Happy Monday!

Wow, I've really been neglecting my blog lately?

With Regret is now finished! Catch it here: http://storywithregret.blogspot.co.uk/

Forbidden Crush is also finished! Catch that here: http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.co.uk/

I still want to go over them and do an edit, before publishing them into free e-books.

Hope everyone is doing well! I'm doing pretty awesome right now. I promise I'll come back to my blog soon and do something more productive with it....

Forbidden Crush.....

Ok, Forbidden Crush Part 8 is here...

             ...this chapter has quite a cheeky ending...but I promise part 9 will be alot hotter... ;)

http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.co.uk/?zx=44c7cbbf636c4586

Well, STILL not the Finale...Yey!

But, things are now SERIOUSLY heating up between Jamie & Darren...

Check out Forbidden Crush, Part 7

http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.co.uk/

~ Our Final Valentines Guest Blogger ~

Well, it is our final Guest Blogger Thursday! I hope you’ve all had fun :-)

So for our last Guest Blog, please welcome David Arney!

Here we go!
Tell us a bit about yourself –what genre you write and any work you currently have published?

I usually go by Dave to people that know me, but I use D. M. Arney Books for my little publishing endeavor. I write under three names, D. M. Arney for my Xanatos series which is SciFi/Fantasy for the New Adult reading group. I have a Queer Fiction imprint under the name Michael Moye where I plan to publish my own work as well as new and interesting voices with something unique to share. And I just launched my erotica imprint Dean Sage recently, where I'll focus mainly on modern erotic romance, but I also plan on doing some steamy cross overs from my Xanatos series, sort of like shipping my own characters I guess.

What inspired you to start writing?

I'm dyslexic, so language and words were a mystery to me, something that was troubling and inspiring. Writing became a way to master my fear, to control what I felt was uncontrollable. Because language was and is difficult, it feels like there's all these things trapped in my head. Writing is a way to excise them. To take the lives and worlds that tilt and twirl through me and let them out relieves the pressure just enough to keep me mostly sane.

Sounds great David, how did you come up with the title of your first book?

I wanted to write a better Darth Vader, but it was the height of Harry Potter glitter in the US, so I started with the title “Xanatos and the Forgotten Children.” Luckily, as I actually wrote the story and realized I was breaking out of Young Adult and into what would eventually come to be known as New Adult, the title went through various changes until it became simply “Forgotten.” “Xanatos and the Spear of Destiny” become “Destiny,” and book three, “Xanatos and the Aeternal Flame” became just “Aeternal.”
I've pulled these three out print recently though, as I'm relaunching my Xanatos character in a serial format, the way I had first intended when it was supposed to be a sort of Graphic Novel, novel. The first series is going to be called Hunted. I'm sticking with the one word titles, it's kind of the Xanatos thing now.

Is there a message in your first book that you want readers to grasp?

I'm going to talk about my first Dean Sage title, Dripping Wet. At it's core, it's a story of possibility, of accepting yourself. I tend to put a lot of ambiguity regarding sexual orientation in my work. It's how I experience the world, so I don't like hard lines and definitions. I suppose the message would be that love is something that mingles with sex and lust, but isn't born out of it. Enzo's journey through both lust and love, and his eventual ability to find it in an unexpected place is sort of how I view my own romantic history. I started with assumptions and slowly learned to let them go, until one day, I turned around and there was someone who totally changed my life.

How much of this book is realistic?

I like slightly playful stories. Almost like magical sexual realism. So in Dripping Wet the university requires male athletes to swim nude. To a US reader, that's pretty un-realistic, but nude male swimming is actually a very old tradition, and something that continued into the 20th century, even in organized settings. And after seeing the coverage of divers from this last Olympics, I have to wonder why we even bother with speedos to begin with.
As for the characters, I feel that all my character are real because I use “The Method” to create them. They're alive in my head, and though they are acting out a story, they are helping to share it as well. I suppose that means that a lot of me is in everything that I write as well. So I hope that my readers see the depth of emotions as real in what I write.
It's romance, so there's a happy ending, which unfortunately, isn't exactly realistic, but we don't read stories to see a reflection of our life. We read stories to get an enjoyable experience that stops with at least some sort of conclusion, hopefully one that at least leaves us satisfied.

