Ask Marshall Thornton discussion

I'm a member in many groups, but I was always more a passive participant. And now I want to be a top(is it understandable?) Let us ask Marshall all possible and impossible questions! :)

My first silly question:
Why Marshall Thornton lives in a house without a swimming pool?!
Why he lives not in a 50-billions villa? Being a farther of Nick Nowak?!

For instance - what's everything that's going to happen in book 6?

Rosa, really wrote: "For instance - what's everything that's going to happen in book 6?"

You'll find out it in 4 days, Rosa! ;))

NOT GOOD ENOUGH! Ok, fine I'll wait. *mopes*

You live in a Spoilerville Rosa

Well, Marshall Thornton did post that part of the first chapter where we discover exactly who comes to (view spoiler)[visit Nick at the bar he now works at (hide spoiler)]. Do you remember Sofia, or did you not read it to avoid knowing too much?

Read it it was in Murder Book. I think it will be a more boorish Nick now, more desolate, more jaded.

SINCERE QUESTION:

Mr. Thornton, I've heard that you only intend to write 7 books in the series, however I also saw an article in which you said that you'd like (or you think about) taking Nick into the 90s (1996?) when the drug cocktail/breakthrough happened. Do you think you will write that far into the 90s? Of if not, how many books have you planned?

Sofia wrote: "Read it it was in Murder Book. I think it will be a more boorish Nick now, more desolate, more jaded."

I think I got an earlier ebook copy that didn't have that! For some reason I never suspected that person to stroll through the doors. For someone who's read so many mysteries, I kinda suck at it. ;)

Rosa, really wrote: "SINCERE QUESTION:

Mr. Thornton, I've heard that you only intend to write 7 books in the series, however I also saw an article in which you said that you'd like (or you think about) taking Nick int..."


Where have you read it, Rosa?! But then is Nick......how old will be Nick then?

He's what, early thirties in the first book? So about 15 years later? Late 40s?

Another sincere question: Mr Thornton - actually you probably won't answer this, but I see Nick as one of life's observer's. Never quite a part of, I don't know, the crowd, I guess. Because of this, my guess is that Nick will never get AIDS. He'll always be watching as others succumb. Such as poor (view spoiler)[Burt (hide spoiler)]. No real question there I guess.

Rosa, really wrote: "He's what, early thirties in the first book? So about 15 years later? Late 40s?

Another sincere question: Mr Thornton - actually you probably won't answer this, but I see Nick as one of life's obs..."

It is an interesting medicine question. I can't explain WHY, but I'm sure that some people were more receptive for AIDS than others. I'm happy that Nick stays UNTIL NOW very immune.

Lena♥Ribka wrote: "Rosa, really wrote: "He's what, early thirties in the first book? So about 15 years later? Late 40s?

Another sincere question: Mr Thornton - actually you probably won't answer this, but I see Nick..."

Yeah, that's true in life. Not everyone got the plague or influenza. But my guess is that Marshall's purposeful not giving him AIDs. It's more interesting making him suffer as an observer.

I've read just the first two books, although I have all five + prequel. I'm thinking about having Thornton binge when the sixth is released.

Rosa, really wrote: "Lena♥Ribka wrote: "Rosa, really wrote: "He's what, early thirties in the first book? So about 15 years later? Late 40s?
Another sincere question: Mr Thornton - actually you probably won't answer t..."

I don't feel that I'm ready now to say "farewell" to the series. It has still a lot of potential and the best thing in it is that in spite of everything around it is in the first place a mystery series and mystery can go further and further and further without getting boring. But I'm a bit afraid that it could mutate to an endless soap opera. And I don't want it happens. NONONONO!

Lady*M wrote: "I've read just the first two books, although I have all five + prequel. I'm thinking about having Thornton binge when the sixth is released."

I need to reread 5. After the first 2 books is a good time to read the prequel. (IMO)

Lady*M wrote: "I've read just the first two books, although I have all five + prequel. I'm thinking about having Thornton binge when the sixth is released."

