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Compassion and Vulnerability
Dark District Primer: Duology on the Lore and Lure of the Dark District combines two novellas, Sojourn and Take Me Now, weaving personal identity with fantasy, Filipino folklore with urban life, and spiritual questions with surreal encounters. What was the inspiration for these stories?
For Sojourn, I wrote it in a time of grief when my father passed away. And so most of the things that I wanted to say and wanted to do were all poured into that novella as well as the emotions involved in such a given circumstance. Writing it was both an affirmation for me in being the son that I am and the son that he wanted. He was the first one to acknowledge my writing growing up. Perhaps he already knew something even before I knew who I was.
For Take Me Now, I wanted to incorporate the world that I have established and expound on it and give it more spice and relationship-driven. While Sojourn was written first, it was Take Me Now that was first published and I had to go back and tweak Sojourn in order that it would mirror the world that I wanted to establish.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
I love it when we show our humanity both through compassion and vulnerability. Compassion when we are able to put ourselves in the shoes of others to either feel their weakness in order to give them a little bit of our strength so that we help sustain them and what they need to do and vulnerability when it is our time to be on the receiving end of the help and empathy we give to others.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
As my father’s passing was the catalyst for me to be more introspective and re-examine my writing, it was both my feelings of grief, honesty and self-identity that I wanted to explore more in Sojourn while framing it within a created universe that has touchpoints in Philippine Folklore. In any relationship, being true and comfortable with oneself is one of the pillars in making it work. Lose that or postpone that form of self-affirmation then the foundation to establishing a relationship with another falls apart.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
My next book is the next installment of the Tales from the Dark District series, entitled Take My Heart, and is being targeted for a FALL 2026 release. Along with that I shall also resume work on my New Adult series, which will also be set within the Dark District Universe.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Instagram | Facebook | Website
By C.J. Edmunds
Welcome to the Dark District. A place where magic hides in plain sight, and desire leads you deeper into the unknown.
In this atmospheric duology by C.J. Edmunds, two queer protagonists are drawn into the same hidden world—but under very different circumstances.
🌀 In Sojourn, David Lansing, a half-Filipino call center trainer, suddenly begins seeing visions and a mysterious spirit guide. Haunted by creatures from Philippine folklore—Tikbalang, Aswang, and the White Lady of Balete Drive—he embarks on a magical and existential journey that becomes one of purpose, ancestry, and an invitation to a place where people like him finally belong.
✅ Recommended for ages 16+ due to complex parental and identity themes and supernatural tension.
🔥 In Take Me Now, Alvin is tired of the wrong men, wrong choices, and wrong timing. Until the Dark District opens its doors and gives him more than he bargained for. Steamy encounters, eerie magic, and dark truths collide in this sensual tale of love and self-worth.
⚠️ Recommended for ages 17+ for sensual scenes and mature emotional content.
Whether you crave introspection or intensity, Dark District Primer invites you to step through the veil—and explore what’s waiting on the other side.
This lush and haunting collection explores:
Filipino urban legends reimagined
Queer identity and transformation
Steamy encounters and emotional awakenings
A universe where fantasy, myth, and reality blur
Welcome to the Dark District. You might not want to leave.
Perfect for fans of Neil Gaiman’s The Sandman, Philippine mythology, and magical realism with queer narratives.
📘 Includes the complete novellas “Sojourn” and “Take Me Now.”
Kamp Kromwell: A Novel
The novel follows Joey Carpenter, a teenage boy caught between the ordinary trials of growing up and the monstrous legacy of Kamp Kromwell, a summer camp haunted by tragedy, folklore, and something darker that won’t stay buried. It weaves Joey’s personal journey of survival, identity, and trauma with the eerie history of Jasper Mill and the cursed land it sits on. The story blends horror, coming-of-age, and queer self-discovery into a narrative that feels both chilling and raw, moving from gothic lore about the crooked oak tree to Joey’s painful memories of abuse and his attempts to reclaim his life.
