Hey Everyone!
Today Thianna D is here to talk about fabulous trilogy, All They Ever Needed. I have to say, I'm a huge fan. This trilogy has made it's way on to my top five favorite trilogies list. Seriously, it's that good.
Now on to the interview.
Hi there Thianna. I'm so happy that you could stop by today. Let's get to the first general question before I pull out my specific ones. :-) What made you
want to write about a gay domestic discipline relationship?
I’ll take that question in two parts. First, I love writing M/M, about two strong male characters who truly do have to stand up for themselves in society. When I’m writing M/F, I tend to make the heroines like me. I’m quiet, submissive, etc. But when writing M/M, I find it easier in many aspects to write them as equals – even if their roles are not.
As for the DD part – I had written a 10-part short story BDSM M/M series called the Blake/Dusty Chronicles which I ended up re-writing and releasing as an 86,000 word novel, and as I do feel strongly about DD being a great equalizer in a relationship and that it truly helps bring a couple close together, it would seem simple to say that is why I wrote it. But the fact is? Logan is such a strong character and he let me know in no uncertain terms that he loved to spank and needed to be in a DD relationship. Christian was unsure of the whole thing; about the only thing he absolutely knew was that he needed Logan by the end of the first book.
I’ll take that question in two parts. First, I love writing M/M, about two strong male characters who truly do have to stand up for themselves in society. When I’m writing M/F, I tend to make the heroines like me. I’m quiet, submissive, etc. But when writing M/M, I find it easier in many aspects to write them as equals – even if their roles are not.
As for the DD part – I had written a 10-part short story BDSM M/M series called the Blake/Dusty Chronicles which I ended up re-writing and releasing as an 86,000 word novel, and as I do feel strongly about DD being a great equalizer in a relationship and that it truly helps bring a couple close together, it would seem simple to say that is why I wrote it. But the fact is? Logan is such a strong character and he let me know in no uncertain terms that he loved to spank and needed to be in a DD relationship. Christian was unsure of the whole thing; about the only thing he absolutely knew was that he needed Logan by the end of the first book.
Yes I did feel bad for Christian. I felt like he was a deer in the headlights for quite a while with all the new information that he learned. Christian and Logan’s love seems so magical. I think that this is what made me personally loves this series so much. What gave you the inspiration to write their story?
Thanks! You know I started out the first story on a whim. There was a contest for Christmas stories and I had intended on writing a 10,000 word story. The characters grabbed me and wouldn’t let go. Next thing I knew I was at over 70,000 words and their relationship was far from finished. These two men grabbed me. I loved both of them almost instantly.
That's exactly how I felt! After that first kiss out on the cold deck, I was cheering for them. Now I loved Christian and Logan so much, along with most of your other characters. There was just one person that I did not like at all...Brian. What made you
write Brian so hateful? Do you think that he would ever eventually come around?
I try to write my books as somewhat realistic. So making every member of both families okay with homosexuality didn’t seem right. That said, I was surprised at how vehement Brian was in his closed-minded hatred of anything homosexual. I mean, the bastard’s hateful. I wanted to thump him several times. I have a theory that people who are the loudest at being anti-gay may have a smidgeon of desire within themselves that they were forced to tamp down. So, for all we know, Brian may have sexual feelings toward men he’s been forced to deny. Either way, his wife is gonna keep putting him in his place.
I try to write my books as somewhat realistic. So making every member of both families okay with homosexuality didn’t seem right. That said, I was surprised at how vehement Brian was in his closed-minded hatred of anything homosexual. I mean, the bastard’s hateful. I wanted to thump him several times. I have a theory that people who are the loudest at being anti-gay may have a smidgeon of desire within themselves that they were forced to tamp down. So, for all we know, Brian may have sexual feelings toward men he’s been forced to deny. Either way, his wife is gonna keep putting him in his place.
I thought in book two that his hatred would temper, but it didn’t. He seems
very set in his hatred stance.
