Author Spotlight: Jan Irving

Jan Irving and I have a lot of the same kinks.  Needless to say, I love her wounded, brave characters and  yummy hurt-comfort scenarios.  I've read The Hired Man and The Janitor and enjoyed them both thoroughly.  But today Jan is here to talk about her most recent release, Wylde, on sale now from Dreamspinner Press. 

(Check out that cover.  Aren't they adorable?)

In Wylde, Noah Matthews brings his son Josh to the pristine woods of Washington State to make a fresh start. The first night in their new home, Noah meets Kell Farraday when the laconic police chief shows up on his doorstep searching for two people lost in the forest. It's the start of a sexy new friendship when Kell decides to pursue the shy but flirtatious Noah.

But a new beginning won't be so easy. Noah's former boyfriend shows up to try to reclaim a place in his life, and worse, Josh is drawn to the growing mystery in the forest. People disappear and then one turns up dead. There's something haunting the forest. Something watching. And soft-spoken and confident Kell's reassurances can't ease Noah's fear when Josh goes into the woods alone.

Don't miss the excerpt from Wylde behind the link at the bottom of the post.

Tell us about your recent publication.

Wylde is a book that was inspired by growing up in the spooky Pacific Northwest. I’ve always wanted to write a story that picks up on the atmosphere here since I grew up in a haunted area. I liked writing about down to earth men who have to deal with an unusual and unsettling mystery.

What gave you the idea for this story?

I think I just wanted to write a contrast of characters, like denim and linen. Noah is a refined city man from Seattle, a single father, and Kell is a rough around the edges small town chief of police who is an ex Army Ranger.

Why do you write?

I guess I have a need to do it, like breathing, but lately I am enjoying the role of reader again. I am not pushing myself as much as I was around the time I wrote this novel, over the summer.

What do you like to read?

I read by author, something I’m sure everyone can relate to, and I also really like a book that is kind of different. 

What do you like about m/m?

You can meet some very contained guys in a lot of pain. I like to see if I can help them to a better place within the story.

How did you start writing?  

I’ve always written though right now I’m slowing down. I used to have a pretty driven schedule but decided I wanted to enjoy myself a little more and meander rather than stride.

Was there a time when you almost gave up?  What made you keep going?

I have felt that way and recently with some tough times for my family have wanted to slow down. I like to write so I suppose that’s why I do it and I do have a work ethic where if I start something, I will finish it. Much of what I do is asking myself questions. How will my characters get there? I take it one step at a time and write from chapter to chapter and it’s an act of faith.

Why do you think m/m is so popular?

I think once you get a taste of it, it can be addictive since you get to write not just one hero but two. I’m fascinated by that. I love men. Typically my stories usually have a contrast of opposites and a lot of hurt/comfort. I just finished a novella that had an arc of finding yourself, of healing, called Sylvan, for example.

Kirk, or Spock?

Spock, definitely.

Click the link below for an excerpt from Wylde:

Noah watched the Chief staring at the trees beyond his large bay living room windows. “Shouldn’t you sleep too?” he asked softly.

“Yeah. I have a blanket in the truck--”

“Absolutely not. I have a guest room, complete with razor. You’re welcome to stay.” Noah’s eyes dropped to the other man’s belt.

“Like something you see?” Kell’s drawl was rough and tired.

“Excuse me?” Noah flushed.

“You keep staring at my crotch.”

“I do not! It’s your belt buckle; it’s very distinctive.” It was heavy silver, elaborately wrought, with undulating figures. It kept catching Noah’s gaze, making him puzzle at the pattern.

“Uh huh…” Kell scrubbed his eyes. “You gay?”

“I…I have a son,” Noah said faintly, crossing his arms.

“So?” Kell prodded as he followed Noah to the offered room. “That just means you have viable sperm, not where you like to spill it.”