Genre: Mystery/ Gay Erotica
Format: eBook
BUY NOW!
Somewhere in the world is a statue so sinful that a secret sect of the Church wants it destroyed at any cost. Somewhere in the Turkish desert, in the streets of London, and in the depths of Venice, are the clues to find it. And, somewhere in the hearts of five sexy, daring, thrill-seeking gay men, is the courage and die-hard determination to unravel one of the greatest mysteries of all time.
Meet Luca da Roma, an Italian model and expert in art, both ancient and modern; Dr Eden Santiago, Brazilian biologist, physician and genetic engineer; Shane Houston, a Texas cowboy and an expert in cartography; Will Hunter, a San Diego college student and football star, majoring in ancient history; and Jake Stone, an adventurer-for-hire from New York and the newest member of Professor Fathom's team of hot gay adventure seekers.
Together, they are Fathom's Five, traveling the world, solving ancient mysteries, uncovering priceless treasures, and getting into hot, sticky and sexy situations, while thwarting danger at every turn! From Venice to Vienna, from Tuscany to Turkey, from the South Pacific to the seas off Sicily, join in the heroic adventures, hunky sex and hot, high-octane action of THE CROSS OF SINS.
Get to know the Author of the Day.
Over the Edge Book Reviews
Questions with
Gay Erotic
Author
Author
Geoff Knight
By far the best part is being able to live vicariously through your characters and creations. I love creating characters and situations that are nothing like my life, so I can step completely out of my world and into another one. I think it’s one of the reasons I tend to use so many exotic locations. If I don’t have time for a holiday, I’ll send my characters off to some far-flung corner of the world in my place. I love planning my books and sitting in my backyard with a glass of wine thinking “Where shall we jet off to today!” My house is full of travel books, I just love doing all that research.
So I guess it makes sense that the worst thing about being a writer is the flipside of that sense of escapism – ie, reality. I work full-time in advertising which is quite a demanding and creatively-draining job, so finding the time and energy and headspace to write can sometimes be really challenging. I’m not one of those writers who can write a paragraph here or there, I have to block out a chunk of time and really immerse myself. But it really is a case of making the time, you have to give up a lot of things, you almost have to sacrifice a normal life to appease the writing beast within. Kind of like feeding a beautiful virgin to a giant gorilla. Well, maybe that’s exaggerating a tad, but heaven knows when you’ve got that writing beast inside you, its ALWAYS hungry!
2. Name one eye-opening thing you learned from your book research.
What a great question! Have you ever seen the movie THROW MOMMA FROM THE TRAIN? In the start of the film Billy Crystal is teaching a creative writing class and one of his students, Mrs Hazeltine, is giving a very dramatic reading from an action scene she wrote about a submarine diving, but she hasn’t done any research and with her most commanding voice she reads "Dive... DIVE, yelled the captain through the thing. So the captain pressed a button, or something, and it dove. And the enemy was foiled again!” It’s hilarious, I always think of that scene when I’m researching because funnily enough it’s the little things that turn out to be the eye-openers, finding out the names of things you just never needed to refer to in your life before. Like the legs of a helicopter, they’re called skids. And the lynchpin thingy that holds two train carriages together, it’s called a coupling. And the flat wheelie bed thingy-ma-jig that you lie on to slide under a car to fix it, that’s called a mechanic’s dolly. Sometimes tracking down those names on the internet can take forever! Of course, as soon as I mention those things in my books you know exactly what I’m talking about, but finding the right term can sometimes be astoundingly hard, no matter how obvious or common it is!
3. Do you have a favorite motto?
I do believe that God helps those who help themselves. Heck, I’m not even sure if God has a hand in it, but if you don’t make your own dream come true, chances are it’s not going to fall in your lap. There’s a great line in the Chris Cornell theme song to CASINO ROYALE that goes, “Arm yourself because no-one else here will save you.” That’s not to say I don’t think that people aren’t generally and genuinely helpful to their fellow human being. I think they are. But when it comes to dreams, nobody will understand what you want to achieve more than you. So don’t wait around for a helping hand. Get in there! Get your fingers burnt! Get your hands dirty! It doesn’t happen any other way. I also read somewhere recently the quote “Being a writer is like having homework every night for the rest of your life!” It’s not a motto but it’s oh SO true!
