Holed Up with Hank Edwards and his Feline Plus Ones . . .

Hello Hank! I brought the wine and M&Ms . . . you ready for me? *walks into Hank’s living room and sees the hottie relaxing in his armchair* . . . oh honey, I might have to sit across the room to stomp down the urges . . . or we could share that chair – you know if I wiggled a little to the right and you scooted down a smidge and threw your leg over there and I put my hand here . . .

*blushes and hangs head* . . . sorry, but I don’t get you all to myself that often . . . and boy do you look nummy!

*shakes whole body out of naughty thoughts . . . smirks* . . . okay, we gotta get this interview started honey before you smarten up and drop me like a hot potato . . . lol . . . so back to the seating issue . . . hmmmm . . . *snaps fingers for effect* I got it!

*drags the coffee table . . . realizes I’m a wuss and decides to push it instead . . . right in front of the handsome Hank . . . climbs on the table sitting criss-crossed applesauced . . . props Hanks feet on my knee cuz . . . um . . . yeah never mind* Okay . . . now I’m ready!

Hmmmm . . . something’s missing. Got my notes – got the wine – got the candy goodness – I’m within groping distance of Hank – oh wait! I forgot! *reaches in purse and brings out a little can of treats and shakes them* . . . here kitties kitties *eyes Hank* - not that! *smirks* . . . there you are Riley and Emma . . . your Auntie Havan didn’t forget about you two . . . *feeds them the treats then watches them walk across Hank’s mouthwatering legs and settle in the chair on him* Hey! What the halibut! I feed you the treats and you go to Hank? And why do you get the chair with him? I’ve been duped I tell you . . . robbed!

You have to be quick with these two. The minute we get up they like to take our places on the sofa. Little bandits, that’s what they are. *narrows his eyes but pets the kitties affectionately*

So my handsome and talented and brilliant friend . . . let’s begin with the set-up question . . . do you always lounge around your house all yummy like with your come-hither look or is this special just for little ole me? *winks*

Oh, I pretty much always dress like this at home, but I did trim my beard for your visit.

Yeah, gotta love perfectly trimmed hair . . . Oh, and let our friends know about how little you really are wearing . . .

Well, it’s a little chilly here in Michigan this morning, so wearing lightweight pajama pants and an XL V-neck T-shirt. It must be one of the good ones because there are no food stains on it … oh, wait, there’s some tomato sauce. Never mind.

Now . . . I promised someone extremely special to us that I would start this interview off on the right side of the bed . . . so let’s get down and dirty! In your fabulously naughty book Fluffers, Inc. you detail a very oooh la la scene about how Charlie is relaxing in a chair . . . um . . . enjoying Rock when all the sudden the chair breaks and Charlie kinda bites off more than he can chew – so to speak . . . is this based on a real life experience?

LOL. No, thankfully, that never truly happened to me in a compromising position. I have had a chair collapse under me, or was that me collapsing within a chair? Hmm…

Hmmmmm indeed *giggles*. Now . . . this friend of ours who wanted this question front and center . . . also wants to know if you can guess who they are . . . and maybe give a shout-out considering they are your biggest fan! Oh – not in an Annie Wilkes/Kathy Bates sort of way . . . *giggles*

I’m going to have to guess that’s Missy Allen, one of my first fans who friended me on Facebook. *waves down South* Hi Missy!

That brings up the obvious fact – as far as the scorching smex scenes . . . yeah Hank, you really know how to hammer the point in. *fans face* . . . for example – the other day I downloaded Holed Up to my Kindle and decided to read the first couple of chapters on my lunch break . . . um, that might have been a mistake . . . I couldn’t sit still in my chair for the rest of the day. *blushes* . . . I now bring a change of panties to work with me . . . *face palm* Honestly, does your lovey dovey get bonus smoochez when you finish writing these scenes . . . because when I was done with that first chapter I was ready to smooch on the meanie in the office – and oh boy that would be baaaaad! *heads desk*

Well, first of all, thanks for downloading my book and I’m really glad you’re, um, enjoying it as it was intended. *evil grin*I have been with my partner, Fred, for 15 years, so he’s been able to, um, assist me with any ideas about positions and certain, well, areas of interest, shall we say?

Oh I’m enjoying it alright . . . I think I screamed your name twice already *blushes* . . . So tell us, do you find writing those sultry scenes intimidating or invigorating?

It’s a little of both, actually. When I’m writing and lost in that plot zone, a lot of times I’ll just mark the section to go back and add the smex later. It’s like having sex here in the real world, you have to be in the mood for it, right? Sometimes the scenes can be intimidating, like the all-important “first time together” scene in any story. Should it be just hot, hot, hot, or have something funny happen, or maybe something embarrassing? It needs to be thought about a lot beforehand.

Excellent point about having to be in the mood . . . goodness knows you can’t force the issue if your characters have their heads elsewhere . . .

Oh definitely. I try to stay “in the moment” in my books, try to make the smex happen as naturally as possible.

Are there any smexy topics that you haven’t tackled that you really would like to – something that will make us catch our breath and hit the next page button because you have us shaking in our thongs? Anything taboo or racy that is dancing in the back of that gorgeous head of yours?

