Dr. J.’s Spotlight: The Man, the Guitar Legend: Horatio Slice

Lucky me, I got a sneak peak of Oleander Plume’s new book, Horatio Slice Guitar Slayer of the Universe.

I can’t remember the last time the first chapter of a book pulled me in and anchored me, center stage, to a fascinating tale.  I kept thinking, what would happen if I told Horatio I read the first chapter three times in a row to savor it? I’m sure it would go to his head, both of them.

As I look back now, I realize the characters threw me into a scene from the movie, A Knight’s Tale. It was the one where William Thatcher and his mates ride horses into Paris for the world championship games. The tune “The Boys Are Back in Town” played in the background. That’s how I envisioned Horatio Slice with his crew, except they are gay, space pirates, and the horniest of men.

Horatio’s adventure moves us from one world to another, facing tasks and obstacles while meeting new creatures, who have sex in the most interesting places and fascinating ways. Did I mention there are unusual items and circumstances to enhance the pleasure process? Phew. HAAWWT.

As I followed Horatio on his wild hero’s journey, he and his mates not only endeared themselves to me, they captivated and mesmerized me. But more importantly, Horatio’s riveting tale champions the phrase: love is love is love.

I am so excited to have the creative genius of this book here today to answer questions. Enjoy meeting Oleander Plume.

Do tell, how did Horatio Slice emerge?

I dug through all my various revisions of the book, and discovered I started writing about Horatio in April of 2013, while attempting to answer a short story submission call for a “rock & roll science fiction fantasy” anthology. Needless to say, I never answered that particular query!

What a name, Horatio Slice, how did you come up with it?

I love naming the characters. Usually the names just pop into my head. I borrowed the name Horatio from another short story I was working on at the time, about a private detective of all things. I figured a rock star needed a big name, with lots of syllables. The last name had to be short and bold. From the beginning, I wanted him to be big and muscular to contrast nicely with his sweet and kind of goofy personality. Since I tend to write a lot of characters with dark eyes, I forced myself to make Horatio’s blue. I think my favorite thing about him is his optimistic attitude. We all need a little Horatio in our life!

Tell me about the other characters? Or maybe they want to speak to the audience?

Gunner Wilkes: “I was a college student until Horatio dropped into my dorm room, buck ass naked and sporting a full-on rager. Not that I minded, especially since I’m the one who brought him back to Earth using a machine I invented that created a portal into another universe. Sure, I’m a genius, and I expected the machine to work, but I didn’t expect Horatio to be naked. Or horny. Or horny for me. Which I also didn’t mind. At all.”

Snake Vinter: “I’m a space pirate. And a vampire. My hobbies include pillaging, sucking blood, sucking dick, wreaking havoc and drinking all manner of spirits. Sugar owns my soul. Seriously, I lost it to him in a poker game.”

Sugar: “How did I end up second in command on a metal pirate ship named Frances? Bad luck. Or, good luck, depending on your perspective. One thing I know for sure, if it wasn’t for me, Snake would be dead, or in jail. Don’t let him tell you any different.”

Besides these four, the book includes Saber and his twin brother Archer, Canis – a puppy by day and sexy werewolf by night, Seven, Stiles, Suki, Saki, Six, Spinner and Slash. Oh, and there’s Meridian, Mert, Bindrop, Shonty, Saul … did I forget anyone?

What’s it like having such a wild crowd playing in your head?

Distracting, and slightly confusing! But, I am drawn to character driven stories, so having a large cast felt natural, and I really enjoyed developing each one’s personality.

Where and when do you write? Tell us about your process.

I recently redecorated a spare bedroom and created a small but functional writing space. Instead of a desk, I use a recliner, and a lap desk for my laptop. There is usually a cat sleeping on top of my feet while I work, who, when he is not napping, takes great delight in shredding my notes or knocking my pen to the floor.

Most days, I get up at 5:00 am and start working. Well, after coffee, that is. If you are one of those people who can get up and start doing ANYTHING without caffeine, I’m going to suspect you are some sort of wizard or alien.

How has your writing career helped you to get to Horatio?

So far, I’ve been lucky. My short stories have been published by insanely talented people like Rachel Kramer Bussel, Alison Tyler, and Violet Blue. While some authors will advise against submitting to erotic anthologies, I say “Do it!” Not only will you hone your craft, but you will meet many other wonderful writers, like Dr. J., for instance!

Two people I got to know early on happened to be Jacob Louder and Lana Fox, the dynamic duo behind Go Deeper Press. From the minute Jake and Lana launched GDP, I knew I wanted to write for them. (Did I think I was worthy? Not on your life!)

When you are not writing, what do you do for fun?

Besides writing, I also work a 40 hour a week job (nothing glamorous), so when I do have free-time, I love to hang out with my family, watch Supernatural on TV, listen to music and mess around with graphic design. And, drink. *mixes up martini*

What advice would you give to an aspiring young erotica writer?

1.      Don’t write what’s selling, write what sets your heart, (or your pants), on fire. If your work doesn’t turn you on, it won’t turn your readers on, either.

2.      There’s a fine line between offering advice and sounding like a pretentious twat. Never cross that line.

3.      Most importantly, find a good editor. Listen to that editor. Your editor wants to help you become a better writer. Let them.

Anything else, you want to share with the fans.

The world needs art, now more than ever. Please keep creating!

Oh, wait, one more thing: BUY MY BOOK. PLEASE. OH PLEASE. BUY MY BOOK. I HAVE KIDS IN COLLEGE, FFS.

Thank you for joining us today, Oleander. I wish you much success with this phenomenal book!
Please make sure you follow Oleander and all the boys on Twitter (click on their names) for some real fun.

Locate Horatio at the following locations:

Go Deeper Press

Kindle

Amazon print

B&N

Kobo

Inktera