Jim's Writing

Federal Highway has seen its share of skin.

The Fort Lauderdale strip at night used to be known as a hotbed of prostitution, both male and female, but has been under redevelipment and has a different reputation these days.

One of the businesses bringing a new look and attitude to this main thoroughfare at night is the Pride Factory and Café, one of Fort Lauderdale's best-known stores that caters to the gay and lesbian community.

A recent renewal of the longstanding store--with an expanded selection of gay literature, videos, DVDs and clothing; a "New Orleans-style coffeehouse"; and the addition of a stage--gives the community a viable (and busy) alternative to the bar scene.

Palm Beach county resident Jim McDonough, a contributor to the brand new anthology Saints and Sinners, will bring a little vice (of the mind, anyway) back to the area with a reading of some of his work at the Pride Factory on May 17 at 5 p.m.

McDonough, who appeared at Gennifer Flowers' Keltso Club in New Orleans for a gay writers conference over the Mother's Day weekend, wrote his contribution "Act of Contrition," seven or eight years ago and submitted it to various print outlets. Several times, he said, the story was accepted only to be turned away ultimately because of its controversial subject matter.

"This is the first time it has actually gotten into print," said McDonough. "It's been accepted before, but always turned down by the publisher."

McDonough is best know for his erotic fiction for gay men, with more than 60 short stories published to date.

"I've been published in the U.S., Canada and the Netherlands," said McDonough. "Most of my stuff has been erotic fiction."

Saints and Sinners, published by Starbook Press, has been released at a prime time to reap attention because of controversies surrounding the Roman Catholic Church and its priests in recent years.

Proving lavender is no longer just a color; Lavender Writes, a relatively new group that promotes local gay and lesbian authors, has embraced this new book by sponsoring McDonough's Pride Factory appearance.

Editor Michael Huxley gathered the cross section of stories for the anthology, and the works are sure to raise some eyebrows while riveting listeners to their seats. Likely arousing in more ways than one, the selections are definitely intended for matures (and not squeamish) audiences.

And although Billy Joel's prefers the sinners to the saints (at least that's what his song says), this anthology shows it takes both to tango.

If you don't make McDonough's reading (or even if you can), Pride Factory's "Listen Up" series will present San Francisco author and publisher Bill Brent on May 16 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Brent will discuss and sign copies of The Black Book, his groundbreaking resource about gay male sexuality.

Reach the Pride Factory, 845 N. Federal Highway at (954) 463-6600 or www.PrideFactory.com.


Eastsider: Fort Laudedale's Coastal Arts and Entertainment Weekly • May 15, 2003 Sin of the Times by Timothy Todd Moore Federal Highway has seen its share of skin. The Fort Lauderdale strip at night used to be known as a hotbed of prostitution, both male and female, but has been under redevelipment and has a different reputation these days. One of the businesses bringing a new look and attitude to this main thoroughfare at night is the Pride Factory and Café, one of Fort Lauderdale's best-known stores that caters to the gay and lesbian community. A recent renewal of the longstanding store--with an expanded selection of gay literature, videos, DVDs and clothing; a "New Orleans-style coffeehouse"; and the addition of a stage--gives the community a viable (and busy) alternative to the bar scene. Palm Beach county resident Jim McDonough, a contributor to the brand new anthology Saints and Sinners, will bring a little vice (of the mind, anyway) back to the area with a reading of some of his work at the Pride Factory on May 17 at 5 p.m. McDonough, who appeared at Gennifer Flowers' Keltso Club in New Orleans for a gay writers conference over the Mother's Day weekend, wrote his contribution "Act of Contrition," seven or eight years ago and submitted it to various print outlets. Several times, he said, the story was accepted only to be turned away ultimately because of its controversial subject matter. "This is the first time it has actually gotten into print," said McDonough. "It's been accepted before, but always turned down by the publisher." McDonough is best know for his erotic fiction for gay men, with more than 60 short stories published to date. "I've been published in the U.S., Canada and the Netherlands," said McDonough. "Most of my stuff has been erotic fiction." Saints and Sinners, published by Starbook Press, has been released at a prime time to reap attention because of controversies surrounding the Roman Catholic Church and its priests in recent years. Proving lavender is no longer just a color; Lavender Writes, a relatively new group that promotes local gay and lesbian authors, has embraced this new book by sponsoring McDonough's Pride Factory appearance. Editor Michael Huxley gathered the cross section of stories for the anthology, and the works are sure to raise some eyebrows while riveting listeners to their seats. Likely arousing in more ways than one, the selections are definitely intended for matures (and not squeamish) audiences. And although Billy Joel's prefers the sinners to the saints (at least that's what his song says), this anthology shows it takes both to tango. If you don't make McDonough's reading (or even if you can), Pride Factory's "Listen Up" series will present San Francisco author and publisher Bill Brent on May 16 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Brent will discuss and sign copies of The Black Book, his groundbreaking resource about gay male sexuality. Reach the Pride Factory, 845 N. Federal Highway at (954) 463-6600 or www.PrideFactory.com.