Today I have the opportunity to speak with Desiree Erotique.

Hi Desiree! I would like to take this time to welcome you to Fallen Angel Reviews! I can not thank you enough for leaving your busy schedule to visit with us. I have to tell you that I visited your website and absolutely love the blue satin feel on your site. It really draws the reader in. And blue is my favorite color.

Thank you so much Linda!

Would you like to begin by telling us something about Desiree?

“Desiree”, which is a pseudonym, of course, is a writer of erotica and the paranormal. My favorite genre to write is erotic Romantic BDSM (I prefer the designation BD –Bondage & Discipline- but the other abbreviation is more recognizable). I have written several books, including two serials still in progress- Elsa’s Erotic Escapades, and The Courting of Elizabeth.

What motivated you to begin writing?

I’ve just always loved to write, Linda, as far back as I remember. With erotica, though, I have to credit my husband for inspiration.

Have you ever had to change anything like a title or a character because the editor suggested it would be best for the story?

I’ve been lucky writing as “Desiree”. My titles and characters have so far met the approval of editors. Once in a while, I’ve had to change a few scenery components. One incident that comes to mind, and which still makes me chuckle, came about after one of my books was in the editing process. There was a scene where valerian was to be used. The poor editor didn’t believe there was such a thing as valerian, and said she looked it up in an encyclopedia, but couldn’t find it. So I gave in and changed the name of the plant to something else. But I happen to grow valerian, so know it exists, lol!

What do you enjoy most about writing?

Just putting story ideas down, I suppose. I think every writer has at least one story that just begs to be” brought to life” For me, there’s satisfaction in accomplishing this end.

Does your writing require you to do lots of research?

Often, yes. But research is usually fun for me; I like learning new things.

Do you get many interruptions during your writing process? And if so, how do you stay focused so not to lose your train of thought in your writing?

Oh good goddess yes! With two young children at home and five cats that’s inevitable. Right now I’m going through a scattered phase. This has been a challenging year, as my Dad lost an arm in an accident and I’m trying to cope with some neurological issues. I’ve no doubt the focus will return however. Before this stuff came up, I just tried to look upon my stories as “babies” that had to have my devotion in order to thrive. And my husband has always been great about making sure I get an hour or so in each day; watching the kids and keeping things quiet so I can get that needed time in. He’s the biggest asset my writing has (grin)

Who would you say is your favorite author?

A single favorite author? That’s a hard one. But of all the wonderful writers I’ve read, I guess I’d have to say Jean Plaidy. For the sheer enjoyment of her historical tales, yeah, it’d have to be her.

Have you ever read a book and thought, oh I could have written that better? Or how did this ever get into print?

Oh course. I think we all find a book at some point in which we come away from the read feeling that way.

Do you have a certain schedule that you follow when writing?

At this time, no, not with all the issues at home. I hope to get back into either the evening or morning schedule very soon.

What would your readers be surprised to know about you?

Well, once, when I was young, a friend and I spent a decadent, very memorable night with the members of a famous rock band (grin)

Do you have any plans for more writing projects in your future?

I have projects started and waiting for completion now. And there are many ideas in my head for future works, too.

Do you have an agent or ever considered getting one?

As it happens, Linda, I signed on this year with a literary agency in Scotland.

How did you find your publisher?

Are you talking about my first publisher? After years of rejects from traditional publishers and magazine editors my husband suggested that I consider e-book publishing. We’d just got the internet on our first computer, and he’d found out about it by research. I was on the threshold of just giving up writing forever when he urged me to look into it. So I thought it couldn’t hurt. I sat down and typed the word “publisher” into a search engine. A whole page of e-book publisher links came up. So I closed my eyes and pointed to the screen. The one my finger touched was the one I contacted, and surprisingly, they asked to read my manuscript, and two weeks later offered me a contract.

As for other e-book pubs, I’ve generally just made the customary query to a publisher I feel would be interested in the respected storyline. Things will probably be a little different in the future, however, since the agency is quite experienced. I doubt I’ll have to be making many more “cold call” queries.

