# https://authordavehughes.com


## Posts

- [Want to Avoid Amazon? You Have Other Options for Buying Books](https://authordavehughes.com/want-to-avoid-amazon/): Amazon is the world’s largest bookseller. In the US, over 70-80% of all books sold online are sold by Amazon. Amazon has revolutionized the book publishing industry, making it easy and inexpensive for anyone to publish their works and sell them throughout much of the world. They have also led the transition from buying books in stores to buying them online. Besides the convenience of shopping at home at any time of the day or night, millions of titles are available – far more than any store could stock on its shelves. Of course, this didn’t work out so well
- [Christmas in Prairie Village - an excerpt from Maybe Now](https://authordavehughes.com/christmas-in-prairie-village/): Ryan and Chris were high school best friends in Prairie Village, Kansas. During the summer after their junior year (2007), they came out to each other and became boyfriends. But when Ryan’s father, a conservative evangelical pastor, discovered Ryan was gay, Ryan had to leave home quickly to avoid being sent to a gay conversion therapy facility. He ran away to Los Angeles. This meant he and Chris were suddenly separated. Fourteen years later, Ryan is living with his husband Aaron in Scottsdale, Arizona. Chris and his partner Seth move to Glendale, and they reconnect as friends. Both of their
- [Bonus chapter from Maybe Now: Memories](https://authordavehughes.com/bonus-chapter-from-maybe-now-memories/): Here is a chapter from Maybe Now that I reluctantly deleted during the editing process. It’s not that I didn’t like the chapter – I do! But the book was too long and I needed to find sections to cut. While this chapter added some sentimental value and brought perspective and closure to some moments from earlier in the series, it didn’t really advance the plot. Deleting this chapter didn’t remove anything essential to the story in Maybe Now. So, it ended up on the proverbial cutting room floor – until now. This chapter comes later in the book after
- [12 Questions for Author Dave Hughes About "Maybe Now" and the Series](https://authordavehughes.com/12-questions-for-author-dave-hughes-about-maybe-now-and-the-series/): The question-and-answer period is the most interesting and interactive part of my book release parties. Here are some of the questions I was asked at my most recent event celebrating the release of Maybe Now. I gave similar answers in person, but presenting them in this post allows me to provide more thorough, well-thought-out answers.
- ["Maybe Now" Release Party Video](https://authordavehughes.com/maybe-now-release-party-video/): My sixth novel Maybe Now was released on Friday, September 27. The book release party drew an enthusiastic audience. Here’s the video of my author talk from that event. I briefly introduced this book and the previous books in the “Gay Tales for the New Millennium” series, read an excerpt, and answered questions from the audience. Enjoy!
- [The Many Faces of Ryan Robertson (a.k.a. Bryan Bauer)](https://authordavehughes.com/the-many-faces-of-ryan-robertson/): When I began my journey as a fiction author, the first book I conceived was If I Seem Quiet…, which ultimately became the fourth book in the “Gay Tales for the New Millennium” series. As I was developing the characters and plot for the novel, I created character profiles of the main characters. Many “how-to” articles I read suggested doing this. The main character in If I Seem Quiet… is Aaron Bradbury, at least in the book’s early chapters. At one point he meets Ryan Robertson, so I also created a character profile for Ryan. Soon it became clear that
- [How to Publish a Book](https://authordavehughes.com/how-to-publish-a-book/): What I’ve Learned After Self-Publishing 8 Books Have you ever entertained the idea that someday you’ll write a book? But does the process of taking your writing from thoughts scribbled in a notebook or typed into your computer to an attractive, published product seem overwhelming? There’s so much to know and do, it can easily seem intimidating. Regardless of whether you have a finished manuscript or have only taken a few stabs at it here and there, this article will guide you along that path. Hopefully, it will answer some of your questions and others you may not have thought
