The M/M Romance Family

A Tale of Family (a true story)

Two years ago I attended my first Dreamspinner conference, a bit nervous, as I was new to Dreamspinner and in awe of all the successful authors. Still, I had dear friends with me to give me moral support. While my roommate checked us into the hotel, I noticed a man standing alone near the elevator. I asked him if he was with Dreamspinner. He said he was, but that he didn’t know anyone, and that his first book wasn’t out yet. That night at the meet and greet I introduced him around.

The closing day of the event, my new friend told me how nervous he’d been, and how my reaching out had helped him feel like he belonged.

Six months later I flew to Maryland for my son’s wedding. As a serviceman with the Navy, he kept a very unpredictable schedule, so planned a small wedding because he could have to leave at any moment. I could only get a few days off from the evil day job, and was so proud to witness my son’s commitment. 

An uninvited guest arrived, named Sandy. Hurricane Sandy.

The Justice of the Peace called to say the wedding was cancelled. The kids were devastated, and I’d have to go home the next day and be unable to return for the rescheduled event.

I posted my tale of woe on Facebook, and who should contact me but my dear Dreamspinner brother? He picked up his minister and drove from Washington, DC to Waldorf, Maryland in atrocious weather. My son and his wife were married in their townhouse on October 30, 2012 in the aftermath of a hurricane. Thanks to my friend’s photography skills, they also have beautiful photos. No courthouse wedding could compare. The darkened skies couldn’t dampen the mood for us that day.

My “brother” is Michael Murphy, author of Little Squirrels Can Climb Tall Trees, and other stories, and I’m honored to call this man friend.

A friend will help you move; family will help you move mountains. Or as I like to say, "A friend will say, 'I'm sorry you're having problems' but a good friend will say, 'We're gonna fix this right now!'"

It is my distinct privilege to be a part of the M/M reading and writing community. 

Do you have a story to tell of your M/M Romance family? If so, I'd like to hear it.