Reviews/Interviews and Guest Bloggers

Monogamy Sucks
QUESTIONS FOR GEORGE PAPPAS, AUTHOR OF MONOGAMY SUCKS
 
1) It seems most people-men and woman alike- either love or hate "Monogamy Sucks". Apart from the sex, why do you think that happens?
 
My novel Monogamy Sucks challenges conventional notions about swinging, monogamy and relationships. I’ve found those who are more open about their sexuality and sexual matters have tended to embrace my book as opposed to those who are closed-minded about sex. It seems women more than men have enjoyed my book. Not sure exactly why. I believe it is because women are fascinated with finding about more about how men think and my book provides a rare and honest glimpse into how some males view sex. I am afraid I have broken some kind of “man code” in revealing and exploring how men really think about sex and what they are also thinking during the sexual act.
 
2) The book depicts and can evoke strong emotions-let's face it, from tears to arousal- what emotion and explanation for that would you give?
 
I didn’t want to hold anything back. I intended for the reader of my book to experience my character Jake Dalmas’ sexual journey as honestly as possible. I wanted to them to know what he was feeling and thinking. I tried to alleviate some rawness of his sexual escapades with humor also. Everyone’s reactions to Jake’s explicit journey are vastly different. Some are aroused by his experiences, others amused, and still others are repelled and disturbed by his caustic, but honest narrative in describing his adventures.
 
3) If Jake were to read it would he like or hate it? Why?
 
Jake would love it. Monogamy Sucks is his kind of book. -- raw, sexual and honest -- with no fantasy bullshit. Call it reality fiction or real life erotica without the fantasy but unrealistic descriptions that characterize many erotica novels. I believe this is closer to some of the sexual experiences -- good or bad -- that people have had in their lives at some point, but don’t talk about. I strip away any pretense or false fantasy situations. Jake earns his pleasure as he has to go through a lot of pain and frustration initially. I don’t think many of us have the perfect sex lives we dream about. Neither does Jake Dalmas.
This is also Jake’s story so that’s another reason he would enjoy it. He felt compelled to tell the world about this adventures by allowing me access to his diary, which I turned into Monogamy Sucks.  I view Jake as a real, living, breathing character as many writers view their writing creations.
 
 
4) Can the book be described as a personal journey- beyond sex, monogamy and cultural taboos- for the main character? Has he changed? How?
 
Yes, this is the classic personal journey in fiction, although the content is anything but classic or conventional. I think of as a ribald Tom Jones tale for the 21st Century. Without giving too much away, Jake’s view toward the swinging lifestyle, sex and even relationships changes a lot by the novel’s close.
 
 
5) In Chapter 7, for example, your choices of words were raw with no sugar coating or attempts at poetic imagery. Why?
 
Mainly because I didn’t want to sugarcoat or blunt Jake’s experiences for my reader. I could have used flowery language and poetic imagery to impress others, and myself but it wouldn’t have added to my reader’s understanding of Jake’s immersion into the controversial world of casual sex. Jake was seeking raw, sexual pleasure not deep emotional encounters. I wanted the book’s description to reflect that.
 
 
6) Did you want to shock readers by Jake's experiences?
 
Not necessarily. There are shocking elements to be sure, but they are a crucial part of Jake’s adventures. I didn’t put them in there to shock readers. However, leaving out these controversial aspects would have been disingenuous to the overall theme and intention of my novel.
 
 
7) If you could succinctly point out the underlying theme, not "Monogamy Sucks", what would it be?
 
The overall theme is one of self-discovery  -- in this case my protagonist’s journey is an erotic one. Jake is driven to explore the swinging lifestyle through boredom and dissatisfaction with his sex life. He reexamines all he believed about sex, romance, love and relationships while growing up.
 
 
8) Jake experienced a lot. More than he bargained for, I'd say. What is the essential scene/chapter for him?
 
It is probably Chapter 9, after a painful episode with a woman named Jasmine, when Jake realizes he needs to fully explore the swinging lifestyle with no hesitation or regrets. That’s when his real journey begins.
 
9) Looking back, would you publish it again if you had a daughter or relatives, friends, etc. that would criticize and judge Jake and his story?
 
Of course, I would. I never showed my novel to my family and friends before launching my blog in May 2010 and its subsequent publication, as I didn’t want them to influence my vision for my book. That being said, my family and friends are very supportive of my writing and the controversial topics I tackle in my books.  
 
10) What was your writing process? What would you suggest to other budding writers?
 
My writing process for this book was a long one -- 12 years and numerous drafts. I experimented with several different techniques in writing this novel.
I dictated some chapters into a tape recorder and then transcribed it into my computer. I also wrote a lot of chapters by hand on to yellow letter sized pads. That is probably my favorite way of writing my novels -- by hand on paper. I tried anyway I could to get my story down, but it was fear of rejection and criticism that kept my book locked away for so long. However, once I put my work online, everything changed. I got readers and soon after a publisher, Lazy Day Publishing, contacted me.
 
My advice to writers is to embrace the Internet, reach out to other writers through Twitter and Facebook and get your work out there -- on your blog and other’s writer’s blogs. Don’t wait around like I did to be discovered by some an agent or publisher. Make your own fate as a writer.
 
11. How can we find out more about you and your novel?
 
Twitter: @gpwriter
Blog: http://monogamysucks.wordpress.com
Publisher: http://www.lazydaypub.com
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Monogamy-Sucks-ebook/dp/B004E113X4
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Monogamy-Sucks-An-Erotic-Fiction-Novel/171812426178729?v=wall
 




Unmarketing
Scott Stratten. Not many people who do not use Twitter would recognize the name. It is their loss. His recent book describes the ins and outs of Social Media in business as well as the journey. This writer should have paid attention or at least read one specific chapter before I went down a path well traveled.

Most importantly, "Unmarketing" -which is also his Twitter handle- stems from one premise. That premise is the cornerstone of Mr. Stratten's business and life beliefs. He adimantly stresses the need for engaging. His business is completely derived from Twitter and his influence is amazing. Moreover he talks the talk and walks the walk. His T-stream is mostly comprised of responses and dialogue with thousands of people, over 62k last time I looked.

Part of this engagement comes with a story. He began his book tour and ended it like his book, in his own way and having fun doing it. The story took place at a stop on his book tour. He shared the importance of a smile and friendly greeting from a janitorial staff member. Surprised, and being the outgoing gentleman he is, he returns the gestures and engages the man in a discussion. Was he having a good day? Is he always so friendly. The surprise lay not in the yes expected but in the "everyone's like that here".

Another point is to give the client what he needs in whatever format. A brief thanks to @ThatEricAlper for the quote "I had a client who wanted his music in eight track. Who am I to argue? You give the client what they want the way they want it. That's good business."

In his jeans the story continues just as in the book. His manner is laid back, funny, informative, and tell it like it is in a professional manner. Try carrying that off WSJ. He knows he's somebody, likes it, yet doesn't forget the rest of people. Most went up to meet him and one was a better known follower to him. He hates the impersonal yet sometimes necessary nature in networking through handing out cards. Instead, recognizing a follower who followed back, a hug was exchanged.

His book is the same. Covering the concept of engagement, social media, philanthropy and more in an enjoyable manner. Simply read the back cover. Anyone who knows him immediately thinks "yup that's Scott. One of the coolest guys on Twitter".

This reviewer further goes to say "Unmarketing" reflects the author in tone, wit and provides information necessary in today's business world. I strongly recommend everyone buys one as it is not your typical business book, meaning no jargon or unnessary prose. You won't regret it. I even purchased another as a gift.