~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~it's all about the love~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Monday, December 19, 2011

Author S.J. Frost interview and give-away



My blog guest today has written a couple of my favorite series ever and has been very inspirational to me in the rockstar genre, as well as being one of the key factors in my road to my first publication. S.J. Frost has written 5 books in the Conquest series (❤), 2 in the Instincts series and a variety of other stories. She has a holiday release coming out on Christmas Day with MLR Press – Beautiful Harmony – that I’m really excited about but I’ll let her tell you why. J

Welcome, S.J.! I’m very happy to have you here. Are you ready to be grilled? 
J

Hey, K-lee! Thank you so much for having me here! I’m totally ready to chat and have a good time!

1.     How did you get started
writing m/m romance? Did you always want to be a writer?
It’s funny, because I actually wrote a gay romance before realizing I’d written one. Very confusing, I know. But you see, when I wrote my first novel, Conquest, all I thought was that I’d written a romance novel about two people in love. It just so happened those two people were both gay men. It wasn’t until after I started shopping around for a publisher and realized “traditional” romance publishers weren’t very friendly to gay content that I began to learn more about the m/m genre as a whole. I felt like I’d found where I was always meant to be as a writer.
And yep, I’ve wanted to be a writer for as long as I can remember. Storytelling, even before I knew how to write, was always part of my life. When I was little, I would make up stories for myself, and as I got older, I began putting them to paper, which made it even more fun. Now there’s nothing better than to be able to share my stories with my readers.
2.     What were your early influences either in this genre or any other?
My early influences actually came from the fantasy genre, since originally, I thought I’d want to be a fantasy author. And there’s still a desire in me to break into that genre someday. But the fantasy genre has been more open to homosexuality in books that probably any other, and it was there that I read my first book ever with a gay character, Mercedes Lackey’s The Last Herald Mage Trilogy (Magic’s Pawn, Magic’s Promise, Magic’s Price). I felt true sympathy and care for the main character, Vanyel Ashkevron, and to this day, he has a special place in my heart.
   3.     What is the hardest part about writing for you? The benefits?
Finding the time to do it. That’s really the hardest part for me. My life is packed pretty full, but because I love writing so much, I really try to set time aside to do it. I prefer to run short on sleep than on words.
When it comes to the actual writing process, probably one of the hardest things for me is never knowing what I’m going to get by the time The End rolls around. I’m a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants kind of author. But it’s exciting too, because I’m learning the story as I go.
The greatest benefit of being an author is all the people I get to meet. Readers, other authors, people in the industry. I appreciate everyone, especially my readers. Nothing makes my day like getting an email from someone saying they’ve enjoyed one of my books. It’s more special than words can ever describe to know someone took time out of their day to read my work and share their thoughts with me.
4.     Tell us a little about your Christmas story.
“Beautiful Harmony” is a short story, about 10k words, that will feature a couple characters readers of my previous work may recognize, Kyler Christenson and Robbie Russo from the novel, Black Heart Down. It takes place a few months after the end of that book and shows 
everyone where Ky and Robbie are in their relationship as they share their first Christmas in their home. 
It’s a steamy little story, but also sweet. A very special gift is given, 
but I have to plead evil author privilege and not say what that is ;-)

5.     Do you have any writing quirks? (ie computer has to be facing a certain way, cup  of coffee on the left, certain music playing, etc)
I don’t have any particular quirks for actually writing. I do prefer total silence, but I can work around it. I used to always eat peanut M&M’s while writing, but I don’t do that anymore. But I guess I do have a quirk for after I finish a story. I’ll obsessively read it over, re-work it and tweak it until my editor forces me to turn it in. Then I’ll usually cling for another day or two before I can let it go. Oh, and I’ll continue to obsessively tweak it all the way up through the final galley. Yeah, it’s mental. Fortunately, my editor is very patient with me.

