Name: Tyler May
Age: Does a woman ever tell her true age? LOL….but I’m 36
Where are you from: The great state of Michigan in a suburb of Metro Detroit.
A little about your self `ie your education Family life etc:
I am a stay at home mom to my 3 beautiful children and happily married for going on 16 years. I also advocate for blood clot awareness since a pulmonary embolism took the life of my twin sister in 2011 at the age of 33. That cause will always be dear to my heart and actually you will read about “personal” issues that I’ve worked into my fictions: blood clots being one. Not in my first release: Angel of Darkness, but in another I am writing as I speak.
Fiona: Tell us your latest news?
I am happy to announce that I just signed my very first contract with Hot Ink Press to have my first book published. Angel of Darkness is a male/male paranormal romance between a blind vampire and his human lover. It’s not your traditional vampire story. I consider it more of a love story than anything, so romance lovers will like it and so will the vampire enthusiast.
Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?
I began writing fan-fiction for Days of our lives (an American soap opera.) Even then I never stuck with the cast of the show. I created original characters that were my main men (it too was M/M) and the cast as supporting just to have it post in fan-fiction. Sneaky! But I got a great response and although my fan-fiction is not edited or my best work, I enjoy it so much. I decided to give my own story a chance. With the support of a couple friends (shout out to Michael and Jen) encouraging me the entire time, I wrote Angel of Darkness on a whim and fell in love.
Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I read other’s work and feel I’ll never compare. It still boggles my mind to consider myself a writer. I’ll always be a fan girl first and a writer second, but the first time I considered myself a writer was when I realized it was something I COULD do. I write for me…..and it’s just a bonus that others enjoy it. I love the characters I create and to have others love them, well, that’s just the best feeling in the world. My advice to aspiring writers (and I still consider myself one as well) is this: write what you love, enjoy what you create, and everything else is secondary to the fulfillment you’ll find within yourself. Write for you first.
Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?
Actually, I started several other projects first (I’m getting back to those now), but Angel of Darkness was a whim. I wanted to see if I could write a paranormal because I never have. And I had seen on another publisher’s website about a blind vamp and a human lover. Thought I would try and submit it as part of their anthology. Well, the more I wrote the more I loved and then it turned into a full novel. I decided not to submit to the other publisher as an anthology, but as a stand-alone and I’m glad I did now
Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?
No real writing style. I have an outline, mostly in my head lol. I write what feels right and sometimes what I had in mind doesn’t make it to paper(or computer screen I should say lol) because those characters had other ideas 😉 I’m a pretty laid back writer. I have three kids, one disabled, so I have to be on my toes all the time. I write in between doing the mom-thing, so I’m not one of those writers that can pop out 5k a day. I envy them lol.
Fiona: How did you come up with the title?
Oh, the title….Don’t you just love it? Mysterious yet romantic. It came to me because it’s a line in my story. After running ideas with my friend Michael, we came up with My Angel of Darkness, but I decided later to just do Angel of Darkness. But you will see it used a few times in the story for good reason….it has significant meaning.
Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
I write m/m, so my message is always the same. That my character will make you fall in love with romance regardless of the gender. I just want everyone to love…love. In Angel of Darkness, specifically, I want people to realize that true love is never lost. And when you read, I think you’ll agree with why I say this. It truly has a great meaning behind it, not just a gory vampire story.
Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?
Well, it’s a vampire love story….so I guess if you believe that then all of it. LOL but no really, take out the vampires and the paranormal stuff I feel it’s very believable. I have this saying in my book and in my author bio on Hot Ink Press: “Everything you can imagine is real.”—Picasso. The world is full of possibilities and treasure yet to be “real”.
Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Not for Angel of Darkness, again about vampires, but my work-in-progress the readers will read several things that I have based on my real life. For Angel of Darkness I did have a friend that helped me with some of the magic stuff in it so it would be more realistic…..shout out to Melissa.
Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most?
My life: the Bible, Complimentary Colors by Adrienne Wilder (LOVED), um…so many to list. I am such a fan girl to so many!
Fiona: If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
I have authors I consider a friend more than a mentors, some published and some still working on theirs, but they would be: Michael McFee, J.R. Barten, and Elaine White. They all have supported and cheered me the entire time. I also am totally an Adrienne Wilder fan….so I would love for her to mentor me lol. (HINT HINT!)
Fiona: What book are you reading now?
Decadent by Elaine White it will release on Aug. 15. I am also reading Letting Go of you by JM Witt. I wish I had more time to read. I never believed the authors that said they don’t have enough time….apologies to all of you I called a liar in my head. I now believe you. 😉
Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
I came into the m/m genre just in the past couple years and I have loved it, so the authors I am reading are new to me, but have been around for a while. But I’m going to pimp my friends once more: JM Witt, Elaine White, J.R. Barten (she has an anthology out) and I’m afraid if I mention Wilder one more time she may think I’m crazy….Um, it may or may not be true. 😉 Also, all my new friends and fellow authors over at Hot Ink Press….wow, I am truly amazed at the talent and I can’t believe I missed out on so much. I have a lot of great reading in my future!
Fiona: What are your current projects?
