Today I’m interviewing William Maltese, multi published, award winning author who has been writing for several decades, and his fans can’t wait for his next release and
the next one, and the next one …… Here’s a look at William’s very brief bio:
WILLIAM MALTESE’s over four decades of writing more than 200-published novels has earned him his long-standing listing in WHO’S WHO IN AMERICA as well as foreign-language editions of his work in over twelve different countries.
***************
Is it true that you’ve written over 200 books to date? Can you remember what it was like to get your acceptance letter for your first book?
The count is now definitely over 200. Don’t ask me how many over, though, because presently I don’t have a clue. I wrote my first book as a joke, reading it chapter by chapter each night, usually drunk on my ass, to friends as equally drunk, all for a few laughs. When I had my 40,000 words, I merely figured that was a lot of time and effort that I’d devoted to it, and I wondered if there was the vaguest chance I might get paid for it. Had that first manuscript not sold, my writing career would have been nipped in the bud, right then and there, at least as far as writing erotic novels.
Were you around in the bad old days with authors like Victor J. Banis, when gay authors were persecuted, literally, by the Feds, for no other reason than being gay? Do you think we have come far enough in terms of human rights since those times?
You know, though I did come along at pretty much the same time as Victor, if a bit later, I escaped all of the persecution that Victor endured. I never really looked upon that time, nor do I even now, as “bad old days”. My participation in that phenomenon was pretty much “out of the loop”. All of my manuscripts were submitted via snail mail, from a distance. All of my checks were received by snail mail at a distance. I thought there were plenty of gay pulp books out there, and plenty of gay writers writing them, and that I’d just stumbled upon both by sheer accident; when, in fact, there weren’t that many of us around at the time, and a lot of what we were writing was new, innovative and never-having-happened-before.
Perhaps because I’ve succeeded in straight publishing, as well as gay, I’ve not really suffered slings and arrows because of who I am, or because of what I’ve written. Even in those early days, when I was inadvertently playing such a major role in the beginnings of gay fiction, I was, also, writing straight erotica which made me decidedly popular and acceptable to Seattle’s straight art crowd that was genuinely welcoming of someone who wrote smut but didn’t look like a dirty old man.
What is your proudest achievement as an author?
My longevity … my body of work, and the fact that neither has been compartmentalized. Consistently, I’ve written and had published pretty much every genre, children’s book and cookbook included, gay and straight.
Which is your best selling book to date?
LOVE’S EMERALD FLAME. It was my first book for Harlequin. It was the second book of their then newly-launched SuperRomance imprint. Up until that time, Harlequins
had been reprints of Mills and Boon (a Brit publisher) books. Superromances were originals, and the brain-child of Senior Editor George Glay who was determined to bring Harlequins out of their puritanism and into the present age by providing sex and plotting a tad more complicated than girl meets boy, girl loses boy, girl gets boy back, happy-ever-after ending, no screwing.
In addition to Harlequin and category romance, many women today enjoy both M/M romances as well as one-hand reads® (yes, I know that you have the trademark on that term, and you’ll probably make me pay for using it in this interview)*g* Do you think this is a sign that women have evolved and become more like their male counterparts when it comes to erotica? Is this a bad or good thing, in your opinion?
I do own trademark rights to the phrase “one-hand read®”. And while I won’t require that you pay me for the right to use it, here and now, you being as cute as you are, you’d better attach the registered trademark icon, or I’ll sue your sexy ass from here to Tuesday. 
As for today’s women enjoying m/m romances, I suspect it’s not really a sign of any evolution of their species, but a coming to light of what they’ve probably enjoyed all along . Whether or not women suddenly having become major consumers of the m/m genre is bad or good is a subjective determination, isn’t it? Certainly, they have a tendency to make gay love more romantic than it really is, assigning it the same emotional values of straight or Lesbian courtship. While a guy can readily get into wham-bam-thank-you-man sex for sex’s sake, and can get turned on by reading it, women tend to be turned on by mental involvement with which men wouldn’t be bothered in real time.
In your opinion has the advent of M/M romances changed how gay men are perceived by straight women? Do you believe that if this opinion has changed, is it better or worse? Why?
