Like a Virgin with Dianne Hartsock...

When Dianne Hartsock was like a virgin…

So…in honor of my first solo release coming out soon…I've decided to celebrate by talking to some very talented authors about some of their first releases! *giggles* You see…it isn't all about me all the time…but I do love weaseling my way into the mix most of the time…hehe

My next Virgin victim…um…I mean guest *blushes* is an author that I just started reading and am gobbling up…um…figuratively speaking that is *blushes*. She's written this nearly perfect character that I just want to hold and cuddle with. And Dianne Hartsock has that same aura about her, too—I just want to curl up next to her and snuggle for hours on end. *looks at everyone and rolls eyes* No…that isn't just because I'm a perv…but maybe I'm a perv just because of that??? *nods knowingly*

Havan, sweetie, I feel the same way! *blushes* But then that makes me… Who cares! Snuggles are awesome.

Well now now…this is Dianne's first trip to my place, and I would prefer to not scare her away…I like her and want her coming often…*points to the back row* no comments…don't make me remove you…again…*sighs* So as I was saying, Dianne's new here and I plan on behaving myself so she doesn't mark me off of her 'must' visit list.

Don’t worry! I never listen to the ‘peanut gallery’, unless they have beer…

*clears throat* And on that note, let's start this off with the basics…Welcome Dianne and tell us about Shelton in Love.

*arches brow* Come sit by me!

Oh…I'm soooooo not saying no to that request…I have to be a good hostess you know…
That’s better. *takes Havan’s hand, looking innocent* Now, ‘Shelton in Love’ is the first book in my Shelton series. It’s the story of a sweet, beautiful man who falls for the handsome, flirtatious playboy. Nevil has captivated my darling Shelton, but after sharing a night of passion, Nevil seems bent on returning to his roaming ways. Can Shelton convince Nevil to give up his love ‘em and leave ‘em lifestyle and settle down with him, before Shelton’s heart is broken completely? *pats Havan’s hand* Don’t worry! Shelton gets his HEA in the end…err…by the time the story’s over.

Oh yeah he does…*coughs*…um…You and I are in the Breathless Press family together…isn't that cool? *shoulder bumps Dianne* We're like kissing cousins or something…Is there a special reason you chose Breathless Press to publish this first story of yours…was there something special there or just fate?

It’s kind of a long story. *hmm, I’ve never kissed my cousin. Is it nice?* Last winter I discovered Jamieson Wolf at MuseItUp Publishing while checking out their website. I followed his books to Breathless Press, where I found a whole world of new books and amazing authors. When I decided to write my m/m erotic story, BP was the first publishing house I thought of to send it to. And to my utter surprise, they accepted!

Second book in Shelton's Series

Okay…I either sound really smart when I ask this question or I fall flat on my face…time to try with you…I assume you had more than one work in progress when you published Shelton in Love…what made you decide this would be your first book published?

*don’t worry! I’ll catch you* Honestly, I had no say in the decision. *blushes* The first contract I signed was for my short paranormal story ‘Trials of a Lonely Specter’ with MuseItUp, but they didn’t publish the story until October as part of their Halloween theme. Next, I signed with Solstice Publishing for my paranormal thriller novel, ALEX, which came out two weeks after ‘Shelton in Love’. Both in May, 2011. It was simple luck that Shelton was first, since I signed with BP last!

Isn't it funny how the timeline differs with different publishing houses…lol…Now as I've notoriously said for the past interviews *blushes*…Okay…about me for a second *big smiles*…I'm personally going through some withdrawal anxieties with my boys… did you have any withdrawal pains when you sent your boys out there in the big bad world?

You have no idea! *puts head on Havan’s shoulder with a heartfelt sigh* Not only was ‘Shelton in Love’ my first erotic story, it was my first m/m erotic. It surprised a lot of people! I’d toyed with the idea of using a pen name, but then thought, ‘this is what I write. If someone doesn’t like it, then obviously I didn’t write it for them’. I’ve actually had family members ‘unfriend’ me over it, which hurts a little, but I won’t stop writing what I love. And besides, I’m very proud of my boys!

As you should be! *hugs you close* No regrets sweets…*big smiles*

Looking back—now that you have more experience under your belt—would you change anything about Shelton in Love or your way of handling its release?

*bats lashes* Babe, what would you like me to change? But seriously, I think I’ve gotten a little better with practice, and would add more of a back story and spend a little more time on character development. I’d like to get to know Percy a little better, too! As for handling its release, I had so much fun promoting that first book! I wouldn’t change anything. I’ve met some of the nicest, most supportive people on my blog tours. *gives Havan a quick hug and cuddle*

If you had to turn the experience of publishing your first book into an erotic novel…what would you title it?

Fumbling Towards Ecstasy *blushes* I know that’s a Sarah McLachlan song, but I had no idea what I was doing when I first started out. I feel a little more confident now, but still find myself stumbling over my own eagerness at times.

What color would you label your first foray in publishing your book and why?

