The power of the Triad and Poppy . . . a mmmMMMonday interview with Poppy Dennison!

Just for reading this interview, and commenting on it, you are entered to possibly win one or two FREE books. SO DO IT! And you'll be glad you did!

Wt - This is Wt Prater, and i'm here today interviewing Poppy Dennison. Thanks for being here.

PD - Thanks for having me!

Wt - So, apparently today is bad 80's movie, as I'm currently watching Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure. What's your guilty pleasure?

PD -  As far as 80's movies are concerned, I'm a John Hughes girl. Give me the Molly Ringwald movies any day and I'm curled up and happy. Sixteen Candles...*happy sigh* That moment when Jake and Sam are leaning across the table. Gets me every single time! Oh, and when she walks out and he’s leaning against the car. Gah! I’m revealing my age here, aren’t I? Those movies are the ones I watched during my impressionable tween years and have always seemed the most romantic to me.

Outside of 80's movies, I'm normally curled up reading the newest paranormal romance I can find with a huge mug of coffee by my side.

Wt - What book(s) are you currently reading?

PD - I'm a huge Mary Calmes fan and just finished a reread of her Matter of Time series in preparation for the newest one coming out. Love those books. Jory is an amazing character. I try to keep up with a few other paranormal series, including the Anita Blake books and the Southern Vampires by Charlaine Harris. Unfortunately, I haven't been reading a lot lately because I'm in the middle of writing 3 of my own! I think that’s a pretty valid excuse though, don’t you?

Wt -  Tell us about your current projects.

PD - I've just submitted a novella with a sick werewolf and the nurse who takes care of him. It was such a fun story to write and the main character really tested me! Andrew is a feisty bit of goods and finds himself in over his head with shapeshifters. He doesn’t even know they exist! I'm hoping to have good news on it soon.

 I'm currently writing a vampire christmas short that has me giggling at every turn. What happens when a vampire falls for a television cooking show host? I’m having a blast writing it and love stories where I can play up the humor. Funny paranormal books aren’t around a lot, but I’m hoping my fans enjoy my twist on this one.

And I can't leave out Soul Magic, the third and final book in the Triad series. This book really packs a punch and I have a feeling I'm going to be in big trouble with my readers when it comes out! It’s very challenging for me to write, because I know it’s the last time I’ll be venturing into this world (well, at least for a while anyway!). This one features more of Simon and Gray, and wraps up the big “whodunit” of the series. And yes, for the fans who are asking me, it does feature Cormac in a romantic role!

Wt - For you is there a difference in writing novels and short stories? And how so?

PD - In a lot of ways, they are very similar for me. The process, in fact, is exactly the same. Both start with a major idea, usually a scene that is clear to me. It plays in my head like a movie and I have to write it down. Then I build the story around it. The difference between novels and shorter stories comes in the subplots. When I'm working on something like Soul Magic, the plotting becomes much more intricate and time consuming. I have more characters to deal with, and more threads to keep moving forward.  In a novella or short story, I have to limit the amount of subplots because I simply don't have the word count available to fully delve into them. I can’t introduce as many characters, either.

Wt -  Speaking of Soul Magic, how's the Triad doing? I was checking out reviews on Mind Magic, and it seems it's doing a little better in reviews than Body Magic.

PD -  Body Magic seems to be doing very well. The series is doing much better than I could ever have imagined. It's hard to come on the scene as a newbie and have a book that people really connect with, but my readers seem to really enjoy Gray, Simon, and the rest of the pack. I'm thrilled with the response!
 

Wt - In planning the Triad, how much did you plan out ahead?

PD - Triad was originally one book, so I had a pretty good idea of where it was going from the beginning idea. In fact, I knew the ending of book three before I knew anything about the middle of the series because it was supposed to be the ending of book one! I have a notebook full of notes on the series. Characters and plot points and romance, oh my! As I'm writing the third book, I keep referring back to those notes to make sure I keep my original intention in mind. The series is really about Simon's journey, and I hope that as the other characters appear around him, my readers see how they all impact him and his growth as a person, a mage, and a mate.
 

