AUTHOR and CHARACTER INTERVIEW with GIVEAWAY: Ann Grech with Declan and Ollie of 'Always Him'
Hot off the release of their holiday taboo tale, Ann Grech and the boys from Always Him, Declan and Ollie, stopped by the Banter to…
well, banter!
Ann, I’m so excited to have you here! Before we really get going we have to ask the usual question for those who may not be aware of your great work. Will you please tell us a little bit about yourself?
Hello! Thanks for having me. Um, okay what can I say? I’m a mad fan of M/M books. I write gay and bisexual romance in my “spare” time, which isn’t really spare at all. I usually write instead of doing things like cleaning the kitchen after dinner or instead of making the kids’ lunches in the morning (I’m always running late for work because of it too). I’ve got two boys and an amazing hubby who is ridiculously supportive. Either that or he knows better than to try to get in the way of the voices in my head – don’t worry, I’m not a serial killer, just a writer! I live in Queensland, Australia and my guilty pleasure is cookies.
Heck, even as readers I think we can relate to “neglecting” real life. So, Always Him is a departure from your debut M/M series, Unexpected. What made you go down the “taboo” path? Which by the way is one of my favorites!
This story actually started out as an erotica short for my alter ego, Olive Hiscock. I was challenged to write the taboo element by a writer friend of mine, but then I fell in love with Declan and Ollie. Their story was begging to be told and so I just let the words flow. It turned into something so much more. The taboo element gives great fodder for Declan’s struggle and how he comes to terms with himself. I think it’s relatable too. Certainly not everyone falls for their step-brother or sister, but we’ve all experienced in one way or another the feeling that you desperately want something but can’t or shouldn’t have it.
I totally picked up on that desperation in the story. Some of our audience may not know you also recently released a M/M/F novel, Delectable. What sort of thrill ride is that gonna give us? Besides the obvious. *giggles*
Connor absolutely captured my heart years ago when I wrote an early draft of the story. I put it down and picked it up when I felt like I’d developed enough as a writer to really be able to do his story justice. He won’t ever let that piece of me go (I have part of his tattoo inked on me too as testament to that). Levi is the most honourable man. He truly is a “good guy” and Katy is spunky and fun, but gets rattled a bit by what happens to them. It’s sensual and heartbreaking and uplifting all at the same time. At heart, it’s a love story about three people falling in love and those bonds being tested to their limits.
On the lighter side of things, it’s set in my home town and so many of my fans who live locally too have commented how they loved reading about places they see every day. There’s also a few digs at the New South Wales State of Origin team in it (because Queensland’s better!)—the glossary at the beginning of the book is a bit of fun—and is the first book in a new series based around a group of friends.
I hope you love it!
That sounds like a lot of fun. I don’t know if you know but I have a dedication to two of my favorite books in the form of a tattoo. I know you brought the guys with you today, do you mind if we bring them in for a few questions before we continue? Oh, Kimmers, that is so cool. And it means so much to an author. Absolutely not, but I have no control over what they say.
Believe me, I know! *giggles* Declan, Ollie, you ready? *both walk in sitting next to each other in front of my desk*
Declan I’m just gonna get right to it cause that’s how I am, you said yourself that you, “would have laughed at the thought of instant lust” and a “palpable connection”. With your anonymous hook-up in Church how do you explain what you felt for, all intents and purposes, a one night stand?
It was crazy. I just wanted to go out, you know, unwind. Going home for me was stressful so getting out and having a few drinks, listening to good music, maybe pashing a hottie or dancing with him was all I was really after, but damn. It was like electricity going up my arm and zapping my insides in the best possible way when I saw Batman. I took one look at him and wanted him desperately. Then when we got separated, it was like my guts were being ripped out. Like I’d lost a part of me.
I guess I can kind of relate. When my husband showed up at my door for our first date I knew I was gonna marry him. Ollie, I must say it was very nice of you to allow Dec to disclose things on his own. If things hadn’t worked out the way they did would you have eventually confronted him?
Hey, Kimmers! I’m kinda like that – nice, you know. *Declan rolls his eyes and slaps Ollie on the arm as Ollie laughs.* It was hard and to be honest, I didn’t ever actually decide what to do. I wanted to tell Dec, but I was hesitant. Coming out is something that each person needs to do in their own time. And it’s not just once that we come out. Every time we meet someone or introduce our partner to a new person, we go through the process again. I didn’t want to force him to do that before he was ready, but the longer I kept what I knew to myself, the more I felt like I was betraying him.
