These questions were sent in by readers. If there’s something you’d like answered and would like to see on this page, just email it to me!
FAQ
Last Update: 01/10/2010
Personal
- How old are you?
- I seem to recall that you are married, what does you husband think about your themes?
- How does your family feel about your writing?
- What made you start writing about vampires?
- If you had a day to yourself to do whatever you wanted – money no object – what would you do?
- Do people know that you write gay fiction or is this a private thing for yourself?
- How did you get into writing M2M romance stories and where do you get your inspiration? Is it true that you use porn as inspiration or as a research tool?
Characters
- Who’s your favorite character and why?
- Are your characters based on real people in your life?
- How do you come up with the names of the characters? Do they have any meaning?
Soul Mates – The Series
- Do you have any plans for continuing Soulmates?
- If Soulmates were ever to be made into a film, which actors would you like to see playing the characters?
- Your series reminds me some of the Anita Blake series by Laurell k Hamilton. Did you get inspiration from her works for the Soul Mates world?
- I remember you saying you wrote some vampire novels before the Soulmates series. What are they and where can I find them?
Target Series
- Where did you come up with the title “Target” and/or “On the Edge”?
- I know you pulled Target from your site in hopes of getting it published. How goes the progress?
- When and where will the next Target chapter show up?
Reading
- How would you define a good story?
- How do you feel when you have just finished a wonderful story?
- What are some of YOUR favorite stories – the ones you would read over and over?
Miscellaneous
- Do you have plans for making your stories available in print?
- Do you like to read every email/snail mail you get from your fans?
- How long (approximately) does it take to get a book published?
Works in Progress
- How many stories do you have in the works at any given time?
- Are you working on any other stories that we may see posted on your site?
- What stories do you currently have in mind for the future or in rough draft?
Writing
- Is this a full time job?
- How long have you been writing?
- Do you write under any other “Nom de Plumes”?
- Does it become harder as you write or easier?
- How often do you have look something up?
- Would you ever do a collaboration with another author on a story?
- What does it take to be a good writer?
- Why did you become a writer. What do you get out of writing?
- Why do you write gay fiction? Do you find it easier to write gay themed stories, rather than straight or lesbian?
- Where do you get your inspiration for a particular story line?
- I understand that many writer’s have certain times of day and or locations that they enjoy sitting down to write, if you do also, what are they?
- What do you hope that readers will get from reading your stories?
Personal
How old are you?
I’m in my 30’s.
I seem to recall that you are married, what does you husband think about your themes?
He’s very supportive… to the point of helping me do some brainstorming when I’m stuck and going with me on research trips. The trip to the Medical Examiner’s office was one of the most fun things we’ve done recently and he remembered the questions I didn’t. He’s also one of my go-to guys for weapons 
How does your family feel about your writing?
It’s mixed.
I have family members who are supportive and encouraging, no matter what I’m writing. But there are also those who wish I’d write something a little (okay, a lot) less erotic and a lot more inspirational. Nothing wrong with inspirational, but… not for me.
What made you start writing about vampires?
I guess you can say that I have issues with the finality of death. I don’t like it. Don’t want to deal with it. If I’m writing vampires and other immortal creatures, I really don’t have to deal with it if I don’t want to.
Plus, ever since I was a kid, I’ve had a great love and fascination for vampires and other things that go bump in the dark. What better to write about than something you love?
If you had a day to yourself to do whatever you wanted – money no object – what would you do?
Just one day? Hmm…
I think I’d get on a plane (I very much have a fear of flying) and go to Scotland. I have a dear friend that lives there and I think that if I could do anything, it would be to just see him in person and give him a huge hug. And there would be shopping and going to see castles and picture-taking after, I’m sure. Along with me trying to figure out how to turn that one day into many, many more.
Yeah, I know. My answer probably isn’t as interesting as you might have hoped for. 
Do people know that you write gay fiction or is this a private thing for yourself?
While it is very personal to me, it’s not private. I tell most everyone who asks *exactly* what I write.