Well, let’s see, in “Vancouver Nights,” my third Charlie Heggensford novel, I touched on lots of things I had never expected to write about: water sports, fisting, enemas, that kind of stuff. I keep trying to make things interesting, new characters and situations, and I’m always trying to figure out how to keep my readers guessing. Some things need to be a given: the characters will, at some point, have sex. But where and when and how well is all up in the air. So, nothing really planned, yet, but that doesn’t mean something crazy isn’t going to come along and shock not only the readers, but me as well!

Well now *fans face*, that took care of the smexy aspect of your writing; are there any serious topics of interest that you might one day broach, controversial or not?

I have a few books set aside for future publishing, one of which I’m excited about that involves machines from another world and the chance for people to come back from the dead. It’s not an erotic book, so it will probably be published under a different name, but I’ll keep everyone posted.

Oh yes please! *bouncing on table*

You my dear handsome man are an awesome beta-reader! I’ve personally had the pleasure of your eyes roaming all up and down my body of work and offering your skilled experience to help me shine it up. *pants just a bit* Do you have any pet peeves when you beta read and what is your own personal Achilles’ heel when you write?

Aw, thanks so much for that nice compliment. When I beta read I try to keep in mind not to change the other writer’s style, but rather point out any areas where the story might confuse me or a scene could be strengthened. I have no pet peeves at all when I beta read. I love being a “first reader” for another writer. My own personal Achilles’ heel is either explaining things way too much, adding too many details, or glossing over something important because I’m in a rush to get to the next section or I just think the reader knows what I know. Those things I usually catch in a read over or my editors call it out.

You have a new book just released this week, Plus Ones, (the blurb is posted below) can you tell us in your words about this release and why your readers are going to go ga-ga over it?

Of course! “Plus Ones” is close to my heart because I really identify with Evan, one of the main characters. I was part of a large group of gay men who were all friends back in the 90s and they all dated within the ranks but I never seemed to really catch anyone’s eye, so I tried to give Evan that feeling of being included but still on the outskirts of everything. And I’ve had those moments when you look at someone and everything around you both just stops, you know? *Shivers* It’s powerful and unsettling and exciting all at once. So, hopefully, readers will see these guys, Evan and Paul, as two fully formed characters they can identify with. And Evan’s friend Miggy and Paul’s brother Adam were a hoot and a half to write.

Now I heard through your chat with Lee Brazil (a terrific interview you can catch here) that you had to scrap some funnier scenes . . . and as a lover of your comedic style this kinda almost brings me to tears . . . what’s the chances of you posting these scenes on your blog as a type of ‘companion’ to the book so we can enjoy all aspects of it?

That is an awesome idea and I believe I will be stealing it. *scribbles some notes and tucks them between the cushion and arm of the chair*

*whispers to Hank* just remember you can pay me my consulting fee in trade . . . *winks wickedly*

Skin trade? *winks wickedly back*

Ooooh . . . touché handsome . . . *smirks*

This wouldn’t be an interview of mine if I didn’t try to finagle a question about the Story Orgy in . . . *blushes* . . . I can’t help it I’m just so damned proud to be a part of the SO phenomenon! *hangs head* . . . so tell us how you got roped into being an Orgiast and what has it brought or taken away from your writing?

I’m really happy to be part of the group as well! I think we all compliment each other very well with our writing styles. Em Woods brought me into the group after we started chatting online about the rules that vampires have to follow. I love writing the weekly prompts, but all of mine seem to turn into long, involved serial chapters that tell a complex story. LOL! I need to work on posting a story a week, just little snippets of scenes, and have that be the week’s post. Sometimes it feels like there’s not enough time to do all the writing I want to do, you know? And still have a personal life and work the EDJ to be able to keep the house. But I’m managing, and I love it.

You have just had a great honor as not only a writer but especially as an M/M writer; you are a Lambda Literary Award Finalist! *bouncing and spilling just a smidge of wine on my hand* oops . . . *laps up the spilled wine slowly and smirks at Hank* . . . Soooo, tell us about this and how it changes your prospective for any future books you write? Does it make you think even more about every line you type?

Thanks for saying that, you’re so sweet. *winks and waggles eyebrows at Havan* and I need some more wine please *extends empty wine glass* Lovely, thank you. I don’t think it’s really changed the way I go about my writing. I was stunned “Vancouver Nights” was nominated at all, it’s a pretty outrageous book. I just try to tell a good story and hope people like it. I’m not writing for the Lammy judges, I’m trying to help people forget their lives for a while and get lost in a story.

Final main question . . . for now that is *smirks knowingly* . . . you are an outstanding M/M writer – your books have depth that make them a drug for me, but I have to tell you in my personal libido-loving way I find it extremely hot when a sexy man writes M/F . . . is this a possibility with you in the future?

Funny you should ask that, my latest project, a series I’m calling the Venom Valley Series, has a very strong female character, Glory, who is love with a man she can’t quite have…yet. So I feel there will be some m/f action going on in this series as well as some hot m/m action. Oh yes, and there will be vampires and zombies. And it’s set in the Old West. J I’m thinking about self-publishing the series and have the first book already written, so stay tuned everyone!

