What is your favorite Genre to write about?

First, let me say how thrilled I am to be interviewed by you. Your site is absolutely awesome and I’m a big fan! As for genre, I’m committed to erotic romance. For a fan of romance, like myself, there’s a wonderful freedom inherent in adding the element of erotica. Restrictions disappear and the sky’s the limit. For a writer, this is heaven! Until recently, I’ve focused my material on the Civil War era. I’m about to branch out into contemporary erotica, and I’m excited about it.

Do you have a character that you like more then the others?

My favorite character is Estelle, the madam of “the Maison D’Estelle.” She is the focal point around which my collection of erotica novellas, of the same name, revolves. Estelle is feisty, independent. A true survivor and an incurable romantic. She and her lover, Colonel James Goodwin heat up the sheets, but also sustain a loving relationship that will weather all disasters. And believe me, I put them through their paces in my novellas!

Call to Loving Arms had so many good reviews, the story was just hot. Where did you come up with this idea?

I have no idea where the story came from. And that’s the truth! The story hit me right between the eyes, and wouldn’t let me rest until it was written. I don’t mean to get mystical, but if there is such a thing as a writer’s muse, that’s what wrote Call To Loving Arms. I truly felt like a vehicle for some other presence that controlled that story. And it affected me like no other story ever has. I cried writing it, editing it, reading it. It hit a deep chord within me. I can even feel it as I write this. I have yet to hear about anyone reading it and not feeling its power. And that’s not an egotistical statement because I don’t feel as if I really wrote the story.

Now where did Masion de Estelle come from?

Maison D’Estelle was the result of my fascination with the Civil War era. Few women living in the Victorian period were able to be independent. Prostitutes were the rare exception. Many of them lived tragic lives. But some didn’t. And those survivors played a role in society most women weren’t able to realize until well into the twentieth century. Once I discovered this, my writer’s imagination went to work with a series of “what if” questions. What if a brilliant, beautiful women survived the cut and was able to establish an elegant brothel during the Civil War? What if she only hired the finest courtesans, best chefs, trained household staff. What if she set up her business in a gorgeous mansion filled with antiques, priceless art, and the finest, imported furnishings? And what if the madam and the women of this amazing brothel became embroiled in plots of espionage, murder, and of course, amazing sex? That was it! Maison D’Estelle was born!

Where do you find these characters?

LOL! The characters fill my head (it’s a crowded place). With the set-up I described in Question 4, finding the men and women to fill Maison D’Estelle and partake in the sex and intrigue was an easy matter for me. Women who joined “the Trade” always had stories to tell, pasts they wanted to keep hidden, people from whom they were running. I didn’t have to find these characters. They’re begging me to tell their story.

What is so special about Mollie?

Mollie is the perfect example of a survivor. She was orphaned as a child, homeless by twelve, and working as a prostitute in a horrific brothel by thirteen. Thank God, Estelle rescued her. Mollie is passionate (her amazing lovemaking attests to that!), romantic, and savvy. But Mollie is vulnerable, and it is that vulnerability that lands her in a world of trouble in the novella named after her. Mollie is special because even though she suffers and is tested, she bounces back with courage and an open heart. With a new, gorgeous hunk in her life, Mollie’s future is bright, indeed.

About Lacie?

Lacie is a hot little number. Feisty, rebellious, a favorite among Estelle’s clients, with a few flaws that seem to attract problems. But like all the women of Maison D’Estelle, she’s a survivor. While the fact that she fell in with some bad men almost spelled her doom, thanks to Estelle’s intervention, she’ll live to tell her tale to her grandchildren.

Selia?

Selia is a child of the Trade. Her mother was a prostitute and Selia has known no other way of life. She is creative, beautiful, and after a few stumbles early in her life, has found true love. Luckily for her, the love is reciprocated. (And I can tell you, Selia and William sizzle in bed like no other couple!) But trouble lurks in Selia’s past. And in my next novella, Selia’s Mystery Man,that trouble is about to put her life in danger, and risk her future with William.

Do you have a favorite book you have written?

Well, it’s not a book, but I have to say that Call To Loving Arms affected me like nothing else I’ve ever written. I’ve already talked about what it means to me. Truly, it’s a love story like none other. For a short piece, CTLA packs a huge punch. And is passionate and sizzling in the bargain!

Do you outline your stories?

Not really. I have a general idea about the plot and characters before I begin writing. But, I learned early in my career that fully-developed characters will tell YOU their stories. The best thing a writer can do is get out of their way and let them have their head!

