About the Book
Title: Tainted Life
Author: Mel Gough
Publication Date: July 16, 2018
Word Count: 130 pages
Category: M/M
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Purchase Links
Synopsis
Metropolitan Police detective Pete Tucker’s world comes crashing down when his wife sues for divorce and sole custody of their only son.
Desperate to forget his sorrows for a while, Pete seeks refuge in a Soho bar where he is approached by a sexy, funny, and clearly interested stranger. Photographer Liam Jackson is just the ticket for one oblivious night of perfect passion.
However, their attraction proves too intense for a one-night-stand. To his surprise, Pete finds that he’s game for something more – but his baggage soon gets in the way. Then Liam’s own dangerous secrets claw their way to the surface, and threaten to derail the budding romance.
Is their growing bond strong enough to weather the violent storms ahead?
Interview
Today I’m privileged to have Mel Gough on my blog to talk about life, writing, and her latest release. Welcome, and let’s get right to it. What inspired you to write your latest story?
Tainted Life is my first self-published story. I was incredibly fortunate to have my first novel, A World Apart, accepted by NineStar Press, and I will continue to work with them on the series that starts with that book.
But I wanted to try self-publishing, for several reasons. I really enjoy being involved in all stages of a process. I like geeking out over computers, so I knew I could do the technical side of it. And I have a background in marketing, which is such a huge asset for self-publishing.
I wrote Tainted Life with the plan to make it free for my newsletter subscribers. (It’ll also be available for purchase on all the major ebook retailers, for those who don’t like giving over their email address.) The easiest way to get a good story, I thought, would be to take one of my fanfics and rewrite it. Oh boy, was I wrong!
Tainted Life is almost unrecognizable as the fic it was inspired by. There are some similar story elements, but rather than in the rural south of the US it’s now set in London. One of the sub-plots and a bunch of characters has totally changed. It’s about 15% longer, and a hundred percent better. I had it edited by an amazing professional editor and had a professional cover made. I’m really pleased with how the story turned out. It’s sweet, a little angsty, and the characters were such a joy to write!
I can relate! My first novel was a re-written fan fiction, sort of, and yep, it was a real challenge—with a final product unrecognizable as the original.
Now that you’ve accomplished this, what’s next? Tell us a little about any upcoming projects.
Just last night, I had this amazing nightmare which I want to make into my first dystopian SciFi/Horror story…but that’s probably not ready to be talked about yet.
The next book I’ll be releasing, also as self-pub, is coming out on 7 September. It’s a psychological bisexual romance story very much inspired by Fatal Attraction. There will be a cover release very soon, so watch my website and social media for details.
At the end of October, the second part of my series with NineStar Press is coming out. I have a sweet little story that fits in-between book one and two. More about that on my social media soon, too.
And then, either towards the end of the year or in early 2019, my next book should be ready. I haven’t definitely decided to self-publish that one, but it’s a strong possibility. It’s my first historical M/M romance, set in the 1950s. And last but not least there’s this idea I had about a rock star reverse harem story, which just possibly might be a series. I can’t say too much yet since I haven’t started yet.
I’m very excited about all of them, but it sure looks like a busy year ahead.
A busy year indeed! With all those books, are there any common themes you see in your work?
I do like to write about sweet guys who really care for each other. I’m not so keen on enemies to lovers, though never say never. That dream dystopia could work well for that. I literally like boys who take care of each other, and I write a lot about illnesses, both physical and mental. My next book is a tough read for that reason.
I also like to write about things that are hard for me, like emotions and interactions with other people. That’s why I like to write romance. I get to experience the ups and downs of relationships that I find difficult in real life. But no matter how bad things get, you always have the happily ever after to look forward to.
Gotta admit, I love a good happy ending myself.
Okay, time for Word Sprints! Coffee or tea?
Coffee, because, fun fact, I appear to be allergic to tannins (can’t have red wine, either).
Do you have any body art?
Three tattoos: One on my left foot, which I got when I finished uni (a friend designed it), a feather on my left collarbone and Daryl Dixon wings on my right shoulder blade.
What’s on your playlist?
Right now, lots of 80s and 90s rock, for that reverse harem idea I had. I posted a playlist on my blog the other day. https://melgoughwriter.wordpress.com/2018/06/26/wip-playlist
Thank you so much, and please let us know when you have future releases available.
About the Author
Mel was born in Germany, where she spent the first twenty-six years of her life (with a one-year stint in Los Angeles). She has always been fascinated by cultures and human interaction, and got a Masters in Social Anthropology. After finishing university she moved to London, where she has now lived for ten years.
If you were to ask her parents what Mel enjoyed the most since the age of six, they would undoubtedly say “Reading!” She would take fifteen books on a three-week beach holiday, and then read all her mom’s books once she’d devoured her own midway through week two.
Back home in her mom’s attic there’s a box full of journals with stories Mel wrote when she was in her early teens. None of the stories are finished, or any good. She has told herself bedtime stories as far back as she can remember.
In her day job, Mel works as PA and office manager. No other city is quite like London, and Mel loves her city. The hustle and bustle still amaze and thrill her even after all these years. When not reading, writing or going to the theater, Mel spends her time with her long-time boyfriend, discussing science or poking fun at each other.
Social Media
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It’s up, yay! Thank you so much for having me, this was great!