This month I'm doing something a little different! Let's do some interviews, shall we?
First off is Jamie Lake, author of The Trainer, Boyfriend for Rent, and the new Bad Boy series
Welcome!
As a writer of M/M novels, what challenges do you face? Though it is growing, the popularity of M/M novels is still in its infancy. How does that affect marketing, expectations, frustrations?
I think my greatest challenge right now is writing the best book I can write. M/M readers are real connoisseurs of the genre. They can be very picky about what they expect and if you don't don't write up to their standards, they're very vocal about it. I'd love to see a more concentrated effort of the M/M community, coming out of the closet and introducing the books to people who are first time readers. But I love writing gay romance books. The fans have been my life-savers and have been incredibly supportive and kind and generous.
Can you talk a little about your novels? Which are your favourites, and do your fans tend to like those more?
Well, of course each of my novels is like my baby but right now, I just finished the 5th book in the BAD BOY: Naughty at Night series. It's about a kindergarten teacher who needs money so bad that he decides to become an erotic massage at night. He's juggling this double life, while dating a cop and is under the control of a mafia-esque type of character. Readers really seem to like the concept.
What do you prefer writing: standalone or series?
Definitely series because you get to explore every asset of the characters lives and the readers always ask for more.
What sort of criticism have you faced? Have you specifically faced criticism because of your portrayal of gay relationships?
Well, I don't get that kind of criticism from M/M readers. I'm a guy writing in a genre that is predominately female writers, which is ironic but it gives me some advantages because I know the intricacies of a real life M/M relationship. At the same time, most of my readers are female so sometimes female authors have an advantage over me.
Do you have any advice for aspiring authors of the M/M genre?
I think read as many M/M books as possible. Know that no matter how great of a story you tell, not everyone is going to like your books and that's okay. There's something for everyone in this genre and there are more than enough readers to to support everyone. Most M/M authors are very supportive of each other so if this is the genre you're passionate about, you'll be very welcome.
Thank you for stopping by Jamie!
