Author Interviews,  Gay or MM

Gay Romance: The Prince’s Guard #RLFblog

 

Annette Gisby, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. Let’s talk about
your book, The Prince’s Guard.
Genre: Gay Romance, M/M Erotic, Fantasy
Publisher: Smashwords
Cover artist: Wicked Cover Designs. Model: Jason Baca, photo
by Portia Shao
Length: Short Story
Heat rating: 5
Tagline: Can a prince ever learn to truly submit?
Blurb:
Prince Dashan has been used to getting things his own way, with
servants to cater to his every whim. As the crown prince, it is essential that he
is protected and he is followed everywhere by his bodyguard, Ryland. Dashan can’t
even head to a tavern with his friends without Ryland somehow turning up and spoiling
his fun.
Dashan disguises himself as a peasant one night and sneaks off
to the brothel that he’s heard rumours about – a brothel that caters for men who
like men. The prince finds it difficult to admit to himself what his true desires
are – he yearns to submit his will to someone else. And Ryland is just the man to
show him what that truly means.
Buy links:
Amazon http://amzn.com/B008S0LCSS
What are your main characters’ names, ages, and occupations?
Ryland is a bodyguard and wizard who is twenty eight. Dashan
is the crown prince and is twenty two.

Interview

Tell us about your story’s world. What is it like in this period or place?
This book takes place in what I suppose would be considered an historical fantasy world. It’s similar
to Earth’s medieval period, particularly Scotland (you’ve got to love a man in
a kilt!) but has magic and wizards too.
What inspired you to write this book?
For over four years I was suffering from unexplained dizziness and had been to every Ear, Nose and Throat
department there was, but still they couldn’t figure out what was causing my vertigo.
Last year I finally got to see the right balance specialist (my husband and I discovered
his details on the Internet and took them to the doctor.) I was diagnosed with Migraine
Associated Vertigo. So now, I knew what it was, but it was still a long way from
being cured. As well as dizziness and headaches, it plays havoc with my concentration
and I knew I wouldn’t have the concentration to complete a novel, so I set my sights
on shorter stories.
This was one of my first short stories which had elements of BDSM in it and in my head I played around with
what might have been expected. In my story it’s the prince who is used to ordering
people about who wants to submit to someone else.
Why do you write?
Because I’d go mad if I didn’t! I have all these characters and scenarios around my head and they don’t
leave me be until I’ve written them down either on paper or on a computer screen.
Who has helped you the most in your career as an author?
That would be my husband, John. For such a long time I had lots of projects started but not finished. He used
to read my sample chapters, but then he refused to read any more until I’d finished
one of the books. It gave me the impetus I needed to finally get a book done!
When you write, what things do you want close at hand? (Coffee,
water, chocolate… pictures of gorgeous hunks for inspiration…?)
I have a class of water, notebooks, pens and a Harry Potter calendar. I’ve not had pictures of gorgeous hunks
for inspiration so far, but now you’ve given me ideas ;)
When you’re not writing, what would we find you doing?
Most likely reading or playing Dragon Quest 8 on the Playstation. We have so many books there
isn’t room for them on the bookshelves any more. I buy ebooks, but the paper ones
still seem to breed like rabbits.
Are you a plotter, or do you prefer to make it up on the spur
of the moment?
I have a bit of an outline in my head and then start writing and see what happens. I love to be surprised and
it’s amazing what turns up on the page or computer screen. Sometimes I feel like
I’m just channeling the characters’ stories.
What’s your writing schedule like?
Non-existent! I have to write when I can, if I have a vertigo attack I can’t do anything but sit still
for the few hours until it passes and I can’t be anywhere near a computer screen.
Most vertigo is caused by inner ear problems and for most people who suffer that,
including my Mum, they feel better when lying down. Migraine vertigo is the complete
opposite, it’s much worse when lying down.
Any advice for new authors?
Read, read and then read some more. If you don’t like reading, I don’t think you’d like writing either. Develop
a thick skin for the rejections and the bad reviews. Not everyone is going to like
what you write, so you should write for yourself first and foremost. Be true to
your own vision.
When an idea hits you, what do you do to capture it?
Write it down in a notebook or the back of an envelope, whichever spare bit of paper is to hand.
What other jobs have you held besides writing?
I’ve been an assistant manager of a shoe shop and worked in a bookshop.
What’s the best gift you ever received?
That would be when my husband John took me one Valentine’s Day to an art house cinema that was showing
all of the Lord of the Rings movies back to back. Yes, there were breaks in between
so we could eat and use the bathroom!
If you could time travel what era would be your first stop?
I’d love to go to the Middle Ages and meet Robin Hood and Maid Marion. But since they’re probably fictional,
early 20th century to meet Emily Pankhurst. That must have taken a lot of
guts to fight for women’s votes.
Do you play any musical instruments?
I used to play the recorder at school but my husband has just recently bought a guitar so we both might try
and learn that too.
What’s your favorite movie?
Lord of the Rings. I’m not sure I should admit how many times I’ve seen it. Yes, it’s one movie in my mind.
One very long movie ;) My obsession with the films led us to New Zealand and the basis for our book, New Zealand
with a Hobbit Botherer. As John was trying his best to see New Zealand, I was
dragging him around lots of the different filming locations.
Are you the eldest, middle, baby, or only child?
Eldest child, with two brothers and one sister.

Please complete the sentence

I love pizza with no cheese, but lots of pepperoni.
I’m always ready for anything.
When I’m alone, I sometimes dance.
You’d never be able to tell, but I once met Daniel Radcliffe
on a trip to New York. He signed
my program after Equus and he was very polite, speaking to nearly everyone in the
line.
If I had a halo it would be slipping.
I can never get comfortable in bed because of my vertigo.
Four pillows and an adjustable bed and I still can’t sleep properly
.

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