Last Updated on: August 1st, 2018
UPDATE: The giveaway is closed, but please read on to discover Jamie’s awesome works!
There are a few important things I’m featuring on the menu today. Two have to do with giveaways! Exciting, right? Another is that I had some technical issues with publishing this post, too. Oops! So please don’t forget to read a special guest post from Greg Narayan, and watch his video!
Another thing on today’s menu is a super-hot, tell-all interview with male erotica novelist Jamie Lynn Miller!
Plus, Jamie has a bonus for you! Warning: this post contains content not suitable for children. Double warning: it may also turn you on! Triple warning: gay sex is involved, so if you are homophobic, please leave my site right now. I’m serious. Just leave.
BUT, if you are open-minded, like a good read, and want to expand your horizons (or maybe just want to win a free copy of an awesome book!), then keep reading. You won’t regret it!
Now, a new giveaway!
I’m pleased to announce another giveaway! This time you’re in for a real treat! If you like good writing and sexy scenes, and don’t have problem with two men having sex, then please, read on. If you do have issues with homosexuality, please get the heck out of here right now! This is your last warning! However, if you are curious, want to expand your reading repertoire and read a good story, and maybe get a bit turned on while you do so (or a combination of all of the above), then you just might want to read some of what this author is dishing out.
The book that is being given away is Memory’s Prisoner. Jamie Lynn Miller is the author, and even though she is a female who writes about male erotic romance, she sure knows her stuff! Hot and steamy, with a plot that’s not seamy, Jamie’s novella embodies fine writing with fine bodies! She delivers a tale that is filled with action, adventure, attraction, and adrenaline, and her characters ultimately get much more than a “piece of tail.” 😉 She is also offering two copies – one to those who follow my blog via email and comment on this post, and one to those who follow her blog via email and comment on this post!
This giveaway will end on Tuesday, December 3, 2013.
I’d like to tell you that I first discovered Jamie’s talent while browsing the Smashwords website one day. I started to read one of her books (the first few chapters) and I wanted to read more! Rather than just becoming a fan of hers, I decided to contact her for an interview, in exchange for a copy of the book I began, Out of the Shadows. For those of you not “in the know,” you can read the first 20% of novellas on this site. I read the beginning of Out of the Shadows here.
Here is my review of Out of the Shadows, which I posted to Goodreads:
“Out of the Shadows” intertwines a growing romantic love story with breathtaking erotica while simultaneously dealing with issues of drug addiction and domestic violence. I was captivated by the characters from the opening pages and enjoyed the journey until the final paragraph! The author, Jamie Lynn Miller, certainly knows how to craft a compelling tale that leaves her readers wanting more. Her attention to detail painted vivid images in my mind and the manner in which she weaves subplots into the story is mesmerizing. The many events that the characters endure lead to an unexpected, yet satisfying, climax. “Out of the Shadows” is exciting and steamy, erotic and tantalizing, and has me admitting that I am hooked on this author and cannot wait to read another one of her novellas!
What’s even more amazing is her complete understanding of men, the male body, and their emotions and physical experiences. The author is a truly talented writer. You’ll love this book! I know I did!
I also posted this review to Goodreads, after I read another of Jamie’s books, Darkness Falls (her first book), since I was hooked:
“Darkness Falls” is a simple story that begins with a catastrophic event that changes the lives of two men forever. An erotic romance that contains an air of mystery, DF is a good read on a rainy afternoon. Its steamy scenes will heat you up!
For a debut novella, the author did well. Because I also read her second book, “Out of the Shadows”, I can say with confidence that her writing has “grown”. Both books have their own merits, as they are two different stories. The storyline in “Darkness Falls” is simplistic yet satisfying. Her second book contains well-developed subplots, more action, and sex scenes that are even more exciting! I’d easily recommend both books, and am looking forward to “Memory’s Prisoner” – coming soon!
Although Jamie has written two other books, I haven’t had a chance to read them yet. (Too many books, too little time…) But, since Jamie is now with a different publishing company, Dreamspinner Press, and is releasing Memory’s Prisoner on December 4th, 2013, I wanted to help her launch it by telling you all about it!
You can read an excerpt of Memory’s Prisoner on their site. Do this by clicking here.
My Tell-All Interview With Jamie begins now, with some general questions…
* Is Jamie your real name, or a pseudonym?
The “Jamie” part of Jamie Lynn Miller is a pseudonym, but the middle and last names are mine. So I didn’t stray too far.
* Where do you live? (general location in the world)
I was born, raised and still live in Chicago.
* What do you like to do? (hobbies)
I’m an avid photographer, I like to do glass blowing and yoga, I’m a huge Star Wars fan/collector and I love to travel.
* Have you ever been sexually involved with two bi-guys? Is this a turn-on for you?