I’m sorry you have to do that, it breaks my heart. No one should have to explain who they are or who they love. Declan, I have to know, how did you not know, you know? I mean – come on! *giggles*
Come on, gimme a break. *Declan smirks* I am officially the most blind, clueless guy on the planet.
*Ollie chimes in* I’m pretty sure people call it self-absorbed.
Fuck off. *Declan nudges Ollie with his shoulder and they share a heated look* I was trying so hard not to reveal myself, trying so hard to school my reactions that I was blind to what was right in front of me.
Declan, you never fail to charm me with your sentiments. *smiles* I want to ask Ann a couple more questions about your story before I put you both in the hot seat. *giggles* Ann, although this book was set during Christmas, and the holiday is what has Dec and Ollie returning home again, I didn’t feel like there was a lot of the celebration in the book. Was there a reason for that?
Sort of, and it kinda piggy-backs on what Ollie shared. I’ve heard so many stories of people who are in the community who dread going home for the holidays because they’re in the closet, because they’re hiding those people who are important to them from their relatives. If they do manage to stay together during the holidays, they’re often labelled as friends or roommates instead of their significant other. It hurts them, and instead of the holiday season being a celebration, it’s filled with stress. It’s like a dark cloud overshadows them because of it, so a lot of that Christmas cheer goes up in smoke. This isn’t what I would call an angsty story (although there are some parts that are) but I wanted to give a sense of the holiday season almost becoming secondary to Declan as he worked through his emotions.
Wow – that is so meaningful, Ann! I’m gonna get a little deep here…then we’ll get to the fun. While reading Always Him I felt that some personal, how should I say it, thoughts and fears may have been reflected, and dare I say societal concerns? I know there has been some debate over authors putting their political beliefs in their material, what are your thoughts on that? And let me just say I am a firm believer that society does not change unless we talk about our hopes, our fears, our concerns…and art (our books) are a form of expression.
Was it that obvious? Only kidding. I’ll be the first to admit my books get political. As a writer, I’m influenced by the things around me. If I find something upsetting, my books are the way I vent. I don’t write a book for the masses. I write it because the story wants to be told, however it comes out. So if there’s a particular political figure who upsets me, I’ll speak about him or her. If there are current events that hurt those who I hold dear, I’ll share my thoughts on them. For example, Australia has just finished its marriage equality postal survey. I’m an advocate of marriage equality and always have been. In my book, Delectable, I talk about the debate, the church and my view of its involvement in the debate (which just so we’re clear was, in my opinion, despicable) and my thoughts on how the whole thing went down. But my stories aren’t all politics! There’s other stuff in them too – sexy times and lots of love and kisses! But that’s not just what relationships are about. When I was waiting for my PhD thesis to get marked, it was months of hell, waiting on the decision of three people to either validate or dismiss five and a half years of work. That stress, that angst and how it affected my relationship with my hubby went straight into Whitewash. The world around me is my inspiration.
Is it right that I get political or use what’s happening in the world as inspiration or to influence my stories? Should I be doing that? In my view, absolutely, because if I say it, and it helps one person out there understand that they aren’t alone and are supported, then I’m happy. I have a platform to speak out on and I think it’d be irresponsible not to use that to try to help people.
If you (i.e. a reader) don’t like that or don’t agree with my views, that’s fine. I’m not asking you to dismiss your own opinions because yours are equally important. On the other hand, if it helps you think about a different perspective, that’s great too.
*clapping* Hurrah! I’m so glad to hear you say this. Because of reading, and especially in this genre, I am no longer the person I used to be...I believe for the better...and I think it is important for us to speak up. As a reader I thank you for telling the story that wants to be told…and I can vouch for the sexy times and love in your books. Very sexy times! *winks*
Thanks, Kimmers!
Okay, let’s lighten the mood. I recently saw you post you might be a little manic when it comes to decorating the Christmas tree. *whispers* Me too! Do you have one special ornament that must be placed on the tree each year and if so what is it?
Me? Never! Okay, maybe just a little. I have a Pepe Le Pew and Penelope ornament with “Our first Christmas” written on it. Hubby and I bought it the year we put up our first Christmas tree, so one of us always puts it on the tree. I’ve also got a couple of special Santa’s and baby’s first Christmas ornaments that people have given us as gifts or we’ve bought that I always put on. Hubby always puts on the star, but since the kids have been helping us decorate the tree, he lifts them up and they put it on.
Sounds vaguely familiar. What one memory from Christmas past do you hold dear?
As a kid I used to live in Melbourne. Every Christmas Eve we’d go to church then open our presents (we were too impatient to wait until Christmas Day). We had three aunts and uncles and a bunch of cousins who always had Christmas at our house. Mum would be up at some awful hour of the morning cooking and we’d all be in there helping. Then it was a day of eating and laughing together.
