Why don't you start with telling us a little about yourself? What genre do you write in and why?
What comes first for you when you sit down to write a book? Plot or Characters?
It really depends. Sometimes, it’s a quirky piece of dialogue or an action scene. I tend to observe real life a lot, and then something will just strike me. If I already “know” the characters, then there are times when I think, “what next” or “what if …”
Do you "cast" your characters using pictures or actors to help inspire you when you're writing?
Not literally like tacking an image to my computer screen for inspiration. Although there are times when I think about describing one of my fav. hunky stars such as Clive Owen, Taye Diggs or even Angelina Jolie (if it’s a f/f story!).
How long does it take you to finish a book from start to finish?
Too long. I’m not a quick writer. I have a horrendous internal editor, which comes from my other life of being an editor. In “real” life, I constantly find errors on signs, restaurant menus, etc. You could say that it took me years to write Physical Education, or once I got the contract it was done with three months …
How much does reader reaction mean to you as an author? Do you read your own reviews?
Reviews? What reviews? Only have a handful so far, and yes I’ve definitely read them, loved them and argued with them (mentally). Reader reaction means a LOT . I want to know that I’m connecting with them, but I also need to remember that not every story will resonate with every reader. On the same level, I’ve left one not-too-positive review on Amazon for an author, and she’s very well respected and sells many books. Just wanted my cup of historical romance (too tragic).
What are you working on now?
Over the last two months, I’ve signed with an agent – the forward-thinking, talented and lovely Saritza Hernandez of the L. Perkins Agency. She specializes as an ePub agent, and I’ve submitted a total of six short stories. Hopefully, we’re going to be hearing back on those shortly!
What books are currently on your nightstand?
Should be getting a box of four books in the mail today from Amazon (fingers-crossed). Included in the first in the series by J.K. Beck, The Shadow Keepers. It’s a pen name for Julie Kenner. Recently finished the RITA-winning historical romance Not Quite a Husband by Sherry Thomas, and Larissa Ione’s Sin Undone.
Totally have to pace myself because I can get wrapped up reading, and then push off writing.
Where did you get the idea for your latest book?
For my latest published novel – Physical Education is set at the San Francisco Sex University
For my latest WIP – Oooh, if only I could tell without telling so much …
If someone hasn't read any of your work, what book would you recommend that they start with and why?
For long fiction, it would have to be Physical Education. I have a feeling that it’s going to be the start of many different stories.
Have you ever experience weird cravings while you write? If so, what kind?
I’m a salty-sweet gal. Tend to much on pumpkin seeds, Good & Plenty or for a special treat, Cinnamon Bears.
What are the most challenging and the most rewarding aspects of writing?
By far the most challenging can be finding time to write. I’m a mom of two young children, and homework time definitely cuts into my writing time!
For rewarding, there are stages: Getting inspiration for a story; getting lost in a scene; finishing a story; submitting and being accepted. Then … there’s that sweet moment of publication.
What are your top 3 favorite paranormal books and movies?
Books
Charlaine Harris – Dead Series
Kim Harrison – Rachel Morgan Series
Twilight
Films
Paranormal films, to me, equate to horror films, and I don’t tend to watch too many of those. Love to read about the gore, but not see it on the big screen. If it’s a “light” paranormal than the Harry Potter series. My girlfriend and I have a standing date to see the midnight opening show for each release. At this year’s RWA Nationals in Florida
Television
True Blood
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
What character (s) in any of your books is most like you?
Definitely Trisha from “Two’s Company” in the I Kissed a Girl: A Virgin Lesbian Anthology, and that’s all I’m saying!
What is the most ridiculous thing that you have thought about doing to any of your characters but never did?
There’s a delicious scene in one of Anne Rice’s erotic novels, which were written under pseudonyms and we all now know she’s the author. It may be the Sleeping Beauty Series – it’s been a long time; however, for “punishment” a few characters are made to wear a pony tail, ahem, anally. Obviously, the scene stuck with me … something absolutely wicked like that.
If your muse were to talk behind your back, what secrets would he/she tell?
You have to ask a fictional character out on a date—who would you ask and what would you do together?
Oh, come on! Seriously? Can I make Jacob from Twilight just a little bit older and have some alone time with him (with no promises or regrets!)? Yes, I own a Wolf Pack T-shirt.
Where can readers find out what's new and how can they contact you?
Excerpt: PHYSICAL EDUCATION – Erotic Thriller (HOT)
A bell disrupted her thoughts. It was time. Amanda opened the door, ready to take on whatever came next, and found herself in a room full of other people.
Correction: other naked people.
Men and women burst out of the rooms like horses at a race, only to find themselves reined in. A petite blonde girl stood next to her, looking even more timid than Amanda felt. A tall, dark-haired man with stark almond-colored skin could be seen towering above the others on the other side of the room. A small Asian woman turned in circles, as if searching for a familiar face. And then the whistle shrilled. The sea of bare butts parted to reveal a mammoth woman with striking red hair; beside her stood another man who looked to be Blaine
“All right everybody, that’s enough. You’ll have plenty of time to gawk at each other,” she said. “It’s time to get the first lesson started. I am Lucille, the headmistress of San Francisco Sex University
“Now, everyone get into formation. Ten lines of five. Right now. On the double.” Amanda fell into line. The pale blonde woman stepped in front of her. As easily as elementary school children, they lined up equally spaced apart, shoulders back, chests out and faces forward. Amanda stole a glance to her right, and then to her left. Some men could obviously not hide their excitement, and a particular dark-skinned man to the left of her looked to have something to be excited about. Others were clearly intimidated by the situation and were not rising to the occasion.
The last guy in the line to the right of her seemed to be crowding the guy in front of him. One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. There were six in that row. Try as he might, he couldn’t line up.
“You there,” the Lucy Amazon said, getting down off her box. “Can’t you count? Do you plan on flunking out on your first day? In your first hour?”
The woman strutted down the aisle, all the more noticeable in her clothes. It wasn’t merely the fact that she was wearing something alluring; it was the fact that she was wearing something in this room filled with stripped-down bodies. Black four-inch thigh-high boots made her even taller. As she walked purposefully through the ranks, the floor vibrated with the pulse of her every step. Amanda caught a glimmer of musky vanilla perfume as the woman passed her. Everything about Headmistress Lucy commanded attention. Amanda felt drawn to the woman’s obvious strength and power.
Before she saw it, Amanda heard the smack of leather hitting bare flesh. The man yelped in surprise.
No comments:
Post a Comment