You might have something there about Brian having to tempt down some secret desires. Still, I wouldn't have minded Jane getting a hold of him for a session or two with her whip. Just sayin'...might be a short story there for you... :-)
Anyway, like you said, most characters were okay with Logan and Christian's relationship...especially his parents. I thought it was
unique how Logan’s parents were so open with their own DD relationship and helped
Logan and Christian with theirs. What made you write it that way? Most people
would be horrified to talk to their parents or boyfriend’s parents about that
situation.
I think part of it is I have a rather open communication thing with my own mother. We aren’t close, but when it comes to sex, we can discuss anything. I love that part of our relationship and was happy to see that Logan had it with his folks. To me it just makes sense that in a DD household where the children know what’s going on – even if on an abstract – that that openness would spread to their adulthood. I absolutely love the discussions Gregory and Logan have and how.
And, I must say – I kind of have the hots for Gregory. Kimberly is one lucky lady.
I think part of it is I have a rather open communication thing with my own mother. We aren’t close, but when it comes to sex, we can discuss anything. I love that part of our relationship and was happy to see that Logan had it with his folks. To me it just makes sense that in a DD household where the children know what’s going on – even if on an abstract – that that openness would spread to their adulthood. I absolutely love the discussions Gregory and Logan have and how.
And, I must say – I kind of have the hots for Gregory. Kimberly is one lucky lady.
Yes Kimberley is one lucky lady! Now through out the entire series, Logan had a
pretty significant sweet tooth. Do you have a very big sweet tooth?
LOL! Unfortunately, yes I do. But not nearly as bad as his. I’m actually usually more attracted to salt- Lays BBQ Stax are one of my favorite munchies. But on the sweet side? I also have a thing for super-squishy Circus Peanuts.
LOL! Unfortunately, yes I do. But not nearly as bad as his. I’m actually usually more attracted to salt- Lays BBQ Stax are one of my favorite munchies. But on the sweet side? I also have a thing for super-squishy Circus Peanuts.
I have a pretty big sweet tooth myself...but I never liked those Circus Peanuts. I'm more of a chocolate lover. Tangent over...I found the
concept in your story that Christian liked to be spanked for pleasure and Logan
liked to be spanked when he broke a rule interesting. How did you come up with that
concept? For most people, one person is the spanker and the other person is the
“spankee”.
To be honest, I was surprised by that turn of events. I thought when I finished up As Natural As Breathing, that Logan would be the Top in all aspects of their relationship. Until I wrote Took My Breath Away. Being in the BDSM lifestyle, I’ve seen more instances of dominant bottoms and submissive tops than you ever read about in novels and so when Logan’s unfortunate trip to New York came up and I was writing his falling apart on one side and Christian’s growth on the other, I realized what I was seeing. Logan is fun loving, strong, capable, and a spanker – but he wasn’t meant to lead his relationship. Christian, once he’d been through therapy for his horrible Afghanistan attack, came out of his shell and was definitely showing himself to be a natural leader. That he loved being spanked in an erotic aspect just made his and Logan’s relationship perfect.
To be honest, I was surprised by that turn of events. I thought when I finished up As Natural As Breathing, that Logan would be the Top in all aspects of their relationship. Until I wrote Took My Breath Away. Being in the BDSM lifestyle, I’ve seen more instances of dominant bottoms and submissive tops than you ever read about in novels and so when Logan’s unfortunate trip to New York came up and I was writing his falling apart on one side and Christian’s growth on the other, I realized what I was seeing. Logan is fun loving, strong, capable, and a spanker – but he wasn’t meant to lead his relationship. Christian, once he’d been through therapy for his horrible Afghanistan attack, came out of his shell and was definitely showing himself to be a natural leader. That he loved being spanked in an erotic aspect just made his and Logan’s relationship perfect.
I agree with you there. Christian was a natural born leader. I just found that concept very interesting because I'd never read about it before. Who was your
favorite character in this book, excluding Christian and Logan.
Oh, that’s rough. I’m not sure I can pick just one. I think in As Natural As Breathing, my favorite character was Logan. He was so fun-loving and willing to take a chance for something he wanted. And I adored how well he treated Christian.
In Took My Breath Away, my favorite character was Gregory. So loving, so strong, and when he turned all alpha in New York? YUM!
