The Story Orgy Presents: Interviews with GA Hauser

Story Orgy Presents: Interviews  with GA Hauser

 Good morning, Story Orgy Readers!  Today we have a special guest who's come to share some insights about writing and her new work.  Welcome, to The Story Orgy, GA Hauser! We don't have any prompt words for you, but maybe a few questions would suffice.  

So, here's a random beginning.  GA, what is your favorite quality about yourself?

I think it’s my tenacity and self-discipline. I have a tendency to grab onto a dream with my teeth and never let go. I also write every single day. 

Every day, huh? I stare at my screen a lot more than I actually write.  I admire that you can do that.  When and why did you begin writing?

I began writing stories at a very young age. They were naughty, so I ripped them up before anyone read them. I wrote primarily because I couldn’t find anything published at the time that fulfilled my fantasies. Now the whole man love market is flooded with stories that include gay sex and romance. Not when I was looking it wasn’t! So, I wrote my own. I suppose that was what began the idea of becoming a writer. 

It is a new world for romance  today isn't it?  I know there wasn't much like what I like to read available twenty years ago.  What inspires you to write and why?

I’m inspired by many things. The feedback I get from people, showing me that my work has touched them, is a very strong influence. I also love to give readers what they want. Like I said above there is a real craving for manlove romance, and I enjoy the fact that anyone can be a hero in my work. And well, it’s just plain fun!

That makes me smile!  It's true isn't it that there's standard hero that seems to be cut and pasted into most romance novels?  I love stories about unique people, because we are all individuals.  How many billionaire businessmen do some publishers expect us to believe are out there?  LOL. What do you consider the most challenging about writing a novel, or about writing in general?

Keeping it real. Calling or talking to people who are in the profession I am writing about. Though I have been many things in my life, when I wanted to write about LA lifeguards, I called the LA lifeguards and asked! They were appreciative I didn’t use Baywatch as my guide! 

Well, I know since you spend seven to eight hours a day writing you must have something new in the works.  Tell us your latest news?

I have several projects cooking right now. Since the release of my first shape-shifter, Of Wolves and Men, I will be getting the sequel ready for release soon.

Also, I am working on Mr. Right at the moment, and releasing My Best Friends Boyfriend in May. Then! Book 9 of the Action! Series in on the list to complete.

Can you share a little of your current work with us? 

Blurb for My Best Friend’s Boyfriend:

If Gavin Mecklenburg thought his job of working on high voltage power lines in Seattle was risky, he was taking an even bigger chance for a disaster by messing around with his best friend’s new boyfriend.

Trina Yamagachi was what Gavin called a ‘serial engager’. She chewed men up and spit them out, breaking off relationships with men just before her wedding day.

Gavin met Trina one afternoon while buying a watch for himself at the jewelry store she worked for. He and beautiful Trina became best friends instantly. But when Gavin realizes that his new handsome neighbor- the one he has become infatuated with- is Toby Montgomery, Trina’s latest conquest, Gavin doesn’t know what to do.

As friendships are tested, and choices become harder, Gavin has to wonder if getting involved with his best friend’s boyfriend is more trouble than it’s worth.

Sometimes the rules of attraction and lust win and sometimes they make you lose, but in the end, it’s all about finding the one you love and being true to your heart.

  

Now, that sounds like a great read!  That's a cute title... how did you come up with it?

Love the song by The Cars, ‘My Best Friend’s Girlfriend’. Sometimes it’s as simple as that.

And Gavin!  What a sexy name that is, masculine and sweet.  Can you tell us about him?

The main character is Gavin Mecklenburg. He’s a high power linemen with the Seattle Power Source company. He’s gay and best friends with a woman who is a man magnet. The woman character is based on one of my best friends from when I lived in Seattle. His apprenticeship with the power company has been all consuming until he meets his man.

Definitely not your typical hero.  How did you develop your plot and characters?

I spoke to an employee at the Seattle power company, (not with the made up name I used of course) and he gave me some great insight into the job of climbing power poles and working on high voltage lines. Awesome stuff!

