Monday, November 8, 2010

Talking With Andrew Grey/Contest



CONTEST: Andrew has generously offered a copy of one of his books to one lucky person who comments today. Leave a comment along with a way to contact you if you won today and you will be entered to win this wonderful prize. Contest ends November 10th, 2010.







To get us started can you tell us a little about what you are working on or have coming out?

I am working on the follow up to A Shared Range. I haven’t developed the title yet, but it will be Phillip’s story. I also have a number of things coming out. The fifth in the Love Means… series, Love Means… No Fear will be released December 27. I have finished the fourth story in the gym series, Crunch Time, and I have Accompanied by a Waltz coming out early next year.



In addition to all that, A Taste of Love was released today from Dreamspinner Press.

What makes a book great in your eyes?

The story needs to move me on an emotional level. I love all kinds of stories: mystery, suspense, action adventure, historical, romance. And for me the books that stay with me all move me emotionally. They don’t necessarily need to be love stories, but they need to invoke and engender a strong emotional response.


What authors are on your virtual or literal keeper shelf? Ken Follett, I love his books. They’re filled with action, love, hate, and intrigue. Anne Perry, for the glimpses through her characters into Victorian England and the trenches of World War One. Rhianne Alie for giving me one of my first introductions to romantic werewolves, I’m forever grateful. I’ll never write one, but I love to read them.

If someone hasn't read any of your work, what book would you recommend that they start with and why?

That is probably the hardest question for me. From where I’m sitting, I can see the covers from all my stories and it’s hard to pick just one. But if I had to pick, I’d say Love Means… Courage. Even though it’s the second Love Means… story I wrote, it takes place first and for me that story was a trip down memory lane. It’s set in the time and place just after I graduated from high school. It’s probably the best place to start the series that hold a special place in my heart.

If you could entertain a character from a book, who would it be and what would the evening be like?

Without a doubt, Robbie form Love Means… No Boundaries. I would hope he’d bring Joey and his violin along for an evening of music and conversation. I absolutely love music and I think an evening with Robbie would be fascinating.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I tend to write in front of the television and completely block it out. It seems I write best in situations where I have something to ignore. I have no idea why this works for me, but it does.


What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

That inspiration is everywhere and often comes from where you least expect it. I’ve been inspired by things I’ve seen on vacation, things in my home, people I meet and once inspiration strikes, I have to go with it, even if it’s the middle of the night or on a cruise in the Caribbean.


Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work? My favorite author has to be Clive Cussler. I love his undersea stories of adventure. I think what really appeals for me is that they are so far outside my areas of knowledge that the adventures continue to enthrall me after reading them for over a decade. I’d love to be able to write that kind of story, but I don’t have the background, so I keep reading his.

What are you working on now?

Right now, I’m working to finish up the follow up to A Shared Range. Once that is done, I’ll probably work on the follow up to A Taste of Love. I also have other ideas running around, so I never really know.



Where can readers find you on the web?



I’m also on Facebook and Twitter.



What is your favorite pizza?

LOL Actually I can’t eat pizza, I’m lactose intolerant, but if I could it would be meat lovers. God that could be taken so many ways.



What is one thing scientists should invent?

A way to remove excess carbon from the atmosphere to help reverse climate change.



Are you a morning person or a night person?

I’m definitely a morning person. I wasn’t always, but I’ve become one as I’ve gotten older.



When you looked in the mirror this morning, what was the first thing you thought?

That I’m starting to get gray hair.



Anything else you would like to add?

Please join me on Wednesday November 10 in the Love Romances Café. I’ll be chatting, sharing excerpts and would love to talk with you. I’ll also try to bring along some of my fellow authors. I hope to see you there.






Excerpt from A Taste of Love.



Billy grasped Darryl’s hand, breaking into another smile as he pumped it vigorously. “Thank you. I won’t let you down. I promise.” Billy grabbed his worn jacket and turned around, treating Darryl to a peek at the kid’s stunning backside. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Mr. Hansen.”

Darryl swore Billy’s feet never hit the ground as he rushed toward the door to the dining room, turning around to wave before disappearing. Darryl found himself watching the door, completely lost in thought.

“Darryl!” Hearing his name, he turned to Kelly, who was standing in his doorway. “Geez, where were you?” She didn’t wait for an answer, putting a plate in front of him before plopping into the only other chair. “I think we’re done for a while, so I made you something to eat.” Darryl barely heard her, his mind still on the kid—er, Billy. “Earth to Darryl, are you there?”