Wt - Well, I love the first one, and i know the second one came out Sept. 20. Do you have date for the third one?

PD - I'm hoping to have the third book out in April 2013, as close to a year from the original release of Mind Magic as I can. I like the symmetry of it. I have a few shorter pieces scheduled for release in the meantime, so I’m hoping my fans don’t yell too loudly about the long wait.

Wt - And these are available through Dreamspinner Press. When you deciding which house to go through, why did you ultimately decide on DSP?

PD - I did quite a bit of research on several different publishers in the genre. Ultimately, word of mouth helped make my decision for me. Every author I spoke with who had published with Dreamspinner loved the team and the process. I'm so thankful I decided to go with them. Elizabeth North is amazing to work with, and the editing team has really saved my bacon a few times. It's been an amazing experience.

Wt - Besides online promotion, are there events that you attend to promote sales? AKA do you spend much time at conventions and such?

PD - I haven't attended any events yet. Last year, I attended GayRomLit in New Orleans as a reader (which is where I met you, Will! *g*). I will be at GayRomLit in Albuquerque this month, but honestly, I'm so much of a fangirl that I don't consider that event promoting sales at all! For me, it’s all about connecting with friends, and if they happen to buy a book afterwards, that’s a bonus. I will be attending Olde City, New Blood, a paranormal convention in St. Augustine, Fl next year that will be more sales oriented. Heck, who am I kidding. I'll be fangirling my way through that convention as well!

Wt - And I noticed you are a fan of blog hopping. Have you found that to be useful in finding new authors and new followers?

PD - Absolutely. As both an author and a reader, the more involved I am in the genre, the more I learn. I find other authors to read, those who share my interests, and have made some amazing friends in the process. I think the best way to find new authors and followers is to be sincerely interested in what’s going on in the genre. There’s a lot to keep up with, but with so many social media options available, everyone can find a niche where they fit in. Blog hops are a great tool for that purpose. It’s a bit of the Seven Degrees of Kevin Bacon game. I might not know an author, but they know a friend of mine, and we connect by both doing a blog hop.

Wt - Any new faves?

PD - I'm a huge fan of Jeremy Pack. His new book, To Touch the Stars, blew my mind. Your readers are probably familiar with Jeremy from his interview here. He’s a true gem in this genre, and has wit and wisdom that I admire greatly. As to blogs, I follow the Chicks & Dicks blog because they tend to touch on issues as both a writer and reader that I care about. It’s not all about promotion. I don’t think you can go into any of the social media aspects only thinking about selling another book. How boring would that be? I like interacting with other fans and readers and learning from my fellow authors.
 

Wt -  Do you do NaNo?

PD - I don't do NaNo, but am considering it this year. I'm going to hit up Kiernan Kelly in Albuquerque for some advice. Shall I hit you up as well, Will?

Wt - Please do it! More inspiration aka ass-kicking!

PD - I'm definitely considering it! I need to check the NaNo rules because I've technically just started writing Soul Magic so I'm not sure it will count. Either way, I could use the daily challenge practice and I’m very interested in the community aspect of NaNo. I’ve thought about it for the past couple years, but the timing never seems to be right.

Wt - So, are there any questions you wish i had asked and/or any questions you never want to be asked again?

PD - I must say that I'm still kind of a newbie at this whole interview gig, so there aren't any questions that I've gotten tired of...yet! LOL. Other than that, I think you covered things well. Thanks so much for having me!

Wt - Well, What can I say . . .you are still one of my biggest inspirations!

PD - *hugs* Thank you so much Wt. I don't think of myself as an inspiration. I'm just thrilled to be writing stories that I love, and hope to be able to continue doing this for years to come! And I plan on you being right there with me so get to work! I can’t wait to see you this week in Albuquerque. 


Poppy Dennison developed an obsession with things that go bump in the night in her early years after a barn door flew off its hinges and nearly squashed her. Convinced it was a ghost trying to get her attention, she started looking for other strange and mysterious happenings around her. Not satisfied with what she found, Poppy has traveled to Greece, Malaysia and England to find inspiration for the burly bears and silver foxes that melt her butter. Her love of paranormal continues to flourish nearly thirty years later, and she writes steamy love stories about the very things that used to keep her up all night. If her childhood ghost is lucky, maybe one day she’ll give him his own happily ever after.
 

