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Hi Rick, for people not familiar with you would you mind sharing a bit about yourself?
My official bio is:
Rick R. Reed is all about exploring the romantic entanglements of gay men in contemporary, realistic settings. While his stories often contain elements of suspense, mystery and the paranormal, his focus ultimately returns to the power of love. He is the author of dozens of published novels, novellas, and short stories. He is a two-time EPIC eBook Award winner (for Orientation and The Blue Moon Cafe). Lambda Literary Review has called him, "a writer that doesn't disappoint." Rick lives in Seattle
But I’m just a quiet homebody who loves to read and spend time with my man and my dog…very much a cancer—love living very near the water and love my home more than anywhere else.
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What was it like to see you book in print?
You’d think, since RENT, is about my 23rd book to see in print, the thrill would get old, but I swear it’s still such a kick to hold that printed copy in your hands for the very first time. Matter of fact, my author copies arrived from the publisher just the other day, so the thrill is still fresh.
What was the very first thing you did when you heard your book was going to be published?
Um, honestly? Not much. I am far enough along in my career now that I have established relationships with my publishers, so, for me, it isn’t like it used to be where I’d submit, submit, submit, wait, wait, wait…and then rejoice when I got an acceptance. Now, I can pretty much pitch an idea and have it accepted because the people with whom I work know my writing and I have a history with them.
When you received your first email or snail mail from a fan what did you think?
I don’t exactly recall, but I can say that nothing means more to me than hearing from readers. I am always honored and touched when one of them takes the time to contact me about something I’ve written.
Do you believe that social network is a productive way of meeting potential readers? Are there pros and cons to networking with a social media?
Yes. I do think it can be productive, as long as you are not aggressively selling your work. People don’t do Facebook or whatever to shop; they want social interaction. I try to keep my book-related posts to a minimum and, instead, give people a glimpse into my life and who I am. Pros and cons? The pros are meeting lots and lots of wonderful people, both writers and, especially, readers. The cons are sometimes people assume you have more of a relationship than you actually do—and that can be uncomfortable, or even scary.
What was some of the best advice you were given on your road to becoming a published author?
KISS. Keep it simple, stupid. There is a big difference between simple and simplistic. You always want to strive for the former and avoid the latter.
What advice would you give to a struggling writer in this day and age of self-publishing?
I’m not sure how self-publishing comes into it, but my advice to a struggling writer is to read A LOT and write A LOT. Those two elements will serve you best as you develop your craft. I guess before you get anything published (self or otherwise) ensure it’s as perfect as it can be.
If you could write any other genre than your present one, which would it be and why?
I have written horror, suspense, thriller, mystery, and romance. I love them all and am at a point where I can honestly say I have enough stories that fall into those genres to outlast my lifespan.
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I knew I wanted to write a sequel to my novel TRICKS and have it be different, but have the same darkness, edginess, and the ability to demonstrate the transformative power of love. I don’t know that I can pinpoint an “A ha!” moment. Characters and stories sometimes come to me gradually and RENT was one those.
I know that you put your own blood, sweat and tears into ever page. So, I’m curious to know if your characters have any of your own traits. Is there one character you think is more like you than any other?
All of my characters, I think, are to some extent, me.
Although I don’t do outlines or know exactly where my characters will take me, I did know how things would end up. I’d like to say more, but don’t want to deliver any potential spoilers.
Rick, would you share with us a bit more about Wren and Rufus’s story in RENT?
I think the blurb summarizes the story best:
On the worst day of his life, Wren Gallagher loses his wallet, his job, and his security. Can a stranger met in a bar deliver on his promises of wealth and meeting Mr. Right?
Sex can be a dangerous business. So can love....
On the worst day of his life, Wren Gallagher wants oblivion when he steps into Tricks for a drink. He's lost not only his job, but his wallet as well. When a mysterious stranger steps up to pay his tab, he also offers Wren the key to fulfilling his dreams of prosperity and true love. But appearances are not always what they seem....
His savior is the owner of the escort agency, A Louer---and he wants the young and handsome Wren to work for him. So down on his luck, Wren figures---why not? He can use the money. When he joins, though, he hadn't counted on meeting Rufus, another escort with whom he quickly falls hopelessly in love.
