Welcome to BRB, sweeties. Normally interviews are Wednesdays, but today's guest is special. Please welcome M/M author Carolyn Topol! Love your book covers, Carolyn. And thank you for stopping by today. Tell us about yourself.
My name is Carolyn LeVine Topol
and it’s a pleasure to get the opportunity for this interview. I am a huge reading, writing, and
theater enthusiast and have always been in love with the written word. I’ve always wanted to write and have
written on the non-paid level for many years. My family completely respects and supports my writing and
know to leave me alone when I’m writing in “the zone”.
When did you know you wanted to
become a writer?
I knew I wanted to be a writer
of some sort from my high school days.
Where and/or how do you find the
greatest inspiration?
I get inspired by those I spot
in my day to day life and will suddenly let my I imagination take these people
into new worlds of drama and romance.
Frequently, I find the characters, and their journeys, find their way
into my thoughts when I fall off to sleep at night.
What made you chose to write
erotic literature in particular? And is there any other genre you’d like to
write? And if so, why?
I enjoy imagining the intense
romance and passion that leaps from the pages of erotic literature. I believe passion is a significant part
of love. I’ve also toyed with writing
mystery and crime drama as those are some of my favorite genres to read, in
addition to erotic literature.
Which appears first when
contemplating a new project: A character, the plot and/or the title?
For me, it’s all about the
character. The character is
developed first, and he or she drives the plot. I believe this works much more smoothly.
What’s the hardest part of a
novel for you to write: Beginning, middle and/or end? Why?
I find writing the middle
chapters to be the most difficult as by this time I already am completely aware
of the characters’ journey to come and am anxious to bring them to their happy
ending.
Has your own life influenced your
novels? And if so, how?
I tend to be very passionate and
have a bit of a dramatic and enthusiastic nature. I also have lots of energy. I’m drawn to developing protagonists who have some of these
qualities.

When I’m writing a sexually
explicit scene, it is because it works seamlessly into the story, and helps to
drive the story forward. I don’t
write any sex scene that doesn’t have a purpose in moving the characters’
journey and the plot forward.
Do you have a method you use to
write the sensual parts? Do you prefer the sex to be open and bold? Or left to
the imagination?
I’ve written both. When the characters involved have been
growing in their relationship, I believe it’s important to demonstrate how
their physical connection has grown as well. When the actions themselves are inconsequential then I don’t
worry about illustrated a detailed erotic scene.
Are your characters based on
people you know? Or are they completely fictitious?
The characters I write are
mostly based on my imagination, however I’m always drawing on the qualities of
people I’ve met, read about, or admired – usually from a distance.
Who is your favourite character,
which you’ve created? And why?
I usually fall in love with my
most recent protagonist. It’s one
way to further the writing and “live in their head” as I’m creating a new
work. I must admit that I do have
a bit of an affection for the main characters in Seasons of Change as that was
a book that became an emotional journey for me, along with the characters Andy
& Jake.
Tell us about your newest
release.
Although I do have another book
coming out in January, with Silver Publishing, my most recent release(s) were
this past summer. I wrote a series
of three long novellas, THE MALE ROOM trilogy, including THE MALE ROOM, THE
ATTORNEY, and THE PLAYWRIGHT. The
trilogy was released by Dreamspinner Press. Here is the link to the specific page for the first book in
the series, THE MALE ROOM:
Just for fun–What is your
favourite colour(s)?
I’m crazy for anything in the
purple family, with a close runner-up of red.
Which do you prefer a great hero
or a great villain?
I’m a sucker for a great hero,
especially if he or she is a romantic, sexy hero.
What is your favourite movie?
And why?
I adore “Murder on the Orient
Express” and “Casablanca”. I’m an
Agatha Christie admirer and I thought Sidney Lumet’s interpretation of the Christie
book was brilliant, as was the cast selection. I find the story, combined with
acting of Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman completely irresistible. For the period that Casablanca was
produced, it was daring, bold, and still continues to hold its ground as one of
the best films ever produced. In
addition, Humphrey and Bergman heat up the screen with their intense chemistry.
If you could be anyone in the
world who would it be? And why?
This is particularly hard for
me. I do love my life and family,
but I admire the qualities of Eleanor Roosevelt, Amelia Earhart, Hilary
Clinton, and Ellen DeGeneres.
How’s that for an eclectic combination?
Where do you see your writing
career in the next five to ten years?
I would love to have at least
2-3 more full-length novels published in print and e-book format and possibly
cross genres.
Thank you so much for doing this interview, Carolyn. You're a wonderful lady and I must admit, I'm quite taken with your books! All the best for the future.
Blak Rayne
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