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

As I said above, I use “The Method” when I'm writing my characters. They are alive in my head, they live and act and try things out. I suppose they are fractured senses of me. In my Queer Fiction novel Cry, Baby I took that to the extreme, taking an emotionally charged year of my life and fictionalizing the different facets of my experience into a cast of characters.
While I may take bits and pieces of people I have known, what eventually becomes a character is wholly contained within itself. Nick goes commando all the time in Dripping Wet and I knew a guy at work who was the same. We even talked about it at length one break. But Nick isn't him, I just liked what that little quirk said about the guy I knew and found it useful in building Nick's character in Dripping Wet.
That's true of most of my characters. I find the small things that set them apart and build from there. People are mostly the same in most situations, so you'll waste your time trying to build a character who resembles no one you know. Instead I find the quirks that stand out, and work forward and backward from there. I find that I know the emotional depths of the characters but sometimes they surprise me with the details of where those came from.

What are your current projects?

I'm relaunching my Xanatos series. I'm trying to write at least one or two Dean Sage titles a month, and am planning an erotic serial based on a character from the Xanatos universe as a sort of cross over between my imprints. And I'm working on a few different ideas for the Michael Moye imprint. My most recent idea involves a Femboy, a subject I find alluring and fascinating, but something I don't feel that I totally understand either.
I'm trying to work out the balance between the three things, but I'm AD/HD so it's sort of essential that I have a few things going at once.

Do you have a specific writing style?

I've fallen in love with first person, present tense, event though I started with the grand third person way back when. I'm also working out a minimalist style where I rarely give details about appearance or setting beyond the minor differences. I have the strong opinion that readers imagination is more powerful than my ability to describe things in words. So I've slowly been developing a way to share what I feel in strong metaphors and allow the reader to construct the world as they see it.
I'm even trying out short pieces with no gender descriptions as well. Sort of the ultimate projection test. I'm not sure I'll be able to publish something of any length like that, but it would be amazing to get it just right so that the character was whatever gender you imagined.
It may fail completely, but I'm enjoying the pursuit of the ultimate minimalist novel.

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

Mr. Montes, my Freshman English teacher ignored my spelling and grammar and for the first time told me I had something unique to say. He didn't turn back my papers with thousand of red marks, he just engaged me in conversation when he couldn't engage my writing. Then he slowly helped me to say what I was trying to say on paper. I wouldn't be alive, let alone an author, if he hadn't stopped the madness and let me see there is more to writing than spelling things correctly and putting commas in the right places.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Description of settings always drives me nuts when I read. I want to hurt Dickinson for hours wasted on insignificant details in English class. So I find that sometimes I give too little accounting of place. Finding the right balance makes my head hurt some days.

Who designed the covers?

I do. I've loved design and fonts since I can remember. It's as close to fine art as I can get. You don't get to do much layout inside the book, but the cover still takes a good eye and a fine hand.

What was the hardest part of writing your first book?

Finding my voice instead of imitating others. I had the help of a very good friend to do that. She helped me find my way through the story until it emerged. Lots and lots of rewriting. I have five handwritten versions of that first book, and now, six years later, I'm rewriting it again. But that's how it works. You have to keep working on it to get it right.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Learn the rules and then ignore them while you find your voice. Don't let the advice of other cloud who you are. Every famous author does something “wrong” and a lot of boring and mediocre authors do everything “right.” So you should know when you break rules why you're doing it, but don't worry about it. I use adverbs. I don't believe they are evil, I think they're just the drink of the moment. Mark Twain railed against adjectives.
You need to find your voice, your approach to story. Second guess what you've written after you've written it, not before. Editing will improve good work, it can't make bad work anything but bad work with good grammar and spelling.

Wonderful advice David!
 Now for those questions about romance!

How do you usually spend Valentine’s Day?

Writing. Things are always better in my imagination. And it's hard to love me, apparently. But that's fine. Apparently that's a sign that I'm a great author. ;)

Hahaa, aw! What would be your ideal date? (What would you do? Where would you go?)

I've had a few ideal dates. My first was the walk home from Disneyland to our hotel. Ice Cream melting, just me and someone I was crazy about. It was the first time I'd gotten an honest moment. I think that's what I want, just an honest moment. Doesn't matter where or when.

Have you ever been on a date like that?

A few times.

Ever had a terrible first date? If so, how? 

Met someone online, great talk, invited her out to a concert. She looked, and I have the evidence of my best friend to back me up, just like my mom. I couldn't do it, but I couldn't be rude. Needless to say, she didn't call me after.

