Tell us about your new publication. "Cultivating Love" is a contemporary m/m novella that recently came out at Loose ID. The two men in the story, Ed and Joe, move together from a medium sized metropolitan area to a farm in rural Nebraska. The transition forces them to talk about their previously casually defined relationship, as they face a combination of acceptance and resistance in small-town America. What gave you the idea for this story? It's got a lot more in the way of external drama than my stories generally have. Ed and Joe face some very real danger. Of course, most of my stories are short stories, so high drama isn't necessary, but still, I'm usually pretty low-angst. I've always loved to read, and would tend to imagine
my own stories expanding on stories I'd read. I'd been wanting to try
to put a story down in writing for some time and I finally decided to just do it. I write because it's a wonderful creative outlet, and as a bonus I even get paid for it! Wow, pretty much anything and everything. I read romances, sci-fi, biographies, horror, true-crime, fantasy, historical, contemporary, paranormal, miscellaneous non-fiction, drama, etc. I've got way too many books. My favorite genre for pleasure reading is probably contemporary romance (including m/m). This is the area in which I'm most comfortable writing. Goodness, there's always something new superseding the last snafu. Let's see, most recently
I was mortified to discover that I'd accidentally overwritten a how-to
information page on the new GLBT Bookshelf Wiki with the author page I
was setting up for myself. Wiki's are scary like that--you can change and/or screw up pretty much anything. Anyway, I sent off a quick 'sorry-please help'
email to the admin there but figured out how to restore the original
page in the meantime. I hope not too many people consulted that help
page and wondered what the heck I was up to before I got it fixed. Hmm,
it's hard to say. Ideas just develop, but I can't usually think back to
a particular trigger for them. Occasionally simply wandering through
everyday life, something will strike me as a good setting for a story,
or something someone says will trigger a character sketch. Oops.
Your question was 'who,' not 'what.' Hmm, I don't think I could name a
single person. Pretty much every author I've ever read has inspired me
to some degree. It's food related. I love popcorn. That's fairly healthy and not much of a 'guilty pleasure' until you doctor it like I do, with a touch of molasses mixed into melted butter (real butter, not margarine) poured over the top. Yum! I was *this* close to quitting after getting rejections from pretty much everywhere on my first story writing attempt. I'd reworked the story to death and thought it was as good as I was capable of getting it. Finally I got a rejection letter that actually gave constructive criticism and told me what the story needed. That
letter was from Judith David at MLR Press. I have to admit that I
totally used them. My story had been rejected everywhere, and although
I'd reworked it, yet again, I didn't really feel like I had much hope of it being accepted there. But their submission guidelines said something about how, even if they reject your story, they will give
you a critique. So I sent it in. And sure enough, I got the nicest
rejection you ever did see. It helped that she started out with a compliment, but most importantly she told me exactly what needed to be done to make the story good. Had
that rejection been like the others, a simple 'sorry, this story
doesn't fit what we're looking for,' I would have quit right then. I'd
already decided that I was obviously not good enough. But her words, "We
were very taken with your writing skills; they are excellent. Your
submission package was also well thought out and professionally
presented," gave me hope. Heck, even though those words
were the intro of a rejection letter they actually sent my spirits
soaring. I took every bit of critical advice in that letter to heart
and totally rewrote the story, once again. It was accepted on my very
next submittal attempt, so I will forever be thankful for that
thoughtful rejection
and give full credit to Judith David for the fact that I have anything
published, anywhere, because that truly was going to be my final attempt. I don't even know where to start regarding how much I've learned over the past year and a half since then. I just started writing in January of 2008. Basically I just decided to finally do something I'd been thinking about doing for quite some time.
