MM March Madness – MARCH 3 – Daryl Banner

03-03 - Daryl Banner

MM MARCH MADNESS!!

March 3

Twinsie Talk is proud to present the 3rd Annual MM March Madness – a month to focus on the M/M, F/F, M/M/F, M/F/M authors. We love these books and want to share it with the rest of the world. Each day we will post an interview. We will also include any reviews that we have done on these books as well as links to the books.

Our hope is that you will love this genre as much as we do! <3

Today is devoted to Daryl Banner

author bio

Daryl Banner is an author and composer who graduated from the University of Houston with a degree in Theatre and Psychology.

He does not write in any single genre, as his stories tend to span several. He is most inspired by the smart and unlikely hero, but urges you (the reader) not to fall in love with them; they may deceive you with their innocence. He is thrilled by putting his characters in terrible situations where they must face choices and challenges that seem impossible to overcome.

Daryl Banner writes science fiction / urban fantasy, M/M romance, and post-apocalyptic fantasy. He cannot wait to hear what you think about his stories and welcomes (and responds to!) all feedback.

Interesting tidbits: Daryl is also an obsessive piano player, video game enthusiast, and occasional actor. He’s been remixing video game music for over fifteen years, and is a passionate Final Fantasy fan. You can feed your ears with many of his remixes (as well as his original music) on his YouTube page:
http://www.youtube.com/DarylBanner

He also composes original soundtracks that accompany some of his books. You can listen to and download them here:
http://darylbanner.bandcamp.com

Tell us about something about you (not included in your normal author bio) that maybe not everyone knows about you.

When I need an escape from my own writing, or just need inspiration, I don’t really read others’ work. Instead, I escape by playing video games, composing music, and programming. I know, super nerdy, but video games transport me to a totally different world and fill me with joy. Composing is like speaking a different language I’m fluent in; I sit at my piano and just play for hours, or sit at my computer and synthesize music from scratch. Programming works the math part of my brain and excites me the way that fitting a puzzle together gives you a thrill. It’s also sorta mental exercise, which helps me think more clearly when I sit back down to write.

There’s been a trend in writing a series. How do you feel about series? Do you write them? Do you think they are easier or harder?

Most of my books are all series. The Brazen Boys were an easy series to write because they were all standalone, so each book could stand on its own sexy feet. My fantasy/sci-fi series – The Beautiful Dead, and OUTLIER – are both thrilling for me to write, because building a world where the reader can live in it and experience thrill and love and loss is a strength and joy of mine, and I like to take them on a memorable, impacting journey that makes it all worthwhile.

Where do you do most of your writing?

Honestly, my room. I have a lot of cool lamps that I light up at night, and I swallow myself up in my favorite video game soundtrack of the day and just go to town writing. I have a little workspace set up in my garage when I need a different location, as well as a laptop that I’ll curl up with on the couch.

What are you currently reading? Any suggestions for your favorite books (beside your own, of course)?

Like I said in a previous answer, my escape from writing is usually in playing video games, composing, or programming. But I will say the latest bunch of books I’ve read were a few Chuck Palahniuk books (I recommend Damned if you have a strong stomach, but not its sequel Doomed) as well as the Song of Ice and Fire series (i.e. the series that Game of Thrones is based on). Most of the only work I read lately is my own when I’m editing, or some fellow author friends of mine whose work I also format and edit.

Do you feel that this genre is growing? And what do you contribute to that growth or decline?

The M/M genre is definitely growing, though I can’t say in which way. I’d like to say I contribute a very unique perspective to the genre, being a gay man myself — and a somewhat unconventional gay man, at that. My gay romances don’t tend to be sweet and love-centered (though some are), but rather more true to my own desires, centered around male-bonding, buddy-buddy intimacy, and what I like to tongue-in-cheek refer to as “bromances”. They may not be as sex-centered as others, but they are quite sexually charged in essence. I write in more of a 90% foreplay 10% actual sex, because seriously, I find that a zillion times more exciting than just tearing off clothes and getting to the point. It isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but I feel it so necessary to provide my own voice to the M/M genre in hopes that others who are like me may realize they’re not as alone as they think.

What is the most surprising thing you have learned about writing?

Despite your urge to write something that “pleases the masses”, you’ll always have a stronger personal (and reader) payoff when you write something you’re truly inspired by. Yes, maybe you won’t sell as many books, and maybe you’ll also invite people who don’t understand you or who want more sex or who will criticize your point of view, but you’ll know you did your story justice, and oddly (and yet unsurprisingly), that matters the most in the end as an artist. This is our craft, and it’s our duty to respect it and honor it the best we can, and to never stop learning.

What are you working on now?

At this moment, I’m working on a Beautiful Dead novella, which had a prologue released with the Beautiful Dead Box Set – which includes all 3 full length novels in the series ( http://www.amzn.com/B018TDAZJ0/?tag=darybann-20 ) Though it is not M/M in nature, fans of my M/M Brazen Boys series have responded very positively to it.

