Please note that we interviewed H.C. not too long ago however, she sure has been busy and she wanted to share that with us here at Top 2 Bottom. We are thrilled to welcome her back. Some questions asked before now have an updated answer. Enjoy!!
Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions, H.C. Brown. Can you tell us a little bit about your background?
Well, instead of the usual bio, I’ll tell you a little about myself. I live close to the beach in Queensland Australia. I’m married to a very wonderful man. I’ve had 24 books published and have had many best sellers. This year I was delighted to receive a nomination for Favorite Author in the TRS CAPA Awards for excellence in romance writing. Two of my novels, Cyborg Doms:Fane and Love Revisited Nash & Paul also received nominations. I write in a variety of genres but always romance with big alpha males and happy endings.
What was your first book and how long did it take to get it published?
My first published book was Murder by Design published in Australia by Pocketbook Publishing. The story, a murder mystery was the first book I ever submitted. Previously, I wrote fantasy YA stories for a group of internet readers.
Well, my submission was accepted and the book published in 2006.
When did you start writing m/m romance?
I wrote Purr-fect Seduction in 2007 and although I loved the story, it needed a sub-plot. I introduced Nox the King of the Fae and had him as a constant throughout the Pride Brother’s Series. The Fae in my series are gay or bisexual living in a world where any couplings are considered normal and encouraged. Although Nox has a constant too, his lover is Allure the Fair and they indulge in M/M/M couplings.
What about this genre interested you the most?
The sex of course, lol. Then the BDSM added a taste I hadn’t realized I would enjoy writing so much. I think having wonderful friends in both camps, so to speak, has helped a lot. I write tender love stories, the sex is an essential part of my plots.
How long did it take you to get published? How many books have you written thus far?
I had my first submission accepted so not long at all. I have 24 published books to date, another 4 waiting to be submitted. I’ve had three rejections— all now published and all three best sellers.
Do you write full time?
Yes.
On a typical writing day, how would you spend your time?
Mornings, housework, walk on the beach, promotion emails etc, then I write every day, from noon ’till six. Evenings is husband time.
Do you write right through or do you revise as you go along?
I write a chapter then revise. Next I send the chapter off to my critique partner. On editing days, I don’t write, I prefer to do critiques etc. I don’t think writing and editing go well together.
When it comes to plotting, do you write freely or plan everything in advance?
I never plan a single word. I think I would go mad working to a structured plot.
What kind of research do you do before and during a new book?
This depends on the story. I write in a wide variety of genres. The historical stories take a lot of time but I do research as I go usually. If the story is contemporary— say a BDSM club, I take the time to visit and soak up the atmosphere.
How much of yourself and the people you know manifest into your characters?
Well, Dare in Purr-fect Seduction is close to my husband’s persona. I hadn’t realized how much until I read the story again recently. Like Dare, I know my man would walk through fire to get to me if I needed him.
How do you approach development of your characters? Where do you draw the line?
I write strong alpha male hero’s but with a flaw, a vulnerability. I could never write a cruel or vicious hero.
My secondary male characters( M/M stories) are usually subs with an attitude or men slightly confused about their sexuality.
My female characters are always smart, loyal and would fight to the death for their man. I don’t have tough ‘I can fight my own battles’ female characters, they may talk back but they are feminine all the way.
How long does it take for you to complete a book you would allow someone to read?
Well this depends on length. 75K four months or so. 60K three months a novella a couple of weeks I guess.
Writers often go on about writer’s block. Do you ever suffer from it, and what measures do you take to get past it?
Not writer’s block, my characters demand to have their story told. The stresses and commitments of life are the only thing that prevents me from writing. I think if I ever had writer’s block it would mean my story is so boring my Muse has fallen asleep and I would delete and start again.
When someone reads one of your books for the first time, what do you hope they gain, feel or experience?
I really want my readers to understand that love is love no matter who you are or what flavor you prefer, as long as the sex is between consenting adults.
Can you share three things you’ve learned about the business of writing since your first publication?
1. Everything in publishing takes time.
2. You need a very thick skin.
3.Make every story better than the one before.
Does the title of a book you’re writing come to you as you’re writing it, or does it come before you even begin the first sentence?
I always have a title first, then the characters names.
How would you describe your sense of humor? Who and what makes you laugh?
I have a wicked sense of humor. Anything naughty makes me laugh . . . I’ve never grown up.
What is the most frequently asked H.C. question?
When is your next book scheduled for release?
What are you working on now?
Well, now that A Tryst of Fate is published, I’ll polish Hurt Me Good a M/M BDSM, finish Vanilla Boy and Nox #4 in the Pirde Brothers Series. (YAY…BDSM!!)
What was the best piece of advice you’ve received with respect to the art of writing? How did you implement it into your work?
