Interview with gay fiction author Michael Keene

Today I'm chatting with Michael Keene about his latest gay fiction novel, Through the Mist.

Michael, welcome to Reviews and Interviews. Thanks for swimming 'across the pond' from the UK to be here in the States today.

Please tell us about your newest book release, Through the Mist.
Nigel is 18 and trying to come to terms with his sexuality. He loves his parents to bits, but tells nobody his fears and frustrations. He elects to take off to France for a month to sort his mind out and find the meaning of life. Mike, his best friend, not knowing what he is in for, suggests that he takes his father's VW camper and travel with Nigel.

The month away together is fun, yet Nigel wrestles to tell his friend the true reason for the trip. When he does, Mike suggests they try to [in the aid of science] find out what being gay is like.

The humour of the trip, the places they venture to, and the people they meet, add to their worldly knowledge. Through chance they canoe down the river Ceze in France, only to find themselves in a naturist reserve ... should they join in ... should they turn back do they sort Nigel's sexuality out?

What inspired you to write this book?
My many trips to France over ten years as a professional photographer and documentary naturist video producer for the French Naturist Sites, plus being a leading fashion photographer, meeting many colourful people. Many many stories are stored on ice from this period of my life.

What exciting story are you working on next?
For the Love of Tom. The love one soldier has for another after they have suffered the bombs and shelling for a month in the trenches of France. They get parted, and the war ends, and they try to trace each other. In the years 1914 – 1918 life was very different for such love affairs as this...how would families take to hearing this?

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
In 2000 ... but I had written as a photojournalist years prior to writing my first book.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
Retired now...and love the pleasures that fiction writing brings.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
The knowledge of life having lived it.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Artist and photographer

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
Only that as a writer, never be side tracked into letting your views be known. Open readers' minds...and try not to leave blank pages ...leave readers unsure...yes, have some mystery, and in fact tease them with that..but never fear to tell all.

Other books I've published that are available through my Web site:
Double Take
Poor Rich Guy Matthew
The Bare Photographer

The Loch Keeper

Thanks for visiting, Michael. Best of luck with your future writing endeavors.