What
genre do your currently write? And, is there a genre you'd like to write, but
haven't tried yet?
I currently write gay male romantic
fiction, and mostly the young-adult subgenre. I have tried my hand at other
genres, but this one is my favorite, by far.
I would like to try science fiction or
perhaps paranormal. I have recently written (with Nephylim as well) a book
involving the Fae. That is brand new to me; but I’m still writing the humans.
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 use a nom de plume, only because my birth
name is hideous. Orignally, S. L. was to hide that I was a girl, but now there
are so many; it makes no difference at all. As for sex or sexual orientation…
that makes no difference in the slightest. Authors are artists. If you have the
gift, no matter who you are, use it.
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?
The biggest issue I faced (especially when
co-writing) is going off on tangents and going wild with the story. Character
development is one of my strengths, as has often been mentioned by reviewers. Writer’s
block is something I’m dealing with currently; as my work and schooling are
taking most of that ‘energy’ away. I stopped writing altogether this past
November, due to stresses of a death in the family. I have since clawed my way
back and am almost in the saddle again. Right now I take it a day at a time,
sometimes a sentence at a time. Whatever I can manage.
What
has been the single most successful marketing tool you've used to date?
I’d say Facebook has been a wonderful help;
with the contacts, groups, etc. Second would by my blog and goodreads (tied).
What
are you currently reading?
Currently I am reading nothing (I know, I
bow my head in shame). Unless you count an e-text on macroeconomics as fun
reading. (it can be actually).
How
do you measure success?
If you’d had asked me that five years ago
I’d have said fame and gobs of money. But not anymore. Success for me is having
that relationship with the readers and being known as a good person, a good
storyteller, and someone that if they met in real life they’d love to introduce
me to their friends. Of course, book sales are important too and some
notoriety.
Just
for fun–
What
is your favourite drink? Coffee
Are
you a cat or dog person? Meow!
Love
or lust? Love, definitely.
If
you could spend the day with any famous author, who would it be? And, why?
I’ll say Nephylim, because she’s not only
my co-author, but she is a wonderful friend who picks me up and dusts me off,
and gets me going again. With our two imaginations; we’d never be bored.
If
you could indulge free of any consequences, what would be your ultimate sexual
fantasy?
I’m married, I’m not supposed to have
those. But seriously; maybe one or
two of my leading men bat for the other team and we have a wonderful time together
for a few days.
Website Link: www.rfppublishing.com
Upstaged: Opening Act
Blurb: Erik is lead singer with The Von, an
up and coming grunge band. He’s a big, brash American with the world at his
feet and is so far in the closet he’s in Narnia. Then along comes snarky Brit,
Asher and turns his world on its head. Well and truly upstaged, can Erik
overcome his fear and is Asher just too damaged to be saved?
Excerpt:
"Man, this fighting with you and Asher
has gotten too ridiculous." Billy’s tone was admonishing as they spoke in
the locker room after school. The interactions stood at the forefront of
Billy’s memory even three days after the fact. You just love to pick
fights, don't you, Nordgren? You've picked enough with me, especially after...
that night. That great night... and the nights after…til you stopped. He
sighed.
"Hey, he started it by kissing me in
the garage and calling us lame and me squeaky! Then doing what he did in class?
Ugh. Kid works my last damn nerve."
Billy groaned. "Then why are you and I
waiting for him? You going to jump him in here? Maybe lock him up in a locker
this time? Really? He slammed his locker door shut and narrowed his eyes at his
friend. “Get a grip, Erik. You're taking this stuff way too far and it’s
petty." He huffed. He was all for a good prank, but this was getting to be
a bit too much, even for him.
“I told you; this isn't over with him and
me. It's almost become a game. He got me again by tripping me in the cafeteria
today, remember? He gets me, I get him. What would I do without a punching bag
to play with?"
"I thought I was your punching
bag." Billy hoped Erik would pick up on his mumble, so he waited for a
second. He tried to capture a look from those gorgeous blue eyes. Any look
beyond just a glance was golden to him. He could still imagine being in those
strong arms and the kisses... The memories were less real and more like dreams with
every day that passed. Billy's feelings for Erik were still there, even though
they'd never made it official. They shared a few nights together, but it was
enough to make Billy pine for his friend. Billy's heart was left in limbo; it
still was to this day. It killed him to see Erik take notice of Asher,
when he tried everything he could think of to keep his friend's attention.
Billy had loved Erik since they were kids. Ever since that night when things
boiled over, he was left with regret that things between them didn’t last, like
a weekend love affair between strangers instead of a lifelong commitment
between partners. Of course, Erik knew none of this, so Billy settled for his
friendship.
"Dude...earth to Billy. William
Carp...are you there?" Erik snapped his fingers in front of his friend's
eyes.
He swatted the large hand away from his
face like he would an irritating fly. "Shit. Don't do that. I'm right
here. What?"
"You're off in space, man. What's
up?"
Billy scowled. "Nothing. Just... got a
lot on my mind."
Erik tossed his backpack onto his shoulder
and winced. Wrong shoulder to use. "Ow....shit! Shouldn't have done
that."
Billy jumped into action, pulled the pack
off and massaged the shoulder. "Are you all right? Let me do something,
wouldja? Anything. You won't let me touch you at all anymore." His
tone belied his true feelings, which happened a lot. He swallowed quietly and
tried not to let Erik see the hurt in his eyes.
The same hand he’d swatted away lightly
brushed his arm. It felt wonderful, even though it was just the slightest
gesture. "I do let you touch me, Billy," Erik said softly.
"What's wrong with you lately? Talk to me."
His mood was encouraged by the more
congenial tone and he looked up into Erik’s face again. "I... just wanted
to help you and be near you. Is that such a crime? You just want me to help to
plot your next revenge against Asher and I'm getting tired of it. It's only
been a few days, but this is stupid. We need to get back to writing songs
together and focusing on that."
Erik laughed. "Is that all that's
bugging you? Seriously?" He took Billy's chin into his hand and raised his
head. "Please don't lie to me."
Billy loved feeling the rough hand on his
face, even if it was just his chin. Any contact was worth it. "I...
just...." He couldn’t find the words, as his eyes scoured the room and he
scowled right away as he spotted Asher from over Erik's broad shoulder.
"He's here." Dammit all to hell. I can’t get five minutes alone
with him anymore?
Purchase Link:
Amazon:
Smashwords:
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Thanks for the awesome post, S.L.! All the best, hun! Blak Rayne
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