 |
| Andrew Grey |
Andrew Grey is the first male author to receive the Romance Writers of America Centennial Award, an honor for publishing 100 romance novels, and the only M/M author to be so recognized.
“Andrew Grey is a unique talent in the M/M romance world and we are honored to be re-publishing this sexy novella as he receives his much-deserved Romance Writer’s of America Centennial Award,” said Riverdale Avenue Books Publisher Lori Perkins, who just published The Photographer's Assistant.
We had a chance to speak with Grey about his award, his process, and how his life is – and isn’t – like a romance novel.
Congratulations! How does it feel to be the only male m/m author to receive the Romance Writers of America Centennial Award?
It's quite an honor. This award has been given out less than 30 times and to some amazing authors. I’m so thrilled to be in their company.
What is the secret to your prolificacy and what is your writing process like?
I am very blessed with what seems like an unending well of ideas. I have a notebook full of them and some keep coming to me. As a writer, I am quite disciplined. I write nearly every day and set progress goals. It's how I am able to keep producing the stories that my characters tell.
What are some must-have elements in any m/m romance novel?
Man. [Wipes brow] You must have good interesting characters that are likable on some level. You also need a great setting that adds to the story. Also, there must be a conflict between the characters as well as some type of external conflict that they can overcome. I want to stress that a romance starts with the characters - who they are, falling in love, and how they grow and learn about themselves through the story.
And who reads m/m romance?
Romance is traditionally read primarily by women. That is true for all kinds of romance including gay romance.
Who are some of your favorite m/m romance writers.
That’s a tough one because I read a lot. But I have to say that some of my favorite authors are Mary Calmes, Ariel Tachna, Renae Kaye, and Clare London just to name a few.
For somebody not familiar with your work, which books of yours would you recommend to them?
I would suggest they start with one of the following books: Fire and Water in the Carlisle Cops series; Inside Out, the first in the Bronco’s Boys series; or Love Means... Courage, the start of The Farm series. This will give a reader a really good overview of my work and they can decide what they like from there.
As a romance expert, what do you know about real life romance that the rest of us may not?
I wish I could answer that question, but I’m no better at real life romance than anyone else. If someone came to me for advice about general romance, I would tell them that in these kinds of things to follow your heart. Jealousy and pride can stand in the way, so try to ignore them and just open yourself to the possibilities of love.
Tell me about a time in your life that was just like something out of a romance novel.
My partner and I met when some friends fixed us up. He and I had an amazing romance that’s still ongoing. Dominic inspires my life and each of my works. I put some of the love and special care that he gives me into every story. My husband and partner of over twenty years is the love of my life.
And now tell me about a time in your life that was the exact opposite of something out of a romance novel.
There have been many times when things don’t go right or have been exceedingly tough. In romance novels, things have a tendency to work out and endings are happy. In my romantic life, I have been truly blessed, but other parts of my life, things have been rather difficult over the years. It's hard to go into some of them without causing pain for the others involved. Before I met my husband, there were many years of loneliness. I worked for a national company and moved many times, including entirely across the country. Those periods of my life were very hard and while they helped make me who I am today they are not romantic in any way.
