also notable absences in gameplay–no hacking code, no memory games with circuit boards and a much streamlines scanning system. Bioware has also added a mechanic that makes scanning both more rewarding, and something that you have to stagger out over the course of the game, rather than a tedious chore, which is . . . → Read More: On Saving the Universe: Mass Effect 3 Review
Posted by Matthew Lang, on March 19th, 2012
On Tuesday March 13th, we lost one of the MLR family, and well loved author, William Neale, who passed away after a heart attack in the home he shared with his partner of many years. I never met William (better known as Bill) personally–as a fairly recent entrant into the game I only knew him virtually, as a presence on the other side of the emails of encouragement, advise and wisdom. My thoughts are with his partner on this day.
William was the author of 6 books, including the novel Home, winner of the 2010 SensualReads reviewers’ choice award.
Posted by Matthew Lang, on February 13th, 2012 
God I feel like I haven’t sat down to write properly in ages. It’s probably the whole Midsumma festival thing. Having recently moved back into the inner suburbs I was not only able to make my first Midsumma appearance as an author at Hares & Hyenas‘ Word is Out festival–well okay, second counting the banQuetPress Anthology launch, but first appearance as an Official Festival Guest (capitals not optional), and also got to go to a lot of events I would otherwise have missed out on. So to all my writing, geeky, queer, Canadian and just plain awesome friends I’ve spent time with over the past month: thank you, I love you all. It’s almost sad to wind down and notice the weather changing away from the blistering hot days of sunburning intensity, but it’s also been a joy to be able to sit down and crack open my Prophecy file and start writing again. I will conquer you yet elusive second book!
Also, I have recently been asked to do a reading at the brand new, extra funky, literary bar/cafe, The Moat, as part of a Meet The Residents night hosted by SPUNC (Small Press Underground Networking Community), and Writers Victoria. It’s a free night, and an opportunity to meet fellow writers and publishers in Melbourne’s Indie Press scene, and looks like it’ll be the start of a fun night–and an awesome series of happenings at The Moat. Details below–hope you can make it!
When: Thursday 16th of February, 5 PM Where: The Moat Bar & Cafe, Basement 176 Little Lonsdale Street, Price: Free More Information Writers Victoria
Posted by Matthew Lang, on January 16th, 2012 
Matthew Lang will be live on blog talk Radio’s Other Worlds of Romance net radio show on the 16th of January @ 11 PM(American Eastern Standard time), or the 17th of January @3 PM Australian Eastern Standard time. He’ll be reading an excerpt from The Secret of Talmor Manor, and will also be available for questions. He’ll also be giving away an ebook copy of the novel to one lucky listener. So if you’d like to hear him read live, win a book, or just ask a really embarrassing question, tune in and chat to one of the hottest young authors on the m/m scene!
Technical details: You can listen live at the the show’s website, call in to the show (see webpage) to lodge a question or head to the show’s chatroom. Basically, come hang out and immerse yourself in mystery.
Posted by Matthew Lang, on January 8th, 2012 
It’s hard to believe, but it’s that time of the year again–the weather is starting to get hot and sweltering, and it’s looking like the heavens will bucket down on us for another wet year, but you have to make gay while the sun shines, and Midsumma is back for another season of art, culture, and just plain partying fun–and while you might find Matthew at any of the other events (except the naked camping one, as he doesn’t do that sort of camping to well), you’ll definitely find him at the following events, so grab a ticket, come on down to Hares and Hyenas and say hi.
Novel Conversations - Midsumma Premiere Event
A Word is Out favourite makes a welcome return, as we present five authors of recent Australian fiction reading a section of their choice, with an open Q&A to follow.
Authors include Andrea Goldsmith, award-winning writer of Reunion, The Prosperous Thief and Under the Knife, among others; Geoffrey Knight, author of erotic adventure novels including The Curse of the Dragon King, The Cross of Sins and Riddle of the Sands; Matthew Lang, author of modern gay gothic novel, The Secret of Talmor Manor; and Steve Dow, ex-Melbourne, now Sydney-based journalist and author, who will read from his satirical e-novel paean to Sydney, All Sorts (available from Amazonand iTunes); and speculative, genre-defying writer Kim Westwood, author of The Daughters of Moab and The Courier’s New Bicycle.