But WHY?! It is really getting better and better from sequel to sequel! I've seen that you've read the first book 2011! I was impressed, Lady! Don't you want to go ahead with the series? It is really really really goooood!

Lena♥Ribka wrote: "Rosa, really wrote: "Lena♥Ribka wrote: "Rosa, really wrote: "He's what, early thirties in the first book? So about 15 years later? Late 40s?
Another sincere question: Mr Thornton - actually you pro..."

Good authors (again IMO) have a series story arc in mind or written out. I think as long as Thornton sticks to it and doesn't fall so in love with his characters that the series goes on and on (*cough*Cut & Run*cough*), the series should stay fresh and continue to improve.

Rosa, really wrote: "Lady*M wrote: "I've read just the first two books, although I have all five + prequel. I'm thinking about having Thornton binge when the sixth is released."
I need to reread 5. After the first 2 b..."

You have 4 days, sweetie! :)

Rosa, really wrote: "Lena♥Ribka wrote: "Rosa, really wrote: "Lena♥Ribka wrote: "Rosa, really wrote: "He's what, early thirties in the first book? So about 15 years later? Late 40s?
Another sincere question: Mr Thornton..."

Do you know what I noticed by my book's choice? I choose unintentionally but preferably books that were written by male authors. I have so many books on my TBR and I chose the male authors. Not that female authors can't write a good gay fiction, but it remains very female. Still.

Lena♥Ribka wrote: "Rosa, really wrote: "Lady*M wrote: "I've read just the first two books, although I have all five + prequel. I'm thinking about having Thornton binge when the sixth is released."
I need to reread 5...."

I know! I was just thinking that!

Lena♥Ribka wrote: "Rosa, really wrote: "Lena♥Ribka wrote: "Rosa, really wrote: "Lena♥Ribka wrote: "Rosa, really wrote: "He's what, early thirties in the first book? So about 15 years later? Late 40s?
Another sincere ..."

I frequently try to study sex scenes written by men (when I'm absolutely sure they're male authors) and try and see if there's a difference. There's only so much one can learn through research. Then I get distracted by my lady boner and stop noticing.

Rosa, really wrote: "Lena♥Ribka wrote: "Rosa, really wrote: "Lena♥Ribka wrote: "Rosa, really wrote: "Lena♥Ribka wrote: "Rosa, really wrote: "He's what, early thirties in the first book? So about 15 years later? Late 40..."

It's not only about sex, Rosa. It is also the difference in the mentality. How men see sex and deal with it. You have to understand and to accept the difference of the mentality between men and women. It's so ridiculous to read a mm-book where the MCs behave themselves as FM MCs.

Lena♥Ribka wrote: "Rosa, really wrote: "Lena♥Ribka wrote: "Rosa, really wrote: "Lena♥Ribka wrote: "Rosa, really wrote: "Lena♥Ribka wrote: "Rosa, really wrote: "He's what, early thirties in the first book? So about 15..."

On one hand I think men do take sex...I was going to say "less seriously" but that's not right. But it's not necessarily about emotional connections for men. On the other hand, though, I think there are men for who it is about emotional connections. And I think there are women who don't have sex for the emotional connection. It's not that black and white. IMO.

Rosa, really wrote: "Lena♥Ribka wrote: "Rosa, really wrote: "Lena♥Ribka wrote: "Rosa, really wrote: "Lena♥Ribka wrote: "Rosa, really wrote: "Lena♥Ribka wrote: "Rosa, really wrote: "He's what, early thirties in the firs..."

Of course not! It's just different. But I would say, a gay fiction written by male authors, WHO HAVE TO BE GAY TO WRITE IT, is more credible than a gay fiction written by heterosexual female authors.

Lena♥Ribka wrote: "Rosa, really wrote: "Lena♥Ribka wrote: "Rosa, really wrote: "Lena♥Ribka wrote: "Rosa, really wrote: "Lena♥Ribka wrote: "Rosa, really wrote: "Lena♥Ribka wrote: "Rosa, really wrote: "He's what, early..."