4. Do you have a favorite fictional hero? Favorite fictional heroine?
Gosh, hero or anti-hero? I have to say my favorite male character of all time is Tom Ripley from THE TALENTED MR RIPLEY, which is a combination of the character himself and Patricia Highsmith’s amazing writing! She was a genius. And so ahead of her time! Here is a woman writing in the 1950s about a gay psychopath. But not a Hannibal Lecter type character, Tom is the TRUE definition of a psychopath, a person who is charming, talented, but cannot relate to anyone else. He can’t understand us or himself, just as much as we can’t understand the motivations for his actions. SPOILER ALERT: the best example of this is the page where he decides to kill— and DOES kill—Dickie Greenleaf, the object of his affection. Yes. One page! It’s the best page in fiction ever written. At the top of the page Tom and Dickie are talking, it turns into an argument ful of hurtful truths. And by the bottom of the page Dickie’s dead. It’s extremely confronting and very powerful writing.
In terms of heroines, oh please can I pick one from the movies instead of books!!?? Because I love love love Joan Wilder from ROMANCING THE STONE! She is a true writer’s heroine!!! She’s nerdy, insular and inexperienced then gets thrust into the adventure of a lifetime. Her character arc is a true journey: discover your strength, live life, find the courage to defend those you love, and find true love in the process! GUSH!!!!! What a GREAT film! It’s romance meets adventure—my two favorite things in the world!!
5. Which fictional character would you hang out with?
Someone naughty I think, who speaks his mind and likes a drink, like Tyler Durden from FIGHT CLUB (oh he’s sexy too, so there’s another plus). I like rebellious characters, there’s always something about the wrong kinda man ;)
Oh I’m going to be completely selfish and name not just one, but two of my own covers. When I first saw the cover for THE RIDDLE OF THE SANDS I was SO damn excited! The cover went through quite a rollercoaster ride. I think because the book’s genre is quite unique (being a gay erotic adventure story that’s very true to the mainstream blockbuster genre with the exception of all gay characters) we had a tough time getting the feel of the cover right. It had to be sexy and manly, but hint at adventure and mystery at the same time. I think the end result is exceptional and one of the best gay covers I’ve ever seen! Then again, have you seen SCOTT SAPPHIRE???? OMG, I melt everytime I look at the cover. I was in love with the character before the cover was even created, but now I’m absolutely smitten!
7. What would readers be surprised to learn about you?
I have a tattoo of a shark on my left shoulder because I’m terrified of them, but at the same time respect them enormously and am against any hunting of them. The reason I had a shark inked onto my skin was to always keep my fears close, because I believe that keeps you grounded, it makes you human. Everyone has fears. If you constantly remind yourself of your fears, then you’re always going to tackle every situation knowing your flaws. Which means you’ll never over-estimate your strengths. Which gives you the best possible chance of dealing with anything knowing your capabilities. Gosh, that sounded heavy! I’m not really that deep, but that answer is actually true. I also collect action figures! There, I think that balances out the heavy shark/fear thing! Lol!
8. What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever learned by Googling your name?
That there’s an Opera Singer in New Zealand with my name!! I can’t tell you how many times people ask me if I sing too! (The answer is yes, but very badly. But give me a glass of wine and a karaoke booth filled with friends and Barbra Streisand has NOTHING on me!)
9. If you could go backward or forward in time which would you chose? Why?
GOLLY!!!! WHAT A COOL QUESTION!!!! Because I like to understand things and be in control as much as possible I have to say I’d rather go back. Going forward could be a disaster. It’s like if you put a caveman in an elevator. He’d freak out!!! Doors close on one world, open on another. Geez, he’d be climbing the walls and clubbing someone to death he’d be so freaked out. By the same token, I’d hate to go to the future and not comprehend what was going on. And I’d hate to club someone to death because my brain was too tiny to understand things! No, I think I’d like to go back in time. I’ve always had a thing for Greek mythology. All those buff heroes conquering monsters while wearing nothing but a sword. HOT!! Although I might take the technology to build showers and make soap back in time with me. That would work. Of course, I’ve heard that people were shorter back then. Those heroes might only be waist high. Mmmm, that’d work too ;)
Since it’s original release, THE CROSS OF SINS has received some wonderful reviews and great word-of-mouth. It was best described by one reviewer as “Gay Raiders of the Lost Da Vinci Code.” I couldn’t put it any better myself. It’s a mystery adventure rollercoaster thrill-ride about a secret sect of the Church who plans to find a missing Renaiissance statue and destroy it…unless of course Professor Fathom’s five sexy gay treasure hunters can find it first.
Coming up with the characters was so much fun! But it was also a lot of hard work because I wanted each of them to be perfectly constructed: attractive, brave, intelligent, yet flawed, and each with his own backstory that will slowly unravel as the books are released. And I love that all my readers have their own favorite character out of my five heroes. For anyone who hasn’t meet them yet, THE CROSS OF SINS will introduce you to Luca da Roma, an Italian model and expert in art, both ancient and modern; Dr Eden Santiago, Brazilian biologist, physician and genetic engineer; Shane Houston, a Texas cowboy and an expert in cartography; Will Hunter, a San Diego college student and football star, majoring in ancient history; and Jake Stone, an adventurer-for-hire from New York and the newest member of Professor Fathom's team of hot gay adventure seekers.
