Rob Damon's Blog

As a teenager I often got into the wrong situations with the wrong people - clueless back then as I was. I would slack school every day. I would smoke – the real sign of a rebel. If I did actually attend school I wouldn’t shut up and listen. Oh no, not me. I would answer back. If I thought those in authority were wrong I would tell them so.

Needless to say, none of this went down well and I was often in the head teacher’s office, often put on detention, and at one point even suspended. This was back in the days when it was fine for a teacher to use physical forms of punishment. And yes, I often felt the firm crack of knuckles across my cheek, or the disorientating spell after a smack across the head.

In the end though, I turned out fine. I went on to university and obtained a degree and had a professional career. I am not damaged. I am pretty stable minded (most of the time). I am not afraid of my own shadow. All in all, I feel the tough love I received helped make me into a strong minded person, equipped to deal with the harsh realities of adult life. I am not easily offended. I put free speech way above the feelings of an individual. Words will never put anyone in physical danger.

I would say all writers must agree, and the idea that the big publishers are sending manuscripts to readers who check them for “trigger” words is a scary idea which very clearly is on the road to censorship.

I am happy to be an e-book writer with an independent publisher (Cooldudes).

Today is the day my third novel – TOUGH LOVE BUDDY - is published. It’s another MM story about Dale, a young man with aggressive tendencies who eventually learns the value of responsibility. Although Dale doesn’t go through any tough love himself – his life has been tough in itself – he does understand the value of it. And when he meets Jake, the man who grabs Dale’s sexuality and forces it out of him, he realizes he must face his past wrongdoings before he can live a normal life. In this way, Dale gives himself the tough love he needs.

Whatever your opinion on tough love, I hope you can take a moment to ponder about it, and perhaps realize that it is what makes us strong.
Thanks
Rob

I think I am correct in saying that the events on Sunday in Orlando, Florida, have made this week a tough one for many of us. The friends and families of those who lost their lives in Pulse nightclub may never come to terms with how their loved ones were taken. My sympathy goes out to them and to the gay community in general (of which I am part of). The vigils held around the world were very moving and to me showed the overwhelming good side of humanity on the planet.

In light of these events, I feel that the cover of my new novel may hit a nerve with some readers. With this in mind, I am working with the publisher on a way to either modify the cover, or to set back the publication date to July.

If anyone reading this has an opinion on the cover of HIT MAN RUN, I would dearly love to hear them. Please feel free to comment. Thank you
Rob

I have spent 5 years writing various stories - some deep and mysterious science fiction, some dark and grim thrillers, and also some fantasy and horror.

Into The Team is very different though. I decided, after spending years on serious and, sometimes negative, storytelling, to write an uplifting novel of a young footballer achieving his dream.

Todd, the main character, has great drive and focus on his one love in life - football (soccer). His determination leads him to his dream of playing for a major English club. However, he must learn to fit in with his new team, even if that means bonding with them in ways he feels are a little too intimate.

I really enjoyed writing this story, and I think Todd is the most lovable character I have created.

I hope readers will see a positive energy in Todd that transcends the pages and lifts their spirits.

Thank you
Rob Damon