Twinks… and the Misconceptions We Perceive, by NJ Nielsen

For those wondering, no, Absolutely Eric isn't out yet. I've sent a query to see what's up, but the day in America isn't over yet (though it's drawing to a close here in Iceland). While we wait, here's NJ Nielsen's post on twinks (mind you, I had a blast looking for photos for this one!) :)

Twinks… and the Misconceptions We Perceive, by NJ. Nielsen

I had this great piece I was going to write about twinks when Erica asked me to write a post, but in the end I just decided to wing it and hope for the best. I will probably get it wrong and have you all scratching your heads by the end of my time here. (All I can say is welcome to my world).

What is a twink really? Some people would think a twink is a small delicate man. Others would say add in flamboyant and prone to hissy fits. More people would say they are feminine and very soft, or barely legal looking men. My daughter said to add that most times twinks are portrayed as a little bit sluttish.

Are they right? 

Who the hell knows – I don’t.

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I think a twink in stories can be whoever you want them to be. I personally favour the ones who have the underlying strength that gets both main characters through whatever drama they are facing.

In my paranormal series my main character Michael Marsden would be considered a twink. Mainly for the reason he is a slender young man who is just finding himself and is a little unsure of who he really is, (stepping out of the closet and into immortality has a tendency to do that to a person). 

Do I see him as a twink?

Hell no! I think Michael has the potential to be one of my greatest characters yet. In Book one of The Lines of Marsden: Rules Are Meant To Be Broken, Michael’s whole world is turned upside down – literally. And yes he does have some very overemotional moments (which are another misconception of a twink). But by the end of the series my Michael will rule them all, and be bloody good at it.

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I have always wondered is an emo guy considered a twink? Because nine times out of ten they are slender and either overemotional or emotionless. (Maybe the whole wearing only black thing might say no). Then I have to ask can straight guys be classed as twinks? I have a very straight 6”3 nephew who is very slender, kinda effeminate, long hair (from a distance you would mistake him for a girl – believe me I have done it before). Actually he reminds me of a pixie crossed with an Elven Kind. How old are you before you stop being labelled a twink?

Okay, what was I talking about again? 

Twinks! 

I have read a lot of books and I can tell you I am no nearer to working out just what a twink is as in each book there seems to be a different version for each author. In my books twinks are always (mostly) the strongest of the couple. I like it when the ideas of what a person is doesn’t quite match up with what I have written. It gives a story that bit of an edge and hopefully gives you another idea of what a twink is.

5 twinks I have loved in books – oh Lordy where to start? 

Edward Beauregard III from Lynn Lorenz’s, Common Powers 3: Edward Unconditionally.

Nicky Everson from Stormy Glenn’s, Sammy & Friends 1: Picture Me Perfect.

Sean O’Brian from Evangeline Anderson’s, The Assignment (okay can I count him seeing as he only plays one undercover – LOL, I love that book so I guess he counts).

Jay De Luca from Carol Lynne’s, Cattle Valley 15: Recipe for Love.

Echo from Gabrielle Evans, Fatefully Yours 1: Dark Devotion.

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Even though all of these men may be classed as twinks, they all have that undercurrent of inner strength that I think all twinks hold. I honestly don’t think I know any twinks in real life though I do have a friend who is gay and in his sixties that when he was younger he would definitely have been a classic twink. Man, I love that guy to death; his husband is just as wonderful.

I think that you either love twinks in stories or you hate them there is no in between… or you could be like me love some and hate others. Hey, I never said I make sense.

On that note I will away and wish you all the best with the week in twinkdom… oh Man did that just get the plot bunnies a hopping. A Royal family full of twinks, who have to find the men who can protect them in life and love. Somebody out there will write that story I am sure.

- NJ Nielsen

Okay, back to me - Erica:

NJ's first novel, Rules Are Meant To Be Broken (The Lines of Marsden #1) will be out via MLR Press soon! I've had the privilege to have read it in the early stages and I'm telling you, you're in for something amazing. I'm telling you, if you want something original, her stories are it. 

Here's the blurb:

The Lines of Marsden were born into existence for a reason: to right the wrongs that had once taken place. Destiny fated that they must destroy the Eldren before evil wins.