I’m also developing/planning the third book in my OUTLIER series, which features a M/M relationship among two of its POV characters. It’s a sci-fi / dystopian series set in the last city on Earth where everyone is born with a unique, special ability. It features M/M and M/F relationships; be forewarned, it does have violence and sexuality, and is an “epic-style” read (meaning it’s long and has many side-stories) and portions of the stories end in cliffhangers. These are not books you will easily forget.
Book 1 – http://www.amzn.com/B00M1XUK7W/?tag=darybann-20
Book 2 – http://www.amzn.com/B0172A5OHE/?tag=darybann-20

What is your favorite thing to do on a Saturday night?

I’m so lame. If I’m not writing, I love to grab myself a tasty snack, watch some Saturday Night Live, drink something fruity (or even an iced root beer will do), and then play video games into the dead of night until my eyes go crossed. Wanna join me?

Tell us about the highest HIGH and lowest LOW in your career so far. How has it changed you?

I’ve come to learn that no matter when I’m at my highest or lowest, I’m a natural born worrier. I’m constantly cautious and always have my eyes peeled like some survivalist in the woods of the author world. I don’t ever want to feel too accomplished, even when one of my books hits the top of a category or is received with tons of praise. I always strive to tell a better story, to figure out new ways to excite and surprise my readers, and to grow as a tinkerer of words. I owe it to my readers to never give up on them and to keep the stories fresh and new and shocking. Without them, I’d be nowhere.

social links

 

YouTube facebookwebsite goodreadstwitter (1)

 

buy links

AMAZON (1)  barnes and noble

 

reviews

angies review

Dorm Games

Ok soooo I bought this book because of a couple reasons…1. My blog is focusing on MM books this month. 2. OMG the cover 3. OMG the hawtness of the synopsis and lastly 4. the price…I mean come on 99C for a novella of yummy…yes please!!

I sat down and read this book in about an hour so if you are just needing a quick, hot read then this is it for you. Essentially Michael is in stalker love with Andrew in his Psych class. He even goes as far as to literally follow him around campus one day. The Gods were on his side and he and Andrew had to partner up for a project.

Andrew is Mr. In-Control. He is Mr. Top foooor sure. We, along with Michael, are not even sure of Andrews sexuality and then he makes up “games” for the two of them to play which essentially get them naked. YUMMMMY!!! Andrew is a very focused man and will leave Michael high and dry if he doesnt follow Andrews rules…again super hawt!!

This is a really short book but I enjoyed the relationship that the two men build. I really loved the ending. I dont want to add alot to the review becasue it is a novella but trust me…hawtness and yummy MM loving. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

Jen's review

This was very enjoying light read for me. My Twinsie sis, Angie, suggested that I give it a read. Well it was a great recommendation. I usually don’t spend a lot of time reading novellas mainly because I’m pretty greedy and almost always want more…LOL. This was my first Daryl Banner book and I loved his writing. I thought the story flowed well and I loved the entire concept of the plot.

Essentially this book is about two college men using games to explore who they are. Michael is comfortable with himself as being gay but has never really experienced a relationship much less much sex. Andrew is the hot hot guy that Michael can’t seem to not stalk and want. A project in a class has these two guys working together and from there the game begins. Andrew likes to be in control and Michael is just the perfect man to help him learn that although he may need rules and discipline in order to feel in control of himself sometime you can be “played” playing your own games.

This story is very seductive and although it is short it most definitely will have you totally engaged in the first chapter. I loved the erotic teasing sex scenes that were sizzling hot. I also loved the dynamics between Michael and Andrew. They are both just looking for more and the journey to discovering it was a great ride. I hope we get to find out more about these two charismatic men. If you enjoy a short steamy read then go check this one out it is most definitely worth it.

On The Edge Review

angies review

I received a copy from the author for a review.

OHMYGERD!!! This book is sooo freaking funny and sooo hawt. Its like melt your panties hawt ladies!! But I laughed a few times in the begining because seriously we have all been Derek a time or two in our life.

So this book is about lonley birthday boy Derek. He is throwing a pity party for himself wth multiple bottles of wine. He sees Edge on the web site he frequents. He begins to type and laugh about all the stuff he would never really say to anyone EVER and then…click…he sends it!! Edge reads it , laughs and then BOOM COMES OVER!!

Now before Edge gets to Dereks house Derek (remember drunk) has…well…..uhm…..handcuffed himself and is suck!! LOL When Edge appears, he and Derek begin to flirt and the chemistry is INSANE!! OMG. Edge gets his name because he keeps his “clients” on the Edge of “fun times”.

The night is quick but the life changes that happen between the two men were awesome. I really would love to read more from Edge and Derek. I wanna know what happened AFTER their night of fun.

giveaway

Enter the giveaway!! You could win a Kindle from the Twinsies or one of the great prizes donated by our featured authors during the MM March Madness Celebration!!

Daryl Banner has donated  an e-copy of:
The Brazen Boys Box Set (Books 1-4)
(Kindle only)

Enter the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A big THANK YOU to all of the authors participating in our month long celebration!! We appreciate all that you do!!! MUAH!!

Much Love from the Twinsies!!! Angie, Brenda, Deb, Kelly, Kristi, Jen, Jo, and Melinda!!!

muah

 

2 thoughts on “MM March Madness – MARCH 3 – Daryl Banner”

  1. LOVED this interview! As an author I especially loved your answer to “Do you feel this genre is growing” and I want to read your books just because of that answer 🙂
    Thank you Twinsies for continuing to feed my addiction to MM romance and finding new authors 🙂

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