Oh my! Do you believe in love at first site?

I believe in the first sight of love. I've had it. They open the car door, and your eyes meet and you just know, this is what love is. I guess it could be the first time your eyes meet, but I'm complicated so I doubt it.

Who was your first celebrity crush?

I was trying to figure this out the other day. I know that Wesley Crusher on Star Trek was there for a time. But I was more jealous than attracted. It might have been Barret Oliver from Never Ending Story or D.A.R.Y.L. I remember the entire cast of the New Mickey Mouse club was pretty much nice to look at, and most of them still are.

What do you think is the most important value in a relationship?

Reciprocation. I've had too many lopsided loves. It doesn't have to be completely even, but if one person isn't willing to give back, to engage back, it's hard to have a real relationship. Of course honesty about what you feel or don't feel is tantamount to that.

Thank you that David, it's been wonderful having you here today!
Where can we find out more about you and your books and how may readers contact you?

http://www.dmarney.com
There's a contact form on my website. I'm on Twitter (@dmarneywrites), which is probably the best way to chat quickly about anything. Dean Sage has a newsletter you can sign up for to get some free flash fiction and sneak peeks at upcoming releases.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

I write because I feel like I can entertain as well as get people to think from time to time. But I love feedback. I don't think I'm amazing, and I want to get better. Nothing would make me happier than getting a sexy or awesome idea from a reader and writing a story dedicated to them. Please let me know what I can do to give you a better story.

Brilliant David, and thanks again for being here today!

Forbidden Crush

Part 6 is now up :-)

Yet again it was supposed to be the finale, but I think this story has quite a few chapters to go yet... haha

http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/forbidden-crush-part-6.html

Happy Reading!

x

Shane Koyczan

Thought I'd share this video, truly amazing stuff.

Ever been bullied, or felt depressed? Lonely? I think we all have at some point. Watch this, Brave man Shane's words are so inspiring.

For our 3rd Thursday of Guest Blogging, I’d like to welcome LGBT Writer Tammie Welch!

Here we go!

Tell us abit about yourself –what genre you write and any work you currently have published?
I am a former teacher and I now work in the retail industry. I write in my spare time, but hope to be able to write full time one day very soon. I typically write Lesbian fiction, although I do occasionally dabble in poetry. I have also done some freelance work on several erotica projects, including lesbian, gay, and straight topics. I have one published novel in the Lesbian Fiction/Romance genre. It is titled Difficult Lessons.

Sounds fab Tammie, what inspired you to start writing?

I actually started writing rather late in life. I was thrown into a classroom teaching Language Arts, including Creative Writing, which was out of my comfort zone. I was a math and history teacher. While I was researching for ideas to help me in the classroom, I thought I might try some of the things out that I was discovering. I had this idea in the back of my head for a novel, but never was really sure how to get it from inside my head to the page. The inspiration for the novel itself came from watching some of my LGBT friends suffering from homophobia and discrimination, both in and out of the workplace.

How did you come up with the title of your first book?

The title, Difficult Lessons, came from the main character learning that true friends and family will love and support you for who you are on the inside, not what you are on the outside. The only way to truly be happy is to be yourself.

Is there a message in Difficult Lessons that you want readers to grasp?

As long as we continue to strive to be the best that we can be and surround ourselves with supportive people, there is nothing that we cannot accomplish.

How much of this book is realistic?

There are no specific things in the book that have actually happened to anyone that I know, but they are real possibilities for all of us in the LGBT community.

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

I have to admit that there is one character in the book that is based on an actual person. An administrator in one of the schools in which I taught was a very arrogant and homophobic person. I did base one of my antagonists on him, not only his disposition, but a good bit of his physical appearance also.

What are your current projects?

I have two projects that are in the beginning stages. One is a Young Adult novel. Its tentative title is The Strength of Faith. Faith is a young lesbian who has left home because her parents have discovered her sexuality and are unsupportive, to say the least. She has taken off to be with her girlfriend who has moved to another state. I don’t want to give away too many details, but let’s just say that she has several trials throughout the story. I am hoping to have this one ready to publish by late spring.
The other project is more of a romance. Two women from completely different backgrounds meet under innocent circumstances, but fall in love. I haven’t really put a lot of work into it other than a basic sketch, but it will all come together soon.

Do you have a specific writing style?

I don’t know that I have a particular style. I am experimenting with my upcoming projects to see what works best.

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members?

