Veronica Arch for GLBT Promo: In 2004 you established your own small press. What do you publish and what has the experience of being a publisher been like for you?
Timothy D. Kelley: I originally opened my small press to self publish my own work. My vision was to help others publish their work. After I saw the amount of time and effort it would require (which I don’t have much of) I decided to publish my work only for the purpose of shopping it around to other publishers.
GP: How did you get your start writing GLBT fiction?
TK: I have always wanted to write as long as I can remember. After reading E. Lynn Harris’ and James Earl Hardy’s works, I felt my writing was as good as theirs. The turning point was in 2003. I was asked to participate in a stage reading at the Hotter Than July Gay Pride for a local author. I did not meet the author until after the performance. He was someone I have known for a long time, and who I had a crush on back in the day. That night I went home and started working on Moments in the Life. Thank you Tony Manson for being my mentor!
GP: You won the 2006 Fresh Voice Awards Gay/Lesbian Fiction. What do you think are the key elements to a great story and hot scenes?
TK: I believe reality makes a great story. You have to be able to draw your reader into the story and make the story seem real. As far as hot scenes, I watch videos and take notes. It amazes me how people can put their bodies in certain positions. I like to use their positions, with my added touch, to create scenes. I have been told I write porn, but to me it’s just great sex.
GP: What is your favorite part of the writing process?
TK: Dialog is my favorite part. I love to write the dialog first. To me dialog is the meat of a story. I use the dialog to create my scenes.
GP: Your novel Moments in the Life is about a group of friends who all experience a different life changing moment the day before leaving on vacation. What was your inspiration for this story?
TK: I would have to say life was my inspiration. Watching my friends go through things, listening to people talk about problems their friends were experiencing, reading the newspaper, watching television, just everyday life experiences of everyday people.
GP: What can you tell us about your newest story, Jessica's Family Affair?
TK: Jessica’s Family Affair is a sequel to Moments in the Life. In the opening chapter of Moments in the Life Jessica has just taken an overdose of pills. In Jessica’s Family Affair it starts with her cousin, Darla, finding her on the floor unconscious. Jessica dies and at the reading of her will introduces a person who changes the lives of the characters.
GP: Since you started writing what have learned about yourself as a writer and a person?
TK: As a writer I have learned to be patient. Writing has always been a way for me to escape the reality. As a person I have learned not judge people so easily. We each are unique in our own way. When you write you are in control of your characters. I decide their physical, mental, spiritual attributes. This is something that I have learned about people and has made me more sensitive to others, because we are not all the same.
GP: What is your ideal day?
TK: Weekdays: I’m up by 5:30, at work by 6:30, home by 5:00, doing homework from 6:00-9:00, writing (at least sitting at the computer to attempt to write) from 9:00 to 12:00, in bed by 1:00. Saturday: Up by 9:00, errands done by 1:00, homework from 2:00-4:00, writing (at least sitting at the computer to attempt to write) from 6:00-9:00, at the bar from 12:00-2:00. Sunday: Lying in bed with the remote, catching up on most needed rest.
GP: Have you ever experienced "writer's block" and if so what do you do to remedy it?
TK: All serious writers experience writer’s block. In fact, I’m going through it right now. The remedy for me is to focus my energy elsewhere. At one point I thought I was going to drive myself into an insane asylum because I couldn’t spit out material like my colleagues. I had to step back and refocus. I do not need to come out with new material every other month. I had to tell myself there's nothing wrong with releasing new material only once a year, especially since I have to pay rent, stuff my face, cloth my back, and provide myself with the other necessities of life.
GP: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
TK: That’s a hard question. My dream is being a world renowned author and screenwriter, living on the beach with a husband and three teenage boys. In reality I see myself being a role model for others in the GLBT community and completing law school.
Timothy D. Kelley's WEBSITE
GLBT Promo Interviewer - Veronica Arch.
September 8, 2008
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October 6, 2008
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