Gladys After Dark with Gladys Cross

Which character do you enjoy writing the most as a writer and why? If choosing a favorite character is like choosing a favorite child, which character do you find requires the most attention and detail from you as a writer?

Hunter from Damaged was the most fun to write, and I’m not really sure what that says about me as a person. He took me out of my comfort zone and the challenges of his “affliction” ended up expanding my descriptive capabilities.

Can you explain your writing process? Do you prefer to create an outline and plan beforehand, or do you prefer to write more spontaneously and organically?

I’m what I like to call an organized pantser. Usually, I know where I want the characters to start, maybe something that happens midway through, and the ending. My characters steer all the action beyond that, which can be problematic. Whenever I get stuck, or paint myself into a corner, then I turn to an outline for the remaining part of the story.

Do you identify with your main character or did you create a character that is your opposite?

Stella is the woman I wish I was bold enough to be. She’s fierce, brash, and unapologetic. We do have one trait in common, though, stubbornness. I’ll get back to you when I figure out if that’s a good thing, or if it gets us in trouble.

Describe the [book/series] in 10 words or less for people who are just learning about it.

The Devil’s Deviants MC is dark, sexy, and action-packed.

Share some advice for aspiring authors. What advice would you give to your younger self?1. What is your favorite line from your book?

Most of us start off with a non-existent budget, but the best advice I ever received was to invest in editing and covers. There are a few ways you can save money on covers. For example, I shop for premade covers. Often you can turn that sale gem into a series by asking the artist to change one or two elements.

What is your take on book boyfriends? Do they actually exist? Or do they set the bar for “real life men” impossibly high?

The joy of book boyfriends is in the fantasy. They allow us to be a different version of ourselves and imagine what it might be like to date a sexy mafia henchman. Even better than that, after a few weeks, we can ditch them and start the fantasy all over again.

Have you ever experienced writer’s block? How did you deal with it?

I experienced it for the first time when I was writing Damaged. I’m pretty sure I stared at the same thirty thousand words for two months straight. Then, a writer friend suggested I do sprints with them, and the creativity of the group must have worn off on me. Damaged was finished three weeks later.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I’m an avid reader. Usually if I’m not writing, you’ll find me curled up with my dog and a book.

Do you have any personal connection to the story or characters?

Believe it or not, I’m a former old lady! There’s nothing quite like the comaraderie of the bike community, and I wanted to capture that with The Devil’s Deviants MC.