Guest Post and Giveaway: Dirk Tales, The Book by Dan Skinner

We’re so pleased to welcome author Dan Skinner today, on the Dirk Tales tour. Enjoy his guest post and then be sure to check out the Rafflecopter giveaway he’s offering below.

Welcome, Dan!

If anyone had told me in the beginning that the response to these little Misadventures books would fill my emails daily and be the subject of almost every conversation I had on social media, I’d have laughed. It would have been beyond my comprehension. And for the simplest of reasons: these little episodes are truly random bytes of my life with an irrepressible (if very likable) young man I call my muse, Dirk. Nothing spectacular. No storyline. No plot. No romance. Just vignettes that give readers a glimpse into our lives as we work and interact with each other. These stories are not something I ever planned to write. I have about a dozen books in me that I want to get out, but I also needed a break after writing one whopper of a science fiction novel, (Xperiment) that took me damned near two years, and a novella inspired by my muse, (A Summer of Guiltless Sex), after which I’d planned on taking a break and concentrating on my photography again.

Then something strange and wonderful and unexpected began to take place. Dirk and I began to receive letters from all of you telling us how you checked in with us every day for a smile or a laugh or something to brighten your day. We decided to add a few more things from our daily doings because we liked the idea that people looked to us for something nice. That’s hard to find in social media where everything is doom and gloom and mean and nasty. Something so simple took on some significance. We were adding friends who made us smile right back.

So many of you said, “Write them down, people would enjoy reading these.” And as you’ve heard me say before, I didn’t think much of it. It wasn’t on my agenda. But I was finally convinced.

That this tiny, little episodic series became so popular astonished all of us involved in this. I know Dirk and I were literally flabbergasted. His mom had said all along, “By himself, my boy can seem a little obnoxious or trying. But when the two of you are together, it’s almost like watching a comedy team feeding off of each other. Now you both make me laugh.” Could there be a higher compliment? The only one not surprised was my editor, Tina Adamski. She knew it all along. She told me it would work because people needed something light and happy and real.

I know I’m glad that I’ve done it for one additional reason – it has brought all of us closer as friends. You began sharing your stories with us and somehow it felt like our family grew. It just shows you that writing is sometimes more than just entertainment. It’s a way we learn to grow as humans.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! And keep smiling!

D&D

The Blurbs

Dirk Tales, The Book includes previously released Misadventures of Doc & Dirk volumes, available now for the first time in paperback, an additional episode, and more!

He’s a middle-aged, newly single, gay photographer starting life over. Along comes a freshly out nineteen-year-old, irreverent free spirit who wants to be his apprentice. Mismatched by more than a generation, what could possibly go wrong? Everything! And it’s AWESOME!

Dirk’s First Time: Every gay boy has his first experience. Usually it’s a memorable, exciting personal time of discovery and intimacy between two young people. But two comic book characters? Is it horseplay or Cosplay?

The Boy At The Gym: First impressions can be deceiving. Sometimes that boy in the baggy clothes, talking to himself in the gym isn’t as shy as he appears. Sometimes there’s a deviant imp lurking beneath that freckled mask of innocence. Beware the Trojan Nerd!

A “Muse” ing: Most authors struggle with the voices or “muses” in their head when writing. Tuning that voice out becomes a little more challenging when your muse is a real-life nineteen-year-old who inhales espresso and turns out ideas at light speed. Danger Will Robinson!

Daddy and The Rent Boy: In sales, advertising is half the battle. That can become hazardous when you’re in the company of an irreverent walking billboard.

Sex Dolls and Bad Dates: We’ve all had one of those dates where we think we’ve bitten off more than we can chew. The trick to know is Bite or Flight?

Dirk’s Quirks: Everyone has idiosyncrasies; that’s what makes us interesting. If you’re lucky, you get a heaping helping and can share them with everyone.

Make it Naked: Teaching a nineteen-year-old walking hormone photography apprentice to shoot nudes is more than an adventure… It’s a human obstacle course.

Buy Links: Smashwords || Amazon (Paperback)

About the Author

I’m a single gay man living in the Midwest. I write because I consider myself to be an old-fashioned storyteller. I’ve been a photographer for half my life, specializing in male romance cover art. My dream is to one day live on the beach with my dog and continue to tell tales that inspire and entertain.

Social Media Links: That Darn Muse Blog || Facebook || Twitter || Tumbler (NSFW)|| Deviant Art

The Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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