Author Spotlight: Bryl R. Tyne

Please welcome m/m author Bryl R. Tyne.  Bryl is the author Coin Operated Boy (don't you love that title?), and the short story "Exposed," which appears in STARbooks press's Nerdvana anthology, launching today and available here.

Nerdvana is an erotic collection of stories where nerds and geeks show that brains are sexy. The guys in Nerdvana are computer geeks, gamers, superhero freaks, and comic book fiends. The nerd’s creative mind turns any activity into foreplay. The torment between jocks and nerds hides the real attraction between them with hot, sweaty sex. Nerdvana features hot, erotic stories from Jay Starre, Rob Rosen, Stephen Osborne, Helen E.H. Madden, Jeff Adams, Jim Clark, Dalton, Landon Dixon, Augusta Li, David C. Muller, Bryl R. Tyne, J.D. Waters, and Wayne Mansfield.

NEWS FLASH! Bryl is running a contest.  Leave a comment here and enter to win a free copy of Nerdvana!  Way cool, Bryl!

Don't miss the excerpt from "Exposed," behind the link at the bottom of the post.

Tell us about your recent publication. 

My story, Exposed, exemplifies the trials in communicating with and understanding the nerd. Two, early-twenties, software developers, Clay and Dave, rivals for the same company position, end up falling for each other, only to have one discover a secret stored on the others hard drive, an adult game featuring the two of them that could put a definite end to their budding relationship. Misunderstanding, miscommunication, a terrible car versus bicycle accident, hot sofa sex with Clay's arm in a cast, and the wiles of computer hacking are just some of the fascinating and nerdy elements in this story, not to mention all the other wonderful writers and their stories in Nerdvana, that will once and for all prove, geeks rule and jocks drool!

What gave you the idea for this story?

Actually, my idea for Exposed came from the call for submissions from Fred Towers. Fred asked for gay erotic stories of geeks and nerds that show how brawn doesn't necessarily have to be the only turn on. Writing prompts are how I get quite a few of my ideas, actually. When my brain's ability to "what-if" picks up on the right prompt, it's off. With Exposed, I took Fred's call, threw in a couple of long-time geeky friends' personalities and circumstances, added a touch of fiction and a lot of heat, and voila!

Who has inspired you, and how?

Underdogs. That's it. I've always had a soft spot for the less fortunate, the bad boys, the misunderstood, the misfits. They seem to flock to me as readily as I flock to them (takes one to know one, I guess). I've always been an observer. Yes, I like to watch. Take that as you will, but I've noticed that "the square pegs" -- as Author & Literary Icon Victor J. Banis so eloquently put in a review of one of my books -- have always fascinated me. I see them living their lives, often shut out or shunned from the mainstream, disregarded as odd or strange or non-conformists; and yet, they yearn, they laugh, and they cry just like anyone else. I feel I understand them and am compelled to get their stories out there for the world to read.

To what/whom do you credit your success?

Oh lord, so many people I have to list here. My editor, Bo Perkins for starters, if not for her guidance, I'm not sure I'd be published today. Jill Noble, senior editor at Noble Romance has gone out of her way to respond to my many questions, and  when asked, Authors Lena Austin and  AJ Llewellyn have offered me very candid advice on my writing, for which I will be forever grateful. My kids have been extremely supportive, even inspirational at times. Last but not least, Sugar Daddy, my S.O., he is my biggest fan and supporter (and in more ways than one, but that's for another time). If I've failed to mention anyone, please forgive me.

What kind of impact do you hope your work will have on readers?

Regardless of genre, I hope my characters resonate, either with those readers who relate to the characters or with readers who may have experienced similar situations or know somebody who has. Overall, I just want readers to realize there's a diverse world out there, and my writing embraces lovers across the gender and sexual spectrum, as well as a variety of misfits and scoundrels. When readers put down one of my books, I would love for them to be not only aroused or moved, but also walk away with a more objective look at those around them, those who may appear different, may not fit "the societal mold".

What is your favorite guilty pleasure?

Other than the hundreds I spend on eBooks per year? Sipping a Screaming Orgasm while perusing Rear Stable - rearstable.com (please note, link not safe for work.)

Kirk, or Spock?

Spock, of course...the things I could do with those ears.

Click the link below for an excerpt from Bryl's story, "Exposed," appearing in the Nerdvana anthology:

Clay explained the game's environment as he hovered near the monitor. Mr. Minsho's gaze traveled from Clay's shoes to the top of his head. "This is impressive work, McCarthy," he said, clicking another trigger point. His eyebrows twitched more than a few times, Clay noticed. "You never cease to amaze me with your realism."

"Thank you, sir."

Mr. Minsho swiveled around, lacing his fingers together atop his desk. "You are coming to the dinner tonight, right?"

Clay's eyes widened and he cleared his throat. "I've quite a bit of work--"

"Nonsense! See you at eight sharp."

Shit! Hoping to circumvent further obligation, Clay shuffled toward the office door, but Minsho's final comment sealed his fate. "Don't be late, McCarthy."

Nobody understood. Never had, never will, and he wasn't about to explain. Clay wanted to crawl into a hole, hide out the rest of the night, the remainder of the week if he could. What's this sudden interest, 'Help Socialize Clay Week'? He found it unnerving to say the least. My life is mine to live, my secrets, mine to keep. Opening up to others meant sharing both. The mere thought of trusting again sent minute pieces of jagged glass scraping down his spine.

