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I always found books to be such a personal gift. And what could be more personal than erotic literature? Why not spice up someone’s holiday with my collection of gay, erotic short stories? These tales are guaranteed to please. Take a look at what the reviews are saying:

“Let’s Talk About Sex�� was not a particularly good song. The lyrics were inane and the music was more thump than bump. But the song was popular. Heck, it even hit number one on the charts (well, at least it did in Switzerland). What Salt N Pepper lacked in talent, they made up for in smarts. Anyone who has ever watched an hour of primetime TV knows the irrefutable truth that SEX sells. Capitalizing on this simple marketing principle, Brian Centrone has crafted a series of short stories, peppered with illustrations, to create “Erotica.�� Too much of anything, including sex, is usually a bad thing, but Centrone develops strong characters and engaging plots to carry the story. Centrone is determined, but not reckless with his writing. Scenes are graphic, but not pornographic. The well-written descriptions feel natural and, like great sex, the pacing of each story gradually builds to a climax that leaves the reader satisfied. Unlike other writers who tend to shy away from the subject, Centrone skillfully uses sex as a magnifying glass �� a way to see the characters and their motivations more clearly. I thoroughly enjoyed “Erotica�� and look forward to more from Centrone. �� Will Freshwater, author of Favorite Son

There’s something for every guy in this! Timid or aggressive, young or mature, Centrone creates a kaleidoscope of experience that fits all moods. A quick and incredibly sexy read. �� Adam Sass, author.

SO why not stuff someone’s stocking this year with Erotica? With seven stories for every sin plus art by Terry Blas, Alan Ilagan, luke kurtis, & Rob Ordonez, that special someone will truly enjoy a gift that keeps on giving. And as a special incentive, use discount code XK7D4L2T when you check out at on the print edition!

Salon Style

Most of you will know me for my writing, but I’m also an editor. I don’t often make a big deal about this because I believe the writers should get all the credit. However, I have recently edited a very fine collection and I wanted to highlight it here. Salon Style is a collection of Fiction, Poetry, & Art from New Lit Salon Press. This eBook exemplifies the quality of writing and art that NLSP publishes. From the blurb:

Salon Style is a collection of writers, poets, and artists with unique voices and incredible vision in diverse genres such as Gothic/Horror, Sci-Fi, Women’s Lit, and Americana. Salon Style features stories by emerging writers M.P. Diederich, Dan Ress, Casey Ellis (Startling Sci-Fi: New Tales of the Beyond), Jack Bates, Lucy Black, and established writers John Rodzvilla, John Vicary, Stefanie Freele, and P.J. Schaefer (Behind the Yellow Wallpaper: New Tales of Madness). It includes works by notable poets Michele Seminara, Reymond Drew, and Mike Algera. Salon Style also features art by NLSP veterans Nathan Mark Phillips (Southern Gothic: New Tales of the South) and Michael Tice (Retrospective). Illustrations by Carrion House, photography by Jessica Hoard, and drawings by Sarah-Jean Krahn complete this varied collection.

I am really proud that I have been able to bring together such a variety of writing and art. These authors and artists are some of the best creatives working today.�� Salon Style is currently available on The collection will be available from other online eBook retailers next year. A possible print edition is also being considered. Please check the book out and tell your friends. If you love what it features, share your thoughts by writing a review. I want to make sure that all the writers and artists in the collection get the recognition they deserve.

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“It’s a very different Korto,�� fashion designer and Project Runway alum, told me while we chatted at . I was able to grab a few moments alone with one of my favorite designers at her pre-show First Look event. Amongst the swarm of photographers, press, special guests, hairdressers, and makeup artists, I took the chance to thank Korto for inviting me back to the runway to preview her Spring/Summer 2015 collection. Calm and collected, Korto joked with me about the show starting on time before introducing me to accessories designer , who had contributed the very bold, very present pieces Korto’s models would be wearing. “Wait until you see them,�� she said before being ushered off to take care of last minute show business and pre-show interviews.