Oh, I love this question because I want to share my work-in-progress with you all so badly. The title is Silver and Black or Black and Silver (haven’t decided just yet lol). It’s a M/M romance and mystery. Greyson Black (narrator) and Brian Silver are the names of my main characters and my love interests in the book. The book takes place in New York. Greyson is a young college student and he works at one of the world’s largest coffee house franchises, Silver Coffee. CEO and business entrepreneur Brian Silver has his eyes on Greyson and has for a while. After a break up, Greyson is ready for more fun, but is he ready for a relationship? There’s a certain mystery (I won’t spoil right now), but Greyson will suspect everyone but his best friend in the world Levi. You all will love Levi! He’s a character like I’ve never written before and I fall more and more in love with his personality every time I write him a line. This story will have the reader questioning everyone….and everything. But the outcome is going to shock…..I’m still working on it. I’m about 45k words in and still have a lot to tell. So I’m sure I’ll spill more soon. No paranormal in this book….all real and very realistic situations. I’m actually using several experiences for life in this (maybe not my own but ones I have heard.)
Fiona: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
Oh, this is so hard….just one? I really can’t do just one so I’m going to cheat. Because first off, My friend Jen has supported me from the beginning and I’ve never laid physical eyes on her. I met her on twitter and we’ve been great friends since. She and I decided that we WERE going to do this. So I couldn’t have done it without her. But secondly my friend, again someone I met online, Michael. He has helped me brainstorm, helped me edit, proof, and just supported everything I gave to him. I owe him….if it wasn’t for him t Zander (my vampire)’s bites would be bits A LOT lol.
Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?
Absolutely…it’s very hard. I don’t think people give authors enough credit unless it’s the big ones.
Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
Nope….I love it the way it is.
Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I’ve always had an interest, but never had the ambition, focus, or courage….I’m so grateful that came.
Fiona: Can you share a little of your current work with us?
Angel of Darkness is a paranormal romance between a blind vampire and his human lover. I’ll share the unofficial blurb: After a tragic event in his life, Christian Bowman found sanctuary in reading and developed an obsession with the paranormal and vampires. Now twenty-one, Christian fantasies come to life when he meets Zander, a blind vampire. A fantasy he’s only dreamt about. But will that dream turn into a nightmare when he sees just how dark and dangerous living in a vampire’s world can be? Is their love strong enough to withstand obstacles one could only imagine?
Christian is in love with his Angel of Darkness…..But is there a happily-ever-after when you’re in love with a vampire? They have a past, but can they have a future?
Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Trying to keep things fresh, don’t want to sound repetitive. Not writing like I speak. I’m finding that I speak completely wrong lol. Making sure the characters are developed fully. Oh, I can go on and on…..I think it’s a common trait in authors to always have challenges like these. We want fresh, organic, lovable characters.
Fiona: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
I have no one favorite….I have so many I look up to for different reason.
Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
Well, don’t know that yet….just getting started, but I’ll let you all know the answer to this later. But it would be fun!
Fiona: Who designed the covers?
My book cover is being designed in house (Hot Ink Press) by their lovely designer.
Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?
The hardest part for me was confidence that others would love it as much as I did. Wrapping it up nicely was rough too….you don’t want an erupt ending. Trying to make fiction still real.
Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
I learned to have faith in myself.
Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?
My advice to new authors is pretty simple. Anything is possible if you put your mind to it. Be patient with yourself. And like I said before, write for you. Do what makes you happy. If writing makes you happy then it’s worth it. There will always be someone there trying to knock you down, don’t let them win. You are doing this for you! I enjoy writing….having others read what I enjoy is just the best gift to myself. They may not like it, it may not be their thing, but I loved it first and it was worth it. And never give up! Keep going….keep trying….keep writing.
Fiona: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
I’m new so be patient as my skills mature lol I’m a pretty laid back girl so I would love to hear from them as they get to read my work, dare I say good or bad. I always respect their opinion and I hope they will always respect mine. I cherish each and every one that gives my books a chance. But since we are talking about my book now, specifically for Angel of Dark, I want them to know that even if you don’t like paranormal books please give it a try. It’s a love story first….with vampire and paranormal sprinkled in. ❤
Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?
YES! And I love reading it to my children…..are we going that far back? Hey you wanted the first book. It was There’s a monster at the end of this book. Maybe you’re talking real books???…Um, that I do not remember lol.
Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies?
Playing with my kids, crafting, reading
Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?
TV: Days of Our Lives, Grey’s Anatomy, Shameless, True Blood, Glee
Films: Musicals! Love them. Phantom of the Opera, Grease, and any girly flick.
Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music
Favorite food: Anything Mexican or Chinese. Favorite Colors: Pink and green. Music: I love all music. I pretty much listen to anything. I love to get inspiration from it.
Fiona: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done?
Well, I’m a mom and that is all I’ve ever wanted to be. But I guess I would be a vascular ultrasound technician.
Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? If so what is it?
I have a Facebook: Author Tyler May. I have a Twitter by the same name. I am in the process of setting more up. So stay tuned and follow me there and I’ll link it when I get it. ❤
Thank you Fiona and those that are taking the time to read this. Can’t wait to see where this journey takes me and hope you are all in on the ride. Look out soon for Angel of Darkness: release date TBA.
authorsinterviews 