- [Video from the "Karma Train from Kansas" Book Release Party](https://authordavehughes.com/video-from-the-karma-train-from-kansas-book-release-party/): The book release party for my fifth novel, Karma Train from Kansas, was held on Friday, May 10, 2024, at Exposed Studio & Gallery in Phoenix – the same place my previous book signing parties were held. It’s a charming LGBT-owned business with beautiful art on display from local artists and a nice area for holding receptions. Gregg Edelman, the owner, is very supportive and a joy to work with. My uber-supportive husband Jeff captured the event on video. In the author talk, I gave a bit of background on the book, read an excerpt, and answered questions from the
- [Meet My Partner: A Christmas Story](https://authordavehughes.com/meet-my-partner-a-christmas-story/): “Mom… Dad… I’d like you to meet my partner.” Most of us have had at least one of these awkward, anxious moments in our lives. And the stakes are even higher when the first meeting occurs during the holidays. In my most recent novel, If I Seem Quiet…, Aaron Bradbury came out to himself, came out to his parents (it did NOT go well!), met a guy, reconciled with his parents, and so much more. Now, he’s taking his partner Ryan to Ohio for Christmas, where his parents will meet Ryan for the first time. This story is an excerpt
- [Video from the "If I Seem Quiet..." Book Release Party](https://authordavehughes.com/video-from-the-if-i-seem-quiet-book-release-party/): The book release party for my fourth novel, If I Seem Quiet…, was held on Friday, November 17, at Exposed Studio & Gallery in Phoenix – the same place my previous book signing parties were held. It’s a charming LGBT-owned business with beautiful art on display from local artists and a nice area for holding receptions. Gregg Edelman, the owner, is very supportive and a joy to work with. My husband Jeff captured the event on video. In the video, I spoke about how I got started writing novels. I recounted the seemingly innocuous event that provided the seed of
- [The T-Shirt That Launched Six Novels](https://authordavehughes.com/the-t-shirt-that-launched-six-novels/): Occasionally, people ask who my characters are based upon and where I get the inspiration for my stories. Sometimes, it’s completely random and spontaneous – like when I’m people-watching in a fast-food restaurant. One day in late 2017, I was eating dinner in a fast-food restaurant on a Monday evening. It was the Rubio’s at Indian School Road & 44th Street, if you’re curious. I had two hours between rehearsals, so I brought my laptop along and caught up on email, Facebook, the news, etc. during and after my dinner. I eat at that Rubio’s fairly often, and I have
- [How San Diego Pride Influenced "If I Seem Quiet..."](https://authordavehughes.com/how-san-diego-pride-influenced-my-next-novel/): This weekend (July 14-16, 2023) was Gay Pride weekend in San Diego. If you’ve never been, it’s one of the more festive Gay Pride weekends in the country. The combination of Hillcrest, one of the country’s most vibrant gayborhoods, San Diego itself, and the warm, sunny weather makes for an ideal weekend. People travel from all over California and Arizona and points beyond to enjoy the festivities. Between 1999 and 2004, I went every year. From the third year on, I stayed with my friends Bill and Eric, and an agenda for the weekend took shape. I’d drive over on
- [Sample Chapter from Maybe Next Year: Gay Pride Day](https://authordavehughes.com/sample-chapter-from-maybe-next-year-gay-pride-day/): In honor of Gay Pride Month, here’s a chapter from my first novel, Maybe Next Year. You can read it below or download a PDF here. Bryan and Chris are high school juniors who have been inseparable best friends for three years. They have just discovered their feelings for each other run much deeper than mere friendship. On a Saturday in June, they venture into Kansas City from their homes in Prairie Village, Kansas, and visit their first gay pride festival. Their perceptions of the festival and the gay community itself couldn’t be more different.