Slipping out of the loft space, I exited onto the rooftop where show sponsor was showcasing their new line of products amongst the New York City skyline. Shea specialists were on hand to instruct guests on how their products create #abetterwaytobeautiful. Enjoying a complimentary beverage courtesy of (I had the Cafe Latté flavor), I chatted with fellow guests about Korto, what was currently being shown on the runway, and the brilliance that was Michael Jackson (one of his songs was being played by the event DJ). It was great to be around fellow fashionistas and fashionistos all ready to see what Korto Momolu had dreamt up for the coming year. It wasn’t too long ago that I had first attended a Korto runway show. I had the honor of seeing her Fall/Winter 2014 collection walk. Korto had just come off of coming in second place for the third time on All Stars, one of the many Project Runway spinoffs. You can read my thoughts on Korto’s journey to the Runway and Urban Coup collection in and of “Korto Momolu: Once, Twice, Three Times a Lady.�� Milling about, it was clear to me that this Spring/Summer 2015 show was next level. Korto was moving ever forward, exactly how she should be. In fact, a fellow VIP had commented on how Korto was doing things “the right way�� in her goal to build the Korto Momolu brand. I couldn’t agree more. Each step Korto takes gets bigger, better, and closer to the level of success she deserves as a designer. When it was time for the show to begin, we were ushered downstairs to the studio space, a vast white room with plenty of windows to let in the natural light. It was the prefect space to feature a collection of clothes that would soon prove to be as light and airy as the late summer/early fall weather the day of the show.

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To the sound of drum beats, Korto’s models began their walk and as soon as the first model sauntered past me, I knew Korto had been right. This was a very different side of the designer. It was as if Korto was designing for the modern Grecian Goddess. Effortless dresses, gowns, shorts, and separates in oranges, tans, browns, blues, and golds spoke of both strength & femininity. The inclusion of jacquard amongst such light and flowy garments created a true feeling of luxury for this ethereal collection. Darrell Roache’s impressive cuff and collar accessories were the perfect hard to Korto’s soft. And of course, no Korto look would be complete without a gorgeous handbag. I didn’t get to speak with Bryant this time around, but I did spy him watching the show from the back of the room. While the collection was indeed fresh and new, there were elements of Korto’s expert hand at work. The manipulation of the fabric, fit, and styling were all signature Korto. As the models took their final walk with Korto and son in tow, I couldn’t help but be reminded of why Korto is so special. She designs for the everyday woman who just happens to be strong, confident, fierce and fashionable. She’s an everywoman, and this “very different Korto�� was just a new way to help bring out her inner goddess.

When it was all done, I headed on over to Korto to congratulate her on a very successful collection. Curious, I asked what her inspiration was. Korto nodded to her 6 month old son nestled in her arm and said, “This one.��

View the full inspired Korto Momolu Spring/Summer 2015 Collection below then follow me on and and like me on for behind the scenes photos from the show.

It may have taken four months, but the day is finally here: Erotica is out now in print! To celebrate this momentous occasion, let’s take a look back at all things Erotica.

February heats up with the #NSFW for Erotica featuring .

March 18th sees the release of the of Erotica. , , , and all share the great news and encourage readers to buy the book. Thanks, guys!

On March 30th I returned to the and read from “Chubstr,�� one of the two new stories in Erotica.

April showers brings the Introduction to Erotica on and Lambda Literary lists Erotica as a .

I am welcomed back to the Podcast with Tim and Jill and discuss all things Erotica in two parts.

May was all about the men, the that is! posted Artist Spotlights on the talented Misters who contributed sexy artwork for the book.

June is full of teasers with pictures of the “Coming Soon�� Print Edition of Erotica featuring endorsements by Adam Carpenter and Shane Allison.

And here we are at July. Erotica is released in a print edition from . It is part of Amazon’s match program. Everyone who purchases the print edition is able to download the kindle version for a lower price.