***
"Well, are you coming or not?" Becca asked as she wheeled her chair under the desk and picked up her bag. Clay hoped to avoid the inevitable by pretending ignorance. However, Minsho would never buy that excuse, especially after their earlier conversation. Besides, if it meant finding favor…he hated caving in--being soft. "I'm not biking three miles to Raymond's. I don't think so. Have a nice--!"

Becca demanded attention as she whipped his chair around. "You're riding with me. So, quit being ridiculous." She yanked him to his feet.

"Let me shut down first for Christ's sake." Clay secured his station, hoisted his backpack, and reluctantly followed her. She seriously needs to get laid…I'm getting sick of this shit. Becca's twenty years old and single. Briefly, Clay wondered; then struggled to erase the revolting mental images. As she turned on to the street, Clay stared at his clunky twelve-speed chained near the door, calculating how many months he'd have to save for an upgrade.
***
This many bodies crammed into 4000 square foot must certainly be against fire code. Clay fascinated on the ceiling's beam structure as he shoved his way through the crowd, not willing to fall behind. How does she do it? He fumed. Restaurant patrons eloquently parted for Becca, yet they seemed hell bent on blocking his passage. As she disappeared into the sea of people, panic swept through him. His fear of crowds kicked in…Enochlophobia, the shrink told me. Yeah, whatever, I just need to stop, recompose…breathe. Inhaling slowly and adjusting his cap, he wiped the perspiration dotting his temples.

What the hell? He jerked his head toward the owner of the hand that rested on the small of his back. He met hazel eyes…devilish grin. Exactly the reason Clay hated public places. His tongue wet his bottom lip, as menace transformed into opportunity. The man's smiling face inches from his, Clay toyed with the sudden urge to kiss those full lips.

"Excuse me, are you lost?" the man asked. Even touching a total stranger, the man stood confident. Clay shifted to his right, and the comforting palm retreated.

"J-Just lost track of my friend for a minute," Clay managed to blurt out, tearing his gaze away and scanning the crowd.

The stranger smiled and held out his hand. "Dave Hansen," he said.

Clay pushed his glasses up before accepting the handshake. "Clay McCarthy."

"I'm lost myself," Dave said, "looking for a table of folks from Minsho Software."

"Oh, so…" Clay's eyes moved to Dave's hand, the one still holding his. Pulling it away, he wiped the sweat from his brow. "You must be the new guy. What's your specialty?" Not a threat, Clay assured himself as his eyes roamed the man's expanse…Another poser...noting the scuffed biker boots and faded jeans of his too-casual attire…Definitely not one of us.

"Oh, so you're with Minsho's?" Dave asked, with his smile widening into what Clay garnered something between sly and sinister. "I'm an animator. One of the best…So, I'm told."

"Artificial intelligence," Clay said, resolving it'd be a cold day in hell before he'd give Dave any recognition.

"Nice…I'll enjoy working with you."

Comments

[Gayle O]

I agree that brains are great but sometimes I want a little brawn also. Nerdvana sounds yummy. I've added it to my to buy list. Thanks for the great excerpt.

[Rie McGaha]

Nice interview from one of my fav authors! Great job, Bryl!

[Kathy Hamel (sky)]

I love the concept, and Bryl!

[www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=767402866]

Hey Bryl,
Dave & Clay sound like they're gonna have a majorly tumultuous relationship. I love it already. This book is now on my TBB list.

Happy Reading
Anna

[twitter.com/kalyko]

I've long been waiting for this one Bryl. And I love the look behind the cover, so to speak.
And Clay and Dave sound like a lot of fun... and pain, but mostly fun.

Can hardly wait!

[Jessica Freely]

Great interview Bryl! Thank you for being here today. And I love the contest. What a good idea!

[Bryl R. Tyne]

Thanks, Jessica. Love these things. They're fun. :) Had a blast!

[Nichelle Gregory]

Loved the interivew Bryl and I'm with you Spock all night long! ;0)

[Jennifer Thorne]

Yay, Bryl! I'm looking forward to reading the whole thing.

And... Oh, yes. Spock. Yum. (Maybe with a side of Kirk... ;)

[Jessica Freely]

Haha! Jennifer, I'm pretty sure Spock always comes with a little Kirk on the side. =D

[Patric Michael]

Bryl!

You slipped this one past me!

And what a great interview. Thank you for sharing with us.

Oh, and Spock *because* he has a brain. All sorts of women wanted it if I recall correctly. lol

Hugs baby!

Patric

[Bryl R. Tyne]

Patric...Brains? Honestly, I gave that aspect of him no thought when I answered the question...I was thinking of Spock's narrower hips as opposed to Kirk's. But, yeah. Brains will do also. Obviously, I wasn't using mine ;)

[Jaime Samms]

I only ust met Bryl recently via Gay Day at Ethan Day's blog, and this has beena great interview to get to know a little bit of the writing and inspiration used to create those great stories. Thanks for sharing, Bryl.

Jaime Samms

[Bryl]

Thanks for stopping by, Jaime. Always up for a little sharing ;)

[joey]

Bryl: The story sounds great! I will be adding it to the TBB pile and then to the TBR pile...haha! :o) I had a good time here, thanks for making it fun.

joey

[Tracey D]

I enjoyed the post; it was a fun read.

Thanks,
Tracey D

[Bryl]

@Joey: WAY Cool.

@Tracey: Thanks for dropping in :) Glad you enjoyed it.

~Bryl

[Bryl Tyne]

And the winner is . . . Kathy Hamel (sky)--your name was drawn from the figurative hat. A signed copy of Nerdvana is yours! Contact me. :)