How did you get into writing M2M romance stories and where do you get your inspiration? Is it true that you use porn as inspiration or as a research tool?
It wasn’t what I started out to write, but it naturally progressed in that direction. My male characters all had this great chemistry and the more chemistry they had, the more I wanted them together.
… And then I started dealing with my own identity and who I am inside… and well, it just made even more sense to me.
I get my inspiration from everywhere. Music, commercials, a word, a thought, strangers on the street…
While I do love porn (in many variations), I don’t quite think that it is — in any way — a realistic representation of what all sex, sexual encounters, or relationships are/can/should be like. Simply put? It’s entertaining. And not always in the ways it was intended.
Characters
Who’s your favorite character and why?
Oh, wow. That’s like having to choose between friends and/or my kids. All of my characters have a place in my heart, but for different reasons. So, let’s say I list some characters and say why I love and cherish them. I’ll come back to add more characters as time allows.
From Target:
Richard — he’s most like me and his hurt is my own.
Ryan — he’s been hurt, but he doesn’t let that past hurt control his future
Stefan — because he loves with his whole heart and he can look past your faults and failures and love you anyway.
From the Soul Mates series:
Nikolas — we both have issues with trust.
Peter — a shining example (to me) how we can learn to adapt and deal with change.
Simon — he’s hurt and he’s damaged, but you’d never know it by looking at or talking to him. How hard it must be to wear such an armor day in and day out and not let anyone truly in. He’s quiet, but he’s strong.
Lucien — he knows what he wants and he goes for it.
Caleb — he knows the pain of losing the person you love the most — and being hurt more than any human should. And that hurt that he’s experienced makes me want to protect him.
Sabaan — because he never gives up.
From short stories:
Brandt and Dale (from Surrender in Cowboy Up) — these two? Oh man, they owned my heart from the very first word on the page. Two men who love each other so much, but who couldn’t get past their own pride and stupidity to actually TELL each other how they felt.
Sometimes? We just need to get out of our own way.
Are your characters based on real people in your life?
In Target? Richard is most modeled after myself and his father is based (very loosely) on someone I once knew. There are some characters that have aspects of people I know or have seen in real life, but I’ve never based any other characters after another person.
How do you come up with the names of the characters? Do they have any meaning?
Sometimes the characters come to me with names. When they don’t, I hit some online sites or baby books looking for something that fits the character’s personality. I’m hesitant to give the reasons behind Peter and Xander’s names because I don’t want to give away any sort of spoiler for future books. Once that book is out, I’ll revisit this question.
Simon’s given name is Symael — which means “in the company of God”.
Soul Mates – The Series
Do you have any plans for continuing Soulmates?
Yes. At present, there are four books out in the Soul Mates series and a few shorter stories.
Soul Mates: Bound by Blood
Soul Mates: Deceptions
Soul Mates: Sacrifice
Soul Mates: Secrets
Book 5 (tentatively titled, Soul Mates: Ascension) is currently in progress. I don’t have a firm publication date for it yet, but I’m hoping it will be some time in 2010.
If Soulmates were ever to be made into a film, which actors would you like to see playing the characters?
I’ve got so many characters that I’ve yet to find actors/models for all of them. I do have a few images for Peter, Lucien, Xander, Caleb, Silver, and Lilly. I’ve posted them over at my LiveJournal here: http://jourdanlane.livejournal.com/164361.html
Please keep in mind these are only how *I* see my characters and some still aren’t quite a perfect fit. YMMV, of course! That said, if you find a model/actor that you see as one of my characters, please feel FREE to share!!
Your series reminds me some of the Anita Blake series by Laurell k Hamilton. Did you get inspiration from her works for the Soul Mates world?
Ugh. No!
