Sloan Parker Interview and Giveaway
Today we have the pleasure of introducing one of On Top Down Under Book Reviews favourite authors, Sloan Parker. Sloan was with us for our first birthday and it is lovely to have her back with us for our 2nd. Welcome back, Sloan.
**THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW OVER. CONGRATULATIONS TO ARDENT EREADER**
Sloan: Thank you for the invite and for the kind words. I’m honored to be here for your celebration. Huge congrats on your anniversary!
Kazza: Thank you 🙂
Kazza: The last book I read of yours was Missed Connections: I Swear To You. It is about second chances and first love. I really enjoyed this book. Outside of More, I found this to be one of your steamiest pieces of writing. I really felt like there was a spice to it. Did you feel that it was more erotic/spicy than your general writing? How do you find writing sex scenes? I know some people excel in this area and others freely admit they struggle.
Sloan: Really glad you enjoyed I SWEAR TO YOU, Kazza. It’s so neat to hear how others see my work. When I was writing that one, it felt like the setup and those characters had more inherent emotional, erotic tension than some of my other work, which made the sex scenes pretty powerful for me to write. It’s nice to know that came through when you were reading it.
I try to let the story itself dictate how spicy the writing should be, but I do enjoy writing the more erotic love stories. For me the sex is actually the easiest part of the first draft to write. Sometimes I skip a sex scene if I don’t have all the emotional stuff lined up just right, but then when I come back to it later, it usually goes much faster than any other kind of scene.
Kazza: You do write a diverse book – from the Sweet Take Me Home to the deeply emotional Breathe and MORE, a sexy and heartfelt ménage. How easy is it for you to be so diverse in your writing? How much is it characters driving you? Or maybe setting, plot?
Sloan: Thanks, Kazza. I think my writing reflects a mix of what I enjoy reading: angsty, emotional stories with sweet, tender moments mixed in. When I’m writing, I try to let the characters and what they are feeling drive the tone of the story. Sometimes that comes out very sweet and tender, and sometimes it’s sexier and more intense.
Most everything I write starts with the characters, but for my novel-length work I also do a lot of plotting before a first draft. I usually go back and forth between the two: the characters drive the plot, and the planning of the plot further develops the characters. I also try to make sure the four main elements of the story are all related and work together: the suspense, the romance, the erotic scenes, and the characters’ growth arc.
Kazza: One of my favourites of yours was How To Save a Life? How are Walter and Kevin going? Will we see any more of them? Any more in this series?
Sloan: They are doing great. Now that Walter’s learned to let go of his issues with their age difference, there’s not much that can get in the way of their happy ending, so I’m not sure I would revisit them in another novel, maybe a short or novella. If all goes as planned, I’m hoping one or both of them will make an appearance in at least one of The Haven books.
Kazza: Since I last spoke to you what things have been happening book wise for you? Are there any new books that we can look forward to in the near future? I have been bursting at the seams for more of Richard – I do love MORE. Please tell me that the sequel will be out sooner rather than later? Can you tell us a little about the sequel here?
Sloan: MORE THAN MOST (MORE #2) is on its way. I finished the manuscript in August, but it still needs to go through edits yet, and unfortunately I don’t have an official release date right now.
I also have a novella that I’ll be wrapping up shortly. I hope to release that as an individual e-book before the end of the year, or possibly early 2015, depending upon when the edits get scheduled. It’s a friends-to-lovers story that’s pretty emotional. There will also be a boxed set that includes this new story and a few of my other short stories and novellas. The boxed set will be available in both print and e-book formats.
I’m also over halfway through the first draft of Matthew’s book (MORE #3). After that, I’ll be working on the second Haven book.
Also in November, there will be a re-release of one of my bestsellers, BREATHE.
This new edition will have a new cover and will also include the epilogue that was previously released separately.
Kazza: I adored Breathe. I am so glad to hear you are revisiting it with a new cover and the epilogue combined. I also love Richard from MORE but I know quite a few readers who are awaiting Matthew’s book. Cindi would be one of those 🙂
Kazza: We all have our favourite books, and some authors speak to us more. What authors and books have had a profound impact on you and have stayed with you over the years?
Sloan: In addition to romance, I love reading suspense and thrillers, so some of my first reads in those genres (books by Sandra Brown, Lisa Gardner, Dean Koontz, and Robin Cook to name a few) really left an impact on me as I started getting serious about my own writing during my college years.
