Q&A with Josh Lanyon discussion

This is a thread for photos that show Josh's books' everyday lives and adventures around the world. This way Josh (and all of us) can get glimpses of his books in the hands and in the reality of his readers.

Here is a quotation from Josh in Writing a Shared World topic:

I love these photos of the physical books in whatever their surroundings may be. I'm not exactly sure why? Maybe because for the writer there's an almost a disconnect between finishing a story and having it pop up in someone else's reality?

I don't think I'm describing this well. But writing is so different from publishing. And publishing is different from hearing from readers -- from knowing someone is sharing your story, your waking dream.

So, why don't we show him what his books are up to... take it away, everybody! ;)

Okay, so here is my copy of SKHE after the chapter-by-chapter reading (the pic I posted in the July 2012 topic).

Recipe for a perfect day:



This picture was taken last Christmas while on holiday in Khao Lak, Thailand. I had Josh Lanyon Collected #1 with me. Cards on the Table, Dangerous Ground, In Sunshine or In Shadow, Snowball in Hell... sea, sand and sun. A little piece of heaven on earth. :)

And this actually isn't Josh's book (fortunately in this case). Husband was reading The Passage by Justin Cronin at the same time I was enjoying my Collected Novellas Vol 1 by Josh Lanyon. The heat and humidity made The Passage fall apart and some of the pages ended up in the Andaman Sea. Here is a picture where you can see the wet pages drying on the edge of the jungle.



And what do we learn from this? Josh Lanyon book stayed in one piece, safe and sound. Heat, sweat and humidity weren't anything new to the pages of Josh Lanyon Collected #1... *grin*

One of my photos from the Writing a Shared World posts:



Irregulars — My Buenos Aires Nightstand, June 2012

The other book photo from the Writing a Shared World posts:



Irregulars — Buenos Aires-Miami Night Flight, June 2012

Karen, I'd really like to see here the one with your husband's profile. It's perfect for .

OK, Antonella, here it is. I hesitated since it doesn't include an actual book, but I do think it refers to it well.



Irregulars — Buenos Aires Graffiti, June 2012

Thank you, Karen!

I realized after I asked you that the pic doesn't include a book, but I'd say it qualifies for this topic because you've got several comments by readers plus some by the authors themselves praising it as expressing the spirit of the stories.

Karen wrote: "I hesitated since it doesn't include an actual book, but I do think it refers to it well."

Well, I think that it's a perfect photo for this topic! And anyhow it's the coolest picture I've seen for a long time. :) I also love your Buenos Aires-Miami Night Flight picture, because it's like a mystery itself! It's so abstract and the atmosphere is both serene and exciting. And after all, your and Calathea's pictures were the ones that finally inspired the idea of a topic like this. :)

I don't think that we have to stick to pictures of actual books. Although in the Writing a Shared World thread Josh said that he enjoys it when readers send him photos of his books on their bookshelves, I was thinking that we could also post photos with elements, moments, feelings in them that remind us of Josh's stories. This is why I posted the second one of my pictures. Even though it doesn't have Josh's book in it, it tells a little story of the survival of Josh Lanyon Collected #1. ;)

So... Let's just see what kind of pictures we'll come up with. :)

Thanks, Antonella. Thanks, Johanna for setting this up. I love your photos. The beach shot conveys so much with just a few elements and bright colors. The sight of book pages just hanging out to dry just makes me smile. And Calathea's book photo is what inspired me to share mine. I adored the notion of your copy of The Larton Chronicles and Calathea's SKHE pairing up á la Bob the Book! Looking forward to more contributions.

My only two Josh Books I have in Print (Somebody Killed His Editor All She Wrote) are currently on the bookshelf with my other M/M books with my Avengers Legos displayed on top protecting from all evil doers and the resident feline from lying on top.

Thanks, Jen, for posting your picture! I see that Holmes & Moriarity has nice company, because I think I can spot JCP's PsyCop series there too. :) Er... I wonder what would happen, if Kit and Vic were sitting side by side like that somewhere. The conversation between those two might be interesting to hear...

Anyway, I like your idea of Avengers Legos as protectors! LOL.

Karen wrote: "I adored the notion of your copy of The Larton Chronicles and Calathea's SKHE pairing up á la Bob the Book!"

