Liz Borino Interview/Giveaway

Vanessa: Would you please start by telling us a little bit about yourself?

My name is Liz Borino. I’m an author of male/male erotic romance, lately with BDSM elements. I try to write stories that depict the lifestyle as anchored in love, which it generally is. In my other life, I pursue an English Master’s degree, and seek warmth in Pennsylvania winters.

Marie: What books or authors have inspired your writing?

S.E. Hinton, Michael Cunningham, S.E. Jakes, and Sue Brown, among other m/m authors.

Vanessa: What is one thing about you that your readers would find surprising or never guess about you?

There’s a little bit of me in all of my characters, but the one who most resembles my personality is Steve, the Dom in the Mine Series. And no, I’m not in the lifestyle. I love research, though, and that’s how I get my information for my books.

Vanessa: Can you tell us about your current work in progress, perhaps you could share a favorite fact or piece of fascinating information it?

My current WIP is called Behind the Scenes, (book 1, Vol. 2 of Mine). It follows the couple, Zack and Steve, to New York. What makes this book different from the first volume is there’s another couple involved, Drew and Alex, and I’m writing with a coauthor. It’s been a great experience so far.

Gaele: Where do your ideas come from? Do you set out to ‘outline’ a plot and situations, or do you let the characters take you along for the ride, and clean it up later?

Both. We started this last project with a rough outline, okay, a bullet list of scenes to include. This helped guide the book in the direction we wanted it to go. We’re now in the process of going through and adding things to make the story flow better and make more sense.

Gaele: With all the characters you have created – are there any that you feel need to have another book or series to get their “story told”?

No, but eventually, I have to finish the Taylor Twins series. It was my first and though I’m still in love with the characters, the style that I wrote it in is different than what I’ve grown into now.

Gaele: Best advice you have ever been given about writing?

Write what you know. Thankfully, with the ease of research you can ‘know’ a lot more today than you could twenty plus years ago. I think I would change it to write what you understand.

Gaele: What do you do to relax, when you aren’t writing or thinking about it?

There are very few times I’m not thinking about writing at all. But when I do take days off, I like to explore cities, try new restaurants, and spend time with my friends. Often times, we’re talking about writing, though.

Rachel: If you could visit any time period and location (past or future) when and where would you go?

I always liked the Victorian Era, but I wouldn’t have much patience for the rules, I don’t think.

Vanessa: I’m a bit of an author stalker and I love going to signings and conventions. Do you have any upcoming appearances?

I’m so excited! My first print edition (Mine series Vol. 1) is coming out Jan. 6! So, I’m looking for local bookstores to carry it and do a signing in.

Action: Amazon

When the bright lights and flashing cameras of Hollywood capture your every move, how can you fulfill your deepest desires? For Zack Greene, a formerly out-of-control actor, and Steve Michaels, the director who unearthed the heart of the man beneath the ego, it’s a constant struggle.

In public, Steve and Zack are the picture of professional partners. However, behind closed doors, their partnership is taken to a new level. They engage in a carefully constructed Dom/sub relationship that not only brings them pleasure, but keeps Zack from slipping back into his wild ways.

Their delicate balance is thrown askew when a producer on the show threatens to expose their lifestyle, while taking advantage of Zack in a moment of vulnerability. Will Steve be able to ease the pain and save the love they share? Or will they come apart when they need each other most?

*Warning: Light BDSM, D/s relationship, spanking, and hot m/m sex*

Cutaway:  Amazon

Two years after Steve Michaels called, “Action!” on a new phase in his career as co-producer on the television show Ben’s Life, the lights go up again on his Dom/sub relationship with actor Zack Greene, but Hollywood cameras don’t always capture the truth.

A mention of Steve’s past in the BDSM scene has Zack craving new ways for them to connect. All of the couple’s concerns fall away when Steve and his ex, Peter, are in a car accident. The last ones to know, Zack and Josh, Peter’s slave, rush to the hospital. The injuries from the accident force the dominant man to set aside his pride and accept help from Zack. Will the couple get to explore new boundaries in their relationship or will the dependency Cutaway the structure holding their relationship in place?

That’s a Wrap: Amazon

Love.

Trust.

Vulnerability.

Family.

That’s a Wrap

As the bright lights of Hollywood dim, futures, relationships, and identities are thrown into question. The once successful television show, Ben’s Life, is in big trouble. For Steve Michaels, the director, in a long-term Dom/sub relationship with Zack Greene, the lead actor, this means impending unemployment.

Through training Josh as their domestic slave, coupled with the care he received during recovery from a debilitating car accident, Steve opens himself up to role reversal in his relationship with Zack. The occasional release of control on Steve’s part, and Zack’s adeptness at taking it, grants them freedom and stability to meet challenges as a unit.

But when the life they had planned is put in jeopardy by one phone call, Steve and Zack will need to expand the safe haven they’ve created together to include one more. Priorities shift and a different light shines the way to new beginnings.

Liz would  like to giveaway an eCopy of Action and Cutaway today. Be sure to leave your email address with the comment. I will email the winner on 1-26-13