The transference of female emotions onto gay fictional characters may make gay men, in general, come across to women as better men than their straight male counterparts, if just because gay men, word-painted with the universal, albeit artificial guise, of being so often so truly kind, caring, loving, and considerate, have morphed into the female ideal of the perfect mate and lover. Is that a good or bad thing? I’m for anything that makes gayness more acceptable. If in the end, it’s a totally unrealistic way of seeing gay men, how many women are actually going to know they’re indulging in pure illusion?
Did you write Harlequin Romances strictly for the money, or did you enjoy writing these innocent romances as a change of pace from your other writing?
I’m a true believer that variety is the spice of life. That includes my sex life which is multi-faceted and includes women as well as men. Certainly, it includes my writing, in that I’ve always found “writing heterosexual”, whether erotic or mainstream, a genuinely welcome change of pace. Am I ever inspired to write heterosexual because it sells better than to write gay, if just because there’s a larger straight consumer base? Most writers, including me, want a maximum monetary return on their investment of time and effort.
As for the Harlequins I wrote being innocent, I only wrote the SuperRomances which entirely escaped the original Harlequin mold and took an entirely new sexual direction. You want to read the first Harlequin shower sex scene, or the first Harlequin heroine getting eaten out by her lover, check out my early Harlequin books.
What types of books do you enjoy reading when you have the time to read?
I really enjoy a good political intrigue, out-and-out espionage thriller, or an adventure novel. I particularly enjoy fiction or non-fiction that includes a Roman Empire theme, preferably pre-Christian.
I noticed that you have a whole line of merchandise to support your SUCKS: BOOK #1 OF THE DRAQUAL VAMPYRE CHRONICLES, and that whole series.
I majored in advertising/marketing and know how it always helps when there are “things out there” that can call attention to a book, other than just the book, itself, or its author spouting off about the book. Supplemental marketing of such products as my line of DRAQUAL SANDBLASTED JEANS, or my line of DRAQUAL SILK BATIK KERCHIEFS, MEN’S SILK UNDERWEAR, custom-made candles by Jfay, and my estate-bottled DRAQUAL VODKA, DRAQUAL TEQUILA, and DRAQUAL CABERNET SAUVIGNON, allows word of my book to reach segments of the population that might not give a fig about a gay vampyre but can be turned on by one-of-a-kind fashion, candles, or liquor, or whatever.
The two books in your Stud Draqual Mystery Series (not to be confused with the first book of your Vlad Draqual Vampyre Series; Stud and Vlad are distant cousins) are very popular. Why did you make Stud hetero? Was this a deliberate attempt to expand the potential readership for the series?
I can’t tell you how many gay readers are absolutely livid that, in this day and age, Stud hasn’t “come completely out of his closet”. And I always tell those irate readers that just because it’s easier to come out these days than it was in a past, that doesn’t mean that every gay is now universally inclined to be labeled “gay”, especially since, though we’ve come a long way, Baby, it’s proven, everyday, that prejudices do still exist in our society.
All of that said, I have to admit that Stud not being out-and-out gay did play a part in the book being chosen by a mainstream German publisher to go German-language edition. So, whether I planned it that way or not, Stud’s ambiguity as regards his seuxality does allow for this series to have the crossover readership, gay and straight, that has increased its market base.
One of your books that I hope to read and review is DIARY OF A HUSTLER. What can you tell the readers about this book that would make them want to buy it?
I have been told that DIARY (like my SLOVAKIAN BOY) has been so well-received because it is simply a “fun” read. I got weary of so many books on the subject providing only deep-dark angst-ridden tales of how horrific the life is for the kids forced to sell themselves on the streets just to survive it. And while I’ll be the first to admit, it IS a horrible existence for any kid forced into the business, there are hustlers who not only enjoy what they do but have the keen business sense and charm and flair and know-it-all to do it well, just like any other go-getter intent upon making a success in any kind of business.
You’re quite the adventurer, having trekked Egypt, Yucatan and Oz and parts in between. Which of all your adventures is the most memorable and why?
