Today Patric Michael is sitting down with us (or maybe he’s standing up) for his very first interview since he became a published author. He told me he’s virgin territory with regard to interviews and I should not hold back with my questions, but I’m not sure “virgin” is a word I would use to describe him.
Of course I’m a virgin. Who else but a virgin would say “Don’t hold back.” without fully understanding what that really means? That’s why everybody wants virgins– They haven’t the ‘experience’ to say no.
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Hi Patric. Thank you for agreeing to this interview.
You’re welcome! Thank you for having me. Well, not ‘having’ exactly but… Aw crud. You know what I mean.
Since I don’t know much about you and I don’t think most of the readers on site do, could you tell us briefly something about Patric the author and the person?
Never the twain shall meet? 😀
Patric the author is everything Patric the person is not. Or at least, his characters are. Between the two, we’re almost like a real live boy. (And never mind any comments about a Blue Fairy. I happen to fancy purple.) [then you should like the colour I’m using for your answers Patric]
What’s the best part of this writing gig? Is writing still fun?
Without question, the best part is being in the Zone; that point where the outside world falls away and you live with the characters you’re creating. When reality finally intrudes, you discover hours have passed. For that reason; because being in the Zone is my drug of choice, writing is always fun!
How did you get started writing and was it difficult to be published? What was the one highlight that you can pick out, either before your first book was published or since, that you can point to and say “Heh! I rock!!”
Oh ack. That’s such a difficult question to answer. I think I won the equivalent of the “Literary Lottery” in that the very first M/M story I wrote was published. On the surface that sounds pretty cool, but I recognize I missed out on a lot of the learning curve most other writers of this genre experienced. Sometimes it bites me in the butt, and sometimes I bite back. 🙂 As for highlights, that has to be when a fan writes and says “Damn it, you made me cry.” It means I touched someone in some fundamental way.
I have read quite a few of your books and have actually reviewed Timeless as well as Night Moves in the Sindustry Anthology, both released by Dreamspinner Press. What I love about your writing is your wonderful prose and characterizations. How do you make your characters so three dimensional? Are they based on real people? Should your friends and family head for the hills so that they are not in your next book?
Hmm… Night Moves was based on a true story, actually. (So gnats to the folks who told me it was preposterous!) Other than Jesse and Rafe, all the characters are
fictional, though all of them have some quality or trait that I, um, liberated from people I know or knew. On a side note, I’d like to think my friends and family wouldn’t run if I had plans to incorporate them into a story. Then again, I have that writer’s imagination thing going….
I always wanted to know this. Does a hot looking guy who is a writer have a better time getting dates?
Absolutely not. We’re just a helluva lot better at envisioning the outcome.
What do you find most challenging about writing? Are you one of those authors who always has plot bunnies running around your head? What do you do with the extra plot bunnies – breed them?
Um, Basic Anatomy 101: Boy bunnies can’t breed together. It’s like a law of nature or something. Since I don’t write het, all I have are boy bunnies. 🙂 I will admit the little beggars have a propensity for sneaking out of the hutch at night and carousing though. [News flash – boy bunnies can so breed Patric, you just have to feed them the right high protein diet and place them near some girl cooties) 😀
What makes Patric tick?
Er, besides a tightly wound main spring? 🙂 You know, I think I just dated myself there.
You have many works in progress. Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the number of WIP’s you have going at any one time? Which are closest to being completed and what can you tell us about a couple of them?
Naw, they don’t overwhelm me, too much. They’re sort of like changing channels on a TV; utterly silent until I open the folder and the characters come blasting back into my head, usually bitching about how I let them languish too long. The closest to completion is a werewolf story, with something of a twist. It started out as a sub for an upcoming Dreamspinner anthology, but there is a second story with Marshall and Brey waiting in the wings and I’m thinking about combining both into a novel length work instead.
Patric’s newest story A Voice in the Darkness will be released in the Dreamspinner anthology Brush of Wings due out in March.
That’s the end of the serious part of the interview Patric. The guys in the hot tub are waiting to conduct their own interview.