When we moved up to Queensland and I met my boyfriend (now hubby), I’d alternate between Christmas at Mum and Dad’s and at his parents. One of those Christmases hubby’s Nan came up to stay. I didn’t really know my Nan—she lived overseas—so it was something I’ll never forget when she asked me to call her Nan and accepted me as one of the grandkid's.
More recently, watching my eldest take his first steps was pretty cool too. He was trying to get to the Christmas tree and so stood up and walked over to it like he’d been doing it all his life. I’d been trying to get him to walk to me for weeks, but whatever ornament it was that he wanted did the trick.
It’s those memories that make this season so dear! So, Ollie, what would you like to find in your Christmas stocking?
You know, I’m pretty blessed. I don’t really want or need anything, but if you’re offering I’ll take chocolate. Of any kind and as much of it as you wanna give me.
*laughter* I gotta know, after this fantastic year, what are you two going to dress up as next Christmas?
*Ollie chimes in enthusiastically* Xena, Warrior Princess.
*Declan blinks and looks at Ollie* I don’t even know what to say to that.
*Ollie laughs and waggles his eyebrows* You can be Gabrielle.
*smirking* Sooooo, with that, what are your plans for New Year’s? Any special role play? *winks*
*Declan looks at Ollie* I don’t really care what we do for New Year’s as long as I can kiss him at midnight. *blushing* Wow, that was really sappy of me.
*Ollie grabs Declan’s hand* Dec told me about a drag show he’s been to a few times. That’ll rock New Year’s and I can kiss the fuck outta him in the back room, so I think we’ll be there.
*Declan throws a heated smile at Ollie and nods slowly* I like that club. The back room has this stage with a swing on it…
All righty then, Dec, what does your 2018 look like to you?
Studying mostly. I have a pretty heavy study load so I’ll be spending a lot of time with my head buried in books or in the lab at college. I’m kinda hoping my new man takes pity on me and forces me to go away for the weekend with him every now and then too. Somewhere warm if you’re wondering. *Declan looks pointedly at Ollie and raises his eyebrows until Ollie nods* Well, that and a shit ton of sex!
*Ollie groans* And on that note, we might wind things up. *he laughs and blushes* Thanks for having us and happy holidays!
Thanks for coming guys and we wish you much happiness! Ann, one last question for you and then I think you have something to add? Could we possibly see more of Dec and Ollie?
At the moment, I think you can see they’re enjoying their time together, but if they start speaking to me again, I’ll absolutely write it. I’m currently working on a spin-off from my Unexpected series so that’ll keep me busy for a little while yet.
Oh, I know our readers will be excited for that!
I hope so, and speaking of readers. I’m leaving 2 eBook copies of Always Him for a couple winners. Thank you again for having me and happy holidays everyone! Hope that this festive season is filled with love, hope and happiness for you and your loved ones.
About Always Him
Forgetting them was near impossible, but choosing one was harder. Declan had kept his secret for so long; its revelation could destroy his family. Being gay wasn’t it. The truth was far worse—he’d fallen for his stepbrother, Ollie. Returning home for the holidays wasn’t something he did very often, but his mom insisted on it that year. His trip home didn’t turn out as he expected; Declan’s world was flipped on its head by a sexy stranger. Now he was torn, unable to get Batman out of his head and Ollie out of his heart. Note: this story was originally published in the Tempting Scrooge anthology, but has been substantially revised, reedited and additional content added.
Meet the Author
By day Ann Grech lives in the corporate world and can be found sitting behind a desk typing away at reports and papers or lecturing to a room full of students. With her quirky glasses and shiny leather briefcase, she has the librarian look nailed. All laced up tight in her pencil skirts and killer heels, her students can only fantasize about what she gets up to in her spare time. If only they could see those tattoos! Oh, and the notepads of story ideas tucked away in odd places that would be sure to have them fanning themselves.
By night she’s a wife and mum and a purveyor of saucy stories that are filled with lust, raunchy scenes and ultimately love. Ann’s an avid reader of anything sexy and firmly believes in the motto ‘leave mummy alone, she’s reading or writing.’ Because of that, she is pretty hopeless when it comes to getting dinner on the table on time or cleaning the house.
She also publishes her raunchier short stories under her pen name, Olive Hiscock.
For more from Ann be sure and visit her website!
Two winners will be selected at random from all participants entered. Giveaway ends December 15, 2017 at 12:00 a.m. CST/USA. Winners will be announced after said time on December 15th and will be contacted via e-mail. *Please be sure to check your SPAM as many times e-mails are filtered.*
