Why don't you start with telling us a little about yourself? What genre do you write in and why?
Maybe because I’m a Scorpio, I find myself blessed with a particularly passionate ‘alter ego’ so inevitably, I’ve been strongly drawn to erotic romance. I tried my hand at erotica, but I found that I need a romance to be central to my story, and have the ‘intimacy’ between my characters a sensual enhancement to their relationship. And the hopeless romantic in me needs a HEA, or at the very least, a HFN ending.
I’ve always loved the paranormal/fantasy genre as well, and I’m drawn as powerfully to that genre as I am erotic contemporary romance.
Please tell us about your latest book. What can we expect from you in the future?
My latest novella, Skin Deep, an erotic contemporary romance (4 flames *winks*), is now available at Secret Cravings Publishing. Let me share the blurb:
“Emily Monroe, a statuesque high school English teacher, is convinced that getting a tattoo to cover the remnants of her brush with Morphea is the only option left to open the door to self-acceptance, allowing her to finally move on with her life after the devastating diagnosis left more than physical scars in its wake.
Rick Sutton, owner of Skin Deep, a successful tattoo shop, has his own cross to bear. Crippling guilt and the specter of unrequited justice overshadows every aspect of his life, trapping him within the haunted corridors of his heart and soul; until the day Emily walks into his shop.
Instantly, he recognizes a kindred spirit in Emily, and a tenuous bond is formed. When the intimidating yet teddy-bear of a man offers her a glimpse into his passionate side, she is moved by what she sees and takes a leap of faith. Together they traverse the physical and emotional journey of freeing themselves of their perceived flaws, an erotic undertaking that proves to them beauty is only Skin Deep.”
Here is the link for the trailer … http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9Dr9IM1csQ
Currently, I’m working on several projects. Sounds crazy, I know, but I love to write! First up is an erotic paranormal which will likely be the first in a series starring a recurring ghost who fancies himself a ‘matchmaker’ of sorts after his own story is told.
Second up is another erotic paranormal involving a sardonic FBI Agent who is haunted by the ghost of the man she killed, and a sexy psychiatrist with a few spooky secrets of his own!
And my longest work, Grave Ink, an erotic contemporary wherein my heroine, Liz, a bi-sexual spitfire who owns her own tattoo shop in Dallas finds herself falling for Leo, the quiet on the surface owner of a funeral parlor. Keep in mind still waters run deep and in Leo’s case, a bit dark and sexy! *winks* The story has a quirky ensemble cast of characters (as one might expect in such an odd coupling) and involves a complex love triangle with Liz’s on again/off again lover, Jasmine. To be honest, this has been one of my favorite stories written and I can hardly wait to get started on the first round of edits!
All of the above will be submitted to SCP first to see if they will have me and my stories again! *smiles*
I have a list (literally) of stories I want to write so the plan is to write until my butt goes numb!
I’m also a member of Truly, Madly, Deeply Romance Authors … a group of 26 authors each dedicated to putting out FREE reads twice a year! I’m very excited about this project and honored to be among the talented authors that have been gathered.
How do we find out about you and your books?
You can visit my website, www.laylahunter.com. I absolutely love meeting other writers and readers of romance, so feel free to contact me. I’ve found priceless support and encouragement in many of my Yahoo groups and RWA Chapters, so I’m always eager to ‘pay it forward’ to other writers, especially newly published ones such as myself.
You can find me here as well …
I’m working on setting up my blog, so I hope to host a “Blog Party” soon!
How much of your personality and life experiences are in your writing?
I believe that we all put a bit of ourselves in our writing even if we try not to; I know that I certainly do. In my opinion, the unique voice of an author comes from a part of her/himself.
As for life experiences, Skin Deep is quite personal to me as I was diagnosed with Morphea about a decade ago, so I understand what Emily is going through. In this case, I probably placed a bit more of myself in this book than I care to admit, but it was a journey worth taking. Not many people know what Morphea is, no less heard of the condition, so it was important for me to write about it. I’m also donating 10% of my royalties from the sales of Skin Deep to The Scleroderma Foundation.