But their love story will have to overcome the obstacles of not only trading love for money, but A Louer's dark---and deadly---secrets.
Sex can be a dangerous business. So can love....
On the worst day of his life, Wren Gallagher wants oblivion when he steps into Tricks for a drink. He's lost not only his job, but his wallet as well. When a mysterious stranger steps up to pay his tab, he also offers Wren the key to fulfilling his dreams of prosperity and true love. But appearances are not always what they seem....
His savior is the owner of the escort agency, A Louer---and he wants the young and handsome Wren to work for him. So down on his luck, Wren figures---why not? He can use the money. When he joins, though, he hadn't counted on meeting Rufus, another escort with whom he quickly falls hopelessly in love.
But their love story will have to overcome the obstacles of not only trading love for money, but A Louer's dark---and deadly---secrets.
I am one of those readers that love to find out what people think the moment they meet the love of their lives.
Wren, I will start with you. What was the very first thing you thought when you met Rufus? Rufus, you are up. =) What was your first impression of Wren?
An excerpt will best illustrate what we felt when we met each other:
Finally, Wren regarded Rufus, whom he wondered if, like everything else before his disbelieving eyes at the moment, was yet another figment of his imagination. Surely, Wren would awaken behind Ann Sather’s restaurant, snoozing near a Dumpster, with a rat skittering across his calves.
But Rufus seemed real enough, grinning back at him tentatively. There was something in that grin that immediately warmed Wren, made him feel right at home. It wasn’t just that the face behind the grin was so handsome, there was something in it that Wren couldn’t quite put his finger on. Was it kindness? Empathy? Whatever it was, it caused Wren’s heart to speed up just a bit.
“How’d you get so cute?” Rufus finally broke the silence. Wren could have easily fired back the same question. Rufus was what his mother would have called a ‘doll’. Rufus stood a few inches taller than Wren, maybe six-one or six-two, and his head was topped with a thatch of wheat-colored hair that fell down fetchingly across his forehead every so often blocking the view of one of his startlingly dark blue eyes. The color reminded Wren of sapphires. He had pale skin, a lanky frame (that promised, Wren knew from past experience, a big dick), and dusting of pale hair on his chin and upper lip that served to make him only look more masculine and sexy.
“Vitamins. Clean living,” Wren responded.
Rufus laughed at that, and flopped down on one of the beds.
A bit of both…isn’t that always the way with true love?
Without giving too much away, Wren or Rufus, would you share what it was like to work at À Louer?
Again, an excerpt best illustrates the feel of working for the agency:
“Are you ready for this?” Rufus asked.
Wren looked up at him, grinning. “I don’t know if I’ll ever be ready.”
“Hey, it’s cool. At least your first time out won’t be on your own. I’ll be right there with you. Lucky it worked out that way, huh?”
Wren wanted to tell Rufus he didn’t know the half of it. There was more than one reason Wren was over the moon that his first assignment with À Louer was going to be a little sex show with him and Rufus as the stars. Sure, it would be great not having to go off by himself to have sex with some strange man, but he loved even more the chance to get close to Rufus. Really close. Payment was simply a bonus.
The call from Chillingsworth had come about an hour and a half ago, just when Wren had gotten comfortable with the idea of the two of them staying in, eating popcorn and watching a marathon of Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives on the Food network. He hated the show, really, and would usually disappear into his bedroom when his mom had it on, but tonight, lying next to Rufus on the bed…. Well, Wren couldn’t imagine a nicer way to spend the evening.
After hanging up his cell, Rufus smiled at him. “We got a date.”
“Yeah?” Wren remembered how his heart had started beating faster, how something small with sharp pointy nails began moving restlessly in his gut. And then it hit home what Rufus had said: “We.”
So he repeated the word that was setting off both alarms and wellsprings of joy inside his head. Could it be true? “We?” he asked.
“Yeah, this guy up in Edgewater, I’ve been with him before, so have many of the boys, he just likes to watch.”
