Welcome to FAR, Lacey. Lacey Alexander is the author of Seductress of Caralon, Mardi Gras, French Quarter, Sin City, Key West, and Hot For Santa.

Seductress of Caralon is a short story about a daughter’s sacrifice for the greater good of her people. What/Who inspired the story?

The whole Brides of Caralon series came to me when my editor suggested I write something futuristic. I’ve never even read any futuristics personally, but I immediately found myself thinking of an apocalyptic kind of future that might actually have a historical feel, so I ran with it and have enjoyed the results.

How is writing Futuristic erotica different/similar from Contemporary erotica?

Well, the voice is still mine, but I think the tone is slightly different – the language itself is, in many cases, different, actually having a historical slant. Also, in Caralon I created a society where sex is very open, there are no moral strictures against casual sex whatsoever. So that allowed me a lot of freedom.

Will you share any tidbits from your Brides of Caralon series?

Actually, all but the last book are already available, so readers might already be familiar with them. Book 1, RITUALS OF PASSION, came out in July, and Book 2, MASTER OF DESIRE in September. Book 3, CARNAL SACRIFICE, should be available next month (January) at the latest. It was originally set to release in November, but the book wasn’t edited in time.

These three books feature the three daughters of Enrick and Jalal, who readers met in the prequel, SEDUCTRESS OF CARALON. As Enrick is Caralon’s ruler, his daughters are virtually the only people in the entire domain who are NOT free to follow their sexual whims – as they have a bride price, their virginity. As ruler, tradition is that Enrick will arrange marriages for his daughters to strong men who will help guard certain aspects of his domain. So his daughters are virgins when their stories begin and are paired with very dominant alpha males. The daughters are all quite strong-willed, though, so serious sparks fly with each union, and the sex definitely sizzles : )

Did Mia Sanderson’s desire to reveal her bad girl persona provide the impetus for Mardi Gras?

Yes. I wanted to write Ty’s story (he originally appears in FRENCH QUARTER) and Mia seemed the perfect foil for him. I think a lot of women relate to the notion of wanting to set their inner bad girl free, so she was a fun character to write.

How was writing Mardi Gras for the Behind the Masks anthology different from Seductress of Caralon?

Very : ) Other than the erotic content, and being written by me : ) these stories have little in common. One is contemporary, one historic. Mia is experienced but timid, Jalal is innocent but bold. Ty is curious and mostly agreeable, where Enrick is forceful and very dominant. The fun part for me is being able to create such diverse stories with such different characters.

The Marsh sisters embark on their own sensual and passionate adventures in the Hot in the City trilogy. Was it the cities or the sisters that inspired these three books?

It was actually the cities. I’ve traveled to all three multiple times and each really DOES possess a sensual aura that just screams for an erotic writer to set a book there : )

Conservative Liz Marsh sheds her shell in French Quarter, Diana Marsh has one last fling in Sin City, and Carrie Marsh honeymoons alone in Key West. How do these three ladies differ from Mia and Jalal?

Well, each of my heroines is very different. Liz is prim but slowly grows adventurous, Diana is trying to be a good girl but failing miserably, Carrie is innocent but ready to experiment. And you already read about Mia and Jalal up above : )

Hot for Santa forever changes one’s view of Santa. What inspired you to spice Santa up?

I’ve always wanted to write a “sexy Santa and female elf” story and when my editor invited me to take part in the 12 Quickies of Christmas anthology, it was the perfect opportunity!

How is Romantic Erotica different/similar to other Erotica genres?

The bulk of straight erotica I’ve read is strictly about sex. Meaning there often isn’t a resulting relationship or a romantic element of any kind. I personally think adding that nice touch of romance to erotica makes it the perfect reading material for romance fans who want to see the eroticism pushed farther or for the erotica fan who is looking for a little more “substance” or a satisfying ending to her erotica.

Is there anything else you would like to share about your books?

Writing these books has taken me on a journey I never expected. As a mainstream romance writer, I was between publishers, had some time, so experimented with it. I never expected the erotica to take off so much, but due to the support of my publisher and readers, it’s become a big part of my career. I’ve had a fabulously fun time exploring the lack of boundaries in this genre and I thank my readers for their tremendous support!

How open are you in your real life about the fact that you write erotic? Have you received any negative comments about it?

I have revealed to some of the people in my private life that I write erotica, but not all. I just take it on a case by case basis ; ) Some people are shocked, but most are supportive.

What is your biggest concern as a writer when it comes to the controversy of erotic vs. mainstream and e-books vs. print?

Personally, I don’t understand why there IS a controversy. I exist happily in both erotica and mainstream, as well as in e-book and print. I really dislike all the negativity that often seems to arise from this topic, so I try to ignore it and just write my books : )

Describe yourself in three words.

Determined, dependable, hard-working

If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?

At the risk of sounding like a pageant contestant, world peace would be nice : )

Do you have a specific routine before you write? Do you write in one area only or everywhere?

I write in the office in my home. No special routine or rituals – but I’m a full-time writer, so it’s what I do all day, every day.

Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night with an idea for a story that immediately has to be written?

Occasionally. But if it’s only an idea, I can usually retain it ‘til morning. I only get up and write if it’s a full-blown scene of dialogue or something I’m afraid I’ll lose if I fall asleep.

If you could work with any author, who would it be and why?

Writing is such a solitary profession, I don’t think I’d enjoy working with any other authors. I’m too controlling of my work to ever try to write something with a co-author.

Who/What inspired you to write?

I’ve always written, my whole life – just a desire to reach out and tell stories, I guess. As for what inspired me to write erotica, a friend who wrote one book for Ellora’s Cave suggested it to me, and the rest is history.

Who are some of your favorite authors?

Hard to say – I read WAY across the board. In the erotic field, I’ll mention Emma Holly and Robin Schone.

Is there a way other than your website for fans to keep updated?

Not really, but the new website is pretty up-to-date, so if you need to know anything about my books, that’s the place to get it : )

Do you believe writing is a gift you are born with or can it be taught?

A little of both. I think I personally was born with it, but I also had a lot to learn in terms of craft, so I paid my dues before my work became publishable. I think if someone has the burning urge to write, the best thing they can do is seek out other writers and good craft workshops.

When you first began writing, what was the most difficult part?

Well, as I said, I’ve written my whole life. When I first started writing in serious pursuit of publication, though, I will admit I was taken aback by the incredibly competitive nature of this industry. You must LOVE writing and be wholly dedicated to it if you want to make it in this business.

What final advice would you offer to writers who are seeking publication?

Persevere. Don’t give up.

Finally, any last thoughts.

I’d like to thank you for a great interview! I really enjoyed it and I hope readers will enjoy it, too : ) I appreciate the opportunity!

Thank you Lacey for taking the time to answer my questions and give us a glimpse into your life and world. For more information about Lacey Alexander and her books, visit her website at www.LaceyAlexander.net

Interviewed by: Dena