Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I write what I call “gay fantasy epics” because I consider them to be, first and foremost, gay fiction. The settings, the magic, the fantasy, are all backdrops for queer stories. My first book, the opener of a trilogy, is set to release in a month or so. The second of three is drafted and in editing. The third is outlined, as are my next few standalones.
I’m a person in long-term addiction recovery, so you can always expect to see that represented somewhere in my work, even if it’s camouflaged. I’m not a cat person, but I have a cat. I’d throw myself in front of a train for him.
I don’t have a ton of spare time because when I’m not working, I’m writing, but I do try to make time to get a woodsy hike in.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
THE STAGSBLOOD PRINCE has its roots in my own personal addiction story–and in insomnia. Over the years, I’ve found some tricks to nudge me toward sleep. Different forms of self-storytelling are among my favorites.
Spoiled, alcoholic, oversexed Prince Tel, the main character, kept showing up in those bedtime stories. My subconscious showed me what trouble he might find himself in–and how he might be changed by that trouble. In that gauzy boundary between wakefulness and sleep, magic can happen, especially when you have magical characters.
Those trippy borderlands have yielded tons of ideas for future stories, too.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
We’re all weirdos, aren’t we? So, probably nothing that would blow your mind. My writing space might be a little different than most.
I write from the couch. I run a cheap little nettop mini-computer through my giant television. I plop a wireless keyboard and mouse on this nifty foldaway tray table and sit comfortably behind that and type.
I’m not a wordcount guy. When I’m composing a piece, large or small, I work daily (minimum of one hour on a crunched day, but usually several hours) until I have a draft. I don’t allow myself days off when I’m first getting something out of my system.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
This is a whole can of worms. I’ll just name the first few that pop into my head.
I always enjoyed reading as a kid, but when I discovered Douglas Adams and the HITCHHIKER’S GUIDE books, my brain split open. Just the crisp, cockeyed wit, you know? I was like, “Ohhh. We can be funny. Not just amusing, but howlingly funny.” I got to Oscar Wilde through Adams.
John Gardiner’s GRENDEL scrambled my brain, too. I think I’ve filched some of the technique that makes that book such a treat.
My Mom gave me Piers Paul Read’s ALIVE when I was a teenager because I did not know the story. It’s mostly a just-the-facts-ma’am retelling, but he manages to give some truly soulful, bittersweet passages, too. There’s plenty of useful stuff in survivalist lit for a fantasy writer.
THE GRAPES OF WRATH is my favorite novel. It is perfect. It caused in me, the first time I read it, a shift in personality.
The queer kid in me felt seen by Mercedes Lackey’s fantasies. No hyperbole: a lifesaver.
I said a few, didn’t I? A more recent one to close:
Kai Ashante Wilson’s THE SORCERER OF THE WILDEEPS melted my damn brain. So good that it made me angry. It made me want to give up writing…until it made me want to keep writing.
What are you working on now?
The bulk of these next few weeks will be spent trying (begging, pleading, threatening?) to try to get eyeballs on my debut, THE STAGSBLOOD PRINCE.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
As this is my first go, I’m experimenting. I’m trying small investments of time, energy, and money in a lot of different places and trying to track results. I’ll get back to you?
I’m fairly happy with my efforts on Twitter, as far as just beginning to build a tiny audience and a mailing list. (Free prequel story, 12,000 words, with sign-up. *Ahem*.)
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I am a new author. I’d better not offer any advice. I’d look like a jerk.
Okay, okay. Fine. One little thing: Put an aspiration in one hand. Put nothing in the other. Now, take a look at your hands. Compare. Contrast.
One is either writing or not writing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Hands down: “What other people think of you is none of your business.” I even follow it sometimes!
What are you reading now?
I’ve just started Simon Mawer’s THE GLASS ROOM. It’s historical fiction (Europe, 1920s-WWII). I don’t read a ton like it, but it comes highly recommended and seems like it might get a bit heavy, which I love.
I’ve a little bit left to go in THE WATER DANCER by Ta-Nehisi Coates. It’s gorgeous, and I’m dragging it out because I don’t want it to end.
I’m halfway through LESSER KNOWN MONSTERS, an indie dark fantasy with queer characters by Rory Michaelson. It’s spooky and cute so far.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Once I’ve gotten THE STAGSBLOOD PRINCE out, I’ll move to revisions for the sequel, THE STAGSBLOOD KING, which I’ll have out in October 2021. I’ll draft the third, THE STAGSBLOOD BROTHER, on and off during that period. It’s due for June 2022.
When the trilogy’s in the bag, I’ve got a very dark standalone fantasy planned. After that, I’ll be on to a queer fairy tale.
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?
Sheesh. Sophie’s Choice much?
THE MORE THAN COMPLETE HITCHHIKER’S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY
THE LAST HERALD-MAGE TRILOGY (I’ll duct tape them into one volume!)
FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS
THE GRAPES OF WRATH
Author Websites and Profiles
Gideon E. Wood Website
Gideon E. Wood Amazon Profile
Gideon E. Wood’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account