- [Pride Merchandise: I'm "Over" the Rainbow (+ book excerpt)](https://authordavehughes.com/pride-merchandise-im-over-the-rainbow-book-excerpt/): In my next novel, If I Seem Quiet…, there’s a scene in which the main character, Aaron, is preparing for his potential boyfriend Ryan’s first visit to his apartment for dinner. It’s Wednesday, and Aaron has a tradition of eating sushi from Food World, his nearby grocery store, because it’s on sale on Wednesdays. By the way, Jeff and I do the same thing in real life. Two stores near us, WinCo and Fry’s, have sushi on sale on Wednesdays, and we buy it every week. I couldn’t have envisioned it at the time I wrote this, but this moment
- [Video from the "Open Books, Closed Sets" Book Release Party](https://authordavehughes.com/video-from-the-open-books-closed-sets-book-release-party/): The book release party for my third novel, Open Books, Closed Sets, was held on Friday, March 24, at Exposed Studio & Gallery in Phoenix – the same place my previous book signing party was held. It’s a charming LGBT-owned business with a nice area for holding receptions such as this. The owner, Gregg Edelman, is very supportive and a joy to work with. My husband Jeff captured the event on video. In the video, I briefly reviewed the synopses of my first two books, Maybe Next Year and Instant Adult (since a few people in attendance hadn’t read them),
- [Photos and Video from the "Instant Adult" Book Signing Party](https://authordavehughes.com/photos-and-video-from-the-instant-adult-book-signing-party/): My heart is still full of joy from my book signing party on Friday, November 11. 30 people attended, including part of my family from Anaheim, California (a total surprise!). My friend Scott Thomas helped set up and sell books, and his family came and delayed a birthday dinner for one of his kids so they could stay for the talk. My husband Jeff helped in so many ways and videotaped the talk. Exposed Studio & Gallery was the perfect place to hold the event! Thanks to everyone who came! I genuinely appreciate the outpouring of interest and support. If
- [10 Questions About "Instant Adult" for Author Dave Hughes](https://authordavehughes.com/10-questions-about-instant-adult-for-author-dave-hughes/): If you’re curious about my second novel, Instant Adult, but you’re not sure what it’s about or whether you would enjoy it, perhaps my answers to these ten questions will fill in the blanks. You can download and read a sample chapter of the book here. What kind of book is Instant Adult? Well, it’s not a romance novel, nor is it erotica. It could be described as historical fiction, although that history took place only 15 years ago. The best label I’ve come up with is ‘contemporary gay fiction,’ although I realize that’s pretty general. This book tells the
- [Dave Joins Author/Podcaster Mark McNease on One Thing or Another](https://authordavehughes.com/dave-joins-author-podcaster-mark-mcnease-on-one-thing-or-another/): Mark McNease is an accomplished author of gay-themed murder/mystery novels and more. Visit markmcnease.com to discover his work. Mark also did a great job as editor of my first two retirement books. Mark is a good friend who has been incredibly supportive of my writing for Retire Fabulously! and now, my fiction writing. In August, 2022, Mark invited me to be a guest on his One Thing or Another podcast to discuss Fiction Writing and Pursuing Our Passions. We talk about Instant Adult and why I switched from writing retirement books to writing gay fiction. Click to listen!
- [10 Questions About "Maybe Next Year" for Author Dave Hughes](https://authordavehughes.com/10-questions-about-maybe-next-year-for-author-dave-hughes/): If you’re curious about my first novel, Maybe Next Year, but you’re not sure what it’s about or whether you would enjoy it, perhaps my answers to these ten questions will fill in the blanks. What kind of book is Maybe Next Year? Is it a romance novel? It’s definitely not a romance novel, in the formulaic or categorical sense. There is romance in the novel, as our two main characters, Bryan and Chris, are high school best friends who gradually figure out they’re in love. But an expectation of every romance novel is that it has a “happily ever
- [Fact vs. Fiction: The Joy of Making Stuff Up](https://authordavehughes.com/fact-vs-fiction-the-joy-of-making-stuff-up/): In the front matter of most novels, there’s a statement such as the following: This book is a work of fiction. All names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is purely coincidental. You’ve probably seen it so often you take it for granted and don’t think much about it. Yet, I’ve discovered it’s difficult to write a fictional story that doesn’t make some reference to real-life people, places, and brands. I’ve already received questions such as, “Is
- [Why I Self-Publish My Books](https://authordavehughes.com/why-i-self-publish-my-books/): When I finished writing Maybe Next Year, I had a decision to make: What would be the best way to bring this book to market? Generally speaking, there are three options for publishing a book: traditional or mainstream publishers (for example, Simon and Schuster, Harper Collins, and Penguin/Random House), independent publishers, and self-publishing.
