Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a fan of M/M Romance in just above every genre and have written 2 books and am working on my 3rd in the Clash at Sea series, chronicling the adventures and romance of a young French nobleman who comes of age after being kidnapped on the high seas and the rover who steals him from his ship.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book Alain & the Duke: a Clash at Sea series novella.
Alain & the Duke is an offshoot of Book 1, The Quartermaster & the Marquis’ Son which I was inspired to write after readers wished to learn more about Alain, Michel’s mysterious older brother who so influenced his actions in Book 1. In this short novella, we are given a little more insight into who Alain is and what drives his actions and view of the world. While it is not at sea and is a precursor to Book 1, it’s a fast, fun and sexy read. Best of all, it’s available FREE through the month of June in celebration of Pride month!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have a pretty busy schedule so I have to write whenever I can find the time. So I use a number of different tools, including my kindle to write as well as to revise my manuscripts when I am on the run. It helps me to stay productive and push myself to get my writing done no matter where I am, wherever I can grab a minute.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Definitely Gordon Merrick influenced me those most. I first read his sweeping novels Forth into Light and the Great Urge Downward when I was 17 or 18 which was a bit unusual for a straight, teenage girl given the content and pretty graphic sex scenes, LOL! While my sister saved money for her Harlequin romances, I saved my money to buy Gordon Merrick’s books which opened up a whole different world for me. It’s where I learned that love between two men could be both beautiful and perilous, even in the most beautiful of settings (Greece or on a tropical beach).
In more contemporary times, I enjoy reading Harper Fox who is possessed of a beautiful writing style and has an incredible gift for writing historical fiction with masculine yet vulnerable characters. Kindle Alexander is another favorite who knows how to bring a whole new level of “steam” to the written page with strong and sexy men.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on Into the Maelstrom, Book 2 of the Clash at Sea series. It’s the continuing adventure-laden romantic saga of Galen, the seasoned rover and Michel, his young French nobleman lover, the heroes of Book 1. The book opens with their arrival in Jamaica and Michel’s long-awaited reunion with his brother, Alain. In addition to more fully introducing Alain to readers, we also learn more about Galen and his mysterious past. We also experience a growing tension between he and Alain which will test the bounds of Galen’s relationship with Michel.
In Maelstrom, readers can expect humor, action, adventure and romance between Galen, our hunky pirate hero and Michel, the beautiful French nobleman he takes on as his matelot and lover.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve found that both Twitter and FB provide a wide reach to spread the word about my books. Also, using Kindle in combination with other publishing platforms is a way to get your book to fans everywhere. I’ve had great results too with sites like Awesomegang and BooksGoSocial to help spread the word out about special promos and other quality books.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t be swayed by a less than stellar review or let it hinder your passion for writing. Different strokes for different folks is true in every field and industry. For every naysayer out there, there are always many more people who may have a different and positive take on your work though not all may leave reviews.
Also, get your work out there! You’ll be surprised to find that others enjoy your style of writing. But put in the necessary time and work to put out a quality piece. There are great resources out there at competitive prices so you don’t have to break the bank, whether you are just starting out or a veteran writer. Use them!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Promote! Promote! Promote! Also, keep writing!
What are you reading now?
Right now I am reading several books in very different genres including Wisdom for Creating Happiness & Peace by Daisaku Ikeda, The Undefeated Mind by Alex Lickerman, MD, and re-reading A Private Gentleman, a sweet romance with less than perfect heroes by Heidi Cullinan.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Just to keep writing steamy M/M romances, expanding my potential and enjoying life.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
A desert island you say? Definitely, Driftwood by Harper Fox, Full Disclosure by Kindle Alexander, The Quartermaster & the Marquis Son by yours truly, and the Island by Lisa Henry. I can read these books (and I have!) over and over to entertain myself. LOL!
Author Websites and Profiles
A.E. Kendall Website
A.E. Kendall Amazon Profile
A.E. Kendall Author Profile on Smashwords
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