Thursday 16 March 2017

My Interview with Author Ray Sostre



When did you first realize you wanted to become a Writer/author?

In the summer of 2010, when I was going through a dark period of losing my job and feeling unhappy of my current situation. I knew I had to make a change of scenery, and find something positive to begin. I would’ve never thought of myself being an author, but when I wrote my first short story I was rough around the edges and felt very attracted to writing erotica.
What got me into writing erotica was all by accident, when I came across a short story and told him it was crappy. I was challenged and the rest became history. My passion as an author grew more in 2011.

Where do you get your ideas for your book?

My ideas for a story come from multitudes of things, ranging mostly from stuff from my own mind to erotic pictures that I see, in which gets my spark going with my writing. And then there are video inspirations, excerpts I’ve read where I put it to my own twists; many things that get my muse going

What kind of things do you enjoy when not writing?

Mainly, traveling, and then reading. I live in the middle of the desert in Northeastern Nevada. There’s not much out here to do, except drink and gamble. There’s a lot of vice, and it’s easy to get swallowed into it if you’re not careful. 

It’s also one of the reasons why I enjoy to write. It’s therapeutic; gives me a goal in life, and out of trouble.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

A total of twelve books. My first published book was in 2011, about a passion rekindled after being denied for it eight years ago – Their First Night Together. It was a signature and a style of how I want to write erotic romance. 
I write mostly ménage, because I enjoy writing scenes that involve multiple partners, regardless where the story goes. It’s fun to challenge myself into writing multiple partner scenes. I do write LGBT and light BDSM. Right now, I’m currently working on a story that features a series of bisexual scenes involving more than women, men, and transgendered. It took a while for me to get over the stigma, because of my heterosexuality, but I love catering to a wide array of fans.
My favorite book to write? Oh man, I have about a few. In 2013, I first wrote Love Out Of Lust, which was so different from the rest and I love the characters Marisol and Daryl, in which I can’t wait to complete the series. 
In addition, I have another favorite of writing Their First Night Together. Although, the original was revised in 2014, and published under an anthology called, Gratis: Transformations,  it’s still one of my favorite stories.
Then there is A Thrill Seeking Relationship, which was published in 2015, currently from a publisher. I love this story very much, because it had showed a step up of what I’ve written, and how much I enjoy writing stories about sexual adventure, and I utilize that style until this day.

And lastly, Allison In Wonderland. It was the most difficult story I’ve ever written, but by far a big favorite of mine. I was influenced by a fan, the story, and a popular video game that inspired me to write it (Metroid: Zero Mission ©2004). I was also fascinated about the Wonderland theme, and how I wrote the story I wanted to be different from the rest. 

Do you have any suggestions to help others who have a passion for writing?

Yes, don’t think that you can’t make anything of yourself, regardless of age. When I got involved in writing I was in my teenage years and I put it away exactly twenty years ago, in 1997. After being away for thirteen years, I wasn’t sure if I could have the fire to come back on, but I did in 2010. Seven years later, I’m still flourishing at what I love to do. There’s so much more to learn, and you never stop learning.  I could tell you like other authors to read, but I’ll get a bit more in depth with you. Challenge yourself, even when things get difficult. Learn from your mistakes, and also be humble about your work. Remember, you are selling yourself to readers, and all it takes it one reader to spread the good word about you. 

Most importantly, stay at it; no matter how tough it gets.

What do you think makes a great story?

I’m more story-driven than character-driven. I’ve never understood those who are character-driven. What makes a great story to me is an author who gets straight to the point in the story. I want to know how the story begins, and how interesting and moving they keep the story going. 

I want to know a backdrop of the character, but if the author is over-explaining their character than you have lost my interest, and I will deem your book is boring. I’m sorry if I sound too blunt, but I learned after reviewing some books that there are some authors who need to make their stories more interesting and straight to the point. I need to feel the story, not your character; that comes in automatically when you write your story.

Which Writer/Authors inspire you?

There are quite a few, like Jade West, Gemma Parkes, Sarah Michelle Lynch and Symone Craven, but one author who really inspired me the most, and until this day has left me with that style was Dawn Prochilo, and I was discovered by her. I’m happy to have gotten to know her, and I am glad to learn from this author.

