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January 23, 2012

Who is Embry Carlysle?


Well, that would be me. Still confused? LOL First let me start by saying I am so honored to be invited here today by Gabrielle Evans. To hopefully not bore you to death as I ramble on about myself, which is a lot harder than I thought it would be, not the rambling, I’m rather good at that, but the talking about myself…not so much. So I’ll just give you a little bit of my background.

I grew up in the south in the seventies, where I was very blessed with a loving family, who encouraged learning something new every day. We didn’t live in the cyber-world back then so we had to rely on a four station television and the library. Damn I’m old. I can still visualize my dad sitting in his well-worn lazy-boy, book perched on his chest, glass of wine on the end table.

I remember as a small child reading, See Spot Run, and Dick and Jane Play.  Soon those early readers gave way to larger words, longer sentences, several chapters and amazing storylines.  I can’t recall all the books I read back then. Around the time I started college I was cleaning out some of my things in my bedroom at home and came across a large box my mother had kept of every report card, popsicle stick picture frame, and of course the gold painted noodle ornament, I had ever made.  In the box I found a story that I had written in the third grade. It was about an elephant and his tennis shoes. On the top of the page in bright red letters, were the words: Wonderful use of an over-active imagination, but should only be used when playing games with friends not in the classroom. Wow did teachers have major dream-breaking skills back then. 

I cannot begin to list the multitudes of books I have read. From romance fit for a nun to erotic so hard core, my fingers burned from touching them. From Harry Potter to The Black Dagger Brotherhood I loved anything paranormal. My deepest desire to write had never really ever gone away. Like a gigantic light-bulb over my head I knew what I was going to do. I was going to write paranormal romance and I was going to create worlds no other author had. I was going to rule the world! (insert evil scientist laugh). LOL But my vampires weren’t going to be sparkly or print ad models for Abercrombie. I was going to create ass-kicking heroines and uber-heroes that didn’t screw around when going for the bad guy or the girl. So I took pen in hand and I began writing every single free moment I had. I literally filled dozens of journals, ever changing my stories, because something was missing and I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. Then a friend of mine introduced me to a whole new eye opening world; the world of men who love men, and I have been hooked ever since. I never knew there were stories like these out there.  

Now I am a fan of e-books for their convenience, but there is just something about a printed book, sitting on one of my bookshelves, like an old comfortable friend.  So whenever I found a book I wanted and it had a print edition I knew I would rather have them. Some of the bookstores, I would unfortunately learn; hid gay/lesbian books in the erotic/porn section way in the back so “decent” people didn’t have to look at them…Yes I was actually told this by a snot-nosed kid at a well-known chain of bookstores, like he knew the definition of what is decent. Though he took me to them, albeit reluctantly; he still made me feel like I was dirty or perverted. I had never had this happen before and it not only made me feel uncomfortable but it also angered me. Who was he or anyone else to judge me for the books I read? Luckily that kid didn’t deter me from going back.

While I struggled with writing my own story, the same friend who showed me the books, suggested I try writing m/m; was she insane? How could I ever write about men together when I was just a woman? What did I know about the gay male? I had a hard enough time with writing a hetero relationship. But she was persistent, said I could do it (still tells me that). I needed more than that to convince myself though, so I read every m/m book I could get my hands on. 

I also follow some of my favorite authors and even tweet with them and talk to them online. It is so surreal to me to actually “know” them. Everyone is so kind and helpful. It’s like they are one big family. But it’s the relationships I have built with some new authors that mean the most to me. Authors I look up to and respect and appreciate for their constant support. It is one such author that I am now writing with, NJ Nielsen. As you know from her post here, our friendship and subsequent partnership all started with a joke and has grown from there. Our world and characters have been so much fun to create; we can’t wait to share them with you.

I do have on my blog a weekly story called Finding Will, if you would like to see some of my work. I also have my story Saving Jamie which will be the first story in my Saving Souls Series which is about my two main characters, Jamie and Corey and how sometimes, opposites really do attract.

