Good morning Andrew, and welcome to Fallen Angel Reviews.

It’s my distinct pleasure to interview you for our readers. Thank you for taking the time out of your schedule and coming to chat with us today!

Thank you for having me, it’s a pleasure.

Ok I wanted to start this off a bit differently. I know you’ve probably done your fair share of interviews so let’s have some fun before we get into the seriousness of it all. If you had to choose would it be… Antiques or IKEA, Starbucks or Maxwell House, Birdcage or The Crying Game?

I’m an Antiques, Starbucks, Birdcage kind of boy. My partner and I have collected fine antiques for the last fifteen years, everything from paintings, sculpture, to our 9 ½ foot tall walnut bed. I go to Starbucks about one a week with the guys I work out with, but only for the pastry since I don’t drink coffee, and I agree with you, I love to laugh my ass off.

For those who don’t know you and your work, can you tell us more yourself?

I love writing about love. I grew up and came out during the AIDS era when most gay stories were depressing and there was only so much you could read. About four years ago, I discovered gay romantic fiction and read voraciously. About 2 ½ years ago, I started writing. Since then I’ve published a number of works, both contemporary and fantasy.

Andrew, your latest release is Spot Me. How did you come up with the concept behind Spot Me?

The guys in Spot Me were inspired by some of the guys I work out with at my gym. The character of Lonnie is based upon a real person, but I had to tone him down for the book. In this case, truth is stranger than fiction, and less believable.

Gene’s character sounds scrumptious and seems to be the perfect match for Dan.

The interesting thing is that Dan is the closest to myself of any character I’ve ever written and Gene’s my fantasy ideal.

Speaking of characters, if you were asked to create a reality show designed around one of your books, which one would you choose?

I think a reality show based on Spot Me would be fun. We could set it in a gym and populate it with muscle gods and the skinny guys who love them. Then stand back and watch the fireworks.

You also have a series about satyrs. What inspired you to write these stories?

Four years ago on a business trip to Europe, I purchased a 19th century bronze of a satyr. He stands in my dining room and is the model and inspiration for Cembran from the Children of Bacchus books.

I had the pleasure of reading Thursday’s Child, part of the Bacchus series. You hinted at a “greater destiny”, and there were new characters introduced in this installment. Where do you see this series headed?

The final installment is Arthur’s story and I don’t want to give too much away, but I will tell you that an old villain returns and threatens not only the satyr’s, but Bacchus himself. I wrote this last satyr story as a capstone for all three of the stories.

I have some questions about your approach to writing. Do you write on a schedule or as inspiration hits?

I tend to set goals for the week, but I write when inspiration strikes and do try to write every day. My standard goal is 6000 words a week.

Your muse goes on hiatus, what do you do to get back into your creative flow?

I tend to take a break and spend time with my family and friends. My inspiration tends to come from people I meet, so I have some fun and try not to worry. I know inspiration will come if I’m patient.

How important is the beginning chapter - the opening - the first few lines?

I think you need to capture the reader’s interest and engage then emotionally. You need to do that pretty quickly, but I don’t obsess over the first line, paragraph, or chapter. I try to open with action and propel the reader into the story with something they can relate too.

Have you ever had a song inspire you to write a story?

Yes. I wrote a short story called Dominant Chord that was inspired by Mozart’s Opera, the Magic Flute.

What is the biggest misconception about being an author?

That it’s really glamorous and that I make a lot of money. Everyone thinks if you’re an author, you’re J K Rowling.

If you could give an aspiring author a single important piece of advice, what would it be?

Write what you know and write what you love. If you don’t know what you’re writing, it won’t feel alive, and if you love what you’re writing, so will your reader. Writing shouldn't be a chore so love what you're doing and it'll come through in your writing.

What makes a great book to you?

A great story with riveting characters that keeps you engaged emotionally throughout the work. I think that one of the most important things in any story is humor. In order to have a good love story, you also have the ups as well as the downs. It’s the humor that adds to the highs and tempers the lows both in a story as well as life.

What would we find on your bookshelf?

Hundreds of gay romances, adventure stories, murder mysteries, as well as a lot of the classics. I read a lot and have very diverse tastes.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

Just that I have another book coming out September 14. Love Means… No Shame. Geoff returns to the family farm after his father’s death and finds Eli, and Amish boy on his year away from the community, sleeping in his barn.

Would you share your website, blog, myspace, or Facebook, twitter, with us please?

Website, Blog

Andrew, thank you once again for taking the time out of your busy schedule for this interview. I enjoyed spending time with you today. You have filled your stories with delightful character’s that enthrall and captivate, and we look forward to reading your future releases.

Interviewed by: Linda L.