Of course my son and my partner are my main support. Outside of them, I have a great circle of friends that are very supportive.

Do you see writing as a career? 

I hope so. I’m striving to make it so.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Organizing my thoughts into something coherent. When I get an idea, my brain goes into overdrive. Getting everything organized is kind of like herding chickens.

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

Patricia Cornwell. I love the intensity of her books and the way she really draws you in with her characters. They are so vivid and realistic.

What was the hardest part of writing your first book?

Convincing myself that I could actually do it.

Aw, well you did, and you did an amazing job of it! So, since it’s a Valentine’s theme this month, I’m gonna ask some questions about romance! :-) 

How do you usually spend Valentine’s Day?

I like to spend Valentine’s Day at home with my wonderful partner of 10 years. 

What would be your ideal date? (What would you do? Where would you go?)

I’m a homebody. My ideal date would be a great home cooked meal by candle light and then cuddling up to watch a good movie.

Have you ever been on a date like that?

All the time! I love to cook, so I often cook for my partner and try to spoil her every chance I get.

Ever had a terrible first date? If so, how?

I don’t think I have ever had a terrible first date. I have had some where it was a mutual decision not to have a second date.

   

Do you believe in love at first site?

Definitely. Ten years ago I saw a beautiful woman and fell in love with her on the spot. I still get the same tingles when I think of her today that I got back then.

Aw :-) Who was your first celebrity crush?

I don’t even have to think about that one. Melissa Etheridge. I still have a huge crush on her. Wonder Woman was a close second.

What do you think is the most important value in a relationship?

Does it have to be just one? For me, there are several things that you absolutely have to have in a relationship. You have to have communication, trust, and mutual support. Without those, there is no relationship.

Sounds great Tami! So where can we find out more about you and your books?

The best place to find out about me and future projects would be Facebook or Twitter. I am trying to make a major effort to update both a little more regularly.

How may readers contact you?

http://www.facebook.com/DifficultLessons

Twitter: @DifficultLesson

Email: tamw1204@gmail.com

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

The first thing I want to say is “Thank You.” Also, be on the lookout for more to come. 

Great stuff Tammie! Thanks for joining me today, now lets have a sneaky peak at your book, Difficult Lessons...

Excerpt from Difficult Lessons:

 “What could he possibly want?” Sara mumbled softly as she read the note in her mailbox at work. She knew in the back of her mind what Mr. Michaels wanted, but hoped for the best.

She decided to go to his office immediately. The rest of her day was packed full. They were testing all morning and classes in the afternoon. There was a meeting with the counselors during her planning period. She was always busy after school with students coming in for extra help. 

Mr. Michaels looked up from his desk when she knocked. 

“Come in Ms. Carson and close the door behind you.”

Mr. Michaels was a man of about 50. He was tall and thin. His hair started thinning about 3 years ago. He was so vain about it that he shaved his head. He never smiled, giving off an unapproachable air.

“Something has been brought to my attention that disturbs me and I want to discuss it with you.”

Sara tried not to show that she had an idea of what he was talking about as she settled into a chair in front of his desk. She mentally braced herself for what was coming.

“Someone has informed me that you were seen at Mel’s one night this weekend. Is that correct?” His tone was accusing and unnerving for Sara.

“Well, yes sir. I...”

Mr. Michaels cut her off before she could offer any kind of explanation. “I don’t think that is an appropriate place for our faculty members to be seen.”

“Mr. Michaels, I don’t mean to be disrespectful, but I was not doing anything wrong. Not that I feel I have to justify my actions, but the owner happens to be a good friend of mine. Besides, our students don’t go there. What would be so inappropriate about it?”

“Ms. Carson, I know what kind of place that is. I don’t think we should be associating ourselves with those people.” Mr. Michaels was speaking louder than before.

“Those people?” Sara was thrown completely off guard by his statement. Her blood pressure began to rise. 

“Like I said, I know what type of place Mel’s is. I do not want our faculty patronizing such a business. Do you understand where I am coming from, Ms. Carson?”

“No sir. I actually don’t. I don’t understand why you think that you have the right to tell me what I can do and where I can go when I am not at work. I am offended that you would even consider basing your opinion on the sexual orientation of the owner and the clientele. What about the teachers who go to other bars in town? Are they being told not to go to them? Some of those places are known hangouts for prostitutes and drug dealers. People go to those places for quick hook-ups. They are a lot more unsavory than Mel’s.”  