Hosted by Crusader Hillis and including a public Q&A at the end of the session.
Where: Hares & Hyenas Date: Wednesday 25 January Time: 7:30pm Price: Full $15; Conc $10; Group 6+ $12 +BF Season pass: Full $150; Concession $100 Click book for the entire Hares & Hyenas season to purchase a season ticket to attend all H&H events. Duration: 60 mins approx. Info: www.hares-hyenas.com.au
banQuet 2012 Book Launches
banQuetpress is thrilled to launch two new collections of stories, poetry and art which showcase sensual, edgy and sweat-inducing tales of GLBTIQ desire, romance and erotica. These contemporary collections are brimming with provocative queer protagonists who push all the hot buttons and shove all the boundaries of sex and sexuality!
Enjoy an evening of spoken word performances from contributors and pick up your signed copies. Bookings essential – limited capacity.
Where: Hares & Hyenas Date: Friday 3 February Time: 7pm Price: Full $15;Concession; $10 +BF Season pass: Full $150; Concession $100 Click book for the entire Hares & Hyenas season to purchase a season ticket to attend all H&H events. Duration: 90 mins approx. Info: www.banquetpress.com
Posted by Matthew Lang, on December 28th, 2011 I don’t know about you, but I’m not quite ready to give up on Christmas–I’m stuffed, probably a few kilos heavier than I was this time last month, and still have leftovers in the fridge. So for the final touch of Christmas this year, please welcome the amazing Karenna Colcroft, who’s new book, Tofurkey and Yams, is now out at MLR Press.
Story 3 in the to Real Werewolves Don’t Eat Meat series, I asked Karenna what the story behind the story was.
It’s part of my Real Werewolves Don’t Eat Meat series. Book one in the series, Salad on the Side, which MLR Press released in June, introduced us to Kyle Slidell, vegan turned werewolf (who still refuses to eat meat, even in wolf form) and his mate, Tobias Rogan, the too-serious pack alpha who’s afraid to be seen as weak. Book 2 in the series, Veggie Burgers to Go, will be out soon. When I saw Kris Jacen talking about Christmas stories that some MLR authors were doing, I said I wanted to write a story about Kyle and Tobias’s first Christmas together, and she told me to go for it. So here we are.
For those who are curious, Tofurkey and Yams takes place about three months after Veggie Burgers to Go, or about six months after Salad on the Side.
Does this mean you can give us a sneak preview of Veggie Burgers to Go?
A member of the Boston North Pack is attacked by humans who say they were hired by a shifter. The same night, Melia, the wolf who changed Kyle Slidell, returns to Boston. The pack suspects Melia of arranging the attack, but Kyle believes someone else is behind it. He just doesn’t know who.
The next day at the regional alpha meeting in Pennsylvania, Kyle finds his answer. Saul Hughes, another alpha, has a long-standing grudge against Tobias. Saul claims Tobias is too weak to control a pack and makes it clear that he wants control of Boston North. But no one suspects how far he’ll go to get it.
So, aside from your books—which everyone should buy—what do you think is a failsafe Christmas Gift?
I think you can’t go wrong with a gift card. I know a lot of people think those cards are impersonal, but honestly if you don’t know what to buy for someone, what’s wrong with letting them choose for themselves? You don’t have to buy a card for a specific store; you can get them a prepaid “credit card” gift card that they can spend wherever and however they want.
What do you love best about this time of year?
The way my younger daughter enjoys getting ready for the holiday. I’m kind of a humbug myself; if you read Tofurkey and Yams, the way Tobias views Christmas is pretty much my viewpoint. But my daughter still gets excited about it and loves to . . . → Read More: Tofurkey with Karenna Colcroft
Posted by Matthew Lang, on December 21st, 2011 Christmas is just around the corner, and in celebration of the festive season, I’m very happy to introduce the fantastic Charlie Cochrane, author of Wolves of the West and one I owe a great debt to for the fantastic advice she gave me when I was first starting out. She does, of course have a fantastic new story out, entitled What You Will, which is out right now, but I started by asking her what the funniest Christmas Memory she had that she’d like to share with you all.
