- How did you choose the topic for this book?
This idea came to me a long time ago when I wrote the “plot” to about halfway. Then I didn’t even look at it for a couple of years. Finally, about a year ago, I pulled it out and started to write it. I don’t know at what point I decided to ask for guidance (which I never do) and asked a blogger/reviewer friend to “chime in”. WELL! She decided that I needed to go the paranormal “ghost” direction and all because of the name of the security firm I chose. Honestly, I had no thought of doing that. At all. So back to square one. And “The Ex’s Boyfriend, A Ghost Story” was born.
- Tell us something we don’t know about your heroes. What makes them tick?
When this book went through the brutal hands of my editor, it was made painfully clear that I had NOT made Rogan transparent enough in that he had a long journey from where he was to where he is in the present part of this book. So I did have to go back and give him more background. Add pain and substance for the reader. I knew him. I knew where he was coming from. But I guess it also had to be explained. LOL!
- What was the hardest part of writing this book?
Finishing it. It just kept going. I thought it would never end. As it is, I probably chopped it at a good part and most likely should have continued a few more pages… And now I am thinking that Leon needs an “ending”, so I am not sure. I guess if I get enough feedback that says he needs a story I will consider it.
- Who did your cover, and what was the design process like?
Soxsational Cover art. I love Tracy. She is amazingly talented but one of the main problems is that she is incredibly busy. I already had this “design”, in that I sent her “a picture” which was black and white (boring) and even some “ideas” like “add some color to his pocket” or some such nonsense. But it was her brilliance that put it together like this. She told me she read the blurb and realized it was paranormal so thought to add that element. I have to say wow. But I always do where she is concerned.
- What character gave you fits and fought against you? Did that character cause trouble because you weren’t listening and missed something important about them?
I don’t think I “missed” anything now that Rogan’s past has been brought out more. But I think I was surprised when Mark revealed something about himself – his past – later in the book that even he didn’t know. Oh! And at the end, when my editor asked for “something additional” another fact revealed itself. THAT was a total surprise! I wish I could talk about them here, but I can’t! I personally LOVE spoilers, but I know most normal people do not.
- What secondary character would you like to explore more? Tell me about him.
Leon. And maybe Justin Hayes. Leon is a small vessel bobbing on the sea of life not knowing what to really do with himself. He would tell you differently though. He’s so lost and searching for a port but he would have you thinking he knows exactly where he is going. He doesn’t. And Justin is a blank canvas. Totally. I don’t know if anyone else will be interested in seeing into their lives. I guess I have to wait and see.
- Let’s talk to Leon for a minute – what’s it like to work for such a demanding writer?
What? Demanding? No way. In fact, I had to be the demanding one in order to get my character right. She still didn’t tell you who I really am. I mean, I am not a liar! Well – I do stretch the truth from time to time. But who doesn’t? The actual truth is I am as close to perfect as they come. I need someone who understand the huge burden that is. Someone who is worthy of… me. Don’t look at me like that! Of course, I think that way. I am a real catch. Not like Mark. Oh, he’s cute and all, has a certain appeal. But he is such a loser. He grovels at my feet, and do you know how much a turn off that is? Okay, I get that a lot. The groveling. Men begging for my favor. Because – well – just look at me. So, I understand where poor Mark was coming from. And like I said, he’s quite handsome. Pretty is what they say. Personally, I’ve seen better – like in my own mirror. (Chuckle)
- Are you happy with where your writer left you at the end?
Are you kidding? Absolutely not… well, maybe. It was interesting, let me put it that way. I am willing to… see what comes of… that. (Glances at Hurri) You better have gotten this right. I know where you live.
Mark has always been a Dominant. The Top in every relationship. Just ask Leon, his very ex-boyfriend, because that’s what he told Mark he was.
Okay, Mark’s only had the one relationship so the ‘always’ was a reach, but it didn’t matter. It was more than over with now, and Leon was long gone. That is until Leon felt it necessary to show off his new boyfriend, a gorgeous mountain called Rogan, by evidently telling him that Mark was stalking, bullying, badgering, harassing and get this, abusing him.
“He’ll kill you, Mark, because he loves me and wants to protect me.”
From whom? Skinny little Mark? What a joke. Because all Mark has ever done was exactly what Leon told him to do and that now included staying as far away from Leon as he could get. But how can he do that when Leon is hell-bent on proving all the lies he’s told Rogan about Mark were true, and by any means possible except the actual truth? Thankfully, it seems Rogan’s not quite as clueless about Leon’s wild imagination as Mark has always been. In fact, the big, beautiful man has come to Mark’s rescue a couple of times and has made it clear, Leon and he are not a thing. At least, not anymore.