Why m/m? I wish I could give a noble answer like I wanted to get behind
a genre that was doing something to promote a worthy cause, such as
LGBT rights, because I do believe in those things. But the most honest answer is that, like many readers, m/m is one of many genres I read and enjoy, and
choosing a growing genre that was not overrun with contributing authors
seemed like my best bet to break into the industry. Although I do hope to expand--I'm currently working on an m/f story--I would never want to abandon m/m. I love the stories. If anything, I think--or at least hope--that authors (and even book series) crossing genres will draw more new readers over to m/m. M/M is absolutely not porn, and for the most part it's not even just straight up erotica. It's erotic romance, emphasis on the romance. At least that what the stories I like are, that's what most of the m/m stories available are, and that's what the publishers call for. I read all the "Little House" books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, over and over. My favorite character that I've written? I'd have to say "Larry" in my upcoming (July 8) Torquere novel, "Another Dream." Probably because I drew more out of myself--my own personality--for him than any other character. He's terribly shy and insecure, but he has bold ideas in his head trying to come out. Nope. I know, that's unusual. I'm pretty sure that all of the authors I network with either have written, or do write,
fanfic. I, on the other hand, am so ignorant that I'd never even heard
of it until I had my first stories accepted and was starting to get
into promo and networking. I had to google it to find out what they
were talking about. Sad, eh? Are
you kidding? Ha! The shy, insecure Larry character in my upcoming
"Another Dream" draws from my own personality. I've spent most of my
life as a wall-flower dreading that someone would ask me a question and I'd
say something stupid. You're talking to someone who came *this* close
to failing Kindergarten because she didn't utter a single word. Apparently, I finally slipped up and answered a direct question with a 'yes' or 'no' (heck if I remember the details) sometime in March, thereby shocking the classroom full of students, who thought I truly *couldn't* talk. I do remember being mortified when they applauded. I'm told I peeped
a few more words during the remainder of the school year, and it was
enough to go ahead and pass me onto first grade. So :-P Addison's website: CULTIVATING LOVE by Addison
Albright Published on 6/9/2009 at Loose
ID Buy Link: http://www.loose-id.com/prod- Blurb: A man of few words, Joe is
a hard-working farmhand who likes his simple, uncomplicated life. Ed
is satisfied with his existence as an auto mechanic, but thrilled when
an unexpected development in his life allows him to help Joe realize
a dream. Excerpt Behind Cut:
Please welcome Addison Albright, who's here to answer some nosy questions and share with us an excerpt from her new novella, Cultivating Love, just out from Loose Id.
I love the idea of two macho guys falling for each other but feeling awkward about talking about their feelings
or admitting what they like, so I set out to write a story around that
concept. I figured a couple of blue-collar guys in the Midwest would be
most believable in that capacity, as opposed to a couple of guys from,
say, LA or Boston. The setting also helped to naturally develop the external conflict for this story.
What else do you want us to know about your recent publication?
Why do you write?
What do you like to read?
What is your most embarrassing experience as an author?
Who has inspired you?
What do you like about m/m?
When I first discovered and started reading m/m
I loved a couple of things about it. First, that the stories were fresh
and different. I was getting tired of the same-old same-old that I
was starting to find in traditional romances. Second, the relationship
dynamic between two men is completely different than what you'll find with a straight couple. I guess that really just ties into my first point. It's a big part of what made these stories new and exciting.
What is your favorite guilty pleasure?
To what/whom do you credit your success?
How did you start writing?
If there were one misconception about m/m that you could clear up forever, what would it be?
What was one of your favorite books as a kid?
If you could change one thing about the publishing industry, what would it be?
Get rid of DRM's. The pirates all know how to crack
them anyway, so it's not stopping that problem, but it *is* screwing
the average reader who switches computers and all of a sudden can't
access books they legitimately paid for (Grrr--I've got a *bunch* of them).
And (sorry I guess this is two things, but they're both ebook related)
wouldn't it be nice if there was just one standard ebook format that
all of them agreed on, that could be used by all ebook readers?
What do you think is behind the popularity of m/m?
Oh goodness, I'm not particularly political--I just know how I feel and what I like. My guess would be that the answer is probably a combination of things? Part of it is readers like me, who stumbled on it looking for something different and discovered it was great reading. LGBT issues are becoming quite popular, or at least prominent in the news. Perhaps that's getting some new readers to take a first look at it. What keeps them coming back for more? A wide variety of wonderful stories!
Who is your favorite character, and why?
Do you now write, or have you ever written, fanfic? If so, what fandoms, pairings, etc?
What is your proudest moment as an author?
Probably the proudest moments are when I receive a positive comment from a reader who loved a story. That never fails to completely make my day. Also, the first time getting a story accepted, ever, and then the first times getting accepted/invited by a new publisher rank right up there too.
What kind of impact do you hope your work will have on your readers?
I don't typically aspire to anything too inspirational. I just want to make them smile and finish the story with a warm feeling. My charity m/m wedding sip would be an exception, since the theme of the blitz was GLBT weddings. My story ("Now and Forever") was about a gay couple getting married during that window that was open for a short time in California. The goal there, of course, was to promote that theme.
