Today, I have author Kristian Daniels in the interview chair. We’re discussing his latest release Sins of Our Sons, a m/m contemporary romance. Don’t forget to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway.
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Hi, Kristian. I interviewed you for your Stolen Hearts novel, so I came up with a new set of questions for you to answer. Here we go!
Kristian Daniel on Sins of Our Sons:
1. How did you come up with the concept and characters for the book?
Kristian: I wanted to write a story about what it was like to hang on to something you believe in with all your heart despite being confronted with hate and bigotry. I wanted to write about having had enough of pretending to be someone you are not, just to please others or be left alone. I wanted to write about the resilience of one’s soul even after being subjected to prejudice and pressure to be like society dictated said one should be. I wanted to write about what happens when a bond between people is stretch to the point of breaking.
2. What did you enjoy most about writing the novel?
Kristian: The complexity of the story. The research on certain character’s behaviour and train of thought. The things I learned along the way and my appreciation on what certain people went through to be who they are and the fight they put up.
3. What did you least enjoy about writing the novel?
Kristian: Certain scenes where characters suffered somehow, were subjected to unnecessary torment.
4. Tell us about your main characters–what do you like most about them?
Kristian: Their complicity, their passion, their resiliency, and their hope for their future.
5. Let’s keep this on the main characters. Tell us what you like least about them.
Kristian: The cheating some resorted to. The lives they destroyed because of their attitude and beliefs.
6. How did you come up with name for your book?
Kristian: It came to me as I was writing it. From the characters I was writing about, their actions and what had been driven in their mind for decades.
7. If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything?
Kristian: No. I am proud of this book and the story I’ve written.
8. If Sins of Our Sons was a country, which country would it be and why?
Kristian: The Middle East. LGBTQ+ live in fear. There are still prejudice in this country and others and people’s belief are driven by religion and family shame.
9. If Sins of Our Sons was an alcoholic beverage, what would it be and why?
Kristian: I would say a Whisky sour. It’s a strong drink but sourness makes it bitter, but the added sweetness will make you savour it to the very end.
10. If Sins of Our Sons was a celebrity, who would it be and by?
Kristian: Sally Field. In the days of her role in the Flying Nun series, she was clever in defying her Mother Superior just like the main character in Sins of Our Sons. She was also protective of her family in Not Without my Child and caring in Steel Magnolia.
11. Tell us why Sins of Our Sons is a must-read.
Kristian: The pressure and prejudice the characters in Sins of Our Sons are subjected to in this story are still experienced today by many of our young adults and adults. This story is about courage and perseverance despite setbacks and hurdles to be yourself, to be who you are. It’s a must-read for everyone who want to find out what someone goes through not only to be accepted but to be true to themselves. It’s a must-read for those who are going through what my characters are going through with a message of “do not give up on yourself, the rejection, the tears, and the heartache will be hard to go through, but look around and see the many friends, boyfriends, girlfriends, parents who care about you and love the way you are, the rest doesn’t matter.
12. What can we expect from you in the future?
Kristian: I’m writing another story which involves a murder that shakes a small quiet town, a jealous ex-boyfriend who will stop at nothing to make sure that his ex-regrets breaking up with him.
Kristian Daniels on Writing:
1. What is your writing process? (e.g., researching first, create outlines, character building, etc.)
Kristian: I have a story development template that I use. First, I jot down ideas on what I would like to write about. Who’s story I want to tell. Let’s take the book I’m currently writing for instance, I started with an idea of writing about an infatuation a teenage guy developed for one of his teachers. From there I jot down a concept, the story’s foundation, the incident that would lead to a conflict and why. Who are the main characters in the story and their involvement? Then I develop the main characters and secondary one, I have a bio against each of the names, where they work, how long they have been living in the town, their skills, lifestyle if they are friends with the other characters in the story or if they hate each other, why. Following all this, I’ll do research on subjects/incidents that will be in the story and need more information about it. The I start writing and a lot of the time the research continues as I’m writing so that what I’m writing about is as accurate as possible.
2. What is your writing setting? (e.g., loud music, at a café, evening, etc.)
Kristian: When I write, my environment has to be quiet. I write at home. I used to have an office where I wrote, but my husband felt lonely sitting alone in another room even though he is watching his favourite shows, so I moved my desk in the living room and write there. He works outside the home; I work from home since the pandemic, so I can sneak in a few hours of writing during the day while it’s quiet.