Okay . . . now this is the final main question . . . *giggles* . . . first off – oh wow! Can’t wait to get my greedy lil paws on this one! Second, what would make you decide to go the self-publishing way and how skittish are you of that prospect?

This book has a darker tone than my others, and I’ve got my main characters in a bit of a predicament at the end of book one, so I thought I would try to the self-pub route. I am apprehensive and kind of excited. I’ll need to do all the marketing and stuff myself, but I’m hopeful my friends and fans will follow along.

Oh you know it!

*jumps over the few inches separating us and lands on your lap . . . scaring Emma and Riley half to death as they flee for their lives* . . . oh . . . sorry but it’s Round Robin time! I wanted to be up close and personal for this part honey . . . you don’t mind do you? hee hee

*hugs Havan in a little bit closer* of course not. You smell nice.

*preens just a little bit and tosses my hair towards him* Why thank you honey bunny . . . and we are off . . .

Favorite food . . . in the bedroom? Oh, that would have to be whipped cream.

What fires your juices more? Visual or audio? Visual, definitely.

Of your five senses – favorite one? Sight. I love looking at scenes and people and taking stock of them. Touch is close, but it’s very personal, and with sight you can be a bit of a voyeur and watch people or even critters when they don’t know they’re being watched. I spend a lot of time watching the birds on our feeders as well as people watching in malls or at work.

Favorite swear word? Fuck, of course.

Salty or sweet? (snack that is . . . not that kind of snack) BOTH! Nothing like a good salty/sweet treat.

Lights on or off? On, definitely. But no fluorescents or high wattage stuff, that’s just rude.

Length or width? Width. Girth is best!

Skittles or M&Ms? Skittles are my weakness but pack more of a sugar punch and get me wound up quick. I usually tend to nibble on the M&Ms to save myself and those around me from witnessing my transformation into a screechy monkey.

Morning . . . nooner . . . night (don’t play naïve baby lol)? All times of day, but something to be said about a nooner.

Note to self: keep the Story Orgy room stocked at all times with skittles . . .

*hears front door and looks at Hank . . . then down at myself in his lap . . . than back at noise from front of house* Eeeek! *jumps off of Hank’s lap . . . to fall flat on my face in front of Riley . . . who swipes my nose playfully and runs away . . . gets to my feet to stumble over the moved coffee table . . . weebles . . . wobbles . . . falls backwards on the couch* Hey! That’s not right . . . it’s supposed to be Weebles wobble but they don’t fall down!

Oh, hi honey. Fred, this is Havan. Havan, my partner Fred. She was just asking me questions. *blinks innocently*

*eyes swing back and forth numerous times* Oh good heavens! Two . . . count them two hotties for the price of one!!!! *fist pumps air* Score!!!!

Um . . . I guess the interview is now officially over? So . . . what’s for dinner? More importantly . . . ah . . . what’s for dessert?

Plus Ones

Evan Dresden has good friends, a good job, and a nice apartment. The only thing he doesn’t have is a steady boyfriend. He’s tired of his relationships stalling at the six-week mark and wants to find someone and settle down.

Paul Cooper had enough of the “love ‘em and leave ‘em” attitudes he found in New York City and moved back home to Michigan. He’s tired of the head games that seem inherent in dating and wants nothing more than to find a man he feels a connection with and who he can trust with his heart.

On the eve of a statewide vote on gay marriage, Evan and Paul meet at a party thrown by mutual friends. Though sparks fly at their introduction, a series of calamitous misunderstandings convince each of them the other is not what he’s looking for in a man and they resist the attraction.

The vote passes and wedding hysteria quickly consumes the gay community. As the summer months heat up and the wedding halls sell out, Evan and Paul find themselves the “plus ones” at a multitude of gay weddings that cover a wide spectrum of themes: bears, Wild West, dog lovers, and a standard church and hall bash. Every weekend brings a new wedding, and each man searches for true love among the social media addicts, lube wrestlers, and Tantric sex zealots who have invited them to attend. Even as they date other men, the two are always aware of the other hovering in the background of each wedding, handsome and intriguing but seemingly always unavailable.

When the summer draws to a close and their two best friends are about to marry, will the stars finally align for Paul and Evan?

Available from Loose Id’s site in a variety of formats here

Vancouver Nights

Charlie Heggensford, the Idaho farm boy turned L.A. fluffer for hire, is back for a third adventure, and this time he's in deep water with the local film studios after an off-the-cuff comment ignites a porn actor strike! Worried for Charlie's safety, his boss, Kinitia Jones, encourages him to go on an extended vacation somewhere far out of town. With no money and hot stud Rock Harding still on tour in Europe, Charlie turns to the other man he trusts: beefy bear Brent Harrington, who now owns a pet store in Vancouver.