Two for One. . .A mmmMMMonday interview with Xara X Xanakas and Piper Vaughn

Just for reading this interview, and commenting on it, you are entered to possibly win one or two FREE books. SO DO IT! And you'll be glad you did!

Wt--- Greeting and salutions, This is Wt Prater and here tonight with Piper Vaughn and Xara X Xanakas. Thank you so much for joining me.

XX --- Thank you for having us.

PV --- Greetings. :)

Wt --- Tonight, as I interview these two incredible human beings, I am rocking out to No Doubt’s new CD, Push and Shove. What about you two? What is currently in your one CD of choice?

PV--- Right now, Muse’s “The 2nd Law,” which just came out. They’re my favorite band.

XX--- Is it bad that I don’t have any favorite CDs right now?

Wt --- Weird, but not bad. Lol. You have heard P!nk’s latest, right? SO GOOD!

PV --- I’ve only heard one song from that album so far. I’ll have to listen to the rest of it!

XX --- I haven’t heard it yet. I’m kind of stuck in the 80s still - hair bands and early heavy metal.

Wt --- My computer apparently got sick of No Doubt, and switched to Joni Mitchell. My computer is so bipolar. Xara, you’re still stuck in the 80’s, you were there when last we met. Still listening to the exactly same bands?

XX --- Probably. I’m a creature of habit. Or routine.

Wt--- When you’re writing what do you listen to, if anything?

XX --- I can’t listen to anything when I write. My brain winds up following the music, and the shiny takes over.

PV --- For me, it depends on what I’m writing and what kind of mood I’m going for. Sometimes I need music and sometimes I need silence. There are times when the music just distracts me, and times it helps.

Wt --- I love listening to music in other languages while I’m writing. My currently fave is an Icelandic band called Sigur Ros. What about you? Ever tried that?

PV --- I’ve listened to stuff in Spanish and Japanese, but as I said before, it’s entirely dependent on my mood.

Wt --- So, I have couple of questions for you as individuals. Let’s start with you, Piper.

You’re written about pirates, zombies, rock stars, geeks, and party boys. Do you have a favorite of those, or one you seem to relate to better than the others?

PV --- Well, I guess I relate most to the geeks, though I am more pop culture than a techy geek. I’ve always been kind of introverted and dorky, so they’re probably the best fit. I’ve really enjoyed writing my rock stars with MJ, though. I wish I had any sort of musical talent, but sadly, I don’t. I do hope to learn to play the banjo someday, though. One day, I want to banjo duel. :P

Wt --- Fair enough. And looking over your resume of writing, you appear to have a great relationship with Goodreads. Could you tell us about that?

PV --- I joined Goodreads as a reader back in July 2007. Most of my friendships there were started before I was even published, including with Xara and my other co-author, MJ O’Shea. I created a profile for Piper in 2010, I believe, since I’d always been a fan of the site and it seemed like it would be cool to be able to connect to readers under my author persona. These days, I mainly use GR under my reader profile to track all of the books I’m reading and the challenges I’m participating in.

Wt --- Well, looking your reviews, you are dearly loved. Over 90 percent of your reviews for your books and stories are 4 star or above. Except strangely for “Promise in a Kiss” which is slightly lower at 3.25 stars. Why do you think this book was received differently?

PV --- You know, I’m not sure if I can really answer that one, but I’ll give it a try. The main complaint I saw about “Promise in a Kiss” was that people felt there wasn’t a complete story and that it was more like the prologue to what should have been a longer book. I never intended it to be part of something bigger; it was always meant as a cute, little, serendipitous kind of story, sort of a modern-day fairytale. I was satisfied with it and felt it was complete and could stand on its own. Judging from the feedback, perhaps most people disagreed.

Wt --- You’ve published a total of 4 stories through Goodreads. Have you noticed a different reaction to those than those you’ve published through Dreamspinner, Less Than Three, or Loose ID?