“Those places, Ms. Carson, are not gay bars. Do you understand what I am telling you?” Mr. Michaels was visibly angry at this point.  

“I think I understand you perfectly. Will there be anything else, Mr. Michaels? I have classes to prepare for, if you are finished.” Sara was standing before she even finished her sentences.

Sounds great Tammie, get your copy folks at: http://www.amazon.com/Difficult-Lessons-ebook/dp/B00AJ3WC5O/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1361403065&sr=8-2&keywords=difficult+lessons

Forbidden Crush....

Part 5 of Forbidden Crush now online!

-Was supposed to be the final this week, but I couldn't stop 

myself from dragging things out a little further....

http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.co.uk/

~Valentines Day Blogger~

It is our 2^nd Thursday of Guest Blogging, which just so happens to be Valentine’s Day!
On this lovely romantic day, I’d like to welcome Dorien Grey!
Happy Valentines Dorien! 

Tell us a bit about yourself –what genre you write and any work you currently have published.

If it's possible to be two separate people without being schizophrenic, I qualify. I was born Roger Margason, but with the publication of my first book I began to experience a form of meiosis (cell division), which has over time resulted in the emergence of Dorien Grey. Roger handles all the daily chores and routines of living, and Dorien writes books and blogs and keeps up with email and other promotional efforts.

I write primarily mysteries—I have two series going at present: the 14-book Dick Hardesty Mysteries and the 4-book Elliott Smith mystery series—plus a stand alone western/romance/adventure/YA novel, Calico, and Short Circuits: a Life in Blogs, a compiled selection of 4 or 5 years' worth of my three-times-per week blogs.

Good stuff Dorien! What inspired you to start writing?

Primarily, a vivid imagination from childhood. I think of my mind as a popcorn popper. Throw in a cup of ideas, turn up the heat, and stand back.

Love it!
How did you come up with the title of your first book?

I have more than 20 books in circulation, and can only think of one or two where I've had to think about a title. Most often, a thought or a few words will come into my mind and I think, “now that's a great book title,” and take it from there.

Is there a message in your first book that you want readers to grasp?

I have a message in my first book...and all my books...for heterosexuals: that gays are basically no different from them other than who they choose to sleep with.

Awesome messege to get out there! How much of this book is realistic?

As realistic, I'd hope, as any mystery/detective novel can be.

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

Both, plus whatever my imagination comes up with.

What are your current projects?

Having just submitted The Serpent's Tongue, book #15 of the Dick Hardesty series to my publisher, I've begun work on Cameron's Eye the next Elliott Smith mystery. I'm awaiting the reissue of The Ninth Man, the second Dick Hardesty novel, and am beginning to have all my books done as audio books. And then, after lunch....

Hahaa! Do you have a specific writing style?

I'd certainly like to think so. I write every book as though I'm talking casually and informally with the reader, and I am always aware that he/she is there.

Where can we find out more about you and your books?

I'd be delighted to have anyone stop by my website (www.doriengrey.com) where they can, among other things, read the entire first chapter of any or all of my books. I'm also active on Facebook, Google +, Goodreads, Open Salon, and about a dozen other sites around the net.

How may readers contact you?

I love nothing better than to hear from a reader or potential reader, and my email is doriengrey@gmail.com

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Yes, thanks...I'd like to thank them sincerely for their support and for taking the time to read my words.

Do you see writing as a career?

LOL! I don't see it as a career; it is one.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

I think most writers tend to be nit-pickers, and as for me, I can go over a book 25 times and still find something to change on the 26^th.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

I can't point to any one thing as an “over-all” other than, in the mysteries, working out the details of who did it and why. And each book generally presents one or two little unexpected challenges.

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

Generally, the author of whatever book I've read last tends to be my favorite author. But boiling it down, I'd say possibly my favorite author is Robert Lewis Taylor, who wrote the little-known Adrift in a Boneyard in the late 1940s. It is the most delightfully funny book I've ever read and it strongly influenced my own writing.

Who designs the covers of your books?

My publisher assigns different artists to do covers, so it's hard to say.

What was the hardest part of writing your first book?