Getting to Vancouver is an eye-opening experience for Charlie as he hitches a ride with a truck driver named Canyon, an acquaintance of his fluffer friend Billy Ransom. Once over the northern border, Charlie and Brent reconnect in a variety of positions and Charlie earns his keep by working in Brent's pet store, Canadian Critters. When Brent's bowling team, The Vancouver Vixens, loses a member, Charlie steps into the man's bowling shoes as the team keeps pace with their rivals in first place, The Perfect Tens. It's all fun and games until someone begins breaking into local pet stores and stealing animals, and a humorless detective comes around to question Brent, suspecting the man may be involved.

Determined to prove Brent's innocence, Charlie and Brent begin their own investigation, following clues that lead them to a raunchy sex club, a hot plumber and his “special assistant,” and a creepy house in the middle of nowhere. When the gang members identities are revealed, the two are taken hostage and forced to depend on the last person Charlie would ever expect to save him.

Available in paperback and a variety of e-book formats here

Impossible to Resist Em Woods . . . an interview

Okay this is it . . . *turns with my arms spread out* . . . this is the Story Orgy (aka SO) room . . . where your Story Orgiast get together and brain storm . . . laugh . . . cry sometimes . . . and hash out any kind of issues that may occur.

Now this room is our haven . . . so I probably shouldn’t have you in here with me . . . but I’ve been trying to nail Em Woods (aka the SO Goddess) down for this interview ~~ and this has nothing to do with my so-called procrastination issues, mind you ~~ but that woman won’t stop working. But never fear! I have it on good authority from her muse that she is heading this way for a lil R&R between projects.

Know what that means? It means girl time!!!! *giggling and bouncing* So to get everyone in the mood . . . ahem . . . here’s the setting . . . I took all the pillows from the couches and beds (hey – we need to rest once in a while you know) and piled them on the floor here . . . I’ve got the snickerdoodles and the M&Ms handy . . . coffee and white Russians at the ready . . . oh yeah – and so we don’t get interrupted . . . I called in our beautiful Jade to wrangle the boys and go out scouting for the next SO eye candy . . . interesting how the boys didn’t even bat an eye – just followed our French beauty like she was the pied piper . . . huh *shakes head smiling*

*squeeeee* . . . Here she comes!!!!

*leans on the SO doorframe* Hello, my Havan.

Hi Em! How ya doing you smexy thang? Oh don’t mind us . . . I just thought that maybe you could cop a squat on the pillows . . . real close to me like . . . and maybe we could jabber jaw about things . . . you know the weather . . . the price of gas . . . YOU!!!! hee hee

Sure, let’s give it go. *plops down next to Havan*

*scoots closer to the beauty* So Em . . . I was told you were sneaking in here to get a few minutes to yourself *sheepishly looks around at everyone and blushes a little* tell us what ensemble you wear for some comfortable R&R?

*looks down, then back at Havan* What you see is what you get. I’m typically in a softie t-shirt (can’t stand those shirts that feel like they’ve just been ironed with starch) and my Victoria Secret “Love Pink” sweats. Then I grab my laptop and dive in with the boys.

If I were to snag your laptop right now and open it . . . what project would blast out at me?

Ooh, that can be complicated. But right this second, I am working on a paranormal ménage (m/f/m), a paranormal m/m and then ironing out the kinks on the blog story Harper’s Discovery for our anthology. I like to keep a couple stories going at a time, that way when I hit a stumbling block I can move on to a new thought process and come back to the other when inspiration hits.

I know that you write M/M romance . . . or erotica for those who prefer that title . . . and you just mentioned M/F/M . . . yummy . . . do you think you will ever give the M/F genre a run for their money?

Well, yeah, I mentioned that ménage back there, and I do have another strictly m/f series that needs editing…not sure if I’ll do it though. It’s … daunting. LOL.

Oh . . . hoping you do honey! About Temporary Magic (your M/F/M) what difficulties did you encounter between writing sex scenes with and without a woman . . . um . . . handy?

*blushes* I stumble over that damn “p” word. I am having the hardest time getting her in the scene! Give me two men and I can describe everything without a single problem…add a chick and I’m toast.

Yeah . . . that ‘p’ word irks me at times *shivers*. Besides the one waiting in the wings, do you think you might do another strictly het book? Or will there always be some yummy man loving mixed in?

At this moment, I don’t plan on writing another unless I get some fabulously positive feedback on my ménage. It’s a serious labor to write het for me and I’m not sure yet if it’s a labor of love or what…LOL

How does your hubby feel about your writing preferences? Do you ever ask him to help act out scenes that just aren’t . . . um . . . coming together? *slaps hands over mouth and blushes*

*very big grin* oh, hubby is more than happy to help when I’m frustrated over something…but if I have questions…he tells me to ask my muse. *laughing* He is very supportive of my choice in writing, brags me up wherever he goes. I couldn’t ask for better.

Oh boy . . . a hubby that is willing to lend a helping hand and is up? I’d say that’s inspiration for a good couple of decades or more! *leans over and whispers* has he lifted the ban on me sitting outside your window yet? You know what . . . never mind don’t answer that . . . *clears throat*

You know, just the other day he was asking me where you were. *ahem*

*jots down in my planner that I now have plans for Wednesday night . . . every Wednesday night for the next couple of decades*

Okay – I had someone ask me the other day why I use a pen name. It’s a simple question and she wasn’t being rude but it made me think . . . and I believe it’s a personal decision if you use one or not. So my question to you is how did you choose the name Em Woods . . . btw – love the last name baby! *smirks*

Well, let me answer the unspoken question first. I use a pen name because I don’t want my sons to have any ill effects from my choices until they are old enough to make decisions for themselves. Once they get old enough, it will be their choice if they want their friends to know Mom is an erotic romance author.