Do fireworks have a specific color? It was all booms and bangs and cheers and laughter and terror…

As I stated in that totally unpretentious and low-key intro I did…*smiles innocently*…I have fallen for Shelton. He is just so sweet and lovable but with a backbone—such a perfect combination! And to top him off no matter how drool worthy everyone thinks he is…he will never perceive himself that way. How did he come to you? *stops and eyes go wide* Let me rephrase that…

*smiles secretly, remembering certain very steamy scenes* I’m one of those lucky writers whose characters walk on the scene in all their glory. *blushes furiously* I had the vague idea of writing a story where a secret keeps a man from finding true love, and hey, Shelton comes through the door with a shy smile on his face and a lonely look in his eyes. I couldn’t resist him! And neither could Nevil, who moved in with him despite the danger to his bachelorhood ways. Shelton’s depth of character and mannerisms and personality traits came to me as I wrote the story the same way is does to my readers.

Third book in Shelton's Series

Let's go a little off topic now—and no this isn't just for my own benefit, honest!—Rumor has it you're working on a fourth book now? How many do you foresee in this series? *whispers* And we aren't turned off by double digits…just saying *giggles*

*hugs Havan’s neck and whispers* Sweetness, how did you know I’m a sucker for compliments? I’ve just signed a contract with BP for the fourth book, Shelton’s Homecoming. Shelton was so damned lonely without Nevil at the end of book three. It broke my heart. I couldn’t leave him that way. Future books? I can’t say. I’ll have to wait and see where my muse takes me!

*fist pumps air* SCORE!

Now…just because I like slip sliding away when hotties are involved… *winks*…here are a few quickies for us about your boys…answer with Shelton or Nevil…

Most likely to get down and dirty in public… Nevil. God, Shelton would die of embarrassment.

Most likely to wear a fedora and rock it…Shelton. So sexy in a hat!

Most likely to get body art (tattoo)… Nevil, but probably not.

Most likely to eat food in bed *winks*…Nevil, but only if Shelton’s body is involved…

Most likely to be found barefoot… Shelton

Most likely to be silly and break out into a song and dance number… Nevil, especially after a couple of drinks.

Most likely to find a stray animal and bring it home… My sweet Shelton, and Nevil would think he’s a darling for it.

Most likely to blow off plans and talk the other into staying in bed all day… Nevil. He does it frequently!

Most likely to have a sweet tooth… Shelton, though he’d deny it.

In a silly battle of wills…most likely to refrain from…um…pleasuring themselves the longest… Oh, Shelton. Nevil would declare Shelton the instant winner and saunter off to the shower.

*bounces on couch and claps hands* It's time…It's time!!! We get to here first hand all about Shelton and Nevil *quiets up so Dianne can tell us a sweet story or two*

Blurb:

Shelton's falling quickly for his sexy roommate, but can he forget the pain of past rejections and give Nevil what they're both aching for?

Shelton is falling hard for his best friend and roommate, finding Nevil's dark good looks and moments of gentleness almost impossible to resist. But Nevil is more interested in affairs of the body than the heart. As Shelton's desire for the man grows, he wonders if he can change Nevil's mind. But does he even want to? Nevil might not stay, once he learns Shelton's secret, and then his loneliness would be complete.

Find Shelton in Love at…Breathless Press…Amazon…All Romance e-books (ARe)

And find Dianne Hartsock at her blog…Write What Brings You Joy

Excerpt:

Nevil parked the car in front of their apartment and shut off the motor. His beautiful eyes smoldered as he gazed at him, and Shelton could hardly breathe when he touched his cheek. Nevil shifted on his seat and leaned over to claim Shelton's mouth again with his own.

The kiss was different this time, urgent, demanding, drawing an instant response from Shelton's love-starved body. Nevil's tongue plundered the soft lining of his mouth, plunging in and out until Shelton's head was spinning with a nameless yearning. He slipped his own tongue between Nevil's lips and thrilled at his soft moan. The scent of Nevil's cologne became a pleasure in itself, alluring, seductive, swamping his doubts in an overwhelming need.

Nevil's kisses burned down his neck, and Shelton leaned his head back to give him access as he deftly undid the buttons on his vest and the shirt beneath, spreading them open to expose his chest. Shelton's tie was still in place, in stark contrast with his white skin. Nevil rubbed the silk over one of his nipples with a decadent laugh in his throat, sending a tingle of pleasure through him. The man quickly nipped the opposite nipple and this time the current jolted straight to Shelton's groin, making him cry out in surprise, instantly aroused, his lower body straining against the confining clothing holding him in.

Nevil's lips teased at the hardened bud on his chest, then returned to his mouth for another shattering kiss. "We should have done this ages ago," Nevil murmured appreciatively, slipping an arm under him to lift him closer.

A horn blared as headlights swept through the windows, the car pulling out of the parking lot with a squeal of tires. Nevil loosened his hold, chuckling as he pulled away from Shelton. "No one's done that since high school."

Shelton stayed where he was, panting, slightly dazed. Nevil took his hand, kissing his fingertips. His eyes lingered on Shelton's heaving chest. "I could take you right here," he confessed, his voice unsteady. "But let's go inside. I need a little more privacy for what I have in mind."