I always say Becky was the one who got me into this (writing) mess. If it wasn't for her encouragement over 7 years ago, I probably wouldn't be here, and neither would my two novels. She has helped me immensely. Becky is also my living proof that fan fiction writer's can turn into professional authors.
Becky is here to discuss her 6th book published by Loose Id. She write's M/M romance in a Sci-Fi setting.
1) I’m loving the
sound of your new book, and can’t wait to read it. Where did you find the
inspiration behind your new book, Red Dragon #1: The Company Man?
It first made an appearance in my mind nearly two years ago.
The initial inspiration was “The East India Company – in space.” The East India
Companies were big powerful trading companies who played a big part in creating
the empires of Britain, France and Holland. They were like the Apple, Ford,
Samsung etc of their day. And they got up to all kinds of machinations and
dodgy practices far away from Europe and any scrutiny. It thought it would be interesting
to take that and write about similar companies, but in the future, in space,
far from Earth and up to plenty of the same kinds of schemes.
And at the centre of it I decided I’d put two men who even
as they are falling in love will clash over the company’s methods. One an ex
military captain a man used to following the rules and doing it by the book and
the other the company rep who’s much more morally flexible in pursuit of his
ambitions to be a top trader.
The name for the series is actually quite recent! The series
and the ship at the centre of it was called the Indiaman (which is what the
East India Company ship were referred to as, Indiamen.) But the publisher
requested a change and I chose Red Dragon, which was the name of one of the
first ships of the British East India Company. So it’s still a reference, just
a more oblique one. It’s also a kind of good omen for one of the heroes of the
story Alyn Evans, a proud Welshman, who takes command of the ship at the start
of the story.
2. I notice this is a
series. How many books do you have planned for this series?
Right now, I’m planning three. But that’s changed before! The
ending of the series kind of opens up the possibility of a second series as the
characters move on to a new phase, new challenges in their lives. New stories
to tell about them. But I’m not promising that. Maybe I’ll be bored with them
by then!
3. My favourite
Twitter style question – describe your heroes (as you have two) in a 140
characters each.
Alyn Evans:
A man you’d want on your side in a crisis. Principled, but a
bit rigid, so he’ll have to adapt to really thrive at the company. Coffee lover
Jarvez Kashari:
Ambition is his priority, until Alyn comes along and screws
up his plans. Sophisticated, but with a dark side. Tea drinker and coffee
hater.
I trust you on these, Becky!
4. What’s the title
of the next book, and can you give us a little insight into what it will be
about? Does it follow on from The Company Man, or is it another individual
story but in the same universe?
The title of the next one is – currently anyway, these
things change – Too Good A Man. It is a follow on, with the same characters.
It’s going to go more deeply into the conflict Alyn has between his principles
and the company’s methods. And Jarvez’s worry that his lover won’t stay with
the Red Dragon, or with him, for much longer. But Alyn’s principles are going
to get him into deep trouble…
Blurb
Red Dragon #1: The Company Man
Jarvez Kashari travels light, sacrificing relationships
for ambition. Alyn Evans is out to establish himself as a company captain.
Falling in love was not part of either man’s plans.
The Red Dragon is a ship in trouble. It was
once the pride of the Outer Spiral Trading Company’s fleet, but is neglected
and fallen from its old glory. It’s a ship in need of love – and a new captain.
Alyn Evans is a man in need of a new challenge. He’s an
ex-warship captain and peace has put him out of a job. A man of his experience
should have no trouble commanding a merchant ship…he thinks. But of all the
challenges he faces on his first trip out, the hardest one is keeping his hands
off his gorgeous and fascinating company rep, Jarvez Kashari.
Jarvez Kashari is a man with a plan. He’s determined to make
a name as the company’s best trader and thinks reviving the fortunes of
the Red Dragon is the perfect opportunity to prove himself.
Jarvez travels light, sacrificing personal relationships to focus on his
ambitions – until he meets Alyn Evans. Falling in love was not part of the
plan.
It’s four months to Earth. Four months for Alyn to juggle
passengers, prisoners, suspicious officers, a resentful crew and the
intensifying relationship with Jarvez. Four months in space with a traitor
aboard…
Buy direct from Loose Id here
Or find more links on my website
Cover art by Scott Carpenter.
Links To Becky Black
Thanks for visiting, Becky! Good luck with your new book. Another hot cover, I notice.
