Welcome to my world
Doing relatively sane and responsible things during the day, I'm always looking forward to coming home to see what my characters have been up to. It’s only very rarely what I want them to do, but there you go. I have no problems whatsoever reading both Flaubert and smut (although not at the same time), and the only thing I like more than chocolate is a good comfort read.
To me, the best thing about writing is the rush; it’s almost a physical high when you’re writing and it’s going well. As for the worst part: Nobody ever told me that fictional characters do exactly as they please! All that talk about ‘the author’s intention’? This author is running around, desperately trying to figure out what my heroes want to do and then coaxing everybody into something vaguely resembling a consistent plot. Sigh.
To me, the best thing about writing is the rush; it’s almost a physical high when you’re writing and it’s going well. As for the worst part: Nobody ever told me that fictional characters do exactly as they please! All that talk about ‘the author’s intention’? This author is running around, desperately trying to figure out what my heroes want to do and then coaxing everybody into something vaguely resembling a consistent plot. Sigh.
I was featured author at Torquere Press when Alphabet Soup was published - read the portrait here:
Tell us about Alphabet Soup. What inspired you to write it? How long did it take?
When I write, I often explore everything in the scenes I write – not just what you see in the finished novel. In A Russian Bear, one of the minor characters is a carpenter, Andy. I'd written a scene where he seems to be a little insecure and a lot interested in what Tom and Mischa have. I started thinking about why he acted the way he did, and the answers turned out to be more interesting than I thought. Then CK came into the picture; after that, there was no way back. I just can't resist hot, caring men.
You write in short and long lengths. What differences are there to the process between the two?
It's a lot harder to write short stories! You have to be far better at depicting a character; you only get one chance. The plot has to be a lot tighter, as well. It's a really good exercise for me, but I have a lot to learn.
Tell us one thing about yourself that your readers would be surprised to know.
I talk to myself all the time. Wait, that's probably not a surprise.
What’s the best thing about writing? How about the worst thing?
The best thing is that you get completely absorbed in another world when you write; it's an almost physical rush. The worst part is that I'm too busy to do it all the time.
Character or plot, which comes first?
Neither – situations come first. To me, writing is like walking into a still image and making it come alive.
What is your favorite way to spend a rainy day?
Reading or writing. As a matter of fact, rain is a perfect excuse for cuddling up inside. Sunshine makes me feel like I ought to do something outdoorsy. Yikes.
What’s the best writing advice you ever received/found?
I haven't had any big light bulb moments; writing is a very practical thing to me. I'm a firm believer in learning by doing (which is surprising, because in every other aspect of life, I'm such a brain person). Well, make that learning by doing and getting your text edited by someone who can't read your mind. It's astounding how much you take for granted. And how many semicolons you use.
What are you working on now?
The Novel Formerly Known As Last Part Of Himiko. In other words: I'm this close to finishing Himiko: Warrior. After that, I have at least three different stories competing for my attention. Slave boys seems to be a common theme…
Tell us about Alphabet Soup. What inspired you to write it? How long did it take?
When I write, I often explore everything in the scenes I write – not just what you see in the finished novel. In A Russian Bear, one of the minor characters is a carpenter, Andy. I'd written a scene where he seems to be a little insecure and a lot interested in what Tom and Mischa have. I started thinking about why he acted the way he did, and the answers turned out to be more interesting than I thought. Then CK came into the picture; after that, there was no way back. I just can't resist hot, caring men.
You write in short and long lengths. What differences are there to the process between the two?
It's a lot harder to write short stories! You have to be far better at depicting a character; you only get one chance. The plot has to be a lot tighter, as well. It's a really good exercise for me, but I have a lot to learn.
Tell us one thing about yourself that your readers would be surprised to know.
I talk to myself all the time. Wait, that's probably not a surprise.
What’s the best thing about writing? How about the worst thing?
The best thing is that you get completely absorbed in another world when you write; it's an almost physical rush. The worst part is that I'm too busy to do it all the time.
Character or plot, which comes first?
Neither – situations come first. To me, writing is like walking into a still image and making it come alive.
What is your favorite way to spend a rainy day?
Reading or writing. As a matter of fact, rain is a perfect excuse for cuddling up inside. Sunshine makes me feel like I ought to do something outdoorsy. Yikes.
What’s the best writing advice you ever received/found?
I haven't had any big light bulb moments; writing is a very practical thing to me. I'm a firm believer in learning by doing (which is surprising, because in every other aspect of life, I'm such a brain person). Well, make that learning by doing and getting your text edited by someone who can't read your mind. It's astounding how much you take for granted. And how many semicolons you use.
What are you working on now?
The Novel Formerly Known As Last Part Of Himiko. In other words: I'm this close to finishing Himiko: Warrior. After that, I have at least three different stories competing for my attention. Slave boys seems to be a common theme…