*Author Interview & Tour Wide Giveaway* Without Aiden by Dianne Hartsock *Goddess Fish Tours*

WITHOUT AIDEN

By

Dianne Hartsock

   

Is a gift of love enough to open Aiden’s heart and let Tris back in?

After the car accident that killed his parents and left his sister paralyzed, Tris is left with nothing. His family is destroyed. His reputation is shot. And all he has is the guilt of knowing it was all his fault. People in town know he’d been drinking that night, and know he should never have gotten behind the wheel. And even Aiden, the man he thought he’d be with forever, blames him too much to stay.

But Tris can’t let him just disappear. After months of loneliness and isolation, Tris brings Aiden a gift on his birthday, a hawk he’s carved from a chunk of wood they’d found in the forest during an afternoon of love. A small chink seems to open in Aiden’s heart, the first sign of forgiveness. With renewed hope, Tris takes a job renovating one of the older homes in town and tries to rebuild his life. But the townspeople have long memories, and when his sister’s condition worsens, forgiveness—and Aiden—seem to slip even further out of reach…

*******************

Tell us what you’ve been up to since the last time you were here?

Busy writing! It seems that I have more story ideas than time to write them, so I try to squish in a little creative writing every day. Since my last visit I've had three stories published and have stories in two separate anthologies. Having so much fun with this!

I was also able to make it to EPICON this year. There were some wonderful, informative workshops on writing and promoting E-books, and we were able to talk to the owners and acquisition editors from close to seven different publishing houses. Very inspiring, let me tell you. Oh, and I work as a floral designer, which keeps me hopping as well.

In this book, who was your favorite character to write and why?

My favorite character in WITHOUT AIDEN is the main character, Tris. I told the story from his POV, digging deeply into his life and emotions. I really enjoyed working with him. He's an intelligent, caring man, a good friend and hard worker. Circumstances placed him in a tragic situation, but he faces it with courage and the strong conviction that he and Aiden are meant to be together. He doesn't stop working to make things right and recapture Aiden's love. I admire that.

What was your favorite scene to write and the toughest?

My favorite scene is where Tris remembers his and Aiden's first kiss. It's so sweet! Tris gives Aiden a ride to the library on his bike, Aiden perched behind him. Tris is very aware of Aiden's warm body pressed against him. When they stop, Tris's heart is pounding. He's never dated before while Aiden's had several boyfriends already. Tris doesn't know what to do, but Aiden is gentle and fond and kisses him sweetly.

The toughest scene to write is the one where Tris is remembering an intimate afternoon he spent with Aiden in the workshop. It's a memory, but he's daydreaming about it as if it was happening to him right then. It was difficult to clearly separate his dream from what was really going on around him. I managed to get it all down succinctly with the help of my amazing editor, Matt Dale. But this was also hard to write because we climb right into Tris's mind and body, and the depth of his pain and loneliness and love for Aiden is heartbreaking.

Can you tell us a little bit about your new book? Can you share a never before seen snippet?

My editor tells me that 'if you boil down Without Aiden to its most basic, it's about: loneliness, angst, forgiveness and sex'. He's right! But it's also about true love and Tris's need to be accepted.

This snippet is the scene I mentioned above where Tris and Aiden share their first kiss:

He brought them to a stop at the back of the library where a copse of trees and low hedges hid them from view. He waited, chest heaving, tense. What would Aiden…

Tris had shivered when Aiden placed a soft kiss behind his ear and slid his hands down Tris’s chest, rubbed the wisps of hair on his stomach. “I’d like to kiss you,” Aiden murmured, nuzzling Tris’s neck.

Afraid he was dreaming, Tris turned his head, and the lips he adored slid over his, warm, pliant, so sweet. Tris nudged them with his tongue and was invited into the heat and life of Aiden’s mouth. Aiden’s tongue tangled with his, teased, tasted. Tris moaned and leaned back against him, and Aiden lost his perch and stepped to the ground with a laugh.

“That was amazing,” he said, touching Tris’s mouth. He leaned down and kissed him again. Tris trembled when Aiden’s fingers slid along his stomach and outlined his cock through the snug jeans. Tris whimpered. He knew Aiden had been with other boys, but Tris hadn’t. He wasn’t sure what he should do. What did Aiden expect?

Aiden gave him a last sweet kiss then moved his hands to cup Tris’s face. “It’s OK, baby. My parents are out this evening. Come over? About five? I’d like to kiss you somewhere private.”

“Yes,” Tris whispered, voice hoarse. He cleared his throat, knowing he blushed, but his heart sang when Aiden gave him a brilliant smile then turned and headed toward the front of the building.

How do you go about picking character names? Do you have to get them just right and make sure they fit with the characters personality?  Is there any characters you found hard to name?

Actually, the characters names come easiest to me. I'll usually get a story idea from a bit of music or a few words or even someone's tone of voice. I'll start thinking out the plot line, and the characters begin to appear; name, personality and all.

The only time I remember having trouble with a name, is when two characters have names that are so similar the reader gets confused who is who. It's very hard to change a name once I get into the story, but there have been several times when I've had to do this to avoid confusion. But once I and the character got used to the new name, we found it worked just fine.

For new readers, what book of yours would you recommend they start with and why?

If you haven't read anything of mine before, I'd start with SHELTON IN LOVE. It's the first m/m romance I'd written and is a very sweet story. You'll get a taste of my writing and meet my favorite character, Shelton. Love that man!

Do you have any little rituals you do before or during your writing process?

Not really. As long as I have a cup of coffee and some music playing, I'm all set.

What’s the weirdest thing you got inspiration from?