PV --- I’ve self-published 4 freebies on GR altogether. Two vignette collections co-written with MJ and two solo stories. Of those, “Wanting” is by far my most popular, and it currently still holds the most ratings for any of my titles. That story is where most GR regulars first encountered my writing, I’d imagine, and the most noticeable reaction is people being surprised that it was a freebie because they enjoyed it so much. Not everyone, of course, but I’ve seen quite a few people make that type of comment since it was published in July ‘11.
The vignettes are connected to the “Lucky Moon” series I write with MJ, and those aren’t really intended to stand on their own. They’re meant to be read in addition to the books and were written as more of a “behind the scenes” kind of perk for the fans, which is why they are free. I’ve seen some people comment about not wanting to read them because they aren’t technically in the main series, but for us they play a part. I assume, though, being that they’re only posted on ARe and GR, a lot of fans might not even know about them.

Wt --- Turning to you, Xara, you’re written about shifters, cowboys, cops, and rebels. Who do you relate to the most?

XX --- No matter what they do, my guys tend to be self-depreciating and snarky, using humor to cover their insecurities. I think that’s what I relate to more than their professions.

Wt --- I loved your book, Snakeskin Boots, about a wereboa and werewolf that fall in love. What your philosophy with regards to the weres? Are there any animals you don’t want to use?

XX --- Weres are people too, just enhanced. Being dual-natured, I don’t believe they would ever be able to completely separate one from the other. In animal form, they’d probably be lucid and aware of their surroundings. Some may even use strategy learned in their human form. While human, I think they’d exhibit some of the characteristics of their animals, some of the physical tics their animal would show. As for off-limits animals? Nah, it’s open season on all of them.

Wt --- On a totally different subject, I’m curious about Bennie’s Wish and No Pants Day. Can you tell us the backstory of this?

XX --- Doesn’t everybody celebrate No Pants Day?
Everyone deserves a happily ever after. I wanted to show that, and do something different. Wish isn’t your typical romance hero. He’s just a regular guy, looking for someone who he can be himself with. I think that’s what most people want - someone who gets them, who lets them be who they are, without having to fit some supermodel mold.

Wt --- So, No Pants Day (May 4th) is your national holiday?

XX --- No Pants Day is always the first Friday in May. This year, it also happened to land on Star Wars Day - May the 4th. The EDJ (Evil Day Job) keeps me from celebrating No Pants Day the way I’d like to though. Stupid bills, expecting to get paid every month.

Wt --- LOL!! Both of you have written with multiple partners, Piper with MJ O’Shea and Xara with Lissa Kasey and LC Chase. What is like to write with different partnerships?

PV --- Well, the biggest difference is figuring out how you want to do things. MJ and I had one way of doing things. When I started working with Xara, we did thinks a bit differently. Whereas with MJ, I was writing the general outlines for each story and she was breaking them down into chapters, with Xara, we pretty much did it all together working in Google Docs. I’ve found I prefer the second way, actually, and since then MJ and I have used a shared doc to outline and summarize chapters together.

XX ---  I’ve tried to work with my collaborators to come up with the outline for the story, so we both know where it’s headed, and then break up the load so we both get parts we’re interested in doing. I really love seeing what they bring to the story, where they take our boys, and then working within the framework to bring it together. Hopefully in the end, it’s seamless and as much fun as we have while we’re working on it.

Wt --- Ok, so you both know, I am huge fans of both of you and have been since GRL last year when I met you both. It’s like a family reunion for me! Have you found an increase in your following since then? AKA How, if any, has your life changed over the last year?

PV --- I loved meeting you at GRL last year. Looking forward to seeing you again.
My fanbase has definitely increased since then, which I’m immensely grateful for. When we met, I’d only been officially published for a couple of months. Outside of my freebies, “Wanting” and “More Than Moonlight,” I only had one published book out there. I think most people had never heard of me. Since then, I’ve published two more freebies and four official titles. One of those stayed pretty high on the Amazon rankings in the GLBT Romance category for the first couple of months after its release. I think it was that book, “One Small Thing,” that most dramatically increased my readership. I’ve been amazed and very thankful for the feedback it’s received.