PATRIC MICHAEL UNPLUGGED
You know the drill Patric. You have to take off most of your clothes except for your jocks (or thong) 🙂 and get in the hot tub with the boyz. Are you comfortable? No one is touching you inappropriately? Great!!
No one is touching me inappropriately, yet. I can hope though, can’t I? Billy over there is quite the cutie. [Hands off Billy you perv, he’s promised to another]
If you were asked to choose between a hot looking dumb guy and an intelligent but not so great looking guy as a date who would you choose? What if I were to tell you that your choice is staying over and you would have to look at him as well as talk to him the next morning? Would your decision be the same?
I’ll take the intelligent guy, always and without question. As for the next morning, he can talk all he wants, while he is making my breakfast. Cute or not, nobody rides for free. 🙂
Why are you no longer wearing any underwear Patric? This is not that kind of hot tub .
Hey! It’s not my fault edible underwear melts in hot water. You only said I had to wear something. You never did specify what, exactly.
Have you ever had sex outdoors during the daytime? With more than one person?
Absolutely. I freely admit I have a “thing” for outdoors, the warmer the better. But I especially have a thing for moonlight. (Which, incidentally was the inspiration for
Light of a Different Moon, in the MLR To Die For anthology.) You *did* read that, didn’t…. Uh, hey! Oh jeez, Billy. Not there. Nooo… Oh! yes. Yes! Um, what was I saying? [What did I tell you about leaving Billy alone Patric?]
The boyz want to know if they can play with your toys – What do they mean? Did you bring a rubber duckie with you?
Nope! It’s not a duckie. 🙂
Just remember boyz… The rest of my toys are not detachable.
Um, Billy? You gotta pull the other knob to get more bubbles. *eyeroll*
Which of your characters do you think is the hottest and would you ever want to make out with him?
Rafe, definitely. I have such a thing for long hair and tattoos. And besides, who couldn’t use a little rescue now and again?
The boyz want to end this interview with a massage after you come out of the tub and give you one wish. What would that wish be?
Duh. Like that’s even a question. Billy here, laid out naked in the moonlight. [I give up – you can take Billy home with you Patric]
Look at him, will you? See how the light glistens on his wet skin, rippling and running like quicksilver every time he moves?
I couldn’t wish for anything better than that.
(He does cook, doesn’t he?) [He’s really cooking now, you’ll just have to serve him up later.]
Thank you Patric. I appreciate the time and I hope you’ll come back.
My pleasure, dear Wave, and of course I’ll be back. I am after all, like a bad dream; it’s damned hard to get rid of me. 😀
PATRIC MICHAEL’S CONTACT INFORMATION
E-mail: patric@patricmichael.com
Website: http://www.patricmichael.com
Blog: http://blogs.patricmichael.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/patricmichael/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Patric-Michael/76328072932
Lol, Patric, you’re a funny guy. Great interview, Wave and Patric.
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I’ve read all your stories so far, Patric, and enjoyed them a great deal. Do you have any plans for a longer, novel length piece or are you happier writing short stories and novellas?
Yep Patric is an awesome author just wished March was here for some more of him.
Jen
Patric is awesome. He was really a lot of fun when we were putting the interview together.
As always the life of the hot tub party. Nice trick with the edible unmentionables by the way… 😉
Write like the wind, Patric!
What a fun interview, Patric! Enjoyed every delicious word!
Keep up the beautiful work!
Patric is so awesome. I’ve read all of his stories and love them.
He is also very funny. lol Nice interview! 🙂
Great interview Wave and Patric….Patric, you are funny AND a great writer, and I have read all your stuff and enjoyed it immensely.
Oh Patric! You are like fine wine, you just keep gettin betta and betta…from one hillbilly to another was is Sat when ya got in that hottub…you know bath night??? :o)
jo
Oh boy… Patric was here… and he ROCKS!
Holy moley boy….
Wave, any plans to make a book out of some of these interviews? ‘Cause I gotta say I think Patric’s would sell very, very well. I also love the questions… and the hot tub. *sigh* I’m glad I have a vivid imagination.
Rafe… oh wow! He and Jesse together were fabulous and he’s very definitely sexy hero material. And like Cynthia I’m already wishing the rest of February away to get to March.