Reading this book stirred up a whole mess of feelings in me. The writing is sharp and biting, like it wants to cut the reader open just to show what bleeds underneath. Other times it lingers in the shadows, letting dread seep in slowly. I was unsettled more than once, not just by the supernatural elements but by the human ones. The portrayal of Sam Barnes made my skin crawl, and the way the author shows Joey’s shame and survival felt almost too close for comfort. But that’s what hooked me. It’s horror that doesn’t rely only on monsters in the woods, but on the monsters we know too well.
The story moves from ghost stories to camp drama to deeply personal confessions, and yet that unevenness feels true to life. Memories don’t line up neatly, trauma doesn’t follow a straight path, and the narrative mirrors that jagged rhythm. Grea’s style veers between gritty and tender, and I loved the shifts. There were moments of humor that broke through the darkness, and they mattered because they reminded me that life is never just one thing. I also admired how unapologetic the book is about queerness. It doesn’t smooth over the rough parts or wrap them up in platitudes. It leaves the edges sharp, and that honesty made the story feel alive.
Kamp Kromwell reminded me of a strange marriage between Stephen King’s It and Boy Erased by Garrard Conley. Like King’s work, it builds its terror through folklore, small-town legends, and the slow creep of something monstrous hiding in the shadows, yet it also grounds itself in the personal anguish of a boy dealing with abuse and identity. Where Conley’s memoir is brutally honest about the shame and secrecy of growing up gay in a hostile environment, Grea filters that same raw vulnerability through a horror lens, giving the trauma both a literal and supernatural shape.
Pages: 294 | ASIN : B0FHC149LJ
The Dark District Primer: Duology on the Lore and Lure of the Dark District
C.J. Edmunds’ Dark District Primer is a strange, soulful, and genre-bending exploration of myth, memory, and magic rooted in the Philippines. It combines two novellas, Sojourn and Take Me Now, weaving personal identity with fantasy, Filipino folklore with urban life, and spiritual questions with surreal encounters. The main narrator, David Lansing, acts as our curious guide, relaying his disorienting journey through magical encounters, visions of cultural archetypes, and confrontations with hidden truths. These experiences are framed through a personal, at times confessional, lens as he is summoned by a supernatural Council to explain his strange awakening in the Dark District.
Reading this felt like peeling through layers of memory, myth, and grief. The writing style is introspective and poetic at times, with bursts of long, flowing paragraphs that spill over with emotion and insight. Edmunds has a real knack for setting scenes that feel alive. The haunting streets of Manila, the hidden halls of the Council, even the surreal blankness of the otherworldly realms. At its heart, though, what struck me most was how much Dark District Primer is about identity, especially queer identity, cultural identity, and spiritual reckoning. I could feel the author writing through pain and purpose, and while some parts meandered or repeated themselves, the raw honesty kept me hooked. The lore is fascinating, especially the blending of Filipino myths like the Tikbalang and Manananggal with modern, urban queer life.
The ending of Take Me Now leaves just enough unanswered that I found myself eager to dive into the next chapter of the story. That brings me to Take My Hand, the upcoming installment teased at the end of the book. The preview promises bigger stakes and deeper dives into the lore. Take My Hand promises to have more world-building and capitalize on the lore in the introspective tone that I enjoyed.
There were times when whole pages spiraled into inner monologue, and the pacing slowed in the second half of Sojourn, where narrative momentum gave way to philosophical reflection. Edmunds isn’t just telling a story, he’s sharing something personal and vulnerable. You can feel the care and love he has for the lore, the community, and the craft.
I’d recommend this book to readers who want something different. If you like urban fantasy with depth, or if you’re curious about queer stories grounded in Southeast Asian myth, this will hit home. It’s not a quick read, but it rewards with a haunting and heartfelt experience. Especially for queer readers, Filipino readers, or anyone feeling caught between two worlds.
Pages: 298 | ASIN : B0FDGS86JT
The Universal Search For Love
Better Than Sex follows a self-proclaimed sex god on a mission to check off his sex bucket list who decides to turn a shy virgin into the next sex god; what he doesn’t expect to develop feelings. Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your characters’ lives?
