Author Interview: Josh Lanyon

Author Name: Josh Lanyon

Year started writing for LI: Spring 2006

Titles: The Dark Horse, The Adrien English Mysteries, The Hell You Say, Partners in Crime, Dangerous Ground

Web Page: http://www.joshlanyon.com

What genre do you write in, and why? : I’m strictly GLBT or M/M romantic-suspense or mystery-romance. I write GLBT for a number of reasons – yep, it’s a deliberate choice (I could be – and have been -- more commercially successful by writing mysteries with straight or heterosexual protagonists) and, yes, I do have a political and social agenda. The key is to never push that agenda down a reader’s throat; to inform and educate and persuade by telling entertaining and moving stories of mystery and romance between men.

How much time do you spend writing every week? : I’m a full-time writer. Between writing and the business of writing, I put in about sixty to seventy hours a week. I’m a little obsessive, but that’s what happens when you’re self-employed. It helps that I love what I do – even when I’m cross-eyed and incoherent with exhaustion.

What was the first story you ever wrote about? (not nec. first published story) : The first story I’m aware of writing was this thing about clouds in the third grade. I don’t remember the details (maybe I’ve blocked them out as too dreadful to remember), but I remember my teacher telling me that I would be a writer when I grew up.

How do you judge the effectiveness of the sensual scenes in your stories? :
By my own physical response to what I write (as well as my response – or lack of response – to what others write). I know what turns me on, and I try to capture that for readers. Also, I pay attention to what my core readership has to say. But the thing is, I’m probably more frugal with my sex scenes than the typical Loose Id writer. I’m a believer in the Less is More theory. Fewer scenes but greater emotional impact.

Do you ever try out the sexual positions you write to make sure of accuracy? :
Jeez. What are you ladies writing that you can’t picture it in your minds? Ah, I get it. It’s just an excuse to have more sex with your partners: that’s a GREAT idea!

Ever been told, Um...sweetie, that's not how it works? :
Well, no. What kind of men are you sleeping with? Oh, you mean for your writing? No.

What one word best describes your toy collection? :
Uh…vintage?

Favourite candy while writing? :
Sees. Dark chocolates – assorted nuts and creams.

Where did your most unusual plot idea come from? :
Here’s my little trick. I don’t write unusual plots – although my stories are plot-intensive. I write tried and true basic mystery and romantic-suspense. I depend on my characters and my “voice” to make my stories unique and memorable. So, actually, the more corny and time-worn the plot, the more fun it is to me. Granted, not every reader and reviewer gets the joke, but most do, and I have to amuse myself too when I write. I like the challenge of taking something old and making it new again.

What inspires you to write? : Good writing, bad writing, music, movies, rain… You know, I write all the time so it’s hard to say what my trigger is. Opening my eyes in the morning?

What music inspires your writing? : I’m very eclectic in my musical taste. I think dark minor and harmonic chords evoke an emotional response from me – and that makes me want to write.

Plotter or a Panster? : Depends on the length of the work. For novellas, no outline necessary. For novel-length work, I outline, although the outline changes as I go. That’s because writing is an organic process. And of course I sell off of proposals, which means you need an outline and/or synopsis.

What is your most embarrassing moment as an erotic romance author? : Interesting question. I think it was – maybe still is – a little difficult to go from being known as a mystery writer to being known as an erotic-mystery writer. For some reason adding sex into your stories puts you in a different category for many readers, reviewers, publishers. It weakens your credibility as a story-teller. That shouldn’t be true, but it is.

Most challenging place you've ever written a spicy scene? :
The dentist’s office

When you get stuck, how do you find your way back to the writing? :
It depends. Actually, I talk a lot about this and other writing quandaries in MAN, OH MAN: Writing M/M Fiction for Kinks and Ca$h. It’s a writing book aimed specifically at women (and men) targeting the M/M and GLBT market. The book is due out at the end of February through MLR Press.

The Personal stuff:

Any outrageous liaisons in your past? Of course!

Where's the most unusual place you ever managed to have sex? :
An Irish music festival

What was the most romantic meal you've eaten? :
Oatmeal. You had to be there.

What kind of books do you read for fun? :
Mysteries.

Soulmates? Do you believe? :
Yes.

Sex with anyone famous? :
Myself?