And now with the re-mastered edition, I’m so proud and pleased that THE CROSS OF SINS has finally been published as the story I originally envisaged. Some people read THE RIDDLE OF THE SANDS without realizing there was a book that came before it. Some readers thought it lacked character development, but that’s because they hadn’t read THE CROSS OF SINS—it’s like starting a movie halfway through. Now, not only has THE CROSS OF SINS been re-released, its full of added material that has never before been published. I’ve included missing chapters, deleted scenes, important dialogue, more clues and lots more secrets. Plus I’ve included character profiles as well as an all-new bonus short story called THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF ELSA STRAUSS: THE DAME OF NOTRE DAME. (For anyone who doesn’t know Fathom’s Five, Elsa is the Professor’s frumpy German housekeeper and here she gets her very own mini-adventure! It’s a hoot!)
11. Geoffrey would you please share a little bit about your upcoming releases “DRIVE SHAFT” and “SCOTT SAPPHIRE AND THE EMERALD ORCHID”.
Well it’s no secret that I’m a fan of ongoing series, which is exactly what DRIVE SHAFT and SCOTT SAPPHIRE are.
I’m going to kickstart the action with DRIVE SHAFT, which I like to describe as The Fast and the Furious meets turbo-charged hot gay sex (and be warned, it’s scorching hot!) The blurb goes something like this:
Jensen Rivers wasn’t looking for trouble. As the new kid on the block at Clyde’s Body Shop, all Jensen wanted was a job, a place where he could put his head down and ass up. Young and handsome, he was the kind of simple, honest guy who was happiest when he was working hard, with oil smeared across his chest and grease up to his elbows.
But Dean ‘Hutch’ Hutchinson plans on getting more than just Jensen’s hands dirty! Reckless and arrogant, drenched in sweat and dripping with a masculinity that cannot be tamed, Hutch challenges Jensen to a series of perilous night races. The prize: sexual domination!
Night after night, wheels burn, passions flare and the no-holds-barred lust between two testosterone-fuelled daredevils ignites. But losing a race is one thing. Losing your heart is something altogether more dangerous.
Will Jensen risk everything to find the love trapped behind Hutch’s fearless façade? Will Hutch bury the secret tragedy of his past before he throws away his last chance at a future?
Kickstart your need for speed, fire up your lust for life and buckle up for hottest thrill-ride of the year—DRIVE SHAFT.
And you’ll be pleased to know I’ve already plotted the sizzling sequel, DRIVE SHAFT 2: A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE.
Soon after DRIVE SHAFT is available, the world will get to meet my dream creation, Scott Sapphire! I’m so excited about Scott, he’s been in my head for such a long time, I can’t wait for readers to meet him. He’s kind of like a Robin Hood for modern times, think of James Bond meets Thomas Crown, a man who grew up on the streets and now mingles with high society—just before he steals their priceless jewels. He’s a charmer with a heart of gold. Once again I’ll treat you to the blurb if you like:
Meet Scott Sapphire—lover of French champagne, Belgian chocolate and dangerous men. He is suave. He is sexy. He is a man of the world—and a man that the world desperately wants to catch.
For Scott Sapphire is the greatest jewel thief of our time. Dashing. Daring. And always neck-deep in trouble.
When Scott’s latest heist lands him in possession of a map to a rare and precious orchid, it’ll take more than bedroom eyes and a charming smile to stay one step ahead of the world’s deadliest drug baron, as well as keep the CIA off Scott’s back and a handsome special agent out of his pants—or maybe not.
From New York City to the Amazon jungle, from Rio de Janeiro to the French Riviera—and from the writer of the world’s Number #1 gay adventure series, Fathom’s Five—comes a brand new hero as irresistible as diamonds and pearls.
Adventure has a new name!
And that name is Scott Sapphire.
12. I notice you have a lot much going on this summer with a bunch of new releases and more to come. Okay, inquiring minds are desperate to know how you do it all?
I’m obsessed. Unfortunately that’s the plain and simple truth. I think all writers are obsessive people addicted to writing. Apparently I get this trance-like look in my eye when I’m really in the thick of it. That comes just before I lock myself away from the world like some crazy mountain man who doesn’t wear shoes and talks to beavers. Not that I live in the mountains, I actually live in the middle of Sydney, but I’m still more than capable of sealing out the world until my friends have to do an intervention. I’m actually having a one week holiday to Thailand in a couple of weeks—it’s my first break in three years and I’ve sworn not to do any writing. I reckon I’ll last 30 minutes into the flight before I crack open the laptop! I seriously need to get either a life or a shrink!