Michael Marsden wants to die -- for real this time. He wasn't meant to lead the half-life that he does. He chooses to let it go and let death take what it had already claimed.

But Christian Risely isn't about to let that happen. He is drawn to Michael and is willing to do anything to ensure that he lives, even if that means keeping him alive against his will.

Other stuff by NJ Nielsen is:

Shadows on the Heart (free read)
Angels on Top (Toowoomba Boys #1)
Hunting for Clay (Toowoomba Boys #2)

One Last Kiss Goodbye (Out in June 2012)

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A Special Love for Twinks, by Havan Fellows

Well hello there my lovely hostess, Erica! Thanks so much for letting me crash your party this week *bouncing and smiling*...I love your place...oooooh look at how comfy that couch is! *plops on couch and starts to tuck feet under me...stops and blushes* Sorry...guess I got a little too 'at home'...hehe...but I figure since we are sharing a release date for our new books we were pretty much like siblings you know? BTW – what's the chances that I could borrow that lipstick—that color is amazing! Oh...never mind siblings, we could be kissing cousins...hehe

Okay okay...sorry, I'll behave. But you know it is soooooo hard to do sometimes. Especially when you ask me to talk about one of my fave subjects...twinks! Now let me point out right from the start—I don't have a complete fave 100% type of man...oh no—that would be sooooo unfair to me! *smirks* But I do have a special love for each different type...and most definitely a special love for twinks.

So...what makes a good twink? Well isn't that the thousand dollar question? *heads desk* I've asked numerous people about this, pondered over what I believe a twink to be and even googled it some...(that brought up some very interesting sites...and no I won't mention which ones I bookmarked for further study...*clears throat*)

The list I've come up with is diverse while still circling around the same traits (um...is that even possible?)...so instead of telling you what I believe a twink to be I think I'll list a few of the attributes I discovered and ask you what you believe makes a good twink. 

Now remember –these are not my personal ideas, this is pure research baby...without a scientific formula that is...*eye roll giggling*

younger - pushy - flirty - smaller - blond/light hair color - wiry - mouthy - bottom - out of the closet - well manicured - pixie-ish - slighter build - tops-from-bottom - extrovert - fresh faced appearance - loud and proud - immature - no facial hair - effeminate - smooth hairless chest/body - self-confident

Wow...and that is without going into the sexual aspect of the word...*eyes bug out*...is there any wonder why I am having a hard time nailing down what being a twink might mean to others?

All I know is I love them... just like I know that I will freaking adore Erica's twink Eric...this world is plenty big enough for all kinds, especially those yummilicious twinks. *big smiles*

So please, leave a comment telling me what you think...and after you are done enjoying all Eric has to offer in Absolutely Eric...maybe you'd like to check out what my boys have to offer in Emery's Ritches...

Emery's Ritches

Releases tomorrow 5/11/12

Blurb:

Ritchie Lymings is wallowing in self-pity after seeing the man he loves—his best friend—reunited with his arch enemy. He's drowning his sorrows in coffee and caramel when an irritating stranger barges into his life, determined to make him smile. Even if this interloper is too dense to understand his faux pas, Ritchie figures he may be good for a quickie to get his mind off of his immediate situation. A simple round of love 'em and leave 'em sounds promising.

Emery Hutchins recognizes Ritchie immediately when he stops for his morning coffee and breakfast. His friend Ryder had been telling him stories about "the infuriating twit" for years. Fate and coincidence were two things that normally gave Emery cause for pause, but he couldn't let this opportunity pass him by. Unable to relinquish control to fate though, he immediately devises a plan to make the deliciously snarky Ritchie his own, one hundred percent completely.

But for these two diverse personalities there is one major problem. How can Ritchie's attitude and Emery's meticulousness blend together, or is this an oil and water mess?

You can find Havan Fellows @ Havan's Heavenly Haven blog & Facebook 

You can find her new book Emery's Ritches @ Breathless Press

Excerpt:

"Oh wow, and here I feared the worst, that you would never break through that dark look and smile. Now that I've seen your smile, I'm pretty sure I never want to see you without it."