I did not have a CLUE as to who Laurell K Hamilton was before I started writing this series. Many people aren’t aware that there are three books in the Soul Mates world prior to the ones that have been published with Torquere Press. They are a mix of m/f and m/f/m (with m/m content) and are titled:
Eternally Yours
In the Shadows
Enforcers
Lucien was a supporting character in In the Shadows/Enforcers, and Christopher and Antoine are main/supporting characters from all three who made a cameo appearance in the m/m Soul Mates books. I wrote these novels in the mid-90’s (and submitted to agents as well as publishers back then as well), but didn’t come across any of Laurell K. Hamilton’s work until I’d already finished In the Shadows and was almost finished with Enforcers.
So, no. While I have read the Anita Blake series, it had NO part whatsoever in my creation of the Soul Mates world and/or characters.
None.
And for the record: I do not, have not, and will never write fanfiction. I have no problem with others doing so, but it’s just not my thing.
So just to reiterate — this series is mine and mine alone. My characters are my own creation — every single one of them. Their existence is in no way, shape, or form an “homage” to LKH’s work. My world existed LONG before I found LKH. I just happened to have my work published after her.
I remember you saying you wrote some vampire novels before the published Soulmates book. What are they and where can I find them?
I did… and they’re tied to the Soul Mates world, too 
Eternally Yours — m/m/f
In the Shadows — m/f/m with m/m content
Enforcer — m/f for the most part.
Unfortunately, these cannot be found/read anywhere online. While these books had been submitted to agents and publishers, none of them were accepted for publication. And for good reason. They were very rough and not up to publication standards. At some point in the near future, I will be dragging these works out and using the critique that was given to me by a wonderful editor to get them into shape.
Target Series
Where did you come up with the title “Target”and/or “On the Edge”?
“Target” was always my work in progress title. I honestly can’t remember where I came up with it.
As for “On the Edge”… I wanted something that didn’t resemble the store (Target), so I started trying to think up a different title. Richard’s life and emotions are pretty much on the edge by the time the case starts and I think I wanted some sort of analogy to that. That said, the moment I think up a really cool title that outshines both of these? It may change again
I know you pulled Target from your site in hopes of getting it published. How goes the progress?
Yes, I did. The progress on it is pretty slow at the moment. Right now, research is the main thing slowing me down. I want everything to be correct in terms of the procedures and the case — as well as a change in setting — but it’s slowly, slowly coming along.
Update – 12/29/09: I had a realization about this book recently. We were gathered to say goodbye to a cherished family member when I was asked about my work. I mentioned the paranormal work I’d done and then Target. And as I started explaining what it was about, something hit me. This is a book I’m scared of. Why? I’m not exactly sure. Maybe I’m scared of getting it wrong, or of not doing the story justice. Maybe I’m scared that it will feel too much like self-revelation. Like the issues that I share with Richard are just too much to share with the rest of the world. Or maybe I’m scared that once it’s all put back together that no one will love it — or the characters — as much as I do.
I also realized just how long this story has been in progress. Way too long, I know. But it’s in my short list of resolutions for 2010. I do want to thank you all SO much for your continued patience and support.
When and where will the next Target chapter show up?
It won’t be showing up online. The full manuscript and the outline for the rest of the series will be going to a publisher for consideration. 2010 is my target goal of getting this thing published, but that also depends on publisher’s schedules if the series is accepted.
Reading
How would you define a good story?
One that takes me on a journey. Makes me FEEL. Not just for the characters, but also for the struggles they’re enduring and overcoming.
How do you feel when you have just finished a wonderful story?
If a book gets that little half-smile from me in the end, then it did it’s job. Happy and inspired, I hope. And probably a little sad that it’s over! This is why I love series books so much.
What are some of YOUR favorite stories – the ones you would read over and over?
Wow. Hard question. I’m not so big on re-reading — even though I hardly ever get rid of a book once it’s on my shelves. How about a mix of favorite books and authors? Because if I like an author, I’ll read everything they put out. My list, in no particular order:
– Rachel Vincent’s Shifter Series. It is, hands down, one of my all-time favorites.
– The Chalice and the Blade — by Glenna McReynolds
– Marliss Melton’s SEAL Series — Forget Me Not, In the Dark, Time to Run, Next to Die, Don’t Let Go… Love them ALL!
