Release Day Author Post & Giveaway: More Than Most, Sloan Parker

5 Behind-the-Story Moments Writing MORE THAN MOST (More Book 2)
by Sloan Parker

 

One of the things I love best about writing fiction is exploring human emotions, taking a basic idea for a character and his story, and through dialogue and actions and reactions, creating a three-dimensional person who is going through something powerful and profound.

More Than MostWriting MORE THAN MOST, the sequel to my Rainbow Award-winning MORE, was like that for me. When I finished the first book in the series, I had so many ideas of what I wanted those three men to go through next, the conflicts I wanted to explore between them, and the emotions I wanted them to feel, but all of those ideas were just vague plans with a few specific situations thrown into the mix.

Usually when I’m working on a new story, that feeling of uncertainty persists through much of the first draft, and then when I start revising the book everything comes to life. There’s more depth and significance in every action and line of dialogue, in every touch between the characters. The book stops feeling like something I’m hoping will fit what I’d envisioned and starts becoming even more than the story I had planned it to be.

Here are five moments that made the experience of writing MORE THAN MOST special for me:

  1. When Richard’s voice became second nature. MORE THAN MOST is told in first-person from Richard’s point of view, whereas the first book in the series was told from Luke’s. In some respects Richard’s voice was harder for me to pinpoint than Luke’s dry, sarcastic tone. But once I reminded myself of the core traits that make up who Richard is—a compassionate, caring man—then telling the story from his point of view was almost more natural for me than writing in Luke’s. Despite all of his strength and determination to succeed, Richard is a man who can ultimately admit to his weaknesses and fears, and I find that very sexy.
  2. Whenever Luke said something that cracked me up. I don’t consider myself a funny writer by nature. I’m much more comfortable writing angst and drama and intensely intimate, sexual moments, but Luke’s dry humor was fun and surprisingly comfortable for me to write in the first book. I was glad to see I could keep some of that going when I wasn’t in his point of view for the sequel.
  3. When I wrote an intense moment between Richard and Matthew that I hadn’t planned in the original outline. Partway through drafting MORE THAN MOST, ideas for a scene farther into the story popped into my mind. I started jotting down the dialogue and interactions, and what resulted was one of my favorite moments in the book, when Richard and Matthew were faltering and they needed Luke to be the strong one.
  4. When Matthew makes a comment that offers a new perspective for the other two men. What I like so much about Matthew is the dichotomy of wisdom and innocence that makes up his personality. He is incredibly wise when it comes to others, but is still grappling with self-esteem issues and figuring out how to become the person he wants to be.
  5. When Luke says or does something that’s the complete opposite of the man he started out as in the first book. I especially loved when he opened up about what he was feeling or thinking without being prompted. Not that he did that a lot, but there was definitely more communication outside of the bedroom between the three men in this book, and it was very interesting when Luke was the one who was pushing for that communication.

Thanks so much to On Top Down Under Book Reviews for allowing me to share about my experiences writing my first novel-length sequel.

AUTHOR BIO:

Award-winning author Sloan Parker writes passionate, dramatic stories about two men (or more) falling in love. She enjoys writing in the fictional world because in fiction you can be anything, do anything—even fall in love for the first time over and over again. Sloan lives in Ohio with her partner and their neurotic cats. Her greatest moments in life are spent with her family, her friends, and her characters.

To contact Sloan, find out about her books that are available for purchase, and read free stories, visit: www.sloanparker.com. If you’d like to be notified of new releases and get exclusive sneak peeks, be sure to sign up to receive Sloan Parker’s newsletter via her website.

Sloan Parker’s Books
Kazza’s review of More (Book #1)

**GIVEAWAY** 

THIS GIVEWAY IS NOW OVER, CONGRATULATIONS TO DEMETRA.

Sloan Parker is offering a giveaway of a $25 gift card to All Romance eBooks and winner’s choice of one e-book from her backlist. Simply leave a comment below before midnight (Eastern US Time) May 2nd for a chance to win.



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jana
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jana

It sounds so good i’m super excited about this book Happy dance. Thnx for tbe giveaway. 😀

Sloan Parker
Guest

Jana: So glad you’re excited about the new book. Thanks for checking it out.

Cindi
Admin

A HUGE thank you to Sloan Parker for stopping by On Top Down Under to celebrate MORE THAN MOST’s release and for the great giveaway!

Sloan Parker
Guest

Cindi: You’re very welcome. Big, big thanks to you and Kazza for the warm welcome and for hosting the giveaway.