In Breathe Each Other In, Jerison really stood out to me – which is why I’m writing his story, but my favorite character in the book has to be Derrick. Christian’s older brother really leapt from the pages – his sense of humor, his defense of Christian, and his acceptance of everyone living their lives. I think Derrick Darringer is such a multi-faceted character. I may have to write a story surrounding him at some point.
Oh, that’s rough. I’m not sure I can pick just one. I think in As Natural As Breathing, my favorite character was Logan. He was so fun-loving and willing to take a chance for something he wanted. And I adored how well he treated Christian.
In Took My Breath Away, my favorite character was Gregory. So loving, so strong, and when he turned all alpha in New York? YUM!
In Breathe Each Other In, Jerison really stood out to me – which is why I’m writing his story, but my favorite character in the book has to be Derrick. Christian’s older brother really leapt from the pages – his sense of humor, his defense of Christian, and his acceptance of everyone living their lives. I think Derrick Darringer is such a multi-faceted character. I may have to write a story surrounding him at some point.
Here's my favorite question to ask all authors the first time that they visit me. What is your
writing process?
I’m not sure I have a process, to be honest. I never know what I’m going to write until my fingers start typing on the page. I type until the words stop pouring. And that is what they do. I say, quite often, that I am the first reader of my work. The words seem to bypass my brain and go straight from my fingers to the page. I read them as they appear on the screen.
I’m not sure I have a process, to be honest. I never know what I’m going to write until my fingers start typing on the page. I type until the words stop pouring. And that is what they do. I say, quite often, that I am the first reader of my work. The words seem to bypass my brain and go straight from my fingers to the page. I read them as they appear on the screen.
That has to be crazy not knowing what your characters are going to do. Here's my biggest and most important question for you...will there be
more stories about Christian and Logan along with other characters from the
series?
Yes. I have partially written two stories about two different sets of men, of which they are tied in some way to Christian and Logan. For instance, Jerison from Breathe Each Other In is getting his own story – though it’s become a genre I’ve never written before: Action/Adventure. The second story is still in the starting stages and revolves around one of Logan’s cousins.
The best part? Both books start at the same ‘scene’ – a certain event in Christian and Logan’s lives. Can you guess which one? *grins*
Yes. I have partially written two stories about two different sets of men, of which they are tied in some way to Christian and Logan. For instance, Jerison from Breathe Each Other In is getting his own story – though it’s become a genre I’ve never written before: Action/Adventure. The second story is still in the starting stages and revolves around one of Logan’s cousins.
The best part? Both books start at the same ‘scene’ – a certain event in Christian and Logan’s lives. Can you guess which one? *grins*
Thianna...it's not nice to tease people! It better be Logan and Christian's wedding. That scene alone should have a short story published about it. Now what do you do
when you are not writing your amazing stories?
Read amazing stories? LOL! When I’m not writing, I’m working on web development, going to the gym, taking walks, creating new recipes, and visiting dating websites. I believe strongly that we each create our own reality, so I am always furthering my knowledge in that area and making my life better every day.
Read amazing stories? LOL! When I’m not writing, I’m working on web development, going to the gym, taking walks, creating new recipes, and visiting dating websites. I believe strongly that we each create our own reality, so I am always furthering my knowledge in that area and making my life better every day.
I like that thought. It's kind of like you make your own luck. Now on to my favorite game to play with authors...Five Question
Game!
What is your
favorite song?
Right now my favorite song is Best Day of My Life by American
Authors
What is the last
book you read?
Well, the last book I read was actually one of my own – Finding
Their Bliss. It’s one of those I read and re-read.
What is one of
your quirks?
I can’t sleep with the light on. Ever. Once light starts coming in
my window, I wake up.
What is your
favorite food?
Spaghetti and meat sauce (though I use chicken rather than beef)
Who would you
rather date…Joe Manganiello or Charlie Hunam?
I had to look up Charlie Hunam.
