Q&A with Josh Lanyon discussion
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August 2019: Mainly By Moonlight
I love this story universe so much!!! I want to live here!!
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LOL
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Me too!
Brenda, I totally agree. I love the details about the Craft. It’s almost like a religion, and it’s fascinating to read Cosmo’s little asides, like the one early on about not using the word “goddamn”. I’m so excited to read this book. This week at work has been insane but the weekend is fast approaching. My poor family - I’m going to ignore them in favor of reading. 😁
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Feel free to start discussing this as soon as you would like..."
Thank you for setting up the topic, Jordan!
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Me too!"
Me three! :-D
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Like Brenda, I love this new world Josh is showing us! I love the fact that everything wasn't neatly spelled out, that we were left with several unsolved mysteries to look forward to. Overall, reading this book felt like peeling a big onion, layer by layer. Every single page brought out a new surprise, new problem, new exciting aspect, some tears even. At some point in the middle of the story I realized: "OMG, it's not just one onion—it's a full bag of them!!!" :-) There were so many clever details, delicious characters, suspicious occurrences, that my brain literally buzzed with delight. And after finishing the book I still keep trying to connect the dots—dots which keep shimmering and wavering and disappearing into thin air. :-D I love it when a book leaves me feeling like this—when the reading experience is pure joy and when the story makes me ponder for a long time afterward.
I find Cosmo and John being such a perfect imperfect couple. They're from two different worlds, literally, and their characters are different in so many ways, but there're also a few crucial character similarities that will (I hope!) save their relationship. For example, I like how they're both so down-to-earth and prone to problem solving—Cosmo in his own impulsive, wayward way and John in his stoic, pondering way. Also, I'm looking forward witnessing the growing curve of their relationship. I mean... oh man, these two have a lot to learn from each other! :-D
I'm eager to learn more about John! Why is it that he can resist spells? And I'm eager to see when will Cosmo once and for all tangle and trip over his white (?!) lies.
As always, I highlighted a lot while reading. So many funny and touching and spot-on lines there. Loved the use of French, but the way! Here're just a couple of quotes that I love.
From chapter 21:
John grinned. "Sweetheart, I don't care if you're a good husband or not. I love you despite your friends, your family, your cat, and sometimes yourself."
And from chapter 11 a quote that would fit perfectly on Mainly by Moonlight mug:
"¡Arriba." He touched the rim of his glass to mine.
"Abajo," I said, and we touched the bases.
"Al centro." We clicked the bowls.
"Adentro." We drank. I added, "Abracadabra."
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Like Brenda, I love this new world Josh is showing us! I love the fact that everything w..."
I'm so glad!
There are some really different things about this book--things that I kind of knew when writing it would throw some readers.
Not just that John and Cosmo DON'T know each other at the end of the book. Although that is a problem. The book is a race to get to the finish line, but the finish line is actually the starting line. :-D
Which I personally love--and I love that you loved it--but I can see why some readers might feel like... but wait...
:-D
The thing is, they do love each other. Because it is possible to "love" someone without fully knowing them--just as it is impossible to know someone in two weeks. Is it the kind of love that could withstand a lot of testing?
But you can know the important things about someone, especially if you meet in a trial by fire situation. Or at least you can know what you imagine are the important things.
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Yes. I definitely want it to be a religion as well as the rest. So that Cosmo could be quite devout--even a little conservative in his following of Craft traditions--while still forswearing using magic in a mortal world.
Or rather, a world dominated by mortals.
Johanna wrote: "There were so many clever details, delicious characters, suspicious occurrences, that my brain literally buzzed with delight. And after finishing the book I still keep trying to connect the dots—dots which keep shimmering and wavering and disappearing into thin air."This is me right now:
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LOL
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That was kind of me writing it too. :-D
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Exactly this. For me, there's something hopeful and extremely titillating about this pattern. Makes me feel like everything is possible—in good and in bad. :-)
There's something similar—a hint of a similar feeling—in the ending of Fatal Shadows—but not quite exactly the same. If that makes sense.
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:-D
I loved this book! As you ladies have said, so many new interesting things in this world. And when Cosmo (and Ciara!) couldn't put the whammy on John--I can't wait to see why.Although Cosmo and John are married at the end, there is still so much they don't know about each other. A setup for so many emotionally scary conversations in the upcoming books.
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Although Cosmo and ..."
Ah, but Andi did! Or did she??? We'll have wait and see...
Karen wrote: "Ah, but Andi did! Or did she??? We'll have wait and see... "Right? Or did she just *kinda*whammy him... because Cos's first memory wipe seemed to work initially, but maybe didn't stick? But if he had eventually realized what Cos had done, why didn't he say anything??? So much to ponder!!!
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Well, yeah. There is a strong connection and a hope that there will be something more. But there are obvious challenges to a HEA. :-D
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Altho..."
Exactly!
