Aeryn Traxx

November 16, 2008

Aeryn: Thanx for being here today. I know you're a very busy lady so I'll jump right into      

            the interview.....right after I say congrats for The Last Vhalgenn and your new

            contract at Loose ID.

Kayelle: Thank you Aeryn!

A:  How long have you been writing M/M or slash as some like to refer to this 

     genre we both love so much?                   

 K: I wrote the first book in 2006

     I'd beaten my head against the wall with another book for a solid year

    When I wrote Wulf, it took only 2 months, start to finish

     it came out 3 mos later

A: WOW-that is quite an accomplishment.

K: I'd been invited to submit something for Molten Silver, Liquid Silver's new line

     So they were waiting

A: And loved every word.

K: Thank you!

      It was a great book to write. The inspiration came from Jawk.

A: I have to gush-I loved this book and even tho I have it in e-format I will be buying a

     hardcopy.             

K: Thank you. It's at Amazon now, you know

A: Amazon and I are on a first name basis right now, so that would be a yes.

K:  lol

A: Jawk was not the first in the series. Do you often find yourself working backward as   

     it were?

K: Somewhat.

     I started Jawk, and Luc had this live in lover called Wulf then I thought, what if I   

     showed how Wulf and Luc got together first?

     So I jumped backward in time 5 years

     that meant showing Senth, from At the Mercy of Her Pleasure as a teenager

     which was a blast! He was a handful. What did you think of Senth in that book?

A: Hmmmm not too sure how to answer that. Can I say intrigued at what was coming  

      next...every time I turned the page LOL

K: That works. Senth was smart, aggressive, and Luc was having a ton of trouble

     controlling him. He'd gotten thrown out of the Thieves' Academy, which was why

     Luc took Wulf with  him to Kelthia to take care of the situation

A: I liked the way you portrayed a frustrated parent that understood the reason the child 

      acted the way they did. I also liked the way Wulf reacted to Luc's treatment of Senth.

     Understanding of both the child and the parent made the situation very human if you'll    

      pardon the reference.

K: Thank you!  In Mercy, Luc seemed awfully rough on Senth. I wanted to show why

A: You had to build an entire world to birth Wulf. What was that like?

K: I already had the world - I spent years putting together the layout of worlds in the

     galaxy, the history of how it got that way, the reason for the immortals and where

     they came from, and then I had the various lives of my immortals thruout the Tarthian  

     Empire's founding (400 years prior) to the current day. Wulf was planned to be

     his assistant at Lucsondis. Instead...

     I had a woman step into that role on her first day at work. she wasn't named then

      but you get to know her much better in the upcoming Surrender: Love.

      She's still with Luc 5 years later.

A: There are so many facets to the Tarthian Empire do you think you will be writing in the

      world on and off for the rest of your career?       

K: Most likely. My immortals the Sempervians are spread across the galaxy

     but I have at least let's see. The trilogy, one more book about Senth and Khyff

     and 5 more about Luc's adopted sons mentioned in Wulf

     11 more + the 3 chosen ones, and 2 about the Antonello boys

     16 books total? and I'm working on a story for print (hopefully) outside the empire      

      that has a Kin male as the hero

A: I have talked to a lot of your fans who can't get enough of Luc. The news that Loose Id.

     was picking up the next three had all of us squeeling like little girls. Looks like

     you will definitely be keeping us on the edge of our seats for years to come.

K: lol

     I hope so!

     If you love Luc, you have to read the entire Chosen trilogy - even Alitus, which  

     features the Conqueror. I was surprised how much people have avoided that

     book - apparently my readers really do not like her.  lol

     Wulf sells like hotcakes, and Jawk is right behind, but Alitus is languishing

     Yet it's the pivotal link between the two stories and explains how we go from the hot  

      romance in Wulf to the bitterness between Luc and Wulf and how they resolve their  

      situation in Jawk.

     I'm likely to write one more book that wasn't mentioned above. And that is what   

     happens to Wulf and Alitus later. They serve immortals ... so what of their

     needs when the immortals aren't looking?

A: Oh that sounds good!

      You have woven the stories tightly together yet they can all be stand alones. Not every

      writer can do that. I hated the conqueror but then again I get the impression she was 

     written that way.

K: She is shown in all her imperious glory on the cover of Alitus, which I believe is the

     finest cover Laura Givens did for me. She created all 5 LSB covers. I'm getting a   

     different cover artist at Loose Id - in part due to wanting to see a new take.

A: What does your significant other think of your writing?

