Welcome to Five Questions With – a blog where each week, I talk to writers, publishers, and other creatives about their work. This week, I welcome MJ Williamz.
Congratulations on Chasing Her Scent! Can you tell me a bit about the book—what it’s about, what inspired it, and what you’re most proud of in this story?
Chasing her Scent takes place in Quebec City. A small bookstore owner discovers a secret room. In the room is a box she hasn’t been able to open. She eventually gets the box open and it reveals a map and a locket with a picture of Marie Antoinette in it along with a vial of her perfume, Black Jade. The map is very faded and unable to clearly see. The bookstore owner, Lisette and an American neurosurgeon, Sheridan embark on a wild treasure hunt across Canada.
This book is also a romance as opposed to an erotic romance, which I love. I’d rather write romance than erotic romance
Last time we talked, you mentioned you moved to Puerto Vallarta to “be safe.” That’s such a powerful statement. What does safety mean to you right now, and how has that shaped your writing—or your life—lately?
Safety to me means trump and his cronies can’t touch me. I know they’re gunning for all LGBTQIA people, but seem to be targeting trans people first and foremost. I needed to be where their policies, etc can’t touch me. Puerto Vallarta has offered me a beautiful, peaceful safe space. I don’t fear for my very existence here. I miss my wife Laydin with every ounce of my being and can’t wait until she moves.
As for writing-I finished Chasing her Scent down here and have started another book, as yet untitled (Coming up with a title is the bane of my existence!) This new book takes place in Puerto Vallarta and the main characters are an entitled American and a local woman who teaches her that one doesn’t need a lot to be happy.
So the creative juices continue to flow. Maybe more so without the added stress of living in the US.
You mentioned that you’re transitioning. If you’re comfortable sharing, what has that process been like for you?
My transition has been smooth and easy with all the love and support I’ve received from Laydin, her family, and my most excellent friends! I’m very fortunate and I know that. I’m in the process of figuring out a way to give back. We are offering our hotel as a place to recover for anyone seeking reassignment surgery here. At the moment, those surgeries aren’t performed in Puerto Vallarta-They’re all done in Guadalajara but I’m working with a nurse who’s trying to get them done here.
Has your creative work been a refuge or something else entirely during that journey?
I’ve written two books with Trans main characters now. Pleasures in PTown and Fleur d’ Lies. Pleasures is available on Amazon and Fleur d’ Lies will be as well hopefully later this year. So transitioning has given me more fodder to work with.
Writing is always a sanctuary for me whether it’s sapphic lit or trans characters. I’m living in paradise now so the need to escape reality with my writing isn’t as strong which is why my latest novel is taking a while to write! LOL
How do place and identity intertwine for you—as a person and as a storyteller?
Living in paradise and having the freedom to be myself and write to my hearts content has created the space and time for me to be at peace. I couldn’t separate my writing from my identity because for so many years it was my refuge. My safe place. Now I can revel in freedom and expand my writing in so many ways. It’s like I’ve finally come home.
What’s something you’ve learned recently, in life or in writing, that you wish you could go back and tell your younger self?
Never take freedom and happiness for granted. Appreciate what you have everyday.
Bonus question: Have you ever taken a picture of a weird bird?
Yes. An actual Chacalaca.
Learn more about MJ here.
Finnian Burnett 