XX --- I loved meeting you too. I am extremely introverted, and having breakfast with you that first morning really helped me overcome some of that. I can’t wait to see you again. Last year, Snakeskin Boots had just come out, and I was terrified. I was shocked by how many people stopped to tell me how much they liked it. That has helped boost my confidence, so maybe this year, I won’t try to hide from everyone.

Wt --- I know both of you work with multiple presses, Piper and Xara with Dreamspinner and Less Than Three Press, and Piper with Loose ID also. What are some of the differences you’ve noticed in these presses?

PV --- Every press is a little bit different. The editorial processes, how they deal with covers, how much author input they’ll allow about certain things (like with the covers). For example, with Loose Id, I have an assigned editor. Everything I submit to them goes directly to her first, and then to the higher ups. With Dreamspinner, there are no assigned editors, outside of with anthologies when a specific editor handles the entire thing. You never know the name of who is editing your work; it’s all freelance. With LT3, there are no assigned editors either, but there are a set number of them on the LT3 roster and those are the people you will work with consistently. They all handle covers and the actual editing process differently, too.

Wt --- So, the project that brought you two together . . .tell me about it.

PV --- Well, the title for “Party Boy” actually came about while I was trying to think of an alternate title for “One Small Thing.” I was talking to Xara on Yahoo one day and we were spitballing ideas. If I’m remembering right, I suggested something like “The Club Boy’s Guide to Dating a Geek.” She suggested “party boy.” Either one could have worked for OST, but wasn’t an exact fit and the title obviously implies that it will be some kind of guide. I liked the title so much, I put in a file and saved it. Later on, I asked Xara if she would like to write it with me. We came up with the actual plot together, discussing stuff in a Google doc and chatting.

XX --- We thought the idea of an ‘instruction manual’ of sorts would be a fun way to help tell the story.

Wt ---  And that comes out . . . .

XX --- Oct 10

Wt --- Last question, are there any questions you wanted asked that I didn’t and/or are there any questions that you are so sick of answering?

XX&PV --- I can’t think of anything.

XX --- And can I say congrats on your stories, Will?

PV --- Yes, congrats again.

Wt --- Thanks, my loves. And I will see you both in two weeks at Gay Rom Lit. Yippee!

Xara X. Xanakas decided years ago to embrace her weirdness. A friend first described her that way to the man who’s been her husband for over twenty years. That formula fits her, and she figures if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Being Texan, her crush on cowboys comes natural, but the techie in her loves to show nerds a good time. She relishes all things different, and brings saucy style to her writing. Whether wrangling a wayward ranch hand or adding another critter to her were-menagerie, Xara strives to make the outlandish appealing. She’ll make you quirk a brow and snort with laughter, and that’s all right by her. Xara believes that unique is best and happily ever after is the icing on the cookies.   http://www.xaraxanakas.com

Piper Vaughn wrote her first love story at eleven and never looked back. Since then, she's known that writing in some form was exactly what she wanted to do. A reader at the core, Piper loves nothing more than getting lost in a great book—fantasy, young adult, romance, she loves them all (and has a thousand book library to prove it!). She grew up in Chicago, in an ethnically diverse neighborhood, and loves to put faces and characters of every ethnicity in her stories, so her fictional worlds are as colorful as the real one. Above all, she believes that everyone needs a little true love in their life…even if it's only in a book. http://www.pipervaughn.com

Purchase link for Party Boy:  http://www.lessthanthreepress.com/books/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=90&products_id=348

  
 




 

An plea, and then the walk . . .