K: He doesn't read it but he hears me tell it, He doesn't want to know the boy/boy stuff. lol

     but he's amazing at helping me with other aspects of the story.

     And he encourages me constantly

A: LOL It's interesting that I hear a lot of women who write M/M have partners who cry

     uncle at any mention of the boy/boy stuff yet will be happy to help with grammar  

     corrections during the sex scenes.

     Did your family support you in your writing growing up?

K: My mother did. I'm not sure about my dad -

     my mother had always wanted to be published but never made it

A: So you're a 2nd generation writer?

K: I suppose so.

     Mother wrote comedy, and actually had a poem published in the paper - a take off on 

     the Night Before Christmas.

     In it, the bright red sleigh turns out to be a bright red fire truck blasting the horn to get   out of  the way ... it's quite good, actually. I think I have an old clipping somehwere.

A: I would love to read it. Comparing mom and daughter prose could be rather interesting

K: No promises. I'm a collector. It could be anywhere. but I've been wanting to see that 

    again myself. In my Christmas anthology, I pay homage to her story in the fact that both

    hero/heroine have 4 year old daughters whose favorite stories are the one about "the 

     mouse who is quiet"

A: The Christmas Anthology? I had heard you have something coming out very soon.

K: Yes, Nov 21st with Sultry Summers, at Shadowfire Press

      Naughty is Nice

      My story is "A Romance for Christmas"

      Hers is - pardon me - we've been back and forth with editing on this and it's 

      either Elf  Dreams, or Dream Elf, so I'll have to verify that and get back to you.

      I do have blurbs for the anthology, and both books.

A: Is it just the two of you in the anthology?

K: Yes

A: Shadowfire Press is also the publisher for The Last Vhalgenn. Seems you have gotten

     off to a great start with them.

K: It's owned by Michael Barnette and Auburnimp, who are writing partners. They're

     incredibly well-organized with this venture and as business people go, amazing to work

     with and for. They've both had e-pubs disappear out from under them, so they have

     taken great care to craft a contract that totally protects their authors in case of business failure and/or bankruptcy. If that makes you nervous, you just don't understand business.  many new ventures do not have a plan B. They go at it assuming all will be well. 

     Michael and Auburnimp both know better than that, and the fact that their authors' work  is not considered an asset of the business means we are in no danger of losing our rights.  That's protection for us, and common sense for them. I believe in Michael Barnette

     personally, having worked with him on various projects over the years, and have no

     qualms about signing with Shadowfire Press. They're new, and this is a great

     opportunity to be published. They are looking for authors.

     http://shadowfirepress.com will show you what they want and there is a submissions

     guideline. Simply follow it and you will get a fair read.

     Each book that's come out has been well publicized and authors are given press 

     releases they can send out. How many publishers do that?

A: It is rare to find an e-pub that is looking out for themselves as well as the authors in their stable. I know a lot of people are talking about them and I have to admit I am looking

     forward to working with Shadowfire Press.

K: You won't regret it. I rarely endorse any particular group. My own publishers have been

     amazing so far, and each has its strengths. I have only just started working with Loose

     Id so will have to let you know my experience there, but so many authors have vouched 

     for them, and their sales are phenomenal. I have no worries there. Liquid Silver is like   

     joining a big family. I know you hear folks say that, but this pub really lives that. There's

     some good-natured teasing, and we look out for one another like bros and sisters as well. I  have some very close friends who write there and have nothing but respect for the  

     publisher as a whole. Ethical, honest, with an amazing art and editorial department.

A: A satisfied customer is the best advertisement for any business. I have spoken to several

     people at Liquid Silver and a handful of very satisfied writers. Seems you are in very

     capable hands.

K: Yes we are

A: Technical difficulties aside this has been a wonderful interview. I have just five more  

     questions I would like to ask. Trademark questions if you will.

     First: Many writers, myself included, talk a lot about their muse. Do you have one? Care 

     to describer him/her/it? And do you consider your muse priceless, annoying, helpful,  

     unhelpful or distracting?

K: OK muses?

      I blame my muse when I want to blame something on outside influences rather than my

      own willingness to work.

      truly, sometimes I'm inspired and other times I'm not. I have a new motto tho

      Jack London, who wrote White Fang among many others said,

     "You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club."

A: LUV IT!

K: 90% work, 10% inspiration

      I get an idea in a second - it takes weeks to make it breathe on its own.

A: Second question: Do you remember the moment you admitted to yourself "I'm a 

     writer"?

