Jessewave is proud to have as our guest on the blog, Author of the Week the lovely and very talented Dakota Flint. Her short stories have been published by Torquere Press and another publisher, MLR Press, is releasing her novella in the fall. Dakota is one of a new breed of authors who are making readers sit up and take notice. Her delightful first short story The Match is reviewed on the blog here. I remember commenting in my review at the time that if this story was any indication of Dakota’s writing talent she has a very long career ahead of her as an author. Dakota joins us to talk about her writing so far, and what’s next.
Hi Dakota, I’m sure your fans welcome this opportunity to know a bit more about your work. Would you like to give us a short bio of your writing to date?
Well, I’m still very much a newbie author, so I think the emphasis will be on the word “short.” My first publication was in June – a short story, The Match, with Torquere Press. Since then I’ve had two other short stories published by Torquere Press: Breaking Point, included in the Boys Next Door Taste Test, and First, A Dance. I have a story, Deja Vu, coming out on the 15th of this month in the Horns and Halos Taste Test, and my novella Seeing You will be included in the MLR Press anthology Studs & Spurs, which will be out in November.
You have only recently been published. What is the best part?
Why, the fame and fortune, dahlings. *g* No, seriously, I’d say the very best part is hearing what a reader thought of something I wrote. It’s such a special feeling, and I ‘m really touched when someone takes the time to write about one of my stories.
Would you please give your fans the 30 second promo for your new releases in TQ’s Taste Test: Boys Next Door which was published September 17 and the TQ Horns and Halos Taste Test which will be published October 15?
Here’s the blurb for Breaking Point, which came out in the Boys Next Door Taste Test:
In Dakota Flint’s Breaking Point Jonathon Burns moves back into his childhood home after the end of his long-term relationship. He’s not prepared for Alex Walsh, the boy he once loved, trying to rekindle old flames. Jonathon doesn’t want to risk his heart again, so he tries to resist and even tells Alex to back off, but will he fall again anyway?
And the blurb for Deja Vu, which will be included in the Horns and Halos Taste Test to be released on October 15th:
The angel Graham meets up with his arch nemesis, the demon Cale, at the annual “Horns and Halos Bash” held as the one night a year that the angels and demons of the world can put their differences aside and get together to let loose. Things between them turn heated, and Cale gives Graham pleasure he never dreamed of. But what will happen when Graham wakes up the next day?
It must be very exciting that your novella Seeing You was accepted for publication in the MLR Press Studs and Spurs anthology that will be out in November. What do you think it will feel like to hold an actual print book in your hands with your name on the cover?
Wow, I’m so excited about that! I think when I finally hold it in my hands, I’m going to stare at how pretty it is and think how lucky I was to be included in the anthology with the other really great authors. And if I pet the book a couple (hundred) times, well…it’ll be a well-loved copy!
I recently read and reviewed on the blog your delightful debut short story The Match which I loved. How did you come up with the idea for the story?
Well, actually I was looking on the Torquere Press website at the submission calls, and saw the call for the anthology Bend Over Big Boy. I don’t remember what the call said exactly, but it sparked the idea for two guys who are really into each, yet they can’t help fighting for control. Literally. *g* I thought it could be a really fun story, so that was my aim.
Drake is just back from a war zone, and he’s cruising the neighborhood bar, hoping to catch a glimpse of Chris. Chris knows that a new bunch of guys are in, but he certainly doesn’t expect to see Drake sitting on a stool. The two men have a past, one that ended badly, but they can’t seem to resist each other. They come up with a game of one-upmanship, just to see who gets to be on top, but will they end up with more than they bargained for?
You are one of the 21 authors participating in the Torquere Press Wedding Sip Blitz and your story is First, A Dance. Can you tell us the background to this project and give us the 30 second promo for your book?
My story–First, A Dance (which is reviewed here) –is part of the Torquere Press Wedding Sip Blitz, and the proceeds from the sale of these 21 stories will be donated to the Lambda Legal Defense Fund. The idea behind this project was that the Torquere authors wanted a way to show our support for the recognition of 
gay and lesbian marriages, not only with a wedding theme to the stories but also by donating our royalties to charity. I’m delighted that I was able to contribute a story, as it’s something I really believe in. I think it’s a great—and entertaining—way for readers to contribute as well.