“Sorry.” He pulled his mind back to the present. “What’s this?”

“I made it for you. Tell me what you think.” Kelly looked pleased as Darryl examined the plate. The presentation was good, and he sniffed at the food. The aroma was enticing without being overpowering. Picking up the utensils, he cut a bite and tasted it. “Very nice. A variation on veal Milanese.” The breading was crisp but not too heavy, thin with a nice mouth-feel.

“Yes, except I breaded it, and instead of frying it, I sautéed it in a very little oil to keep it lighter.” Kelly watched as he cut off another bite. Popping it into his mouth, he let the flavor run free. “Do you like it?”

“Yes. We’ll need to refine the process, but this could definitely work on the menu as a special. Let’s talk about it tomorrow; you can think about what you’d like to serve with it.”

Kelly practically squealed with delight as she hopped out of the chair, and Darryl smiled as he continued eating, his mind returning unbidden to a vision of Billy. Jesus, he needed to stop that. Yes, the kid fascinated him. He had energy and was absolutely adorable, but he was way too young. And besides, Darryl had a hard and fast rule: he never dated anyone he worked with. He was the boss, and that could open a kettle of worms he wasn’t interested in exploring. But damn, the kid seemed to push all his buttons. “Maybe it’s just been too long,” he muttered to himself. Darryl tried to remember the last time he’d spent time with anyone and he realized he couldn’t. “Fuck, it’s been forever since I had any kind of sex that didn’t involve my right hand.”

He heard a soft knock and looked up to find himself looking again into Billy’s big, expressive eyes. “I forgot to ask how I should dress.” Billy looked nervous, and from the look of the clothes he was wearing, Darryl surmised that he probably didn’t have much.

“Wear black pants, and I’ll give you a few Café Belgie shirts that you can wear when you’re working.” Billy looked relieved and flashed Darryl another smile that raced through him.

“Okay, thank you.”

Again, Darryl watched him go and had to remind himself of his rule. The kid looked so young and innocent. Darryl usually liked his men more experienced, but there was something about Billy that got his attention, and it scared the fuck out of him. Shaking his head, he forced himself to finish his lunch. Nothing was going to happen, no way, no how. Besides, Sebastian was going to train him, and Darryl intended to keep as far away from the kid as possible. His first job had been in a kitchen with a very talented chef who had dated all the women who worked for him. What a mess that had been for everyone. No, he wouldn’t put himself in that position, even for a man as attractive as Billy. Jesus, I’m doing it again. Finishing his lunch, he took the plate to the dish room and got to work. That would take his mind off that bright smile, radiant hair, and tiny, tight butt. “Jesus Christ!” He swore at himself.

“Is something wrong?” Kelly asked, concerned.

“No,” Darryl lied, forcing his mind onto his work.



Check out some of our reviews for Andrew's books:
















29 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Andrew,

Thanks for coming by the blog and chatting with us. I love your walk. Yes I know...I stalk your site and DSP to see what is coming up from you. LOL

This new release sounds fantabulous. Can't wait to grab it.

Dawn

Chris said...

Hi Andrew! Oh, A Taste of Love sounds good! :)

Nikyta said...

Hi Andrew,

I'm the same way with writing reports. I have to have music or the tv on but I can always block them out. I do that when I'm reading, too, mostly because I'm usually in a public place when I have time to read so I've perfected the art of ignoring people. Lol

I'm looking forward to reading A Taste of Love. Love the excerpt and I can't wait for your upcoming releases. You're one of my favorite authors. :D

-Nikyta
mercedes791@live.com

Anonymous said...

Hurray for morning people! Please enter me in the contest.
Don Bradshaw deerrunner55@aol.com

Jace said...

Look forward to read you new release.

Jace
jaceharv@gmail.com

Erotic Horizon said...

Congrats on the release Andrew..

I am just finishing up the Bacchus books - I love them...

Neat interview.. not tried Cussler, yet - Always feel like I would be dragging those books around for years...

Love Means series Rocks!!!!

E.H>

Anonymous said...

Thanks Dawn. I'm so pleased you're such a fan.

Andrew

Laura R. said...

Can't wait to read the new release and the next Love Means... book!