I manage to write in the evening as well even with the television in the background but I’m more productive when he goes to bed, then I can stay up writing until midnight some nights.
3. What is your writing Kryptonite?
Kristian: The internet. I sit with the intention of writing then I am on Amazon looking at things. From there I go to Facebook and spend some time there as well and an hour or two has gone by and I haven’t written a word. I’m thankful though it doesn’t happen often.
4. How do you decide when the book is finished and ready for publication?
Kristian: Being the perfectionist that I am, I review my book several times, making corrections. I have two dedicated friends to whom I send a draft of the finish book for a reader’s perspective and feedback. From the feedback, I add to the story if some parts need more details or clarification based on the comments. Then I send it to have professionally edited and make the recommend addition and/or modification. After all this I’ll send it to my publisher, which it might go through more editing.
5. Do you read the reviews for your books? If yes, why? If no, why?
Kristian: I read all the reviews. Reviews are important to me as a writer. It helps me improve as an author by reading what the readers like and disliked about the book or story. Some of the reviewers suggested that a sequel to Stolen Heart would be nice to continue the story of Elliott.
This or That for Kristian:
For each answer you give, explain why you chose “this” or why you chose “that.”
1. Introvert or Extrovert?
Kristian: Introvert. I tend to keep everything inside. I rarely get mad when I do I walk away to cool down. I’m always available to listen and help people and cry watching movies.
2. Big advance for your next book but it must meet what the publisher wants or no big advance and writing what you want?
Kristian: No big advance. I prefer writing on subjects that inspire me and that might inspire others. Each character I write about and create, I feel every one of them, I live through them, I even cry when I write an emotional scene.
3. Would you rather live in your dream home in the northern hemisphere or the southern hemisphere?
Kristian: Northern hemisphere. My dream home would be in the Caribbean overlooking a white sanded beach with turquoise water. I would have my writing area facing the ocean, with a window opened to smell the ocean air.
4. Reading: Fiction or Non-Fiction?
Kristian: Fiction. I’m a fiction reader. I love murder mysteries and romance novels. I prefer watching science-fiction rather than reading it.
5. Writing: Typewriter, Computer, or Pen and Paper?
Kristian: Computer. Before my writing career, I was working in Information Technology as a manager of a team of computer technicians. Computers have been part of my life for a long time and although I do write some things with a pen and paper such as shopping list, notes and ideas, all my writing is done on my computer.
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Title: Sins of our Sons
Series: N/A
Author: Kristian Daniels
Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance
Tropes: Forbidden love, murder, conversion therapy
Themes: Coming out, forgiveness, hate crime, love
Heat Rating: 3 flames
Length: 94 000 words/ 333 pages
Publisher: Extasy Books
Release Date: May 28, 2022
Contemporary MM Romance, murder, conversion therapy.
Blurb: Young lovers Greg and Tyler secretly meet to spend time together, until a moment of passion by the moonlight throws their lives into chaos. When their parents learn about their little escapade, it opens a Pandora’s box that spreads family discord, resentment, and heartaches. When someone adds fuel to an already fragile situation, things get out of hand quickly. Will these two young lovers stay safe? How much can they endure before they break?
Note: It is a standalone book and does not end on a cliffhanger.
Purchase at:
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Extasy Books
Nestled in southwest Alberta’s rolling foothills lies the quaint little town of Cardston—the Miller and Bradshaw families’ hometown. Cardston straddled the Lee Creek valley and served as a shopping and tourist hub for southwest Alberta, and was the unrivalled centre of Mormon life in Canada. Three-quarters of the town’s residents belonged to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, while the other quarter was Catholic and Baptist. The town’s social life revolved around family life, team sports and religion.
Greg Miller was the captain of the town football team, the Cardston Cougars, and the proud son of John and Teresa Miller. Greg’s parents owned the only shoe store in town, where Greg helped on weekends and summer holidays.
