Friday thoughts….
I thought I’d give you all some eye candy to start the weekend off right. 🙂
But I need to have a serious moment with all of you. There’s something that I need to get off my chest and it’s been bugging me for quite some time. I’ve just never been able to figure out the best way to say it. After talking with some good friends, I’ve decided just to come out and say it.
I’m female. I chose my pen name for personal reasons and never really thought I’d meet people I would come to consider good friends online. Then like a snowball rolling downhill, it got bigger and bigger until I had to chose; get swept under it or stop it. I’m choosing to stop it from taking over. Being honest with you all is a new start. But even though those reasons still exist, I couldn’t in good conscious continue to stay quiet about this.
As odd as it might sound, though I’ve never met any of you, you’ve all become important to me as readers and as people in your own right. You deserve to know the truth. I want to be able to look my readers and friends in the eye knowing there are no misconceptions about who I really am. I will now be able to meet some of you at conventions without the worry of discovery.
I can’t imagine how any of you might feel right now and you are more than welcome to vent on my blog about it. I didn’t mean to hurt anyone by my omission, but I don’t blame you at all if you feel betrayed, hurt or angry because of it.
Please understand that I’m very sorry for not having said anything before this. I hope you can forgive me and keep stopping by my blog to check out the eye candy.
I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe holiday weekend. And I do plan on posting something on Labor Day. 🙂
129 Responses “Friday thoughts….”
First off…thanks for the eye candy!!! (see which part of your post is more important, lol!)
Second, I'm with everyone else on your gender being a non-issue. I hope we can meet at a conference someday now that you're 'out'.
Brynn (another midwest girl)
Got to admit I was like, HUH? But honestly, it doesn't matter if you're a man or a woman because you're such a wonderful writer. Happy Coming Out! 🙂
A woman that can write m/m the way you do is amazing. Had a gay male friend of mine reading with me one day and he blushed and ran home to his partner to read some more (and buy a few)… he would probably be shocked that you're female – but more in the "no way?! how can a girl know that much feeling??" kind of way … TA – you are an awesome author – gender don't mean a hill of beans. I'm all girl, straight, and written a few lesbian shorts that made some girls blush … even when I've never done more than kissed another girl on a drunken dare. Love you – for your work, for your bravery, and for just being you.
**Nikki Campbell
(((TA))). I'll bet that's a sense of huge relief for you now. It's all good.
i have to agree with everyone else, it is a non-issue for me. I have been in love with your writing since I bought Here Be Dragons and you being the same gender as me doesn't change it. You and Carol Lynne (Hell a lot of Women) write some of the best M/M romance I've ever read. That won't change with my perception of your gender.
XOXOXOXO
Valerie
It's your stories that matter – rest is details.
And as much as I love your books it's your dedication to this blog that I've come to admire during the 18 months or so I've been reading it. Even the worst day at work was tolerable on Tuesdays and Thursdays because I knew your blog story was waiting for me when I get home. Now that I work from home I keep checking and checking if for once you'd post it early 🙂
kaija
I think we all understand why you did it and I commend you for stopping that snowball while you still had a chance. It was a gutsy thing to come forward like you did. Truth be told, your gender is no one's business, but I can see the woman in you, your conscientious side wanted you to come clean and I applaud you for that.
Whether you write under T.A., A.T. or X.Y. & Z. you still will be a gifted writer with a talent that reaches out to everyone who picks up one of your books.
You have inspired me today. Have a great labor day weekend! 🙂
t.a.
all i can say is so what. i buy your books because you are an excellent writer. your characters and plots always grab my attention and keep me reading to find out what is going to happen next. your sexuality one way or the other does not affect that. rest easy knowing that your friends and fans will not care one way or the other wether or not you are male or female. thank you for the great stories and have a wonderful labor day weekend. lyne
Your female? OMG! Why doesn't that surprise me? Read everything of yours I could find, but you were not my first, and will continue to read everything you put out. Liked you before but now I think I love you. Please don't stop your daily blogs, your how I start the day. Tuesday and Thursday are the best. Male or female that's what it's all about. Who cares.
I'm hoping to meet you at one of these conventions I hear so much about. Like everyone else has said, you will always be our TA, no matter what.
For me your appeal has never been about gender, yours anyway, it has always been about the heart you put into your stories and the emotions you pull from me every damn time. For that I am extremely grateful and selfishly hope to enjoy them for many years to come.
I hope this has eased you in some way. Take time this weekend and do something fun.
As with everyone else.. don't care about your gender. Your writing speakes for itself. Just keep writing those wonderful stories and we will keep reading them.
As you and Carol Lynne are among my fav authors. I look forward to reading all of y'alls work. Could use another Dracula story, three will just not be enough :-). Can't wait until tuesday for the new blog.
Have a wonderful and fun holiday!
Lisa
T.A., your gender is irrelevant to me. Just keep writing these kick ass stories. It's all good. Take care and have a wonderful and blessed Labor Day Weekend!
You are still TA no matter the gender. Your writing is still wonderful ….that has not changed. Hope you really do feel much better now. And I am really looking forward to the new story….
TA,
As you know the first m/m book I ever read was yours and the reason I fell in love with your books is because the love between your characters blew my mind, not only the naughty stuff, lol. You describe your writing as not having boundaries and as your fans you should know that as people we would never set boundaries on you as a person. You are still you and you still choose to share your amazing talent with us, no matter your gender. So I hope you rest easier at night and I wish you all the best.
Patti
You are still TA and I will always be your #2 stalk…fan! I hope I'm at whatever convention you attend so I can give you a big hug.
I'm very new to your work, probably only 5 or 6 months, but I already have read most of your books and love it.
I am not sure why, but I always thought that you were a girl, oh well, it's realy nice that you are being honest with everyone.
