Guest Post and Giveaway: Nachos & Hash by Brandon Witt

Please help us welcome author Brandon Witt to TNA today, kicking off the Mary’s Boys blog tour, his newest series from Dreamspinner Press. Brandon’s sharing some behind the scenes info on how the series came to be, and he’s also offering a giveaway you can enter by leaving a comment right here on the blog.

Welcome, Brandon!

I remember the first Hamburger Mary’s I went to. I was in my early mid-twenties and in the last days of reparative therapy. I didn’t even realize what a Hamburger Mary’s was until I was there. It was in San Diego, California. I was already in paradise. and then to stumble upon the gayest restaurant I’d ever dreamed of was the cherry on top. (Side note: If you’ve read my Men of Myth series, Rascals, where Sonia works, was based off of that location.) The place was a revelation to me. Luckily (or unluckily), I went at lunch and missed the whole drag queen vibe so many Mary’s locations have in the evening. I wouldn’t have been able to handle that back then; it would’ve scared the bejeezus out of me. The restaurant stuck with me ever since. It was one of the few places I’d ever seen a bunch of LGBTQ people all together, outside of the bars. And at the point, the only gay bars I’d seen were rather dark and sad. Mary’s was bright, happy, and full of joy. In many ways, it was a new way of thinking about not having to live life as a gay man constantly in shadows.

Flash forward over a decade and countless Hamburger Mary’s experiences later, I simply had to write a series based out of the sense of family and happiness I always experienced at those restaurants. I wrote the corporate offices of the Hamburger Mary’s franchise and told them of the series I’d like to write, and asked for their permission to use their name, and was even so audacious to request to use their Mary’s logo on the cover. I honestly doubted I’d hear back from them, let alone get a positive reaction. In a crazy short amount of time, I heard back. It was yes. And I was over the moon. (At another blog stop, I’ll tell you about some behind the scenes moments with the owners and renovations).

When I told them my vision of each of these four novellas being centered around a different Mary’s staff finding happiness and chosen family through their ‘adventures,’ the owners spoke about how that was exactly how they saw their franchises: as family, as offering a place of warmth, love, and acceptance to so many who aren’t able to find that other places. It was even more a confirmation of how much I loved this place.

I can’t wait to hear your reactions of how you fall in love with not only Cody and Darwin, but with Hamburger Mary’s itself!

One random person who comments will receive a $5 Amazon gift card!

Please join me at Tams Two Cents on the 9th, as the blog tour continues, where we will be talking all about Darwin Michaels. You’ll also have chance for another Amazon gift card.

About Nachos & Hash

Darwin Michaels is living his dreams in the Mile High City. While Denver offers the perfect job, scrumptious dining, and whirlwind dating options, Darwin is losing hope he’ll find the right man to spark his interest for more than a one-night stand—until he sets eyes on Cody Russell.

Cody has just accomplished his life’s goal—get the hell out of Kansas. In one fell swoop, he lands a job at Hamburger Mary’s and gets a newfound family and the chance to be with other gay people! All that’s missing is someone special. But when Darwin shows his interest, Cody is sure it’s too good to be true. After all, what can Darwin possibly see in the high school dropout serving him nachos?

As Darwin falls in love, Cody struggles to realize his worth. When his past threatens the fragile life he is building, Cody spirals into a moment of dark desperation. But Darwin is determined to show Cody that love and family and home are there “for him… will Cody accept what is offered?

Pre-order the Book: Dreamspinner Press

About the Author

Brandon Witt’s outlook on life is greatly impacted by his first eighteen years of growing up gay in a small town in the Ozarks, as well as fifteen years as a counselor and special education teacher for students with severe emotional disabilities. Add to that his obsession with corgis and mermaids, then factor in an unhealthy love affair with cheeseburgers, and you realize that with all those issues, he’s got plenty to write about….

Find Brandon Online: Website || Facebook Author Page || DSP Author Page || Brandon’s Patreon Support Page || Twitter || Instagram || Amazon || Goodreads || YouTube

 

Blog Tour Schedule

Jan 5 – The Novel Approach
Jan 9 – Tam’s Two Cents
Jan 12 – Susan Mac Nicol’s Website
Jan 19 – Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words
Jan 23 – Joyfully Jay
Jan 24 – Love Bytes
Jan 25 – (Release Day!)
Jan 26 – Prism Book Alliance