Partly that could be the way love spells work--the rules of casting them. There is no possibility of it sticking if there is no possibility that real love could exist.
But that's not how most magic works.
OR IS IT?
Yeah, no, it's not.
:-D
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Right? Or did she just *kinda*whammy him... because Cos's first memory wipe seemed to work initially, but maybe didn't st..."
I've been working it out myself. It did work although not as smoothly as expected, but then Cosmo is out of practice. Was John maybe not quite sure what happened until Cosmo tried it again? He doesn't have perfect recall because he does put it down to hypnotism, but then he doesn't believe in magic, so he would.
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I must say, I am thrilled by the book. Sweet, cosy and magical. Very much looking forward to the next one!
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I'm so glad!
I’m going to expand on the comments I left on Patreon as well. I really enjoyed this book. I love the world building, and how the Craft is like a religion. I really liked the decision to leave Cosmo a “virgin” until after he was married. That was such a unique plot detail. Was it because of the Craft or because he’s so highly placed in that society?My heart hurt for poor Cosmo as he kept waiting for John to break things off with him. I thought for sure things would be postponed or called off after John caught Cosmo sneaking back into the house after going to the Creaky Attic. I cringed through that whole scene, not gonna lie. It was so well written! I kept thinking it wasn’t going to get worse but then Cosmo got caught in the lie about the garden, and then about just being on a walk, and THEN tries the forgetting spell and John calls him out on that. Poor Cosmo.
Also I kept trying to wrap my head around the 2 week timeframe. I liked what you wrote elsewhere, Josh, about if people can truly fall in love without knowing each other. My parents met in June and were married by September, so not as short as Cosmo and John, but still pretty fast. They are still going strong 40 years later.
I really like Cosmo, but I definitely agree with a comment Josh made last month about 1st person or 3rd person POV. I think Cosmo could be hard to like or understand if the book wasn’t in 1st person. I like his narrative voice. I’m still trying to figure out John. Somebody described him as enigmatic and I 100% agree with that.
Wow - sorry this is so long! Lots of good threads set up for the next books! Can’t wait for #2.
One more thing - over the weekend I caught up on Josh’s blog and saw the post on the playlist for Mainly by Moonlight. First off, I thought it was fascinating how the playlist has changed from the original. Secondly, I laughed out loud at the inclusion of the song ME! by Taylor Swift. That is hilariously accurate. The first two lines kinda say it all “I promise that you'll never find another like me / I know that I'm a handful, baby, uh”. Perfect!
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I love this note about your parents!
Yeah, two weeks. I'm always amazed about how I can get almost nothing done in two weeks some times, and other times I can get some amazing project finished. Two weeks to become engaged, buy a house, and schedule a wedding? Even with the wealth and influence of Cosmo, John, and some help/hindrance from their friends and families, it's almost like magic had a role in this. ;)
2 weeks? Oh, yeah... I'm thinking a LOT of magic. :-D Which... John apparently didn't question either, that's a lot of trust for someone who seems to be a bit of a control freak, even with the spell... And yeah, I definitely buy clicking with certain people immediately, and I think John was so, erm... abrupt with Cos at that first meeting, *because* he immediately felt something click that was more than just simple physical attraction (which he basically kinda said). And I could totally see that being why the spell just put John into overdrive once his carefully cultivated inhibitions were gone, and Cos... I don't think he ever met an impulsive decision he didn't like. ;-D
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I enjoyed this story a lot. The premise of Cosmo not knowing about the love spell and that learning about it calls the whole relationship into question was very intriguing. It reminded me a bit of amnesia stories, where the question is if they are still the same person and will they still love the other, even without their original memories of them, or stories about faking a relationship, where there is always the question if the shared moments are real or just acted.One of my favorite moments was, when Cosmo was thinking that maybe he should break things of with John, because John was still working through his feeling, but then came to the conclusion that he couldn't, because he either loved John too much or not enough. That was very touching.
I have to admit that I hope that it will be revealed that the love spell didn't really work on John, at least not to the normal degree, because a relationship started by a love spell is a little disturbing to me.
And there are so many unresolved things (beside the main mystery and relationship)! Like what is going on with Ambrose? Why did Cosmos friend first send him to him and then changed his mind? What is going on with Jinx and that woman? And I want to learn more about the uncle in the mirror and Cosmos familiar. So I can't wait for the next book in the series.
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Right? Even visually, it's so perfect.
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:-D Yes, I would think there was a lot of magic happening on Cosmo and John's behalf.
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came back. :-)"
I know I would be heartbroken if my little familiar disappeared. ;-)
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Yes! These are questions I'm enjoying exploring because they ARE valid questions. It's the whole idea of what IS love?
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I think it's one reason I'm enjoying writing it so much!
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Yes! That's the thing, sometimes you have a strong reaction to someone that turns out to be more parts attraction than you realized. :-D
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Oh, but I love the long thinky thoughts!
