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Literary Nymphs Author of the Month

Our Author of the Month is randomly selected from the Author Members of Literary Nymphs.  If you are interested in possibly being the next Spotlight Author, join us using the button to the left


Our Author of the Month is Mychael Black.  Mychael is an outstanding author for Torquere Press, Phaze and Samhain and we’re honored to have him! 


Why not start by telling us a bit about yourself.

Oh, wow. This is probably the hardest question anyone ever asks. Guess I'll stick with the basics: I write gay fiction (generally romance), am multi-published, and queer as a football bat. I think that covers it quite nicely. *grins*

Past the basics, I have an insatiable love for anything Welsh (including my Celtic ancestry) and medieval. My books are currently threatening to overtake my desk and this half of the living room. My knight figures are perched on top of my books. And I desperately need more space and hours to feed my research addiction.

Have you always wanted to write or is it something that just came about?

Little bit of both, actually. I originally was intent on pursuing a PhD in Archaeology, with a focus on medieval England, but somewhere down the line, I started writing. I've always loved books and writing, but never did anything serious with it. Eventually, my goals flip-flopped: Archaeology became a hobby, writing became a career. I'm very passionate about both.

Has it been everything you thought it would be or not?

It's gone well beyond my expectations. I started writing seriously in 2005. At the start of 2008, I'm a best-selling author, have won a few awards (one recently), and receive fan mail every day that reminds me why I do this: in the hopes that someone else loves my men as much as I do.

How did it feel when you realized that your very first book was going to be published?

I was ecstatic. Breathless, elated, stunned... I get that way with every acceptance; it hasn't worn off and I hope it never does.

What's your favorite part of writing a book? Why?

Meeting the characters. I don't "create" my men--they find me. I simply put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and write what they dictate. I love the exploration of their lives and their loves, finding out what makes them tick. (Guess it goes without saying that I love people-watching, huh?)

What's your least favorite part? Why?

Writing the blurbs. *laughs* I hate writing blurbs. Can't say editing because, quite frankly, I love doing it. As for blurbs, I have trouble writing such short summaries of something much longer. It's hard for me to gather points into a few paragraphs when they took several thousand words to form in the story.

Is there anyone who helped influence your writing? If so, who and why?

Personally? My mother. (Yeah, what Southern boy doesn't love his Mama, eh?) She instilled in me my love of books and writing. She writes as well, when her schedule permits. And we always compare notes on books that we both read and like/dislike. We have regular lunch dates (once a month) in which we'll go eat Chinese, then head to a local bookstore.

Professionally, I'd have to say my biggest influence is Emily Bronte. I read Wuthering Heights as a teen and...wow. It blew me away. Still does. I've lost count of how many times I've read that book. Romance specifically, Glenna McReynolds holds that distinction. Her medieval trilogy (The Chalice and the Blade, Dream Stone, Prince of Time) sealed my romance fate. (And she's a beautiful person; I've spoken with her via email a few times.)

If you could change one thing about your publishing career, what would it be? Why?

Nothing. Not a thing in the world. I'm moving at a comfortable pace and I couldn't ask for anything more right now. Everything will fall into place in time.

Do you have any tips or advice for those wanting to be a published author?

Don't ever give up. That's my biggest piece of advice. Don't let critiques and/or reviews affect you; you have to develop a thick skin in this business. And always remain professional--at all times. Publishers, reviewers, readers--they all watch, so it's in an author's best interests to remain professional.

How can your fans get in touch with you?

Pick a way! Any way! *grins*

Email: mychael_black@yahoo.com

Journal: http://mychael-black2.livejournal.com

Website: http://www.mychaelblack.com (includes more information on my Contact page)

Thanks very much Mychael for the interview and Literary Nymphs wishes you much success in the future!

Thank you! I'm beyond thrilled and honored for this chance. *smiles*