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Dear Readers,

Boy, what a year it has been. I can’t hardly believe that a whole 12 months have passed since my debut novel An Ordinary Boy was released by Seventh Window Publications. I can recall the excitement and the anticipation, the joy and the pride, the hope and the dream that comes with the publication of a first novel. I am very thankful to all those of you who bought the book and shared your thoughtful reviews, for reviewers who encouraged readers to read my novel, and to all the wonderful authors who endorsed the book. I am so very grateful for the bloggers, radio, and podcast hosts who�� interviewed me and helped to spread the word about An Ordinary Boy. None of this could have been made possible without the great work of my awesome publicist Liz Donatelli of , my friends, and my peers. This has been a great learning experience. There were ups and there were downs, but I will take these lessons and use them to grow as a writer. I cannot wait for the release of my second novel, though far away. I am encouraged by this journey and I know that my sophomore effort is going to be bigger and better.

In the meantime, I am very excited about the upcoming release of my collection of gay erotic short stories, Erotica, by . This collection brings together all 5 of my previously published stories and includes 2 brand new pieces sure to get you just as hot and bothered. As an added bonus, it also features some pretty great artwork from some pretty great artists. Make sure to check that out March 18th, 2014.

In honor of my novel’s one year anniversary, I want to share with you a new ŷ������ review of the novel by Brian Lund, who said:

“I am very glad I took a chance with this novel since it was such a departure from what I normally read. It made me appreciate the events and experiences of my youth which made me the man I am today.��

Many thanks, Brian. I am always so honored when a reader connects with my work.

I also wanted to share with you a great piece from Lambda Literary, by Michael Graves, author of Dirty One. This piece features an anecdote about the first time I ever signed a copy of the book.Take a peek:

“She was moving slowly and I saw, in her hand, a copy of my newly published debut novel, An Ordinary Boy. I stared at it for a brief moment, stunned. In my head I thought, ‘That’s my novel,�� but I can’t say it fully registered.��

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I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate, other than wanting to hear from you! If you loved An Ordinary Boy, !

Thank you all,

Brian

“Brian Centrone brings an immediacy to his erotic fiction…it leaves you strangely satisfied…yet wanting more.�� –Adam Carpenter, author of Eden’s Past

On February 7th, 2014, the gallery space at Helen Mills in Chelsea was packed to capacity. As the DJ spun the freshest beats, fashionistas and fashionistos worked the room, striking poses, dressed in their Fashion Week best. Shea Moisturizer was on hand to display their fantastic line of beauty products, which also includes a brand new line , distributed exclusively at select stores. While I mingled, I ��had the privilege of running into two charming women from Arkansas. They were the mother and aunt of , the young handbag designer behind . A selection of his bags, along with bangs from , the official handbags sponsor, would be carried down the runway by Korto’s models. Their excitement was palpable. Bryant’s aunt, a former schoolteacher, told me how much they all love Korto in Arkansas because “she’s such a great designer.��

Bryant Phelan

There is no doubt that knows how to make clothes for women. While many of her male colleagues over the seasons on Project Runway have been read for designing gowns no real women could wear, i.e. braless, silk, red carpet, Korto knows how to create ready-to-wear pieces that can hold up to a 9-5 job then a 5-9 evening. This is quite apparent from her “Urban Coup�� collection.

With the guests in their seats, the lights dimmed and the instantly recognizable opening bars to Madonna’s hit “Vogue�� came over the sound system. What came next was a tight, clean, modern collection of everyday clothing for the strong, confident urban woman.

Radiant Orchid is and Korto Momolu ran with that suggestion, featuring several pieces in the rich, deep purple color including coats, sweaters and dresses. But following this trend and this hue, crisp black, deep teal and even an army green all came together to color this essential Autumn/Winter 2014 collection. Here are some of my favorite looks:

Of course, I could go on and on about the versatility of the separates, the exquisiteness of the gowns and dresses, and the fierceness of the coats and outerwear. But, I think you’ll be able to see that for yourself. Take a look at the final runway walk for the entire collection.