When I was young and coming out of the closet, I felt out of step with the gay community. I’m a private, introverted person, and the gay scene can be very overwhelming to people who aren’t naturally extroverted. I channeled some of those feelings of being an outsider when I wrote the character of Mickey, the shy virgin who Spencer offers to make over.
Spencer’s best friend Xander uses sarcasm and snark to cover up some of his deeper insecurities. When I was in college, I had a similar defense mechanism, though I can’t say I did it with as much flair as Xander. (Thankfully I’ve outgrown this, and now I’m a delight to be around LOL.)
Pepper, the rescue dog that Mickey eventually adopts, is drawn from my memories of the black lab my family had when I was a child. His name was Fritz, and he was a loyal and loving companion.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Themes of friendship and found family run through most of my work, and those themes are front and center in Better Than Sex.
The main theme I explored was the universal search for love and acceptance. Too often, we seek external validation, hoping that attention and positive regard from others will fill the gaps within ourselves. But external validation can feel hollow. Deeper validation of our worth requires vulnerability, allowing someone to see us – not as an idealized version of ourselves, but as we truly are.
When will book two be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
The second book in the series, set for a Fall 2025 release, delves into the love story between Spencer’s sexy, charismatic friend Blake and a sweet, studious man named Ethan. The story takes the reader behind the scenes of the adult entertainment industry, as Blake chases his dream of becoming a star.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Instagram | Bluesky
Spencer’s thirtieth birthday is right around the corner, and he wants to say goodbye to his twenties with a bang. Literally.
As a self-proclaimed sex god, Spencer has sworn off love and dedicated himself to finishing his F***-it List – a collection of wild fantasies he’s checked off one by one. Now, only one fantasy remains: rock a virgin’s world with a night of unforgettable sex.
Shy, sweet Mickey seems like the perfect candidate, but he’ll need a major confidence boost before he’s ready to go all the way. Hoping for a chance to be Mickey’s first, Spencer makes him an offer he can’t refuse – he’ll transform Mickey into San Francisco’s next sex god.
Mickey, who’s always felt out of step with the gay scene, jumps at the chance to reinvent himself. It isn’t long, though, before styling tips and flirting lessons give way to stolen glances and heart-to-heart conversations, and what started as a playful makeover begins to look a lot like falling in love.
For Spencer, feelings were never part of the plan. But as Mickey blossoms into a self-assured man and their connection deepens, Spencer is forced to ask himself: is Mickey just another checkmark on his list, or could he be the man who finally makes Spencer believe in love?
Better Than Sex is a steamy, slow burn, opposites-attract romance. Loaded with humor and heart, Kit Erikson’s award-winning debut novel explores friendship, found family, and the messy, wonderful lengths we go to for love and acceptance.
Better Than Sex
In Better Than Sex, Kit Erikson spins an unapologetically raunchy and surprisingly heartfelt story of two very different men navigating their lives and desires in San Francisco. Spencer is a charming yet commitment-averse playboy whose self-image as a “sex god” belies deeper insecurities, while Mickey is a wholesome, endearing nanny grappling with his inexperience in love. Their paths cross in a chance encounter, setting the stage for a journey that blends humor, longing, and emotional growth.
What stands out most is Erikson’s ability to balance humor with emotional depth. The opening scenes, particularly Spencer’s internal monologue about his “sex god” rules, had me laughing out loud. His morning-after exchange with Rory is witty and over-the-top, yet it highlights Spencer’s struggle to maintain emotional distance. On the other hand, Mickey’s tender moments with Logan, the child he cares for, exude warmth and sensitivity. One scene where Mickey comforts Logan with a stuffed tiger encapsulates his nurturing nature, making him instantly relatable.
The writing style is bold and descriptive, yet not without its quirks. Erikson doesn’t shy away from graphic depictions of sex, but these moments are balanced with tender, introspective scenes. Spencer’s ongoing quest to complete his “f*ck-it list” showcases his hedonistic lifestyle but also subtly reveals his fear of vulnerability. Similarly, Mickey’s internal debates about putting himself out there romantically tug at the heartstrings. Erikson weaves these contrasting tones seamlessly, keeping the reader engaged while switching between the characters’ perspectives.