Unfortunately, I’ve never had the pleasure! Though yes, definitely a turn on.
* What made you write about gay/bi men? Personal experience or the market for this type of book?
Neither, actually! Back in the early 90’s I was heavily involved in on-line fandom for a certain TV show, where I got my first exposure to fanfic. I was reading everything I could and came across one marked “slash”. I was only 22 and a bit naive and had no idea what that meant, so I read it. To say my eyes were opened to a whole new world would be an understatement when I found out that “slash” meant a sexual relationship between the two male characters of the show! But that was the “moment” for me. I was surprised at what a turn on it was for me. I’d been writing stories for years but never gay fic. But after reading that first story, and subsequently seeking out more, I decided to try my hand at writing my own. And the rest, as they say, is history!
* Do you have gay male friends? Did they offer any insight for your books?
Surprisingly, I don’t. All of my gay friends are women (who also write male/male fiction). But when I first got started writing male/male fic I attended a writer’s conference where I met a gay man who told me I could ask him anything. And he wasn’t kidding! He truly wanted female writers to have as good an understanding as they could into the gay male psyche and sexual relationships. He became an invaluable research tool for me as I got started in my writing career and I’ll always be thankful to him.
* How would you describe yourself – as an author, and as a person?
By day I’m a mild-mannered, 42 year-old, graphic designer who lives by the motto “Growing old is mandatory. Growing UP is optional”. I’m fun-loving and outgoing and love to be spontaneous. The worst thing in the world is if I’m bored! I enjoy traveling (especially to Canada and Ireland), going to sci-fi conventions, photography, glass blowing, yoga and cats.
My author persona is definitely my alter-ego. It’s where I’m free to let loose and be sexy and a bit naughty. Besides my husband, no one in my family (parents, sister, extended family) knows that I’m a published gay fiction author. Or any of my close friends at work. It would come as such a shock to them and I know they’d never understand, so it’s not worth opening up the subject with them for fear of alienating them when I value their friendship. Which makes me sad, because I’d love to share my good news with them when I’ve got a new book coming out, etc. But I’ve got a fantastic online community of friends (plus my best friend Christiane) who are incredibly supportive of me and my writing career. So it all balances out in the end.
* Are you married? Is your hubby bi?
I’ve been happily married to John (who is straight) for the last 20 years. No children, except for our furry, four-footed ones.
* What does your hubby think of two guys turning you on? Any jealousy there?
It was four years after we got married that I started writing gay fiction. Telling my husband that I wrote male/male stories was one of the most awkward and difficult conversations I’ve ever had in my life! At least on my part! Turns out I’d worked myself up for nothing. Bless his heart, John took the news without even blinking and has been my biggest supporter ever since my first book was published in 2008. Like he said, it’s perfectly acceptable for a man to get turned on by watching two women together, why should it be any different for a woman and two men? Smart man, my husband.
Jamie’s Sexual Turn-Ons, Revealed!
* What are your biggest turn-ons?
Water and uniforms. 🙂 As you can see by the majority of my books, I like a man in uniform. Be it police, fire or paramedic. There’s just something so appealing to me about men in those professions. I mean, have you *seen* what firemen look like under that turnout gear?? I rest my case.
Water is the same thing for me – be it sex in a shower, bathtub, hot tub, swimming pool or a lake. It’s just so…sensuous to me and I try and incorporate that particular kink into my books when I can.
* What is your favorite fantasy?
My favorite fantasy would be voyeuristic in nature – I would love to actually watch any of the sex scenes in my books come to life right in front of my eyes.
* Have you ever had a threesome? Are you bi?
No to both. 🙁
* What are your general views of sex?
It may sound old-fashioned, but I believe it’s a deeply intimate act that should be shared between people who truly care for one another, no matter if it’s a man and woman, two women, two men or any other combination. It’s never something I’ve entered into lightly. Giving your body to someone is the most precious gift you can ever give.
* Do you turn yourself on when you write? (If so, how do you get any writing done?)
LOL! I’d be lying if I said I didn’t! I get to write down my fantasies and have them take place in living color in my head. Heck yeah that turns me on!
Some info about her books:
* How long did it take for you to write your books?
Oh gosh, that varies greatly from book to book. Ones like Burnin’ for You and Out of the Shadows practically flowed out of me and were written in a month, working a couple of hours a day on them. The others took longer. But I never start a book without a complete outline – beginning, middle and end. The characters may lead me off on a tangent from time to time, but I always know where I’m going.
* How do you promote them? What does your publisher EXPECT you do to do in terms of promotion?
Word of mouth is HUGE. And that’s where social media and blogs come into play. I’ve gotten a lot of supporters along the way since I started writing in 2008 and they’re fantastic about spreading the word that I’ve got a new book out. I have several writer friends as well who are kind enough to give reviews.
