Fun Interview with Berengaria Brown for Naked Statues

Today, I interviewed Berengaria Brown, author of Naked Statues, a paranormal erotic romance.

About Author and Author's Most Recent Release

Q: Do you have a favorite quote or line from this book? If so, please share.

A: Through his haze of release, Ulric heard Heath yelling. He looked up to see a young couple, naked, dancing around the fountain.

“Free! We’re free! We’re free!” the woman was shouting.
“What the fuck?”
Fleur was ripped from his arms, Ulric flew through the air—then nothing.

Q: Who is your favorite main character from this book? Why?
A:Ulric (Ricky), because he’s so determined to solve their problems and make everything right again.

Q: Who is your favorite secondary character? Why?

A: Eros, because he’s a mixture of mysterious and naughty.

Q: What was the hardest part of writing this book?

A: Making sure all the main characters were equally important and relevant.

Q: What question do you wish that someone would ask about your book?

A: What do statues do at night when no one is watching? (Read on and find out!)

Q: Convince readers to buy your book in 25 words or less.

A: Three people trapped inside statues, determined to get free. A young couple facing an enormous problem. A mischievous god. Hot sex.

On Writing and Writing Erotica

Q: Why did you choose to write in this genre/subgenre?

A: It’s what I like to read.

Q: Do you outline or do you start with a basic idea and let it flow? (plotter or pantser)

A: I have a start and end point and a few places I want to hit on the way through. The rest is whatever the characters lead me into.

Q: Do your family and friends know what you write? If so, what do they think about it?

A: A few close friends have been a wonderful support to me.

Q: In erotica/erotic romance, the sex is depicted graphically. Are there any specific words or phrases you aren't comfortable using in your stories? Word or phrase that makes you say “ick”?

A: I prefer explicit to purple prose: to me “cock” is more appropriate than “purple-helmeted warrior”.

Q: What is your favorite part of writing erotica/erotic romance?

A: Seeing where the characters lead me.

Q: How long ago was your first story accepted by a publisher and did you pee your pants? J

A: April 2010. No, but I was excited.
Q: What are your favorite and least favorite parts of the publishing process?
A: Favorite is writing. Least favorite is promotion.

Fun Stuff

Q: Tattoos. Hot or not? And do you have any?

A: Hot indeed. Maybe.

Q: Wine, Beer or Liquor?

A: Champagne

Q: Dogs, cats or other?

A: Cats

Q: Kindle, Nook, Paper? Other?

A: Any digital format

Q: Vibrators, nipple clamps or butt plugs? J

A: Vibrators

Q: Why did the chicken cross the road?

A: Why not?

Q: What is the meaning of life?

A: To have fun and to help others.

Final thoughts:

Thank you for inviting me here today, Jocelyn.

You are welcome!

Back cover blurb:

A series of naked, well-endowed statues in the Botanical Gardens encourage lovers Fleur, Ricky and Heath to indulge in some hot, naughty public sex. But is there more to these statues than rock-hard abs?

Lily and Flynn have been trapped inside a statue since last Halloween. When a mischievous god with a love of all things sexual swaps them for the trio of lovers, can the strength of their love set them all free?

*Website: www.berengariabrown.com
*Blog: http://berengariasblog.blogspot.com/
*Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/berengaria.brown#!/berengaria.brown?v=info
*Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/BerengariaBrown

Go buy Naked Statues!

Fun Interview with Helena Harker for Master's Submission

Today, I'm interviewing Helena Harker, author of Master's Submission, a BDSM erotic romance.

About Author and Author's Most Recent Release

Q: Who is your favorite main character from this Master’s Submission? Why?

A: Well, there are only two characters, because it’s an Ellora’s Cave Quickie! I really like the heroine, because she is used to being a submissive, and she has to tap into a completely different part of herself to become a dominatrix.

Q: Who is your favorite secondary character? Why?

A: That would have to be Dylan, who is Bethany’s “Master.” He is willing to try to give up control for one night to try to give Bethany an opportunity to explore a different side of her personality. He loves her and is willing to put his dominant nature aside to try to please her.

Q: What was the hardest part of writing this Master’s Submission?

A: Since it was one of my first attempts at erotica, writing explicit sex scenes was tough. I would read other erotic short stories for inspiration, and then I would get back to this story and write a bit more.

Q: What question do you wish that someone would ask about Master’s Submission?

A: Hmmm, don’t know. What I hope they don’t ask is something like, “Is Bethany your alter ego?”

Q: Convince readers to buy your book in 25 words or less.

A: There’s a scene about the Male G-Spot. If you want to know more, read the story!

On Writing and Writing Erotica

Q: Why did you choose to write in this genre/subgenre?
A: Because my YA book wasn’t doing very well and I wanted to try something different.

Q: Do you outline or do you start with a basic idea and let it flow? (plotter or pantser)

A: When I start, I wing it, but when I get further into the plot, I have to make outlines and stick to them.

