Looking back on old newsletters, I'm reminded of a program that we had of Author Chats. This was before we had a regular chatroom, and so it was a special occasion to schedule a time that an author would go into chat and talk to the community. I very clearly when DKStories had such a chat time, and I got to ask him some questions, that led to PM's and eventually meeting him for a movie. Unfortunately, now I'm stuck with him ;-)

So with these fond memories, here is an article from our October 2006 GAzette (the GayAuthors.org newsletter name at the time), which is a transcript of such a chatroom chat with Hosted Author Viv!

Have you ever wondered which one of their characters an author would have over for dinner? Perhaps you've sat and pondered how they thought of a story title? Maybe you've even wondered with which of their characters they most identify?
Well wonder no more, dear reader. GA is pleased to offer a series of activities designed specifically to answer the questions you have about your favourite authors and stories. These "Author Chats" will occur twice monthly and will be held in the GA Live Chatroom in a subroom named after the author whom the chat is featuring.
The first author chat was held Saturday, September 23rd at 7pm Pacific Time and featured hosted author Viv. Here are a few paraphrased highlights of the event:

Chatter: Where do you get your story ideas?
Viv: Mostly I just imagine situations that I think are intriguing, hot, or emotional. Sometimes though I just start with a character, like Lucas in "Days of Silence", and just go from there.

Chatter: How do you come up with titles?
Viv: With "From Behind Those Eyes" it's a play on words. With "Days of Silence" it was about a 'day of silence' (an annual event in the gay community designed to increase awareness and support), but I also wanted to emphasize the fact that they had gone so many days in silence because of fear, denial and stubbornness.

Viv: When I write the sequel to "Days of Silence" I'm going to retell it from Lucas' point of view; how do you guys feel about telling the same story from a different point of view?
Chatter 1: I think I'd like that!
Chatter 2: You’re not really "retelling" the story. Each individual sees the same thing in a different way. I love seeing multiple points of view.

Chatter: If you could have any character over for dinner who would it be and why?
Viv: Probably Lucas from "Days of Silence" because he's so mysterious or maybe Jesse from "From Behind Those Eyes".

Chatter: Where do you see yourself in five years?
Viv: Ideally I'd like to be selling books as well as helping people with their problems (by giving them someone to talk to).

Chatter: How has GA changed you?
Viv: I think GA has not so much changed me, but instead has given me a place to do what makes me happy.

Chatter: How do you feel you have changed GA and those on it?
Viv: Why don't you guys tell me?
Chatter 1: You were the first woman to be hosted here.
Chatter 2: Well if I hadn't met you not only would I have missed out on the very important friendship I share with you, but I also probably wouldn't have gotten to know several of my other close friends here.