Do you read? Who are some of your favorite authors?

I’m an avid reader. As for favorite authors (other than my amazingly gifted colleagues at Amber Quill Press), I’m a fan of quite an eclectic bunch--Boston Teran, Robin Schone, Thea Devine, Michael Shaara, Dennis Lehane, Toni Morrison, John Le Carre, and Jane Hamilton, to name a few.

Has being published changed you?

I suppose so. It’s marvelous affirmation. For years, I wrote in a closet and wouldn’t let anyone read my material. Being published forces you “out there.” This is a mixed blessing--heavenly when you receive a rave review, hellish when your material is ripped apart, or worse, ignored. These outside influences can’t help but affect how a writer practices the craft.

Do you prefer one publisher over the other?

I’m afraid I’m terribly prejudiced. I firmly believe that Amber Quill Press is THE best. It is a company with a gifted staff, the most amazing writers in the business, and creativity everywhere you look. All you have to do is peruse their amazing book list (no…not just my books, LOL!) and you can see what I mean. Amber Quill Press sets the benchmark for professionalism and talent.

Do you believe in writers block? How do you over come it?

Yup. I’ve been a victim of writers block. Several things pull out of the slump. Running a problem plot line past a writing cohorts always helps. Fresh perspective fuels the fire, and even if I don’t take their suggestions to heart, their ideas get me moving again so I can find my own way. If I’m totally blocked and can’t write a word, I start doing “free-write” exercises. I set a timer for ten or fifteen minutes, and start writing…anything…total stream-of-consciousness. By the end of the allotted time, I’m usually writing material that actually makes sense. Once the momentum has begun, I turn to my work and get going!

How many hours a day do you write?

I don’t have a set number. Each day varies, depending upon whether or not I’m running close to a deadline. And there are days when I don’t write at all. (I know, sacrilege for a writer to admit that!) At the other end of the spectrum, I’ve been known to write for many hours at a sitting if I’m running hot with a story.

Do you take reviews for your books seriously?

You bet I do. And any writer who tells you they don’t, is lying. It’s human nature to pay attention to comments like those found in reviews. And after all, part of the reason we’re releasing our material is for it to be read and critiqued!

Who is your biggest fan? Critic?

My husband is my biggest fan. I am my own worst critic.

What are your thoughts on ebooks? Are the authors treated differently then those authors who publish paper?

I believe ebooks are the future of publishing. But, they are in their infancy, and true pioneers. It is an uphill battle for them to be given the respect they deserve, and by extension, their authors. In a perfect world, ebooks would be treated with equal regard as print books. I sincerely hope this will happen in the future. In the meantime, I believe it is the responsibility of all of us involved with ebooks, to produce the highest quality product we can.

What is the best advice to give to an up and coming author about the business?

Write. And don’t stop. The only way to learn how to do it, is to throw yourself out there and make it happen. I know…those are clichés. But they’re true nonetheless. I learned the hard way that if you write in a closet and never come out, you just won’t go anywhere. Taking that first step out in the real world is painful, but well worth the discomfort.

What are you working now?

I’m collaborating with a brilliant erotica author, Rena Allcott, on a contemporary erotica short story entitled, Sweet Suite 302. This project, to be published by Amber Quill Press, is a true departure for me, and a pure delight. Sweet Suite is one hot little piece, focusing on a young woman who learns that gorgeous men aren’t always what they appear to be. Here’s a bit about it:

“Lacey knows the hotel industry like the back of her hand. But, she has much to learn about men. Assigned to manage and rescue a once-posh Galveston Bay resort, she soon learns that her special touch is required for more than business. Two men vie for her attention…and her body. First is co-worker and old friend, Robert. Once a playground chum, he’s grown into a hunk, and Lacey finds herself wanting more from him than a platonic relationship. Then there’s the gorgeous hotel guest, John Ivers. He snags her attention when he requests room service and greets her at the door….stark naked! Attracted to each man for far different reasons, Lacey is thrust into a seductive predicament that will test her will, place the future of a multi-million dollar consortium at risk, and ultimately, fulfill her sexual fantasies like she’d never thought possible!”

I thank everyone at Fallen Angel Reviews for giving me this wonderful opportunity to share my thoughts. You guys are really the best!

Thank you again for taking the time out and giving us the interview. Your stories are wonderful and I look forward to reviewing Mollie. Have a great day.

Interviewed by: Ruby