13. Which do you find is most important to you as a writer, voice or story? Why?
Gosh, that’s another really good question. I’m going to have to say both for the simple reason that I’m gay, and the themes of equality and belonging and family are present in ALL my books. I always wanted to write a gay adventure series because I love adventure tales and I’m proud to be gay, and there is a distinct lack of novels in this genre. First and foremost I wanted to write the novels for myself, because if you don’t love what you’re writing, you probably shouldn’t be writing it. But because adventure is traditionally such a heterosexual genre, I also wanted to say to gay readers and gay fiction fans: Why can’t we have our own sexy gay James Bond or Indiana Jones? What’s stopping us from putting our own stamp on this popular genre? Just because I’m gay, doesn’t mean I don’t love volcanoes and car chases! So in that respect, yes, I believe voice is extremely important to me.
Having said that, a voice on its own can sometimes sound preachy and didactic, so rolling my message up in an exciting storyline is equally important. At the end of the day my intention is to entertain. If I can communicate a message through that, then I’m even happier, but I like to think that readers can interpret my stories however way they like: either as a call for equal rights for the GLBT community by turning a traditionally straight genre gay, or as a bit of fun, an adventure simply to be enjoyed.
14. Geoffrey, please tell us where we can find you out in cyber world. For desperate readers like me, we just have to know…:)
Readers (desperate or otherwise) can find me either on my blog which is http://www.geoffreyknight.blogspot.com/ or on my eBook page which is www.deepknight.com
Feel free to pop in and say hi (and enjoy the eye candy and fun while you’re there!)
15. I know this is a difficult question with there being so many amazing authors out there to choose from but who are some of the GOT-TO-HAVE authors in your TBR pile?
I’m actually a really slow reader and being time-poor as well means that my TBR pile is mountainous! I’d love to take a year off and just read, read, read! But if I were to pick two or three books off the top of the pile, I’m busting to read Eric Arvins’ SIMPLE MEN and Ethan Day’s AS YOU ARE. Oh, and Stormy Glenn’s SLAVE AUCTION. Oh, and Leiland Dale’s BROTHERS WITHOUT BORDERS. Oh, and James Lear’s A STICKY END… Oh gosh, I have to stop otherwise this list is just gonna go on and on!
16. What’s next in the works for you? When can readers expect to see it out on shelves in their local bookstores?
Well the next cab off the rank (or rather, turbo-charged Viper out of the garage) is DRIVE SHAFT followed closely by SCOTT SAPPHIRE AND THE EMERALD ORCHID. They’ll both be available as eBooks from www.deepknight.com
After that, the new instalment of Fathom’s Five – THE CURSE OF THE DRAGON GOD – will hit bookstores all around the world. Meanwhile I’ll be busily tapping away at the fourth book in the Fathom’s Five series – THE TEMPLE OF TIME.
But before that’s released, readers can expect SCOTT SAPPHIRE AND THE GOLDEN EGG and DRIVE SHAFT 2: A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE. I’m also working on a western adventure romance called THE LOST CITY OF GOLD, as well as a werewolf story (yum!).
And as a special treat, I’m hoping to co-author a brand new mystery series with fellow M/M author Ethan Day. Ethan will probably kill me for letting the cat out of the bag, but we’re both really excited about it and we’re just waiting for our schedules to free up enough so we can sink our teeth into it. It’s a great story with great characters – I can’t wait to start writing!
I’d like to thank Geoffrey Knight for stopping by and spending time with us, it’s been a blast getting to know more about you and your books. I wish you all the best and much success in everything you do. :)
Thanks so much for having, that was a stack of fun! I’m always up for a chat :)
Two randomly selected commenters will win a ebook copy of "The Cross of Sins", book three in gay erotic author Geoffrey Knight's "The Fathom Five"series. To enter here are a few simple rules.
* +2 Leave a comment for Geoffrey Knight including email.
* +2 Spread the Word! ( this means go out into cyber world and post it on any network sites that your are a member of, or on your blog or website. +2 Then come back and leave a link so I can verify the post.)
* Become a follower of Over The Edge! (+3 Already a follower--You ROCK! +2 Become a follower.)
The giveaway is open to all and will be running until August 1, 2010. I'll be picking and contacting the winner directly on August 2, 2010. Please make sure to include your email with your comment. Happy Reading!
Posts