Snapping out of his daydream, Ritchie turned to the intruding voice and set eyes on the sexiest man he'd seen in a long time. Short golden hair on the sides, longer in front, clear silver-blue eyes, high forehead, and pouty cupid's bow lips. Hot damn, he's a god. 

After a few tense seconds, Ritchie finally found his voice and attempted to put it to good use. "Can I help you?" Okay, not good use, but use at least.

"Most definitely, in so many ways too."

Ritchie's brows drew together and he couldn't hold back the growl. "Excuse me?"

The man smiled, wide and easy. "I wondered if I could share this table with you? This place gets busy in the blink of an eye. Plus I seem to have bought two coffees and two scones so I was thinking we could have breakfast together." And with that, he placed two cups and the single plate with two cinnamon chip scones he had meticulously juggled onto the table. He then proceeded to make himself at home in the chair across from Ritchie.

Ritchie glanced around and noted at least three empty tables, and pointedly glared back at his interloper.

That easy breezy grin didn't falter and the man didn't miss a beat. "That table wobbles, almost spilled a whole cup of their hazelnut all over me the other morning." He pointed to empty table number one. Then he directed his finger at empty table number two. "Sitting right next to that table you'll find Mrs. Glein. She's a widow and sweet as pie, but keeps insisting I meet with this mysterious grandson of hers named Stevie. Now considering she only has one grandchild, a beautiful woman named Stephanie, I figure she wants to convert me. I would rather skip that conversation this morning." Ritchie glanced over at the old lady. She smiled widely at the stranger and he waved and nodded back in acknowledgment.

Then he turned his attention to the third table that now housed two students with their laptops. "And darn if I didn't just miss that table by a millisecond. Good thing I got this seat when I did, huh?"

Ritchie took another sip of his coffee, trying to process how to lose this guy. He was obviously ill in some department no matter how hot he might be. Ritchie tilted his cup all the way back, then remembered it was empty. He set the mug back down a little too heavily causing a loud clacking noise that caused many of the patrons to look up with disapproving glares.

Then he looked back at his company, who held the extra steaming cup out to him. "Caramel latte, I believe?"

Begrudgingly, Ritchie took the cup and sipped some more. Damn near everything could be solved with the blessed combination of coffee and caramel. Staring into those clear silver-blue eyes from across the table, he stressed the damn near part.

"So, to what do I owe the great honor of your company?"

Grinning (of course, Ritchie mentally rolled his eyes) the man said, "You can owe the great honor to the fact that I didn't want to eat breakfast alone. Usually I don't mind, but when I noticed you so melancholy I decided today I minded."

Ritchie nodded. "Ah, I get it now. You're one of those do-gooders that just has to stick his nose where it isn't wanted. Come to turn my frown upside down, have you? Thanks, I appreciate the pity, but I'm doing just fine pitying myself. Don't need your help."

"But you did need my coffee and you do need to eat something." He placed one of the scones on a napkin in front of Ritchie.

"What are you, my mother?"

He winked at Ritchie. "Not exactly, I don't have the proper equipment for that. Though now I think I should start pitying myself that you didn't notice." And for the first time throughout this whole weird interaction, the stranger's smile turned into an exaggerated version of a pout.

Ritchie rolled his eyes for real this time, and against his will, he felt himself smirking in response to that pout.

"Ah ha!" Not surprisingly the pout disappeared. "I knew I would break down your defenses eventually. So who is he?"

"Excuse me?" Hadn't he already said that during this conversation?

"Who's the guy that's got you all knotted up? Only way for someone to look that downcast is when love's involved. Since you aren't all pissy and mad, well, not any more than what I assume's the norm for you," the man chuckled at his own joke, "I have to deduce that it's unrequited love. The guy obviously doesn't understand what a joyful gem you are. So I repeat, who is he? Shall I hunt him down and explain the error of his ways?" He popped a bit of scone into his mouth and managed to smile through the closed-mouth chewing process.

"I'm sorry, am I putting off a vibe saying that I'm a people person or something? Because if so, I need to fix my vibe-o-meter. What makes you think it's a guy anyway?"