The first, if just because it was the first. There was something genuinely mind-boggling (as I now see it) to my decision, taken between my junior and senior years of university, to just set on out with some friends into the wilds of the Amazonian Matto Grosso in search of Inca treasure, based solely on a treasure map found in the Appendix of an obscure scientific botanical text from the university library. I mean, I genuinely felt like a character in an Edgar Rice Burrough or H.G. Rider novel. And, of course, the story that resulted became my very first published piece.
How would you like to be remembered? (I interviewed another author who actually wrote her own obit – a fun one of course, where she was buried in space.)
You know, I really don’t much care if I’m remembered at all. I’m not one of these people hung up on what does or doesn’t happen once I’m dead and gone. I much
prefer being known now and reaping, personally, whatever benefits can be had and enjoyed in the present.
I understand that you had three nude portraits hung in a gallery in London which were done by British artist Charlie P! Do you think you might have another show featuring new nude portraits or maybe a bronze this time? If so, which painter/photographer/sculptor would you like to immortalize you?
I’ve had the genuine good fortune of knowing a lot of talented people in my time, artisans interested in “doing me” among them. If you know of a present-day Rodin out there, be sure and let him know I’m definitely interested. Same thing for a naked me in marble, if there’s a Michaelangelo lurking anywhere in the wings.
Presently, I’m all hot to add a piece of pottery to my collection, like a vase, done by an exceptional German artist Hinrich Kröger. This guy is just so talented, and the idea of me on a superb piece of his pottery, like all of those Greco-Roman figures on ancient master-craftsmen ceramics genuinely turns me on.
What advice would you give an aspiring author in today’s competitive market other than “Write what you like?”:)
I’d say just to write and keep on writing, at each and every opportunity, whether you publish or not — which is, after all, what a real writer does naturally (good indication that you “are” a writer), in that you’ve no other choice, driven as you are by something deep inside, but to put your thoughts and imaginings down on paper or on the computer screen.
What are you currently working on? I meant books of course.:)
Good thing you said “books”, because I was just about to say, “You!”
There’s my ongoing pre-publication (spring 2010) twice-a-week (free, I might add) serialization of my teen-angst vampire, werewolf, warlock, witch, dragon, demon, chimera, shape-shifter, candle-reader novel, FLICKER: TEEN-WARRIOR SAGA, on My Space — http://www.myspace.com/flickerwarriors. This one is done in partnership with candle artisan Jfay who has made some absolutely stupendous candles to go with the story-line, as well as having done the wax voodoo doll that one of my characters pin-pricks to get back at his high-school coach.
I’m about to begin final proofing on my mainsteam Australian adventure/romance novel, DARE TO LOVE IN OZ, for Savant.
I’m writing I, DEBAUCHEE, the first of my “I” series for MLR Press. I’m also contracted with that publisher to do I,HUSTLER, ARMY BOY, NAZI BOY, LOVE ON THE BIAS: LOVE IN FASHION; BOOK #2 OF THE DRAQUAL VAMPYRE CHRONICLES, and ENSLAVED: STORIES OF SEX AND SLAVERY IN ANCIENT ROME…
I’m involved in a collaboration with Jardonn Smith for a m/m period piece, GRIT, for MLR Press. I’ve just contracted with Wildside/Borgo to do MALTESE’S FAMOUS FIRST WORDS, a compilation of the first two paragraphs of all of my novels, gay and straight, in chronological order. For the same publisher, I’m contracted to do a couple of additional m/f novels, AMAZIN’ MURDERS and VIPERS NEST INTRIGUE.
What books do you have coming up in the next 3 – 6 months?
Well, before yesterday, I could have said, THE GLUTEN-FREE-WAY: MY WAY, my help cookbook, that I wrote with my niece. But, it just got listed on amazon.com.
I’ve the political intrigue m/m (except for a lead-off m/f sex scene) novel, TOTAL MELTDOWN, that I’ve written with Gary Martine for Wildside Borgo Press. This one should be popping out of the pipeline any day now.
There are three anthologies scheduled, in which I’ll have stories, all for MLR Press: RED, MELT THE SLOPES, and TO DIE FOR (although the latter is still a tentative title).
With your extensive backlist, how do you keep track of your books in terms of sales information? Are you ever concerned that you have so much money you’ll never be able to spend it all before you depart this world?