Yup, I think those two books are currently living in a long-distance relationship... no easy task, that... we'll see what happens in the long run... *grin*

Johanna wrote: "Thanks, Jen, for posting your picture! I see that Holmes & Moriarity has nice company, because I think I can spot JCP's PsyCop series there too. :) Er... I wonder what would happen, if Kit and Vic ..."

Yep that's the PsyCop Series, along with Deviations By Chris Owens and Jodi Payne and a few others.

My Now 16lbs cat used to walk my windowsill as a kitten now as a big boy the book shelf is need. and i decided to make it difficult for him

Jen wrote: "My Now 16lbs cat used to walk my windowsill as a kitten now as a big boy the book shelf is need. and i decided to make it difficult for him."

LOL, did you really dissuade him? Mine was a pest in that regard, the most difficult and awkward the path, the more he wanted to walk it. Under the TV set, there was a little space where we had a reproduction of those first bikes with big wheels. He used to sneak under, and he lay there with his paws into the wheels, I wonder how it was even remotely comfortable.

Emanuela ~plastic duck~ wrote: "Jen wrote: "My Now 16lbs cat used to walk my windowsill as a kitten now as a big boy the book shelf is need. and i decided to make it difficult for him."

LOL, did you really dissuade him? Mine was..."

Cats really do what they like, don't they? Lots of personality. I used to have a big cat as well, with the elegant name of Rafael (named after a Ninja Turtle!), but he died a couple of months ago at the advanced age of 13 years. I still sometimes look for him around the house.

My flat isn't big and the cat was, but he still managed to hide so well sometimes, I couldn't find him. Especially when some of my small nephews came visiting. No matter his size he could always squeeze inside the tiniest places. And he loved it when I read the newspaper, for some reason that was a signal for him to lie himself across the paper and relax. :)

Jen wrote: "My Now 16lbs cat used to walk my windowsill as a kitten now as a big boy the book shelf is need. and i decided to make it difficult for him"

Wow. Your cat weights exactly same as my dog does. :) I had to take a closer look at your profile picture too, and if that's your cat, he (or she?) is a beauty. I've never had a cat myself, but all these stories I hear (from Emanuela, Anne and others) and the cats I've met are truly fascinating.

Anne wrote: "-- but he died a couple of months ago at the advanced age of 13 years. I still sometimes look for him around the house."

That's sad. :(

A friend told me once that after their dog died, some of the family members were for some time still throwing cold cuts over their solders while at the dinner table. :)

Johanna wrote: "Anne wrote: "-- but he died a couple of months ago at the advanced age of 13 years. I still sometimes look for him around the house."

That's sad. :(

A friend told me once that after their dog die..."

That's really sad :( Mine died at 17. He was truly a part of the family and people asked how he was as if he were a family member (and he was, of course). We cherish a little rubber ball that still has his claw marks.

If that's Jen's cat, he's fierce. I love how regal felines are and how independent. Dogs are more affectionate and unparalleled in their affection, but the cool attitude of a cat is a wonder to behold :)

So, discussing cats really are a way off topic, right? But Rafael the Cat was a part of Josh's books (or any other author's books for that matter) part in the reality of my life. I like to lie on the couch when I read and Rafael used to jump up on the sofa and drape himself across my stomach. He was very heavy, at least 5-6 kilos and so warm, which was lovely on a cold winter's night. I am not going to get another cat, I like to travel a lot when I can, so I have to use a blanket come winter in stead :)

The only Josh book I have in print is Irregulars. It is currently on a shelf with among others a book by Jim Grimsley, a Harry Bosch novel, the Tin Drum and an old lexicon, and a few Disney DVD's from when my kids lived at home. My bookshelves started out organised when I moved in 8 years ago, but they have since deteriorated into complete and lovely chaos.

Johanna wrote: "Jen wrote: "My Now 16lbs cat used to walk my windowsill as a kitten now as a big boy the book shelf is need. and i decided to make it difficult for him"

Wow. Your cat weights exactly same as my do..."

Yes that's him. He weighs more than my brother's Pomeranian

Emanuela ~plastic duck~ wrote: "Jen wrote: "My Now 16lbs cat used to walk my windowsill as a kitten now as a big boy the book shelf is need. and i decided to make it difficult for him."

LOL, did you really dissuade him? Mine was..."