My first published book was something of a fluke...I was working as a book editor many years ago and received a manuscript for a western (my least favorite of all genres) submitted by a college-student nephew of one of the company's heads. To call it “atrocious” would be too kind. So I threw it out an rewrote it myself. It was not easy.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

That I have strong opinions and attitudes I was not aware of having until they showed up.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Never assume the reader knows as much about your characters as you do. If you believe in what you have written, never give up on it. Listen to constructive criticism but don't let yourself be ruled by what other people say. Never talk down to, or talk at your reader. If a 10-cent word will do, don't feel you have to use a fifty-cent word just to impress.

What were the challenges (research, literary, psychological, and logistical) in bringing it to life?

With my most recent book, The Serpent's Tongue, which will not be released until later this year, I had to do a lot of research on the effects of and recovery from a traumatic injury. And every book has the challenge of making sure every clue dropped is followed up on, that the chronological order is correct, that all details are consistent with what I've said before and say later. None of them individually tend to be that bothersome, but when put all together, it can be a bit daunting.

So, since it’s Valentine’s Day! I’m gonna ask some questions which are a little less about writing, and a little more about romance!

How do you usually spend Valentine’s Day?

Quietly. I have, alas, been effectively aged out of the romantic holidays demographic.

What would be your ideal date? (What would you do? Where would you go?)

Were I lucky enough to have someone with whom to spend a romantic Valentine's day, just being together would suffice.

Aw! Do you believe in love at first sight?

Oh, yes...I do it all the time.

Who was your first celebrity crush?

I think it was Buster Crabbe as Flash Gordon.

What do you think is the most important value in a relationship?

A combination of appreciation, love, and understanding.

 Wonderful Dorien! :-) 

Thanks, Samantha, for the opportunity to talk with you and your readers. I do appreciate it.

It's been a pleasure! If you want to find out more about Dorian, check out his website! Or drop him an email!

 ~ www.doriengrey.com ~ doriengrey@gmail.com ~

Forbidden Crush....

Part 4 of Forbidden Crush now up! Part 5 (the finale) will be up next week :-)

 & don't forget to enter  our first Valentines contest!!

 Now lets check on Jamie and Darren!!

http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.co.uk/?zx=997aa91e3d1bfb0a

~Valentines Blogger~

Hello! And welcome to our first Guest Blogging Thursday!

Well, to kick start our Valentines Guest Blogging, I’d like to welcome Tami Veldura!

So Tami, tell us a bit about yourself –what genre you write and any work you currently have published:

The penname I go by is Tami Veldura. I’ve published an M/M Romance short story titled Closer Than Touch with Less Than Three Press and I’m currently working on several other stories. I publish a free serial M/M erotic romance (bdsm, D/s, nsfw) on my blog- a new section goes up every Monday. I’m also releasing a series of blogs about the path from the first idea all the way through publication (and afterward) every Thursday on my blog. In addition, I put together a monthly newsletter (M/M and Fantasy/SciFi focused) with an interview and excerpt from my work.

And I have a day job.

What inspired you to start writing?

Lisa Frank folders for school. The first time I remember writing anything I was copying the little paragraph about ponies or puppies or unicorns onto a single sheet of paper, I think I had three? I showed my flagrant plagiarism proudly to my mother who praised it and then asked me what happened next, spawning my first-ever foray into fanfiction. I haven’t looked back.

How did you come up with the title of your first book?

Titles can be awkward, for sure. I generally have a working title/words that I’ve labeled the book at some point in the brainstorming/drafting process. In the case of Closer I needed to title my email with the title of the book when I sent it to LT3 for consideration. I needed something psudo-romantic and, given that I expected it to be retitled, I didn’t put a whole lot of effort into it. Closer Than Touch sounded a little sappy but it didn’t matter, it was going to be retitled! ... and then it wasn’t. In retrospect it feels like a good title.

Is there a message in your first book that you want readers to grasp?

Don’t give up. In life or in love.

Aw a good message to get out there! How much of this book is realistic?

It’s science future- no manned space flights to mars but technology in the book isn’t commonplace either. I started from a science-informed position and extrapolated out to a plausible degree of future technology. The privately owned military company is also psudo-realistic. There are private contractors in the real world but I don’t know if Zodiac would ever function in real life without some serious government cash for support. As far as I can tell they’re not in the business of making money. I haven’t really resolved that... yet.

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

No, not really, but I ‘know’ far more fictitious people/places/events than real ones, so ... maybe? Everything is always based on or derived from something else, even if we’re not aware of the connection. I’m a fan of military stories so I wrote one that felt awesome.

Good stuff! What are your current projects?