I let my publishers keep track for me, except for my checking the royalty statements that arrive several times a year. As for “all that money”, no matter how much there is, I can ALWAYS spend it faster than it comes in.
WILLIAM MALTESE UNPLUGGED
In this section, we talk about fun things that have nothing to do with writing. There’s a hot tub here which is kept pretty hot, and some of the guys have complained that their parts get scorched.
My first question is, what would you do if you had burned parts? Douse them in ice cold water, rub vaseline on them, run screaming to the freezer for ice cream to put on the burn? *g* Invite someone into the tub to do some healing therapy? What?
You sexy thing. You’ve made this hot-rod of mine so hot that I could crawl into this tub, water stone cold, and have it and you steaming in no time.
Have you ever been in a three or four way? Was it fun or too gross for words?
Yes and yes and (if you want to throw in a few more people) yes. What they were, each time (more than once for each), was “interesting”.
Which of your characters would you like to go to bed with? Why?
Oh, doing Stud Draqual would be fun. Just because it would be kind of narcissitic and acceptably incestuous, at one and the same time. Besides which, that guy needs a good gay lay, and I’m sure I could win him over to the gay side if anyone could. After him, I’m thinking either Joey, from DIARY OF A HUSTLER, or Pavel from SLOVAKIAN BOY. They both just seem nice, fun guys, and I like nice fun guys. And just by way of proving that tall, dark, handsome, and mysterious is A-OK, too, I wouldn’t kick Jeff from THAI DIED out of my bed, either.
Which of these descriptions would you fit you best – Straight? Bi? Gay? Complicated? All of the above? *g* If you do bat for the other team, what kind of man turns William on?
Probably “complicated” because it really does depend upon the other person or persons, the place, and the circumstances, as to who I am at any given moment of any given day.
There is, of course, a kind of man I prefer, although I’ve made a concentrated effort, over the years, to turn myself on while imagining and writing sex that includes me and all sorts of people, nationalities, looks, physiques, ages, IQs … because I’ve always known that my readers have sexual preferences more varied than my narrower physical and mental specifications for the ideal bed partner.
You used 29 pseuds during your writing career. Have you ever used the wrong pseud for one of your Harlequin books. You know, something really obscene? 🙂
Naughty! Naughty, Jessewave! But, no!
Have you ever had sex in public in the day time with a public official or someone really important? Can you give us details?
Yes. Yes. Yes and Yes. No.
Why do many M/M romances and gay fiction make such a big deal about the size of the guy’s equipment? Is this wish fulfillment do you think?
The world is full of guys with regular-size dicks, I included, and I don’t have anything against them (ordinary guys and/or our ordinary cocks). In fact, I actually prefer a cock that’s six inches to one that’s horse-size, the latter invariably leaving me clueless as to what to do with it, except maybe pet it and make it drool. I’m always hearing from men and women who insist that not all of the cocks in all of the m/m books need be so big, BUT books full of big cocks sell consistently, while I’ve yet to read any best-seller with a thimble-dick hero. People read to escape ordinary lives chockablock with ordinary people with ordinary cocks. They want to spread their wings (and legs) in worlds different from their own. It’s like — if you’re going to imagine yourself with money, why stop at daydreaming yourself with just a few thousand bucks; why not go for millions while you’re at it?
Before you go, William, can you tell us something funny about yourself? I know you’re a very funny man because I have read some of your other interviews and I don’t want you saying that this is your most boring interview ever, like watching paint dry.:)
Actually, Jessewave, my sweet little cutie-pie, this interview was more like watching grass grow. That has more to do with me, though, than with you, doesn’t it? Now … why don’t you let me towel you off after our little get-to-know-each-other hot-tub (hot-tube?) experience?
Thank you William.
My pleasure, Jessewave.
William Maltese has been our guest today and I would like to thank him for taking the time to drop by. As you can tell from this interview, William is an extremely busy man with many projects underway at the same time, and I really appreciate that he has graced the website with his presence. His interview has been revealing, scintillating, and, above all, sexy and funny – not necessarily in that order.:) I hope that William will visit us again when he has some new projects underway such as a new bronze sculpture. By the way William, I actually read and enjoyed Love’s Emerald Flame a few years ago.*g*
A few years ago, huh? That does mean, you should get your cute ass on down to the bookstore and start reading all of the books I’ve written since then, Jessewave. Shall we head off there, together, here and now? Don’t forget your money bags!
