Try a Little Romance - Author to Adam Lambert

Author to Adam Lambert: Try a Little Romance

SJ Pennington, the author of Cheyenne Love, isn’t shy about including the erotic intimacy of a gay relationship in the novel. But Adam Lambert’s AMA performance is bothersome because the sexualized display overwhelmed a truly talented celebrity. As Pennington proves in the novel, gay relationships are about romantic moments as much as erotic ones.

Dayton, OH January 15, 2010: SJ Pennington has been a huge fan of Adam Lambert since the singer first showed up on American Idol. As the singer rode his rocket ship to fame, Pennington thought how wonderful it was that an openly gay man could be accepted into the ranks of superstar without any discussion of his sexual preferences. Then, just as Pennington’s debut novel Cheyenne Love was raking in praise for its thoughtful portrayal of a gay couple, Lambert performed at the American Music Awards.

Lamberts perceived sins were many. He thrust a male dancer’s face toward his crotch, fondled another, and led two dancers around on a leash. The kiss he planted on another man caused nearly as much concern as the face-to-crotch move. In fact, the media babble repeatedly pointed out that he thrust a dancer’s face into his crotch during rehearsals…which, says Pennington, “means that ABC execs expect sexualized behavior from a gay man but find romantic gestures unacceptable.”

All of which Pennington finds unacceptable. Although still a fan, the author believes Lambert’s performance hurt his image. It certainly didn’t do much for the gay community as a whole. As far as the station execs are concerned, the idea that lewd gestures are less offensive than a kiss is insulting to all gay men. Pennington wrote this first novel in part to portray the real depth that gay relationships can achieve. “Gay men don’t get their stories told often enough. Cheyenne Love revolves around the intimacy and strength of their relationships,” the author says.

Although at times explicit, sales made to date prove that the story is accessible to everyone. The book is being bought by gay and straight people of all ages. The love the two characters have for each other is not often seen in other fiction. Readers have even proclaimed, “Cheyenne Love is better than Brokeback Mountain!”

Pennington says, “The story allows a wide variety of people to celebrate a real romance regardless of the couple’s orientation.” That’s important at a time when same-sex couples in America still don’t have the right to marry and gay men in Africa face government-sanctioned execution. The author discusses these and other issues with audiences at every book signing. Pennington’s work is so important that the Library of Congress is considering arranging a book reading and Broadway producers have expressed interest in the story.

Although Cheyenne Love hasn’t been on the shelves long, it’s already turning into a modern classic that lives in the hearts of its readers. In the novel, Marc has wondered for years whether two men can find everlasting love. Then Jamie, a horse breeder from Kentucky, comes to Marc’s Wyoming ranch on business. From their very first meeting the pair feel an intense attraction. The distance between them and the presence of another man make their story one of desire, sadness, passion and loss.
Most of the story is set in scenic rural locations. They add a new dimension to the story because they are also part of the author’s life. While still very young, Pennington spent a few summers in Berea, Kentucky. As an adult, the author and a friend took a road trip. They spent a week in Cheyenne, Wyoming at the historic Plains Hotel and explored the train station. They both loved that part of the trip so much Pennington couldn’t help but put Cheyenne in the book.

The author is already working on the sequel. Walker’s Pond follows the same couple as they face a mystery from Derek’s past. Like Cheyenne Love, the second novel will showcase the depth of love possible between two people. “I wanted to give gay men their own romance story, one that is accurate,” the author says. Judging from the response the novel has already received, Pennington is better suited to the task than Adam Lambert.

The author is available for public speaking events and signings. Pennington is also a historian for the Dayton, Ohio area and offers workshops that delve into regional history. Contact can be made through the book’s website http://www.cheyennelove.com email: sjpennington@cheyennelove.com or at (937-475-3650).

© All Rights Reserved, Contact Info: sjpennington@cheyennelove.com

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Posted by on January 27, 2010