What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?
I was invited to join the small-town shared world Foggy Basin last year, and when I started thinking about who might be a great match—this year’s theme was folks who lived outside of town—I had two very distinct characters in mind, and both of them were looking to start over in a new place. The rest was, well, a dream to write! I loved it so much I went right into writing the holiday story, so I’ll have another novella set in this world out for the holidays.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be?
I always make playlists for my books (you can find this one here)
For Francis, it would be “Sweet Dreams” by Eurythmics. It’s his theme song: sexy, snarky, and the gender-nonconforming deity Annie Lennox… what more could you want? For Kendall, he’s a little more rock ’n’ roll, so I’d say “Dreams” by Van Halen, which inspired the name of the Pride short story I released earlier this spring.
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
Lately, I’ve been reading a lot of memoirs from law enforcement folks working undercover and on particularly sticky cases. Under and Alone by William Queen and Bullies by Alex Abramovich were fantastic. I also love romantic suspense and monster romance, so it really depends on my mood.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
I’ve got a couple of books I need to judge for contests, and then I’ll be reading Homebound by Portia Elan for my book club pick in September. I host Queerly Beloved at Books Inc. in Alameda, CA, the second Tuesday of each month, and I’m excited that Portia will be joining us in September!
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
Kendall is a firefighter, and the 4th of July is a trying night for the Foggy Basin Fire Department. Francis comes to take care of him, and when Kendall wakes up the next morning, he finds Francis engaged in the sweetest, most heartwarmingly hilarious of activities. That’s all I’ll say.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
I inherited a cat named Scruffy last summer, and Scruffy has become my accountability partner. He paces on my desk back and forth while I attempt to write, so it’s a bit like typing on an old-fashioned typewriter where you have to push the bar aside. My Great Dane, Velma, and Chinese Crested, Spike, also must be present while I’m writing. If I’m in the house, my cats Frankenstein and Dracula are right up against me as well. I’ve become a bit like Snow White, minus the little birdies.
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
Find your purpose on this Earth and live it each day. Bonus points if you are kind and generous to others and you use your words for good.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
It’s never too late to live your dream. I didn’t start writing until I was in my 40s. I’m grateful every day that I have my writing to occupy my brain and help me process life.