I’ve never had a publisher tell me you must do this, this and this. It’s more along the lines of, “Here’s what we’re going to do for you (send your book out for review, promote you on our website and social media) and the rest is up to you.”
Which includes giving interviews like this! I’m finding that with my new publisher, Dreamspinner Press, that it’s a close knit community of authors and folks are quick to offer up guest blog opportunities at the drop of a hat.
* How many sales have you had? Are you getting rich of your writing? 😉
I don’t have an exact total but I’ve had moderate success, having consistently been one of the top three authors at my previous publisher.
I get a nice little bonus check every quarter for doing something that I love. I’ll never be rich, but that’s okay, I never expected to be. I’m just enjoying sharing my stories with others.
* Do you have anything else you’d like to add?
One thing that I would like to bring up is that I’m a staunch supporter of fanfic authors. That’s where I got my start. In fact, that’s why I got into the ebook business in the first place. I was tired of hearing people put down fanfic, that it was all written by teenagers and complete crap. Is that partly true? Of course. But I can also say the same about professional novels I’ve read that I’ve wanted to throw in the trash. Many fanfic authors could leave the pros in the dust. So I set out to prove that a fanfic author like myself could get published just like anyone else. And here I am, five books later.
* What are you working on now?
I’ve just finished my first book with Dreamspinner Press, called Memory’s Prisoner, which will be published on December 4th. I’m hopeful that my book does well and that it’s the start of a beautiful friendship with Dreamspinner. 😉
* What’s next? Any ideas?
I’ve always got a million ideas floating around in my head, I just need to pin one down! But expect it to be about men in uniform. 😉
Blurbs of Jamie’s books
Darkness Falls – Matthew and Daniel are successful actors on a hit television show leading a good life, the best of friends. But Matthew secretly desires more with Daniel, longing for his friend in silence. Then an accident on set may leave Daniel permanently blinded. Matthew’s dedication to his friend brings them closer than ever before, but is it possible to find love and happiness in the wake of a tragedy?
Burnin’ for You – Lucas is a hard-working fireman in New York City, trying to come to terms with the loss of his lover, a fellow fireman, a year ago. Trying to forget the tragic anniversary, Lucas has a one night stand with Evan, which awakens a desire inside Lucas he thought he’d never feel again. But when Lucas discovers that Evan is a paramedic it all comes crashing down, as he had vowed to never again get involved with someone on the job. Can Evan convince Lucas to open up his heart and take a chance on love again, despite who Evan is?
Where There’s Smoke – the sequel to Burnin’ for You. It’s five months later and Lucas is nearly a full-fledged paramedic. But becoming a medic means no longer being able to work with Evan at Station 127 and giving up his chance at a promotion to Lieutenant. As graduation looms, will Lucas change his mind? Then add in a young man Lucas rescues from a fire that becomes an obsessed stalker, and Evan’s altercation with a victim’s husband that threatens his career, and things turn explosive at the FDNY.
Out of the Shadows – Shane is a K-9 officer with the elite LAPD, his dream job. He responds to a 911 call in Hollywood that brings him to actor Tyler Donovan’s home. It appears that Tyler has it all – a career that’s on fire and a loving, long-term relationship with his partner, Alex. But then Shane uncovers the truth that Tyler had been trying to hide – domestic abuse – and the illusion comes crashing down. Can Shane help Tyler break free of a life he’s convinced he deserves before it’s too late, and in the process help them both find love?
Memory’s Prisoner – Detectives Mitchell Reid and Joseph Valentino of the Chicago Police Department have finally moved from friends to lovers, partners on the job and off. Then an escaped bank robber with a thirst for vengeance shatters their world. The police tactical raid to recapture the convict goes horribly wrong, leaving Mitch severely wounded and Joey with a devastating head injury. They both survive, but Joey’s long-term coma and memory loss will change their lives – and love – forever.
BONUS EXCERPT:
Mitch crouched at the corner of one crate, preparing to slip to the next closest one. The flash from a rifle’s muzzle inside the warehouse caught Mitch’s eye as it illuminated the gunman.
Doyle.
Their eyes locked and an evil, maniacal grin crossed the psychopath’s face. Mitch’s cover had been blown. A split second later he heard the ominous click of the triggering mechanism inside the crate he was leaning against and Mitch knew he had seconds to live.
Launching himself up and away from the crate, heedless of the gunfire surrounding him, Mitch desperately tried to put as much distance between himself and the bomb as he could. Four frantic strides were all he could manage.
The force of the explosion threw him off his feet and hurled him forward, wave after wave of intense heat and debris at his back, before he slammed down onto the dock. Excruciating pain like he’d never known raced through his battered body as he rolled across the wooden surface before coming to rest on his back. Dazed and winded, fighting unconsciousness, Mitch heard Tim frantically calling his name. His head lolled to the side as he tried to answer but his gaze caught sight of the torn, bloody mass of flesh that was his left leg.
