What made you start writing M/M novels? How long have you been writing, and was it a long process to become a published author?
I’ve been writing to some degree all my life, but I wasn’t serious about it until a few years ago when my eldest son left for college. Before he left, he told my husband and me that he was gay. I was thrilled that he shared this with us. I had been waiting for him to come out for some time. When he said he wasn’t ready to tell anyone else, I worried about him living away from home at school and not really feeling comfortable in his own skin. Rather than worry about what I couldn’t control, I wrote the story that had been in my head for a while. It became my first book, Better Than Good, which was published in July 2013 by Dreamspinner Press. It’s about a bixsexual man’s journey to accepting himself. And in a way, it’s a love letter to my son asking written in the hopes that he learns to love, accept and be proud of himself.
Complete this sentence: If I weren’t a writer, I would read non-stop!
When you write a book, do you plan it before you start writing or do you let things just develop themselves? Do you work at several books at the same time or do you rather focus on one?
I have more ideas floating around in my head than I have time to write, but I only work on one book at a time. I usually have a basic plan when I begin writing. I know the general story and where it’s going but I admit, things tend to develop on their own occasionally. J
How do you come up with titles?
Good question! Sometimes it’s a phrase in the story that strikes me as important. In A Kind Of Truth, you’ll notice the phrase Kind Of comes up as a means to explain a similarity or to make a comparison. It’s a typical American slang that can be used to downplay emotion or allude to deeper meaning.
Do some protagonists grow dear to your heart more than others? If yes, which are the ones you like best?
Yes! It’s hard to say who my favorites are because yes, to some degree, they’re all my favorites! J I adore Aaron from Better Than Good, Alex from The Right Time, but at this moment, I have to admit I have a huge book crush on Rand O’Malley from A Kind of Truth! He’s sexy, funny and he does what he wants when he wants. The guy has a giant ego but a big heart too!
What character from one of your books would you like to have come alive and be real? Why?
Rand! I’d love to see him in action, onstage singing in a crowded club. People like him fascinate me. I love the idea of the big-mouthed, charismatic person who genuinely wants to make a positive impact. They’re too rare.
Which character do you think most closely resembles your own personality?
I’m more like Will than Rand for sure! I’m not a recluse by any means but I’m quiet. I love music, art and theater, but I don’t necessary want to be onstage. I’m content to observe… and write. J
In January Dreamspinner Press will publish your new novel A Kind of Truth and the German translation Die Wahrheit, die ich meine… on the same day. It’s the first novel which will be released simultaneous with a German translation. What aspect of A Kind of Truth came to you first – the setting, characters, something else?
The setting came first. I love New York City. I visit at least twice a year. I love the energy. It’s one of those places where you really do feel like anything is possible. The city can lift you to unprecedented heights or crush you overnight. It’s a place of dreams. The characters came next. When I was writing Better Than Safe, I introduced Rand as Seth’s best friend. The minute I wrote his name I had a feeling he was the one going to the Big Apple! Lol.
I’m so thrilled A Kind of Truth will be released in German on the same day as it will in the US and UK. It is truly an honor!
What inspired you to write A Kind of Truth? Who is your favorite character to write in this novel?
My frequent trips to NYC inspired me to a degree, but my three children inspired me too. They’re all in their late teens and early twenties and they need to know how important their voice is in the world. Maybe now more than ever. It’s important to dream big and go for it. And to know in your heart you can be anything you want if you work hard enough.
You’ve probably already guessed my favorite character to write. Lol! Rand is dynamic and refreshing. It was fun writing a character who oozes sex and self-confidence!
What part of this novel was the most fun to write and why? What made you struggle the most?
One of my favorite scenes is the trip to the movie theater. I loved making Rand a little uncomfortable and ultra-aware of Will. I didn’t struggle with any scene in particular but one of the ending scenes was difficult because it was very emotional. Those scenes are vital and tend to give a glimpse at the MCs when they’re at their most vulnerable, so they need extra care.
If there was one thing you’d like your readers to take away with them from this book, what do you hope it is?
Dream big! And dream for yourself, not someone else. You can be anything you want if you work for it.
If you had to pick a theme song, what would it be?
That’s a tough one. I’ll say Sympathy for the Devil by the Rolling Stones. When you read the story, you’ll know why. J
Last but not least: What book will be published next, and what are you working on right now?
I’m hoping my next book published will be #2 in this series. I’ve just submitted it to Dreamspinner and I’m now hard at work on #3!
Thank you so much for having me here today! I hope you enjoy A Kind of Truth!
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Lane Hayes is a designer by trade who is extremely grateful to be spending more of her time these days doing what she truly loves…writing. She loves chocolate, wine, travel, but most of all, she loves books. Lane’s debut novel, Better Than Good, was a 2013 Rainbow Award finalist. She lives in So.California near the beach with her amazing husband, three teenagers & a gorgeous old Lab named Rex.
