Zathyn Priest Interview & Giveaway
CONGRATS TO NIKI DRISCOLL, WHO WON THE GIVEAWAY. SHE CHOSE LIQUID GLASS AS HER WINNING BOOK.
ANOTHER HUGE THANK YOU TO ZATHYN PRIEST FOR BEING PART OF OUR 2ND BLOG ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION AND FOR THE GREAT GIVEAWAY!
THANKS TO ALL WHO ENTERED!
We are happy to welcome Zathyn Priest back to On Top Down Under as part of our 2nd anniversary celebration. Zathyn has kindly offered an e-copy of winner’s choice of one of his books to one lucky person who comments on this post. The giveaway runs from October 27th until midnight (U.S.) on October 29th, so make sure you comment for a chance to win one of Zathyn’s great books!
Note that if you get a notification that your comment is spam, it will be seen by us and moved to the appropriate post. Good luck!
Cindi: A lot of our followers are aware that your short story, One Of Those Days, was my first ever M/M book. I was curious, and I have to admit that I chose your story as my first because of your name. It’s cool. Simple as that. 😉 Had I not read that story, I might not be here asking you questions right now. At the risk of sounding fan girl, I’m going to say that your writing opened my eyes to LGBT fiction and I’ve been a fan ever since – of yours and of the genre.
I read that there may be a sequel in the works to One Of Those Days. What do you want to tell us about Ric and Alex? I still giggle remembering their story.
Zathyn: I was cruising a writing website, saw a prompt with ‘It was never going to be an ordinary day’, and that’s how One of Those Days was born. I didn’t expect it to be as well received as it has been, because I wasn’t sure at the time how my sense of humour would translate to readers. But, it wasn’t until I added a little more to the story, focusing on giving Ric more background, and re-released it that I decided I’d like to continue their story at some point.
I have started writing the next instalment. When will it be finished? Who knows? I have several works in progress at the moment. It will be another free read, though.
Cindi: You know I’m going to ask this because I’m a total Alec and Jordan (The Curtis Reincarnation) fan. The last time you were here, you alluded to the fact that there is trouble in paradise (so to speak) for two of my favorite characters. What do you want to share about what’s coming up for these guys?
Zathyn: One thing I regret about ‘Curtis’ is how quickly they rushed into the relationship. Not that fast love doesn’t exist, but there are generally problems on the horizon when couples rush down the aisle like these two. Add to that the extra pressure of Alec being a major celebrity, and Jordan being a quiet homebody, and things start to unravel. I guess writing marriage problems in the sequel (The Violin Player) is my way of addressing something that has annoyed me about ‘Curtis’ for a very long time.
There will be new characters introduced, who will possibly one day have their own spin-off story. Those characters will be the beautiful, gender fluid Avery Embué, who will be the love interest for Alec’s new manager, Richard White.
As for a HEA for Alec and Jordan… yes, they’ll get there. They need to get over a few bumps in the road first.
Cindi: I have to bring up your art because it’s amazing. I’ve been seeing so many gorgeous photos of Alec over the past few weeks. Each time I think I have a favorite, you add another one that I love just as much. What do you want to tell us about your art and what you are working on now?
Zathyn: I’ve been doing a lot of images of Alec, and other characters from The Violin Player, because it’s how I get inspiration for writing. More than likely ‘Violin’ will be graphic fiction, which is much more work. It means sorting out all the characters wardrobes (Which is what I’ve been posting on Facebook with Alec, because his fashion sense has changed a lot), it means designing and organizing 3D sets, designing the characters if they haven’t already been created, and that’s all before the artwork for the actual book is even started.
I still do design book covers through Scarlet Tie Designs, however it’s very rare these days that I take on custom/consignment work. I create pre-made book covers 99% of the time. Custom book covers cut into my writing time far too much and I had to prioritize.
Cindi: I know this is a question you are probably asked constantly, but as a fan, I have to ask – what current writing projects are in the works?
Zathyn: I have a few works in the pipeline. When any of them will be finished, I couldn’t say. After GRL, I hope to focus on my writing and get something completed. The ones that are most likely to be finished are –
HAI-21: A graphic contemporary/sci-fi (but not full-on sci-fi) novella length
Inside His Reflection: Contemporary drama, novel length
Engaging the Fantasy: Sequel to One of Those Days, novella length
Dystopia: Paranormal/Contemporary, novel length
The Violin Player: Sequel to The Curtis Reincarnation, novel length
Cindi: Since your last visit, you’ve been a busy boy outside of your art and writing. You’ve created a new website, Touching You Up. As a person who has battled allergies for years, I love the site and (stalk) follow it religiously. Tell us about Touching You Up and why it is so important to you.
