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Today we chat with Willow Thomas, author of Bolt from the Blue about bookish and non-bookish things like who she'd invite to a dinner party... Check it all out here:
Plot or Pants? Do you pre-plot your books, use an outline, fly by the seat of your pants or some combination of things? How do you keep track of characters in a series? Do you keep a journal of your characters’ statistics, such as hair and eye color, relatives, hometown, etc.
I am mainly a plotter. Once an idea is done marinating in my brain, I write an outline for it. Then I break it down into scenes or chapters and bullet point all the specific events I want to happen. I use these to keep me on track otherwise I will end up with 40,000 words of waffle. It’s happened before!
I’m currently creating a series bible to help me with the upcoming books in my Caught Off Guard series. I’m listing hair, eye colour, what age they lost their first tooth. If I’ve mentioned it, I want it in the guide. I bet I’ll still get things wrong though!
Do you write full time or part-time?
I have three children and my youngest is only at pre-school two afternoons a week so I write part time to fit in with her. She goes to school full time in September so I will be increasing my writing hours as well then. I can’t wait. I know she’ll enjoy school and I am excited for all of the words!
If you could invite 4 people (real or fictional, living or dead) to a dinner party, who would you invite and what would you serve?
My first thought was Bucky, Black Widow, Scarlett Witch, and Loki. The bisexuals dream dinner.
Where do you write? Do you have a routine?
At the moment I write at the dining table, the sofa, or the garden. I move where I can write and keep an eye on my daughter.
What are your writing goals for the next year? The future?
The rest of this year is mainly about my hockey guys. I have a short story coming out in June as part of the ‘Class Of’ giveaway. Knocked For Six (book two in my Caught Off Guard series) comes out in July and book three will hopefully come out in November. I have other plans for series including a small town book club, college soccer, biker club, and tattooists. Too many ideas, too little time.
What is the funniest scene you’ve written?
It’s a scene in Knocked For Six and I can’t share anything right now because of spoilers but it involves the line “Why does my dick look radioactive?”. It makes me giggle so I hope others do too.
What’s the hardest part about writing?
For me it’s the beginning. I find staring at a blank page is really intimidating so I write any old rubbish to try and get the ball rolling and then come back and fix it in editing.
Who’s your biggest supporter/cheerleader?
My husband. I seriously couldn’t do any of this without him. He has rearranged work and wrangled the kids just so I had time to write and meet a deadline. He brings me snacks, listens to me work out problems, and plays Mario Kart with me when I’m having writer's block and need to get my mind off my characters. 10 out of 10 recommend getting one like him.
What made you decide M/M romance was the genre you wanted to write? Do you write other genres?
I found MM romance books by reading an MM book in an ongoing MF series (Crossing The Lines by Jeanne St James). It was around the same time that I came out as bisexual and I fell in love with reading bi-awakening books. I think I imprinted on the genre like a baby duck…a queer duck. I often write what I read so here I am.
I also write YA. It’s owns a chunk of my heart and I have a few queer fantasy stories in various states of completion.
Where do you find inspiration?
It can be quite random. I’ve had ideas from a Tiktok comment, something sarcastic my husband has said, watching my soccer team get a penalty. Music is a big one. I’m listening to a lot of One Direction and Avril Lavigne right now.
What do you do if you hit a wall while writing? How do you combat writer’s block?
I play Mario Kart, and if that doesn’t work, I go to a local coffee shop. A change of scenery really helps me.
What do your friends and family think of what you write; do they know?
They know I write and that I recently published my first book but they don’t know my pen name or my genre. They are all incredibly supportive but have little boundaries and would talk all about my sex scenes at the next family BBQ. I’m not ready for that!!
What is your favorite thing about writing M/M romance?
The community! I’ve found it to be so safe, inclusive, and kind, so I think I’ll stay here.
How can we connect with you?
My Facebook group is the best place https://www.facebook.com/groups/willowsbookishworld
I also have a Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/willowthomasauthor
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/authorwillowthomas/ and
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