So, my eyes keep trailing back up the page to that cover... its definitely sexy.  I do love denim.  Who designed it?

Me. I do all my own covers now. But if you check out the credits in each book, well, they are my characters! I wonder if anyone notices that.

Wow!  That is a sexy cover!  It always amazes me that people can do that themselves.  I'd spend hours pondering over which font to use and where to place the text.  Maybe we can talk more about that some other time?  Where can we purchase the book?

This book can be purchased on Amazon.com, Kindle, and All Romance ebooks and Smashwords.

Purchase    here. 

           

 Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Yes, Love is Never Wrong! No Matter the Form!! People need to get over their fears of same sex couples. It’s a subject I am passionate about.

 How much of the book is realistic?

I don’t know! I think the action in some is directly from my personal experience. Like in Top Men. The calls the two officers went on, I did personally. So in each book a little of my life is given out. But I doubt you would know when, unless you know me very well.

  Have you included a lot of your life experiences, even friends, in the plot?

I got to that a bit in the previous answer. Most of my novels are about family, friends, and acquaintances I have met over the years. It’s never safe to hang out with a writer. All your information ends up in their work!

 What are your current writing projects now?

Right now I’m working on Mr. Right. It’s about a young man who was a toy boy for an older man, who just died. It’s a story about the young man’s regression to bad behavior over the net, etc, and his encounter with a therapist who is in a similar spot. The therapist has to deal with the ethics of falling in love/lust with this delicious young man.

  

 I'd really like to read that.  Coping with loss is such a personal thing, its sure to be an emotionally engaging book.  Are you reading any interesting books at the moment?

I wish I had more time to read. After writing for 7-8 hours a day, I am too worn out to read. But I still try and pleasure read a bit.

I can understand that.  Do you have any advice for writers?

Yes, NEVER GIVE UP!!! I say that whenever anyone asks. You stop trying, you lose. Just because one publisher didn’t like your work, means another one will. Keep writing, keep trying.

What do you do to unwind and relax?

Run! I run every day, and without it, I’d go nuts. I am a very physical person and if I couldn’t bike, run, or exercise, I’d lose my mind.

What dreams have been realized as a result of your writing?

I never imagined I could do this and support myself. It’s an amazing journey to go from a little bit here and there, to an income. I am very lucky and have great friends and fans to keep me going.

So, GA, if you could leave your readers with one bit of wisdom, what would you want it to be?

I would have to say, thank you. Thank you for years of reading GA Hauser novels and giving me great feedback and wonderful reviews. And as for ‘wisdom’ never stop fighting for the things you believe in. Be passionate about civil rights. Believe that ignorance and intolerance will be defeated. Dream. Fight. Never give up trying.

That's a message that resounds on many levels.  Thanks so much for sharing your work adn yourself with us today!  

Thank you so much for letting me do this interview. It means a lot to me to share my feelings and thoughts. GA

Character Interview: Sit Down With Mischa

Hey, readers!  We're here today with Mischa Blake from the recently released Keeping House.  If you haven't read it already you can find it here or here. 

     You know, Mischa, a lot of people expected you to fail at this dare.  I don't just mean your brothers either.  I've gotten quite a bit of feed back about how people would have liked to see you at rock bottom.  People wanted to see you fail, to see Donovan save you .Do you think you hit rock bottom before you knocked on Donovan's door?

       No.  I won't accept defeat.  As far as I’m concerned, that dare wouldn't have been lost unless I'd been forced to ask Terry for money.  And as for failure, I don't accept that.  I may have been naive and underestimated the world, but I'm not stupid.  I've been called resourceful and clever. 

If your friends hadn't stepped in and helped you out, what would you have done?

       Thank God for true friends, hmm?  I'd have called Essie at the manse.  The housekeeper, you know?  I was always her favorite.  She'd have helped me out. 