Now, how did I come up with it? *grin* Hubby helped. “Em” is my nickname, so I have been Em most of my life. That was easy. But “Woods” is a play on my maiden name and one my hubby came up with during a late night conversation. *wink*

So that’s what you’re calling it nowadays? Conversation?

*laughs* well, that conversation did come after smex…but I didn’t figure you’d care to hear about that.

Um . . . yeah . . . wrong *giggles* . . . but next question . . . *shuffles through notecards*

Now, you wear a lot of different titles . . . mother . . . wife . . . EDJ ass kicker . . . author . . . friend . . . and finally the Story Orgy Goddess. Yes . . . everyone has heard us calling you the infamous (maybe even a bit notorious lol) SO Goddess; and the title is rightly earned! Did you think six months ago when you started doing prompt writing on Mondays . . . by yourself none-the-less . . . that this phenomenon would happen?

No way. I started writing prompts again because I missed practice writing. Then Lee emailed, asking if I wanted company…and the rest is history. I never thought we would evolve like we did, but I am enjoying every minute of it. I’ve made some of the best friends I could ask for, I wouldn’t know what to do without my muse now, and the stories that come out of our prompts are amazing!

Under your adult supervision, the SO has individually and collectively come up with some great ideas: a FaceBook page . . . two successful contests . . . an antho with the proceeds for the first 90 days of release going to the Trevor Project and another antho is in the wings. Wow!!!! Not to mention the fans and friends we have are easily the best! Can you give us a glimpse of some of the stuff on the horizon for the SO?

*snorts* Adult? That’s cute.

Now…what kind of surprise would it be if I spilled the beans on what we have planned here? *blinks innocently*

*leans in close and lowers voice* . . . So tell me the truth . . . who’s your favorite SO member . . . it’s me isn’t it . . . isn’t it? *giggles*

My favorite? Weeeell… there’s Lee and his 501s (who wouldn’t be partial to that smexy ass in faded denim?), and then you my Havan (all those gropes and giggles and snuggles?), and Jade’s oh-so-smexy smile behind that camera, and Hank’s pretty, pretty…eyes. But you know I’m partial to my muse. Aside from how freaking hawt he is, the poetry my JR can spin is amazing. Makes me tear up every time. *happy sigh*

*drool running out of corner of my mouth . . . shakes head roughly* sorry . . . jeans visual overtook me for a moment . . . hmmmm . . . jeans *wipes drool and straightens up* . . . and oh halibut yeah – I’m excited every time JR posts more of his poetry . . . that boy has some serious mojo working for him! *big smile*

Curious question . . . how many open WIP do you have that you actually have progress on . . . how many open thoughts do you have that are waiting to be WIP?

I have five open WIPs right at the moment and way more plot bunnies lingering, just waiting for their turn. I can’t go anywhere without snapping a picture of someone/something that has inspired a storyline in my head. I’ve got notes scribbled everywhere. LOL.

Exactly when do you find time to . . . oh I don’t know? . . . sleep, eat, go potty?

Well, it’s a full life and late nights, that’s for sure. *grin* And sleep is the first to be sacrificed…my muse is constantly reminding me that pesky stuff is necessary.

Now, you have a new book out with a very interesting premise behind it . . . can you tell us a bit about Impossible to Resist?

Mmm…Impossible to Resist is about a cutie - Max, who through past experiences, has come to hate being touched. Which kinda sucks since the thing he wants most is to be loved by someone. Miah is just the man to show him how to get around the nightmare of his past, and sets out to do it. *grin*

Max sounds like he was a hard character to write, but endearing also. Do you fall a little for your main characters and do you have one that has touched your heart more than the others?

Whew. Max was hard to write, and I have things that even now I wish I had done. Maybe I’ll give them a follow up book. But the one who holds my heart is one that hasn’t seen the publishing light yet – Graham from Chasing Alex.

Hmmmm . . . I look forward to cornering you again when Graham comes to ‘light’ for another round of blatantly inappropriate questions . . . hee hee

Guess what time it is!!!!! It’s round robin time!!!! Now I thought up some real good ones for you, my precious . . . get ready . . . get set . . . here they come!!!!!

If you had to come up with a ‘safe’ word right now . . . ? Joy. For oh-so-many reasons. *grin*

Talker or screamer? Hello? Two sons just down the hall…neither…used to be screamer though. *wink*

In the lines or outside of the box? Outside the box. Always.

Creamy or crunchy . . . peanut butter that is? Who can resist all those nuts?

Lick or nibble? Nibble!

Vanilla . . . chocolate . . . strawberry . . . all three preferably on top of a nice six pack? Chocolate…anytime, anywhere.

Hot or cold? HOT!

Sexiest garment you own? Erm…are clothes required?

