Tristram: I do what is needed for each project but that is because there is so little time in a day. Many streets are named after Attila and this not something perverse like naming a street after Hitler it is because of his genuine hero status, father of the nation.Įlin: Do you enjoy research for its own sake or do you just do what is necessary for each project? Hungary’s history shows the nation was founded by Arpad in 896 AD but deep down all Hungarians believe that Arpad merely reclaimed lands occupied by Attila almost half a millenium earlier. Tristram: I’m going to have to think about that really hard because there are so few facts known about him that I might have managed to include them all! Oh, I know…Attila is a hero to the Hungarians. I remember saying to myself go on Tristram, you can do it.Įlin: What was the most interesting fact you discovered about Attila that didn’t make it into your novel? When the challenge was put to me I simply couldn’t resist. I had only the slightest idea that I might write something historical one day, it certainly wasn’t a burning desire. I’ve visited Rome and Roman sites many times. Tristram: I’ve loved the whole Roman thing – from Romulus and Remus to the very dying days of the empire – all my life. Prior to that did you have any particular desire to write in an historical setting or any previous interest in late Roman culture? For sure if I had chosen to write something in Victorian times it would have been a different matter and the storyline would have to reflect the reality of everyday life.Įlin: The Hun and the General was, famously, inspired by a fan begging you to write a novel with Attila the Hun as a submissive in a D/s relationship.

It’s easy to forget that sexual prudishness is quite recent when the history of man is considered. I rather think The Hun and The General takes place at a time when the attitude to sexuality was more liberal than in subsequent eras, so maybe I got off lightly. Tristram: I’m not sure with just one historical under my belt I’m entirely qualified to answer that, Elin. But down to business! What is the biggest difference between writing contemporary erotica, with the current anything goes atmosphere, and writing historical subjects? Do you find the strictures of the past inhibiting to your storylines? Tristram: Well, thank you for inviting me over and congratulations on your book, Alike as Two Bees.Įlin: Thanks, Tristram. Thank you, Tristram, for agreeing to answer my questions today. His first historical “The Hun and the General” hasn’t failed to deliver the goods.

His first contemporary story “On My Knees” has been lauded to the skies, as have his follow up tales, “Fixed” and “Lorenzo the Magnificent”. My guest today is Tristram La Roche, rapidly becoming the ‘go to’ man for raunchy gay erotica in both contemporary and historical genres.

Lorenzo by Tristram La Roche