Beth said...

Thanks for the excerpt. and Glad to hear about the new Love Means book. Looking forward to reading it.

carolcobun(at)yahoo(dot)com

Perpetua said...

Hey Andrew, great interview! ohh I'll be stopping in tomorrow for a bit of the chat!

Hugs,

Perpetua
perpetua2206@yahoo.co.uk

Angel Martinez said...

The restaurant story sounds like a good one, Andrew! I have to agree with you on which character to ask over for dinner - Robbie would be marvelous dinner guest. Though I'd love to have Dakota and Wally over, too. :)

Good luck with all your new projects - you're such a busy bee these days!

Julie Lynn Hayes said...

Great interview, Andrew! I am particularly interested in A Taste of Love - hot men and food is a great combination! Also, one of the characters has my maiden name - Hansen lol

Thanks for sharing!

LindaC said...

Andrew,

I loved A Taste of Love. I'm excited to learn you are planning to write a follow-up. I also can't wait for Love Means... in Dec. Love that series.

Linda

lincat56@hotmail.com

Stevie Woods said...

I'm still working my way through your various series, Andrew, but I haven't found a book yet I didn't thoroughly enjoy.

Stevie

Anonymous said...

Hi Andrew,

Thank you for being so candid. I just love all your books. And look forward to reading your next stories

trekfan (aka Linda)

Bobbi said...

I would have thought there would have been a few more post I know a ot of people love your books maybe they haven't seen the blog. Have read all you books except shard Range just got that in print and have been working but will get to it soon. Love all your books keep up the fantastic work
Bobbi

melanie said...

Wonderful excerpt. A Taste of Love sounds great. I always look forward to new releases from you.

Please enter me in the contest. You can contact me at Melaniem54@msn.com. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

Hi, Andrew! Just wanted to let you know that I LOVE your books. I am afraid, however, that I would disagree with your suggestion to read Love Means Courage first. That's what I did, and then I started Love Means No Shame and I CRIED for hours and hours. It is a huge testament to your writing how invested we become in these characters!! Really looking forward to more!

Bobbejean
bobbejean@msn.com

Kathy said...

Great interview, Andrew. I am so looking forward to the sequel to Shared Range and your next Gym book in the gym series. But I'm over the moon there's another Love Means... book on the way!

Kathy
kbranfield@gmail.com

Jambrea said...

I just read my first Andrew Grey book. Core Training. I enjoyed it very much! I have two others loaded up that I need to get to!

I love restaurant books and this one looks great.

Man...sorry about the pizza...I don't know what I would do if I couldn't eat that. lol

Kathy said...

Great interview, Andrew. I am so excited to see there's a sequel for Shared Range in the works. Looking forward to the next book in the gym series. But I'm ecstatic there's an upcoming Love Means... book. I LOVE that series!

Kathy
kbranfield@gmail.com

Leni said...

Glad I got a chance to read an excerpt of A Taste Of Love. Looking forward to reading this one.
I understand about being able to concentrate on your work with the television on. For some reason it just works.

lenikaye@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Looking good, Andrew, as always.

Phoenix Emrys, olorien56@gmail.com

Anastacia Hess said...

Love Means No Shame was my introduction to the m/m literary world. Since then I have read everything you have published so far and keep waiting for more. I have also read several other m/m books. Thank you for the introduction. Cannot wait to read what's next.
I love how your books mix with each other.
Eli is still my favorite character of yours.

Stacia

Josie said...

Thanks for talking to us, I really like the sound of your new book.

SusieQ_too said...

Thanks for a wonderful interview! I always enjoy the characters in your books because they are so believable and real!! Look forward to reading your stories for a long time!
Susie

Andrew Grey said...

A big thank you to each and every one of you. I appreciate your kind comments so much, I can't possibly tell you. Hearing what you all had to say warmed my heart and got me banging away on my computer. You're all an inspiration and the reason I write.

Thank you all so much again
Andrew

Terra said...

Hey Andrew,

I just got your book A Taste of Love and can not wait to read it. Just to many good looking books on your web site and I want them all. Need to read faster.

Anonymous said...

WINNER OF AN EBOOK FROM ANDREW GREY IS........MadBeagle.....I am sending Andrew your email address so he can contact you on your prize. CONGRATS!!!

Thanks to all who came by and commented on Andrew's day.