– Christine Feehan’s Dark Series.
– Susan Krinard’s Werewolves — All of them. Also loved The Forest Lord. Actually? Anything by her. Love her writing and her characters.
– Love Maggie Shayne.
– Shannon Drake / Heather Graham
– Harlan Coben
–Christopher Golden — LOVED Of Saints and Shadows series and Where the Boys Are, especially.
– Michael Schiefelbein — Oh, how I love all of this man’s work.
– Jon F. Merz — Totally made of awesome!
– John Michael Curlovich — Oh yes!
– Jaye Valentine and Reno Macleod
– Mychael Black
– Clive Barker
There are more and someday I’ll get back to expand the list. Until then, maybe you’ll find something you haven’t read yet to keep you occupied.
Miscellaneous
Do you have plans for making your stories available in print?
I now have several works/stories in print. They can be found at Amazon.com, Torquere Press, Barnes and Noble, and other retailers.
Short Stories:
“A Coven Christmas”– included in Soul Mates: Secrets print version.
“The Ticket” — Ultimate Gay Erotica 2006 edited by Jesse Grant (Alyson)
“On the Job” — Ultimate Gay Erotica 2005 edited by Jesse Grant (Alyson)
Novellas :
“Saving Pride” — Here Kitty Kitty — edited by M. Rode
“Possession: A Soul Mates Story” — Spiked — edited by M. Rode“Instinct” — The Call — edited by Rob Knight
“Surrender” — Cowboy Up — edited by Rob Knight
Novels (at Torquere Press):
Soul Mates: Bound by Blood
Soul Mates: Deceptions
Soul Mates: Sacrifice
Soul Mates: Secrets
Do you like to read every email/snail mail you get from your fans?
Oh, I do! And I respond to every one of them, though sometimes things get caught in my SPAM filter and I don’t see it for a month or so. I don’t check that folder daily (or even weekly, sometimes), so I can miss things. If you ever email and don’t get a response within a week or so, please just re-send because it’s highly likely that I haven’t received your message!
How long (approximately) does it take to get a book published?
It varies, really.
In the age of ebooks, it’s taking far less time to get the novel from acceptance to publication. Constant work between the editor and the author with revisions and edits can see the book published in 4 to 6 months. Sometimes, if the book needs more work, it can be up to a year, or even longer. The book also has to have adequate time to go through proofreading and production, so in my opinion, it never hurts to take your time and get everything right.
That said, it does have a lot to do with the publisher’s schedule, too. If they’re full for a calendar year when you get your acceptance, you may not see your book published until the following year.
Works in Progress
How many stories do you have in the works at any given time?
It varies. At this time, I have around 6 novels in progress. Three of them are parts of series that are at least 3 – 4 books long, so sometimes it seems like I have a whole lot more in the queue.
Are you working on any other stories that we may see posted on your site?
Not currently. Everything I’m working on right now is to be submitted to publishers. In the future, I hope to have more stories/novellas up on the site for readers to enjoy.
What stories do you currently have in mind for the future or in rough draft?
Oh wow… I’ve got stories that have got stories.
In Progress and Rough Draft and/or Outline:
***Under the Gun
***Shattered
***Matters of the Heart
***A Rumor Of Angels
***And then I have a super secret military-based series that I’m outlining, but I don’t feel comfortable discussing it at this point.
***Another super secret series that’s m/f… Yes, I know… Please don’t pass out in shock
***A werewolf novel/novella set in Scotland. Whole different world from that of my Soul Mates series.
***A story about a nightmare demon.
***A possible series (or expanded novel) based on my out of print short story “Marked” that was previously published by Torquere Press. About an established couple that runs a paranormal investigation firm in Texas. Lots of ghosties and other things that go bump in the night!
In Revisions/Rewrites:
***On The Edge (which had the working title of “Target”) – Hard rewrites in progress. After rewrites, it will be submitted to a publisher for consideration.