   6.     Do you have any writing or reading squicks? Things you don’t like to read and can’t see yourself ever writing?
It really depends on the book. I’m a pretty easy reader and tend to give authors a lot of creative license. There are some things I don’t like; abuse of children or animals, cheating and abusive relationships. But it also depends on what the author is trying to get across. Are they trying to do good and spread awareness? Are they treating these subjects with the weight and seriousness they deserve? Or are they just throwing things in for shock value. It’s all variable on how the author handles the issue. I can’t really say if there’s anything I would never write about. If I did, chances are I’d get a story idea about it!
7.     Are there any types of characters (shifters, cowboys, construction workers, aliens, etc.) that you haven’t written yet but       are just screaming for you to get to their story?
I have some samurai who have been very patiently waiting for my attention for a very, very long time. I’ve wanted to write a historical gay romance with them ever since finishing Conquest. My rock stars and vampires having been taking all my attention, but my samurai continue to wait, knowing their time is coming. 
Hopefully 2012 will see me being able to work with them.
8.     What’s next on your plate? What are you working on?
Right now, I’m wrapping up the third book in my Instincts series and I’m polishing another musician themed novel that will be loosely tied to the Conquest series. Those two are my main focuses for the first quarter of 2012. After that, I’m going to try to work on the story for another character from the Conquest series, Brad Delfini.
   9.     What’s your favorite part of Christmas?
I love doing holiday things with my little guy. He’s three years-old this year, so the season is still full of magic for him. We’ve been reading Christmas books, watching all the classic Christmas shows together, decorating, shopping, doing local activities, and we’ll be going to see Santa soon. I just love sharing this time of year with him.
10.  Finally – a few quick choices:
a.     Coffee or tea – coffee, but only café mocha.
b.     Dog or cat – Both!
c.     Beach or mountains – Mountains.
d.     Pecs or abs – Abs.
e.     Smile or eyes – Eyes.
f.      Cowboys or rockstars – Rock stars!
g.     Who would win in a fight – vampires or werewolves? And why.
Vampires! Um, but I have no idea why. Probably just because I’ve written vampires, but not werewolves, and my vamps are pretty tough, so when I think vampires, I think of my guys and I can’t see them losing a fight. Guess I need to write some werewolves to really make an informed decision!

S.J. has graciously offered up an IOU copy of her holiday story, Beautiful Harmony, to one lucky commenter on my blog. PLEASE REMEMBER TO INCLUDE YOUR NAME AND EMAIL ADDRESS IN YOUR COMMENT.

CONTEST WILL BE OPEN UNTIL WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21.

If you don’t win, you can pick it up December 25 at MLR Press Beautiful Harmony and be sure to check out S.J.’s other books on her website S.J. Frost

40 comments:

  1. YAY! Great interview, I love your series!!! And I hope you write the Samurai soon!!! :)

    cutestsubever@gmail.com

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  2. I'd say she has a head start on the Samurai with the very sexy Ryu, yes?

    Just read that the next Instincts book will be Titus and Andreas again? Is that right, SJ? If so *squees* they're still my fave. :)

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  3. I have read every one of your books. I love them all but I guess I am a little partial to your rockstars. Can't wait to read "Beautiful Harmony". Looking forward to your new releases in 2012. Have a wonderful Christmas!

    lkbherring64(at)gmail(dot)com

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  4. Aww, Kat, thank you so much! I've got the biggest smile right now from hearing how much you enjoyed my work :D I really do hope to get to those samurai soon. They've been so patient, they deserve to have their story told!

    Hey, K-lee! Thank you again for having me here! And yep, you're right. The third Instincts book is going to take things back to Titus and Andreas. It's going to pick up not long where the second book, Enduring Instincts, leaves off :-)

    Thank you very much, Lisa! That's so sweet of you and I'm very flattered! I can understand being partial to the rockers. They're a tough act to follow ;-) Thank you for looking forward to this one and my future works! I greatly appreciate it! A Merry Christmas to you!

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  5. SJ - thank you for doing this interview, I love the little glimpses we get into an author's process and life. Love your work and have read all of your books :) I'm looking forward to reading the christmas story.

    Toni
    tmason442@gmail.com

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  6. I really want this book so please include me in the contest. I love her books, although it is a toss up of whether my favorites are the rock stars or vampires.

    melaniem54@msn.com

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  7. Please count me in the give away. Excellent interview and waiting for some cowboys or rockers or vampires or you could branch out and do some snake shifters..LOL

    Cinders
    crozzy67@nctv.com

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  8. Please count me in :)

    I love the interview :)

    aibopals AT gmail DOT com

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  9. Great interview. Thanks for the giveaway.

    e.balinski(at)att(dot)net

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  10. Oh, I'm sooo excited for those samurai novels! And even more excited or Brad's story...the Conquest series is my favourite series out there!

    Amy: amyvicky@hotmail.com

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  11. Can't wait for more Blackheart down!!! (adore your boys!!!!) xmas day can't get here soon enough!!!
    awesome news on your 3 instinct book... looking forward to it!
    Hugs,
    Z.