When did you first think about writing and what prompted you to submit your first ms?
I can’t remember a time when I didn’t think about writing. I swear I must have been a writer of some sort in another life! *laughs* Truth is, I really don’t have a choice … I find I HAVE to write or the characters in my head will keep me up at night. They are relentless about wanting their stories told.
About 15 years ago, I was ready to submit my first ms when our daughter came along and *fast forward 15 years.* Amazing how those years fly by! But here I am … better late than never I always say, and with another decade of life experiences under my belt to enrich my writing.
I work full-time, so Monday through Fridays are usually spoken for, unless it’s a holiday. Often, though, I’ll write during my lunch hour and of course, in the evenings, but the weekends are when I immerse myself in my alternate worlds and accomplish most of my writing. I am a Night Owl so staying up late is nothing new for me and I do some of my best writing while everyone else sleeps.
When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
As far back as I can remember! My Nanns slipped me a few True Romance comic books and a romance novel when I was about eleven, and it may sound corny, but it was love at first sight. I wanted to read everything I could get my hands on AND after a couple of years, I wanted to write stories that would make others feel the way the books I read made me feel.
Where do you get most of the ideas for your stories?
I’m sure this will sound strange, but I have amazingly vivid and emotional dreams (likely tied to my very overactive imagination), so many of the seeds for my stories have come from there. I also play the “What if …” game and take advantage of one of my writing groups Flash Fiction prompts to stir up a sleepy Muse (as if that is ever the case … my Muse seems to be on 24/7 … but I’m not complaining!).
What are some of your hobbies?
Writing. *laughs* Seriously? Let’s see … I love to read, but after sitting at the computer for so long, I’m more likely to want to get up and move, but reading (and research) are on the top of my list (I LOVE Google!). I love walking and hiking (great for plotting!). Photography is a long-time passion of mine and I’m considering picking up the camera a little more often so I can use some of my own photos for upcoming book trailers. Bellydancing! Amazing exercise and so much fun! Shooting sports … my husband loves to shoot and owns several handguns so we’ll go to the range together and blow off some steam! Spending time with my family, watching movies or playing the Wii together is something we love to do too!
Who are some of your favorite authors, and if we were to visit your home, what books would we find on your bookshelf, end table, floor or e-reader?
Who are some of your favorite authors, and if we were to visit your home, what books would we find on your bookshelf, end table, floor or e-reader?
I love the feel of a book in my hands, turning the pages … there is something about a book that will never compare with an e-reader. That being said, I finally decided to buy an e-reader for Christmas and I love it too! Why not partake in the best of both worlds?
The only books on there now are Esperanza by Trish J. MacGregor, Dane – Lords of Satyr by Elizabeth Amber, Tiger’s Curse by Colleen Houck, and all of the January releases from my fellow authors at Secret Cravings Publishing. I had to promise myself to read one book before buying another otherwise my ‘Nook library’ will look like my house … many, many books in just as many ‘to be read’ piles throughout, but as you can see, I couldn’t resist.
There are so many authors I enjoy reading, and I’m always on the hunt for new authors too! Some of my favorites, though, would have to be Freda Warrington, Jean Auel (I have a letter from her from a long time ago that I treasure), Isobel Carmody, Charles DeLint, Neil Gaiman, Thea Devine, Lori Foster, Stephen King, Leanna Renee Hieber, Susan Carroll, Philippa Gregory and ANYTHING by Josh Whedon! That’s just naming a few.
If you could be any character of any book or movie, who would you be?
I’m sure my choice would change now and again, but in this very moment I will admit I’d love to be Elena from the Vampire Diaries! Damon would be my vamp of choice, though! *waggles wickedly*
You’re on a remote island with a handsome man, a computer, and a “mysterious” source of electricity to power your computer. What do you do?
*grins* Hmmm … that’s an easy one. I can always write while he sleeps! *winks*
Which do you prefer:
Denim or Leather on a man/woman/significant other?
Denim jeans and a leather jacket ... *purrs* Yes, choosing both might be perceived as cheating but one of my favorite quotes is “Well-behaved women rarely make history.”