*Chuckles*  Well then, a few more questions, and we'll turn the floor over to Havan- who has some questions of her own!  You ended up giving up recreational smoking out of respect for Donovan's wishes that you not use drugs in his home.  The story makes it seem like that was an easy thing to do, and easy choice to make.  Was it?

       The choice was easy enough to make, but it was harder to follow through on than the story makes it seem.  Even now, I find myself longing to light one up when things get stressful.  But now I have even more reason not to smoke.  I don't want our son thinking its okay.

And, you made rather a fuss over the "plans" you had for that inheritance of yours.  I assume that your brothers handed it over to you as promised.  What did you end up doing with it?

     They did.  And I didn't end up doing what I'd planned, which was to open up a club in Hollywood.  Instead, I funded an after school program at my son's school to provide tutoring and assistance to special needs children.  And I put some aside in a trust fund for him until he reaches the age of thirty-five.  I pay for my classes and living expenses out of my salary from Donovan for now, and when I graduate and get a teaching position, I'll be okay.  I don't need millions, so I'll be on the look out for good causes to donate to. I tried to give some to Dex, Trick and Bella, but they shut me down.  Turns out they have all they need, too.

Okay, if you're ready for this, I'll turn you over to Havan now.

   Bring her on.  I'm ready for anything!

Now Mischa . . . if I had a dime for every one who said that . . . um yeah . . .     

Alrighty then, first impression time . . . You knock on the door for your interview and Donovan opens it . . . Sexy... frazzled... sexy... I was anxious about the job, but I couldn't focus, because he was so fucking hot

Hmmmmm . . . yeah I can understand your dilemma . . . which coincidentally brings us to my next question.  Honestly - what was the very first thought that popped into that adorable head of yours when Donovan blurted out he was gay then went on to call himself a flamer? How could I be this lucky? Seriously.  That was it. 

Honey, that's really enough though isn't it . . . *giggles* . . . So now you know his preference then Donovan kisses you madly at the table and leaves you hanging . . . but the trouble is he left himself hanging also . . . so out of curiosity, and with the knowledge of what Donovan did to quench his thirst for you . . . tell us - how thin are the walls in his house? *knowing smirk*

I had no idea about that.  He told me later, but... I think the walls must be pretty thick.  And I’m sure he had no idea what I did either. 

*stops and stares . . . wipes sweat from brow and clears throat* . . . Sorry, but damn those visuals you just gave me are . . . well . . . damn.

Okay where were we?  *rifles through papers with shaky hands* . . . a yes here we are, if you could change one thing about Donovan what would it be? I'd have to say I'd change his sloppiness.  He could definitely use some picking up after himself skills.

Okay that brings me to this next question, have you been able to teach Donovan what a laundry hamper is? And did you ever get your laundry chute? lol

No, and no.  However, Donovan is bribe-able and will help get the stuff down to the laundry room. 

Bribe-able huh?  That makes me wonder . . . TMI time - What's Donovan's favorite place for you to nibble and what reactions can you force out of him?

 Lol- sorry, honey, but I don't want to sleep on the couch for the next few days, so I'll have to pass on that one. 

Oh pooh!  Okay I'll respect that . . . but how about just a little sumthing sumthing for your adoring fans . . .  Alternate universe time - Donovan comes to you and admits he wants a piercing . . . exactly where would you put that hole in his body?

Tongue.  No doubt about it.  A pierced tongue is incredible.

*watches as Mischa smiles at me while clacking his tongue stud against his teeth* . . . now you are just being naughty!  Please continue!  *smiles and fans face just a bit*

Oh but I must say, congratulations on becoming a father! Do you and Donovan plan to add any more little rugrats to your family?  Not till after I graduate.  Then yeah- a few more kids would be awesome.  I don’t think, though that I want to go the route Terry and the twins took. 

You have to go the route that feels best for you!  I respect both your decisions and Terry and the twins! 