Korto Momolu has come a long way since season 5 of . She may have been knocked down, but she got up, again and again and again. And like a true lady and a true talent, she showed the design world–and her fans–that she was never, and will never, be “out.��

As Heidi Klum famously says about the finicky world of fashion, “One day you’re in, and the next day you’re out.�� This could not be more true than for Liberian born designer who was “out�� a total of three times on the Emmy Award Winning Project Runway. Korto was a fan favorite and standout designer on her original season (5), designing that unforgettable seat belt coat that guest judge and celebrity-stylist-turned-fashion-designer, went “bananas�� over. And who could blame her? Korto’s handling of this unconventional material proved she had the chops to win it all, which she almost did. Korto made it into the finals, showing her collection inside the tents at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City. But to much outcry from fans, Korto placed second. Not too long after, Korto headed back to the Runway to take part in the first ever Project Runway All Stars special, All Star Challenge. This single episode predates the full season version of All Stars which has become a regular addition to the PR franchise. And once again after proving herself as the designer to beat, Korto placed second for the second time. Who could forget the heartbreak felt when Korto lamented to her family who were awaiting the results of her final critique in the green room how she was destined to be runner-up on Project Runway.

To her fans, however, she was certainly number one. They didn’t forgot her, and they didn’t forgive PR for keeping Korto’s due from her. So it was with great pleasure and surprise when Korto Momolu returned to the runway that had given her the back of its hand, twice. She did it for the fans, of course, as she so lovingly said during one of her personal interviews on the most recent season of All Stars. They never gave up on her, and this time she was caged for the win. With a huge following on , Korto live tweeted the highs and lows of her second All Stars stint. #TeamKorto became a loyal group of devoted followers and supporters, of which I am a part. We rooted, we cheered, we tweeted! Each week we filled the Twitterverse with excitement and fanfare as Korto made it one step closer to the finale, and when she beat out another fan favorite, , for the third and final spot in the finale, we all breathed a collective sigh of relief. This was it; third time was surely the charm.

Much of the criticism that has been given about Korto, and the believed reason for her lack of winning Project Runway, is that her designs are too ethnic. Not universal enough. This, of course, suggests a much larger bias at work, one which thumbs its nose at fashion seemingly aimed at ethnic and multi-ethnic women. However, if this criticism was ever a handicap in the past, it surely would be Korto’s saving grace the third time around: The final challenge was to design a collection inspired by the designers�� country of origin. This challenge seemed almost tailor-made for Korto, who created an elegant, sophisticated collection of clothing emulating the colors, prints, and styles of Liberian fashion. As much as we hoped, as much as we prayed, as much as we tweeted–the unfathomable occurred. Korto Momolu placed second for a third, and most likely, final time. The devastation from #TeamKorto could be felt all across the Internet. Maybe Korto really was destined to be Project Runway‘s number two. Yet, even though she may have been “out,�� she was never down. With her army of loyal supporters behind her, and a terrific group of sponsors like , , and as the wind on her back, Korto Momolu went from Project Runway to her own runway, showing her Autumn/Winter 2014 collection, “Urban Coup,�� during New York City Fashion Week. And true to form, #TeamKorto was there to show their Momolu some love��

Inspired by Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, my fourth one-act play, , focuses on the recent spate of gay teen suicides. I was particularly influenced by the tragic Tyler Clementi case. The play follows 12 Jurors as they discuss how bullying effects a person, homophobia, and the monetary worth of a dead boy’s life. The play proposes questions about America’s legal system, society’s view of homosexuality, and the true nature of humanity.

My fourth The Big Read One-Act Play was once again produced by the Struts and Frets Drama Club at Washington High School in Massillon, OH, 2013. We, the Jury was masterfully directed by Amy Kish.

, the organization behind the wonderful programming for the initiative in Massillon, OH, uploaded the video of my play to their . Watch the play below and check out this great museum!