The first M/M romance I read was Ransom by Lee Rowan so that one will always be special for me. I still reread it from time to time.
Kazza: So I’ll ask you one of the usual questions I like to ask pretty much everyone who comes on here. If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would it be, and why?
Sloan: Oh, there are so many places I want to visit, but Greece has been one of my top picks for a long time. I’d love to set a book there someday, and a visit would definitely help me incorporate the sights and sounds and scents into the story’s setting.
Kazza: I think one of the things I love the most about popping onto your blog is that you always manage to put up videos or clips about love, sweet things that happen to others or animals. They are never about books but something that we can all understand in one way or another. I love to see the positive, but what motivates you to put these clips up?
Sloan: I’m so glad you like the blog. I enjoy sharing the kinds of things that feed my creative well: stories of love and passion and romance and kindness, the positive images I see in the world and in humanity. It’s important for me that my blog (and my other social media posts) be a reflection of me and what I love, what I find interesting, and what inspires me.
Kazza: A big thank you to Sloan Parker for being a part of our 2nd anniversary
Sloan: Thank you so much for letting me be a part of your anniversary. Congrats again on all your success!
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: http://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. Goodreads. Amazon.
Giveaway:
To help us celebrate our 2nd blog anniversary, Sloan Parker is very generously offering a reader’s choice of e-book from her book backlist – click here to see reviews on On Top Down Under – and an All Romance Ebooks gift card of $10.00. Simply leave a comment below before midnight October 31st, US Eastern Standard Time, to be in the running. (**If you receive a spam message don’t worry, we will see it and add it.)
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Sloan Parker writes some of the most memorable books, irrespective of genre. More is incredibly sexy, while Breathe literally takes your breath away. Both beautifully named. Both beautifully crafted.
Congratulations from E-Write Editing to On Top Down Under Book Reviews for two years.
What a beautiful compliment. Thanks so much, E-Writeediting. I’m thrilled you enjoyed them.
I’ve been a fan of Sloan’s since I read More and Breathe. Can’t wait for the release of More Than Most. 🙂 I agree with Kazza about your blog. It’s nice to see the quotes and videos you post. Lots of positive energy going on there. 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway too. 🙂
So glad you’re looking forward to the sequel, Lisa. And that you’re enjoying the blog. I really like sharing the kinds of things that inspire and move me.
I’ve enjoyed all of Sloan’s books that I’ve read. I really liked that More focused on a three way relationship between men who met at the same time and not an established couple bringing in a third. It made for an interesting dynamic and I’m so glad there will be other books coming.
Happy 2nd Birthday!
I love that, Debra. It’s one of the most common things I hear from readers about MORE. So glad it worked for you too!
A HUGE welcome to Sloan Parker for being part of our 2nd blog anniversary celebration! A lot of folks don’t know that one of our earliest reading bonding moments (that was a step forward in the friendship that followed) was Kazza K and myself discussing our mutual love for MORE. I have been a big fan ever since that one and like Kazza said.. I seriously can’t wait to read Matthew’s story. I love the other guys, but I simply adore him. It’s not often that Kazza and I read and enjoy the same books, but we both agree on… Read more »
Thanks so much, Cindi. I love that MORE was a part of your early reading bonding moments. That just made my day.
Huge thanks to both you and Kazza for allowing me to join in on the celebration. Congrats again!
Love Sloan, love More and can’t wait for the next chapter with those boys!
Thanks so much, Krista. I’m excited to hear you’re looking forward to the next book. It’s so hard to wait to share it with everyone.
I love Sloan Parker books. I can read them time and time again.
That’s the best kind of compliment. Thanks so much, Sheri.
I’ve enjoyed all Sloan’s books and I’m looking forward to the next release.
Thanks, Shirley Ann. I can’t wait to share the next MORE book with everyone. It’s very hard to wait until release day.
Cograts on your annversary! Thanks for giving us a little chat with Sloan. I adore her writing and have read everything I can get my hands on. I’m so anxious for More Than Most!
That’s very kind of you to say, Diana. So glad you’re looking forward to MORE THAN MOST. I can’t wait to share it with everyone.
Thanks for the great interview and the giveaway! Congratulations on your anniversary!
Hi Antonia. Thanks so much for stopping by and checking out the interview.
