An Interview with Santino Hassell (@SantinoHassell)

1) How did you start writing erotica?

Basically, it started with Nifty.org and then fanfiction. I realized there was a way to tell stories that (at the time) weren’t published in books or shown on TV, and I could put it out there for an audience. It was mind blowing, and I never stopped writing or wanting to show people my stories.

2) What’s the best writing tip you’ve ever been given?

Every book’s conflict needs to be tied to the main character’s problems. Basically, weave the plot with the subplots! Have your character’s internal issues drive everything else.

3) Where do you draw your inspiration from?

Random things. A person, a song, a piece of art. I never know when I’m going to be inspired or why a certain story will come to me.

4) What’s your favourite published work of yours and why?

At the moment it’s Down by Contact. It’s not out until January, and it’s the second in my M/M football romance series, but it was so much fun to write. The characters are loveable and charming, and it’s really sexy.

5) What erotic authors do you enjoy reading?

So many! Right now I’m obsessed with books co-written by Piper Vaughn and Avon Gale, and Molly O’Keefe.

6) Which author, erotic or otherwise would you love to meet and why?

I’d love to meet Molly O’Keefe. And I’ve already met Tiffany Reisz, but I’d love to see her again! It’s awesome when authors I admire are really cool in person.

7) If you could bring one of your characters to life, which one would it be and why?

Ohhh. Hmm. Probably Simeon Boudreaux from Down by Contact. He’s hilarious, sweet, funny, and crushable. I’d be so in love with him.

8) How do you get yourself in the mood to write?

Honestly, I write even when I’m not in the mood. Lol. My schedule doesn’t leave me much choice. But usually I hype myself up with a ton of coffee.

9) What’s your favourite genre within erotica and why?

I honestly love contemporary romance and erotica, but I’m also very partial to romantic suspense! I like worlds that feel accessible and that I can picture myself in. It’s like the better version of real life.

10) What are you working on at the moment?

North Shore –book 6 in the Five Boroughs series. That series is almost done! So weird to think about.

11) What’s the biggest writing challenge you’ve ever taken on? Did you succeed?

Honestly, writing The Community was a huge challenge. There is romance, but also an overall suspense plot, psychic powers, a Big Bad, action, secrets and lies… it felt HUGE. My editor and my betas really gave me the confidence needed to keep pushing through after I lost confidence.

12) What’s your biggest writing achievement? Why?

I’ll be releasing a M/F trilogy in print. Actual bookstores! It’s incredible. I never thought that would happen, so it’s a little mind blowing. My next goal is to someday score a deal for queer romance in print.

*****

About Sightlines

Chase Payne is a walking contradiction. He’s the most powerful psychic in the Community, but the least respected. He’s the son of the Community’s founder, but with his tattoo sleeves and abrasive attitude, he’s nothing like his charismatic family. No one knows what to make of him, which is how he wound up locked in a cell on the Farm yet again. But this time, the only man he’s ever loved is there too.

Elijah Estrella was used to being the sassy sidekick who fooled around with Chase for fun. But that was before he realized the Community wasn’t the haven he’d believed in and Chase was the only person who’d ever truly tried to protect him. Now they’re surrounded by people who want to turn them against their friends, and the only way out is to pretend the brainwashing works.

With Chase playing the role of a tyrant’s second-in-command, and Elijah acting like Chase’s mindless sex toy, they risk everything by plotting a daring escape. In the end, it’s only their psychic abilities, fueled by their growing love for each other, that will allow them to take the Community down once and for all.

Available now from Riptide Publishing. http://www.riptidepublishing.com/titles/sightlines

*****

About The Community Series

What lies beneath the surface of the world you thought you knew?

Secrets and lies have twisted an underground community founded by psychics escaping persecution. Blackmail, sex, and social climbing in the name of power has created an irreparable rift.

In the eyes of the founders, there are two sides: loyalists and everyone else. Surely no one would emerge from their tightly woven webs. And they certainly wouldn’t sow the seeds of rebellion within the heart of the Community’s only queer night club.

Now an outcast, a scion, and a runaway are leading a revolution to save not only the men they love, but the entire Community.

Check out The Community series! https://riptidepublishing.com/titles/series/community

*****

About Santino Hassell

Santino Hassell was raised by a conservative family but grew up to be a smart-mouthed, school cutting grunge kid, a transient twenty-something, and eventually transformed into a grumpy introvert and unlikely romance author with an affinity for baseball caps. His novels are heavily influenced by the gritty, urban landscape of New York City, and his desire to write relationships fueled by intensity and passion.

He’s been a finalist in both the Bisexual Book Awards and the EPIC Awards, and was nominated for a prestigious RITA award in 2017. His work has been featured in BuzzFeed, Huffington Post, Washington Post, RT Magazine, and Cosmopolitan Magazine.

Connect with Santino:

Website: www.santinohassell.com

Blog: santinohassell.com/blog

Facebook: www.facebook.com/santinohassellbooks

Twitter: twitter.com/SantinoHassell

Tumblr: thatdudesantino.tumblr.com/

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/santinohassell/

Instagram: instagram.com/santinohassell

Google+: plus.google.com/u/0/+SantinoHassell/

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/santino_hassell

*****

Giveaway

To celebrate the release of Sightlines, one lucky winner will receive a $15 Riptide credit! Leave a comment with your contact info to enter the contest. Entries close at midnight, Eastern time, on October 14, 2017. Contest is NOT restricted to U.S. entries. Thanks for following the tour, and don’t forget to leave your contact info!