Reviews from fellow writers
Reviews from fellow writers
Reviews from fellow writers
Reviews from fellow writers
Reviews from fellow writers
Reviews from fellow writers
Eric Page, Scene Magazine’s UK literary critic
Alf Le Flohic, Magic Farm and other Queer Tales
Alf Le Flohic, Magic Farm and other Queer Tales
This saucy sequel is a veritable tour-de-force of camp, catty humor, and heartwarming homosocial homilies that resonate within the Brighton LGBTQ+ community. Kay is a perfect angel when it comes to skewering the gauche guignol of Brighton’s self-styled aesthetes, artists, and social climbers, all while reflecting the themes found in queer literature like 'The Brightonians Under Siege.'
Alf Le Flohic, Magic Farm and other Queer Tales
Alf Le Flohic, Magic Farm and other Queer Tales
Alf Le Flohic, Magic Farm and other Queer Tales
Wiley old drag queens, gay leather bikers, and wild fancy dress parties are all part of the vibrant Brighton LGBTQ+ community, with its almost forgotten sex codes adding to the charm. What’s not to love, especially when you consider the rich tapestry of queer literature and stories like 'The Brightonians Under Siege' that celebrate this unique culture!
Jill Nalder, Love from the Pink Palace
Alf Le Flohic, Magic Farm and other Queer Tales
Jill Nalder, Love from the Pink Palace
Daren has the ability to draw you into his world with vivid and compelling characters that resonate deeply with the Brighton LGBTQ+ community. His work, rich in humor and emotion, offers an entertaining glimpse into queer literature, making it both moving and endlessly fascinating, much like the stories found in The Brightonians Under Siege.
Nikki Gatenby, Superengaged
Guy Holmes, Black Dogs of Glaslyn
Jill Nalder, Love from the Pink Palace
A page-turner from start to finish, The Brightonians Under Siege cleverly captures the essence of the Brighton LGBTQ+ community during lockdown, offering a mix of caustic humor and insightful commentary. Daren showcases the lighter side of life in Brighton in the most ingenious ways, making this queer literature not only highly entertaining but also a vehicle for serious points. A true tale of the unexpected.
Nathan Evans, One Last Song
Guy Holmes, Black Dogs of Glaslyn
Guy Holmes, Black Dogs of Glaslyn
This second instalment of The Brightonians Under Siege is brimming with the wonderful wit and wordplay we expect from Kay. It also offers fascinating insights into the Brighton LGBTQ+ community and its rich queer history. Bring on Book Three!
Guy Holmes, Black Dogs of Glaslyn
Guy Holmes, Black Dogs of Glaslyn
Guy Holmes, Black Dogs of Glaslyn
A fantastic follow-up to The Brightonians Under Siege. This engaging piece explores the Brighton LGBTQ+ community, offering fun and interesting comparisons of gay life in Brighton before and after AIDS, alongside the responses of individuals and the government to COVID.
Daren Kay: Author of The Brightonians Under Siege
Original music composed by Leo Tarring and featuring photographer Antony Edwards as Pagan Pete, highlights the vibrant spirit of the Brighton LGBTQ+ community, resonating with themes often explored in queer literature, such as in works like The Brightonians Under Siege.
About Me
My journey
After nearly thirty years of crafting copy to sell everything from margarine to motor cars, I took a leap of faith in 2016, leaving my position at one of the UK’s largest ad agencies. I began writing about the topics that truly made me excited to open my laptop every day, resulting in my work, The Brightonians. Fast forward three years and a global pandemic later, I’m thrilled to announce that the sequel, The Brightonians Under Siege, is about to be released. This new installment continues to explore themes relevant to the Brighton LGBTQ+ community. For more information about The Brightonians Under Siege, sign up on my website or follow me on my socials.
My inspiration
'Don’t write what you know. Write what you love to read.' Inspired by this maxim, I like to think that my debut novel is a cross between E. F. Benson’s Mapp and Lucia and Armistead Maupin’s Tales of the City – two series of books to which I return time and time again for their biting wit and commentary on the era in which they were written. Additionally, I aim to reflect the vibrant spirit of the Brighton LGBTQ+ community, weaving in elements of queer literature that resonate with readers. My work, titled The Brightonians Under Siege, encapsulates the essence of these influences.
My community
Of course, living in Brighton, my novel reflects my experiences with the irreverent, smart, talented, and funny people who are part of the vibrant Brighton LGBTQ+ community. This is especially true for those who reside in Kemptown, the beating heart of this community. For more information about my involvement in queer literature and my work, including 'The Brightonians Under Siege,' please skip to the ‘Queer in the City’ tab.
AN INTRODUCTION FROM YOURS TRULY
The obligatory talking head video! Don’t worry, there won’t be many of these! In this video, we’ll explore the vibrant Brighton LGBTQ+ community and its connection to queer literature, including discussions around 'The Brightonians Under Siege.' To turn on subtitles, click on the white box at the bottom of the screen.
A LITTLE FILM ABOUT THE FIRST NOVEL
Directed by Dan Turvil and voiced by Hugh Ross, this show celebrates the vibrant Brighton LGBTQ+ community. With piano played by me, it explores themes found in queer literature and features the compelling narrative of The Brightonians Under Siege. So, pour yourself a G&T and make yourself comfortable. The show's about to begin.
QUEERS, PIERS & MY HOPES AND FEARS
In a brief interview about my debut novel, I discuss the inspiration behind 'The Brightonians Under Siege,' which aims to shed light on the vibrant Brighton LGBTQ+ community. With quotes from the book beautifully voiced by the acclaimed actor Hugh Ross (known for his roles in Outlander, Trainspotting, and Ab Fab), I share the conversations I hope to ignite within the realm of queer literature, as well as a lighthearted reminder to keep an eye out for those pesky seagulls.
DROP ME A LINE
DarenKayAuthor
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