So many to choose from. The year the younger Cochranes ate so much they had to lie on the dining room floor? The Christmas Mr C put so much sage in the stuffing it tasted like disinfectant? The year I ended up buying two lots of pressies because I’d misplaced the ones I bought earlier in the year and put “somewhere safe”? The Christmas people sat sending each other blackberry messages from settee to settee as they didn’t like what was on telly? The year I had to label all the food so it wasn’t eaten before the appointed day? Oh, hold on – that’s every year!
Aside from What You Will—which everyone should buy—what do you think is a failsafe Christmas Gift?
Boring answer – Amazon vouchers. Then everyone can get exactly what they want. More interesting answer – something linked to a particular family/friendship event. Specially made mugs with holiday pictures and catchphrases. Personalised calendars or cards. There are loads of companies producing them and they’re really cost effective.
What inspired your new story, What You Will?
Shakespeare himself. He’s got two plays – Merchant of Venice and Twelfth Night – both of which feature guys called Antonio, both of whom seem to be in love with younger men. And both the younger men are pretty ungrateful wretches. They take Antonio’s money, let him risk his neck for them, then run off with women! I’ve often wondered if the based the character on someone he knew, who’d been taken for a similar ride. Anyhow, I’ve always wanted to write a “fix it” version of the Twelfth Night story – especially after seeing the wonderful version of Twelfth Night at Chichester (Patrick Stewart as Malvolio) in which the gender complications were accentuated). When this series of stories came up, I knew my idea had found a potential home, especially when i added a bit of steampunk (another thing I’ve long fancied dabbling in).
What’s your best Christmas Recipe for dinner party success?
Best recipe is not to try anything too OTT and fiddly, especially if that a) courts disaster and b) risks you not spending enough time with your guests. They’ve come to you for your company, not to be waited on by Michel Roux, so be with them, chat with them, marinate them with wine. If . . . → Read More: Lycanthropy and Charlie Cochrane
Posted by Matthew Lang, on December 18th, 2011 With the huge and continual emphasis on Christmas happenings in the world–at least the western world–it’s very easy to forget that not everyone follows the cult of the jolly fat gift giving man, and there are a lot of other traditions out there, one of the more prominent ones being, of course, Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights. It falls somewhere between late November and late December, and this year is on the 20th.
In honour of the festival I’d like to introduce author Keira Andrews, who’s Hanukkah Story, Eight Nights, is available from Loose Id. I started by asking her what her funniest Hannukah (or Christmas) memory was.
A Christmas memory that always makes me laugh is the year I went snooping and found an Atari game system in my parents’ closet. I was so excited, and because I was eight years old and couldn’t keep a secret to save my life, my mom found out. She casually mentioned the next day that they were hiding an Atari for my cousins. I was heartbroken! When my sister and I opened up the Atari on Christmas morning, we were absolutely ecstatic. My parents said we were very lucky they didn’t return it after what I pulled, and I learned to never hunt for gifts again!
Aside from your book—which everyone should buy—what do you think is a failsafe Christmas gift?
You can’t go wrong with fruitcake. Kidding, kidding! In my experience, electronic devices never miss – especially if it’s a luxury item the person can’t justify buying for themselves (iPod, camera, Blu-ray player, etc.).
What inspired Eight Nights?
I was inspired to write Eight Nights after spending Hanukkah with a friend and her family. I really enjoyed learning about different holiday traditions – and eating new kinds of holiday food!
What’s your best Christmas recipe for dinner party success?
The key to holiday dinner party success? Lots of alcohol. Also, my mom’s curry dip is always a hit. Serve with fresh veggies for an easy and delicious appetizer.
CURRY DIP
1/2 Cup Mayonnaise (can be low-fat if you prefer) 2 tbs Ketchup (tomato sauce) 2 tbs honey 2 tbs onion power/onion flakes 1 tbs lemon juice 1 tsp curry powder 6 drops Tobasco sauce/to taste Salt
Mix all ingredients and serve.
I know you don’t believe in guilty pleasures, so what’s your most obscure guilt-free pleasure?
Hmm, that would probably be watching figure skating. Most people only pay attention to the sport every four years, but I’m an avid follower year in and year out.
So get into the Hannukah Spirit this year, and grab yourself a copy of Eight Nights.
Lucas McKenzie figures spending the holidays with his annoying roommate’s family is better than being alone on campus. The last thing he expects is to lust over Sam’s brother — or for Nate to actually want him back.
They hide their attraction . . . → Read More: Hanukkah with Keira Andrews!
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