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  12. Great interview! I loved Conquest :)

    Anzumerlin(at)mail(dot)ru

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  13. Love the sound of your samurai! I've been Japan obsessed for years and the idea of a M/M romance about samurai just rocks my socks. :D

    Count me in for the giveaway, too! :)

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  14. Hi S.J.! I'd love to have a copy of your holiday book.Even the cover looks steamy! Happy Holidays!

    lena.grey@gmail.com

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  15. I love the Conquest series (one of the few contemporary series I can say that about).

    ~Amanda
    ryn.barker@gmail.com

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  16. OMG I just love the Conquest series. Can't wait to read more about the boys! Great interview!!

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  17. ARAGH BRAD!!! Woohoo bouncy bouncy!!

    Ahem......sorry got a little carried away there(wouldn't be like me)

    Can't not fecking wait for Beautiful Harmony you know how much I love my guys!!

    perpetua2206@yahoo.co.uk

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  18. Aww, you guys are awesome! Thanks so much for all the wonderful comments! I'm thrilled seeing how the Conquest and Instincts series have brought enjoyment :D

    Hi, Toni! Thank you for reading my work! I'm glad you enjoyed the interview. K-lee really put together some wonderful questions :-)

    Hiya, Melanie! I can totally understand having a tough time deciding between the rockers and the vamps. I've been getting torn between them a lot lately, lol! Thanks so much for stopping by today!

    Cinders! Don't worry, I haven't forgotten about that snake shifter, lol!

    Thank you, AiboPals and Joanne, for swinging by and entering the giveaway!

    Thank you, Amy, for looking forward to Brad's story. No doubt, next year I'll be working away to bring his story to life :-)

    Z! It's wonderful of you to have stopped by! Thank you for being excited for more with Ky and Robbie. Oh, and by the way, everyone...Z. Allora is the author of some very sexy rockers herself ;-)

    Hi, Anzu! Thank you for visiting over here and for your kind words! It makes me very happy hearing you enjoyed the Conquest series :D I'm glad you liked the interview, too!

    Hey, Piper! Thank you for coming by! I'm with you, I've had a love for Japanese culture and history for a long time. I love to watch old samurai movies, and each time I do, it gets me thinking of my m/m samurai story. Just talking about it here is making me excited with wanting to work on it!

    Hi, Lena! Thanks so much for looking forward to hanging out with Ky and Robbie again! I will admit, this story does have a healthy portion of steamy to go along with the sweet ;-) Happy Holidays!

    Hi, Amanda! I'm very flattered to hear that the Conquest series is a set of contemporary romances that you enjoy. That means a lot to me, and I greatly appreciate it!

    Hey, Arzu! Aww, thank you for saying that about the Conquest series! I'm very happy you've enjoyed it, and I hope you'll enjoy this little addition to it :D

    Petchie! Yep, Brad's going to be coming soon, lol! And hey, I'm all bouncy, bouncy about him and bringing Ky and Robbie back, too! The boys do know how much you love them ;-)

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  19. I am really excited for the Christmas story. I love Black Heart Down and would love to be entered in this giveaway.

    M.lanz28@ymail.com

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  20. Look forward to ure new book

    Happy holidays

    Sarah S

    Sarahs7836(at)gmail(dot)com

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  21. Great interview. Your books are on my to be read list. Can't wait to read the Conquest series.

    Thank you K-lee and SJ.

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  22. Count me in for the giveaway, too, please. Thanks for offering the book. :)

    -eeper
    wildeeper-at-gmail-dot-com

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  23. Hey, Marissa! Thanks for swinging by! I'm so glad you enjoyed BHD :-) I hope you'll enjoy this one just as much!

    Hi, Sarah! Thank you for looking forward to this new one. I appreciate it!

    Hi, Carnell! I appreciate you having my books on your TBR. I hope you'll enjoy them :-)

    Hi, eeper! It's my pleasure to offer a copy of my book. Thank you for entering the giveaway. And this is all thanks to K-lee for being such a gracious hostess!

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  24. Great interview! Would love to win your holiday story :-)

    smaccall AT comcast.net

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  25. Aww, Brad's finally going to get what he deserves (a swift kick in the pants for taking so long!) =)

    Yay!

    Adara
    adara adaraohare com

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  26. Great post!
    oh~ I absolutely loved the Conquest series!
    And I am so looking forward to any future work you have coming! <3

    Judi
    arella3173_loveless(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  27. Great interview, as usual, K-lee!