I can't think of anything weird! The coolest thing is a stone gargoyle I have, about a foot tall, that inspired me when I wrote PHILIP'S WATCHER.

Do you have a favorite cover? Which one and why is it your favorite?

That's hard to answer! I have so many beautiful ones. If I had to choose, it would be the one for PHILIP'S WATCHER. Love the gargoyle and also the blue colors of the picture. And Adrian's eyes are amazing…

What’s coming up in the future?

Lots of things! I have stories in two anthologies coming out this June. I have a free read for the M/M Romance Goodreads Group coming out this summer. And then I always have stories I'm working on for the future.

What do you hope readers take away after reading one of your books?

That love is love, no matter what form it chooses to take.

Quickies

You’re granted 3 wishes, what would they be?

*glances over shoulder* Hope this isn't a Twilight Zone moment! First, I'd like more time to write. Second, I wish my husband could retire from his job that he doesn't really like. And third, that my kids graduate college soon.

What’s the last line you wrote from your current WIP?

The thought scared the crap out of him. "He'll want to know…"

What’s your motto?

Stories from the heart, always.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Chips, salsa, and an ice-cold beer.

What are you hiding in your night stand? ;)

Those extra-special nighties.

Boxers, Briefs or Commando?  Snug fitting boxer briefs.

Top or Bottom? Top

Pj’s or nude? Pj's

Hairy chests or smooth? Smooth

Sexiest feature on a man? Their smile, with eyes coming a close second

Favorite book? The 'Fortress' series by C.J. Cherryh

Favorite tv show? Supernatural

Favorite color? Aquamarine

Where can your fans find you? (Web site and social media links)

Blog: http://diannehartsock.wordpress.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/diannehartsock

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/diannehartsock

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4707011-dianne-hartsock

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Dianne-Hartsock/e/B005106SYQ/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1361897239&sr=8-1

Is there anything else you like to add……?

Thanks everyone for stopping in and feel free to contact me anytime. Happy reading!

It had been three months. Aiden had to talk to him, give him a hint of that gorgeous smile he lived for. Shit. What if Aiden wasn’t alone?

Tris locked his bike at the empty stand and tucked wisps of light hair behind his ears with a shaky hand. Aiden’s red Fiat sat in its space outside his apartment door. At least he was home this morning. He could easily be spending his birthday with someone else.

Paling at the thought, Tris slung his pack on his shoulder and walked to the door. He had nothing to lose at this point. He didn’t expect much, but maybe they could talk. Clear the air. Tris missed him. God, he’d suffered hell. Months of empty days and long, achy nights without his lover.

He rapped on the door and his heart sank when he heard voices and a soft laugh inside. Jealousy bit through him, but he shoved it away. Didn’t matter. He’d brought Aiden a gift and he’d be damned if he was leaving without delivering it.

He lifted his hand, then dropped it to his side and laughed without humor. He’d worn his best jacket too. As if Aiden would be impressed with anything he did. He set the backpack at his feet and carefully removed the small tissue-wrapped box.

He hefted it in his hand, heavier than it looked, and gently stroked a thumb over it. Damn. All of his love and yearning had gone into this gift he’d promised Aiden on one of their hikes in the forest outside town. Tris’s breath quickened as he recalled the exact moment, Aiden naked and sweaty in his arms. He rolled to his back when Aiden nudged him with his elbow. “What…”

“Didn’t you feel that?” Aiden’s hand dove under the jackets they were lying on and came up with the offending knot of wood. He rubbed his side. “Bet I get a bruise.”

“ I’m sorry.” Tris reached for the chunk, but Aiden shrugged and tossed it with their backpacks.

“Make me something with it,” Aiden ordered. They both looked up at a piercing cry. A hawk swooped over the treetops. “Carve him for me.”

Tris glanced at his darling and his heart flipped over. Aiden’s dark hair stood in wild disarray around his beautiful face. Tris leaned close and sucked the beckoning full bottom lip into his mouth.

Aiden murmured approval and his tongue dove in, the silver ball in its center grazing the roof of Tris’s mouth, sending a shiver of lust through him. He gripped Aiden’s hair, holding him in place as their tongues twined and fenced.

Tris jolted back to the moment when the apartment door suddenly opened in his face. The blood rushed from his heart and roared in his ears. Aiden leaned against the door frame and Tris’s hungry gaze ran over his slim body, his mouth going dry at the soft line of curls disappearing into the tattered shorts sitting low on Aiden’s hips. He jerked his attention back to Aiden’s eyes, meeting his intense blue gaze.

After growing up in California and spending the first ten years of marriage in Colorado, Dianne now live in the beautiful Willamette Valley of Oregon with her incredibly patient husband, who puts up with the endless hours she spends hunched over the keyboard letting her characters play.

She says Oregon’s raindrops are the perfect setting in which to write. There’s something about being cooped up in the house while it pours rain outside, a fire crackles on the hearth inside, and a cup of hot coffee warms her hands which kindles her imagination.

Currently, Dianne works as a floral designer in a locally-owned gift shop. Which is the perfect job for her. When not writing, she can express herself through the rich colors and textures of flowers and foliage.

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Without-Aiden-ebook/dp/B00BFWYECM/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1360902285&sr=1-3

ARe Books: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-withoutaiden-1061596-145.html

Blog: http://diannehartsock.wordpress.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/diannehartsock

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/diannehartsock

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4707011-dianne-hartsock

Dianne will be awarding a $10 All Romance Ebooks Gift Card to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.  

I encourage you to follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:  http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/02/name-before-masses-without-aiden-by.html

And remember... Always keep it Dirty, Smutty & Hussy!