4. Do you prefer writing young adult fiction?

Definitely. Young adult fiction has this passion for exploration that adults often forget. After all, our responsibilities--work, family, relationships, debts--can crush idle time. When you're young you are given free range to daydream and loaf and question. Or, if you're not, then that's a story, too, one of overcoming confinement. I also think so many gay men are trapped in an extended adolescence because they were closeted when they were teens, so they can readily pick up a book about gay kids and live a life they never dared dream possible.

5. Does all your YA have GLBT characters in them?

Not all my short fiction written for the YA market, but the majority yes. It all depends on what story I wish to tell. For some, queer characters fit naturally. I never want to force a story. I just edited an anthology of YA fantasy stories, Magic in the Mirrorstone--alas, none of the contributors' stories are queer.

6. What other YA stories do you have published?

Vintage is my first novel. I've sold some YA short stories: a few historical tales to Ellen Datlow and Terri Windling's anthologies, The Faery Reel and The Coyote Road. Last year, the Journal of Mythic Arts published "Bittersweet," which is about a gay couple, one boy who has juvenile diabetes and may lose his foot. I tie in the Gingerbread Man myth to their story, which was based a little on my real life. Not that I lead such an exciting life...

7. What adult stories do you have published?

Oh, I dabbled in erotica a while until I was bored. This summer a couple of fantasy anthologies release that have gay stories of mine. My favorite of late is "A Troll on a Mountain with a Girl" [in Japanese Dreams], the story of a 40-yr old man, who has led a closeted, quiet life. Overcome with loneliness, he decides to end it all by throwing himself to a monster. Alas, he discovers that there aren't many monsters left in the world. It's actually a life-affirming piece with some wit.