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April’s Not Only For Fools Author Extravaganza

Author Dianne Hartsock ~ M/M Erotic Contemporary Romance

I’m really glad to have you on my blog today, Dianne.  Take it from here and tell the readers about you and your books.

Hello! First off I’d like to thank Grinnie for having me as one of her guests during this April’s Not Just for Fools extravaganza. For the most part, I’m the writer of m/m erotic romances, both contemporary and fantasy, and also one historical thrown in for fun. I began writing erotic romance a little over two years ago and it quickly became my favorite genre.

But I’ve been writing stories of all kinds for as long as I can remember. I began by telling bedtime stories to my younger brothers and sister, then in first grade my teacher pinned a story of mine to the board for everyone to read. I bathed in the compliments I got, and was forever hooked as a writer!

As I grew older I discovered Ray Bradbury. Oh my gosh! Love love love his stories. I decided then and there I wanted to write with the same depth of emotion and brilliant description that he does. I think he is the reason I like to write short stories so much. Most of my work is under 20K. I’m always reaching for that one main emotion-love hate, forgiveness, whatever is might be in the current story- and try to capture it in words.

The first book I had published was my very first try at m/m erotic, SHELTON IN LOVE. Seeing my name on the cover of a book has set a fire in me that I don’t think will be extinguished any time soon. Though there are times I could hope for a break! It’s usual for me to have two or three projects going all at once. I seem to have more story ideas than I do time.

Which is sometimes  hard on my family. There have been times I’ve made the mistake of putting my writing first. Certainly not on purpose! But a few times I’ve been out at lunch with my daughter and told her I couldn’t wait to get home and work on a storyline. (Ouch). I’ve also put off going out with friends in order to meet a deadline.

That’s when I decided things had to change. On the days I work, I stick pretty closely to a routine. I’m up an hour early to write, work for eight hours outside the home, dinner and evening with family, then back on the computer for a few hours after everyone’s gone to bed. My days off are more flexible, and I’ll squeeze in writing around whatever activities we have planned.

It’s a juggling act! But I make it work. To me, it’s worth it, because I really do enjoy writing. Like I’ve mentioned, I do like writing m/m romance. I read my first one a few years back and absolutely loved how the author brought out the compassion and joy and tenderness in her male characters. I wanted to do that. I like to write about emotions, and what’s stronger than love?

SHELTON IN LOVE was my first m/m, and I’ve written another four in the series. I’m also starting on the fifth, and perhaps last, book.

In this month not just for fools I’m reminded of the song WHY DO FOOLS FALL IN LOVE? In answer, I’d like to introduce you to my dearest character, Shelton. I think I’ve had a crush on him from the very first line I wrote.

His story begins with SHELTON IN LOVE where he was fool enough to fall in love with a beautiful playboy. Nevil is everything Shelton desires in a man, handsome, intelligent, successful, with a confidence that draws Shelton like a flame.

Why is it that we’re attracted to lovers who are bad for us? So many times in my past I’ll date someone despite all the warnings from my friends. And sure enough, I’ve regretted my choice. Even though the first few months were wonderful, it never made up for the heartache that followed.

In SHELTON IN LOVE, Shelton also learns this hard lesson. At least at first. Like the rest of us, he put up a struggle, but in the end succumbs to Nevil’s charming persuasions. But it’s not even a day later when Nevil’s back to his old tricks. He got what he wanted. Time to move on.

I think this is why I like to write erotic romance so much. Not only can I share the joys and heartaches of falling in love, but I can climb right into bed with my characters where I can fully explore the depths of their feelings for each other. There’s no hiding from me there.

By the end of SHELTON IN LOVE, Shelton and Nevil have worked out their differences and gotten together. I spend the next four books exploring all the aspects of their relationship, love, jealousy, insecurity, separation and return.

As with all real life relationships, their problems don’t stop with a single ‘I love you’. We all experience the ups and downs, misunderstandings and heartache that come from giving your heart to another person. The one thing I do emphasize the most with my men, is the trust they have in each other. I think trust is the most important element in a successful relationship.

That is why in all my stories, though my men may unintentionally hurt or disappoint one another; they will never do anything to lose the trust of the one they love. To me, that could only have one outcome, the permanent breakup of a relationship.

So, there you have it, my story in a nutshell. Please feel free to contact me any time, to ask a question or simply to connect. New friends are always welcome.

Giveaway:

Please leave a comment telling me your favorite romantic figure, real or fictional, for a chance to win an e-copy of any book on my backlist. Don’t forget your contact information!

Shelton in Lovebookcover 01

Amazon
ARe Books

Shelton is falling hard for his best friend and roommate, finding Nevil’s dark good looks and moments of gentleness almost impossible to resist. But Nevil is more interested in affairs of the body than the heart. As Shelton’s desire for the man grows, he wonders if he can change Nevil’s mind. But does he even want to? Nevil might not stay, once he learns Shelton’s secret, and then his loneliness would be complete.

Shelton’s Promise

Amazon
ARe Books

Shelton has a gift he’s eager to give to Nevil. At a party, Nevil flirts with one man after another, keeping Shelton on his toes. Then Percy, an ex, shows up to complicate things. Despite his best efforts, Shelton can’t find the right moment to give Nevil his gift. Will Nevil ever let Shelton get close to him, or will Shelton have to keep the gift in his pocket all evening?

Links:

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