Debra E
Guest
Debra E

I can’t wait to read this! Ever since I read More I’ve been trying to find other stories where the three men start together at the same time (not a couple bringing in a third), but they are so hard to find.
debdeege (at) optonline (dot) net

Sloan Parker
Guest

Debra: I hope you enjoy MORE THAN MOST. One of the things I loved best about writing the first book was that they were three people coming into a relationship on equal footing. I wanted to tell a story of three guys meeting for sex and finding something much more meaningful than they expected. Really glad to hear that concept worked for you.

Gigi
Guest
Gigi

Sounds great!

Sloan Parker
Guest

Thanks, Gigi!

Andrea M
Guest
Andrea M

I love what you say about your characters. It makes them seem so much more real! More was a joy and I’m looking forward to reading this sequel.

Sloan Parker
Guest

Andrea: Thanks! I’m glad you found it interesting. My characters definitely become very real for me through the course of writing a book. I hope you enjoy reading More Than Most.

Lisa H
Guest
Lisa H

The love you have for your characters definitely shows in this post. I really enjoyed More when it was originally released. I may just have to do a re-read before starting More than Most. 🙂 Congrats on the new release and thanks for the awesome giveaway. 🙂

Sloan Parker
Guest

Lisa: I’m very happy my character love shines through. Thanks so much and you’re welcome on the giveaway.

Lee
Guest
Lee

More’s one of the best mmm books. Thx for the giveaways. 🙂

Sloan Parker
Guest

Thank you, Lee! That’s very kind of you to say.

Alaina
Guest
Alaina

I had no idea More was getting a sequel! I am so excited to read this! Loved the 5 behind the scenes moments! Thanks for the chance at the giveaway!

Sloan Parker
Guest

Alaina: Thanks. Really glad you enjoyed the post, and I hope you like the sequel if you get a chance to check it out.

Ashley E
Guest
Ashley E

More has been on my wishlist for a long time. Clearly I need to get on it, because More Than Most sounds amazing.

Sloan Parker
Guest

Ashley: Love hearing that it sounds good to someone who hasn’t read the first one yet. You never know how a sequel will sound to new readers. Thanks for sharing!

ELF
Guest

It’s wonderful when things sync the way they obviously did for you with these stories. Thanks for sharing part of your writing journey!

Sloan Parker
Guest

ELF: It really is a great feeling, and one of the major rewards. It’s one of the reasons I love writing so much. Thanks for stopping by to check out the post.

Denise
Guest
Denise

Already on my Kindle! Thanks for the giveaway!

Sloan Parker
Guest

Denise: Thanks for picking up a copy. Hope you have a good time visiting with the boys again.

Shirley Ann Speakman
Guest
Shirley Ann Speakman

Congratulations Sloan on the release of your new book it sounds fab and I wish you many sales!!

Sloan Parker
Guest

Shirley Ann: Thanks for the congrats and best wishes. It feels great to have a new novel-length book out again.

Julie Small
Guest
Julie Small

Congratulations on the new release! I loved More and looking forward to reading More Than Most!

Sloan Parker
Guest

Julie: Thanks! Hope you enjoy the new book. And thanks for checking out my release day post.

Jenny
Guest
Jenny

I’ve been so excited for this book. I haven’t read it yet, but I thought I should do a reread of book 1 first. I’ve wondered if I should re-buy More since I own the older version. Does anyone know if there’s any big changes?

Sloan Parker
Guest

Jenny: Really glad you’re looking forward to it. You don’t need to get the new one of MORE for a re-read unless you want to. It’s the same story with just minor corrections/changes to the wording. A few typos that needed fixed, some awkward descriptions reworded, that kind of thing. Oh, and it has a new cover since it’s a self-published book now, but it’s the exact same story as the original version. I hope you enjoy the re-read and the new book.

Brandi R
Guest
Brandi R

So can’t wait to hurry up and finish the book I’m currently reading so I can re-read More & How to Save a Life and then read More Than Most. Congrats on the release!

Brandi

Sloan Parker
Guest

Brandi: Thanks for the congrats and for checking out the new book. Hope you have fun with the re-reads. I’m just about to dig back into working on the 2nd book in the Haven series.

Lisa G
Guest
Lisa G

Thank you for sharing these special moments from More than Most. I have it and waiting for the weekend to immerse myself in all that is Richard, Luke and Matthew. Can’t wait.

Sloan Parker
Guest

Lisa: Thanks for picking up a copy. I love that you’ve got it on your weekend plans. Hope you enjoy spending time with Richard, Luke, and Matthew again.

Roger Grace
Guest
Roger Grace

Looks good and thanks for the giveaway.