William Maltese’s Contact Information
email: williammaltese@yahoo.com
Wow! Great interview Wave and William.
William, you sound like a really interesting guy. Thanks for sharing yourself with us!
Jenre…
Thanks for checking in. As for my being “interesting”, thanks. Actually, I usually think I’m just a pretty ordinary guy who has lived a pretty ordinary life — then, I’m told, “William, you have to be kidding!” Go figure. –As for sharing, I’m all for it, whenever you’re available.
I luv William Maltese. The few times I have corresponded with him, mostly on myspace, he was like one of the nicest guys ever. And I told him he reminded me of Billy Zane which is a plus. Anyway, for this interview I especially liked Mr. Maltese’s answer to how he would like to be remembered. Coz after you pass away you will not reap the benefits of a good name. This interview was a fun read and just proved what I already knew: Maltese is genuinely funny, ‘sexy’, nice kind of guy. Thanks for giving us a peek inside, Mr. Maltese and Wave.:D
Ah, Sage…
You really, after all of those nice things said, must start calling me William. It’s not as if we’re virgins at this, is it?
Okay, I just got in from work so I am terribly late reading this. I have no problem calling you William if you insist, William. ;D
That was one of the more interesting author interviews I’ve read in some time. That’s saying something when you consider I’d not heard of the author before now. Well done.
CB.
I always feel sorry for newer authors when they have to start establishing a name for themselves and for their work when, as long as I’ve been around, I always keep running into people who say, “A writer? Really?” –That said, I’ve enjoyed recent pairings with newer luminaries in the field, like Laura Baumbach, and Gary Martine, and Jason Edding, and Ethan (whose last name I can never remember — keeping wanting to “go furniture” with Allen), and, last but not least, my buddy, Jardonn Smith. I’d mention Wayne Gunn, with whom I did Ardennnian Boy, but he goes back probably about as far as I do.
Jen
As you can imagine, it was great fun coming up with the questions for William and reading his responses. The unedited replies were the best.:)
Hi Sage
William has definitely had a long and storied career; he was writing way before you were born.*g* It was a joy to work with him – no ego where this interview was concerned.
C.B.
Thanks for compliment on William’s behalf. He’s definitely an interesting person and terrific author!
Hi Guys
William is on the west coast so probably won’t be awake for a few more hours when he’ll answer your comments.
Yep, Jessewave. West Coast. Just having rolled my cute ass out of bed — done those unmentionable (except in books) things, even showered … and now ready to check in and say, “Thanks for the interview!” It’s always a pleasure to deal with someone (in a hot tub) who has done his research. –And hello to one and all who stopped by and had the endurance to read through my entire interview (call me Chatty Kathy!). Good thing we didn’t provide the unedited version, or we wouldn’t be able to hear ourselves think for all the snoring.
What a fun interview. I was smiling all the way through. Confession time, I’ve never read one of William’s book. Must take care of that. Maybe Slovakian Boy. Reminds me of Barcelona ….. *stares off into space* I swear to god he looked older, but he was Slovakian. 😀
Terrific interview. I should see if my daughter would be interested in his MySpace story (or me of course) she’s into all those supernatural creatures. I’ll have to check it out and get her hooked up.
Ahhhh, Tam, SLOVAKIAN BOY: Definitely one of my favorites. And for the story of a young eastern European kid who ends up a porn star, it got a lot of good press. — On quite another subject, DO, please, refer your daughter to FLICKER (it’s safe, I promise!). We now have over 6,000 fans, and a publisher (actually, there was more than one), lined up to publish it in print version as soon as the serialization runs it’s course. I’ve had a lot of fun on that one, especially calling in the services of the candle-artisan Jfay who has done a whole series of artistic candles (and the wax vodoo doll) to supplement the supernatural candle-reader story-line.
Wonderful interview!!