Ask a small question, why don’t you. I actually have a running list of projects I send out in my monthly newsletter so let me fetch that... It’s more organized.

Spring Tide, Zodiac Forces (F/F): Editing, Round 2
Deadline: February 28th
LT3, If You're Reading This
 
Starsong (YA Fantasy): Editing
Self
 
Rayne (M/M): Drafting
SMP, On The Edge
 
Vamp/Wolf (M/M): Drafting
Deadline: April 30th
LT3, Proud 2B a Vamp
Second: May 30
SMP, Blood Embrace
 
Motocross (M/M): Drafting
LT3, Zodiac Forces
 
Under The Lights (M/?) Outlining
Deadline: October 31
SMP, Person Meets Person
 
3427H (M/M): Brainstorming
Deadline: September 30th
LT3, Private Call: Mech
 
Cleo (M/M): Brainstorming
LT3, Zodiac Forces
 
Living Ships (Science Fiction): Brainstorming
Self
 
Approaching Lightspeed (Steampunk/Science Fiction): Brainstorming
Self
 
Multi-Consciousness (M/M): Brainstorming
 
The Gods (M/M): Brainstorming

That’s A LOT of projects Tami! You must be very busy!
So, do you have a specific writing style?

Spartan, for sure. I’m a big fan of show don’t tell but I also fall into the habit of letting dialogue carry a scene so my description often turns up lacking. Something I do on my first editing pass is flesh out sensory detail anywhere possible. Inevitably my Beta Readers will ask for more description in key scenes so I usually turn to internal dialogue.

Oh how I envy your ability to ‘show not tell’ with ease!
Where can we find out more about you and your books?

My website: http://www.tamiveldura.com

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members?

My good friend Shelton (http://sheltonkeysdunning.blogspot.com/) She and I get into so much trouble together. I’m a little further along on the ‘publish a story’ track which means she looks to me for support/advice. But in giving said support/advice to her I really need to be on top of practicing what I preach, so she may not know it, but she keeps me honest 

Do you see writing as a career?

For sure. It will take some time to become my main source of income, but that’s the goal.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

Expand on the ending. I’ve since received some great feedback on the ending that I really agree with. I’ve been trying to focus on that in my new short to make the resolution stronger.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

Actually finishing something, the sending-it-away feeling- that’s the most awesome thing in the world.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Finish something. It’s really easy to get caught up in the newness of a great idea, and this advice doesn’t mean you shouldn’t cultivate those new ideas (I have an idea box for just such occasions) but pick a story you adore and focus on it. Get all the way to the end. Actually write ‘The end’ on it.

You’ll be amazed at the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel. Inevitably I’m so proud of myself I need to send an email to all my friends and announce my life on facebook, but I resist the urge to actually share the story until I can sit on it for a few weeks and go over it myself to edit things before my Beta Readers get their hands on it.

Great advice Tami!Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Hi! I love to chat with people who’ve read my stories so drop me a line or stalk me on twitter, it’s all good.  

Awesome Tami! Now, since it’s coming up to Valentines this month, how about some questions centred around that? *grins*

How do you usually spend Valentine’s Day?

Video games. Seriously, my guy and I are all into Borderlands 2 at the moment so we’ll probably trade heart-shaped peanut butter cups and play games.

Haha, how cute!
What would be your ideal date? (What would you do? Where would you go?)

The above sounds great, actually. And my guy likes In and Out, so I might treat him to lunch/dinner.

He sounds easy to please! Do you often have dates like that?

Yes! Just last weekend, actually.

Ever had a terrible first date? If so, how?

Not so much. I’ve only ever dated three guys so I don’t have a big sample set to pick from.

Do you believe in love at first site?

I believe some people fall in love easily, so at first site? Sure.

Who was your first celebrity crush?

... does the Crocodile Hunter count? I didn’t actually want to marry him so much as be the one out there teaching/learning about wild animals, though.

What do you think is the most important value in a relationship?

Honesty. Which will lead to Trust, the second most important.

Good one Tami! And lastly, how may readers contact you?

By email: tamiveldura@yahoo.com

By twitter: tamiveldura https://twitter.com/tamiveldura

Goodreads: tamiveldura http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5205605.Tami_Veldura

Thanks for being here with us today, it's been wonderful hearing more about what you do and your attitude as a writer.
I look forward to reading your short story ‘CloserThan Touch’! XD

And don't forget to check Tami's website -http://www.tamiveldura.com !