Tyler lost Rory three years ago, taking a promotion, and a move, that Rory just couldn’t accept. Miserable without the one man he truly loves, Tyler finally returns to his hometown to try and win Rory back, only to find he’s too late. Rory is about to get married. Heartbroken, Tyler decides to try to stop the wedding, but even if he can, will Rory be willing to give him another chance?
*You have written a number of short stories and now one novella. Do you have any plans to write a novel any time soon? If so, could you tell us a little bit about the story?
Well the simple answer to your questions is: yes. But to expand on that—you didn’t really think I’d stop there, did you?—I currently have a few projects in the works. In fact, my WiPs folder would
probably frighten some. It’s a jungle in there—and not the kind with fun and games. *g* Though we do have lots of sexy men. But seriously, I am working on a few projects at the moment, one of which is novel length. It’s still untitled as of yet, and it’s actually the “how they met” story of the characters that starred in a word prompt ficlet I wrote back in June when I hosted the Torquere Press LiveJournal (which can now be found as a free read on my website if anyone’s curious : ) I’m having a lot of fun with it—it’s definitely lighter fare—and it’ll be exciting to finish my first romantic novel.
Tell us one fun fact about Dakota that you have never told anyone
Oh man. I’m such a talker, I doubt there is ANYTHING I haven’t told someone. *g* Well, let’s see…this is kind of silly, I guess, but I drive all the way across the city because there is only one grocery store that stocks Arizona Peach Iced Tea. It’s an addiction, I tell you. Blueberry White, Raspberry, Green with Ginseng, Southern Style Sweet…nothing holds my affection like Peach.
And here you probably thought you were going to get some titillating secret out of me, eh?
Thanks again Dakota. You’re a delight to interview and I’m sure that you have a very bright future ahead of you as a writer.
Dakota Flint’s contact information
You can email Dakota at: dakota@dakotaflint.com
Dakota’s website:
Dakota’s backlist:
Thanks again for having me, Wave! You were very kind to offer and I really do appreciate it. 🙂
Hi Dakota
Remember me when you’re famous and your print books are published by well known New York Publishers. Maybe you’ll send me an autographed copy of your newest bestseller *g*
Wave, thanks for another great Author spotlight.
Dakota, I’ve read your books and really enjoyed them very much. Your wedding sip was beautiful. Looking forward to reading your upcoming stories.
Hello Jessewave and Dakota! 🙂
It’s great to see you being interviewed here, Dakota. Your talent is huge and your stories ROCK! I miss your Thematic Thursdays over on your LJ. Are you ever going to revive them?
– Addison
Good spotlight post ladies!
And Dakota, I drive across town to get Propel Invigorating Water. When it first came out, everyone stocked it, but not anymore. I gave up my daily caffeine supply from Coke because the Propel was a healthier alternative without giving up the caffeine.
Now, when I win the Kindle from Torquere’s Scavenger Hunt (hee), I’m looking forward to reading your stories.
Remember me when you’re famous and your print books are published by well known New York Publishers. Maybe you’ll send me an autographed copy of your newest bestseller *g*
Wave, you never told me you were a fan of fantasy. *g*
Thanks, Lily! I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed my stories. Thank you so much for the kind words. 🙂
Hi Lily
I love these “Spotlight” interviews because I’m trying to get as many “newbie” authors as possible to talk about their craft. Their responses are always “fresh” and make me smile.
As I said in the interview, Dakota “is part of a new breed that’s making readers sit up and take notice”
Hey Addison!
As always you are so sweet! And probably far too generous in your praise of me–but you won’t hear me complaining. *g*
And Thematic Thursdays… *is shame-faced* I promised you one last week, didn’t I? I can’t believe it, but I just…forgot. I have to get back in the routine of it, I think. Okay. This week, I promise.
Which is…tomorrow! Eep. Okay, now I just have to think of a theme…
Hi Addison
I appreciate the kind words but it’s all Dakota.
