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. :)
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.
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. ;)
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