***Eternally Yours — ( M/F/M with M/M – Vampire) Awaiting rewrites.
***In The Shadows — (M/F w/some M/M & M/F/M – Vampire) Awaiting rewrites.
Writing
Is this a full time job?
Yep, it sure is. But sadly, it doesn’t change the fact that I’m still a very slow writer. A couple of years ago, I started having problems with reading comprehension and memory retention/retrieval, so I’m constantly having to go back and read/research what I’ve written previously. It was devastating to me because a) I love to read and b) that’s a hard thing for someone who works with words for a living to deal with.
I’m still trying to figure out how best to work with and around it. That said, I truly appreciate how patient my readers have been!
How long have you been writing?
I started writing in the mid-90’s, so for about 12 years. My husband and I moved to the middle of nowhere and I needed something to occupy my time while he was at work. We had no phone, no neighbors, no interruptions… Ah, those were the days
Do you write under any other “Nom de Plumes”?
Not at this time.
Does it become harder as you write or easier?
I’ve always been told that the more you write, the easier it becomes.
From my experience, it’s a mix of both. It’s much easier for me now to look at a piece (whether it’s just started or in revisions) and know what needs to go where and what the story needs to be considered complete. I’ve gone from being quite rambly (think 300K stories, lol) to more succinct with a clear plot and resolution in sight. That doesn’t mean the characters don’t change their minds on me and lead me in different directions, but it’s manageable.
One of the hard things is knowing what a piece needs, trying to get it incorporated, and it not working out the way you need it to. Sometimes it’s back to the drawing board and losing a few hundred or thousand words, or it’s a matter of stepping away from the piece entirely for a while to not force the story to go in the way I think it should.
How often do you have look something up?
All the time! I’ve normally got eight to ten windows open on Firefox and the same on IE, going back and forth between sites and comparing information. And… there’s never a shortage of books and printouts on my desk.
Would you ever do a collaboration with another author on a story?
At this point, I think my answer would have to be no. There are a couple of authors that I might consider *something* with if they were interested, but really, they are very few. How few? Less than 3.
What does it take to be a good writer?
I think it takes different things for different people. For me? Persistence, perseverance, and work…lots and lots of hard work. The one thing to learn right off the bat is that you absolutely, cannot please everyone. What some readers will love, others might not. Never change how and what you write to try to please others. Write what you love and the story that’s in your head, and your work will be better for it.
Why did you become a writer. What do you get out of writing?
Because I’d read all of the books I had in my house and I still wasn’t satisfied. I wanted something more out of the stories I’d read, so I wrote what I wanted to read instead. And I still do. I think one of the things I get out of writing… is escape. From life, from the mundane. I can throw myself into another world and just let the characters lead me on a journey of new and different. I can’t think of anything else I’d rather do.
Why do you write gay fiction? Do you find it easier to write gay themed stories, rather than straight or lesbian?
Gay fiction is just where I am most comfortable. I might have a female body, but my brain is 98% male. Gay fiction is definitely easier for me. It’s more personal. Straight fiction — I’ve written it in the past and have more of it in my future. Hopefully I’ll get more comfortable with it as time goes on. I tried to write a lesbian story once, but it didn’t work out the way I hoped it would.
Where do you get your inspiration for a particular story line?
I think it depends on the particular story. My inspiration comes from all over the place
I understand that many writer’s have certain times of day and/or locations that they enjoy sitting down to write, if you do also, what are they?
I used to be a night owl, writing 10K words a night. And then I got a little older, had another child, and that just didn’t work out anymore. Now, I consider my writing like it’s my day job. I get up in the morning, check mail, get caught up on Twitter/Facebook/LJ, then start opening up files. Sometimes the writing comes, but most of the time I spend my time outlining and drafting. The afternoon is when my Muse and I seem to be the most productive.
What do you hope that readers will get from reading your stories?
Above all, I hope they enjoy my work and that they have a sense of satisfaction when they reach the end. I hope the characters are well-drawn and memorable.
Comments