I’m not a fan of Joe’s, and since Charlie’s British – I love English accents –
I’d have to say him. Plus, he’s that perfect age. Men in their 30s are just
yum. I would ask that he shaved before our date, though. I can’t stand facial
hair on a guy. Beards? *shudders*
You're not a fan of Joe's...how? He's SO HOT!
Here are the blurbs for each book in the All They Ever Needed Series...
As
Natural As Breathing
For Christian Darringer, life isn’t worth living. Just back from the Middle East; scarred and with permanent damage to one leg, he does not think anyone will want him for anything. Meeting a gorgeous man he finds himself thinking about constantly is not in his plans. Pulled toward the startling younger man with striking blue eyes, he begins to question a lot of things – especially his sexuality. Not one to hide from a challenge, he plunges ahead only to find himself more than just attracted to Logan who is full of life and joy, he finds himself head over heels in love.
For Christian Darringer, life isn’t worth living. Just back from the Middle East; scarred and with permanent damage to one leg, he does not think anyone will want him for anything. Meeting a gorgeous man he finds himself thinking about constantly is not in his plans. Pulled toward the startling younger man with striking blue eyes, he begins to question a lot of things – especially his sexuality. Not one to hide from a challenge, he plunges ahead only to find himself more than just attracted to Logan who is full of life and joy, he finds himself head over heels in love.
Logan Mannette
has almost everything he ever wanted: loving parents, happiness, friends and
security. The only thing missing is finding the love of his life, a love that
is just like his parents’. When he meets Christian at a party, everything
changes. Instantly attracted, he does his best to help this sad man and quickly
finds himself feeling more than he has ever felt before. Raised in a domestic
discipline household, he holds that ideal as what he wants but his interest in
spanking became a fetish and when Christian admits that he wants to be spanked,
Logan believes he might have found the perfect man.
Just as
everything begins for them, Christian’s past intercedes and one of his brothers
makes waves about him dating a man. If it weren’t for Logan’s support, he might
fold; but with the love of one amazing man, Christian finds that living his
life rather than just existing is as natural as breathing.
Took My Breath Away
Sometimes taking control is what you need to do and sometimes the best thing you can do is give that control up.
Took My Breath Away
Sometimes taking control is what you need to do and sometimes the best thing you can do is give that control up.
In the summer
between Logan's junior and senior years of college, these two will find out
more about each other and themselves than they imagined.
While unhappy to
be missing four weeks of Christian's company, Logan is thrilled to spend a
month with his father's relatives in New York.
A naturally gregarious individual, he is used to winning people over and
getting things right. Unfortunately, the Mannettes are not what he expects and
for the first time in his life, he finds himself seriously doubting who he is.
Christian has
regained some of his old self-esteem and is taking on new challenges. Besides
growing in the relationship he has with Logan, he takes the time his boyfriend
is away to learn more about domestic discipline. He learns a little online but
it is actually Gregory, Logan's father, where he gains most of his information.
Including the fact that his natural strength puts him in a leadership position
he isn't expecting.
When Logan
returns to a strong, self-assured Christian, it is with complete relief. As
discussions turn to domestic discipline and they realize their true roles
within their current and future relationship, both of them are able to let
their inhibitions go and together their connection grows surprising Logan to an
epiphany.
Breathe Each Other In
Breathe Each Other In
While the
outside world might try to undermine them, Logan and Christian’s relationship
just grows stronger. In this, the final part of the All They Ever Needed
trilogy, their lives take an unexpected turn.
Christian takes
to heart everything he learns from Logan’s father and as he and Logan go
forward in their DD relationship, he finds that he is willing to not just take
on the mantle of Head of House, but to embrace it. With Logan graduating from
college, Christian takes the next logical step and asks his boyfriend to move
in.
Even with the
stress of student teaching and trying to figure out what to do after
graduation, Logan leaps at the chance to live with the man he loves. As the
pressure of graduation begins to get to him, the only thing to keep him
grounded is the amazing man at his side.
Those closest to
them make huge changes in their own lives and when an unexpected job offer lands
in Logan’s lap, the two have to make a life altering decision. No matter which
way they go, they need to give something up. Play it safe and stay home or
accept the job and move away from their families? When it comes to decision
time, there is one thing they are not willing to part with. That one thing
makes all the difference in the world.