Kirk, or Spock?
Spock. Although I have to admit I'm not the biggest of Star Trek fans. I love Star Wars, if that helps (For that I pick Han Solo over Luke Skywalker). ;)
What have you always wished someone would ask you? Now answer!
It forces them, however, to reevaluate the casual, undefined nature
of their relationship. They're too macho to speak of love, and neither
would ever dream of acknowledging he doesn't really mind when it's his
turn to bottom. When life throws them a curve ball, and the rules of
their game get old, Ed makes an effort to take every aspect of their
relationship up a notch. Will Joe be able to adapt to the open sentimentality
Ed's injecting into their relationship, let alone the new spice in their
bedroom activities?
“Ed?” Joe’s voice wasn’t much more than a whisper, close to his ear.
Ed groaned. “What”
“Hey, I’m leaving. Sorry,
I didn’t want to go without saying good-bye.”
Ed’s eyes flashed open. “Shit.” He sat up. “What time is it?”
“Uh, three o’clock. Sorry,
I want to get there pretty early. Got a lot to do.”
Ed stood up. Jesus. No wonder
it was so pitch dark. “Okay.” His brain was still foggy. He couldn’t
think of the right words he knew he wanted to say. Damn, it would be
days before he’d see Joe again. Shit, maybe a week. Or more.
He felt Joe’s hands on his
shoulders, then Joe’s lips on his own. The kiss was tender and full
of longing. Not wanting to let him go, Ed put his arms around Joe’s
waist. The kiss broke way too soon. “Don’t go,” Ed whispered before
his sluggish brain could catch up with his mouth. Shit.
Joe didn’t laugh, though,
or even grin. Instead, he brought one hand up to cup Ed’s face before
giving him a soft kiss. “I have to. Follow soon, Ed.”
“I will.”
“Promise?” Joe’s voice was husky.
Ed nodded. With his heart heavy,
he knew he’d choke on any words he tried to speak.
Joe pulled back, and Ed let
him go. Ed walked with him to the door. “Call me.”
Joe stared into his eyes before giving him one last quick kiss. “Every day.”
Ed worked up a little smile.
Joe winked and turned to walk out to Ed’s little Escort. That was
classic Joe—practical and hardworking, with barely a hint of sentiment.
And Ed missed him already. In less than a minute, Joe was out of sight.
Ed slowly shut the door and leaned his forehead against the smooth wood.
He felt empty. Cold and empty, and suddenly overwhelmed with emotion.
He shuddered, fighting a tear that threatened to break free.
To hell with it. There were
no witnesses, so he gave in and let go. Wet trails streamed down his
face. Wondering how or when it had come to this, he bit his lip, salty
with tears, and snuffled. What were they getting themselves into? This
was way past the level where either of them could just walk away at
the drop of a hat if they had a big argument. But that was good, wasn’t
it? Joe had agreed they were partners and had been over-the-moon happy
looking over the farm. If nothing else, he had Joe hooked with the farm.
His head ached, and he didn’t want to think about it anymore. He scrubbed his face with the palm of his hands and padded back to his lonely bed.
* * * * *
All was quiet and peaceful
on the farm when Joe pulled to a stop behind the house. He wanted to
think about anything but Ed and the look on Ed’s face when he’d
left home. Worse yet, he didn’t want to confront his own feelings
as he’d pulled out of the driveway and fully grasped the knowledge
that it would be days before he’d see Ed again.
He missed Ed acutely. Hell,
he’d rather bottom for Ed every day for a week than live apart for
a week. Joe smiled ruefully to himself. That was a thought he’d take
to the grave with him. That and the fact he’d actually had to fight
back tears as each minute had taken him farther away from Ed.
He tossed his bags in the house,
grabbed a sandwich and some Gatorade, and headed out to the barn. He
needed to take care of the horses and let them out to exercise in the
pen. The dogs greeted him as he approached. He put out some food and
fresh water for them before turning to the horses. He let them loose
in the pen, filled their water trough, and gave them their morning ration
of hay and oats. In the machine shed, he hooked the swather up behind
the large tractor and headed out to the alfalfa field.
* * * * *
Ed taped the box shut and looked
at the stack with satisfaction. The cell phone in his pocket vibrated
moments before it started to ring. He reached for it quickly and smiled
when he saw it was Joe. The activity of the day had helped his mood
tremendously. He still missed Joe, but damn, it was embarrassing to
think about how he’d cried that morning after Joe left. He chalked
it up to three-a.m. exhaustion and thanked goodness Joe hadn’t forgotten
anything and returned unexpectedly to bust him sniveling like a baby.
