Jamie Lake’s interview by Brina Brady
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? Sure, I’m a gay romance author who has written 8 books before with a lot more in the stove honey-child! Just you wait ‘Enry ‘Iggins. Just you wait!
What do you do when you are not writing? Usually, I play with my two puppies. I also have a turtle and a couple of birds. When I’m not playing with them, I’m usually playing with myself. Woo-hoo. Just kidding. I have an awesome partner and we go to the movies every week and we love to travel. I went to Europe twice last year. My birthday is coming up and I’m hoping to do some more traveling.
Do you have a day job as well? Does whoring myself out count? Just joking (or am I?) I pretty much only do this but I do occasional publicity and marketing for clients but trying to phase out of that and do writing full-time, all the time.
When did you first start writing and when did you finish your first book? I’ve been writing since I was a little kid but I just started writing gay romance about 6 months ago and I love it. My first book is The Trainer and I’m currently writing the sequel to it.
How many books did you publish? I’ve published 8 so far. I should have about 8 more ready in the next 60 days because I finished writing about 4 of them and I’m sitting on them until all of the trilogies are finished.
How did you choose the genre you write in? I wanted to do something I could relate to, being gay but at the same time, something I’m passionate about writing. I love drama in books and TV and movies (not so much in real life) so this seemed like the perfect genre since the m/m fans are so loyal and passionate and supportive.
Where do you get your ideas? Most are based on real life or people I know and then I just ask myself, “What if …?” That’s enough to kick start an idea.
Do you ever experience writer’s block? Very rarely. If do have it, I skip to another scene and come back to it.
Do you work with an outline, or just write? I do a loose outline and then I just go with it, typos and all. I use the outline to keep myself on track if I find myself rambling or going off-track.
Can you tell us about your upcoming book? I’m writing the sequel to The Trainer. In fact, I’m writing The Trainer Part 2 & 3. In the original story, it’s about a guy named Chris who is abandoned by his boyfriend and has to pick up the pieces emotionally. But when he meets his personal trainer, Mason, there’s an instant connection. Only problem is that the trainer is straight, or so we think. In part 2, the two are grappling with whether or not to come out publicly or continue to be in their relationship privately. The problem is that Chris feels like a dirty little secret and he’s not so sure he wants to do that anymore.
Is anything in your book based on real life experiences or purely all imagination? Definitely inspired by reality. That’s all I’ll say. I’m not giving away any secrets.
What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why? I love the funny side characters like the annoying neighbor (based on my neighbor) and the horrible ex girlfriend of the trainers. I know someone just like her.
How did you come up with the title of your latest book? Well, I wanted something with a sexual innuendo. And since Mason is so dominant and a personal trainer, I thought that was a natural fit.
What project are you working on now? I’m trying to catch up on writing the rest of all my sequels because the fans have been demanding to see them and if I don’t get to it, they’re going to stalk me (some more)
Will you have a new book coming out soon? Yes, I should have The Trainer 2 & 3 out within the next 30 days.
Are there certain characters you would like to go back to, or is there a theme or idea you’d love to work with? I love writing about dominant men who date more submissive men. That’s kind of the relationship that I have, though we often fight over who’s going to be the most dominant (depends on the day). Flip me over, baby!
What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment? I think when people say my books are too short. Sometimes I feel like saying, “Um, it’s supposed to be short”. But I know what they’re saying and I’m working on adding more drama to please them. The worst thing you can ever tell an author, at least in my case, is not that you hate a book but rather that it was “Just okay”. Ugh! Hate that!
Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers? Don’t waste your time on social media or procrastinating or editing while you write. Choose a genre and write it.
Is there anything that you would like to say to your readers and fans? I just want to thank everyone who has given my books a test-spin. I’m grateful than anyone will spend anytime, when everyone is so busy, reading my books. So, thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Check out Jamie’s Blog
Check out his book on Amazon
Thank you, Jamie!
Brina Brady's Blog 