K: hmmm

     When did I admit that ... I think I always knew I would be a writer, but at 18 I set out to

     really write a book. I ended up with 400 pp of rambling and nothing sellable, put it aside 

     for a bit lived my life "in reality" for awhile, but came to my senses later and decided to

     pursue my dream.

     The moment when I really really had that "hot dang! I'm a writer" moment, was when I  

     got that first validating note from someone who read my work and wrote to say, "wow".

    A fan letter. I was overwhelmed.

    Getting the contract made me dance for joy - getting the book cover was amazing, but 

     realizing I'd affected someone's life and made them care about my world - that was the  

     validating, "I'm a writer!" moment.

A: Third question: What is your favorite gadget, gizmo or plaything that helps you in the

     writing process?

K: You mean software? or what?

A: Completely open-I've had some unprintable responses is all I'll say. LOL

K: lol

     Ok, my beta readers

     Jean and Rhyss have stuck with me thru two books and Jean has been there since For 

     Women Only (book 2).They are both audience and advisors.

     I send them scenes, chapters, etc, and they edit, audit, and if I get back something that 

     says "perfect" I write back and ask who this is and what they've done with my beta!

     they are my audience. the applause along the way. The validation that something is good  or bad. Their feedback keeps me going. I guess in a way they are my muses

A: Fourth question: Rough estimate how many WIP do you have either locked in your head

     or charted out in your computer/notepad/notebook?

K: I have immediate plans for 8, plus I want to do a series about Khyff and Mehfawni's

    children grown up (Khyff's Legacy series), Plus remember that in For Women Only  

      Mehfawni's younger brother was murdered during his "marriage week" which is a like a   honeymoon that is held during his mate's most fertile time. She is pregnant with his 

      child who will be the same age - or close to it - as the twins Mehfawni is carrying. (that 

      detail has been mentioned in chats, so not a spoiler).

      then I have more in other areas of the galaxy

      There is a winged immortal who is the only person ever to leave the Sempervians - and 

      I want to do his story and those around him

      and remember there were children born who are "Changelings" - immortal but who 

      don't know it yet.  One of those sub plots I want to develop

      I doubt I'll ever run out of stories. As soon as I get an idea or intro a character it 

      spawns another story

      Let's put it this way...

      If you read about a character in one of my books, you may see them again in another 

      series or even their own book. Alitus is perfect example.

A: WOW!! Lots to look forward to.

K: Hopefully for many prosperous years.

     And I want to do some contemporary things and a few shapeshifter stories.

      plus a non-fiction book on marketing

A: I'll be at the head of the line when each one comes out- credit card at the ready-I

     promise!!

K: Thank you, thank you, thank you

     *bows*

A: Last Question: Can you tell my readers something they would never quess about you?

K: Oh, wow.

      That's interesting!

      ok... this might be a good one.

      I grew up in Henderson NV during my teens, and that is just a stone's throw from

      Vegas  3 of my sisters still live there… or within 60 miles or so.

      When I go home, my favorite place to go hang out is at the Luxor Hotel, exploring all

      the statues and features of ancient Egypt. I am a nut for Alexander the Great stories, 

      and he saw the pyramids first hand. I like to imagine what it must have been like during

      that era.

A: Okay- that did surprise me. I would have never pegged your for an Ancient Egypt buff.

K: I spent two days there last time I went home and totally spaced (no pun intended) going  

     to see the Star Trek thing at the Hilton. dang.

     Yes, I have read many books on Alexander, loved the movie and bought the cd the day

     it came out.

     My favorite book about him was The Persian Boy - told from the pov of Bagoas, the

     eunuch who served him and was his only known for certain lover. He was called  

     through out history written in the times as his (pardon spelling) eromaius.

      male lover

A: I HAVE THIS BOOK!

K: It's amazing. I read it years ago and felt the grit of sand between my toes when I read 

     about them walking thru the desert, smelled the incense of the harem, and absolutely     

     adored Bagoas. Has to be one of the most loyal and noble characters I've ever read. I

     actually had him in mind when I created Alitus - except he was the assistant to the 

     powerful empress as well as lover, and Bagoas had no such influence over Alexander.

     So yeah, I'm a nut for anything about AtheG as I refer to him.

     I wish they'd let us have him in bed with Alexander. I thought Colin Ferell played him   well,  But was too  mooney-eyed over Haephaestion and Bagoas. I'd have liked to see  some        sensuality and simple hugs. Francisco Bosch played Bagoas in the film, and if you see him without make up you'd  be knocked over by how gorgeous he is. He'll be in a new film coming  out next year  called "House of Boys". That sounds interesting, doesn't it? lol

A: I'll have to go pull a photobucket spread so I can get a really good look LOL

K: google his name. and then click images. ooh la la

A: And yes, I'll be looking forward to a "House of Boys".