Beautiful Boys, by Tara Lain

I’m so happy to be at Erica’s today enjoying the Twink-fest. Twink is one of those categories where we say, “I may not know how to describe a twink but I know one when I see one”! We usually think of a twink as a young gay man, under 21, with a slender body, pretty face, and no appreciable body or facial hair. Anyone who fits this category could be called a twink. Even a slightly older gay man who looks very young might be twinkish.  One problem with the definition is that the word often implies a young man or boy who is naive or even not too bright.  If we substitute the word innocent then I think we have a good picture of a twink.

Who are some of my favorite twinks? I suppose Tristan “Sparky” in Z. A. Maxfield’s wonderful Crossing Borders is technically a twink. But the kid is so bright and self-actuating it’s tough to think of him that way. He is one of my favorite heroes of all time as is true for many readers. Mal in Missy Welsh’s My Summer of Wes definitely falls into the twink category although he barely realizes it, and Treva Harte’s charming Max in Maxxed Out certainly qualifies.

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Even though I write the Beautiful Boys of Romance, I have written few twinks. Only a couple of my heroes are actually under 21. Most of them are in their 20s. Interestingly, I’m writing a young man that might qualify right now. In Genetic Celebrity, the fourth book in the Genetic Attraction series, Shay Shaleen, 20,  is six feet one and willowy as a reed with pale moonlight hair and blue eyes. He has almost no body hair. But he can pass for a woman as is often the case with my heroes. Does that disqualify him as a twink? And he is a tough, pierced street kid. Maybe that also disqualifies him. My hero Mark Sintorella in Sinders and Ash is a little too old--he’s 22--but he certainly fits the description in every other way. Still, he’s also a tough survivor who takes care of himself. So no, I guess I don’t have any twinks among my Beautiful boys, but I do love other peoples, so keep writing!

Sinders and Ash

by Tara Lain

Available at Amber Allure   Amazon   ARe

Work hard, stay anonymous and don’t expect much. That’s resort housekeeper Mark Sintorella’s philosophy of life. After being kicked out of his family home at sixteen for being gay, Mark knows what it takes to survive. But how is he going to stay anonymous when he wants to be recognized as a great fashion designer? And how can he control his expectations when he’s desperately attracted to Ashton Armitage, the son of the fifth richest man in America? If Ash doesn’t find a woman to marry he’s going to lose his inheritance, but he can’t seem to resist the beautiful kid who cleans fireplaces while hiding behind a black cap and heavy glasses. And then this crazy elf of a man, Carstairs Pennymaker, has Mark running around looking like a fashion model wearing gorgeous women’s clothes. The clock strikes twelve and the wedding follows the ball. Two beautiful princesses line up for attention. But one isn’t interested and one isn’t a woman. Who will be the bride? Will the shoe fit? Only his fairy godmother knows for sure.

- Tara Lain

Image credits: I have been unable to locate two of the images - I'll keep trying and apologize in advance to the owners of the photos.

Twinked Out, by Katey Hawthorne

True story: I first heard the word "twink" when I was 20 years old and in college. Hey, this was a long time ago, the internet was small, and I grew up in the middle of nowhere. Gimme a break. Now, my friend group had an extremely, er, fluid outlook on sexuality, let's say, but we did our own thing and never applied labels.

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Which is why when I first heard the word, it was in this context: "Katey, you gotta come play EverQuest--we'll totally twink you out!" "Dude, you are the awesomest wood elf bard twink ever! W00t!"

Probably the same year, I heard that word hurled between two men as an insult. "Whatever, you fucking twink." Context clues let me know they were not referring to a high elf wizard or dwarf paladin. I'm quick like that. Shortly thereafter, of course, I came to understand what it meant, and that it was often used in a complimentary (oh-god-you're-so-pretty) way as well as a pejorative (dumb-and-full-of-cum) one, and that it was yet another label that some will embrace and some will loathe, as is their right and no one else's.

Which is why I'm always kind of split on the word. While I approve wholeheartedly of any and all physical types celebrating their own personal brand of beauty, I know some find that particular word offensive due to connotations of shallowness and disposability. Unless I know how a person feels about the label, I have zero right to use it. Like, you know. Any label at all ever. 

So when I'm writing a character to whom it might be applied, then he gets to say.