Q: Do your family and friends know what you write? If so, what do they think about it?

A: Only one person at work knows, and I’m beginning to think telling her was NOT a good idea.

Q: In erotica/erotic romance, the sex is depicted graphically. Are there any specific words or phrases you aren't comfortable using in your stories? Word or phrase that makes you say “ick”?

A: Not anymore, but at the beginning, they ALL  made me queasy!!!!

Q: What is your favorite part of writing erotica/erotic romance?

A: Getting to explore the characters’ motivations. Getting into Bethany’s head was great fun.

Q: How long ago was your first story accepted by a publisher and did you pee your pants? J

A: I was almost incredulous when Ellora’s Cave accepted this story. But I had to revise it once before they offered me a contract.

Q: What are your favorite and least favorite parts of the publishing process?

A: Seeing your book on Amazon is a highlight! All the marketing you have to do after is a drag. It’s time-consuming and I’d rather be writing!

Fun Stuff

Q: Tattoos. Hot or not? And do you have any?

A: Not hot. Trashy. I like “henna”, which is Middle Eastern dye made from tree leaves, and it makes absolutely beautiful decorations on your hands for weddings, etc.

Q: Wine, Beer or Liquor?

A: I like margaritas.

Q: Dogs, cats or other?

A: I love animals. Dogs. Cats. Horses.

Q: Kindle, Nook, Paper? Other?

A: PDF! I always read on my laptop!

Q: Vibrators, nipple clamps or butt plugs? J

A: Vibrators, definitely!

Q: Why did the chicken cross the road?

A: It is one of life’s great mysteries.

Q: What is the meaning of life?

A: I think it’s best if we never find out. It’s better to keep asking the question and seeking our true purpose.

Back cover blurb:

When Bethany finds her Master’s note, she expects it to contain the usual set of instructions telling her how to prepare for their Friday evening play session. But her Master asks for the unexpected—he wants her to be his Domme. Bethany is terrified at the prospect, but she doesn’t want to disappoint Master. She’ll need to tap into her inner dominatrix if she’s to give her newly submissive lover what he needs.

*Website: www.helenaharker.com

*Blog: http://www.helenaharker.com/blog.html

*Twitter: https://twitter.com/HelenaHarker

Go buy Master's Submission!

Fun Interview with Author Chandra Ryan for Bond Betrayed

Today, I'm interviewing Chandra Ryan, author of Bond Betrayed, a paranormal erotic romance.

About Chandra and Bond Betrayed

Q: Do you have a favorite quote or line from Bond Betrayed? If so, please share.

A: “You drank my blood. I’m a seductress, what did you think my magic would feel like? Rainbows, unicorns and fairy dust?”

Q: Who is your favorite main character from Bond Betrayed? Why?

A: Nikki. She’s just so spunky and has this amazing strength no matter what happens to her.

Q: Who is your favorite secondary character? Why?

A: I really like Isaac’s mother. She’s such a bitch she’s actually fun to hate. She reminds me of the soap opera villains of old.

Q: What was the hardest part of writing Bond Betrayed?

A: It was really hard for me to hand it over to my critique partners. Since this was the first erotic romance I’d written, I honestly thought it’d give them a coronary. They were amazingly supportive about it, though.

Q: What question do you wish that someone would ask about your book?

A: How many rewrites did Bond Betrayed take? The answer would be four. That’s complete rewrites. I’m not even counting the rounds of self-edits and rounds of edits for Ellora’s Cave. I think it’s important for people to know the story doesn’t have to be perfect the first time through. Persistence is often more important than perfection.

Q: Convince readers to buy Bond Betrayed in 25 words or less.

A: There’s a seductress who’s tricked into a blood bond, a sinfully handsome enforcer, and sex with toys. Oh! And handcuffs. There are handcuffs, too.

On Writing and Writing Erotica

Q: Why did you choose to write in this genre/subgenre?

A: Writing paranormal allowed me to be grittier with the world and the characters. There is no black or white, only shades of gray. That was really important with the story I wanted to tell.

Q: Do you outline or do you start with a basic idea and let it flow? (plotter or pantser)

A: Oh I’m definitely a pantser. Sometimes I only have a character in mind when I sit down to start writing. I’ve tried to plot and use charts but it just doesn’t work for me.

Q: Do your family and friends know what you write? If so, what do they think about it?

A: Yes. I frequently post about my books on my personal FB. So far everyone has been very supportive. I’d like to think that’s because I have excellent taste in friends.

Q: In erotica/erotic romance, the sex is depicted graphically. Are there any specific words or phrases you aren't comfortable using in your stories? Word or phrase that makes you say “ick”?

A: Weeping. In my world only eyeballs should weep. That being said, it doesn’t stop me from finishing a book if the story is good.

