Have you Seen...

DoomyMuffins · Aug 12, 2009

Any novels with a homosexual main character? I mean... I know they're out there, my Barnes & Noble has a whole homosexual section, but have you seen any good ones? All I've seen are either yaoi or yuri manga, which are all porn, or novels written simply for the purpose of getting attention. "Look at me! I write about gays!"

Anyway, the reason I ask is because I'm wanting to write a book (short story, whatever) with my main focus being a homosexual couple, but I haven't come across any good examples. I know that, even today, homosexuality isn't all that well received, but it's something I really want to do. I feel like there needs to be a book out there that looks at homosexuals in a different light, and that's what I want to do.

I don't want, "Look at that, a book about homosexuals, how special. I'm going to get this because queers are so rare and strange these days." I want, "Oh, a book that happens to be about two gay men. And look, they don't act like fairies!" I'm not sure if I'm actually making any sense. Just roll with it.

This might not even be the right section... oh well.

Edman · Aug 12, 2009

I can't think of any. Unfortunately, it's probably seen as a gimmick, and even worse, it probably HAS been used as one. Good luck on your story, though. My tiny bit advice is to make it about two people in love who happen to be gay; not that they are a gay couple... if that makes any sense.

Adam · Aug 12, 2009

Rules of Engagement by Lori Witt - Coming soon. (Click mah dogtags to see her blog) [EDIT - They're bi, not gay. My bad.]

Yes, there are decent books out there with gay main characters. There are decent books with every kind of character available. A quick google search will find a buttload.

Kitty Pryde · Aug 12, 2009

Go here: http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=146384

blacbird · Aug 12, 2009

Maurice, by E.M. Forster, is probably the biggest classic. Forster, who was quietly gay during a time when it would have been the worst kind of scandal if it became known, didn't allow publication of this novel in his lifetime.

You might also look up some of the work of Julien Green and John Rechy.

caw

Strange Days · Aug 12, 2009

"The Seed and the Sower". I don't remember the author, though... Also- "Tabu".
Both were made into the movies. First one is called "Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence", second- retained the title "Tabu".

The Lonely One · Aug 12, 2009

Kitty Pryde said:
Go here: http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=146384

Yeah you may have missed when this thread passed through town but Kitty Pryde was good to link it. It's pretty much everything everyone thinks about the subject and then some.

I'm currently trying to place a story with a gay MC. I'll let you know how it turns out.

JamieFord · Aug 12, 2009

Check out the books by E. Lynn Harris, who just passed away. Basketball Jones was a recent bestseller.

DoomyMuffins · Aug 12, 2009

Thanks for all the feed back, guys. It's really inspired me to just go for it. I'm thinking that it'll be in first person so... lots of gay thoughts. My MC is a little sexually frustrated in the beginning. At least... he is in my head.

Another random thought: Why are lesbians considered sexy? Are there conditions? You can act like a lesbian, but you have to be interested in having sex with me afterwards, not the other chick. ...Unless it's a three-some, then that's totally fine.

...UHG, classes start again tomorrow.

DoomyMuffins · Aug 12, 2009

JamieFord said:
Check out the books by E. Lynn Harris, who just passed away. Basketball Jones was a recent bestseller.

...This response has nothing to do with your suggestion. Though, I'll totally check it out.

I actually saw your book on Barnes & Noble's website earlier today, before I even noticed your sig. I look forward to reading it!

lauraannwilliams · Aug 12, 2009

You could get in touch with Jes Battis. He's a researcher at the university of Regina, into (among other things) sexuality in literature. He also writes urban fantasy. http://www.arts.uregina.ca/jes-battis

myrmidon · Aug 12, 2009

Hero by Perry Moore has a gay lead (who is also a superhero). I haven't actually read it (yet), and have heard some mixed things recently - but prior to that I heard it was quite good. Might be worth a try.

lucidzfl · Aug 12, 2009

What about running with scissors? That even got made into a movie.

I'll never forget the black triangle. Jesus.

geardrops · Aug 13, 2009

Currently reading THE STEEL REMAINS (Richard Morgan). Gay protag, fantasy setting.

LittleFlowerLei · Aug 13, 2009

oh! I have an example!

While it isn't actually a book (Or maybe it started out as one. I don't really know, actually.) it's an amazing movie about that sort of thing.

Its called "Boys Love" and it's starring Saito Takumi . It's about this japanese high school model/painter (I wasn't clear on which) who gets into a relationship with a reporter who was doing a story on him. It deals with Saito Takumi's character trying to leave behind his dangerous choices in life (Drinking, sleeping around, ect.) while falling in love with the reporter.

But of course, there's always a twist. I just don't want to ruin it for you.

I'm sorry if you didn't want a movie example, but it might be helpful to you. I hope it is, sorry again if it isn't what you were looking for.

Please note: The movie is in Japanese ^_^

CatSlave · Aug 13, 2009

The Dave Brandstetter mystery series by Joseph Hansen is elegantly written.
California noir crime fiction genre.

http://www.classiccrimefiction.com/dave-brandstetter.htm

LOG · Aug 13, 2009

I can't remember it's title, it was an auto-biography by a homosexual guy with autistic savant aspergers...

Remembered it!
Born on a Blue Day by Daniel Tammet

sadron · Aug 13, 2009

Not really but in my fantsy story, yes it happens.

gothicangel · Aug 13, 2009

My friend writes gay romances. His name is Jay Mandal one book is called The Dandelion Clock, and is published by BeWrite Books. His books are available through Amazon, and has received favourable reviews from Stephen Fry and Sarah Waters.

cwfgal · Aug 13, 2009

Check out Alyson Publishers: http://www.alyson.com/

Beth

Carmilla · Aug 13, 2009

One of the main characters in my Trilogy is homosexual. I hope I have portryaed the character and his relationship in a positive light, and not just for hype.

Check out my stuff. Link in my signature.

year90ninezero · Aug 13, 2009

My favorite writer is William S. Burroughs. So . . . yes.

Strange Days · Aug 13, 2009

year90ninezero said:
My favorite writer is William S. Burroughs. So . . . yes.

I didn't read him that much, but as far as I remember, most of his characters are too high to get it up most of the time... Great writer, though...

Strange Days · Aug 13, 2009

Oh, totally forgot! "Eurotrash" by Irwin Welsh. Notable story.

Gary Clarke · Aug 13, 2009

The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michal Chabon.
One of my favourite books ever.

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