Exhibit A: Hansen Marks. My friends will tell you that I often describe the cover of Equilibrium as "Hansen lookin' all twinky." The boy fits the textbook description perfectly. He doesn't know it, but his boyfriend totally does--and knows to keep his mouth shut about it. 

Defensive? Misguided? Hey, whatever, man, step off his balls already. He's on his way to a PhD in applied economics and he can set you on fire with his brain. Imply that you judge him even slightly based on his looks at your own peril.

My blog isn't safe for work anyway!

Exhibit B: Kieran Cooper, a character in an upcoming book--two, actually. I saw this NSFW picture on tumblr and thought of him, just as an illustration. Anyone who points out his twinkiness to Kieran gets a big old, "Thanks, honey." (Did I mention he's southern, too?) Dude is tooth-rottingly sweet, golden on the outside, and even occasionally, yes, full of cream.

He is also incredibly intelligent, loyal, and tough. He might look like junk food to some, but the hell with them--he doesn't believe anyone is, when you get to know them.

What's the point? Twofold:

1. Although most games make an effort to disallow twinking with things like level caps nowadays, gay gamers always get a good laugh over the puns.

And

2. No one gets to stick a label on someone's forehead except the person who owns said forehead. And that's when a label can be awesome. And, like this week, celebrated.

- Katey Hawthorne

Twink Week

Okay guys, I explained about my straightforwardness last week and how, although I’ll try not to be offensive, I’ll be open about subjects that may be considered taboos. Here's one:

It’s Twink Week here at my blog, in honor of Eric Wesley from my upcoming release, Absolutely Eric. 

Before we start, here’s the definition of a “Twink” on Wikipedia:

"Twink" is a gay slang term describing a young or young-looking gay man (18–21 age category) with a slender, ectomorph build, little or no body hair, and no facial hair. [4][5] Someone older than 21 with similar looks and build is said to be "twinkish." In some societies, the term chick or chicken is preferred.[6] The related term twinkle-toes, which implies that a man is effeminate, tends to be used in a derogatory manner.[7] The terms can be complimentary or pejorative.[8][9]

See that last line? Whenever I use the word “twink”, I never mean it in a pejorative manner. I love writing twinks. They’re never “girly” in my stories (see my rant on that term): They’re guys, they’re strong and they’re usually the stars of the stories (not in a flamboyant way – except for Eric). Eric is interested in fashion, he wears eyeliner and he likes doing things with his hair, but he’s a guy through and through. 

The term is often used in the pr0n industry, but it’s not exclusive to it. The LGBT community uses it freely, but there seem to be different meanings to the world. Usually it’s only a “look”, but Homorazzi goes further and describes twinks as "...generally quite young (18 to mid-20′s), skinny, have essentially no body hair and may frequently be found applying foundation or fake tanning lotion. Generally, they act as though the entire world revolves around the fact that they are young and gay." Yeah, no, whether or not that's the correct classification, that's not what I think when I think "twink". I’m merely talking about the look, and not personality. Is this stereotyping? I don't believe so, because (leaving out the personality) it's just a look, like "bear" and "athletic" is a look.

Should twinks be ashamed of being twinks? No. “Bears” are generally proud to be bears, so why shouldn’t twinks be proud to be twinks? They're no less men than bears.

Should non-GLBT people not use the word “twink”? I don’t see why they shouldn't. It may be a slang among GLBT people, but it's become very widespread. People who know me know I'm the advocate for "more exposure = faster acceptance", so even if some people see twinks as a negative thing, the more they hear the term and the more the term is discussed, the better to get over the negative aspect.

Should I not talk about twinks because I’m a semi-straight woman? Again, I don’t see why I shouldn't. I write m/m literature, I’m extremely supportive of GLBT people, and I don’t ever use the word “twink” in a pejorative manner. I also think "twinks" are attractive, just like I find all sorts of other looks attractive.

Should I not have brought up this topic? Perhaps not, but just like brunettes, beefs, and bears can be talked about (in a good, non-offensive manner), twinks should be okay to talk about too.

So, I officially welcome you to Twink Week. I’ve got some awesome people visiting with guest blogs, and I hope we can have fun.

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