Welcome to another week of Author Chat with me. This week’s guest is something of a new to me author. I first saw her books in the spring of 2020 and I’ve been a fan ever since. Sam also has a lively Facebook group, so if you’re not a member, maybe think about joining. Another thing to like about Sam is she is prolific. If you test her out and fall in love, you’ll have a lot of reading ahead of you.
Now, let’s chat with Sam!
ACwA Guest: Sam E. Kraemer
How did the first story you ever wrote influence your career as an author and how do you feel about that story now?
Sam: The first story I ever wrote that I allowed someone else to read was vampire fanfiction—I’m a Twihard—and it was exciting to reimagine that succinct set of characters doing what I wanted without the burden of creating their world.
The website where I posted it had a Beta reader who vetted the first chapter, and they were very kind while telling me why they wouldn’t post my story as it was. (It was a hot mess!) They gave me constructive criticism regarding how I could fix the story, and at the end of their message, they mentioned they hoped I took another stab at it because they loved the idea of my story. I used their suggestions, fixed the story, and put those tips in the back of my mind as I moved forward in my writing career.
If that Beta reader had been terse in their critique or even dismissive of my first attempt, I probably would have never written another word. Words are powerful; don’t misuse them.
Which of your characters is most like you (or someone close to you.)
Sam: That’s a lot harder to answer than I thought! I guess I’d have to Wyatt Smothers from the “Weighting…” Series, though I can’t say my father was pansexual. Wyatt loves his family and will do anything for them—even if his actions aren’t always what his family would like him to do. My dad was the same way with our family, and it’s something I grew to appreciate as an adult—not so much as a teenager! LOL
What is your favorite trope and why?
Sam: My favorite trope is age-gap. Many of my stories feature MCs with at least ten-years between their ages. I’m not sure why I love it so much, but it’s my jam! Maybe it’s because the older MCs experience can help the younger MC in maneuvering new life situations, and the younger MC can keep the elder MC from becoming stodgy. I love the idea of both of them bringing something equally important to the relationship—not that all other tropes don’t. This one just appeals to me most.
How many half-written stories are on your hard-drive and what do you plan to do with them?
Sam: Oh! Sadly, I’ve never counted because I believe that number would be overwhelming to me. Some of them are just crap—a writing exercise that didn’t really amount to much or I just wasn’t ready to write that story at the time. I have about twenty stories I keep revisiting, testing to see if it’s the right time for that story to be told. There are a few in the running for next year, so we’ll see how it pans out!
What are you working on next?
Sam: Right now, I have three series that I’m working on. The last rerelease of “The Lonely Heroes” series will come out in November, “Salesman Mateo,” and the first new story will release at the holidays, “Bachelor Hero.” The holiday book will catch everyone up on where the Heroes are in the series and be a light-hearted venture into how much mischief they can get into while all away on holiday! Next year, this series will release three brand new books to close it out, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be stories from this universe to come in the future—maybe crossovers that will appear in another series???
Book 2 in the “Men of Memphis Blues” series will be released in October. “Dori & Sonny” is about Dorian Holt, the youngest owner ever of an MLB franchise, who is reunited with someone important from his past. This story will be my first foray into the Daddy/boy genre, and I truly hope I do it justice (I’m a little nervous)!
The second book in the “On the Rocks” series will come out in January next year. It’s about Leo Anderson, the older brother of Kelso-The-Country-Star. It’s going to be an LGBTQ+ Awakening story, and I’m very excited to write it.
Whew! Reading all that, now I’m tired! I’ve got a lot to do, so I’ll sign off, but thank you so much, Andy Gallo, for featuring me. I truly appreciate the opportunity! Cheers, Readers!
Sam E. Kraemer’s Newest Release
BLURB
#NavySEAL #bossybodyguard #protector #Positive #sexyswimmer #quickshoppunch #candidateforlove #politicalmystery #Brunosback #secretconnection #secretcrush #instantattraction #kindness #unanticipatedromance #beagle #parrot #fireworks #dognamedbeans
A man who protects others. A man who wants to serve. A secret to bond them or blow them apart…
Raleigh “Nemo” Wallis—
Positive. One word with a lot of meanings—but not all of them are good.
When I remember my time in the Navy as a SEAL, I know one word will define me and shape the course of my life until I die. Loss seems to follow me everywhere I go, but when Benji Hoffman comes back into my life, he makes me rethink a lot of things—mainly…
How can I love him and not kill him?
o-0-o
Benjamin Hoffman—
The memories I carry from my childhood on Knott’s Island are precious to me, especially when life throws challenges in my path. I’m running for Congress at my best friend’s insistence, and someone sets fire to my campaign headquarters, just as my best friend is hospitalized for a major illness. When her brother comes back to the island to see her, I’m that fifteen-year-old kid again, crushing on him even though he comes off cool as a cucumber when I’m around him.
After getting my ass kicked at a quick stop while on the campaign trail, Raleigh Wallis decides to accompany me to keep me safe because of my friendship with his sister. How can I survive being with that man every day and not die of longing for him?
Both men have a desire to make life better for those about whom they care. Can Raleigh overcome deeply rooted fears from his past and let down his walls enough to let Benji in? Who is trying to undermine Benji’s shot at doing the only thing he’s ever wanted to do—make his home state a better place to live? Can they positively achieve their goals together?
Buy Links
GIVEAWAY: Win an e-copy from Sam’s backlist!
To Enter —
>> Join my official FB Group – Click here to join Kraemer’s Klubhouse
>> Leave a comment to this post.
One lucky winner will be chosen by the end of this week!
About Sam E. Kraemer
I grew up in the rural Midwest before moving to the East Coast with a dashing young man who swept me off my feet, and we’ve now settled in the desert of Nevada. I write M/M contemporary romance, subgenres: sweet low angst, age-gap, cowboys, mysteries, and military/mercenary to name a few. I am a firm believer in “Love is Love” regardless of how it presents itself, and I’m a staunch ally of the LGBTQIA+ community.
I have a loving, supportive family, and I feel blessed by the universe and thankful every day for all I have been given. I’m old enough to know how to have fun, but too old to care what others think about my definition of a good time. In my heart and soul, I believe I hit the cosmic jackpot. Cheers!