So far yes,

Here is a full shot of the resident feline who I try to keep from walking across the bookshelf

He's so lovely :D

Jen wrote: "Johanna wrote: "Jen wrote: "My Now 16lbs cat used to walk my windowsill as a kitten now as a big boy the book shelf is need. and i decided to make it difficult for him"

Wow. Your cat weights exact..."

Nice, lazy cat :)

Emanuela ~plastic duck~ wrote: "He's so lovely :D"

Thank you

Anne wrote: "Jen wrote: "Johanna wrote: "Jen wrote: "My Now 16lbs cat used to walk my windowsill as a kitten now as a big boy the book shelf is need. and i decided to make it difficult for him"

Wow. Your cat w..."


He has his moments when he is full of pep vigor

Johanna wrote: "Karen wrote: "I adored the notion of your copy of The Larton Chronicles and Calathea's SKHE pairing up á la Bob the Book!"

Yup, I think those two books are currently living in a long-distance relationship... no easy task, that... we'll see what happens in the long run... *grin* "

I love that idea! You'll know how really, really hard this long-distance relationship is when I tell you, that my copy of SKHE lives on its shelf next to the AE series (to the left) and my copy of Larton Chronicles (to the right). Must be a cousin of yours, although not nearly as pretty. But, ah, the temptation... ;-)
(Will have to take a pic to provide proof in the next days.)

I love all the photos you guys posted! I hope we'll see more of Josh's books around the world in the future. :)

Calathea wrote: " I love that idea! You'll know how really, really hard this long-distance relationship is when I tell you, that my copy of SKHE lives on its shelf next to the AE series (to the left) and my copy of Larton Chronicles (to the right). Must be a cousin of yours, although not nearly as pretty. But, ah, the temptation... ;-)"

That sure does sound an awfully big temptation...! I think you'll better move the rival Larton Chronicles away from SKHE immediately. (And Adrien, don't you start getting any ideas now either...) LOL.

Hmmm... I had to take some precautions for saving this unusual long-distance relationship. I moved the 1000 Pin-Up Girls (that I've bought to my husband for Christmas) between my Larton Chronicles and Come Unto These Yellow Sands. That'll do the trick! ;)

:-D

I love this. Not just the photos -- which are wonderful -- but the stories that go along with them.

Josh's books guarded by (erm... two) Bruce Lee... Safety that even Will and Taylor would approve.

thelastaerie wrote: "



Josh's books guarded by (erm... two) Bruce Lee... Safety that even Will and Taylor would approve."

You know it!!!

Josh wrote: ":-D

I love this. Not just the photos -- which are wonderful -- but the stories that go along with them."

They (the photos and the stories) truly are the glimpses of everyday life I was looking for.

And I'm glad that you like them. Mission accomplished, then. :)

thelastaerie wrote: "Josh's books guarded by (erm... two) Bruce Lee... Safety that even Will and Taylor would approve."

Hah ha! :) Your Bruce Lees look pretty alert, but they do have a long line of books to guard... ;)

Johanna wrote: "thelastaerie wrote: "Josh's books guarded by (erm... two) Bruce Lee... Safety that even Will and Taylor would approve."

Hah ha! :) Your Bruce Lees look pretty alert, but they do have a long line o..."

Well, Bruce doesn't have pin-up girls to distract him there... :-)

Johanna wrote: "That sure does sound an awfully big temptation...! I think you'll better move the rival Larton Chronicles away from SKHE immediately. (And Adrien, don't you start getting any ideas now either...) LOL.

Hmmm... I had to take some precautions for saving this unusual long-distance relationship."

So, here is where my SKHE and his brothers live. I took the pic before I read your post about taking precautions... will have to remedy that. ;)



And because we were talking about pets and books:



This little one was not very interested in reading... always on the move. ;)

Calathea wrote: "This little one was not very interested in reading... always on the move. ;)"

Hey! It's Mr. Hamster! :)

This awesome picture is from Anne! Don't you just love the Putin matryoshka doll and the dynamic piles of books!!! Please tell us more about your bookshelf, Anne. :)

Thank you Johanna for posting the picture for me! I wasn't able to do it myself despite Johanna sending me a step by step for dummies description on how to do it. And I hate to give up, so I really really tried. Many times :)

I thought I should show you that my books were under Putin's protection. If snow-goblins threaten to steal a book, Irregulars for instance, Mr Putin probably would have them inside an iron cage and pretend to give them a fair trial before you could say perestrojka. Scary, isn't he? Even more scary, inside him there are various Russian and former Soviet presidents, including Breschnew and Boris Jeltsin. So snow-goblins beware!