Irish or Italian accent in a man?
Oh, Irish … melts me to the core every time! A rich brogue will make my knees weak.
Front seat or Back seat to make out in?
Why not both? The decision would depend on the mood and the location.
Dark eyes or Light eyes?
Sexy eyes, whether light or dark. You know the ones … they seem to look right through you, setting your heart to pounding and stirring butterflies to life in your stomach.
Sleeping bag or Bed?
*laughs* A bed first and foremost, but again, why not both? There’s something exciting about adding the outdoor element to lovemaking (minus the bugs and snakes, of course.)
Dinner or Movie for a first date?
Both options offer different experiences. With a movie, you can relax a little since you won’t have to talk the entire time (for those of us who are shy) but I don’t think that’s the real idea behind a first date … you want to get to know the person. But dinner is one to one and you have no option but to talk. Honestly, I’d prefer an activity … let’s say a trip to the zoo, a museum or an aquarium… a nice outing, time to talk but a chance to breathe now and again.
Coffee or Tea?
Oh, I am a coffee girl ALL the way! Although a good cup of tea at the end of a long day is a soothing way to wind down.
Chiseled jaw line or Chiseled abs?
Hmmm … if I had to pick one, I’d say a chiseled jaw line.
Sneak Peek into Skin Deep
Now Available at Secret Cravings Publishing
Erotic Romance
Check out the Book Trailer HERE
Together, they embark on an erotic journey that proves beauty is only Skin Deep.
Adult Excerpt:
Still shaken from the overt sexual reaction to his touch as well as the sight of the breathtaking canvas of her back, she let him guide her back to the table and help her up. With legs swinging nervously over the edge, she watched anxiously as he dipped the brush into the powder, tapping it against the side of the jar before returning to stand before her.
Her feet stilled as the brush swept over her breasts again and again until she lost herself in the resultant rush of heat, responding with a soft cry before stopping herself.
"God, Em…you're driving me crazy."
"I…I could say the same." Her voice caught and made a small noise that sounded almost like a purr.
"Do you trust me, Em?"
"Yes."
He rid himself of the jar and brush. Then, placing the pillow behind her, gently urged her back against the table until she was lying down, all the while searching her gaze for any sign of dissent. Apparently confident she wanted him to proceed he sat on the stool and rolled himself into position in front of her.
Those large hands hid the gentler truth of a tender touch as he eased her legs open, sliding his palms underneath her backside and raising her towards him.
As his tongue grazed the sensitive flesh of her inner thighs, she drew in a sharp breath before releasing a deep sigh, followed by a deeper moan.
"It's been a long time Rick." You just might want to let me dust the cobwebs off first, she was tempted to suggest but remained quiet, curious.
"That's a real shame. You don't mind if I remedy that unfortunate situation," he replied playfully, lowering his head between her thighs.
About to protest, the first rush of warm breath against the silky fabric of her panties quieted any objections. Moving his mouth along the outline of her mons, he seemed in no rush, intent on exploring her fully. Following the contours of her outer lips, he gently nipped and pulled against the fabric, rousing a scintillating need within.
A soft cry escaped her lips when he nuzzled her, his nose brushing against the swollen pearl nestled in damp folds. Undulating waves of warmth and wanting rippled over her from head to toe and her hips arched instinctively as the ache for something more began to grow.
Damn, it had been so long, too long. The intimate feel of his mouth refreshed her memory, reminding her first and foremost of the passionate woman within, before revealing with stunning clarity that she was still sexy and desirable, despite her perceived flaws.
Reaching down, her fingers moved through his hair, his locks slipping over her skin, tickling as if she’d just passed them through a spider's web. When she urged him against her, he stilled, lifting his head.
"Rick…" Her voice filled with an almost desperate pleading and when he didn't respond immediately, she panicked, the old fears creeping back in to steal this moment from her.
Lifting herself on her elbows, she looked into his eyes, her gaze searching his.
"You want more, Em?" He grinned at her mischievously.
She smiled despite herself. "Yes! Tease.”
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