“Hey, Joe.”
“Hey yourself.” Joe sounded cheerful.
Ed laughed. “Everything’s moving along great here. Any issues in Mayfield?” He glanced at his watch. Six o’clock already.
“No issues. I pretty much
got what I wanted done today. Got about half the hay cut.”
“Oh yeah? Great. Will you be ready for me the day after tomorrow?”
“Are you kidding? That’s
great! That’ll be a good day for you to arrive. I’ll finish the
hay cutting tomorrow, and today’s cutting will need to dry another
day so I’ll have time to get the house ready for you that morning.”
“Great.”
Joe didn’t say anything for a moment. Ed was beginning to wonder if the connection had died when Joe spoke again. “I miss you, Ed.”
Wow. He’d been biting back
the words himself and was surprised to hear Joe actually say them. “I
miss you too, Joe.” He smiled to himself. “Staying busy helps.”
Joe snorted. “Yeah, no problem with that here.”
Ed laughed. “I know. I’ll be there to help soon.”
“I know. I’m looking forward to, ah, training you.” There was laughter in Joe’s voice.
Silence followed, and Ed could hear Joe clear his throat before continuing. “Well, I’ll call you again tomorrow night.”
“Okay.” He didn’t want to say good-bye and hang up, but there was no good reason to drag out the call. It helped, knowing that Joe was reluctant to end the call too. “Good night, Joe.”
“Good night, Ed.”
Ed waited for Joe to disconnect first, but it didn’t happen. Shit, they were standing there holding the line like a couple of fools, listening to each other breathe. Ed gave a nervous little laugh. “So when did we turn into a couple of sap-asses?”
Joe laughed too. “I’ve been trying to figure that out. I need someone to smack me upside the head and tell me to just get over it.”
“I can take care of the smack upside your head for you, but somehow, I’m not sure I want you to get over it. I kinda like knowing that side of you exists, even if it is buried most of the time.”
“Yeah, well don’t pass that intel around, okay? I wouldn’t want to have to hurt you.”
Ed smiled to himself. That sounded more like Joe. “Ditto.”
“By the way, it’s my turn again when you get here.”
Ed barked a short laugh. “By
that time I’ll almost be willing to paint a target on my ass for you.”
“Only almost?”
“Don’t hold your breath.”
Joe chuckled. “Good night, Ed. Thanks for the image.”
“Good night Joe. I aim to
please.” This time, he pressed the END button quickly.
Jesus, what was with him? His strong need for Joe was absurd. They often went several days without sex. He shook his head and put it down to a combination of not seeing each other at all for days and the emotional turmoil of having his entire life turned upside down.
Hello, Jessica! My first interview *sigh*. :-)
Thank you so much for thinking of me, it was fun!
Posted by: Addison Albright | June 12, 2009 at 11:54 AM
This book sounds great. And it sort of sounds like my life.
My partner and I are two expat American city boys (Midwesterners both) who finally stopped globetrotting and ended up on 20 acres with an olive grove in rural New Zealand.
'Moon Over Martinborough' is my blog about living a simple yet deeply satisfying life in one of the word's most beautiful places.
Posted by: Moon Over Martinborough | June 12, 2009 at 04:05 PM
Great interview Addison.
It's always so nice to 'get to know' more about one of my favorite authors. I've got the new book in my Reader and I hope to get to it real soon. It sounds great!!
Lily
Posted by: Lily | June 12, 2009 at 06:20 PM
Hi Jared! Your blog looks very interesting. I've added it to my RSS feed. It sounds like a wonderful life there. I hope it's just the setting of my book that sounds like your life and not the problems that the guys in my story face. :)
Hi Lily! Thank you so much for stopping by. I hope you like the book! :)
Posted by: Addison Albright | June 12, 2009 at 09:51 PM
Thank you Addy for being my first Author Spotlight author! Judging by today's blog traffic, I'd say this has been a big success. Thank you Lily and "Moon" for commenting. It's great to hear from you.
Posted by: Jessica Freely | June 12, 2009 at 11:28 PM
Addison - Thankfully just the setting! :-)
Posted by: Moon Over Martinborough | June 13, 2009 at 03:52 PM