What are you working on at the moment?(optional)

I’m working on three manuscripts at the moment. One is for a fan, and I’m working on Risque Pleasure – a series to A Thrill Seeking Relationship, but with a different sexual adventure.

I’m working on an erotic romance novel I wrote a long time ago, but never officially published, About the Night Ride Home. This story is what also define my style of writing erotic romance. 

But this one story that has inspired me a lot, and that is The Chronicles of Meriesa Lopez Series: Promiscuity & Success is the story I’m almost done working on. It’s over 400 pages, but this story will have it all that I want to combine; love, sex, and success. The story will contain all three categories that I write (Menage, LGBT, BDSM), and I wanted to give a constant dark, erotic feel in the story. 

I have other manuscripts I’m working on, but these three are the most important. 

What genre are your books?

LOL, I guess I told you what I write, but I’m strictly and only erotic.
I can write fantasy and sci-fi stories, but if I can’t write anything erotic involve it doesn’t give me the drive. 
Sex. Even though I’m monogamous in real life and fictitious about the sex I write, drives me to have purpose in life and writing.

What drew you to the genre you write?

The fact that I can write anything I want that involves sex.
Whether it’s drama, romance, crime, fantasy, mystery, or just pure fun, I can write anything and be as creative as I can be.

 Which Actor/Actress would you like to see portraying the lead character from your most recent book?(any book you like)

To be really honest, porn stars inspire me. And with the new wave of porn scenes flourishing in the market, with a plot and purpose, I would choose a number of them. 
I did create a cast list for my current release of Allison In Wonderland.
Unless you know any of these people on the list, it’s highly unlikely you know who they are.

Syren De Mer to play as the Red Queen
Tommy Gunn to play as Lord Knave
Dani Jensen to play as Jessica the White Rabbit
Danny D to play as Cheshire
James Deen to play as Mr. Hatter
Kate England to play as Kara the Sorceress
Emma Leigh to play as Willow, Mr. Hatter’s lover.
and
Karla Kush to play as Allison Woodward.


Do you write full-time or part-time?

I work part-time. I’m a blackjack dealer. So, when I’m not working on my manuscripts, you’ll find me dealing cards at a table or dealing roulette.

What is the hardest thing about writing?

For me, it was balancing out my e-magazine I so much loved and created in at the same time I returned to writing. I launched the site, AfterDark Online in 2010, and decided to shut it down this year. It was my baby, but I was so consumed with my writing, that I couldn’t help other authors in the process. My site featured reviews, interviews, new releases, and short stories, but I was so heavily involved with my writing and books I couldn’t make time. So I had to let it go

The other hardest part in general about writing, is reading, reviewing, and revising. Especially when you revise a story you worked your ass off on, because you see a better way to make your story hotter or better, but it’s a pain to start at square one.

Any tips on how to get through the dreaded Writer’s block?

Yeah, drink. A nice stiff one. LOL. I’m only kidding.
Do something different. Be human. Don’t get swallowed up too much with your work. Writer’s block happen all the time with me, and I get frustrated. 
When you’re working too hard, it’s not going to come out right. So take a step back and chill.
When you’re hungry to write, the idea will come back to you.

Do you read much, and if so who are your favorite Authors or genres?

Yes I do. I’m not much of a fast reader of books like I used, because I’m mostly writing. As far as my favorite authors, there’s Jade West, Sarah Michelle Lynch, Gemma Parkes, Paulie Dee, Suzzana C. Ryan. Lately, J.F. Silver’s been on my radar, and Symone Craven. I love the dark, lustrous style of that author.

Is there anything else you would like to add that I haven’t included?

I’m a big electronica fan, and music has a way to influence me.

How can Readers discovery more about you and your work?(please provide proper links)

Gladly!

Catch me on Facebook: http://facebook.com/authorraysostre
Twitter: @anarchy0029
Instagram: http://instagram.com/author_raysostre
You are also welcome to email me at: authorraysostre (at) gmail (dot) com. I love interacting with people.


Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to take part in this interview 😊

1 comment:

  1. Thank you so much for having me on Thursday. It's a privilege to be interviewed, and I had fun!

    ReplyDelete