Well I hope that I haven’t put any of you to sleep, and that you now know a little about me. I also want to thank Gabrielle again, for allowing me to spend my day here with all of you.

I may have started with Dick and Jane, but now I’m all about Dick and Dan.

Way more fun….

Happy reading everyone,

Embry  
www.embrycarlysle.blogspot.com


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31 comments:

  1. I'm sorry to say I haven't read any of your books, but I'll have to go and get some now.

    You sound like me growing up. I really can't remember at time when I didn't have a book in my hand. And that hasn't changed any at all over all these years. Except now I have in my hand almost 300 books on my Kindle.

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  2. Lori rnlmac@msn.com1/23/2012

    Very interesting interview. I need to check out your books

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  3. I'm like you...only it was two tv station, a black and white television, and Dad with his bottle of O'Keefe...a Canadian brand of beer. I always get more enjoyment from reading a print book. I have a lot of trouble with technology. I have so many books piled up in boxes in my bedroom there's little room to walk. Give me a book, and a hot chocolate, and you won't see me for quite a while.
    Good luck, and much success with your writing.

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  4. Oh, I forgot....

    jm111@mymts.net

    I'll be watching for you.

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  5. Anonymous1/23/2012

    I am going to be on the look out for your books. I am always looking for new authors to read. Thanks!
    Yvette
    yratpatrol@aol.com

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  6. i am for sure going to have to look out for your books embry!

    i also enjoy reading despite having dyslexia but i prefer the e books due to they are 'less intimidating' and i can focus on the writing and not so much the size of the book!

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  7. Thanks to Gabrielle's blog for introducing you & your books to me Embry. Your books are now on my TBR list. ;)

    I try to read 1 book a day, it depends on my schedule, but I am definitely a bookaholic. M/M books, are my favorite genre.

    I read ebooks as well, but I try to get paperback copies of my favorite books for my shelf.

    GFC: Jewel
    jewel4jay@hotmail.com

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  8. Anonymous1/23/2012

    I took a composition class in high school. Most of the stories I wrote were paranormals. I had been reading books by Stephen King and R.L. Stine. My teacher said i wrote like Stephen King. lol I have always loved books and reading. I thought maybe one day I would want to become a writer, but I'm having too much fun reading for now.

    amysmith98 @ gmail.com

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  9. Foretta1/23/2012

    Great interview!

    forettarose@yahoo.com

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  10. oops i forgot to leave my email address in my earlier post!

    parisfan_ca@yaoo.com

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  11. WOOHOO!! Another new author to enjoy!! Love having new people to read.

    Kitana
    Kitana_wolff@yahoo.com

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  12. Anonymous1/23/2012

    It's always great to hear about new authors. I look forward to reading Saving Jamie when it comes out :)
    Thanks
    talia628@yahoo.com

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  13. Andrea1/23/2012

    I am with you on the reading thing. I think reading is one of the best ways to spend the day. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.

    Andrea
    drealynn84@hotmail.com

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  14. Your house growing up sounds an awful lot like mine. I read a lot. Still do as a matter of fact. I also grew up in the 70's. One of my dad's favorite ways to wake us kids up was to put Peter, Paul and Mary on the high fi at a really loud volume. It worked, we were up for whatever he wanted us to accomplish that day.

    Looking forward to your books.

    Tiffany
    bubbliemom@gmail.com

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  15. I started reading my moms old romance books in what was then junior high school. Found them a little tame, but I continued to read them. Then Came the Harry Potter Series which I loved. Then two years ago I got my first e-reader and dicovered erotica shapshifters and vampires and haven't looked back. I finally found a genra that has me completely hooked. I think it's because the men are all sensual in one way or another.
    I haven't read any of Embry Carlysle's book but will go find a sample of them and see how fast she draws me into a story.. Thanks for sharing your love of books and the paranormal with us..

    teedragon68@gmail.com

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  16. Hi Embry,

    I am a huge fan of m/m romance stories, and enjoyed getting to know you.