Which is good since Mark is going to need Rogan’s help. Mainly because something else is out to get Mark. Something not Leon.
This something isn’t even human…
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“It doesn’t work,” Mark remarked. “It never has.”
As if that might have been important in the whole scheme of things, Rogan turned to him. “Really? Why?”
“I have no idea. They have never been able to fix it, either.”
Rogan grumbled a string of profanities against landlords as he pulled out his phone. “Hey Raptor. Flashlight.” The phone shot out a bright beam and Rogan shined it into the apartment. “Where is a switch that does work?”
“Right here.” Mark glanced around the apartment before he tiptoed over to the switch in the kitchen and turned it on. The apartment lit up enough to see that everything was normal―so to speak. The destroyed TV was right where it had been when they left, debris still everywhere. Not the chaos Mark had walked into with Leon, but shivers of that time chased through him as well. “What I don’t get is why you don’t even have a scratch on you.”
“That is a mystery,” Rogan murmured. “What’s even more an unknown is why you were basically sliced in the first place. Cut, I would understand. But sliced?” He walked over to the large, jagged piece laying against the wall, the piece that had been laced with blood but no longer appeared to be and picked it up. “This should never have been sharp enough to do that.” He brought it over for Mark to see.
“Fuck,” Mark whispered as he gazed at the piece of plastic. “It’s… like a knife.” And it was. The six-inch, razor-edged side appeared paper thin, to the point of it being see-through. As if someone had purposely honed it down to that sharpness. “But… didn’t it have blood on it?”
Rogan narrowed his eyes and glared back at the plastic as if it had just lied to him. “You’re right. It did. Exactly my point.”
“Which is?”
Rogan glanced briefly at Mark. “This isn’t right. I mean, how does something like this even happen?” Rogan’s lips pursed together.
“So, what are you saying?”
“I’m not sure.” Rogan gazed down at Mark. “And I don’t like not knowing. I will find some answers. That I promise.” He sighed. “Now what do we need to take with us so we can get out of here?”
Mark packed a backpack while Rogan kept watch. Mark would have thought it laughable if he wasn’t so panicked. It was one thing to be bullied by Leon. Quite another by a ghost.
“The extra apartment key is in the kitchen drawer,” Mark told Rogan as he threw the backpack over his shoulder.
Rogan immediately reached over and grabbed the backpack. “Go get it. I got this.”
Heat climbing Mark’s face he walked quickly to the drawer. “I can carry it. I’m not a princess.”
Rogan smirked but remained silent as he adjusted the backpack and held out a hand to accept the key. “Thanks,” he said, winking at Mark when he dropped the key in his hand.
“I don’t know what you plan on doing but have at it.”
Rogan grimaced as if he were guilty of something and shook his head.
When they arrived at Mark’s dad’s house, Rogan insisted on walking Mark in. “I didn’t keep you safe like I promised. He deserves an explanation.”
“Are you kidding me? I’m not some fragile teenager on a date. Besides, I can take care of myself.”
“I know that. But security is my job, and I should have…”
“Should have what?”
“Known.” He knocked on the door.
“Known? How? Why?”
But Rogan remained silent. Except it was clear he was battling something in his head.
“Whatever,” Mark mumbled. “Just… I can take care of myself.” Mark went to knock as well but the door flew open in front of him, Mark’s dad standing on the other side.
“What the fuck is going on out here?” Rob snarled, startling both Mark and Rogan.
“Sir!” Rogan nearly shouted back, gaining the older man’s attention. Then he lowered his voice probably realizing how loud he was being. “Mr. Corda. Sorry to wake you…”
“What the hell happened to you?” Rob grabbed Mark and pulled him into the house. “Why the bandages?” He turned his attention back to Rogan. “Why is my son covered in bandages?”
Mark took immediate offence. “Dad, I’m standing right here! Ask me!”
“Um… sir…” Rogan interrupted. “it’s a long story.”
I am Hurri Cosmo and I live in Minnesota where I hold tight to the idea that here, where it’s cold a good part of the year, I won’t age as fast. Yep, I avoid the truth as much as I avoid mirrors. But one of the reasons I love writing is reality doesn’t always offer up a “happily ever after” and being able to take control of that is a powerful lure.
Being a happy ending junkie, writing just makes them easier to find. Oh, I don’t mind “real life” and I do try to at least keep it in mind when I write my stories, but I truly love creating a wonderful couple, knowing they will fall in love and have their HEA. Every – single – time. And, of course, that is exactly the reason I love reading this genre, too.
Give me a glass of red wine, some dark chocolate, and my computer, whether I am reading or writing, and I will entertain myself for hours. The fact I actually get paid to do it is Snickers bars on the frosting on the cake.
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