I'm not sure. There have been a lot of discussions, for decades if not longer, over whether men can convincingly write women or women can write men, or black people can write white people or white people can write a Japanese person. Can we write about what we, personally, can't possibly experience? I don't know what the answer to that is. I'm not ready to commit either way. But my belief is that good writers are empathetic and can put themselves in the heads of their characters. So in that case, maybe a heterosexual woman is as capable of writing a gay man with credibility as an actual gay man. I think it's more about ability, rather than your sex.

Rosa, really wrote: "Lena♥Ribka wrote: "Rosa, really wrote: "Lena♥Ribka wrote: "Rosa, really wrote: "Lena♥Ribka wrote: "Rosa, really wrote: "Lena♥Ribka wrote: "Rosa, really wrote: "Lena♥Ribka wrote: "Rosa, really wrote..."

Totally agree, Rosa. But my internal voice whispers always, "Take this one...He is a male...He knows better..."

Lena♥Ribka wrote: "But WHY?! It is really getting better and better from sequel to sequel! I've seen that you've read the first book 2011! I was impressed, Lady! Don't you want to go ahead with the series? It is really really really goooood!

It is too long since I've read the books, I forgot almost everything, so I have to reread the first two and then continue. The problem is - there is always more books to read. But, I'll get to it... If I could read 10 Malazan books, I'll be all right with Nick. :)

Well, for all I just said, I frequently agree with you. I've also noticed that with mystery novels, gay straight or whatever, I gravitate towards male characters written by male authors. I've often wondered why that is. I guess I just prefer dudes. I'm in my female head enough as it is, you know?

Rosa, really wrote: "Well, for all I just said, I frequently agree with you. I've also noticed that with mystery novels, gay straight or whatever, I gravitate towards male characters written by male authors. I've often..."

I think you're right! We're dude's oriented! ;)

Lady*M wrote: "Lena♥Ribka wrote: "But WHY?! It is really getting better and better from sequel to sequel! I've seen that you've read the first book 2011! I was impressed, Lady! Don't you want to go ahead with the..."

If you don't remember, just do it! ;) You won't regret it! ;)

Rosa, really wrote: "SINCERE QUESTION:

Mr. Thornton, I've heard that you only intend to write 7 books in the series, however I also saw an article in which you said that you'd like (or you think about) taking Nick int..."

No, that's a misunderstanding. I'm definitely intending to go to 10. And then I'm not going to guarantee I'll stop. I really enjoy writing the books. When that stops it will be because I've run out of things that keep me interested. And if I'm not interested... you guys won't be. So that would be time to stop.

Also, at the moment, I feel like he's still got places to go and things to do. And, I'm allowing him to grow and change - though he isn't trying to do those things. Don't expect to see him on a therapist's couch.

I am keeping my eyes open for a good historical stopping point though.

Rosa, really wrote: "He's what, early thirties in the first book? So about 15 years later? Late 40s?

Another sincere question: Mr Thornton - actually you probably won't answer this, but I see Nick as one of life's obs..."

I can't answer with certainty. I've drafted 7 and have ideas for 8 but beyond that I only have vague feelings. I do think that good detective characters are outsiders. Some of the best, in my opinion, are minority characters because of that. Regardless of what happens I don't see how Nick can loose that sense of being on the outside.

Marshall wrote: "Rosa, really wrote: "SINCERE QUESTION:

Mr. Thornton, I've heard that you only intend to write 7 books in the series, however I also saw an article in which you said that you'd like (or you think a..."

A therapist would be horrible! What if he stopped making shitty decisions and started doing yoga or something? That wouldn't be any fun.

Rosa, really wrote: "Marshall wrote: "Rosa, really wrote: "SINCERE QUESTION:

Mr. Thornton, I've heard that you only intend to write 7 books in the series, however I also saw an article in which you said that you'd lik..."

Then I'd have to move him to California.

Marshall wrote: "Rosa, really wrote: "He's what, early thirties in the first book? So about 15 years later? Late 40s?

Another sincere question: Mr Thornton - actually you probably won't answer this, but I see Nick..."