Huge Sloan Parker fan!! Great interview and giveaway. Thanks
You guys are all making my day. Thanks, Ardent.
Congrats on your anniversary! The interview was great. I realized that I’ve been missing out on a lot of good books since I haven’t read anything from Sloan Parker yet. Just added all the above mentioned books to my wishlist and TBR. Thanks for the great giveaway too!
Thanks for adding the books to your TBR, JenCW. Hope you enjoy them if you get a chance to check them out.
Congrats on your 2 year anniversary!!
I subscribe to Sloan’s blog because it’s so upbeat/positive. It’s s lot of fun to read , just like her books . 🙂
Aw, what a nice thing to say, Barbra. Thanks for following the blog and for stopping by the interview.
Loved the interview – just to let you know Greece is beautiful. Which parts of Greece would you like to visit?
Thanks, Demetra. I can only imagine how beautiful Greece is in person. I’m so jealous. I cannot wait to go exploring. Zagori, Peloponnese, Athens, and the islands like Santorini and Mykonos.
I love her books and I can’t wait to read more of them!
Thanks, Holly. Always so wonderful to hear that!
Great interview! Even more to add to my TBR list!
Thanks, Heather! Appreciate you taking the time to check it out.
Congratulations on your anniversary! I love Sloane’s books. Thanks for the great interview and the giveaway!
You’re very welcome, Julie. Thanks for stopping by and for the kind words about my work.
Happy Anniversary! I have read many of your books and love them.
Thanks, DebraG. That means a lot to hear.
I enjoyed A Lesson in Truth and look forward to future books from Sloan.
Really glad to hear that, Katherine. I still think about those two guys. Hope you enjoy some of the others if you get a chance to read them.
I love your books and look forward to the sequels to More.
Thanks, Heather. Really glad to hear you’re looking forward to the sequels. I’m having such a great time working on Matthew’s book.
I’m a huge fan and can’t wait for More #2! So excited to read that Matthew’s story is half written so hopefully not long to wait for More 3. Thanks so much for the chance to win one of Sloan’s books.
Hi Lisa. Thank you for the lovely comment. The third book is coming along really well. And there will definitely not be as long of a wait for Matthew’s story.
Great interview! Happy birthday\anniversary 🙂
I love Sloan’s books and can’t wait for More 2!!
Brandi
Thanks so much for the kind words, Brandi, and thank you for stopping by to check out the interview.
Nice interview, love Sloan’s books.
Thanks so much, Cornelia.
Fantastic interview, and happy anniversary!
Thanks, Trix. Glad you enjoyed it.
Hi Kazza & Cindi, congratulations on your second blog anniversary and thank you for the chance of winning prizes from authors familiar and new (to me) 😀 I really enjoyed this interview and have most of Sloan’s books, including the free ones and the ones that started out as blog stories and then were published (yay) and I had fun participating in choosing the cover for one of them 🙂 It would be to hard to pick a favourite read, but I what I would love is more from the world of Billy, Doug & Roger from the short read… Read more »
Hi Sula. So nice to hear you enjoyed helping select the cover for MORE THAN JUST A GOOD BOOK. That was such fun to do, and I loved getting the reader input.
I’ve often thought of going back and writing the story of how Billy, Doug and Roger all met. Not sure, but I might do that someday. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment and for the lovely remarks.
Sloan Parker’s books are a godsend. Plain and Simple. I am a huge fan! A friend of mine told me to read More without telling me anything about it, at this point I had never read a gay romance novel, since reading More however I have become certifiably obsessed. I love how the characters come together and the way that their background and struggles pale in the strength of their love for each other. I think Matthew is incredible and cannot wait for his book, every time it gets mentioned my stomach dances. I really enjoy Sloan Parker newsletter and… Read more »
Thanks so much, Christie. That means a lot to hear. I’m honored that MORE was your first gay romance. It was my first published book so it’s really neat to hear it was someone else’s first.
I’m having the best time writing Matthew’s book. Can’t wait to share it with everyone. Very excited to hear you’re looking forward to it.
Thanks VERY much for the giveaway win!!
I’m glad you’re happy Ardent Ereader. Happy reading 🙂
Thank you to Sloan Parker for this terrific giveaway and joining us for our 2nd blog anniversary. Thanks also to all who popped by and those who left a comment 🙂 Congratulations to Ardent Ereader for winning.