My bookshelves are about as chaotic as my mind is, there are a mix of Norwegian and English, paperback and hardback, fact and fiction, fantasy and comtemporary. Plus some maps and brochures from everywhere. I started out alphabetizing the books once, but by now there is no rythm or reason to my shelves anymore. Which is how I love them :) And I usually manage to find the book I am looking for. And sometimes I even find hidden treasures that I have forgotten.

Anne wrote: "Thank you Johanna for posting the picture for me! I wasn't able to do it myself despite Johanna sending me a step by step for dummies description on how to do it. And I hate to give up, so I really really tried. Many times :)"

Don't mention it. :) And you did great — I've struggled with the same problem earlier myself (despite the step by step description for dummies *grin*).

Anyway, I find these bookshelf pictures most fascinating!

Anne wrote: "Thank you Johanna for posting the picture for me! I wasn't able to do it myself despite Johanna sending me a step by step for dummies description on how to do it. And I hate to give up, so I really..."

Dear Johanna, I suppose it will end like in Anne's case, but could you send me the instructions how to post pics, please?

Calathea wrote: "Johanna wrote: "That sure does sound an awfully big temptation...! I think you'll better move the rival Larton Chronicles away from SKHE immediately. (And Adrien, don't you start getting any ideas ..."

Apparently you don't order your books alphabetically. My copy of ''The Larton Chronicles'' could only start a long distance relationship with SKHE!

And I forgot to say how much I enjoy this topic!

((I suppose there is no penalty for multiple posting on the thread...))

Johanna wrote: "This awesome picture is from Anne! Don't you just love the Putin matryoshka doll and the dynamic piles of books!!! Please tell us more about your bookshelf, Anne. :)

"

That's how my shelves look! I was a bit ashamed when I saw all the others' neat shelves. Mine are a mess, because I lend a lot of books and while they're out in the world, I buy new books which take their place, so when they come back, they have their old place no more. And I also re-read favorite passages when the mood strikes me, so I pick them out, leave them somewhere and... thanks to e-readers!

Antonella wrote: "And I forgot to say how much I enjoy this topic!

((I suppose there is no penalty for multiple posting on the thread...))"

Is there ever? :-D

Johanna wrote: "Calathea wrote: "This little one was not very interested in reading... always on the move. ;)"

Hey! It's Mr. Hamster! :)"

It's Miss Hamster, please! ;)

Antonella wrote: "Apparently you don't order your books alphabetically. "

Nope, never have, never will. I try to keep books of the same author together in one place. I only posted the part of the photo that showed the place where Josh's books live. Otherwise you would have found out about the whole lot of fantasy books that live around them on this particular book case(and in the row behind them, as I had to shelve the books in rows one behind the other because of to little shelf space^^)... ;)

Anne wrote: "Thank you Johanna for posting the picture for me! I wasn't able to do it myself despite Johanna sending me a step by step for dummies description on how to do it. And I hate to give up, so I really..."

I love it! The Putin-Matrjoshka is part scary part hilarious.

What really makes me nervous is your copy of "The Tin Drum"...

Calathea wrote: "I love it! The Putin-Matrjoshka is part scary part hilarious.

What really makes me nervous is your copy of "The Tin Drum"... i>

:)

Antonella wrote: "Dear Johanna, I suppose it will end like in Anne's case, but could you send me the instructions how to post pics, please?"

You've got mail, Antonella! :)

Calathea wrote: "Johanna wrote: "Calathea wrote: "This little one was not very interested in reading... always on the move. ;)"

Hey! It's Mr. Hamster! :)"

It's Miss Hamster, please! ;)"

Oops! Her boobs didn't show in the picture... ;) Anyway, my humblest apologies to Miss Hamster and may I also add that she looks very pretty and irresistibly soft. And quite nimble. :)

Here is my collection of print Lanyon books. My ebook collection is bigger, but I am getting there with the print books. :)





Mr. Lanyon is Mr. Tolkien's neighbor on my bookshelf:



Here are the rest of the books, only the best of neighbors for Mr. Lanyon: Tolkien, Shakespeare, Márquez, Chaucer, Frost, Austen and the Brontë sisters: