Jay’s bisexuality, the inspiration behind the story & other questions about Breathe

Posted on April 25, 2012 by SloanParker

The fabulous Ethan Day has interviewed me about my Rainbow Award-winning book Breathe and the moment in my own life that led me to the story.

I adore Ethan and his writing, so to hear he enjoyed Breathe was quite a thrill. Thanks for the thoughtful questions and such kind remarks about this book, Ethan!

Read the interview at Ethan’s blog

A sneak peek at Walter and Kevin via Music

Posted on April 18, 2012 by SloanParker

Hello everyone! I only have time for a quick post today, but I definitely wanted to share a link to a guest blog I wrote about music and my current manuscript (Walter and Kevin’s story).

My friend and lovely critique partner, Constance Phillips, who has her first release coming out with Crescent Moon Press later this year (Congrats, Constance!! So proud of you!!), was kind enough to give me a spot on her Character Playlist feature.

Stop by my post, Music of a Manuscript, to get a mini preview of Walter and Kevin’s story via some of the songs on the book’s playlist.

Also, keep an eye on my website for more about this story. I’ll be adding these and other videos for the rest of the playlist to my Behind the Story page, as well as more news and other behind-the-scenes details.

Have a good one!
Sloan

Top Ten Things I Learned Writing My Latest Gay Romance

Posted on July 29, 2011 by SloanParker

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

Characters do not always listen to my outline.
The book isn’t done until it’s done. I added some really great stuff in the last week.
Reading a manuscript while walking around the house is dangerous. For my cats. Sorry, little dudes!
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.
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.
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.”
Making my poor characters wait to get off is kinda fun. It makes the sex scene more explosive to write.
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!”
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:
It’s helpful to take a character’s clothes off BEFORE attempting anal sex.

Behind the Story: Another song for Kyle & Evan

Posted on July 13, 2011 by SloanParker

I found another song for TAKE ME HOME. “Chasing Cars” from Snow Patrol. I can hear these lyrics coming from both Kyle and Evan with some definite overlap on which lines work for which man. I won’t say more than that for now. The video below is just the song with lyrics. I’m nearing the end on this manuscript. These men feel so real to me now, it’s like they aren’t my creations, but real men I’ve had the privilege of following on this journey.