This is a difficult question. Jill Nobel of Noble Romance Publishing helped me polish my craft. I am very fortunate to have had someone willing to take the time to point out to me how to improve my writing from day one. My critique partner David Kentner (KevaD) is another big influence. Having someone to kick your butt into shape is a big help.
When it comes to promotion, what lengths have you gone to in order to increase reader-awareness of your work?
I am a very approachable author and like to keep in contact with my fans. I like doing interviews, blog posts and the usual Facebook and other author pages.
To be honest, I believe readers take notice of reviews, so making my books available to reviewers is very important.
Writing is obviously not just how you make your living, but your life-style as well. What do you do to keep the creative “spark” alive – both in your work and out of it?
I have a very creative mind, stories pop in unannounced. I think walking on the beach helps and listening to music.
What pros and cons surround the e-publishing industry, and how do you envision the future of e-publishing?
I like the fast pace of e-publishing, the instant availability of books. Looking at the way many of the larger print publishers are embracing e-books I believe this is the future and as many e-book publishers offer print on demand everyone is satisfied.
With print, I believe it is ever authors dream to have a story with a print publisher but this takes time. You may write a story and it may take years to get into print.
What kind of books do you like to read?
Historical romance.
If you weren’t a writer what would you be?
A teacher.
I recently read your book Lord and Master. Where did you get the idea for that book?
I had a dream about two lovers in the military in 1775.
When it comes to the covers of your books, what do you like or dislike about them?
I love all my covers.
Any special projects coming out soon we should watch for?
A Tryst of Fate, M/M time travel, erotic romance, has just been released by Silver Publishing.
New writers are always trying to glean advice from those with more experience. What suggestions do you have for new writers?
Learn your craft, join an organization that can help you achieve your goals and never give up.
Can you please tell us where we can find you on the Internet?
Web: www.hcbrown-author.com
Blog: http://www.hcbrownauthoroferoticromance.blogspot.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/hcbrownauthor
Could you please share your favorite excerpt(s) from one of more of your stories with us?
Lord & Master
Reynold’s chest squeezed at the thought of his sweet, innocent love in the hands of a brute. “Give me another chance, you have my word, I will never hurt you again.”
“My feelings in this matter are of no consequence. I am bound to Hale for the next ten years.”
Waving his hand dismissively, Reynold met David’s gaze. “It does not signify.” He shrugged. “Every man has his price, and I will meet any cost to have you back where you belong—with me.” He turned toward David. “I made a mistake, and I’m sorry. It is your turn to forgive me. You do forgive me don’t you?”
“Yes, I have long recognized the error of my ways.” Lord David smiled ruefully. “In truth, my heart has never stopped aching for you.”
“Then allow me to pay off your debt and end this farce of a contract.”
“Reynold . . . this is a delicate situation and one out of my control.” Lord David clasped his hands under his coat tails. “Hale is a greedy man, and he has my mark on a contract. He will never allow me to leave him—at any price.”
A light breeze moved the blond curls pressed to Lord David’s cheek. Reynold bit back the need to touch the silky strands. “How did you allow this happen?
“I met Hale at Whites, and by the time I sat down to play faro, I was well into my cups.” Lord David met Reynold’s gaze and sighed. “I missed you, and after a year of celibacy I needed company . . . a master. I made an agreement with Hale. He covered my debt, and in doing so, concealed my disgrace from my father. I had no idea I had signed my life away to a sadist, until after an evening drinking with Hale, I woke up tied to a bed in Beechcroft House.”
“Walk with me.” Reynold turned and moved toward the flower seller. “I will invite you to dine with Lord John tomorrow, to discuss the purchase of a horse to replace Charger. Hale will not suspect we have other plans to make.” Reynold took a coin from his purse and tossed it to the flower girl. He took a small posy from her basket, and buried his nose in the fragrant violets.
“You have a notion that will free me from Hale?” Lord David whispered. “This will be complicated. He is not my only master; in truth, I serve a variety of his friends at Beechcroft House.” He followed Reynold down the pathway. “They each carry a share of my debt. They give me no time to recuperate . . . they are less than beasts. I am ashamed of what I have endured since you went abroad. I was an inexperienced fool with no knowledge of Hale’s predilections.” He bit his bottom lip. “In truth, the irony is it’s only by Hale’s generosity that I’m allowed to attend the season. He made an offer to my father to instruct me in livestock—a ruse to have me under his whip night and day. I had no choice but to agree, because if I made any protest, Hale threatened to inform my father of the details of our contact. My future is set; I am to live at Kingston with Hale.” He pushed a lock of hair off his face. “As my father believes I am lusting after a whore, he agreed to release me from my obligations at home with the proviso I escorted my sister for the season. I now find that Hale has moved into the De Vere, and I am obliged to attend to his needs.”