Probably why we all like him so much. Everyone can identify with an outsider, even if they don't always feel like that. And if they can't identify they're just weird. (I want to say they're probably politicians, but politics are best left alone.)

Marshall wrote: "Rosa, really wrote: "SINCERE QUESTION:

Mr. Thornton, I've heard that you only intend to write 7 books in the series, however I also saw an article in which you said that you'd like (or you think a..."

Marshall wrote: "Rosa, really wrote: "Marshall wrote: "Rosa, really wrote: "SINCERE QUESTION:

Mr. Thornton, I've heard that you only intend to write 7 books in the series, however I also saw an article in which yo..."

That's a relief to hear you'll stop when you're no longer interested (hard to imagine though). As a reader I feel like I can sense when an author gets tired of they're own creation, but keeps going for...any number of reasons, I guess. Not only do I lose interest in the series, but I lose trust in the author. I feel like they no longer know what they're doing, so I no longer know why I'm reading.

Marshall wrote: "I can't answer with certainty. I've drafted 7 and have ideas for 8 but beyond that I only have vague feelings. I do think that good detective characters are outsiders. Some of the best, in my opinion, are minority characters because of that. Regardless of what happens I don't see how Nick can loose that sense of being on the outside"

I agree with you Marshall, that good detectives are outsiders. It gives them the necessary perspective. Also being a minority they do not conform to the majority so are more able to pinpoint stuff. They do not need to be part of an actual minority, just a person who does not fit in easily with the rest, cases in point for me Arkady Renko, Adrian Monk.

Marshall wrote: "Then I'd have to move him to California. ."

Trying to imagine him doing Tai Chi at the park :)

Sofia wrote: "Marshall wrote: "I can't answer with certainty. I've drafted 7 and have ideas for 8 but beyond that I only have vague feelings. I do think that good detective characters are outsiders. Some of the ..."

Absolutely. Though, for me, Nick's interest in justice corresponds with the over all quest for justice in the GLBT community that was really taking hold at the time.

Marshall wrote: "Absolutely. Though, for me, Nick's interest in justice corresponds with the over all quest for justice in the GLBT community that was really taking hold at the time."

Being an outsider, part of minority, gives you a thirst for justice because your life rubs with that constant injustice dished out to minorities by society. The constant rubbing of even the little injustices makes you more 'angry' and ready to point out, or call bullshit.

True.

Rosa, really wants to be a Recidivist wrote: "SINCERE QUESTION:

Mr. Thornton, I've heard that you only intend to write 7 books in the series, however I also saw an article in which you said that you'd like (or you think about) taking Nick int..."

Good question! The mid to late 90's sure changed things psychologically along with the physical/medical leaps. Awareness became ingrained, and then hitting the millennia, a new generation, and a forgetfulness seems to be encroaching. Such a huge swing socially, and now the advancements in civil rights. Wow, so much for Nick to experience.

L.Giselle wrote: "Rosa, really wants to be a Recidivist wrote: "SINCERE QUESTION:

Mr. Thornton, I've heard that you only intend to write 7 books in the series, however I also saw an article in which you said that ..."

Couldn't agree more.It would be awesome to experience that through Nick's POV.

Don't ask me HOW often did I check AMAZON today to see if the book6 was listed already.

I've bought it at last on MLRpress.

But I'd like to know now:

WHERE SHOULD I BUY my ebooks to make my fav authors have a best profit from it?

I've heard that Amazon is not the best example in it.

Lena♥Ribka wrote: "Don't ask me HOW often did I check AMAZON today to see if the book6 was listed already.

I've bought it at last on MLRpress.

But I'd like to know now:

WHERE SHOULD I BUY my ebooks to make my fa..."

I purchased it on Amazon yesterday evening.

It was more expensive on Amazon than on MLR

Sofia wrote: "It was more expensive on Amazon than on MLR"

It's $6.99 at both Amazon and MLR.

For me Amazon is listing it $10.61 while MLR is €6.99.

Amazon has different pricing for non US customers.