Slow Dreaming - Anne Barwell

What genre do your currently write? And, is there a genre you'd like to write, but haven't tried yet?

I write M/M and dabble in a few subgenres: fantasy, science fiction, and historical. I'd like to try my hand at something contemporary, but I suspect if I did some kind of fantasy element would still sneak into it.

Many authors use a nom de plume, and they may use one opposite to their own sex. Do you think an author's sex or sexual orientation should dictate what genre they write?

I don't think it should dictate at all. Writers should be free to write whatever they choose in whatever genre they choose.  A person's sex or sexual orientation does not factor into how well they write in any genre – I've read both good and so not good stories by a variety of different authors.

Some authors have issues with character development, writer's block, plot summary etc. What is the biggest challenge you face when writing? How do you overcome the problem?

My biggest writing challenge is finding enough time to write all the stories I want to write. I can't write one-shots to save my life and every story tends to come with sequels or series. I work full time in the day job and also have other RL commitments so I have to be very organised and scheduled about my writing. I try not to think of the big picture ie how many stories I want to write! and try to focus on about a year's worth of writing at a time. Outlining helps – it exorcises it a bit or so I like to think. I enjoy my illusions.

What has been the single most successful marketing tool you've used to date?

Guest blogging and taking part in blog hops as they get my name out there to readers who otherwise wouldn't have heard of me.

What are you currently reading?

I usually have at least four titles on the go: a graphic novel to read during breaks at work, an audio book to listen to in the car, a hardcopy book and something lined up on my tablet.  I'm currently reading: Legion Lost (DC graphic novel), a Big Finish audio, Bernice Summerfield and the Criminal Code, Hounded by Kevin Hearne and Blue Notes by Shira Anthony.  My excuse for my reading habits is that I work in a library in the day job...

How do you measure success?

Having a good balance between the different parts of my life, working at something I enjoy, and being able to take the time out to enjoy the company of family and good friends.

Just for fun–

What is your favourite drink? Tea.  Not just black tea but herbal as well.

Are you a cat or dog person? Cat. I'm owned by two of them.

Love or lust? Love. I like the idea of romance and finding one's soul-mate.

If you could spend the day with any famous author, who would it be? And, why?

Madeline L'Engle. I love her books especially A Wrinkle in Time and the others in that series. I devoured everything I could find of hers while I was growing up and it saddens me that the local library no longer stocks many of them. A Wrinkle in Time sucked me in, not just with its plot but also its characters. I also loved the fact that she wrote more about Meg and Calvin as adults and about their children.

If you could indulge free of any consequences, what would be your ultimate sexual fantasy?

I'm going to let one of my characters field this one. *hands the keyboard over to Jason from Slow Dreaming.* I've always had this thing for restraints, handcuffs in particular. The thought of being tied up, unable to touch someone who is touching me and driving me crazy is really hot. Or tying Sean to the bedposts and listening to him while I do the same to him. Hmm, I really must show him that bed I saw, the one with the gaps in the solid wooden headboard...

Website Link:  http://annebarwell.wordpress.com/

Slow Dreaming

Blurb: 

As an agent for the Tempus Institute, Jason Adams’s task is to observe the past, not change it. But when he’s sent to 21st-century Wellington, New Zealand, during the last week of aspiring songwriter Sean Henderson’s life, Jason finds he can’t just watch from a distance. He and Sean quickly become friends and then lovers, and when the song that's haunted Jason for years connects them in a way he never anticipated, he'll risk changing history for the chance of sharing a future with Sean.

Excerpt:

One more screwup and he’d find himself stuck down in the stacks forever. Time travel was a risky business; the timelines were definitely not something to be interfered with just because someone was curious or got double-dog-dared.

In hindsight, admitting to tapping that guy on the shoulder because of a dare had not been one of his brightest moments. How was he supposed to know what would happen next?

Sure, he could have read the paperwork attached to the assignment, but he’d never been one for that. Nor had he felt the inclination before now.

But then there was something about this assignment that was different. As soon as he’d seen the photograph he knew he couldn’t turn it down.

Outside, the heavens opened, rain dancing on the roof as though in a mad tango with a full orchestra complete with timpani behind it. Water pelted against the window, people scurrying across the road seeking shelter. He loved this time and Wellington in particular. It was simpler, nature as it was meant to be before man had begun to control everything. He stood, drawn to the rain, intending to experience it up close, wondering if he dared stand outside, let the water just run over him and throw his hands open to the heavens, or whether it would draw too much attention to him.

A loud clatter interrupted him. Someone swore, papers flying in all directions, several heading toward the door as it opened again, bringing with it a sudden gust of wind. Without thinking, Jason bent to help pick them up, crawling under the table next to his and knocking his head against someone else’s in the process.

“Umph.” The voice was male, although not deep. Gray eyes, framed by glasses, met his.

Jason backed away quickly, letting go of the piece of paper he held. “I’m sorry,” he mumbled, ready to help his unfortunate victim to his feet.

“No problem.” The man retrieved the errant piece of paper. Jason got a glimpse of scribbled words, crossed out in places, circled in others. “There you are!” His companion turned, bending to pick up the last of the papers and giving Jason a view of a very nice firm behind at the same time.

He swallowed. This should never have happened. Two days in, and he’d done the very thing he was instructed not to do.

His assignment turned toward Jason and smiled, holding out his hand. “Thanks for your help.” His eyes crinkled at the corners before he indicated Jason’s now empty coffee cup. “Let me refill that. It’s the least I can do. I would have been screwed if I’d lost all my work. The name’s Sean, by the way. Sean Henderson.”

“Jason Adams.” Jason shook Sean’s hand. Hell, why not? He hadn’t initiated this, and it would look more obvious if he refused the offer. Anyway, it would be impossible to watch the guy if he left now, and saying no would be just plain rude.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/

Publisher Link:  http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com