Favorite candle scent? Vanilla. *shrugs at Havan’s bland look* It smells like cookies, okay?

*looks on backside of index card* . . . huh . . . no more questions? But I’m not ready to let you go! So . . . you wanna cuddle?

*snuggles in with my Havan* I’ve got a minute or five. If you think you can chase all the watchers out…this is a private room after all. *wink*

*wraps arms around Em and smiles at the onlookers* Sorry friends, you gots to go now . . . I needs some cuddle time before I pretend to get back to work, *smirks at Em* that is until our muses hunt us down and crack their whips . . . and in no way shape or form do we encourage that at all *winks wickedly*.

But there will be another time for us to enjoy my Goddess . . . because I’m all about the multiples baby . . . hee hee

*blows kiss* Can’t wait to see you again. Thanks for having me, my Havan!

Here are a couple of yummy excerpts from the ultra talented Em Woods . . . links are posted also so go crazy I tell you! hee hee

Impossible to Resist

Rating: Gay M/M Contemporary

Length: short story

Available: Total E-Bound

While Max’s biggest fear is being touched, his greatest dream is to be loved. Can he let Jeremiah close enough to heal, or will he turn away all that he wants for the safety of what he knows?

Max Eisner suffers from haptephobia, the fear of being touched. He refuses to let that stop him from living, though every second outside his house compounds his distress. Nor does it prevent him from yearning for that one man who will crash through those barriers and make Max his in every way.

Jerimiah Sandburg has watched the handsome man walk past his office door every morning for the past three months. Every day he has the same pained look on his face, flinching whenever someone brushes against him. Jerimiah isn’t sure if Max will trust him enough to work through whatever is bothering him, but he’s not willing to wait another day to claim the smaller man for his own.

Will Max listen to the call of his heart, or will he shut himself off once and for all?

And The Prompt Is…

Rating: Gay M/M Anthology

Short stories: Contemporary / paranormal

Available: Amazon and 1Place for Romance

Picking Up Quinn by Em Woods
Will racer Quinn Rowan and tow truck driver Liam Nelson find that love is enough to cross even the greatest divide?

Finding Pleasure by JR Boyd
This yarn takes a glimpse inside the life of Paramedic, Sterling Kost, whom works side-by-side with his assigned partner and EMT, Innocenzo Lucciano (aka Cenzo). Committed to discovering a place in the hospital, Sterling and Cenzo spend their lunch break scouring Methodist Medical Center of Dallas for a secluded location where they can be alone.

Farewell by Havan Fellows
Dwight’s heartache leads him to the cemetery; where lessons are waiting to be learned and second chances are freely given.

The Old Soda Shop by Lee Brazil

Former college roommates Matt and Sam have a history. Will a chance encounter in the street lead to a second chance at love?

With This Ring by Hank Edwards
The Ritz Carlton Hotel, Central Park, is one of the most elegant and romantic hotels in the world, even for its employees. When Carl, a seasoned member of the maintenance team, meets Dylan, a younger bellboy, their attraction is undeniable. Carl and Dylan meet in rooms recently vacated by guests and slowly forge a relationship, but can they overcome the difference in their ages and, somehow, fulfill Dylan’s dream of spending the night as a guest in the hotel?

Playing House with Lee Brazil . . . an interview

Welcome everyone and all! I’ve been given the privilege to sit down with the talented Lee Brazil and ask him a few questions.

Now, I won’t lie, I’m nervous as all halibut. I’ve never ever interviewed anyone before . . . so I’ve decided the best way to make the least asset out of myself (yeah – good luck with that one right? lol) is to do this in a simple Q&A format. The less I babble the better off we all are . . . wish me luck in this endeavor? *** On a side note . . . I can’t think of a better person to be my first than Lee Brazil! *giggles* What?!? I was talking about interviewing . . . *innocent smile*

But first . . . let me please set the mood. I’ve popped open a nice bottle of wine and filled the crystal bowls with M&Ms (dark chocolate and peanut butter ones of course) . . . Lee is sitting across from me looking all kinds of debonair and I have situated some reading glasses on the bridge of my nose (no I don’t wear reading glasses but I’ve always loved that look).

So Lee . . . let’s start with a simple question to get us in the proper frame of mind . . .

What are you wearing right now?

*Chuckles* Now, you know I’m wearing my 501’s… they’re kind of faded and a bit ratty looking. Got a gray long sleeve t with ‘em.

Mmmmmm . . . throw in bare feet and your top button undone and baby we’ve a party going on! *slaps hands over mouth* Oh-kay . . . *fans face a little* . . . that was a bad bad question. *giggles*

Seriously now, I’ve read A Beautiful Silence and I loved it. The feelings you put behind your characters are amazing. Even though some would call this an erotic book I tend to label it a romance first, erotica second. The intimate scenes were definitely detailed and well written, but they flowed with the story; they weren’t just there to be there. Foremost this was a story depicting Mack’s need to finally have a real love in his life with Lex. What was your inspiration for this book and what determined this book to be your first published work?

