Interview with Author Jaxx Steele:
Hi Jaxx. Thank you for doing this interview. I would like to welcome you to the Romance at Heart Interview and Author Grilling session. *bg* We are interested to find out as much about you as we possibly can, so lets get started...
- Please tell us about your latest book.
My latest book is a Christmas story called ‘The gift that keeps on giving’. It is about a man who comes home for the holidays and falls for someone who is perfect for him in everyway except that they live too far apart to make it work...or so he thinks.
- What can we expect from you in the future?
The future looks bright for me as far as my writing goes. I keep an ‘idea to-do list’. So far the list contains four books that are released (including the upcoming Christmas story), 5 that have 2009 release dates, 2 that are submitted and 4 more that are in the works. The list grows almost weekly with new ideas.
- How do we find out about you and your books?
I have a website that I keep updated when something new comes in, a myspace page and a yahoo group called ‘The Peeping Hole’.
- How may readers/fans contact you?
My readers are free to email me at jaxxsteele@gmail.com with questions, fan mail (LOL) or if they’d like they could even send me a reader review, if they’d like.
- Why did you decide to write romance novels?
When I was youngster I used to go to my aunt’s house after school. She was an avid reader and loved romance. I started reading her books because they made her feel so good when she was done. As a young gay man I couldn’t see myself in them so I decided to write my own.
- How much of your personality and life experiences are in your writing?
I try extremely hard to keep me and Hou (my sweetie) out of my books, believe me. My characters come from somewhere deep inside my head with some real life quirks from other people that have graced my life one way or another.
- Do you have a set schedule for writing or do you just go with the flow?
I fly by the seat of my pants! Going with the flow is what I do best that’s why I can’t get with the Nano thing during the month of November. That requires commitment that I can’t give.
- What is your writing routine once you start a book?
I don’t have a ‘real’ routine. I write when time permits and to shut the characters long enough for me to sleep at least 8 hours a night.
- What about your family, do they know not to bother you when you are writing - or are there constant interruptions?
If they see me with my head phones on, eating sunflower seeds with a diet Pepsi nearby, know I’m in my zone and they won’t bother me at all.
- What do you do to relax and recharge your batteries?
I read other books, play video games or Hou and I play cards.
- Where do your ideas come from?
An idea can spring from anywhere with me. Something totally random could happen or someone could ask a question and my brain would say, ‘hmm, I wonder’ and then I’ll have pad and paper hashing out the start, the middle and the conclusion of a story.
- What are your thoughts on love scenes in romance novels, do you find them difficult to write?
No, not really. I know I am not writing about what I like so I find it a little easier. Different people like different things so I keep that in mind when I do my love scenes.
- What kind of research do you do?
That always depends on the story. For ‘The Devil made me do it’ I have never been to a bondage type club so couldn’t speak with first-hand account, but I know those who have. I called them up, asked questions using different scenarios and put together a ‘this could happen’ type of scene.
- What does your husband think of your writing?
LOL, well, Hou is not my husband because we live in Indiana, but he enjoys reading my stuff. He encourages me to write and sometimes gives input.
- Fill in the blank favorites –
Dessert; I loooove cheese cake
City; Key West
Season; I love the summer
Type of hero; strong, handsome, aggressive and knows what he wants
Type of heroine; I like a no-nonsense female who looks good on the outside and doesn’t take any crap!
- Who are some of your other favorite authors to read?
I really like Anne Rice and I’ve read a few Bertrice Small books and liked them, too.
- How long have you been writing - have you always wanted to be a writer?
I started out as a poet. As far back as elementary school I have been writing poetry, but my love for reading and my self-awareness is what pushed me into being an author.
- How many books have you written, how many have been published?
I have written 13 total stories (without counting the incomplete ones) and 7 of those have homes.
- Among your own books, have you a favorite book?
That’s really a hard question. I like them all for different reasons, the stories and the characters, but to choose one overall...it’s like choosing a favorite kid.
- Which comes first, the story, the characters or the setting?
With me the story and the setting go hand in hand and usually come first. I will have the beginning, the middle and the end locked down and then I build the characters that will fit the story.
- What are the elements of a great romance for you?
I think a good romance should draw you in. Lots of sexually tension, romance, good sex and the ahh feeling you get at the end. You should like the characters as individuals and then when their ‘true love’ is introduced you want to see them together.
- Are you in control of your characters or do they control you?
They absolutely control me. LOL I build them to be sure, but they determine their own lives and destiny's.
- Have you experienced writer's block---> If so, how did you work through it?
Yes, I have. When it happens I put the pen down or walk away from the computer and do something else. When the characters are ready to talk to me again they will.
- What is the most rewarding thing about being a writer?
When you get a reader review and someone absolutely loved your story. I have gotten good, bad and so-so reviews, but those were from people that I have sent out a free copy to, but when someone chooses your book and spends their money on you and they are satisfied with it...ahh, best feeling in the world.
- If you weren't writing, what would you be doing?
I still hold down a 9-5 job that I enjoy going to, but if I could make enough money off my writing to quit my day job I would hesitate at all.
- Are there any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?
Just because you like someone else’s work doesn’t mean you have to copy them, just learn from them. An established author once said to me, ‘stay true to your voice and strive to improve your craft’ when I sent out my first story. I have the in a small frame on my cork board over my computer to remind me and encourage me.
Thank you very much for taking the time with us and answering our questions. I really appreciate this interruption to your busy schedule. Good Luck, and we will be looking forward to the next delightful creation from your talented imagination!
Yours in good reading,
Rose!
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RaH Links: Review Review
Buy Jaxx's Books At Dreamspinner Press
Buy Books at Dreamspinner Press
Buy Jaxx's Books at Red Rose™ Publishing
Buy Books at Red Rose™ Publishing