And in the end, your work it's what got people to folow you anyways, so no worries.
BTW I've been reading some of Carol Lynne and Lynn Lorenz books also they amazing, love it!
Thanks for your hard work TA.
Looking forward to your new blog story.
Camila.
You're a great writer and you are nice, this is why I read your stories and blogs. Wish you happiness.
Haven
Since it’s confession time.. TA, you were my first. You were the author that got me hooked to this genre. I read No Going Home, and then of course I had to read everything you ever wrote. I will continue to read you’re stories. LOL Boy, I sound like an addict… TA Chase-aholic?
Looking forward to coffee on Sunday, T.A. I'm sure after 12 we can probably even find a place to have a beer. I owe you one. Cheers!
Hey TA its perfectly fine to me that you are a female. Your writing is what counts here and the fact that you were honest about it says a lot about your character as a person. If anyone gets upset its because THEY made assumptions and Not your fault.
I have to echo all of the above comments. Love your work and could care less what your bits are. I've frankly never understood the reason this is a big deal with m/m writing.
Thank you for trusting us. I'll still read your work, since I enjoy it regardless of your gender.
Have a great weekend.
K
well everyone has said it all. you still write awsome stories and will continue to do so i'm sure so dont worry any longer enjoy your weekend cause we're all waiting for the next story
I love everything you write, so it doesn't matter. I'm glad you told us! Thanks for the trust. Karen
Love you still no matter what your gender is. 🙂 Love your books n your weekly series still no matter what.
Your gender don't affect your writing, n TA still is TA no matter your gender. 🙂
You are a brave girl 🙂 hugs
So is C a guy or girl? doesnt matter just curious and dont answer if you dont want to. I like you period.
With as good as books as you write gender shouldn't really matter. As I seen so far most people love your books because of your talent not because your male or female. I know lots of people will still be reading your blog stories and buying your books.
Girl bits…Boy Bits…I mean does it really matter? Slot A goes in slot B in any which case. Or In our wonderful world Slot B goes In Slot b lol.
Seriously we all know you do great work no matter what gender you are. I sure as hell ain't gonna quit reading your blog and your books.
Okay we need to throw T.A. A coming out party. Hey it works in this presedence lol.
~~*Drea*~~
"For some reason you seem more atainable or approachible or somethig. welcome to the t & a club (tits & ass) lol"
OMG! That's so funny.
For some reason you seem more atainable or approachible or somethig. welcome to the t & a club (tits & ass) lol
🙂
Male or Female It doesn't matter to us… What's that saying?? A Friend Is Someone Who Will Bail You out of Jail, but Your Best Friend Is the One Sitting next to you Saying 'That Was Awesome!'"… Just consider us your internet best Friends and the ride with you so far has been Awesome.
((HUGS)) I don't care if you have girlie bits, TA, I have some of my own. 🙂
I love your writing so as long as you continue to write the way you do and keep putting up the eye candy it's all good!!!!
I may have to adjust my sexual fantasies about you but thats okay. Theyll just have a diferent ending now. lol Were cool!
You know you'll be the one we seek out special at conventions just to hug, right? (:
Would never judge you for your orientation; won't judge you for your girlie bits.
{HUGS}
TA,
Your readers love your work, and in the end, that's what counts.
Keep giving us those wonderful stories and sexy and angst filled men.
Not to worry, so am I! I admire you for speaking up, this must have been very hard for you.
Speaking quite frankly, I love your writing. Whatever life experiences have brought you to this point of being such a damn fine writer are beside the point. Just as I wasn't concerned about your sexual preference last week, I'm not concerned now.
Now get back to your writing! 🙂
Thank you, ta. To be considered a friend is nice.
TA I have to agree with everyone else, it just doesn't matter I love your books and will continue to purchase and read them.
Big Hugs
Theresa A
as jambera said you are still TA.
it doesn't matter weather you are a guy or a girl, i STILL am buying/reading your stuff. you are a terrific author and that's what important to me
keep up w/ the great books!
No worries TA! Still love ya, don't care what your gender, race, or favorite ice cream flavor is. You're still a darn good author and your books are read worthy. It doesn't change a darn thing for me. *huge hugs*
Thanks so much, everyone.
Carol's right. I did struggle with this decision for a while. Mostly because I didn't want to hurt anyone. You're proving why I've always considered my readers some of the best people in the world or at least on the 'net. 🙂
Now if I make it to any conventions, I can come up to those of you who are there and give you a big hug for being such awesome people.
Oh hey…I'm female too! Seriously, its a non issue for me. I love my friends/writers for who they are, not what sex they are.
hugs
molli
Hugs, TA. I know this was hard for you, and I know how long you've struggled with this secret. I have a great deal of respect for anyone who is willing to put themselves on the line in the name of honesty. Good books and good writing are what matter most, not your gender.
What a coincidence – so am I! lol
It's all good, I don't choose my friends or writers based on their gender. It's their heart, soul and talent that get me going. As far as I'm concerned you've got the whole trifecta and that's good enough for me! 🙂
And . . . I do love your eye candy! lol
TA – seriously, lots of love always. You've just proven you’re courageous and strong also . . . so much more to respect you for!
Nothing to be sorry about. =:))
Like Jambrea said: You're still TA – and only that's important.
Have a great weekend and by the way, I love todays eye-candy. =:))
not a prob – nothing to forgive – we'll take you anyway we can get you! 🙂
You're a great person, sharing all those beautiful stories with us! 🙂
You will always be TA, if male or female doesn't matter <3
I don't think anybody here cares about your gender – at least I hope so!!
Please don't worry about this, there's nothing to forgive you 🙂
So is half the population.. or there abouts.. but they don't write half as well as you do.
(((hugs)))
You're still TA. No matter your bits! Love you!!!!