William, is seems you have a great sense of humor to go along with your fabulous writing. I have read a few of your books and really enjoyed them.
Lily
William should be awake by now:) so hopefully he’ll answer all the comments soon.
Yes, JesseWave, I have finally managed to throw off slumber and greet the day. Unfortunately, I somehow managed to sleep in an hour later than usual. Think it was those Belgian beers and jalapeno chips had last night?
Lily! I’m up (in bed, from bed). The west-coast day having dawned. Here to check in and say thanks to you (and to one and all) for checking in.
And you know me! And you’ve read one of my books! And you think I have a sense of humor! (Why am I feeling like Sally Fields on Oscar night?). My pleasure!
I adore William and we frequently exchange very hot emails that leave me wanting a cigarette and I don’t even smoke.
It pains my heart when people, especially authors of the gay erotic genre say they haven’t heard of him. No author should attempt to write this genre without reading Maltese and Banis first.
Maltese is gifted and irreverent…I’d like to know when he’s going to make good on certain suggestions he’s made to me about a certain beach and candles, but for now, I’ll reach for a cigarette and go back and read Wave’s provocative interview with him again. Great stuff you two!
AJ
“I’ll reach for a cigarette and go back and read Wave’s provocative interview with him again. Great stuff you two!” I thought you didn’t smoke anymore – were you puffing on something else?
You have pretty big shoes to fill when you write your responses for your interview:) Looking forward to seeing them. No pressure!!
A.J. –You always say the nicest things — even when you were the one conducting a certain interview that I remember very well (could it have been you in that wet swimming suit, carrying your surfboard in from the North Shore waves, to conduct our little chat over Mai Tais on that Hawaiian beach?). As for the candles, I do hope that you’ll note how I am still busy gathering them up for the big day. Although, by the time I get all of them ready, you’ll likely be way too busy (what with your busy schedule) to party.
William…I look forward to the candles, the beach and the thing you suggested with the surfboard. Blowing through an entire pack of smokes here…
Tam
William is a fun guy. You should have seen the stuff that ended up on the cutting room floor. If I had printed everything in the interview this website would be rated “R” not NC 17 (I forget, which is worse?)*g* I suggest that you first check out William’s MySpace story before you let your daughter loose there.:) That Slovakian boy?? Are you sure he’s legal?
FLICKER, I can assure, you is teen-reader friendly. In fact, anything out of the ordinary would have had “Tom” the censor zooming on in and taking the whole thing “off-line” (the net is owned by conservative Rupert Murdoch, if my memory serves me correctly). As I may have mentioned, I write all sorts of stuff, even that wondrous kiddy tale, DOG ON A SURFBOARD: AND THE REST OF THE ADVENTURE which everyone with children should remember by way of a Christmas gift. –As for SLOVAKIAN BOY being legal, my characters are ALWAYS over the age of consent, even if they don’t, sometimes, LOOK (and, alas, act) it.
He was legal. *gives evil eye* He had a very responsible job and was good at it. Who’d have guessed. *shrug*
Tam.
Thanks for the stop-by, and setting the record “straight” (so to speak), about Pavel’s legality. We BOTH appreciate it.
Great interview.
“In fact, I actually prefer a cock that’s six inches to one that’s horse-size, the latter invariably leaving me clueless as to what to do with it, except maybe pet it and make it drool.” ROFLMAO!
Will definitely check out his books.
Thank you for checking in Elyane … and for making a comment. — One use I have found for cocks bigger than six inches is — tah, dah — hangers for discarded clothing. I was going to say for “hat racks”, but who wears a hat any longer? You can always string them with tinsel at Christmas time.
Elyane has already picked out my favourite quote from the whole hilarious interview *g*.
Like everybody else after this I feel I should read one or more of William’s books. I admit my only brush with his writing so far was the “tree sex story” in the Scared Stiff anthology which was not quite my thing…
That tree-sex scene of mine has actually garnered more conversation on chat lines, since the story appeared, than just about anything else I’ve written. Admittedly, not everyone’s cup of tea, to be sure. –You’re from Germany? in Germany? I have several of my books in German language editions from Bruno Gmunder (its LoverBoy series — their anniversary 100th edition, BODY SURFER, was recently “mine”). And there was the anthology QUEER CRIME from Querverlag with my “Doppelmorder”. And even DESSOUS ZUM STERBEN by Rotbuch Verlag (The first of my Stud Draqual mystery series, A SLIP TO DIE FOR). All available at your local German amazon.com (or book store).