Not least because I'm just starting work on the second book, so it keeps a lot of these questions fresh.
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:-D
I also have to say that I love the description of their new bedroom and the colors on the walls. It's sounds perfect! Also, the loft area. LOVE. :-)
This just keeps getting more and more interesting with each character that pops up.
I keep thinking of Jinx Stevens though. :-)
Philipp wrote: "I have to admit that I hope that it will be revealed that the love spell didn't really work on John, at least not to the normal degree, because a relationship started by a love spell is a little disturbing to me...."It is certainly intriguing that John seems to have some protection from spells. I can't wait to see where Josh goes with this.
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Or would John have researched the heck out of Wiccans and realized it was a lie and problems would ensue?
Obviously, truth is the best way to go, but just thinking here...
Jordan wrote: "Ok, I’m only 50% through this, but I have a hypothetical question for you all. What do you think would have happened if Cosmo had just told John he was Wiccan right from the start? It’s not complet..."My impression is that John thought Wiccans were phony and that was the cause of some arguments between him and Jinx. I think if Cosmo told him he was Wiccan, it might have sped up John's doubts and discomfort.
Jordan wrote: "Ok, I’m only 50% through this, but I have a hypothetical question for you all. What do you think would have happened if Cosmo had just told John he was Wiccan right from the start? It’s not complet..."My sense is that John may know a lot more about what Cos is and about that world than he's letting on. Even the 'was it hypnosis?' seemed like it could have been a little disingenuous? Because I don't believe that John wouldn't research the hell out of anything he felt might be a 'little off', and yes I know the witch community is supposed to be very good at hiding themselves, but with the situation with Jinx, and with John's what-ever-it-is ability, it just seems like there's a lot more to him that Cos has any idea of. But we know so little about John, he's definitely part of the mystery too, so... that could still go so *many* different directions.
Frankly, I think the only thing neither one of them are lying through their teeth about, is how they feel about each other.
Jordan wrote: "Ok, I’m only 50% through this, but I have a hypothetical question for you all. What do you think would have happened if Cosmo had just told John he was Wiccan right from the start? It’s not complet..."That is an interesting question. I think that is something that the love spell could influence as well, if it was working correctly, so that John would just accept it as part of Cosmo. Without the spell I could see him doing research, in an attempt to better understand Cosmo or to avoid accidentally offending him, though in that case Cosmo is already in trouble with his talk about traditions from France.
With the attitude of the witch community towards Wicca, I don't think Cosmo would like that kind of lie, especially not towards John. Maybe if he was directly asked, but I don't think John under the spell would have asked.
Brenda, the possibility of John already knowing somethings is an idea I had as well. When the history of witchhunters was mentioned, I had the thought that John could maybe be from family of witchhunters.
Philipp wrote: "Brenda, the possibility of John already knowing somethings is an idea I had as well. When the history of witchhunters was mentioned, I had the thought that John could maybe be from family of witchhunters."Yes! And I especially liked the idea with the context that John's family could have witch ability (possibly hiding it, or having family members who are part of the witch-collaborators), because that would put John in a *really* interesting place
I'm also wondering how it felt to John, when the spell was removed... did he feel something? Did he realize something was suddenly different? Was he aware enough of the change to realize something specific 'happened', that it might have made him suspicious or looking for anything out of the ordinary later? SO MANY QUESTIONS!!
I'm also finding myself really invested in potential side character couples, which is not usually something I focus on much. But I am extremely intrigued by Andi-Trace and Jinx-Ambrose... And I'm frantically worried about Oliver! I don't want him to be dead!! And I'm extremely suspicious of whether Great-Great-Great-Uncle Arnold will be able to behave himself around John. And I have a feeling that Pye is still working on Cos' behalf behind his back, even if he's extremely miffed with Cos at the moment, but I have confidence that they'll work out whatever their issue is and... I think it's time for a re-read. (and I'm still trying to figure out how Cos' couch and Pye got to the new house since Cos' made sure to leave food for Pye at the old place, since he wasn't going to be back? And didn't say anything about the couch? Definitely need to read that part again bc it's still niggling at my brain and I must have missed something...)
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That said, you are all making very good points about whether or not Cosmo should have just said he was Wiccan.
Jordan wrote: "So I've just gotten to the part where it becomes clear (I think) that John's isn't susceptible to spells and I had to put the book down in the middle of the scene (GAH!!!) but I was starting to think maybe John does know more than he's been letting on.."The 'altercation' scene??? (if that's the one you mean) I love that scene so much!!!!! And yes, John suddenly comes across in a *completely* different light!! But... so does Cos. And it, I don't know, strips away some rose-tinted hue from their relationship, and puts it into sharper focus, but also deepens it? IT'S WEIRD and AWESOME and I'm not even sure what I'm saying.
Q&A with Josh Lanyon
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Mainly by Moonlight (other topics)Mainly by Moonlight (other topics)
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