- [Why Maybe Next Year Takes Place in 2007](https://authordavehughes.com/why-this-story-takes-place-in-2007/): The story in Maybe Next Year takes place in 2007. There are two reasons why I chose to place the story in this timeframe. First, I have six more novels in various stages of development. These books will follow some of these characters as they go to college, begin their careers, enter into relationships, and eventually deal with people and issues from their past. Starting the storyline when Bryan and Chris are teenagers in 2007 will allow them to age into their roles in future books. Second, setting the book in the mid-2000s serves as a reminder of the social
- [Writing Every Day](https://authordavehughes.com/writing-every-day/): This is Room 264 at the Downtown branch of the Chandler Public Library. It’s just three miles from my home and I can usually get here in less than ten minutes. Every day, I spend two hours in this room writing. Could I just as easily write at my desk at home for two hours a day? Yes, I could. I did it during the pandemic when the library was closed. But at home, there are too many distractions. There’s paperwork on my desk that needs to be dealt with, someone comes to the door, my husband says something, or

## Pages

- [Maybe Now](https://authordavehughes.com/maybe-now/): After six years of success at Technovations, Ryan accepts a one-year assignment in Auckland, New Zealand. This assignment will advance his career, but his husband Aaron dreads the prospect of a one-year separation. While Ryan is in New Zealand, COVID strikes. His life remains mostly unaffected, but the stress of the pandemic, the social isolation, and their separation take an emotional toll on Aaron. Ryan’s brother Brandon, a senior at Arizona State University, moves in when ASU shifts to online classes. Aaron welcomes Brandon’s companionship and support, but their dynamic changes as the pandemic drags on and Ryan’s return is
- [Karma Train from Kansas](https://authordavehughes.com/karma-train-from-kansas/): When Bryan Bauer left home in Prairie Village, Kansas at age 17 to escape from his homophobic parents, he intended to leave Kansas behind forever. He changed his name to Ryan Robertson, created a new life for himself as an independent and proud gay man, and vowed to look only forward, never backward. A scandal in Kansas sets in motion a sequence of events that reunites Ryan with several people from his former life – some welcome, some not – forcing them to re-examine their pasts, confront their failures, and try to rebuild their lives and their relationships. None of
- [If I Seem Quiet...](https://authordavehughes.com/if-i-seem-quiet/): Aaron Bradbury, 28, has a successful career as a pharmacist and a nice apartment in sunny Tempe, Arizona. Yet, his life seems empty. He has few friends and has had no luck with dating. A chance meeting with a trombonist named Rob sets a series of events in motion that will change Aaron’s life. Rob invites Aaron to attend the Desert Pride Symphonic Band concert the following Sunday. Aaron, who quit playing his trombone in college, decides to go. As he enjoys the concert, he realizes he misses playing his trombone and the camaraderie and friendship that come with playing
- [Open Books, Closed Sets](https://authordavehughes.com/open-books-closed-sets/): As Ryan Robertson* begins college at UCLA, all he wants is to do well in his classes, make some friends, and enjoy his college experience. But he soon learns that working in the adult entertainment industry to support himself and pay for college makes normalcy impossible. The scheduling demands of his profession rule out most extracurricular activities and require constant balancing with his classes. Worse, the reactions he encounters when people discover his livelihood make it difficult for him to build friendships or relationships. The elephant is simply too big for the room. Ryan lives in a house near campus
- [Interviews](https://authordavehughes.com/interviews/): Interview with author/podcaster Mark McNease Mark McNease is an accomplished author of gay-themed murder/mystery novels and more. Visit markmcnease.com to discover his work. Mark also did a great job as editor my first two retirement books. He’s been a great supporter of my work on RetireFabulously.com and a mentor to me as an author. In August, 2022, Mark invited me to be a guest on his One Thing or Another podcast to discuss Fiction Writing and Pursuing Our Passions. We talk about Instant Adult and why I switched from writing retirement books to writing gay fiction. Click to listen!
