I was honestly shocked a few weeks ago when I chatted with A.E. Lister on Facebook about something and we realized that they'd never been interviewed for the blog... despite my gushing reviews of everything they've ever sent me to review and our connection as fellow Ontarians... so we've finally fixed that and now you get to enjoy this interview too:
Indie or Traditionally published? - Tell us how this works for you...
I’ve always been traditionally published. I like the validation this gives to my work, and it means I don’t have to pay out-of-pocket for the editing and cover art.
Tell us about your first… published M/M fiction/romance:
It was a novella called Exposure about a man who falls for a younger man who turns out to have a chronic disease. Mostly about the ability of someone with a chronic illness to be whole and enjoy life while they can.and then your most recent one.
Now available for preorder is my latest, 760 Miles (Northern Horizons #1), my first historical--kinky of course. Set in the Canadian Yukon in 1906. It releases on March 15th.
Do you write full time or part-time?
I left my part time retail job at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. I have MS and it seemed too risky and stressful. I then channeled all of my energy and my need to escape from what was going on, into writing. I still write full time but wouldn’t be able to do so without a partner who has a full-time, salaried position. We have two kids to feed.
What are your writing goals for the next year? The future?
I’m just finishing up the first draft of Various Convictions (Persuasions #3) to submit to my editor next week. February and March will be spent writing Repentance and Absolution (Northern Horizons #2) while also editing Alternative Medicine (a follow-up to Skeletal Equation and A Spoonful of Sugar). April and May will be working on another Braided Crop Ranch story, probably novella-length. Then I’ll be writing, Refuge (Northern Horizons #3).
I have a great idea for a new series in 2023/2024 - an apocalyptic adventure with zombies and androids. Something new. I like to keep challenging myself.
What’s the hardest part about writing?
Promoting my stuff, but I’m getting better at it. My confidence is improving, except for that brief period of time between sending ARCs out and getting a response back, when I spiral into intense imposter syndrome and think “This is the book nobody will understand.”
My husband, who doesn’t even read novels, but is immensely proud of me for writing them, even slightly smutty ones.
Where do you find inspiration?
Everywhere. My most unexpected source was a videogame my daughter plays. During the lockdown I purposely engaged with my kids doing things they loved. I watched her play Red Dead Redemption 2 and got totally caught up in the characters, the story, and the landscape and ambience. I started writing 760 Miles and loved every minute of it. I’d never written a historical western before but I’d always wanted to.
What do you do if you hit a wall while writing? How do you combat writer’s block?
I push through it. Basically, just keep going, even if I might have to take it out later. Keep the story moving forward is my mantra.
What do your friends and family think of what you write; do they know?
Now that I’m actually making some money from it and becoming a little more well-known, my family is quite proud. They’ve accepted that I’m a writer of gay erotica and don’t seem too bothered by it, although I doubt they read my books. My kids are alternately proud, embarrassed, and intimidated, I think.
How can we connect with you?
You can join one or both of my Facebook groups:
Lister’s Labyrinth: https://www.facebook.com/groups/listerslabyrinth
Queer Cowboys Yeehaw: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yeehaw
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aelisterauthor/
Or visit my website: https://www.aelister.com/
If you have more burning questions for AE Lister and want to learn more about their books, mark your calendar and join us on March 1st in the MM Romance Reviewed Facebook Group for their Author Takeover - and watch this space for an ARC giveaway of 760 Miles!
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