Hello everyone! Today I am very excited to welcome author Cardeno C to the blog! Cardeno is here to talk to us about Something in the Way He Needs, a new book in a new series. Cardeno has also brought a copy of the book to give away to one lucky reader. Please join me in giving a big welcome!
Hi, Jay. Thanks so much for letting me stop by to talk about my new book. I’m a big fan of your blog so this is a real honor.
Thanks so much for joining us today! I reviewed the book here a couple of weeks ago and really loved it, but I wonder if you might give us a quick summary for those who haven’t had a chance to check it out.
Something in the Way He Needs is a story about two men who haven’t ever been able to find what they need. Some of this is because they’ve been looking in the wrong places. Some is because they needed to understand themselves before they could understand what would truly fulfill them. But most of it is because what Daniel and Asher really need is each other, and they don’t meet until the start of this book.
One of the things that drew me into the story right away was how different Asher and Daniel are from each other. I found them both such interesting and unique characters. Can you tell us more about how you came up with these guys?
At the risk of sounding as unbalanced as I actually am, I’m not sure I come up with characters. I mean, I write them, so at some level I must come up with them, right? But that process is more organic than it is overt. I’m big on music and I tend to have certain songs or certain themes that play over and over while I write a book. That helps me achieve the feeling I want to reflect in a book, which includes the characters.
For Something in the Way He Needs, I was inspired by the Beatles’ Something. To me, that song speaks to a person being drawn to someone, though the reason for the attraction isn’t clear. It’s something in the way the person moves, or something in the person’s smile, maybe something else entirely, but whatever it is, he is drawn to it, doesn’t want to leave it, and just wants the person to stick around long enough for the attraction to grow into love and for that love to show.
I hear that song and I think of Asher being metaphorically hit over the head by the sight of Daniel and not being able to walk away, despite not being able to figure out exactly why. And then there’s Daniel, dear Daniel. He has never stuck around for anything and now that he finally thinks he has found his home, he has to stand still in circumstances that would make even the most commitment-comfortable person run for the nearest exit. But, hopefully, by the end both Daniel and Asher figured out exactly what the “something” was that drew them to each other. (Hint: The possibly too long title of the book.)
As far as some of those more difficult scenes, I was very inspired by a video this time, which is new for me. I usually listen to music, I don’t watch it. But I saw Pink’s video for Try and that relationship dynamic melded perfectly with what I was aiming to convey for Asher and Daniel. So there you have it, the Beatles meet Pink – my inspiration for these characters and their relationship dynamic.
I enjoyed the inherent conflict between Daniel and Asher. Daniel is a bit of a vagabond. He is good at many things but loses interest quickly, moving around a lot and living sort of a freeform lifestyle. It contrasts so well with Asher who is so control oriented and needs to have structure and things in their place.
Yes, these are two very, very different men. They have different backgrounds, different interests, and different personality types. But what brings Daniel and Asher together is two cores that need to be filled with exactly what the other has to offer. Yin and Yang is how I think of them.
Unlike most of your other stories, this book delves into the world of BDSM. Prior to meeting Daniel, Asher is pretty hard core into the scene. What made you decide to explore BDSM in this book?
You know, I’m not sure I’m comfortable saying I delved into the world of BDSM. I wrote a character, Asher, who made that his world prior to meeting his love interest but that took place off page, before the story starts. When we meet Asher, he explains that what he seeks in leather bars is control and, as demonstrated by his lack of any meaningful relationship, this wasn’t something he was ever able to find.
To me, this book is about needs being met, even if they’re unconventional needs, maybe even controversial ones. But the book isn’t about whips and chains and floggers. Whether that’s BDSM, I guess I’m not qualified to say. I think of it as simply human nature.
This book is the start of your new Family series. Can you tell us more about the series as a whole and what we can expect coming up?
The Family series is a contemporary series. The books will be stand-alone, but the characters will be interrelated. In fact, some of those characters were introduced in Something in the Way He Needs.
Can you tell us more about what you are working on and what new things we can look forward to?
Right at this very moment, I’m working on a special update to the Home series characters. I hope this will be available over the summer. We’ll see how things go. I’m also working on edits for the next Mates book, called Until Forever Comes, and I’m writing a new book with Mary Calmes. Lots of fun stuff going on.
If my readers want to know more about you or your work, where can they find you?
Readers can find information about me on my website: www.cardenoc.com where I have all my books listed along with reviews and links and a few freebie shorts.
Thanks so much for stopping by and chatting with me today!
Thank you, Jay! This was fun.
Giveaway
Cardeno has generously brought along a copy of Something in the Way He Needs to give away to one lucky reader. Leave a comment on the post for your chance to win. The contest closes on Thursday, March 7 at 11:59 pm EST.
Have really enjoyed the book’s of Cardeno C’s that I have read, so count me in the comp please.
I love the unabashed sentiment in Cardeno’s books. Please count me in, thank you.
This book sounds great. Please count me. Thanks!
I have this on my wish list and would love to win a copy. Thank you for the opportunity.
Thanks for the great interview Jay! I am a huge Cardeno C fan and have already read Something in the Way He Needs.
Please don’t count me in.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the interview!
This sounds like an amazing story and I would love to read it!!! Count me in for the giveaway, thank you 🙂
Sounds like a good read,thank you
Thank you for the great interview! Please count me in!
Haven’t read any Cardeno C yet, and I’ve been so curious!
Thank for the interview! So looking forward to this book. And I’m very excited about all the upcoming projects you talked about! Busy, busy, busy! Congrats on the start of this new series!
Please count me in. Thanks!
I have been a huge fan of Cardeno’s since he used to write fanfiction! Would love to have a copy! 🙂
Have many of Cardeno’s books. Please include me too.
I’m a huge fan, can’t wait for this new series!!
Love the way music inspires you. Count me in please.
I am a big fan!! Count me in please!
I like Cardeno as a person. Please count me in!
Cardeno is one of my go-to authors for feel-good stories.
Please add me too 🙂
Count me in!
Christopher
christopherinwonderland@yahoo.com
I’ve had my eye on this one… The cover just draws me!
Yes, gorgeous cover isn’t it? The book was really good
Enjoyed the interview! Sounds like the beginning of another great series. I love how certain songs are the inspiration for your characters. Thanks for the giveaway!
Hi this is a new author for me but I’ve had very good recommendations from friends so I’m anxious to read some of Cardeno’s work. From the looks of it I’ll be pleasantly pleased.
This sounds good. Please count me in.
Awesome!
Anything from CC is well appreciated. This is one of the most caring authors I’ve ever met! His stories are heartwarming and are stories I wish I had to tell of my own personal life. (the love at the end)… Love Him!
Please, add my name to the list!
Thanks!
I’ve just discovered this series but I really like it 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway!
smaccall AT comcast.net
This looks so good! Woohoo giveaway!!
I’ve read all Cardeno C’s Home series and love the idea behind this one! (Beatles meet Pink LOL )
Great giveaway :c) And the cover… lovely and sensual.
tempeste.oriley @ gmail.com
Sounds good and I’ve enjoyed other books by Cardeno.
I always enjoyed Cardeno C’s books so please count me in.
Thanks
Sounds good, I’ve been looking forward to this one. Please count me in 🙂
I usually read almost everything Cardeno puts out. Count me in!
I enjoy Cardeno’s work and I am looking forward to the new book to add to my collection
Thank you so much for letting me visit and for all the nice comments! 🙂