- [Thank you for subscribing!](https://authordavehughes.com/thank-you-for-subscribing/): You should receive a confirmation email. Please open it and click the link to confirm your subscription. Your subscription won’t be active until you do. If you don’t see it in your Inbox, please check your junk mail or promotions folder. After you confirm, you’ll receive an email with information on how to download Cruise Virgins.
- [Thank You for Buying My Book](https://authordavehughes.com/thank-you-for-buying-my-book/): Thank you for buying my book(s)! I handle order fulfillment myself, usually within 1-2 business days. Within the US, I send books via media mail. Your shipment should arrive in less than two weeks, usually within a few days. If you would like me to address your signed copies to someone other than yourself, please contact me at support@authordavehughes.com with that information. Thanks! Dave Hughes
- [Instant Adult](https://authordavehughes.com/instant-adult/): In this engaging sequel to Maybe Next Year, 17-year-old Bryan* suddenly finds himself on his own in Los Angeles, having narrowly escaped being sent to a gay conversion therapy camp by his fundamentalist father. Luckily, he finds a room to rent in a house owned by a gay attorney near UCLA. His housemates are a fabulous Black drag queen with an amazing voice, a hard-partying porn star, and a hunky Marine veteran with post-war baggage. This colorful crew becomes Bryan’s new family, supporting him as he navigates his new life as an openly gay high school senior who must support
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- [Contact & Connect](https://authordavehughes.com/contact-connect/): Follow Dave on Social Media         Contact Dave Subscribe to Receive Updates
- [Maybe Next Year](https://authordavehughes.com/maybe-next-year/): The year: 2007. Red states are passing constitutional amendments to ban same-sex marriage. “Ex-gay” organizations are thriving and hosting conferences across the nation. Gay conversion therapy practitioners are telling people they can “pray the gay away.” And at Kansas’ largest evangelical mega-church, the pastor’s son is falling in love with his best friend. What could possibly go wrong? Bryan and Chris are high school juniors who have been inseparable best friends for three years. Now, they are discovering that their feelings for each other run much deeper than mere friendship. Chris, whose open-minded family is completely supportive, is ready and
- [About Dave](https://authordavehughes.com/about-dave/): Dave Hughes has written six gay fiction novels, Maybe Next Year; Instant Adult; Open Books, Closed Sets; If I Seem Quiet…; Karma Train from Kansas; and Maybe Now. These books form a series called “Gay Tales for the New Millennium.” His short story, Cruise Virgins, is available free to subscribers of his newsletter. Chronologically, it fits between Open Books, Closed Sets and If I Seem Quiet….          In addition to fiction, Dave has written three retirement lifestyle planning books, Design Your Dream Retirement, Smooth Sailing Into Retirement, and The Quest for Retirement Utopia. Dave created the website RetireFabulously.com, which enables
- [Blog](https://authordavehughes.com/blog/)
- [](https://authordavehughes.com/): FICTION This series of six novels follows events in their characters’ lives as they complete high school, go through college, launch their careers, and build relationships into their early 30s. Along the way, they deal with the real-life events of the time, particularly those that impact the LGBTQ+ community. The story begins in 2007 when two high school best friends realize they’re in love. Chris, whose open-minded family is completely supportive, is ready and able to live his life out and proud. For Bryan, whose father is the pastor of a very conservative mega-church in Kansas, being gay simply isn’t
- [Luke Loadstar](https://authordavehughes.com/luke-loadstar/): The book cover.   Jeff’s first AI experiment with the cover model for From Preacher’s Kid to Porn Star.   This one animates the cover model on the actual cover. The sides of the cover were cropped to fit the 16:9 aspect ratio.      


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