“Okay,” Wren felt himself getting hard. This was all too good to be true; what was the catch? Could his first assignment really be to just have sex with Rufus? And no one else?
Someone watching, Wren had to admit to himself, was a bit creepy, but almost since he had met Rufus, dirty fantasies, triple X pornos, had been playing in Wren’s mind, all featuring himself and the estimable Rufus.
“Yeah, the guy is ancient, probably like 60, and he just wants to smoke cigarettes and watch us while we get it on.”
“Does he beat off?”
Rufus smirked. “What do you think? But the good thing is he just sits in a chair by the bed, doesn’t want to be touched, doesn’t want to touch us.” Rufus winked at Wren. “I kind of been wanting to touch you.”
Wren giggled, the sound coming out way too girlish-sounding for his liking, and he rolled his eyes. “Me too. Why didn’t you make a move before?”
Rufus smile disappeared. “We’re not allowed. Dave frowns on us ‘fraternizing’ if you know what I mean.”
“Really? I didn’t get that part of the orientation.”
Rufus nodded. “Oh yeah, no spitting where you eat.”
“Lovely.”
The two had gotten ready quickly. Wren rinsed off in the shower and Rufus showed him how to use the enema nozzle. “This way, you’ll be clean as a whistle—inside and out. Don’t want to leave skid marks on anyone’s sheets!” The feeling of the water rushing too fast inside Wren was odd, but it did the job. Stepping from the shower and drying himself, he hoped only there weren’t any pockets of water hiding inside him that would gush out at an inopportune moment.
Even though they were in a bit of a hurry (Chillingsworth had said they were wanted pronto), Wren took care with his appearance, gelling his hair and crafting it into careless, but artful, spikes. He started to put deodorant on, but Rufus warned him away from that.
“No smells.”
Wren wished he had nicer clothes, but he supposed those would come once he had gone on a few calls. He kept it simple—a pair of faded jeans, white T-shirt, and a pair of laceless Cons.
“You look amazing,” Rufus commented when he emerged from the bathroom.
“Thanks. I wish I had something a little nicer, though. Like you.” Rufus looked jaw-droppingly handsome in a pair of linen pants and a tailored summer V-neck pullover that showed off his muscles. He wore a pair of linen and canvas shoes and no socks. “You look like you just flew in from Spain Argentina
Same question for you, Rufus. When did you know that Wren was the ‘it” guy for you?
Same for me! Same for me.
What is one thing you, Wren and Rufus, hope readers take away after reading your love story?
That true love can triumph over even the darkest things, including murderous intent.
Thank you, Rick for bringing along Wren and Rufus with you today to chat about their love story. I truly appreciate you letting me take a few moments to ask them some need-to-know questions. Now, I am curious, Rick, when you wrapped up with them and typed THE END to your RENT transcript, what you to celebrated?
Started thinking about my next project. Really. I’m boring. No champagne for me.
When your readers read the last word of RENT what do you hope they take away from it?
That love conquers all.
When that fleeting free time comes your way what do you like to do? Are there any authors you would recommend to readers until we have the next Rick R. Reed’ book in our hands?
I do read a lot and, when I’m not reading a good gay romance, I do like thrillers and mysteries. Right now, I’m reading Anne Frasier’s PALE IMMORTAL and it’s proving to be quite gripping. When I’m not reading, I can be found outdoors, running along the waterfront, or at the gym, or in the kitchen, cooking.
Visit my website at http://www.rickrreed.com or follow my blog at http://rickrreedreality.blogspot.com/. You can also like me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/rickrreedbooksor on Twitter at www.twitter.com/rickrreed.
One more thing before I let you skedaddle. The holiday season is upon us. And you know what that means. Everyone is pulling out their time honored traditions to share with loved ones. So, as a favor to RCJR eZine readers I would very much like for you to share one of your favorite recipes. Also, share why it is your one of your favorite recipes.
I would like to thank you one more time, Rick for bringing readers into the fascinating world. Wren and Rufus’s love story in RENT will bring your legions of fans and new fans rushing to know more about this incomparable loving couple.