The book’s greatest strength lies in its exploration of self-acceptance and love. Both Spencer and Mickey seek validation, one through hookups and the other through his dream of a romantic connection. Their development feels genuine, with moments of vulnerability that hit hard. Spencer’s realization about the hollowness of his lifestyle, juxtaposed with Mickey’s hesitance to take risks, creates a compelling narrative arc with a satisfying conclusion.
I highly recommend Better Than Sex to fans of LGBTQ+ romance who enjoy stories that mix explicit content with genuine emotional weight. Readers looking for a blend of humor, steam, and heart will find plenty to enjoy here. It’s a story that’s not afraid to embrace both its lighter and darker moments, making it as memorable as it is entertaining.
Pages: 396 | ASIN : B0DMMMN9CX
DEAR GOSEI
John Forrester’s upbringing, marked by privilege within a well-to-do family, might suggest a life of ease and comfort. Yet, despite his affable nature and intelligence, John’s existence is marred by familial challenges: a father with rigid religious beliefs, a distant mother, and the overshadowing presence of an older brother. These complexities form the backdrop of his relatively carefree childhood until a harrowing event at 14 alters his trajectory, casting him into a world of uncertainty. The once vibrant and hopeful young man now stands at a critical juncture, grappling with the decision between forgiveness and vengeance.
Dear Gosei distinguishes itself as a nuanced exploration of the aftermath of sexual abuse, taking the reader on an emotional journey that is as unsettling as it is profound. The narrative centers around John, whose resilience and inner strength in adversity are heart-wrenching and admirable. His character is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for courage and endurance. The portrayal of John’s mother invokes a complex mix of emotions, from frustration over her apparent neglect to a reluctant empathy for her choices. Similarly, Douglas, John’s father, initially appears dismissive, yet as the story unfolds, his infuriating actions become somewhat understandable within the broader context of their fractured family dynamics. While Dear Gosei confronts the reader with the uncomfortable realities of abuse, it is ultimately a narrative imbued with hope. The characters are skillfully crafted to evoke a spectrum of responses, from anger and perplexity to empathy and tears. The book challenges readers to navigate the murky waters of moral ambiguity, understanding, and forgiveness. It serves as a beacon, suggesting that even in the darkest moments, there is a healing potential and a better tomorrow.
For those seeking a story that offers more than mere escapism, one that provides a raw yet inspiring examination of the human condition, Dear Gosei will resonate deeply. It is a compelling read for mature audiences, promising a glimpse into the trials and triumphs of its characters and a reflection on the resilience and complexity of the human spirit.
Pages: 314 | ASIN : B0C7NGKWGZ
To Discover Myself
Jayne and the Average North Dakotan follows a 32-year-old gay accountant who moves to Washington, DC, to come out and discover who he really is. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Randy’s story has some parallels to my own life. I was born in Bryan, Ohio, a very small town near the borders of Michigan and Indiana. In my later 20s, I moved to Washington, DC, ostensibly to discover myself. Randy did much the same thing, only with his mother’s encouragement. While there are many parallels between my life and the story’s premise, only one event happened to me, as described in the book.
The original short story was written just as the country experienced lockdowns due to COVID-19. I have some notable health conditions, so that period was particularly stressful. I decided to write positive stories, including likable characters, to keep me in a good frame of mind. It was important that every character had some positive attribute, even those who didn’t serve an outwardly affirming role in the story.
When I finished the short story, I couldn’t get the Jayne and Randy characters out of my head. I kept thinking of their lives before the High Heel Race. I also wondered what would happen if Jayne stayed with Randy as a mentor in his coming-out process. So, as my mind continued to explore these situations, I began to think I needed to write a book.
Most of the characters are amalgamations of people I’ve known. The longer I worked on the book, the more the characters became real to me. I quite often felt I was sitting in the room taking dictation from their conversations rather than writing them. It was an amazing experience.