Hey guys and gals,
                  Wt Prater here. Just updating ya'll on something that is important to me. Approximately eight hours from now I will be walking/ running 3.1 miles for the charity Nashville Cares. Now I don't know my body won't sleep, it could I'm nervous or energetic or just anxious over other things, but it struck that that is how life is. There is always something more important, more emotional, or more pressing in life. But this time, there isn't. This is a matter of life or death. Maybe not to me at this point. But to someone to needs education about HIV/AIDS and receives that from Nashville Cares. Or maybe someone out there about to have sex with condoms they got from Nashville Cares. Or most importantly, someone who couldn't afford their medicine that Nashville Cares helped. I know there are a lot of organizations that you support, and every one of them is important. Just keep Nashville Cares in your thoughts and in your budget when you're thinking about what affects you and your loved ones the most. Thank you so much for all of you who have sponsored me thus far, helping restore my faith in giving. So thank you to . . . Dennis and Dawn Pozzi, Ramona Richards, Tara Lain, Hani Steele, J P Barnaby, Karen  Candido-Johnson, Kathy Kozakewich, Ms FairyTat, Kristi Riftin, Allison Cassatta, Hani Stelle and Rowan Speedwell and anonymous. Becuase  of all of you, I have got so much closer to my aspiration. I'm hoping this letter will reach each of you, and you will understand how special you are to me. And for anyone who haven't given there, there is still time. GO RIGHT NOW! Thanks for your help, know karma is coming your way, and so are my thoughts and blessings! ---Wt Prater
http://www.nashvilleaidswalk.com/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1028859&lis=1&kntae1028859=A10DEAE292C24885950996C2C9F7F7D1&supId=337216386

Soft, Sexy, Sweet, and Shy... An mmmMonday Interview with Andy Slayde and Ali Wilde!!!

Wt --- This is Wt Prater, and I'm here today interviewing Andy Slayde and Ali Wilde for my blog Just Write and SO Gay. Good evenings, my darlings. Thank you for being here with me this evening.

Andy --- Thank you for having us. Luckily the time zones didn't get in the way too much.

Ali --- Hi Wt. Thanx for having us. It's early afternoon here.

Wt --- I know it's 10pm here, what time is it where you are?

Andy --- 11:16pm Wednesday here.

 

Ali --- And it's 12:47pm, Thursday the 27th here.

Andy --- I was just going to say that. I know your time well, better than my own.

Wt --- So, Ali, you're in Australia?

Ali --- I am. 28C today, warm, sunny... a slight breeze. Kids on school holidays, sleeping in. What a life.

Andy --- 17c here and rainy here in upstate New York.

Wt --- WOW! So awesome . . . So first question: How in the world (pun intended) did you two meet and become writing partners?

Ali --- We were both part of an online fanfic writing community and there was a prompt that didn't really spark any bunnies. I gave Andy the prompt of 'penguin pyjamas' and she wrote a lovely 100 word ficlet. I thought that ficlet couldn't go unanswered and wrote another. A few thousand ficlets later we decided to write original fiction... and here we are.

Andy --- Because I can write anything dealing with penguin pajamas. :o)

Wt --- Is it generally how the writing happens with you guys? The campfire continuum connection?

Andy --- Yes. It's not so rigid where we know exactly what the other will write. We have a set outline for the story but what ever the characters say or do is a surprise at times. It has gotten us into trouble more than once. But oddly, we have more issues with Aussie/American terminology.

Wt --- So, in researching . . . it looks like you two have 13 short stories. And all of those were published through Torquere Press, is that right?

Ali --- Yes, 12 with Torquere and one with Silver. Most are out of print and they will be getting a bit of a brush and tidy up. The one with Silver has been out for about 3 weeks and is called How Was He Supposed to Know?

Wt --- Having just sold my first story, to Torquere Press coincidentally, is that your preferred press?

Andy --- Congrats! We don't have a preferred press, we've only been with them and wanted to experience other presses. We saw Silver's call for the Hanky Code line and wanted to write for it.

Ali --- Congratulations. I'm sure you'll find working with them rewarding.

Wt --- Regarding your latest story, How Was He Supposed to Know, what was it like to study the hanky code? And curiosity strikes, the hanky code is not very active here in Nashville. Is it still active where you each live?

Ali --- It's actually not the first time we've looked into the hanky code. A few years ago a friend wrote a story that included elements of it and we looked into it then, with her. I find it interesting and my outlook on it is a little like Reece's. I can see all the things that might go wrong if someone doesn't know about it.