Well, there are a whole lot of things that went into the writing of this book, but first and foremost, it was a story that just wouldn’t leave me alone. It kept coming back to me, over and over, and I decided that the only way to banish it was to get it down on paper, and as I did so, I realized that in some ways I was Mack, and I was Lex. We all are, I guess. The biggest stumbling block to relationships is communicating. Taking the things we think and feel on the inside and sharing them with others is the most difficult thing to do, because in doing so we face rejection. I took that chance once, and fourteen years later, here I am.

Which reminds me, congratulations on your anniversary that just passed; your blog post to your SO was wonderfully touching. Since you brought up communication I feel the need to be honest with you . . . my one complaint about A Beautiful Silence is that I feel there is more to hear from Lex and Mack. What are the chances of you continuing their story in a sequel?

I think there’s a very good chance that there will be a sequel, primarily because although Mack has shared his inner self with Lex, there’s quite a bit about Lex that is still a mystery to Mack. They’ve only just begun to realize that there are huge differences in their personalities and lifestyles that have to be overcome. Lex is a recluse, Mack is a social creature. No idea when, but I like to think there will be a sequel.

*eyes pop out* A sequel . . . note to self: one more thing to bug Lee about . . .

Now, you self published A Beautiful Silence, and you are now publishing through Breathless Press. What are the pros and cons to self publishing compared to going through a publisher; and are you open to the thought of self publishing in the future again?

When I finished Silence, I also had finished another story, called Loving Jacob. I looked at many venues of publishing. I knew for certain that e-publishing was the way I wanted to go for a variety of reasons. I wasn’t sure whether self publishing or working with a publisher would be better. So, I self pubbed one story and sent the other out to face rejection. Benefits? There’s a higher royalty rate to self pub. Negatives? You have to either be a damn fine editor or hire one. Cover art is tricky, and could be expensive. Promotion is entirely self directed. Breathless Press has taken care of all those issues, leaving me time to write, which I enjoy much more than messing around with technical stuff.

Would I do it again? Sure, as a matter of fact, The Story Orgy is self pubbing our first Anthology based on our last contest, And The Prompt Is. *chuckles* But you already knew that.

And we will definitely touch down about that antho in just a bit . . . but, speaking of Breathless Press . . . your first book with them is being released tomorrow. Keeping House is actually the first in a new series for you called Truth or Dare that is based on four very interesting brothers. First let me tell you I love the title of this series, can you give us a quick summary of the Blake brothers?

The Blake brothers are sons of a Hollywood movie studio owner and his actress wife. Brandon, the eldest son is a bit of a control freak, and that causes his brothers some problems. He has his reasons, mind you, but never the less. Dan, the second brother is a script writer and manipulative mastermind. He’s also the last brother to get his story told. Terry is the practical by the rules brother who handles the family finances. And then there’s Mischa, the rebel. Mischa is the youngest brother.

Do you remember the moment this series came to you?

Actually, no, I don’t. I remember that Mischa’s story practically wrote itself in a couple of days.

Don’t you just love it when a story flows like that! Now why do you think Keeping House wrote itself like that for you? What caused this particular story to work that way . . . what was your mindset when writing it?

Well, I’m not entirely sure. I think the characters were very clear in my head, and the story just unfolded step by step. There was no moment when I had to sit back at the keyboard and say, okay what happens next? I can tell you I wrote it in October, and the days were fairly sunny and warm, with the prospect of fall in the offing. Who knows? Sometimes the creative process is a mystery. Other times I sit and map a story out from beginning to end.

You are actually having a contest for the release of Keeping House . . . to enter just click here and leave a comment on Lee’s blog . . . any comment will do, it doesn’t have to be a dare; but that is what the contest is based on. So Lee, would you like to share a dare with your readers?

*askance glance @ Havan* Really? You’re going to put me in place like that? Sure. But I’ll have you know that I’ve never done anything really risqué, so don’t be surprised if it’s not a very dashing and exciting dare.

Once some friends and I were running around town and playing tag. We found ourselves playing in a 24 hour Wal-Mart. Someone dared me to tag the security guy. I did. End of story.

For the record . . . you can tag me any day . . . *coughs to hide smile* . . .

Everyone wants to know the secrets of their favorite authors, it’s human nature to be curious. Can you tell us one secret (preferably a lil juicy) about you that we don’t know?

Huh. Define juicy. Y’all already know I enjoy cooking, can’t dance, and read. My most common typographical error is to transpose the ng in words ending in -ing. Just kidding. That’s not juicy enough, is it?

Oh, how about this? I believe kissing is the most intimate and meaningful act between lovers. I’ve made a study of it. *chuckles*

*shakes self out of sudden juicy kissing daydream* . . . oops . . . sorry . . . *hangs head to hide smirk*

(Shameless plug in 5 . . . 4 . . . 3 . . . 2 . . . 1 . . . )

Now, you mentioned the Story Orgy earlier; and what a talented group of individuals they are! (okay I’m busted . . . I’m a member too . . . and I wouldn’t change it for the world! hee hee) There is a Story Orgy page on FaceBook that everyone is encouraged to peruse and like (makes getting inside info sooooo much easier ~~>click here<~~). The Story Orgy anthology And The Prompt Is . . . is being released soon, can you tell us a little about this group, the antho and where the proceeds are going to?