~*~

Forbidden Crush Part 3!

Is now posted :)

I thank Vicki for helping with the editing!!

http://www.storytimetrysts.blogspot.co.uk/?zx=f5d99d8324db7859 

Enjoy x


Also, watch this space as tomorrow I will be interviewing Tami Veldura!

Dream Project Blog Hop

~~2nd Blogger in the Project, tagged by Cody Martin~~

Writing is largely solitary, and sometimes a lonely endeavour. Sure, you talk to friends, experts for research, discuss what works and what doesn't with your editor, and bounce ideas off of fellow writers. But in the end it's one person pounding the keyboard or twirling the pencil.

But what if it didn't have to be completely alone?

Who would YOU work with if you could work with anyone on your favourite project?

In this post, that's what I'm asking. Choose a person for each category and tell why you want to work with them. If you want, feel free to post their picture, a piece of their work, or a link to something about them. The only rule is that the person must still be alive.

Writers dream. Now it's time to dream BIG.

I only have one book out at the moment, which is With Regret

You have the opportunity to hire anybody as your cover artist. If you write children's books or books that are heavily illustrated, who would you get for the interior artwork?

I would go for photography! So I’d hire a really awesome photographer who had really hot models :-)

Who would you co-write your next novel with? What genre? Why?

With a doubt it would have to be Noel Blue –he is an incredible gay fiction writer. He develops his characters beautifully, creating true depth to them, and they always feel so realistic
He really captures the emotion in a scene, and keeps the reader engaged continuously, there’s never a dull moment in Noel’s stories!
To be able to write something which is a fraction of the quality of Noel’s would be amazing.

Find his work here:  http://noelblue.com/news.html

Your publisher wants to do an audiobook version of your novel and they're not sparing any expense. Who do you think can narrate your masterpiece?

Ah ha it would have to be the actor, Emmett Scanlan!
He’s Irish, gorgeous, and has a beautiful husky voice! And of course, a lovely Irish accent :-)

Mmmmm.....

They're really going all out! Your novel is getting a full soundtrack. Who should compose it? If your novel uses a lot of songs, list your compilation here.

I’ve never thought about any music which I could associate with my novel –but I think I’d like a mixture of Mumford and Sons, and Florenceand the Machine! 

Both are very talented, and are brilliant at portraying emotion in their music. I love anything drama and emotional!

Congratulations! Your novel is being turned into a major motion picture. As the creator of the original work, you get to pick the director.

I’d choose Richard LaGravenese. He did a wonderful job directing the film ‘PS I Love You’. I’d love for him to try and turn mine into such a tear-jerker :-) 

The director has some ideas on who to cast, but you get to cast one character. What role/character is it and who portrays them?

I would cast Joe Manganiello! Simply because he’s GORGEOUS!
He also looks like Phil from my book :-)
In my head, anyway…

Ahh, isn't he beautiful?

You've been hired to write a novel based on a preexisting character or franchise from another medium. Which character or franchise is it?

Hahaa don’t know if he counts, but Peter Griffin from Family Guy!
Probably because he is a very funny, spontaneous and random character! It would be fun to try and write a novel on him, and show his crazy humor!

It's the anniversary of your favorite literary character's debut. You've been hired (yay, work!) to write an anniversary novel. Who is the literary character?

To be honest, probably Chris from ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time’. I’m interested in Autism, and I’d love to attempt to portray an autistic character. 
It would maybe help strengthen my writing skills, and help me learn how to add more depth to my own characters!

There you have it. But it isn't the end of the journey. It continues on Jen Colafranceschi’s blog tomorrow. Don't forget, while you're reading all these wonderful posts from these great authors, comment and check out their works. As always, thanks for reading.

~www.jenniferdomenico.com~

~ Valentines ~

Hello!

Well, since as it is Valentines this month, I thought I’d add something a little more interesting to my blog!
I will be hosting four guest bloggers. In their interviews I will be asking a few cheeky questions as well as finding out more about their work and writing style!

So come join us through February, where every Thursday a new guest blogger will be here!

~*~

Kinda Forgot.....

...to put on here that Chapter 9 had been posted (and so has Chapter 10!!)

Sorry!!!

http://www.storywithregret.blogspot.co.uk/p/chapter-9.html

Forbidden Crush Part 2...

...has now been posted !

Check it out on Ellie's Storytime Trysts

http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.co.uk/

Hope you enjoy it!

x