    Lord, I have 3 of SJ's books in my humungous TBR pile. Time to pull them out, dust them off and place right on the tippy-top!

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    qbeeqt@yahoo.com

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  28. Wow, you guys are awesome. So many comments. :)

    And S.J. - trying to answer each one -that's why you rock so hard.

    Thanks for stopping by everyone.

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  29. *Squeal* Love Kyler and Robbie ^.^

    I'm so with you on the "letting go" front...I just made 80 alterations to my proof-read copy (most small)... I'm desperately praying my editor won't send me a nasty computer virus over the holidays.

    Erica

    K-lee, you know where I live ;P

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  30. ALL I can say is that I am eagerly awaiting the holiday story!!! It satisfies my craving until Brad's story LOL!

    sushimobileblue@gmail.com

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  31. Ah, I love rock stars! Thank you so much for this competition.

    beccafoh (at) hotmail (dot) co (dot) uk

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  32. Hi, Bookwyrm! I love your Internet handle! Thank you for stopping over here. I'm glad you enjoyed the interview. It's all thanks to K-lee for asking the great questions :D

    Hey, Adara! lol! Yeah, Brad's been dragging his feet. Thankfully, I have Jesse helping me out to get him in line ;-)

    Hi, Judi! Thank you so much for your kind words about the Conquest series! I'm very happy you enjoyed them, and greatly appreciate you looking forward to more of my works. Thank you!

    Hi, Maya! K-lee really does put together an awesome interview, doesn't she? I hope you'll enjoy the Conquest books when you get a chance to give 'em a read :-)

    Erica! Thanks for coming by! I'm super happy you enjoyed Ky and Robbie. And you sound just like me with your manuscripts! Good to know I'm not the only one who has trouble letting go ;-)

    Hey, Suzy! I'm glad you came by! Thanks so much for wanting to read this Christmas story, and for craving Brad's story, lol! I hope they'll both be worth the wait :-)

    Hi, Beccafh! My pleasure to offer the giveaway. Thank you for entering!

    And last, but certainly not least, thank you, K-lee! I'm honored that you would have me here on your blog. Thank you so much for all your hard work putting this interview together. You rock, lady!

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  33. Hmm, I haven't read Blackheart Down but I loved Titus and Andreas!

    Now after reading that there will be a 3 Instinct book, I'm really glad that I stopped by!

    Happy Holidays!

    gardemarin(at)gmx(dot)de

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  34. I'm so exciting the third book in the Instincts series is coming! Yay. In the meantime I would love to meat Kyler and Robbie again a few months into their HEA.

    Sylwia
    kasjopejaUK(at)yahoo(dot)co(dot)uk

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  35. LOVE LOVE LOVE the Conquest series!!! Loving the Instincts series too!

    ~~Courtney
    aunt_cori(at)yahoo.com

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  36. Hi, Jay! I appreciate you stopping over! Thanks for entering the giveaway :-)

    Hey, Gardemarin! I'm thrilled to hear you enjoyed Titus and Andreas! I really loved working with them, and I'm excited to bring them back for Book 3.

    Hi, Sylwia! Thank you for being excited about the 3rd Instincts book! And I hope you'll enjoy seeing how Ky and Robbie are doing while waiting for more with the vamps.

    Hiya, Courtney! Aww, thanks so much about the Conquest series! And I'm very happy to hear you've enjoyed the Instincts series :D Rock stars and vampires, two of my favorite things ;-)

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  37. Hi SJ and K-lee - enjoyed reading the interview as it is always great to "see" inside the minds of our fave authors. I must say out of all your books my favorites are Jesse and Evan. Can't wait for the third instinct book to come out as well as Brad's story and whoever else you want to write about. Love them all.

    Wanting to wish you and your families all the best for the upcoming holidays.

    demetra21@yahoo.com

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  38. And we have a winner! Sarah S! Congrats. SJ will be in touch with you. :)

    Thanks guys - you rocked our socks off with all your comments.

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  39. Hey, Demetra! I'm glad you liked the interview. Thank you so much for your kind words! I can totally understand having Jesse and Evan as your favorites. Those two are very special for me. I even give Jesse credit for me becoming a published author :-) I appreciate you looking forward to my future works, and I hope you'll enjoy them!

    Sarah! Congratulations! As K-lee said, I'll be sending you an email very soon.

    And another big thank you to everyone! This was so much fun thanks to all of you, and I'm grateful for your support. K-lee, it was awesome of you to have me here. Thank you! I'm wishing everyone a beautiful holiday and a very happy New Year!

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