Hey, the title says it all. We’ve got back stabbing, and other activities involving the backside … Okay but some of these are my absolute favorites, like A Power Unbound, Prince and Assassin, and The Lawrence Browne Affair.
Con Men with Flair
historical fiction
WIP Wednesday: Felt That Way
Today’s WIP Wednesday is brought you to by the gay explorers finally starting to admit their feelings.
“I didn’t know you felt that way,” Cornelius finally said.
Watt tilted his head. “I told you how I felt.”
“About men, but not … me.” He lifted a shoulder, looking away. “Not all men who enjoy men want men like me, if you get my meaning. And that’s fine, people like what they like.”
Watt guided Cornelius’ attention back to him with a gentle palm to the cheek. Cornelius’ eyes were wet, and his lips were pressed into a harsh line. “But I like you, Cornelius.”
Cornelius looked like he was fit to argue, but in the end he sighed, leaning into Watt’s touch. “God help you then.” He closed his eyes and whispered, “I’m fond of you too, Watt. You have no idea.”
Watt looked forward to finding out.
The Voice of Wild Places Cover Reveal!
The Voice of Wild Places:
A Fabulist Historical Fiction
Cornelius Sawyer is a man of many talents, but forgiveness is not one of them.
Watt Johnson is a man of his word, but not once in his life has he spoken up for himself.
Once connected by the bonds of childhood, threads now severed by the demands of life, the pair are brought together for a once in a lifetime opportunity: an all expenses paid expedition to Brazil, searching for a man the world believes to be long dead, Percy Fawcett. And perhaps, even the Lost City that he was looking for.
Under the guise of doing research work for their respective universities, a reluctant Cornelius and an exhilarated Watt accept the offer and delve into the unknown, trusting no one but themselves. Looking at a map, the route and its dangers seem to be known obstacles which can be easily conquered, a fact that Watt leans on heavily.
But Cornelius is intimately aware that the river has teeth, that the land renders a siren song to those who are desperate to become lost in its mountains and basins. To survive the journey they’ll have to face the enemies within, and trust the other to have their best interests in mind.
After all, the Voice of Wild Places is calling, beckoning the adrift homeward.
The Voice of Wild Places releases on May 6th, 2025. You can read early access chapters on my Patreon!
Cover art illustrated by the incredibly talented Thistle Arts.
WIP Wednesday – The Gay Along the Way
Cornelius slipped between the folds of the tent, and Watt’s hand fell to his side. Cornelius was fully dressed, sweat dampening his brow and gear upon his back. He gripped his cane in one hand and adjusted his glasses with the other. They stared at each other, steady gazes barely illuminated by the dim lantern beside Watt’s cot.
“I’m coming with you,” Cornelius whispered, barely there but firm all the same.
“You don’t have to,” Watt said, and tried very hard to mean it. “They’re doing good work here, real work. I can go on alone.”
Cornelius closed the distance between them, slow enough to give Watt time to back away. He did not.
✍️🏳️⚧️🧭
This week’s WIP Wednesday harkens back to the Tumblr post, and subsequently the book, that started it all. I was forwarded this post by a friend who thought it was right up my alley, and she was right.
It inspired thoughts of an adventure story with queer characters falling in love, and the story was originally set in a fantasy world. But as time went on, I realized I wanted it to be historical fiction, and eventually historical fabulism. And now the book is closer to done than not, and the cover is finished. In a little over six months, The Voice of Wild Places will be ready for the world.
Are you ready for it?
The book referenced by the Tumblr post is The Rivers Ran East by Leonard Clark.
The Voice of Wild Places
Cornelius Sawyer is a man of many talents, but forgiveness is not one of them.
Watt Johnson is a man of his word, but not once in his life has he spoken up for himself.
Once connected by the bonds of childhood, threads now severed by the demands of life, the pair are brought together for a once in a lifetime opportunity: an all expenses paid expedition to Brazil, searching for a man the world believes to be long dead, Percy Fawcett. And perhaps, even the Lost City that he was looking for.
Under the guise of doing research work for their respective universities, a reluctant Cornelius and an exhilarated Watt accept the offer and delve into the unknown, trusting no one but themselves. Looking at a map, the route and its dangers seem to be known obstacles which can be easily conquered, a fact that Watt leans on heavily.
But Cornelius is intimately aware that the river has teeth, that the land renders a siren song to those who are desperate to become lost in its mountains and basins. To survive the journey they’ll have to face the enemies within, and trust the other to have their best interests in mind. After all, the Voice of Wild Places is calling, beckoning the adrift homeward.
—
Presenting the next Noah Hawthorne book, The Voice of Wild Places. I’ve commissioned a fantastic cover artist already, Jan Falk of Thistle Arts. Jan has done covers for authors like Sebastian Nothwell and Rita Rubin, along with art for Sarah Wallace’s Dear Bartleby. Based on the cover schedule, release will be in late August or early September.
I am a sucker for historical fiction, especially ones that are queer and with a touch of magic. Taking place in 1930, Watt and Cornelius will be searching for historical figure Percy Fawcett, who disappeared in 1925 while searching for the Lost City of Z with his son Jack Fawcett and Jack’s best friend, Raleigh Rimmel. There are several theories regarding their disappearance, and this will be my take on it.
Are you ready for adventure?
Neshama Publishing 