The one scene that is based on my real life is Randy getting hit on by an older man at the bar. I was 27 or 28 when I went to JR’s (a Washington gay bar) for the first time. I was alone and hadn’t been there long when a man in his 50s or 60s became very friendly. I tried to leave, but he followed me to the bar down the street, and I went home early to get away. Randy handled it much better than I did!
Randy spent his life hiding who he was and now has entered a new world of acceptance. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Randy’s journey is familiar to nearly all gay men “of a certain age.” We spent our developing years with longings and attractions we heard were wrong, and we had no role models. So, we built various walls around ourselves, including religion, female friends, and studiousness, and tried to get by with as little conflict as possible. Many of us also moved to large cities to find our kind. The experience can be jarring, as it was for Randy. I thought it would be interesting to explore what would happen if a pushy drag queen fairy godmother came along to help through this difficult transition.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
This single biggest theme is self-discovery. Everyone can relate to learning about themselves regardless of the parallels to sexual orientation. The story of a man-child coming into his own in his early 30s felt like a little-explored area. Yes, it mirrored some of my own experiences, but I think it’s more common than is represented in film and literature.
I also believe very few things in life are black or white, mostly an infinite rainbow of gray shades. My desire to focus on the positive is meant to help people see the good in others. Our current society too often condemns people for a single trait or act when we should see them through a more holistic lens.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
My next book is based on the real estate agent Sarah Horowitz from Jayne. She’s renamed and moved to New York, but many attributes remain the same. It’s the story of two widowed best friends who are unexpectedly ensnarled in an international crime syndicate as they near their 70th birthdays. The working title is Who Disturbs My Peace This Lovely Evening. It should be finished later this year.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Website
When Randy Larson, a 32-year-old gay accountant who’s never been outside North Dakota, moves to Washington, DC, he struggles to find his way. A six-foot, nine-inch, sensational Jayne Mansfield drag queen takes him under her colorful wing for lessons in shopping, first dates, hosting brunch, furnishing an apartment, and living in the gay community. Is Randy ready for life and love in the Nation’s Capital?
Chandler Myer’s debut novel, Jayne and the Average North Dakotan, is an unconventional coming-of-age and coming-out story filled with humor and humanity. Randy and Jayne, an odd couple with a unique relationship, will have you cheering the underdog and wishing for your own drag fairy godmother.
Jayne and the Average North Dakotan
Jayne and the Average North Dakotan by Chandler Myer tells a story of queer self-acceptance outside the stereotypical framework of young teens just figuring themselves out. Randy, our 33-year-old protagonist, has been aware of who he is from a young age. Still, between his family’s expectations and religious upbringing, he had long ago put to bed any thought of being open about his identity. That is until his dying mother pulls him aside and gives him one simple piece of advice- “Move to the city.” This starts him on a journey that will lead him to incredible new experiences as a tall, elegant drag queen named Jayne comes into his life. With Jayne’s help, Randy comes to a better understanding of love, of what it means to be a true friend, and of himself.
This coming-of-age story is packed to the brim with fun, quirky characters, each with a unique voice all their own, that are sure to stick with readers. In addition, it’s written with a degree of self-aware humor. The comedy definitely falls into a more raunchy category.
While the book is mainly comedy, and a laugh-out-loud one, it has its more heartfelt moments mixed in. I found the relationship between Jayne and Randy to be especially compelling, as for a majority of the book Jayne herself is a bit of a mystery. By the end, I felt everything had been wrapped up satisfyingly. While Jayne and the other members of the queer community Randy meets in the city had a lot of depth, some of Randy’s friends from back home came off as a bit stereotypical- a choice that felt intentional, providing readers with a jarring experience in places.
Jayne and the Average North Dakotan is a rousing coming-of-age novel with humor and heartwarming friendships. Filled with acerbically witty dialogue and insightful commentaries on gay culture, this captivating story is a must-read for anyone looking for a fun, lighthearted romp with LGBTQ+ themes.
Pages: 335 | ASIN : B0BNF61N85
LITERARY TITAN 