(c) istockphoto.com, palantir 2006

Here’s what I’ve learned writing TAKE ME HOME (tentatively due out December 2011):

1. Characters do not always listen to my outline.
2. The book isn’t done until it’s done. I added some really great stuff in the last week.
3. Reading a manuscript while walking around the house is dangerous. For my cats. Sorry, little dudes!
4. In order to really put myself into a scene it’s possible to simulate being freezing cold in a blizzard during 100 degree days using just the power of my mind. And a fan.
5. Writing a scene set during any other time than the past decade requires a lot of research. Even when it’s a simple journal entry from 1953.
6. In the process of editing I read faster during the action scenes and forget to actually edit. “Uh, this is YOUR book, Sloan. Pay attention.”
7. Making my poor characters wait to get off is kinda fun. It makes the sex scene more explosive to write.
8. I should not have two books “in process” with characters names that start with the same initial. In this case…Kyle and Kevin. I had to tell Kevin to get back to his own damn book way too many times. “Dude, get off Evan and go find Walter!”
9. I really love the male body and can describe a blowjob for way too many paragraphs (okay, pages) than necessary. More than anyone would want to stick around to read.And the last thing I learned writing my latest m/m romance:
10. It’s helpful to take a character’s clothes off BEFORE attempting anal sex.