Zathyn: A couple of years ago, I contracted a viral infection of the 5th Cranial Nerve. It took doctors a long time to figure out what was wrong with me, and by the time they did, the virus had done a lot of harm. It left me with permanent damage to my hearing, to the nerves on the upper right side of my face, to my sight, and it wreaked havoc on my skin. Suddenly, instead of people guessing my age wrongly at years younger, they were guessing my age at years older. My self-esteem hit rock bottom. Nothing I bought over the counter rescued my skin. Nothing worked.
Then, pretty much by accident, I stumbled on skincare that did work. Not just superficial changes to my skin, they were major improvements that left me astounded. I recommended the products to a friend, who reported the same amazing results. It’s no secret I’m a cosmetic junkie, and I love makeup. This was different. This is science behind skincare that is not available over the counter, but is available to everyone. The problem is, most people don’t know about it. I started Touching You Up so I could share what I’ve learned, and point others in the right direction. I can advise what will work, what won’t work, and save people money in the process.
Cindi: Thank you again for stopping by On Top Down Under as part of our 2nd anniversary celebration, Zathyn. It’s always a pleasure.
Zathyn: Always a pleasure, Cindi. Thank you for inviting me to take part.
You can find Zathyn Priest at his website by clicking here, and on Twitter and Facebook. You can find a list of all his books, including purchase links here.
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Awesome interview!!! Zathyn is the most sweetest person ever. I suffer from eczema and allergies and it sucks. I will be looking into touching you up. Thanks for that information, now the stalking shall begin.
Thanks, Letti. I have had issues with allergies for years, so when I discovered Touching You Up, I was all over it. 🙂
Thank you, Letti! Now that I’m home from Chicago, and once I’ve kicked this flu bug, I’ll update Touching You Up with new products and information. I hope it’s helpful to you 😀
Great interview. I adore some of these covers. I remember an author saying to me once, “one day I want to have a cover by Zathyn Priest on my book.”
Thanks to Zathyn Priest for being joining us for our blog anniversary.
I’m a big fan of the covers too. It’s pretty awesome when the one writing the story is able to create a cover based on the story/characters in their head. Every one of Zathyn’s has been dead on with the story.
After looking at his artwork, I can totally see why the author you’re referring to wants one of his covers. 🙂
Aww, she said that? That’s a lovely compliment for any cover artist 🙂 Thank you for dropping by, Kazza! xx
Another HUGE thank you to Zathyn Priest for being part of our 2nd blog anniversary celebration.
Those who know me know how much I adore his work, so it I am beyond thrilled to have him back visiting with us.
Whoever wins this giveaway (regardless of the book they choose) will get an outstanding book. Good luck to all who enter.
You’re very welcome, Cindi xx
Thanks for the great interview. The Curtis Reincarnation was one of the first M/M books I read. I really enjoyed it and look forward to the sequel, even if Alec and Jordan have some problems to overcome. 🙂 The Slayer’s Apprentice is another great book. Zathyn’s covers are awesome. Such a talented guy. Thanks for the giveaway. 🙂
Lisa, The Curtis Reincarnation was one of my first M/M books as well and will forever be an all-time favorite for me. Even now, it’s a comfort read that I go back to again and again. I lost count of how many times I’ve read that book. I look forward to the sequel as well. If I’m ever asked for a recommendation for someone starting in the genre, I always say “Zathyn Priest. Pick one.” 🙂
Love your covers and now I’m gonna have to check out your books 🙂
Why do you give me inspiration to write something about cave people??? Hmmm….
they all sound good, I don’t know where to start.
The freebie on my website is probably the best place to start, seeing as you won’t lose money if you don’t like it lol 😉 (One of Those Days)
Niki, you’ll like One of Those Days. Trust me on that one. 🙂
I’ve read all of Zathyn’s books, and at the risk of sounding fangirl, you can’t go wrong with whatever one you start with.
Nice interview! Zathyn’s covers are gorgeous. One of those Days was so enjoyable, I’m looking forward to diving into another of Zathyn’s books very soon.
Thanks, Debra E!
Hope you enjoy them, Debra 🙂
Great interview and will also be checking out the Touching you up website!
I’ll be updating it soon. I hope you find it useful 🙂
great interview. Looking forward to new releases in the future! I may also have to look into touching you up.
Hey Nedley! I’m determined to get two of my WIPs finished before next October. It’ll be a challenge for me, but that’s the goal 🙂