I shall now head off to do some proofing on DARE TO LOVE IN OZ, my mainstream romantic adventure scheduled for release by Savant Press some time soon, BUT I shall be sure to check back, here,during the course of the day to see if any of you have left any questions or anything upon which I should, could, would, can, will comment. — Once again, thanks to all of you who have checked in so far. –Oh, yes, I suppose I should post to the groups to which I belong that the interview is up and running (as am I).
Great interview.Gave me another author to check out.M/M seem to be my favorite erotica to read for some reason.
Leanne. –Yes, please, do check out this author. –Yes, please, do check out his books. — Yes, please, do buy his books (you don’t even have to read them); he desperately needs the royalties to support his decidedly debauched life. –Which reminds him that I, DEBAUCHEE is the title of the book he’s presently writing, #1 in the “I” series for MLR Press.
Yes, I am German and currently living in Germany, true (congratulations on getting those flags sorted out, BTW, Wave). But having been married to a Brit plus reading English language books for over 25 years means the only thing I loathe more than reading English books in translation is watching dubbed movies. In both cases I’m forever trying to second guess what the original sentence might have been – and actually it’s even worse if that’s really obvious.
And of course occasionally translators produce real boo boos, like the notorious Harry Potter one, whose translator doesn’t seem to know the difference between custard and mustard… To his credit: he may get paid ok (for a literary translator), but also he has to deliver x100 pages in a VERY short time frame.
So if I ever buy one of your books in German translation, it will be in one of my more masochistic phases. And actually it’s probably better for your peace of mind if I don’t because I’m not sure I could stop myself from letting you know just what I think of the translation.
WARNING! WARNING! LIADE under NO circumstances should read a William Maltese book in its German edition — especially, since, along the way, I have already had one slight clue as to a boo-boo that was made that I would have been just as happy not to know about.
Fantastic interview I had no idea that Sweet William had produced so much work although aware of his current output. I’m not a reader of ‘gay’ literature and sex in books usually leaves me cold, except for the scene in , ‘Faggots’ where some queen comes all over somebody’s Andy Warhol ‘sheep’ wallpaper. Which was just soo camp as well as hot. Anyway back to William a very funny guy and your interviewer really got him talking (although I guess that ain’t so hard. Of course I love the fact that I get a mention.
Well, Charlie, there’s always (Professor) Wayne Gunn and my historical masterpiece, ARDENNIAN BOY, about the poets Rimbaud and Verlaine which you can still pick up in hard (like that word?) back.They do all sorts of campy things (one even with a roast chicken, not to be confused with the tree in SCARED STIFF). –As for you being mentioned, you get even more mention if you just did more artwork of me, besides just those three (really a triptych). I mean, I do know of at least one model (who’ll go unnamed) who gets whole shows dedicated to just to him. Color me feeling neglected … and more than a little jealous.
The William Maltese Interview:
I laughed; I cried; I said OMG, I read “Love’s Emerald Flame”, also!
And you don’t think you’ve led an “interesting” life?
Are you kidding????
Great interview
You laughed? You cried? You said, OMG? So it was YOU in bed with me!!!!!!
Hey, Sugar Cakes, thanks for the mention. Goodness, you are a busy boy – but I don’t think it’s nice of you to suggest I’m not pure and sweet and virtuous, or whatever the words were you used. You know what a lamb I am.
And by the way, my friends were ecstatic about the cookbooks. Just proves, you can do anything.
Victor
Victor… Pure? Sweet? Virtuous? You want to be considered one or all of the three? Aren’t you afraid people will think you dull, dull, crackies dull? The “lamb” part is a bit more adventurous. Some Greek lady I know dressed up as a heifer in a field and got into some real trouble, though, so do be careful. –And I am glad that your lady friends enjoyed the non-gluten book; you to be thanked again, a cookbook author yourself, for the cover blurb! Hugs, buddy!