And, btw, I cry ALL the time when I read Patric’s stories. Then I smile and dance around like a crazy person at the end. *grin*
Patric and Wave, a great combo!
Life in the hot tub is good, I can see that.
Wonderful, funny and insightful interview.
What fun to meet Patric here, and what a great interview 🙂 (don’t tell anyone I’m online, I’m meant to be incommunicado this week but I still managed to find net access to talk to Patric *somewhere* LOL). I think the first time I started *talking* to you was to say how much I enjoyed Timeless, I loved your characterisation and the wit and fun and sexy romance of the guys. It was a delight to read and I’m really looking forward to more – and longer! (books, that is…) Oh and – huzzah! – I’ll be in the Wings antho with you next month, a personal ambition of mine to be between the sheets with you :).
Now back to Incommunicado in Barcelona…
Great interview, Wave!
[edit] I turn up as in Spain, hehe. My travelling laptop Barbie is a wandering wonder:).
Hi Clare
Obviously you’re not drinking enough in Barcelona if you have time to check out Patric. 🙂
Enjoyed the interview, Patric. 🙂 Funny as always.
Very funny guys. Who is this Billy and why haven’t I met him before? 🙂
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That’s very cool that Night Moves was based on a true story. Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction. 🙂 And seriously, BEST book cover ever. Sigh.
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Good luck with your new story and all of your WIPs. I’m never sure how authors keep them all straight, I think I could only focus on one thing at a time. Even though us girls rock at multi-tasking :-P, for me that seems too complicated. Great interview.
Tam
Patric is taking Billy home because he doesn’t want you guys to corrupt him. 🙂
Corrupt Billy or Patric? I’m afraid it’s too late for Patric by the looks of things. 😀
Patric, you are a trip.
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If you could be a male figure skater, which one would you be? If you could have a male figure skater, which one would you have? (Does it sound as if I’m obsessing over male figure skaters? Of course I’m not. Why would I? Just answer the damned questions.)
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Aside from this rather serious omission, Wave, great interview!
Hi K.Z
I have to work with the material I’m given and this time it was great. 🙂
Awesome Patric! Well done! You are an inspiration. Keep writing your heart out, your stories are so much fun to read 😀
~Linda
Oh Patric, that interview was so…you. 🙂 Love you babe, and looking forward to Voice next month.
Wave, thanks for having him. 🙂
Devon
He kicked my ass during the interview. 🙂
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Patric is a lot of fun and Billy is going to have a good time tonight. 😀
Okay, I admit it. I am clearly in a time zone that differs from the rest of the known *universe!*
I should have been here sooner. 🙂
Thank you all for your comments! How utterly gratifying and charming. (Yeah like you folks haven’t already charmed my socks off!) Now if I can just get a hunky to charm my socks off, and my shirt, and pants, and… *blush*
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Jenre! What a delight to see you. I’ve missed you in twitter!
Actually, I do have plans for longer works. Requiem, the working title for the wolf story mentioned in the interview, is shaping up to be a full-on novel. I also have a couple of WIPs that are headed in that direction. For a while yet though, I sort of have to stay with the novellas and the shorts. I have the attention span of your average goldfish. heh
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Hi Cinders! I’m itching for March to come soon, too. I am very excited about A Voice in the Darkness. To say that it was a departure from my usual is an understatement, but it stands by far as my favorite. 🙂
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ZAM, who just announced her book Drawn Together is going to print! How cool is that???
Congratulations, dear heart!
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Ah Carol, who is always the quintessential “yellow rose,” to me. Thank you so much!
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Jambrea!
Thank you. I’m not sure about the funny part (It’s in my contract to be self-effacing) but I am glad my stories please you, and Wave made the interview so much fun! Hugs!
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ElaineG…
I’ve not yet had the pleasure of meeting you, but I am most gratified to know you like the stories. I hope I am able to continue, erm, pleasuring you in the future. 🙂
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Jo, you rowdy son-of-a-cuss!
Did you SEE Billy? That boy was worth gettin’ inta the bath for the *second* time inna month!