What do you think about the e-book publishing?

I think that e-book publishing offers an excellent opportunity for authors to break into professional writing. From years of experience before the advent of e-books, I know the disappointment and more so, the frustration, of trying to get the attention of editors within the traditional avenues. All too often magazine or publishing house submissions are only dead-end ventures, unless the author already has landed an agent –and finding an agent can be a Herculean task in itself. The exception to the scenario is when it comes to those lucky individuals who already know someone in the industry. Most of us don’t, however, and so for those who have worked years perfecting their craft and trying to hurdle the brick wall known as the slush pile, e-book publishing can very well offer the first stepping stone to success.

I also appreciate the fact that most e-book publishers are what we’d call ordinary, down-to-earth people. Generally, they want to please the author with the final product before it goes on sale. This makes for a comfortable relationship.

On the other hand, e-book publishing comes with its own frustrations for the author. The market is very limited. Until technology develops something as convenient and practical as the paperback, this is going to remain the reality. Amongst the reading public, there’s only a minority that prefers any e-book format to a book they can take anywhere. Paperbacks, even hardbacks, don’t require batteries, don’t need to upload, and can be bought at practically any bookstore in any town or city. You sure can’t purchase an e-book on your way out of the grocery store line. Reading a book by electronic format also strains a lot of people’s eyes, a complaint I’ve heard many times. And as far as e-book reading devices, I’ve owned a couple, and have never experienced that “cozy” feeling when taking them to bed as I do with a traditional book in my hands.

PODs (Print-On-Demands) are a joke. E-book publishers might offer them, but unless they can put the financial resources into promotion- which few can- the reading public simply aren’t going to know what POD titles are available. E-book publishers typically have to work on a frugal budget, and any PODs from their houses are expected to be promoted by the author. Worst of all, most brick-and-mortar book stores refuse to sell PODs. The scenario of having to self-promote your e-book or POD ends up as a Catch-22 for the author. An author cannot spend the ridiculous hours involved in promotions if they want to maintain the quality of their writing.

The rewards are there with e-book publishing, no doubt. But any author considering trying the route needs to remember the margins. As I said, and can’t stress enough- the market is limited. An e-book is simply not going to be read by thousands of people, rarely even by a couple hundred of people. Consequently, the financial rewards are negligible. Even if the publisher offers 60% percent royalties and you write a bestselling e-book, 60% in a lean market means a lean financial return.

But to their credit, there are many writers who realize the limitations and accept the frustrations. They moderately promote while working toward their ultimate goal. And for those who write only as a hobby, e-book publishing is a very opportune media.

Is this still your current website, http://www.romanticsurrender.com/? It is a lovely website.

Yes, and thank you. The address to my other website –I write under my real name, too- is http://www.mariaosborneperry.us/

Do you have a link where anyone can buy your books that you would like to share with us?

Here’s a list of books/stories written as “Desiree”:

Elsa’s Erotic Escapades series, Book 1 & 2 (Erotica)
Bonds of Passion (Erotica)
The Bindmaster’s Collar (vampire erotica)
Published by eXtasy Books

Nocturnique (erotic paranormal)
Published by Chippewa Publishing

Introduction to M. Hunt, Passage 1 of The Courting of Elizabeth (romance, erotica, spanking)
Lessons and Liaisons, Passage 2 of The Courting of Elizabeth (soon to be released)
Published by Silks Vault Publications

The Kept (horror, non-erotica)
Published by Swanbeauty Publications

Is there anything else that you would like to tell the readers?

My works are generally erotic, and most contain elements of Bondage & Discipline. But I have tried to keep the romance flavor very alive in my stories and novels. So if any of your readers have never read Romantic BD, but have been interested in trying this genre, I think they might be pleased with the excerpts and info found at my website.

Thank you so much for stopping by Desiree.

And thank you, Linda! I am tickled to have talked with you.

For anyone looking for sizzling books that truly delight the reader, look no further. Be sure to stop by Desiree’s website to see what you don’t want to miss. It has been great talking to Desiree today. I wish her the best in all her works.

Interviewed by: Linda