Sloan Parker
Guest

Roger: You’re very welcome. Thanks for checking out the post.

Antonia
Guest
Antonia

I really enjoyed More and I’m excited for the sequel. Thanks for the post and the chance to win!

Sloan Parker
Guest

Antonia: You’re welcome. More will always be special for me, since it was my first release, and I just love hearing that readers enjoyed it.

Rene
Guest
Rene

Congrats on the release of More than Most. It looks good, and i definitely put this serie on my TBR list. I really loved your book Breathe i found it so emotional and heartbreaking. And i look forward to explore more of your work.
Thank you for the giveaway

Sloan Parker
Guest

Rene: Thanks for checking out the post and the books. And thanks so much for the kind words on Breathe. That was a very moving story for me to write, and I love hearing that it meant something to others too. Thank you for sharing.

Jen
Guest
Jen

Can’t wait to start reading “More Than Most”! I already purchased it and am just finishing re-reading “More”, so that I’ll be ready to pick up where the boys left off last time…. : )

Sloan Parker
Guest

Jen: Thanks for picking up a copy. Hope you like seeing what the boys are up to now.

jo snodgrass
Guest
jo snodgrass

FINALLY!!! 🙂 I have been patiently bwahhahahaa waiting for this one…*sigh* Cannot wait to “hear” Richard’s voice….and then will hafta patiently wait for Matthew’s…. 🙂 Sloan darlin you are such a tease. LOL!

Thanks for the chance at a great prize and for turning me onto a new-to-me website…that I am now officially fascinated with…

hugs,
jo
johannasnodgrass(at)yahoo(dot)com

Sloan Parker
Guest

Jo: Richard definitely thinks differently than Luke. I hope you enjoy hearing this story from his point of view. Glad you found your way here. Thanks for entering.

Serena S.
Guest
Serena S.

Congrats on the new release and thanks for the chance!

Sloan Parker
Guest

Serena: Thanks! I’m really excited to share this one with readers.

Barbra
Guest
Barbra

Congrats on your new release. I’m glad to get book 2. I loved How To Save A Life too. 🙂

Sloan Parker
Guest

Barbra: Thanks for the kind words on the release and HTSAL. I can’t wait to share Seth and Vargas’s story with everyone.

kek219
Guest
kek219

Ms. Parker is one of my favorite authors. I’ve been looking forward to this book since I finished ‘More’.

Sloan Parker
Guest

kek219: What a wonderful compliment. Thank you! I hope you enjoy the new book.

JenCW
Guest
JenCW

Congratulations on the new book! I have been super excited since I heard that there was going to be a sequel. Thank you for the giveaway too!

Sloan Parker
Guest

JenCW: Thanks for the congrats. I love hearing how excited everyone is for the sequel. I’ve got Matthew’s well underway so the wait definitely won’t be as long next time.

JenCW
Guest
JenCW

Thanks for the post and giveaway! I have been super excited since I heard there was going to be a sequel. Congratulations on the new book!

Sloan Parker
Guest

JenCW: Thanks for the congrats. I love hearing how excited everyone is for the sequel. I’ve got Matthew’s well underway so the wait definitely won’t be as long next time.

H.B.
Guest
H.B.

Congrats on your new release! Thank you for sharing what made writing the book so special for you.

Sloan Parker
Guest

HB: Thank you for checking out the post and for the congrats.

Demetra
Guest
Demetra

Thank you for the chance for participating in this giveaway. Looking forward to reading this one.

Sloan Parker
Guest

Demetra: You’re very welcome. Thanks for stopping by and entering the giveaway.

KR Nord
Guest
KR Nord

Thanks for the opportunity to win. I’ve had “More” on my “to read” list for a while now, so it looks like I’d better get going on it since there’s now a sequel. 🙂

K

Sloan Parker
Guest

KR: You’re welcome. If you get a chance to read the More books, I hope you enjoy them.

Lee R
Guest
Lee R

Love it!!! Can’t wait till your next book.

Sloan Parker
Guest

Lee: Thanks! That’s always a wonderful thing to hear from readers.

Neene
Guest
Neene

YAY! I’ve been looking forward to the release of More than most since I first read about it!

Sloan Parker
Guest

Neene: So glad to hear that. Thanks for sharing! All the excitement from readers has made this release all the more special for me.

Carolyn
Guest
Carolyn

This is my first introduction to the series, but I really enjoyed the post and learning more about the books. Thanks so much for sharing with us, and I look forward to having MORE great stories to read. 😉

Sloan Parker
Guest

Carolyn: Thanks! Really appreciate you taking the time to check out the post and learn more about the books.