I never knew about her Thematic Thursdays on her LJ hmmm…
You’re right, her writing Rocks!
Hey Bev(QB)!
Your alternative to Coke sounds much healthier than mine, but these days I have to take my caffeine where I can get it. *g*
And speaking of the Torquere Press Scavenger Hunt, didn’t that end…last night! Cool! They’ll probably be making announcements soon. 🙂
Hi Bev
Thanks for stopping by – both Dakota and I appreciate it.
Personally I take my caffeine hit with coffee – can’t beat that *g*
Another great spotlight, and congrats to Dakota for having such wonderful success! 🙂
Hi Kacie
Dakota was an excellent ‘interview’ and I had a lot of fun with her. For such a new author she has a great deal of poise.
Hey Dakota, great interview, and I’m looking forward to everything. I’d drive across town for olives… I totally get that!
Thanks, Kacie! Glad you stopped by. 🙂
Hey, LL! Thanks for stopping in!
Iced tea and olives…aren’t we a pair? 😉
Having just finished Dakota’s newest stories at Torquere, I can unreservedly recommend them. They’re smartly written, fun to read, and for me they hit a perfect balance of erotic and romantic that makes them especially satisfying. I am very interested to see what she does with something novel-length.
I must add that I’ve never had tea out of a bottle because I can’t imagine it being anywhere as good as fresh. Is it?:)
Mara
Hey Dakota! Enjoyed the interview very much! And I’m looking forward to finally having time to read these stories!
Hey Josh
It’s great of you to drop by to see whether Dakota’s interview was longer than yours *grin*.
Btw you really have to stop spreading lies about me – writers are now running scared and are hesitant to accept my invitations for interviews 🙂 and it’s all your fault.
Hi Mara
I’m sure you can tell how much I really love and admire Dakota’s writing. I have read all of her books to date.
I hope she’ll be by later to answer your iced tea question since I would also like to know the answer since I’m a great tea and coffee drinker.
Hey Mara! Thank you so much for stopping by and for your kind comments. I appreciate it very much! I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed the stories. 🙂
And you’re right, tea out of a bottle is never as good as fresh…except Arizona Peach Iced Tea. I’ve even tried other brands of bottled peach iced tea, and I don’t like it. So I don’t question it, I just feed the need. *g*
Hey Josh! Thanks for stopping by my wee interview, and I’m glad you enjoyed it. Wave was very kind to have me here. 🙂
Btw you really have to stop spreading lies about me – writers are now running scared and are hesitant to accept my invitations for interviews 🙂 and it’s all your fault.
Nah. I’m sure they are honored. As — all kidding aside — I was.
Hey Josh! Thanks for stopping by my wee interview, and I’m glad you enjoyed it. Wave was very kind to have me here. 🙂
My pleasure, kiddo! Nice to see you getting some well-deserved attention.
Nah. I’m sure they are honored. As — all kidding aside — I was.
Thanks Josh. That does mean a lot to me. Just don’t tell anyone because I’ll deny it *g*
Wave,
Such a great interview. I so love it when u do these interviews because it allows a newbie to M/M romance to get introduced to some amazing talents. Definitely keep up the good work. It really is appreciated!
Wave,
That was my previous post by the way. I forgot to add my name to let u know it was me..;-)
Ozakie
Thanks for the insights.
I alwasy knew you had good taste – the peached ice tea just proves it!
Hi Ozakie
Thank you for those kind comments. I do try to mix it up and bring to the attention of the readers those authors of whom they may never have heard, as well as more well known writers. I really appreciate that you like the new series.
Hi Charlie
Glad you like the interview. I’m looking forward to your interview on November 19 to see what insights you will offer *g*
Hey Ozakie! I’m glad you enjoyed the interview, and I have to agree with you: it’s great that Wave has decided to feature authors. I’m really luck that I was one of them. 🙂
Hey Charlie! Thanks for stopping by!
And you’re going to be featured on Wave’s blog soon, too? Awesome! I’ll be sure to check it out. 🙂