When you’re brainstorming for a new story, what usually comes first for you, the plot or the characters?
I usually think up the plot lying in bed in the middle of the night – don’t ask me why. I use an Excel file to outline the plot, giving my characters names and listing their details, and I leave space for a word count chapter by chapter. I have made mistakes with characters’ names, managing to correct the mistake at the last moment.
When you’re writing, who is more in control, you or your characters?
I like to think that I’m in control when I start writing but sometimes my characters take over before the end of the book, and that might even mean a change of or variation in the plot.
What do you feel are some of the pros and cons of indie publishing?
The biggest headache with Indie writing is developing your brand name or your author name. This takes some time and planning, and a lot of hard work. Very few authors are sales or marketing experts.
What do you like best about writing erotic romance?
I have written several historical novels where the characters, kings, queens, rajas, etc. don’t have a sex life, which is nonsense. So in my last historical novel I started bringing is at least a little romance between my characters – they went through arranged marriages, they had children, they ate meals – didn’t they?
Do you find it harder to write novels or short stories?
I prefer to write novellas, about 25k to 30k words, although I have published two sets of short stories, with a common background, but probably totaling the 25k or 30k word count. My historical novels are much longer.
Would you tell us about your latest release?
At the beginning of March I published “Dreaming…” but I don’t want to give away the plot. Just say that a man working in a war torn area suddenly meets a lady with auburn hair and brown green eyes who attracts him, but there aren’t any fancy dinners, or dances, just down to earth the two of them working together. The URL links for Dreaming… at Smashwords and Amazon is https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/619462 and
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CG17E54
On 30th March I published another novella entitled “Depraved!” which I actually wrote about a year ago, but publishers took such a long time to think about it. It was never rejected but I couldn’t wait any longer. The scenery is completely different, with local restruants and smart hotels. The URL links for that novel is https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/626269 and https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01*******
What are you working on now?
I’ve already published two thrillers, and I’ve just started a third. This one is bit different as I’ve introduced a stronger love interest into the plot. I cannot reveal much more, but just to say parts of the novel will be terrifying, and bloody, but I don’t have a title yet.
What are a few of your favorite book covers that have been done for your books?
Oh definitely BODY HEAT, which is based on a television series Naked and Afraid.
If you could step into one of your books, which one would it be?
I’ll go back to BODY HEAT as I’ve always fancied spending several days in a very remote area with limited resources, and a love interest.
Would you tell us about yourself?
I’ve spent all my working life in developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa and then south and south-east Asia, mainly working with farmers helping them with crop production and animal management. My specialty was sustainable development, which might also include village clean water supply, and management.
Where can we visit you online?
I have two websites: www.lordmaity.com for my historical novels and thrillers and www.adammannauthor.com for my romance novels. I have a FB page for both Mike Lord and Adam Mann, and Twitter accounts for @Lordmaity, @ButterflyBooks9, and @adammannauthor.
When you’re not writing, what do you like to do?
I live in a house with a large roof garden, and spend a lot of my time there. I like growing flowers with a perfume, which is more difficult than it sounds.
How long have you been writing?
I started writing novels back in 1996, when I was living and working in Sri Lanka, which is reason why several of my novels are based there, and then here in Vietnam after I retired from project work three years ago. Eight of my novellas are based in Africa in places where I lived and know about.
Name three fictional characters (not your own) that you find hot. They can be from books, movies, or TV.
Oh, without a doubt Monica Bellucci, and before her Sophia Loren. These aren’t actually fictional characters, but the type of roles they play in films are.
What is your favorite season?
The autumn – the season of mellow fruitfulness.
What is the last movie you watched?
Discovery programs on TV. I particularly like the survival series.
What is your favorite comfort food?
A cup of tea, with milk and sugar.
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