Great interview. Talk about a busy life! Amazing to read about what a variety of books William has produced. That’s a man that won’t be easily labeled by anybody.
Thanks for stopping by, Junkfoodmonkey. –Sorry, I’ve taken so long to get back, but for some reason (that beer and jalapeno chips on an empty-stomach-except-for-Xocai-last-night???), I just had to take a nap. –Hopefully, I’m refreshed enough to last until bedtime. –Anyway, thanks again, for not only stopping but taking the time to comment. –God knows, I’ve spent a good deal of time and effort trying my best “not to be labeled”. So many people are so determined that everyone should fit neatly in his or her own little box, and I never have been very fond of that notion, kicking at the lid every damned time.
What a fascinating creature you are, William. The more I get to know you, the more I’m in awe at your wondrous and diverse talent. Great interview!
Just remember, S.J., that as much as you may be fascinated and awed, I put on my pants, one leg at a time (like everyone else); then again, sometimes, now that I think of it, I do pull my pants on, and pull them off, both legs at a time. Life is just so damned confusing!
Do you ever sleep? So many hot irons iron in your fire, I jump out of my pants when I see you in my inbox, knowing you’ll have a new list of projects underway, and knowing I won’t need my pants once I’ve read your message.
Thanks for the mention, and for finding time to collaborate on our Grit book.
I feel it is my duty (since you failed mentioning) to let people know William is an artist as well. His graphic piece is joined by text he wrote for it, and (if webmaster here will allow) can be viewed at the Artist’s Challenge web site here:
http://www.theartistchallenge.com/2009-08-29/the-art-challenge-16-anonymous/16-william-maltese/
Thanks, buddy!
Jardonn
Ah, Jardonn, my sexy buddy, and my collaborator on the upcoming m/m “train” novel GRIT!!!! It’s always nice to have you appear on any scene. –And you’re always so goodness-graciously ready and willing to plug my work (even my little attempts at art) that … Well, you’re anxious to plug other things as well, but that’s another story.
Ah, my dear. I patiently await more in my inbox from you. Of course, I think you’d like to see something in your box from me first *cough title cough* Wonderful interview. And I think I’m also one that read LOVE’S EMERALD FLAME. I used to read lots of het but not so much anymore. Might be that editing thing I’ve got going with you, Victor, Jardonn, Laura, Jeanne and all the other fabulous authors.
Muah!
Oh, Kris! How many gals, in my lifetime, have begged me to provide something male for their box? However, admittedly, you ARE special. Where else could one run across such a great editor and expert at book formatting as you? Answer: nowhere. –Now, about that *cough**cough* of yours — unless you have a doctor cradling your balls and requesting those sound effects — I suspect you take something for it. The last thing I want is you catching swine flu, in that you have way too many of my anthology pieces ready to be placed in their respective anthologies. Speaking of which, oh, yes, that “title” would be nice, and then, yes, please, the cover itself, and then … then … –Do hope that you are coping at your end, my dear. Life can sometimes really be a bitch!
What an interesting interview. Well done, Wave and William. 🙂
I’m ashamed to say that I haven’t heard of you before, William and I’d love to read some of your stories. Where should I start? There are so many to choose from! (I should warn that I don’t read much het these days; I’m all into the m/m stories. I was looking forward to reading your “Love in Oz” book, but since you say it’s mainstream, I guess that’s het too?)
Gaycrow. — Try my SNAKES (no sexual innuendo to be inferred), which is pretty much the m/m version of DARE TO LOVE IN OZ. It has Australia, it has the toxicology lab, it has the sandstorm, it has the two lovers (two men, this time), battling Mother Nature and deadly snakes and other studly men “with snakes”. –Actually, all of my stories for MLR Press are m/m, and most of those, I do believe, are now currently available in Oz, just check in at http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowAuthorBooks.php?list=_ABKLIST02&author=William!Maltese
which will give you the current list, and check at your nearest or on-line book store that carries m/m books. — Love Australia, by the way, except for those things that bite in the water (and I’m not referring to the studly lifeguards).
Thanks for the suggestion. I’ll have a look around for “Snakes” and see how I go.