Greg and his teammates had been busy preparing for their next big game against the Calgary Golden Bears; it was the Cougars’ opportunity to bring back home the trophy they lost to the Bears three years ago. Unfortunately, John and Teresa couldn’t be there to cheer on their son—John had his business to run, and since Greg would be in Calgary, his mother would have to be at the store instead. Sales had been down, and closing for even one day could cause the family hardship in the coming months. Tyler had attended Greg’s practices ever since they met. You could tell in Tyler’s eyes how proud he was of his boyfriend―his secret boyfriend. Unfortunately, Greg and Tyler needed to be discreet and hide when they wanted to meet, a drawback of living in a small religious town.
It was Greg’s last year of high school, and if his team won the game, it could mean a scholarship for him at the University of Alberta and a golden chance to play for the Golden Bears. Over dinner, Greg asked his parents once more if they were sure they couldn’t make the game.
His father looked at him and said, “Sorry, Greg. I wish we could go, but we can’t close the business. You know how important November is to us.”
“Can’t you ask Steve to cover for you?”
“No. Steve has decided to move on, and even if he was still with us, I don’t have the money to pay for him to replace me. I’m sorry, son, you’ll have to do this one on your own.”
“You don’t need us there,” his mother said. “You’ll do just fine.”
“I know. It would have been nice to have you guys there, that’s all. But I understand,” Greg said.
“Besides,” his mother said, “if we went, we’d need a hotel room and Calgary’s expensive.”
Greg nodded and lowered his head. He quietly finished his meal, took his empty plate to the dishwasher, and went to his room. He turned on his computer and browsed the internet for anything and nothing, then went and laid in his bed, staring at the ceiling. Bummer. I’ll probably be the only guy whose parents won’t be there.
He texted Tyler about meeting up. Thirty minutes later, Greg stopped by the living room and told his parents he was going out. He hopped on his bike and met his boyfriend, Tyler, at Lee Creek Park.
Unlike Greg, who was a Catholic, Tyler was Baptist. Tyler thought being Baptist was very similar to other denominations, but their parents thought differently. A typical week for Tyler was packed with religion, beginning with a seminar at six in the morning, youth group on Wednesdays, and bible school on Sunday. In high school, Tyler was referred to as the boy who didn’t drink, smoke, or hook up with girls. There was nothing he’d like more than to be like the other guys his age, but his religion forbade it, as did his parents.
Tyler was already at the park when Greg arrived, sitting near the creek, leaning against a tree and lost in his thoughts. Greg quietly approached him from behind the tree and grabbed one of his arms.
“What the…” Tyler jerked his arm away, and Greg burst out laughing.
“You scared me,” Tyler said.
“How’s it going, dude?”
“Okay. And you? Ready for the big game?”
“I think so, but it’s a bummer my folks can’t come.”
“Oh, that’s too bad.”
“Yeah, but what can you do?” Greg said with a shrug.
“Would you like me to be there? I can be your cheering section in the audience,” Tyler said with a smile.
“You would do that?”
“Of course.”
“That would be so cool. We could rent a room for after the game.”
“Won’t you have one already?”
“Yeah, but we’re four of us in there, and I don’t think the coach would let you crash. Besides,” Greg said, leaning forward towards Tyler, “we wouldn’t be able to do this.” The two of them kissed.
“You have a point there,” Tyler said. “I’ll ask my parents to reserve a room for me. You need to keep your cash for university.”
“Will they let you go?” Greg asked, excited at the prospect of being with his boyfriend alone where no one knew them.
“Don’t worry about that. I’ll be there to support you,” Tyler said with confidence.
“I can’t wait for us to be at university so we can be together. I’m tired of hiding,” Greg said, looking at Tyler.
“Me too. You’ll have to wait, though, because you’re a school year ahead of me.” Tyler grinned.
“Right.” Greg made a sad face. “But you can join me the year after,” he said with a smile.
“Think of what would happen if our parents found out about us,” Tyler said, lost in his thoughts.
“That’s a scary thought. Come here.” Greg placed his hands on Tyler’s shoulder and lowered him on his lap.
Tyler rested his head on Greg’s lap, and Greg bent over and placed his lips on Tyler’s.
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Kristian Daniels is a published author. His first novel Stolen Heart was published a little more than one year ago. An Information Technologist by profession, he retired a few years ago to dedicate his time to his storytelling. Kristian is passionate about writing. Fiction and coming–of-age stories are what he likes to write about. Kristian lives and works out of his home in Canada and spends his summers traveling and enjoying a drink a good book and the sun by his pool.
Follow Kristian: Blog/Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
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Maggie Blackbird 