I would like to thank you for taking the time to join us. Why don’t we start with you telling us a little bit about what you did before starting your writing career?
I earned my B.S. in Fine Art Education (too many years ago to tell you!) I taught only a year, then took employment in NYC with a variety Advertising Agencies. After my husband of 25 years passed away, I got my Real Estate license, and listed and sold residential properties for 13 years. Moving to northwest
What was the first romance you loved?
Wow! That was so many years ago, but I suppose I would have to say…”Gone With The Wind” by Margaret Mitchell.
Did you start out writing erotic romance or was that a natural progression?
I can’t truly say what I write is “erotic romance.” I’d call my writing more “sensual.” It’s only recently that I used those explicit terms in my love scenes. I believe most of my novels’ love scenes have all been quite titillating. Take for instance: “The Reluctant Duke,” my first published historical romance.
Do you spend a lot of time researching or do the characters just come alive in your mind?
Because I prefer to write historical romances, yes, I do research new settings, clothing, etc. Like right now, I’ve been starting a few historical Western novellas. I loved the old western movies: John Wayne and some of the old TV programs. But I still need to go back to researching them. When I began to write romance fiction, I was hooked on the Regency period in
My characters become quite alive in my mind. When I’m into a story, the protagonists are with me almost 24 hours a day. I write in my head while falling asleep (and hope I can recall what I was writing/thinking of a scene, a progression forward, when I wake up!)
What do you find is the most difficult aspect of being a writer?
Not enough time or hours in each day to write. Much else, even though I am retired without close relatives, still takes up my space/time. Errands, house maintenance, laundry, cooking, eating, animal care, etc etc etc.
I enjoy painting watercolors very much, too. And I sell them. But mostly, I’m at the computer 5-6 hours a day-- every day--either writing stories or creating cover designs.
What is the biggest misconception about writing erotica?
That it’s P.O.R.N.
Do you get a lot of support from family and friends while trying to attain your writing goals?
I suppose I shocked some of my family members with my love scenes in the book, but other than that, I’ve had good reports from my stories now that they are more used to reading my stuff. (And others’ authors, I suppose. I sure ain’t the only one writing hot or explicit love scenes!)
Plus…I’m of an age when I don’t need their support or assistance in reaching my goals. I’m past the point in life where I rely on others to “help” me…other than give me a smile or a verbal pat on the back as well.
Do you ever fear you may be going too far with a particular love scene and if so, how do you rein the scene in?
No. It’s mostly because I haven’t yet written a “real” kinky love scene—especially in the BDSM vein. I don’t know much about that area, so I’m not sure I can write that sort of erotica stuff. I don’t have the experience nor the expertise to write kink that sells.
Do you think that most romance writers are romantic at heart?
DEFINITELY! I hope we’ll maintain our own fantasies until we die…
If you could ask one question of a reader of your work, what would be that question?
Will you place my book on your “keeper shelf?”
What are you working on now?
Several things at once.
I finished a “cowboy” time-travel, and I’m adding another two, maybe shorter additions to the “lead” novella to come up with my own anthology to submit someplace by fall 2008.
I finished a rather “sweet” Victorian novella—a paranormal ghost theme—which is subbed but not yet accepted.
I’m contracted and waiting for the release of a Regency novel in early 2009.
I have two other books on my hard drive--completed/polished--but not subbed and deciding where to send them to a proper epublisher.
And—since I am a dyed-in-the-wool pantzer—I have a bunch of half finished books sitting on my hard drive waiting for additional inspiration/imagination as to where to take them to the “dire” end. J
Where can we go to find your stories?
Please visit my website…www.blaisekilgallen.com and you can also see my cover portfolios: http://home.earthlink.net/~karmajones02/
I’ve been too busy to update my websites for the past few months, but I hope to do so when I’ve finished some of my “cowboy” stories, and also add new, available cover designs for sale.
Are there new releases coming out that we should know about?
Aspen Mountain Press has recently released the second book of Erotic Elevator stories “Goin’Down”, Book Two.
These are four great stories from Jane Leopold Quinn, Tambra Kendall, Blythe Phillips, and me, writing as Karma Jones.
“LORD DEVEREAUX’S LADY”- an historical Regency--will be released in Spring 2009 from: www.Awe-Struck.net
Thanks for taking the time to let us know a little more about you and your stories.
Jane Leopold Quinn
I would like to thank you for taking the time to join us. Why don’t we start with you telling us a little bit about what you did before starting your writing career?
School teacher and secretary were my main jobs throughout the years.
What was the first romance you loved?
Probably the classic Pride and Prejudice. That had it all – clever repartee, frustration and angst, personal growth, and a happy ending. It wasn’t until years later that I could put those aspects into words in relation to writing romance.
Did you start out writing erotic romance or was that a natural progression?