Story Orgy is a wonderful group. I really enjoy the experience and the support that we provide for one another. It spurs my creativity. The Antho is a collection of stories that we wrote for the winners of a contest. Readers wrote their own prompts and sent them in to us. We selected the prompts that inspired us and wrote a story between 3-10 K in response. The collected stories will be published in an anthology. The proceeds from the antho for the first 90 days of sales will be donated to The Trevor Project. The Trevor Project provides much needed suicide prevention services to the youth of the LGBT community. I feel very strongly that it is a necessary service in today’s society. When scarcely a month goes by without some new tale of death by bullying makes the rounds, how can anyone doubt it?

I can’t agree more and I’m personally very proud of all six of us for being a part of this. Do you feel writing a blog story every Monday based on prompt words helps your writing abilities?

I do. Actually it’s very similar to writing exercises I used to do with my classes back when I taught.

That’s my sexy teach talking! hee hee . . . eeek . . . Oh-kay, and on that note I’ve obviously been serious for too long now . . . it’s making me get all itchy like and I can’t control what might pop out of my mouth *face palm* . . . so I gotta ask a few fun random questions. You ready for my version of a Round Robin?

Favorite food? Indian

Blow dry or air dry? (your hair silly) air- who the hell has time to hang around drying their hair?

Pajamas or none? Snort…. Sure…

Wine or top shelf, baby? Both, doll… sometimes the wine fits the mood and sometimes I want something stronger

Favorite color? Green – I love deep dark peaceful colors that signify renewal and tranquility

Boxer or briefs? (oh how could I not ask this one? lol) yeah, right… you know the answer to that one… waste of time!

Favorite movie? Are you ready for this? Big Jake. I am a huge fan of John Wayne. If that’s not what you are looking for, I have a ridiculous fondness for Johnny Dangerously.

Netflix or movie theatre? Netflix

Handcuffs or scarves or leather bindings? *cocks eyebrow and smirks* depends on the location… if you’ve got time to plan ahead, handcuffs are awesome, if you need something spur of the moment, a scarf can’t be beat, and whoever says no to leather?

*stops to wipe the drool from my chin* Okay . . . the next question that popped into my poor little head was wowza wrong . . . so that is my cue to wrap this up before I get myself into hot water! *heads desk while giggling* Lee, as always it’s my pleasure to chat with you; so thank you for allowing me to do it on my blog. Just to prove I’ve learned something from our little session here today . . . next time I get you in the spotlight I’m bringing the top shelf, handsome, and upping the ante . . . *eyes Lee up and down and up again* Keeping House is a wonderful story about two men finding themselves and each other and I look forward to owning it tomorrow!

Are there any last words you have for your friends and fans out there?

In the words of Ella Fitzgerald, “Just don't give up on trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong.”

*shivers* As usual you can bring me to my knees with just a few sentences my muse . . . *face palm* . . . thanks again for stopping by and below are links for his available and soon to be available works!

*waves* Ya’ll come back now you hear? *giggles*

A Beautiful Silence is available for the Kindle and in paperback . . . click here

Dr. Mackenzie Taylor has been happy with his life thus far. He’s got a successful career, a great group of friends, a terrific home on the California coast and a sexy younger lover. Mack’s just turned forty-five though, and thinks its time to settle down and start the family he’s always wanted. He doesn’t want to spend his weekends rushing out to his lover’s country hide away or waiting around for Lex to arrive in Newport Beach. He doesn’t want to wake up alone, eat take out meals or drink with his friends in local bars.

Mack’s boyfriend of two years is a reclusive writer of growing fame nearly twenty years his junior. While Mack has had his chance to sow his wild oats and be the life of the party, Lex has stayed close to home and lived a pretty sedate lifestyle despite his glamorous career and eccentric wardrobe. A long distance relationship has suited both men for the past two years, but things are changing, and they aren’t managing to spend much time together. The distance between them now seems to be more than physical, and Mack is discovering a new insecurity that has come with age, while Lex is discovering that success in his chosen career comes at a price.

Keeping House is available as an e-book come tomorrow from Breathless Press . . . click here

Donovan Holloway, advertising executive, newly made vice president of the company where he's worked for twenty years, grew up in a free love hippie commune, taking care of the parents who should have been taking care of him. He's worked hard to put himself through school and achieve the American dream. All he's ever wanted was a normal family life—house in the suburbs, two cars, two kids, a shaggy dog. A family to come home to—to care for, and to care for him.

Mischa Blake is the green eyed, liberally-pierced, black-haired, Mohawk-wearing spoiled youngest son of a Hollywood producer and his actress wife. Mischa has made a terrible mistake. In a fit of childish pique, he's accepted a dare from his older brothers. The dare? Live on his own, supporting himself completely for a year without accessing his trust fund. No problem. Except Mischa has never worked a day in his life, hasn't finished college, and has absolutely no skills that he can bring to the table.

So when he sees Donovan's ad for a housekeeper/gardener, he has nothing to lose by applying, because really...how hard can it be?