Andy --- I am so in line with Reece - one of the characters in the story - I'd need a color chart with all the meanings. And I can see a mix up happening because someone thinks a hanky is light blue and it's really turquoise... I live in dairy farm land and while hankies are used often, they are not, as far as I know, used in that respect.

Ali --- Adding to the hanky answer. I have no idea. I'm a married, straight female who doesn't get out much. Probably not, Adelaide isn't a big place and, as far as I know, there aren't a lot of gay bars and the like around. Mind you, a lot more clubs and pubs are becoming GLBT friendly - or say they are.

Andy --- I didn't see any hankies at The Water Works when I was there. I did ask a friend of mine if the hanky code was used around here and he just laughed at me. Might be different in New York City.

Wt --- A funny story, well sorta. A friend of mine who just moved here from Seattle presented me with a green hanky. And when I asked, "Why?" He said he saw me as a Daddy Bear. The humorous part is that when the Bear community, one of the various communities that uses the hanky code, was active, I would have been identified as a chaser.

Ali --- LOL!

Andy --- That's interesting because there isn't a set color chart for the meanings. Green in our story means something different.

Wt --- Scary, LOL!

Andy --- And not only do you need the right color but you need the right pocket as well. I can see mix ups happening.

Wt --- Are there characters that cross over from one short to another? And sorta, on that note, are there any plans for a full length novel in the future?

Ali --- I love crossover characters. It gives me a chance to revisit my favourite boys. We have several that make - or will make - appearances in other stories. Zed and Alex are definite favourites because they can do so much. They have money and Zed, especially, has a ‘don't give a damn’ attitude.
Cameron and Ajay will be making more appearances, as will Avery, Ten and Riley.
Thad turns up a lot. He seems to be our random single that has lots of boyfriends 'cause he's hot and funny and nice. He'll settle down soon.
We have the city of Summerset where we set stories, so I'm sure all these characters will bump in to one another at some stage. The hardest thing to get right is the timeline.

Andy --- Just Lucky That Way is our longest story, 45k I believe. But I can see us writing 50k+ novels. That drabble story we started was over 500k and nowhere near finished.

Ali --- Plans for a full length novel are there. It will take ages to write but I have no doubt it will be good fun. So, yes. In the future I'm sure there will be something long and involved from us.

Andy --- We just need to not have a deadline for it. Deadlines are our bane. With the time difference, we only have a few hours a day to write together. We have several ideas brewing for stories and some are easily novels/series. Even some YA stories.

Wt --- Ali, on a side note, I understand Australia has a huge Browncoat population. Are you now or have you ever been one?

Ali --- I have never been a Browncoat and, until a few seconds ago, I didn't even know what one was. I have never seen FireFly and have no idea what the story is. Don't hate me...

Andy --- Browncoat - I am huge FireFly fan. I still mourn the loss...Objects in Space and Out of Gas are my favorite episodes. LOL, oh Ali... Firefly is awesome. Joss Whedon is brilliant. Loved Buffy and Angel as well. And I think he did an excellent job with The Avengers and look forward to the sequel.

Ali --- I have never watched any of those shows. Computer... TV? Hmm, computer entertains me so much more. Australian programming leaves a lot to be desired. FireFly wasn't even on Free To Air.

Wt --- Andy, you have won the Freaky Flash Fiction Friday contest twice. How does it feel to be the reigning champion?

Andy --- Awesome! I love prompt drabbles. That is how Ali and I met. It's a nice challenge and such an honor to win twice.

Wt --- So, now I will turn you to each other. What is the biggest thing you have learned from each other?

Andy --- Jelly is not something you'd want to put on toast in Australia.

Ali --- Pudding is way different in Australia than it is in USA.

Andy ---  I have learned so much from Ali. Aside from the cultural differences, our writing has grown, we've grown. LOL, oh the great pudding fiasco of 2006.

Ali --- That there are way better Pringle flavours in America than Australia, and Pringles are cheaper there. And Reece's Peanut Butter Cups exist!