K: It's in preproduction, so not much detail but it appears to start in 1984 and go forward

A: Think I'll add that to my tickler file.

K: You know who he would play if I did a movie set in my universe?

A: Wulf?

K: He'd be good as Wulf - but no.

     He'd play the young Sylk all grown up

     I have a series planned for him

     He's the 4 yr old genius thief in Mercy, and sits beside Senth in For Women Only after  Senth    is badly injured. He's mentioned in several books, including my upcoming Surrender: Love    from Loose  Id. He'd be perfect as Sylk grown up - except that Sylk has almost silver-grey eyes.     www.franciscobosch.com has lots of info on the actor by the time I get to Sylk's book, he will  p   probably be too old.

A: I think I have a new favorite website to drool over.

K: lol

A: Thanx Kayelle for the eye candy and a wonderful interview. It has been a

     pleasure and I  look forward to getting my copy of the Christmas Anthology.

 K: You're welcome. This was a fun interview!

September 23rd, 2008 

Dennis Hagen is the hero of a short story written by Aeryn Traxx. The Ghost Story is a paranormal romance between a ghost hunter and the ghost that lives in the house he has been sent to investigate. This interview is being conducted by Jaymes, a temp muse from Fairy God Parents & Muses.

 Jaymes: Thank you for coming Dennis. It is a pleasure to meet you.

Dennis: It’s my pleasure. I was surprised to find you still around. I thought your contract was only until Labor Day.

Jaymes: (laughing) It was but Delfyn seems to be having a run of good luck in Las Vegas and refuses to come back until she and Ralph run out of chips. Aeryn’s regular muse is a bit stubborn it seems.

Dennis: You have no idea. This story was DOA under Delfyn’s watch. Thank goodness you showed up. Don’t tell Delfyn I said that. She has a cranky side that …..well….let’s just say you DON’T want to make her mad.

Jaymes: Thanks for the warning. I’ll keep that in mind. As for The Ghost Story would you like to introduce yourself to the readers. I’ve already told them you’re the hero.

Dennis: Not sure I would call myself a hero. Prefer to think of myself as a helping hand – a guide from this plane of existence to the next. My official title would be Paranormal Investigator. I was born with the ability to hear and see ghosts. Took a lot of years to get the hang of it. Had a grandmother who heard ghosts her entire life. She was very instrumental in making me what I am today. I’m 30 something, gay and have lived a very blessed and charmed life.

Jaymes: Would you care to tell the readers about the ghost you made contact with and who is the focal point of this story.

Dennis: Be happy to. His name is March, he is devilishly handsome and he has a serious attitude problem.  He had been grounded for 97 years in the old house I was investigating. He had died of natural causes but due to unresolved issues between him and his life partner his spirit was not able to pass into the light when he died.

Jaymes: Without giving too much away would you care to explain a little bit about your part in this story?

Dennis: Not giving too much away huh. Well, the paranormal investigation firm I work with sent me to a supposedly haunted house to check it out. I found a rather good looking ghost that just happened to be gay. He was a bit on the frisky side for being dead but who was I to complain. Hmmmm not sure I can say much more without giving the ending away.

Jaymes: Would you say the reader will be very satisfied with the ending? I know I was a bit surprised.

Dennis: Dude- you’re the muse! Aren’t you supposed to be telling Aeryn how things are supposed to work out? (laugh)  Yes, I was extremely pleased with the ending but now you really have me confused.

Jaymes: (laughing) It’s supposed to be that way. It’s actually part of the contract with FGP&M but Aeryn has a bad habit of sending me out of the room for refreshments and when I return the computer has been turned off and I can’t see the work done in my absence. I have to admit Aeryn did come up with a very nice happily-ever-after.

Dennis: (gives Jaymes a sly smile) I agree with you wholeheartedly. Never would have thought it possible but there we are. A ghost story with a happily-ever-after. Yep. I like the way that sounds.

Jaymes: Well, our time is almost up and I see you have someone waiting for you so I shan’t keep you. Thanx again for dropping by.

Dennis: You're most welcome. And by the way, I mentioned to Aeryn the other day that you are much better at getting results then Delfyn and it might be a good idea to think about keeping you around permanently.

Jaymes: Thank you for the vote of confidence. This has been quite an experience. Let's hope Aeryn feels the same way about my services over the past six months. It's been a pleasure.  I look forward to talking to you again soon.