Anyway, I do love to cook as I said above. Here’s one of my go-to favorites when I want to make something comforting on a cold winter or fall day (serve this with some crusty bread, a nice salad, and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, and you’re all set):
3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
3 carrots, peeled and diced
3 green onions, sliced (save green tops for garnish)
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon butter
4 cups chicken or vegetable stock, warmed
1 cup grated extra sharp Cheddar cheese
Melt butter in large pot over medium heat. Add vegetables. Cook, stirring, until softened, about three minutes.
Add warmed stock and simmer for twenty minutes. Remove from heat. With a potato masher, lightly mash vegetables to a creamy, chunky consistency. Stir in cheese.
ISBN:978-1-60820-7589 (print) $14.99
978-1-60820-7596 (ebook) $6.99
Release DateSeptember 2012
Page Count:236pages, 70,000 words
Heat Rating:Moderate
Categories:erotic romance
On the worst day of his life, Wren Gallagher loses his wallet, his job, and his security. Can a stranger met in a bar deliver on his promises of wealth and meeting Mr. Right?
Sex can be a dangerous business. So can love....
On the worst day of his life, Wren Gallagher wants oblivion when he steps into Tricks for a drink. He's lost not only his job, but his wallet as well. When a mysterious stranger steps up to pay his tab, he also offers Wren the key to fulfilling his dreams of prosperity and true love. But appearances are not always what they seem....
His savior is the owner of the escort agency, A Louer---and he wants the young and handsome Wren to work for him. So down on his luck, Wren figures---why not? He can use the money. When he joins, though, he hadn't counted on meeting Rufus, another escort with whom he quickly falls hopelessly in love.
But their love story will have to overcome the obstacles of not only trading love for money, but A Louer's dark---and deadly---secrets.
Outside, Chicago in summer was in full swing, but once you entered Tricks, you forgot all about the city and the season. The traffic sounds at the intersection of Belmont and Broadway, the rumble of the el a few blocks west, and the voices of many pedestrians mingling on the street, disappeared. Tricks was a world unto itself, a universe where nearly naked men, alcohol fumes, colored lights, dirty floors, the clinking of ice in glasses, the husky music of men propositioning men, and mirrored walls all conspired together, creating something that was one part sleaze, one part gay, and one part home (at least for many of the men who frequented Tricks).
Or at least that was the fantasy they were selling at Tricks.
And...if your self-esteem tank was running a little low, a wink or a smile from one of the dancers was enough to kick it up a notch. The hunky bartender calling you 'Gorgeous' or 'Stud' didn't hurt either when he asked what he could get you. This kind of behavior from those who worked at Tricks was hard to swallow, yet easy to cling to, making you believe, if only for a second, you were hot. You were wanted.
Wren Gallagher, all of twenty-three years old, today needed some of the escapism Tricks offered. Yes, he required it even at three in the afternoon. As the crowd jostled him, Wren kept his eye on the one open stool at the bar in front of him. It was like some sort of prize, an alcoholic holy grail, a place where he could park his skinny ass and maybe, just maybe, forget for a few hours what a crappy day he'd had.
Just as he elbowed his way through the laughing and chattering crowd of mostly middle-aged men and had managed to get within inches of the vacant stool, a heavy-set guy with a bottle of beer in one thick paw materialized out of nowhere to claim it. He was focused intently on the blond Adonis gyrating on the bar, so he did not see that there was a competition for the stool.
Lo and behold, he did. Wren smiled prettily, trying to buoy up the older, balding man's ego with the combined force of his slightly gap-toothed, turned-up-at-one-corner grin and his shock of red hair, his slender hips encased in denim, and the geek allure vibe he knew he gave off. He knew because he had been told he was a sexy nerd on more than one occasion.
The guy did a bit of a double take when he saw Wren trying to make eye contact, smiling. He looked up at the dancer and back at Wren, as if he had to decide between one or the other. As if he had a choice...
That was all it took. The older man stepped back, away from the stool, and gestured with his hands, the perfect gentleman, that Wren should take it.
BUY
MLR: http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=RR__RENT
Kindle:http://www.amazon.com/Rent-ebook/dp/B009KBFCQW/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1350998337&sr=8-4&keywords=rent+rick+reed