    I discovered my love for reading in the 70's as well, and have been reading all kinds of romance stories ever since.

    caity_mack at yahoo dot com

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  17. You're a new to me author and I LOVED learning about your writing path. I'm intrigued by your newest release and will definitely put it on my wishlist. I too still have a love of printed books, but have learned to love the instant gratification of digital.

    joderjo402 AT gmail DOT com

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  18. I love to read as well. I will make sure to look for your books. I am always happy to read new authors.

    Almost forgot.

    sexybaby2882@hotmail.com

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  19. I just want to say thank you to everyone for all the kind words. Also so good to know I'm not the only one out there who remembers the 70's and not from Nick at Nite lol...On my blog I have a weekly series called Finding Will that I would love for you to stop and read...Saving Jamie's Soul is nearly complete and will be submitted as soon as I polish it up. Keep your eye out for me :)

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  20. Well my girl now everyone is looking for your work you will have to hurry up and sub and not listen to the nay sayers - Good luck to whoever wins. Check out Embry's blog story Finding Will you won't be sorry.

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  21. Thanks so much for some back ground! Always good to hear about how you got to where you are now.

    Thanks for taking the time to post here on Brie's blog!

    I am looking forward to reading your books.

    Stacy Wilson

    dragn_lady at yahoo dot com

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  22. Anonymous1/23/2012

    I enjoyed your interview. I haven't read any of your books. I'll have to check them out. Thanks.
    Sherry
    sherryrivera1967@yahoo.com

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  23. I thank Gabrielle for introducing you to us m/m fans. I am always on the look out for new authors to tide me over between books. I will definately look you up. Good luck with your work! :-)

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  24. Like you Embry I grew up in the 70's and always had a book in my hand. Reading was an escape for me (older sisters had all left home, lol) and I loved to get lost in my own little world while reading. My older sister was the one to introduce me to Mills & Boon books back in the 80's and I used to go to the local library and borrow as many as they would allow, but something always seemed to be missing. You guys know what I mean, it always seemed to be the same old stories, lol.

    I still like paperback books, but I'm running out of room to put them, so digital works quite well for me.

    You will have to let us know when your books become available to purchase. :-)

    Now to check out your blog.

    Paula
    paula.hadgraft@gmail.com

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  25. Love your writing I know you haven't got anything out but "Finding Will" on your blog is to kill for. I so cannot wait until you get a book out for us to rave about. Thanks for sharing yourself with us.
    Cinders

    crozzy67@nctv.com

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  26. Great interview!!

    Chris
    ceagles48218@yahoo.com

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  27. Heh, you shall be an author I'll look out for embry!

    I look forward to reading one of your books! :)
    and yes, I love reading. I go for just about anything that interests me. I know a few people that only stick to one genre and that's it. I like finding books in all. lol... If I HAD to say, yes, I think paranormal or supernatural are my favorite reads though.

    Enjoyed the post!

    Judi
    arella3173_loveless(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  28. Anonymous1/24/2012

    I can't say I've heard of you before but I'll be sure to check out your stories when I have a chance =)

    Sadly to say it isn't just some bookstores that hide glbt it's also libraries. Although at this day and age, with yaoi being licensed in the U.S. it's gotten way better.

    -H.B.
    humhumbum@yahoo.com

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  29. Tarita1/25/2012

    Great interview. Even though I haven't read your books I will check them out.

    Rita
    mlynn3451@yahoo.com

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  30. Anonymous1/25/2012

    Great interview. Thank you Gabrielle for introducing us to Ms Carlyse. I will definitely look for Saving Jamie.

    Bacchae777@yahoo.com

    Mindi

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  31. Anonymous1/25/2012

    glas you posted and answered the question of "WHO IS EMBRY CARLYSLE".
    I look forward to investigating your site and seeing what you have available.
    NIKI
    nrdriscoll@aol.com

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