The Hot Men of Medium
Who’s your favorite sizzler?
Oh…I’m going to take heat for this one.
For several minutes, I pondered whether or not I should write this story. Naturally, I was concerned that readers will get the wrong idea. And that I’d get zero claps and even less engagement, even though, from what I’ve seen of other stories on this platform, you guys love to read about anything having to do with sex and sexuality.
As I pondered it occurred to me that, geez, maybe I’d be accused of being sexist, or a slut looking for a date or just nuts. You know. Like that.
I’m not thinking anything untoward, for God’s sake. You know me better than that, right?
Yep. I ruminated for several minutes. And then I thought, “Screw it. Let’s get down.”
Before I put my head on the chopping block, I’d like to add this disclaimer. I’m happily married. For a long time, and I’m not intending to make any changes. Enough said about that.
There’s a reason I started thinking about this particular topic: A story that I wrote a while back, that, thanks to the magic of Medium, you can read right now:
There is indeed a “sexy side of Medium” as there’s something very seductive about engaging with people, that you’ve never actually met, on a creative level. Especially if said people have brains. And, there is a shit-ton of brainy individuals on this site. Writers who are not only smart but funny as well. I’ve always found those two qualities to be irresistible.
And then there are the nimrods. Somehow, they always squeak their way in. But that’s another story.
Plus, it occurred to me that we’re all up in each other’s faces for several hours every day. On Medium. In the Facebook groups. How can you not be titillated?
We may have partners, but we’re not dead!
You might be thinking: “Well, what about the hot women on Medium? Shouldn’t they get their due?”
Hell, yes! But, one story at a time, folks. There are way too many smart, funny and incredibly sexy writers on Medium to squeeze into one story. And I plan to write it, but first things first. Here’s a hint, though: Helen Cassidy Page will be at the top of that particular list.
“Sexual attraction.” Who really knows what that is? When one person’s “OMG!” is another’s “Oh, hell no!” It’s very personal and that’s what makes it so hot. The absolute mystery of it. It’s often hard to pinpoint exactly why we’re drawn to someone.
When I met the man who was to become my husband, he tended bar in a popular neighborhood joint in Chicago. I was there like every night. Every. Night.
The bar was a place where women could go on their own and feel safe because everyone knew everyone else and we were looked out for.
I had lots of “boyfriends.” But, I was inevitably drawn to the bartender because he was funny and smart as hell. And he had great forearms. When he wiped down the bar, I was mesmerized.
Now, I haven’t gotten a look at anyone’s forearms on Medium, but I have gotten a taste of the way they think. Who they are as people. How they deal with the stressors inherent in our crazy lives and how they interact with their partners. What they like to watch, or read, or even, eat. Every day here brings with it a new revelation.
“Intelligence.” Yes, that is sexy. In fact, according to Psychology Today, there’s even a name for those of us who think smart people are hot: We’re sapiosexual.
Apparently, sapiosexuals do not value intelligence because of the benefits that may arise from partnering with a relatively intelligent person (e.g., a better career or income prospects). Instead, intelligence is a pure “turn-on.”
Psychology Today will get no argument from me on that point.
My year on Medium has also cemented the notion that we’re all scarred in some way. And there’s no hiding from one another. At least, not here. We spill our guts on a regular basis. Because that’s what true writers do. And that’s damned hot to me.
Okay. Enough bullshit. On to the dudes. On to the Hot Men of Medium. This list is not inclusive by any means, but you gotta start somewhere.
Please note: I am not a shallow individual so my criteria are not based on the external — but it doesn’t hurt when a guy is fine. It surely doesn’t.
I’m basing my choices on the men who I’ve read and enjoyed and in some instances, on who I’ve engaged with on a fairly regular basis. Also, this roster is in no particular order:
P.G. Barnett (That freakin’ hat!!!), Stephen Sovie, Greg Prince, Estacious(Charles White), Keith R. Higgons, Don Feazelle, Mark Scofield, Randy Shingler, James Garside, Adam, Diabetic Cyborg, Mark A. Schrader, James Finn (even though he doesn’t like me and will probably shit all over this story if he even sees it), Jason Weiland, Bill DuBay Jr., Zach J. Payne, Ashwini Dodani, Hawkeye Pete Egan B., James Knight, Lincoln W Daniel, Lon Shapiro, Alan Asnen, Sunny Creates, J. Brandon Lowry, Heath ዟ, Stephen M. Tomic, Kevin Buddaeus, Joe Duncan, Hank Eng, (the dude loves cats, what can I say?)
Okay. That’s it for now. I’m probably leaving a few guys out, but that’s easily rectified. Meanwhile, I’d love to hear your thoughts. What do you think? Got your own picks? Chime in! We’re all friends here, after all!
Addendum: Asked and answered. Suzanne V. Tanner kindly threw her hat in the ring and shared the names of the guys who she thinks should be on the Hot Men of Medium list, so here goes:
Scott Gese, Mike Treanor, Guérin Asante, David Caracciolo, Jack Herlocker, Austin Briggman, Matthew Donnellon, Tom Blake.
Excellent choices, Suzanne. Thank you!
Next up: I’m thinkin’ calendar…
Sherry McGuinn is a longtime Chicago-area writer and award-winning screenwriter. Her work has appeared in The Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times and numerous other publications. Sherry’s manager is currently pitching her newest screenplay, a drama with dark, comedic overtones and inspired by a true story.
Thanks for reading. If you’re up for more:
