The Author Spotlight will focus on a different author every few weeks – it may feature an experienced writer who has a long history of published books, or a new author who is destined to be a future star. Today our Author Spotlight will be on A.J. Marcus. You can keep in touch with the author at the links following the interview!
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Author Spotlight: A.J. Marcus
First off, I want to thank A.J. for taking the time to answer these questions for me. Please feel free to leave any questions you may have in the comment section below!
ABOUT THE BOOKS:
What is the title of your newest or upcoming book?
Throwaway Card
What publisher is this book being published by?
Dreamspinner Press
What is the publication date?
6/12/2015
Throwaway Card by A.J. Marcus
Purchase links: Amazon / Dreamspinner
THE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
A.J. Marcus A.J. has been writing to pass the time since high school. The stories he wrote helped him deal with life. A few years ago, he started sharing those stories with friends who enjoyed them and he has started sending his works out into the world to share with other people. He lives in the mountains with his extremely supportive lover. They have a lot of critters, including dogs, cats, birds, horses, and rabbits. When not writing, A.J. spends a lot of time hiking, tail riding or just driving in the mountains. Nature provides a lot of inspiration for his work, and keeps him writing. He is also an avid photographer and falconer, don’t get him started talking about his birds because he won’t stop for a while.
Can you give the readers a brief summary of your latest book?
Hugh Lafoux managed to survive the Civil War, but came out of it scarred for life and with an intricately crafted metal leg. Since the war ended, he’s wandered aimlessly, looking for the next card game and easy sex. He boards the Bayou Belle in Saint Louis, expecting a nice easy ride down to Memphis. But he runs afoul of Big Al Shank, the owner of the Belle, and ends up beaten and thrown overboard into the dark river. Former slave Cotton Freeman spends most of his time hunting alligators along the Mississippi River near Memphis, Tennessee. While looking for larger gators north of town one night, Cotton unexpectedly fishes a man out of the water. As Cotton nurses Hugh back to health, they realize a mutual attraction, and their love grows. But when Big Al Shank returns to destroy them, love might not be enough to win the battle.
What genre does it fall in?
Steampunk Romance
Will you share a few words about your latest book, other than the usual blurb?
Throwaway Card was actually inspired by the song “Wild River Child” by S.J. Tucker, a friend of mine. I told her the idea I had and she loved it. I thought setting the book in the Reconstruction Era South would be different from a lot of steampunk books and it worked out really well.
Give us a little insight into your main characters! Who are they?
Hugh Lafoux was interesting to come up with. He’s complex and troubled. His family lost everything in the Civil War and now he wants to settle down, but keep wandering with the hopes of finding something, he’s not sure what. Cotton Freeman is a fairly simple man, he doesn’t need much and thinks he’s happy with his life, until Hugh comes along and turns everything upside down.
Will we be seeing these characters again any time soon? Is this book part of a series?
No
Tell us a little bit about your writing style. When and where is your favorite time/place to write?
I write most anytime of the day, normally at my desk looking out onto the forested hillside north of the house.
What sort of book do you enjoy reading in your free time? What was the last book you read? Did you enjoy it?
Changless by Gail Carriger. It was an interesting and often funny book. I like it when authors can throw in humor.
Did you always know you wanted to be a writer? Have you held any interesting jobs while you worked on your books?
I’ve written since high school, so I guess I always wanted to write. Most of my jobs haven’t been that interesting, call center tech support and such, but my volunteer work either with birds of prey or big cats has been interesting and fun.
What does your writing process look like?
I’m a fairly straight forward pantser. I come up with an idea, often a title first, sit down and write. The characters often tell me what they want to do. That’s why the first part of the book is the hardest, in stand alone books, like Throwaway Card, I’m getting to know the characters and once I get to know them, the book really takes off.
Why did you choose to write GLBTQ romance? Why not another genre?
I actually write in several genres, but I like GLBTQ fiction because it reflects my life. A lot of the expierences are things I’ve gone through and can relate in my writing.
One last questions…totally unrelated to books! I am a passionate foodie. Is there one thing in your pantry that you would be horrified for people to know that you eat?
WOW, hard question…I’ll go with Oreos. Right now they are the lemon cream ones.
Thankyou so much for answering my questions. I think my readers will enjoy learning more about you! Good luck in your future writing!
KEEP IN TOUCH WITH THE AUTHOR:
Find out more about A.J. by visiting the author’s website. You can also check out their profile on Goodreads or follow on Facebook or Twitter.
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