Maybe even a third, ifen I kin git him ta pull the right knob… heh
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KathyK!
Yes, Rafe. Gods, he’s a walking wet dream, even in day time! Not only looks, and compassion, but integrity? *faint*
Thank you for commenting! Muaah!
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Hi Lynn!
I’m glad you liked the interview. Isn’t Wave amazing? She has this really neat ability to make you want to do well by her; to please her, as it were, and while I am deep in the pasture on *my* side of the fence, I am always happy to oblige. 🙂
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Clare!!
Sweet jumping jiggly fish! You make my heart sing whenever I see you, did you know that?
I cant believe you turned an eye away from Spain to comment here, but thank you! It means a lot to me.
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Hi Lisa…
I dont believe I’ve had the pleasure as yet, but thank you for the comment. I am very happy you enjoyed the interview. 🙂
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Hi Tam…
Grubbies off Billy. He’s mine. 🙂
And yes, truth is often stranger than fiction. Werewolves aside, much of what I write has a basis in truth, even down to the guy who waits forever for his one and only. There is something that transcends mere gratification when a person knows their “one” is out there, and is willing to work, or wait, for them.
OMG, yes! Is that not seriously the most awesome cover ever? As for the WIPs, they really do seem to be quiet until I go to work on one of them. Then all hell breaks loose. 🙂
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Wave Tam…
Billy is doing quite well, in fact. We are busy corrupting each other. He with his youth, and me with *lots* of experience.
“Yes, baby. We really can do that, and no, you dont have to be a contortionist, honest!”
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Hi K.Z.!
If I could BE a figure skater, Scott Hamilton. Exquisite technical prowess and a very engaging personality. If I could DO one? Evan Lysacek, definitely. Dark hair, broody, excellent proportions and a butt you could cut ice with. Hello!
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Hi Linda!
I cant say much about being an inspiration, except to note that your appreciation is more than mere incentive to keep writing. In that regard, y’all are an inspiration to me!
I’m happy to know that you enjoy the stories. That knowledge gives me a jolt, every time I hear it. A GOOD jolt! Laugh.
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Devon!
I love you too, darlin’! Thank you!
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Gosh… Everybody. Thank you so much for letting me touch your lives, and hopefully your hearts as well. As sappy as it sounds (and despite what I write I am not a sappy kind of guy, believe me) you folks make all the work, all the *effort* so worth while.
Thank you, all.
Cheers!
Oh, Moose. You’re awesome. And now everyone else knows it too. 🙂 Hope you had fun with Billy. Rawr.
Hello Wave and Patric!
I had no idea it was his/your first interview. I’m biased, as I am already an avid Patric-reader, but wanted to say how pleased I am that we have only a few weeks until A Brush of Wings is available.
The hot tub thing is unthinkable at the moment (we are up to 98% humidity and the air feels like soup.
Looking forward to more stories (from Patric) and reviews and interviews (from Wave).
Cheers 🙂
H
Thank you for stopping by. Patric was a
delighttful guest.
>>The hot tub thing is unthinkable at the moment (we are up to 98% humidity and the air feels like soup.<< * Right now the weather is frigid here In Canada and most of the US so we can relate to a hot tub. 🙂
Great interview guys! I hope Billy didn’t wear you too thin, sugarbritches. : )
Great interview.
Lex!
Thank you Punkin. 🙂
Billy has been a scamp, I must say. But yeah, he’s a total charmer.
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H!!
Thank you for your comment. I hope things cool down for you, just in time for the Wings antho to heat you back up again. 🙂
Cheers!
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Hi Ethan!
Billy hasnt worn me as thin as my trying to keep up on how busy you are. Congratulations on your new contract, buddy. I am seriously looking forward to the release!
Muaah!
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Hey Beth!
Thank you for stopping by. I’m sure I can speak for Wave when I say we are pleased you enjoyed the interview.
Cheers!
Hey Patric! Very amusing interview with Wave. How many times have you been back in the hot tub with Billly? Come on, now, be honest…we all heard about the fourth time! 🙂 Looking forward to the new anthology and your new stories. Finish up that editing so that you can get back to writing!
Jen xo