Andy --- I am so used to British/Aussie terms that I haven't a clue at times if a term is American or not. Ah, but you have Tim Tams and Cherry Ripe and Vegemite - which is awesome in stock and sauces.

Wt --- LOL. I've had Vegemite. . .and . . .that is all.

Andy --- Me too and I would agree, I do not care for it on toast. However, it is awesome in stock or sauces, just a wee bit adds a nice rich flavor. And, naturally, omit salt.

Ali --- How did you eat your vegemite?

Wt --- I ate it straight, just a little bit.

Ali --- Don't eat it straight. On toast, thinly spread and with butter. Not even Aussies eat vegemite straight. That's for yummy things like peanut butter.

Andy --- Oh, God, no! You need to spread just a wee thin layer on a cracker or toast - salt overload otherwise.

Ali --- I have learned that Andy is insane, her mind is always working on some odd plot or another. She needs holding back sometimes. She is brilliant, doesn't get too annoyed when I tell her something won't work, and we laugh a lot. We have both improved with regards to our writing and editing and everything else that goes with it. She's the arty one, I'm the grammar Nazi and it seems to work.

Andy --- LOL so true. I do get the odd plot ideas. And there is a lot of trust between us. We are each willing to take a chance on the other's idea.

Wt --- Are either and/or both of you going to be at GRL (Gay Rom Lit)?

Ali --- No. I can't afford to leave Adelaide at the moment. Just returned from Victoria. Oh God, a flight to anywhere more than an hour away would kill me. I'd need some good drugs.

Andy --- And yet you want me to fly 25+ hours to visit you? (Points at Ali) No, not this year. Hopefully next year. I had knee surgery over the summer and am still dealing with PT and not ready for a flight anywhere.

Ali -- That's YOU flying, not me.

Andy --- LOL, someday I'll make it over there. I want to see a wombat. I am convinced that all the snakes will be there to welcome me once I get off the plane. They’ll be stamping my passport...

Ali --- They weren't at the airport when I was there last.

Andy --- Yes, but I am a snake magnet. Hmm, we went off on a tangent didn't we?

Ali --- As we tend to...

Wt --- I hate snakes (Wt says, as he elbows his way back into the conversation.)

Andy --- I have a snake phobia and it's not fun or pretty.

Ali --- Yes, it is. Makes for great teasing and YouTube funnies.

Andy --- LOL true. I am a fan of Schadenfreude. I can laugh at myself once I am removed from whatever caused the snake panic attack.

Wt --- Ok, so as we wrap this up, I want to thank both of you for taking the time to hang with me tonight.

Ali --- No probs. It was fun and thank you for having us.

Andy --- Thank you, it was fun.

Wt --- Last question, are there any questions you wanted asked that I didn't and/or are there any questions that you are so sick of answering?

Ali --- Questions that make us sound way more influential and interesting than we are.

Andy --- LOL. But going off on a tangent is fun too

Ali --- Things about world domination and the end of mankind, that sort of thing. No? Okay then.

Andy --- I'm an Aquarius on a Pisces cusp and like walks in the moonlight. I can't think of anything but if anyone has questions after reading this, we'll be happy to answer them.

Ali --- Wt, I think you did an awesome job with what you had and what we gave you and thank you very much for taking your time to do this.

Andy --- Yes, you did great and it was a lot of fun.

Wt --- Thank you both.

Ali lives in a pretty Adelaide suburb close to everything she needs to be close to: shopping malls and the city. Her small house is shared by her partner, two rapidly growing children and two budgies. She has been writing with Andy Slayde for ages and has learned a lot about the American language. She loves Pringles, My Chemical Romance, The Used, Hugh Jackman, Johnny Depp and penguins. She hates referring to herself in the third person and will, therefore, stop this.

Andy Slayde lives in a small rural town in Upstate New York with her dog, three cats, goldfish and one mean African Grey parrot. She's been writing with Ali Wilde, who lives in South Australia, for ages. As a result, Andy tends to forget if it's a trash can or a rubbish bin. And with a difference of 13.5 to 15.5 hours, she tends to be a bit time-zone impaired, as well.