I’ve received quite a bit of correspondence from readers and fellow authors about my abrupt and unexplained departure from Michele ‘n Jeff Reviews, a blog which fellow author and friend, Michele L. Montgomery, and I had started together in March of 2010. I’d like to take a moment to explain myself and apologize for any misunderstanding my sudden disappearance may have caused.

For the past year I’ve been working on a novel which was near completion, but I seemed to be stuck—blocked. I couldn’t decide upon the ending, and I knew I had a lot of editing work to do even after I got to the point where I’d finished the actual writing. This process has been the same with all of my books. Trust Me took almost a year to complete, from start-to-finish, and the Puppy Love series was a nine-year endeavor. My new book, Second Chances, has proven to be far more challenging, though, for it is a sci-fi and required some research. It also has a much more complex, non-linear plot.

Although reading and reviewing mm romance and gay fiction is a genuine passion of mine, it is extremely time consuming. Preparation of the blog itself is also time-intensive. In addition to writing, reading, and reviewing, I also work a full-time day job that requires upwards of sixty-plus hours per week of my time. I was getting to the point where I felt overwhelmed, and I knew that something had to give. I literally allowed myself to begin to panic, fearing I never would complete that novel—that book I once was so passionate about writing.

So I did step down from Michele ‘n Jeff Reviews, and I’m happy to confess that it’s been the right decision. The blog itself will be fine as it is in very capable hands, and I’m sure it will continue successfully for many years to come. The original vision and mission statement of the review site was to provide quality and honest reviews which focused upon the positive aspects of the genre. Such a site was desperately needed, and I’m enormously pleased to see it continue.

As for myself, I’m pleased to report that Second Chances is very, very close to completion. In just a month’s time, I’ve nailed the ending, completed my research, and have begun the editing process. I also have a publisher who’s accepted the book, and I will be making an announcement as soon as I have a signed contract. I also have a book cover which I’m quite proud of. It was designed by Tuesday Dube at Purple Ink Graphics & Design.

Additionally, I’ve completed another novel which is a collection of short stories which deal with the theme of gay teen bullying.  The book, titled Bullied, will be released as a special promotional effort to draw awareness to this tragic and ongoing epidemic in our schools today. I do not plan to garner any financial gain from this effort, as 100% of my royalties will be donated to anti-bullying charities.  I’ve posted one of the short stories as a free read on my website http://www.jefferno.com as well as on Goodreads.

Thanks to the many readers and fellow authors who took the time to contact me and inquire about departure from Michele ‘n Jeff. I appreciate the warm sentiments and words of support and encouragement. I hope all will continue to follow the reviews and participate on the site to insure it becomes even better (which it appears to have already done). I wish the best to Michele, Lisa, and the entire review staff, and I’ll be eternally grateful for the meaningful and memorable year I spent in their company.

Jeff Erno