Q: What is your favorite part of writing erotica/erotic romance?

A: I really like how free you’re allowed to be. And not just with the sex scenes. The characters and plot lines really open up when the sexual constraints are removed.

Q: How long ago was your first story accepted by a publisher and did you pee your pants? :-)

A: My first story, Ink in the Blood, was accepted by Lyrical Press three years ago this coming March. I remember reading the e-mail three times and then making my husband read it before I’d believe they were offering a contract.

Q: What are your favorite and least favorite parts of the publishing process?

A: My favorite part is getting to meet new people. From editors to cover artist to other authors, with each book I always get to meet new people and I love that. I’ve got to say my least favorite part is signing the contract. I have a bit of a commitment phobia (crazy coming from a woman who’s been happily married for 15 yrs., I know) and right after I sign it I feel locked in.

Fun Stuff

Q: Tattoos. Hot or not? And do you have any?

A: Hot and sadly no. Commitment issues again. Those things are forever!

Q: Wine, Beer or Liquor?

A: Um…would I sound like too much of a lush if I say all of the above?

Q: Dogs, cats or other?

A: Cats, even though I’m horribly allergic to them. I love dogs, really I do. I actually have one. But I love the independent nature and personality of cats.

Q: Kindle, Nook, Paper? Other?

A: Kindle. Every electronic device I own (even my Color Nook) has the kindle app loaded on it. It’s just so convenient to only have to put your info in once and be able to buy and read books no matter where you are or what device you currently have on you.

Q: Vibrators, nipple clamps or butt plugs?

A: Again, I have to pick just one? Okay, nipple clamps then. But only the tweezer ones. I’ve tried some of the others, but they’re just too painful for me.

Q: Why did the chicken cross the road?

A: Shit! There was a chicken? Did I hit it?

Q: What is the meaning of life?

A: To find peace within the chaos of the universe.

Final thoughts: 

People are going to talk about you no matter what you do. You might as well do what you can to make the gossip interesting.

Back cover blurb:

Bond Betrayed Chandra Ryan

Isaac Marrow doesn’t care that Nikki Rathe is a seductress. She’s the only member of the Community who can help him get his sister Molly back from Nikki’s father, who holds the rest of their kind under his spell. But he doesn’t expect her to help willingly. Instead, he tricks her into giving up her blood, bonding her to him in an effort to compel her support.

Nikki could have told Isaac that bonding himself to a seductress was a foolish move, but he never asked. Now, a powerful lust ties them together, driving them both mad. Isaac is hot, but the desire is a distraction she doesn’t need. Nikki wants to free Molly and bring down her father just as much as Isaac, if not more. The Community banished her as a child while letting her power-hungry father grow stronger. But Isaac’s betrayal of her trust can’t go unpunished. And a seductress can deliver a powerful punishment.

*Website: www.ChandraRyan.com
*Blog: http://chandraryan.blogspot.com *Twitter: @ChandraRyan *Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/chandra.ryan

Go buy Bond Betrayed!

My Road to Getting Published

I started writing a paranormal romance novel about two years ago. I loved the characters and the plot but I lost something along the way. I think I was too close to some of the subject matter. So, I put it aside to get some distance and let it stew in the back of my mind.

In April 2012, a new species of demon popped into my mind while visiting my mother. On the three hour drive home from her house, I talked to myself (yes, out loud like a nutjob) and figured out the entire story give or take a few elements.

I was so freaking excited because I just knew I could complete this story without the hangups the first one presented.

It took me 3 months to write the first draft and then another month to revise and clean it up to the point I felt comfortable submitting it to a publisher.

In September 2012, I submitted the partial manuscript of Araya's Addiction to my first choice erotic publisher - Ellora's Cave.

Within two days, I received an email saying it passed initial review.
Two weeks later, an editor requested the full manuscript.
Exactly one month after that, I received an acceptance email.

What? Yes! I immediately burst into tears (hysterical, happy tears) and called my husband, my best friend and my mother. Then, I think, I drank a beer. Ha. I was bananas!

It's November 2012 and I'm waiting on edits from my editor and I'm both excited and intimidated because I have no idea what she's going to suggest/request. That'll be another blog post.

I can't wait until Araya's Addiction has a release date!

I feel SUPER lucky to have received an acceptance on my first story. I'm hoping the second story, which is in progress, will have a similar fate.

Araya's Addiction Cover Art

I was SO excited to receive the cover art for Araya's Addiction! I absolutely love it.

Thanks Syneca Featherstone!

Coming Soon

Author Interviews Coming Soon

Coming soon... I'll be posting some fun author interviews here.

Welcome

Welcome!

I'm an author of erotic paranormal romance. My book pages are filled with delicious demons, exciting emotion and, of course, sizzling sex.

While you're here, check out some of the fun author interviews I conducted with some of my fellow erotic romance writers.

Thanks for stopping by!