All They Ever
Needed trilogy:
Book 1: As Natural As Breathing
Book 2: Took My Breath Away
Book 3: Breathe Each Other In
Can you please pick one of your favorite experts from one of the books in your series.
This is one of my favorite snippets from Breathe Each Other In where Christian takes on the full mantle of Head of House and Logan asks for what he needs:
Logan’s day had actually been good, considering how much his mind did not feel like it was in the game. He could feel Christian watching him over the last two days when he was home and had decided to make their night fun and romantic. He had even taken out their spanking supplies and spread little candles around the bedroom to have a wonderful, romantic, sensual night.
He hadn’t
expected Christian to bring up their discipline relationship. Staring into the
gorgeous brown eyes in front of him, every emotion that had been plaguing him
for weeks exploded. Yanking his hands out of Christian’s grasp, he launched
himself forward, grasping onto the arms of the man in front of him and
shuddering as he held on to him, unable to let go.
“Whoa, honey,”
Christian said, holding him tight with one arm and rubbing up and down with his
other hand. “What’s wrong?”
“I know I’ve
been a pain in the ass the last few days,” he mumbled. “I’m sorry.”
“Shh.” Christian
wrapped both arms around him and pulled Logan onto his lap. “Shh, gorgeous.
Talk to me.”
And suddenly it
was that simple. Logan had been trying to find a way to explain everything he
had wanted to say, but hadn’t known how to do it. With three words, Christian
gave him the opening. “Baby, I’m scared. And I hate that I’m scared. There
isn’t anything to be scared of, and yet I’m scared. I’m with the most amazing kids
every morning now and they look at me as if I’m the most amazing person on the
earth. And then I go to the afternoon classes and all of those kids, kids who
have no learning disabilities and who have so much on their side, and they are
royal pains in the ass.
“And I’ve been
taking all my frustrations out on you. And that’s not fair. Baby, I’m sorry.”
Christian’s arms
tightened, but he didn’t speak, which left air Logan suddenly needed to fill.
“And I just don’t know what I want to do come June. I know you say I don’t need
to know, but I do. I’m an adult now, Christian. I should know what I’m doing
with my life.” Warmth from Christian’s arms seeped into his body and Logan
could finally feel his tremors lessoning. “The only thing right now that’s been
keeping me together is you. Coming home from school every day knowing I’ll see
you? It helps me through those dreaded last two hours.”
“That’s a lot of
stuff to be dealing with,” Christian murmured. “Gorgeous, it’s time you let me
help. This isn’t a one-man relationship. There’re two of us and I want and need
to take care of you. Let me help.”
Wrapping his
arms around Christian’s neck, Logan squeezed hard. Damn if he hadn’t needed to
hear that. He had loved at Christmas how Christian had taken the lead several
times and each time over the last term when he wrote in his online journal,
there had been total release in it. “Help me,” he murmured, wanting to ask for
what he needed, what he knew would give him release from his over-bearing
emotions that sometimes attacked when he least expected them too. Logan always
felt he had a handle on them and then suddenly, they handled him instead.
Christian
cleared his throat softly. “What do you need?”
Something in his
tone told Logan exactly what Christian was asking, and he took a couple deep
breaths. Asking Christian this would be the first time for them. His last
spanking had been from his own father and it had been for a release from his
emotions as well. If he had understood at the time that Christian would be the
head of their house, Logan wondered if he would have asked him instead. “Spank
me. Please.” His voice was small, barely more than breath, but his boyfriend
heard and nodded.
“Of course.”
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Thank you so
much for visiting me today!
Meredith, I'm so thrilled you loved Logan & Christian and their story. Thanks so much for featuring them on your blog today :)
ReplyDeleteI did! Honesty, after maybe the first five chapters of the first book, I don't know who couldn't have not fallen in love with Logan and Christian. :-)
DeleteWonderful excerpt. I don't usually read MM but I will read this. :)
ReplyDeleteLaurel trust me...this is a must read series! :-)
Delete