Friend Friday - Whitley Gray

This MIGHT be the first Friend Friday post from an author whom I have not met, nor have I interacted with online. (That I really recall.) When I opened these FRIDAY guest spots, many people hopped on board who I hadn't talked to much. It is an opportunity for me to see a glimpse into new people, as well as for you.

WK: What inspires your writing?

Whitley: Sometimes it’s something I’ve read or seen. Sometimes an idea just pops into my head.

WK: When did you start writing m/m romance?

Whitley: 2010.

WK: Are you a full time author?

Whitley: Unfortunately, no. I have a dreaded day job.

WK: Who is your favorite author?

Whitley: Josh Lanyon. Josh’s books were my first introduction to M/M, and he’s got a wonderful voice.

WK: I’ve heard Josh is good. I wanted to read The Ghost Wore Yellow Socks, but alas I rarely read so I haven’t. :p

WK: How many books have you written so far?

Whitley: M/M: six. M/M and M/F: one. M/F: one. Short stories and flash fiction: numerous.

WK: Tell us a little about your novella Artistic Endeavor.

Whitley: The novella is part of the Campus Cravings collection. Here’s the blurb: When friends ask one-night stand connoisseur Michael Esteban to introduce college professor and virgin Cobey Miller to the joys of sex, Michael balks. Lust is his thing, not leading a twenty-five year old novice. But shy Cobey has problems meeting men, and their introduction fuels Michael’s decision to help Cobey become a gay-sex-loving guy. It’ll all be fun and games—unless someone falls in love.

WK: How long did it take you to complete it?

Whitley: About three months.

WK: Who is your favorite character in the novel and why?

Whitley: Cobey. He’s an anomaly—a twenty-five year old virgin. I loved showing him opening up to Michael.

WK: How much of yourself did you manifest into your favorite character?

Whitley: My artistic tendencies are part of Cobey’s makeup, but I’m not a university professor!

WK: When someone reads Artistic Endeavor, what do you hope they gain from reading it?

Whitley: I’d like readers to get caught up in the way Michael draws Cobey out, but also how Cobey has a thing or two to teach Michael, especially about love.

WK: Can you share four things you’ve learned about the business?

Whitley:  

1) It’s vital to get a firm grounding in the basics of writing before starting out.

2) Promo can be harder than writing.

3) You can’t please everyone.

4) A crit partner is your best friend—a good one is worth her weight in gold.

WK: How do you keep your creative "spark" alive?

Whitley: It’s hard sometimes. I work a lot, and sometimes the last thing I want to do when I get home is write. I try to let myself have time to do things that have nothing to do with work or writing. Experiencing real life helps supply material for books.

WK: What is your suggestion or piece of advice to new and upcoming writers?

Whitley: Take workshops in basics, and read books on craft. Make sure you know how to write before jumping in.

WK: Excellent. :)

WK: Where we can find you on the Internet?

Whitley: www.whitleygray.com

WK: Could you please share your favorite excerpt from Artistic Endeavor with us?

Whitley:

In the dimly lit bar, Michael drummed his fingers on the table. “Maybe you should have let me meet him somewhere without you two along as chaperones.”

Eli chuckled. “It took me a week to convince him to meet you. He’d never go for the blind date thing.”

“Well, he’s late. Sure he’ll show?”

“Relax.” Burke massaged Eli’s neck. “He’ll be here.”

Ordinarily Michael looked forward to sizing up a new man. In fact, he’d already taken stock of every guy in the room. If Cobey didn’t show, the bartender looked like a good prospect. Prolonged eye contact, a big grin, and a wink when serving Michael’s beer. Yep, good prospect. Someone new.

Of course, Cobey would be new. Too new. Michael sighed. How was he supposed to introduce himself? Hello. I’m the guy our mutual friends have asked to be your sex instructor. How’s it hangin’?  Yippee.

“There.” Eli nodded at the entrance. “Just coming in.”

For a moment it was too crowded to see much, but the herd of patrons parted. Michael licked his lips. Well, well, well. The picture hadn’t done Cobey justice. Nicely wide shoulders, narrow hips, hair a man could get a grip on. Dark eyes. A perfect mouth—full but not too full. How was it possible this gorgeous male specimen had never been intimate with another guy? And Michael had the opportunity to be the first one.

I can certainly sacrifice myself for the greater good by teaching him.

It has certainly been nice having you on the blog. I hope the readers enjoyed your visit and what you had to say. :)

Thanks to all the Friend Friday guests so far. Sue Brown, Jeff Adams, Gregory Payne,  Chris Shirley, Tammy Middleton, DS Kenn, Stephen del Mar, and now Whitley Gray. Come back next week when I feature Felicia Stevens.

Last Friend Friday's winner was Lee Todd. e-mail me with your e-mail address :p for the book ;)
writerwadekelly@gmail.com

…….

In other news:
A group of SUPPORTING AUTHORS who are attending GRL in October who got together and decided to support each other and promote each other starting September 1st. Follow the hop.

Date ~ Author                                   is Hosting Author

Sept 1 ~ Max Vos                              Carter Quinn

Sept 4 ~ diana.copland                       TM Smith

Sept 7 ~  JC Wallace                          Max Vos

Sept 10 ~  Jeff Adams                        Diana Copland

Sept 12 ~  le.franks                             JC Wallace

Sept 15 ~  Ethanstone                          Jeff Adams

Sept 18 ~  writerwadekelly                  LE Franks

Sept 21 ~  Morticia Knight                   Ethan Stone

Sept 23 ~  tempeste.oriley                   Wade Kelly

Sept 25 ~  rafehaze                             Morticia Knight

Sept 28 ~ Carter Quinn                       Tempeste O’Riley

Sept 30 ~ TM Smith                            Rafe Haze

PRE-ORDERS thru me:

Names Can Never Hurt Me from Dreamspinner Press is currently #10 on their Best Seller List.

If you are going to GRL, you can PRE-ORDER paperbacks of any of my books and I will bring them to you in Chicago to sign :)  I have an updated the form HERE, but it only tells me what to bring not who ordered it. Sending a payment through Paypal with a note works best. I will message you back to let you know I got the payment and I know what to bring. Thanks to Jason and Lauren for sending me a note attached :) PAYPAL: writerwadekelly@gmail.com   cost is $14.50 for any paperback of mine. See you in Chicago!

Also, Dreamspinner is having a sale right now, so if you want books, GET THEM! DSP was offering a PRE-ORDER promo code and I do not know if it works on sales, but you can try. Most likely it will. Promo code: GRL2014   order your paperback and pick them up in Chicago. No shipping and get them cheaper than most other places. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS METHOD! Plus with DSP you get the eBook free with paperback. ;)