Hello my name is Christine d’Abo and I’m a romance author of both het and LGBTQ stories. Thank you so much for having me here today, and giving me an opportunity to talk about my upcoming M/M romance novel, Losing It.
Finn is a strong, handsome man who struggles to speak and engage socially with people. His social anxiety is more than simply being an introvert. Social anxiety is defined as:
…nervousness in social situations.[1] Some disorders associated with the social anxiety spectrum include anxiety disorders, mood disorders, autism, eating disorders, and substance use disorders.
- Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_anxiety
Finn’s overwhelming social anxiety is a reality for a great many people. This distress is real and can present in a number of different situations.
- Being introduced to other people
- Being teased or criticized
- Being the center of attention
- Being watched while doing something
- Meeting people in authority (“important people”)
- Most social encounters, particularly with strangers
- Making “small talk” at parties
- Going around the room in a circle and having to say something
Justin helps Finn find his way, using a number of techniques to help take away the pressure. There are things you can do as well.
- Find a support group. It’s helpful to know that you’re not alone in this.
- Participate in cognitive therapy with a certified therapist
- Practice your techniques for how to engage in the situations that cause you stress
- Exercise
If you think you suffer from social anxiety, it’s important to discuss your challenges with a professional. While it can be difficult, you can overcome your anxiety.
Title: Losing It by Christine d’Abo
Ringside Romance Series Book Four
Publisher: Riptide Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Gay, Erotic, Romance
Length: 229 pages/Word Count: 60,400
Summary:
Finn Miller doesn’t do social. He works his IT job from home as often as he can to avoid people. If it weren’t for his weekly training sessions at Ringside Gym, he might never leave his apartment. And he only does that because of Leo, the gym member he’s in love with. When Finn gets talked into attending a speed dating fund-raiser at the gym, his greatest wish is to have the courage to try to say something—anything—to Leo.
Justin McCormick has spent most of his adult life being used, whether playing a corporate heavy, or acting as guard dog for his ward. So when he leaves Vancouver for a fresh start in Toronto, he doesn’t quite know what to do with himself.
The moment Justin sees Finn at a speed dating event, he knows there’s no way he’ll make it without a little help, so he offers to coach Finn on the art of conversation. What he doesn’t count on is his unexpected attraction to this shy boxer, or his fear that if Finn gets his way, Justin might lose out on his best chance at love.
Add to Goodreads.
Purchase Link: Riptide Publishing
About the Ringside Romance Universe
Deep in the heart of Toronto lies Ringside Gym. Once a safe haven for troubled teens, Ringside has gone derelict, a forgotten memory of past days. Until a group of friends set out to do what they can to bring life back to the ring and create a new home for LGBT youths.
But when their lives threaten to pull down their dreams, each man must turn to others to help make it a reality. Winners take all—but there are no losers in love.
Check out Ringside Romance. http://www.riptidepublishing.com/titles/universe/ringside-romance
Author Bio
A romance novelist and short story writer, Christine has over thirty publications to her name. She loves to exercise and stops writing just long enough to keep her body in motion too. When she’s not pretending to be a ninja in her basement, she’s most likely spending time with her family and two dogs.
Author Links: Website * Blog * Facebook * Twitter * Tumblr * Pinterest * Goodreads
Giveaway
To celebrate the release of Losing It, one lucky winner will receive a $25 Riptide credit! Leave a comment with your contact info to enter the contest. Entries close at midnight, Eastern time, on February 24, 2018. Contest is NOT restricted to U.S. entries. Thanks for following the tour, and don’t forget to leave your contact info!
Thank you for the interesting post. I was a very shy person when I was younger, but having to face people on a daily basis has helped me to become my anxiety at having to deal with strangers…
Congrats on the release. It sounds really good
susanaperez7140(at)gmail(dot)com
Congrats on the release. Thanks for that informative post. I have always been extremely shy and do have some form of social anxiety. It’s nice to see that in a book.
iluvthebeach13(at)gmail(dot)com
This post got me more intrigued to read the book, being a socially awkward person myself. Thank you for the post, Christine and CONGRATS on your newest book release!
puspitorinid AT yahoo DOT com
Thank you for the post. I can relate to Finn. I’m socially inept and no matter how comfortable I try to be it still feels awkward.
humhumbum AT yahoo DOT com
Thanks for the helpful post. I have several family members who suffer from anxiety.
jlshannon74 at gmail.com
Congrats on the new release!
I appreciated the list of things that each of us can do to help.
toaastmasterkatherine at gmail dot com
Yeah, the going around in a circle thing always fills me with dread…
vitajex(at)aolD(ot)com
I mean: vitajex(at)Aol(Dot)com
Congrats on the book. The post was very interesting, thank you.
heath0043 at gmail dot com
Congrats on the new release! And thanks for the post, very interesting.
serena91291@gmail(dot)com
Congrats, Christine, and thanks for the post. What a nice finale to this series, where “the most unlikely of heroes can find his HEA.” I love the sound of that, as well as the premise of the whole series. – Purple Reader,
TheWrote [at] aol [dot] com
Oh, this sounds so good! Congratulations and much success.
taina1959 @ yahoo . com
Congratulations on your new release.
jean60212@gmail.com