Oh, yes, I started out writing erotic. I was so shocked at first at what was coming out of my pen and my brain, but I continued writing the way I wanted and it paid off. My first publisher Whiskey Creek Press asked if I could heat the book up for their Torrid side. I was anxious about making that decision, but you really shouldn’t fight your natural inclinations. I suppose I could write less hot, but I don’t really want to. I’m extremely happy with my work.
Do you spend a lot of time researching or do the characters just come alive in your mind?
Both. Usually a story idea and at least one of the main characters hit my consciousness at the same time. For example, in my Phaze November 2008 release
Valentine’s Day – Whiskey Creek Press Torrid
Mercenary Desires – Whiskey Creek Press Torrid
Home to Stay – Loose Id
Ancient Ties – Loose Id
His, Hers & His –
(If applicable) Are there new releases coming out that we should know about?
November 24, 2008, Phaze will release my novella, Windy City Love Affair. Rancher Jess Croften’s
Blythe Phillips
I would like to thank you for taking the time to join us, Blythe. Why don’t we start with you telling us a little bit about what you did before starting your writing career?
I have a degree in social work and I spent 15 years working with domestic violence victims, people with disabilities, and people with cancer. It was rewarding work, but it also showed you the best and the worst in people.
What was the first romance you loved?
I remember my first real romance novel was a paranormal by Amanda Ashley. I was so swept away by the characters that I was hooked.
Did you start out writing erotic romance or was that a natural progression?
I started writing erotic romance. I wanted my characters to be real, especially to younger women in their 20’s and 30’s. Some regular romances left me cold because they seemed so unrealistic.
Do you spend a lot of time researching or do the characters just come alive in your mind?
Usually the characters just come alive in my mind, almost instantly. I research when I get to something that I’m not familiar with like guns or a particular setting. I recently wrote my first historical and I did a lot of research for that.
What do you find is the most difficult aspect of being a writer?
Grammar. I know it sounds silly but I really should have paid more attention to all those little rules in my English classes. I write the way the same way I speak which isn’t always quite right. My first readers always say, “Blythe, commas are your friends.”
What is the biggest misconception about writing erotica?
I’ve had people call what I write pornography. But my stories are romances, with real characters, and they have sex that is described in detail. To me it’s just a very brave way to write a good romance.
Do you get a lot of support from family and friends while trying to attain your writing goals?
I do! I was very concerned about what my mom would think of my work, but she has been very supportive. For Christmas my sisters purchased signed copies of books and got the author’s emails so I could contact them. Even my husband jokingly tells his co-workers that I, “write great smut.”
Do you ever fear you may be going too far with a particular love scene and if so, how do you rein the scene in?
I don’t think I’ve reached that point yet. I have several scenes with light bondage and I think they are some of the best I’ve done. As long as they are consenting adults, and it’s something I would be comfortable with a family member reading, then I think I’m in good shape.
Do you think that most romance writers are romantic at heart?
I do. I know that I’m a romantic at heart, but I’m also very practical. You can’t expect your husband to sweep you off you feet everyday. Real life gets in the way. That’s why I love to write romance.
If you could ask one question of a reader of your work, what would be that question?
What do you think of my female characters? I want them to be strong and vunerable at the same time and that’s a very tough balancing act.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a paranormal piece called “The Last Gasp.”
Where can we go to find your stories?
My debut in an anthology, and hopefully my second book as well, can be found at www.aspenmountainpress.com. The release date for the first book is July 18, 2008.
Are there new releases coming out that we should know about?
In negotiation. J
Thanks so much Blythe for taking the time to let us know a little more about you and your stories. I know I'll be looking forward to reading Book 2 of the Goin' Down Anthology!
Collette Thomas
Shannon Robinson
I would like to thank you for taking the time to join us. Why don’t we start with you telling us a little bit about what you did before starting your writing career?
I’ve been employed full-time in the same company for the past 10 years, working in the customer service field. It’s not exactly my dream job, but it does pay the bills.
I’ve always been a fan of romance novels. I began writing short stories in high school and a lot of poetry. I started my first manuscript – that will never see the light of day I’m sure! – about 4 years ago, and didn’t ever think about someday being published until my best friend and fellow author, Holly Greenfield, introduced me to a new world of writing that I never knew existed! Shortly after I became a member of CNYRW (Central NY Romance Writers) and RWA.
Do you spend a lot of time researching or do the characters just come alive in your mind?
A. To be
I've I’ve tried getting up early but to no avail. I’m simply not a morning person. So I plug along when I can and try to make the best of the time I do have available.
It’d be nice to walk away from the day job – believe me I’d be running out the door if I could! – but my present situation demands that I stay, so we’ll keep going…
What are you working on now?
The second is a novel length historical involving time-travel. The hero is a Scottish Clan Chief whose wife betrays him, then is asccidentally killed. The heroine is a present-day woman who travels back through time in order t help him survive a battle. The only problem is that she looks identical to the hero's dead, betraying wife! Can he learn to trust her and can she keep her hands off of him?
Thank you Marie for giving me this opportunity!! I really enjoyed doing this interview!