Between us two, exactly what hair products did you use that can keep your spikes alive and kicking in the rain? Now this is a serious question because damn I need to get some of that! I don't really know- a stylist did them for me and gave me some glue to use.  I don't recall the name. I dont' favor that hair style any more.

And speaking of hair . . . how long does it take you to do yours in the morning?

*runs hand over bald head* not long... a few minutes with a razor and I"m good these days.

I did notice your new do. . . *smirks* . . . by the way, shaved is ultra-sexy you know . . . Which makes me think . . . I would love to have heard Brandon's response to your new look! 

And while I am talking about your brothers, well they are shits, but they are shits that love you . . . and thanks to a simple dare they inadvertently helped you find your own love. So keeping with the feel of your story . . . if you could dare Donovan to do anything what would your dare for him be?

I'd dare Donovan to quit the damn job, live off my trust fund and be the artist he is inside.  He's the most talented man, and I won't say he wastes that talent working in advertising, but he sure doesn’t use it fully.  Sorry, but this is the big argument in our household.  After his childhood he's afraid of being without a job. 

*pats Mischa on the knee*  Give him time honey, he's a strong individual and you both are just starting your lives together.  But promise me that when you explore that area and more that maybe, just maybe, you will tell us all about it in a sequel perhaps?

Okay now time for my infamous Round Robin . . . you ready big boy?  *giggles*

Favorite sleeping position with Donovan? Sleeping? Or…

Swear word of choice? I’m spelling this out so I don’t’ have to pay into the cuss jar… F, U, C, K

Favorite tv show? *blushes*  Monster Bug Wars

Favorite body part? Mine, or his?

Shower solo or duo? Am I going somewhere afterwards?

Favorite Blake brother? Well, shit… Terry’s my closest brother, even though I think I have more in common with Dan.  Dan is… deeper than he seems, though.

Paddle or bare hand or none? Leather belt, thanks for asking…

Dream vacation spot? Hilton Head, South Carolina- I think Matt would like the beaches, the soft white sand and Donovan and I would enjoy watching the sunrise over the water

Barefoot or shoes?  boots

Recipes I Love ~ Creamed Corn

Available from Amazon.  Proceeds for the next 90 days to benefit The Trevor Project.

Recipes I Love ~ Creamed Corn

When I was kid, we kept a garden in the summer, and my mom canned and preserved and stored as much produce for the winter months as possible.  There is nothing that comes close to the deliciousness of a tomato picked fresh from the garden, washed off with the garden hose and eaten like an apple while you're running around playing.  One of our favorite ways to prepare garden produce is "creamed", with bacon, of course.  We do this with fresh and freshly frozen corn, but I'm sure any frozen or canned corn will do as well.  

Creamed Corn

1 small onion chopped fine

1T butter

4 cups corn

1 cup whipping cream

¼ cup chicken broth

4 strips bacon, cooked, crumbled

¼ t pepper

¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

2T minced fresh parsley

Sauté onion in butter in large skillet for three minutes.  Add corn.  Sauté 2 minutes longer or until tender.  Stir in cream, broth, bacon, and pepper.   Cook, stirring, 7 minutes longer, or until slightly thickened.  Stir in cheese and parsley. 

And- for versatility ~ It works with spinach too.  

Creamed Spinach

apr. 20 oz. of spinach

2 T butter

½ cup chopped onion

2 t minced garlic

1 cup whipping cream

½ t black pepper

¼ t salt

¼ t ground nutmeg

Bring salted water to boiling.  Cook fresh spinach for 1 minute.  Drain well.  Pat dry with paper towels.  Coarsely chop spinach. 

Melt butter over medium heat.  Add onion and garlic; cook 5 minutes longer or until onion is tender.  Stir in whipping cream and seasonings.  Bring to a boil and cook uncovered about 2 minutes, or until thickened.  Add spinach.  Simmer. Uncovered, about 2 minutes or until thickened.  Season to taste. 

~

Right- then- enough in the kitchen this morning... I"m heading off to write... Have to make a story to go with this picture for the M/M Group at Goodreads.  Are you a member?