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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 Love
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
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:
Blog
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads
Amazon Author Page
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diannehartsock said:
Thanks for having me!
Grinelda Markowitz said:
you’re most welcome. i’m glad to have you as a guest on my WordPress.
Pingback: April’s Not Only For Fools Author Extravaganza! | Dianne Hartsock
Elaine Lee said:
Great blog now I have a new author in MM ROMANCE THANKS
Grinelda Markowitz said:
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
diannehartsock said:
What a nice thing to say, Elaine! Thanks for stopping in. 🙂
dee said:
At the moment my favourite romantic character is Mike Delfino from the tv show Desperate Housewives. I could sit here all day describing how he won my heart lol, but he just seems so romantic 🙂 and dreamy….and gorgeous…. ok I’ll stop now lol!
lovebooksblogbooks@gmail.com
Grinelda Markowitz said:
thanks for taking the time to comment.
diannehartsock said:
Oh yes, he is yummy. Thanks for coming over, Dee!
diannehartsock said:
Dee, you’re my winner! Thanks for commenting. 🙂
Cathy Brockman said:
Its hard to choose just one. Of course i always had a thing fro Rhett Butler, and The scene at the end of Best friends wedding with her gay best friend always gives me goosebumps. He is such a charmer. i have a thing for charming bad boys lol sugar_n_spice63830@yahoo.com
Grinelda Markowitz said:
thank you for stopping in and commenting.
diannehartsock said:
*waves* Hi Cathy! I’m glad you made it by. 🙂
Cathy Brockman said:
Dianne You know I am your number 1 stalker oops i meant fan!
diannehartsock said:
Ah, you always know the right thing to say! Hugs!
chickie434 said:
Adam Hauptmann from the Mercy Thompson novels.
tiger-chick-1(at)hotmail(dot)com
Grinelda Markowitz said:
Thank you for posting.
Cathy Brockman said:
oooh good one I too am a Mercy Thompson fan i just got the new book!
diannehartsock said:
I don’t know Mercy Thompson. I’ll have to give her a try! Thanks Chickie! 🙂
Cathy Brockman said:
ooh Mercy Thompson is a shifter series by Patrica Briggs very good one!