My interview with Sloane Howell
First I want to start by saying a HUGE thank you to Sloane Howell for agreeing to do this interview with me. I am a HUGE fan of his. (he is one of my top favorites!) I have read everyone of his books and they are all 5 stars in my book....or should I say on my Goodreads. But away you are here for him and not me....So
Enjoy the Interview!!!
1. What was it like Co-writing with Celia Aaron?
Horrible, just horrible I tell you! Nah, it was a lot of fun. I was actually surprised at how easy it was. We almost murdered each other once on a plot point, but we do that sometimes. The next day it's like okay, back to business as usual, and we move on. I think Celia said it best when she was telling someone about our book. I'm paraphrasing but it was like, "This book is a dirty joke competition that somehow turned into a novel." We knew it wouldn't be for everyone, and some people might hate it. But we'd both written heavy, emotional stories, with dark plot lines, and twists. We'd talked about writing some baseball for a while, and it was a perfect time to just let loose and have some fun. Write some comedy. And I think that helped make the process smooth.
2. Do you ever get nervous right before/during/after you hit that publish button?
Oh shit, absolutely. I never think a story is ready and I always think I can find a way to make it better. And I live in constant fear that the file I quadruple checked before I uploaded it, is a draft version riddled with typos. Not to mention the constant fear that people aren't going to like it, that it's going to suck, that there is a gaping plot hole. I worry about these things nonstop, and I imagine others do too. It's just part of the process.
3. What is your next project?
I'm working on The Panty Whisperer Volume 7 at this very moment. I haven't announced anything yet, but it's coming very shortly. Unfortunately, I can't say a whole lot more right now. Other than soon. :)
4. How does it feel to be on Amazon's Best Seller list?
It still doesn't feel real at all, to be honest. Celia and I were just completely shocked the entire time Cleat Chaser climbed the rankings. We were talking the week before about how insane it would be if we made it to the top 100 in the kindle store, and were laughing at the idea to be honest. When it kept going, all the way to #4 I think, it felt like we were in a dream the entire time. Like this cannot possibly be happening. So I guess, the main feeling I would say is "surreal". I couldn't be happier though.
5. When and where is your first book signing going to be?
As of now, my first signing is in July 2016. I'll be at RARE in Edinburgh, Scotland. I'm so pumped up about this trip. I cannot believe they're going to let me sit in a room with all of those big time authors. I'll probably faint when I walk through the door.
6. How do you find time to write, read, be a dad, and a husband? (Don't worry I don't stalk you?
Gosh, I really don't know. Don't sleep. <laughing> It's sometimes true. It's hard, not that I'm complaining at all. I would say most of the time comes out of reading, unfortunately. But I've missed some trips with boy and Mrs H, and sometimes they go and do things without me. My mother in law watches the boy a lot out at their farm, which is awesome because he can go run off energy, and play outside. I can't write for very long when I'm watching him, because I can't just park him in front of the TV while I write. If he's there I feel like there is a competition for my attention, or I'm neglecting his needs for some reason, I don't know if that makes sense. So I write during his nap times. But occasionally if there is a deadline I just have to try and write and take care of him at the same time. Mrs H and I try to do date nights once per week, but sometimes we just don't have the time. She is working a lot of overtime at her job right now, so yeah, it's hard to manage. Same thing I'm sure any other family deals with. Only it might be easier on us because I'm around the house, and the schedule is flexible most of the time. So I would hate to complain, we're blessed for sure.
7. Do you prefer to write short stories or novels?
Oh, there are pros and cons to both. I mean, I'm much more proud of the novels I write, and think the writing and story is usually better in general. But I like the challenge of short stories. It's hard to make an impact with a short work. It's harder to develop characters, you have to tell instead of show sometimes, and it's more of a minimalist style. I like mixing it up. I get bored with things very easily, so I skip around on projects sometimes if nobody has noticed. I don't want to write a story if I'm not feeling it. I'm sure it drives readers mad, but I want the story to be good for them. Short works also help me make sure I'm getting work out there, my name is staying fresh on people's minds. And, some readers like the shorter stories because their life is hectic, but they want something they can read start to finish in a short amount of time. Novels are awesome because it's a full length story that you've been through a thousand times, and chiseled exactly how you want it. I don't know if I could choose, but it would probably be novels just because you get more of the reader's time and can take them on a longer journey.
8. Tell me one thing about you that you have not shared yet?
Oh man, well, I'm not a very secretive person. So let me think... I once took 12 hours of college courses in the summer (and made a 4.0)
9. What part of Cleat Chaser did you write? (I am dying to know....it was so good I can't tell what part you wrote and what part Cecila Aaron wrote)
I wrote Easton's POV and Celia wrote Kyrie's. :) Though we edited each other's chapters along the way, and then both did final whole edits back and forth once it was finished. So I think that helped with the flow, because there are brief bits of Celia in my chapters and brief bits of me in hers as well.
10. You pick your own question and answer: knock them dead!
Oh boy, what would I ask myself? <taps chin> Why do you think Celia Aaron looks up to you so much?
Well, I mean, go look in the mirror. I think the answer is obvious. :) I jest of course. Celia is a bamf.
Thank you for having me, Cecily! You know I <3 you, and always will. You've been so good to me since day one, when nobody knew who I was. Can't thank you enough!
About the Author:
Sloane Howell lives in the Midwest United States and writes hot romance stories. A former college baseball player turned author, when not reading or writing he enjoys hanging out with his family, watching sports, playing with the dogs, traveling, and engaging his readers on social media. You can almost always catch him goofing off on Facebook or Twitter and trying to convince Mrs. Howell that it is "work".Visit his web page www.sloanehowell.com to sign up for his mailing list to get updates on new releases, promos, and giveaways.