A shiver ran down Reynold’s back. A group of smelly old fobs had brutalized his gentle lover. His fingers curled into a fist. “Does he know about our relationship?”
“No. I would never tell anyone of our secret.” Lord David frowned. “Of course, I know you share our confidences with Lord John. I regret I cannot remove the jealousy I hold toward that man. I blame Lord John for coming between us, and I honestly believe I had due cause.” He took a watch out of his pocket to check the time. “The man looks on you with doe eyes. Have you had his arse since you returned home?”
Reynold tipped back his head and laughed. “Jealousy becomes you, sweetness.” He buried his nose in the violets again. “Yes, I’ve had Johnny once since my return to London. If I had found you sooner, my love, I would have had you bound and under my whip the moment I stepped back on English soil. Lord John offered his services to a desperate man, and as far as regarding me with love, that notion is in your mind. The man has more lovers than he can accommodate.” He gazed into David’s eyes. “We both have our needs, and it is evident you did not remain celibate for me did you?”
“You cast me aside.” Lord David’s hands closed into fists.
“An argument we both regret.” Reynold shrugged. “I am here to make amends, David—I’ve given you my apology. Christ you know full well, Lord John is an old lover but it is you I crave, David . . . your taste . . .your kiss. You must believe I have never stopped loving you. I took no lovers during my commission, but the body is weak, and I admit to one afternoon with Lord John—one afternoon in three years with an old friend is hardly significant.”
“Then for Christ’s sake, save me from this hell, Reynold.” Lord David grasped Reynold’s arm briefly. “I fear Hale and what he will make me endure next. His idea of pleasure does not include his slave. My masters are brutal. I have changed. I have lost the trust between master and slave I cherished with you. After Hale’s brutality, I must be honest with you. Hale has destroyed every part of me. I am but a shell of the man you left behind. In truth, sex will never be the same between us.” David turned to walk back to Sarah. “When you know the truth of it, the depraved acts I have performed for my masters, you will not want me back.”
Walking beside Lord David, Reynold brushed the back of his hand against the man’s fingers in a feather light touch. “I do want you. Nothing you did with Hale matters to me. I want you away from Hale and with me, forever.” He heard David’s sharp intake of breath and turned to meet his gaze. “We will speak later, and I will convince you of my love.”
A Tryst of Fate
Colt sat in the carriage, staring out of the window in amazement. Okay, so the movies captured the costumes of the period, but being here, in the midst of the reality had quickly become a completely different ballgame. Fuck, no one ever talked about the smell. The stink from the fishmongers, the men selling dead rabbits on sticks, not to
mention the rancid smell of unwashed bodies, seeped into the carriage.
The intensity of the stench increased with each moment they rattled along in a bone-jarring journey that surpassed any ride at the fairground. Horse dung lay in squashed clumps on the road, dog excrement littered the sidewalk, eau d’ horse wafted by with each passing coach.
Colt batted away the flies crawling and buzzing around the carriage; each maggot-breeding bluebottle attempted to crawl up his nose or fly into his mouth. He covered his face and glanced at Alexander’s amused expression. “What?”
“Cover your nose if the pong offends you.”Alexander plucked a scented silk handkerchief from his sleeve and handed it to Colt. “This place, is it very different from London in your time?”
Pressing the lilac-scented cloth to his nose, Colt met Alexander’s gaze. “Hell yeah. It stinks here. I can’t believe you actually buy food from these street vendors.”
“Of course we do. The servants buy supplies for the kitchen at the market and the cook prepares the food. Or I dine at my club. Where do you buy your food?” Alexander gave Colt a blank expression.
“From supermarkets, delis… um… shops. We have health restrictions for anyone selling food because flies carry disease. The food here is crawling with flies, it’s a wonder anyone survives.”
“It will be a wondrous adventure, seeing your time.” Alexander grinned. “Now, my friend, you must try to hold your tongue should we meet any fellows I know at White’s. Remember my lessons, do as I do. The greeting is a slight bow and the words ‘your servant, sir’ on meeting or being introduced.” He cleared his throat. “To say, ‘thank you, buddy, I owe you one’, is not the appropriate address to any servant. In fact, you need not say anything. They do not expect gratitude for service—they receive a wage. Though, if you are given excellent service, you might give them a coin.” He met Colt’s gaze. “And I beg you, do not use vulgar language. A gentleman does not swear in polite society. You might say ‘Christ’ if you must, amongst gentlemen, but you would do well to curb your profanity if you possibly can. I shall have enough to do explaining your accent and your outlandish manner.”
https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/new-release-c-1/a-tryst-of-fate-ebook-p-744
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