“NO! MITCH!”
Joey’s cry of utter terror drew Mitch’s attention from his mangled body. He looked up to see his partner racing toward him, surrounded by Team Three, weapons blazing. Uncaring of the extreme danger he was in, Joey charged forward in a desperate rescue attempt, his fear for Mitch written all over his face.
Horrified, Mitch tried to call out, managing only a hoarse whisper. “No… get back….”
Two feet from Mitch it happened.
Another crate exploded, sending huge pieces of debris through the air. Unable to slow down or change course, Joey plowed directly through the explosion, his head suddenly snapping violently to the side as a large piece of wood impacted it.
“JOEY!”
The scream was torn from Mitch’s throat as he watched his partner’s expression change from one of terrified concern to one of total confusion as the wood hit its mark and his body crumpled like a rag doll.
The nightmare had begun.
ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:
Don’t forget, as I mentioned earlier, to follow our blogs via email and leave a comment! Here is the link to Jamie’s blog. She has two copies up for grabs, so make sure you comment on both of our blogs to increase your chances! Winners will be announced on December 6, when I will be introducing another author to you. (Sneak peek: she is a memoirist! For now, her identity is top secret!)
YOUR TURN:
What did you like most about today’s post? The chance to win a free book? Hearing about Jamie’s turn-ons? Discovering a new author?
Whatever you liked, please share it in the comment section, please!
This is a fantastic interview although I’m surprised that no one except your husband knows you write M/M. A great way to open up the subject (if you wanted to) would be to buy one of the new DSP t-shirts, wear it, and watch people.) That’s what I’m doing. I’m not a writer so it’s about the only way I know of to let the world know what they’re missing. I’m looking forward to the new book and also hope to buy some of your backlist.
I’m sure Jamie will respond to you, Andrea, when she sees your comments on both this blog and hers, but for now I’d like to let you know that you’ll be eligible to win a copy of her latest book if you subscribe to my blog, since you’ve already completed the part about leaving a comment!
I’d appreciate it!
I’m kinda shocked her hubby doesn’t know, either! 😉
Hello again, Andrea! Thank you for coming over and reading my interview. Glad you enjoyed it! As much as I love my friends and family I know it would make them uncomfortable if they knew what kind of fiction I write, so I keep quiet on that aspect of my life. But my husband is the most important person whose support I value, and I’ve got that, so it’s all good. 🙂
I just think it’s great that you’re posting about a book that some readers would find risque 🙂
Jeri, someone’s gotta do it! 😀
Thanks for stopping by to read my interview, Jeri! I’m grateful to Lorraine for opening up her blog for a different kind of book. Risque can be good! 😉
Thanks for responding to the comments, Jamie. I appreciate it! I’m sure the commenters do, too! 😀
This was a wonderful interview with Jamie. I always love finding out what the author feels when writing..
Hi, Morganslady! Thanks for the compliment. I like getting to know authors as people, too!
Thanks so much for stopping by to read my interview, Laura! I liked giving a deeper look into my writing even to my friends. 🙂
I was fascinated that a woman with no experience or gay men friends could write this type of erotica. Well there you go.
Equally fascinated in the husbands response to writing the novels. It makes so much sense, if men are turned on by two women, why wouldn’t a woman be turned on by two men? Never ever thought about it, but well put!
I was shocked to find out that Jamie was a female, too, Becc!
I also am glad that the ol’ double standard does not apply to her!
Nice to meet you, Becc! Thanks so much for taking a minute to read my interview, I appreciate it. You’d be surprised by the number of straight female author friends I have that write gay erotica. 🙂 I’ll pass along your comment to my husband! Like I said, he’s a smart guy.
Great interview! Even though I’m quite familiar with Jamie’s stories, some of the things you asked were things I didn’t know.
Hi, nice of you to stop by my blog! I was shocked when Jamie responded favourably to my idea of a “tell-all” interview. I told her to only answer the questions she felt comfortable with; I was afraid of crossing the line! I’m very impressed with her openness and honesty. Jamie’s really great – as a person AND as a writer!
Hope to see you again, Celtprincess!
Nice to know I can still surprise my friends! 🙂
Thank you for the information on this author. Looks like I have some new books to order.
You won’t be disappointed, Meridian! 😀
Glad you enjoyed my interview and thanks so much for the interest in my books! 🙂
Thank you so much for featuring me today, Lorraine! So glad we’ve gotten to know each other and you were a wonderful interviewer. I really appreciate all you’ve done for me and my writing. 🙂
I’m happy to do it, Jamie. I love your stories and your writing. 😀 I’m so happy that I’m a part of your success! It gives me the warm fuzzies inside to know I am helping you.