Hi Aubrey, Thank you for taking time from your busy writing schedule to come talk with the Fallen Angel Staff and Readers.


You are a prolific writer with two books in the Lilith's Legacy series, three in the Zylott Wars, six (I believe) in the Mystic Keepers, and three single titles. Please correct me if I am wrong on the numbers. You are an incredibly busy writer, how do you find the time?

Actually, the Lilith's Legacy trilogy is complete and there are only five Mystic Keepers, but you had the number right. As for time, I'm one of the fortunate few who is able to write fulltime. My children are grown, so I can devote eight or more hours per day to indulging my muse. Writing is my job, my dream, and the creative outlet that keeps me sane.

The Zylott Wars is heading to an end of the series, do you find this sad?

I do, but I planted the seed for another series in the final book. I'm sure at some point I'll return to the Kingdom of Zylott.

Are you attached emotionally to your series characters?

I get attached to all of my characters. If they aren't real to me, they won't be real to the reader and the story will be flat. Some characters "speak" to me more than others, but I care about all of them.

On your website http://www.aubreyross.com there isn't much in the way of a bio. Is there a bit about yourself that you could share with our readers?

Aubrey Ross is the pseudonym I (Cyndi Friberg) used when I started writing erotic fantasies. As Cyndi, I write paranormal romances and I wanted my readers to understand that Aubrey's books would take them places Cyndi will never go. (g) There is an in-depth bio on http://www.cyndifriberg.com

As an author of erotic romance, what would you like to tell readers who have yet to venture into the more erotic stories?

What attracted me to erotic romances were the unique story lines. The first erotic romance I ever read was NIGHT OF THE CAT by Kate Douglas. It was fabulous. I enjoyed the ultra-steamy sex scenes, but the action filled plot and fresh story line is what made me buy the next book. I think erotic romance allows for storylines and settings that will keep the readers coming back for more.

Have you run into bias on your erotic works?

I haven't really encountered too many obnoxious people. (g) But I've only started doing live appearances recently. I began my career as a romance writer, so I was prepared to be stereotyped. My mother-in-law, bless her soul, asked me if I'm still writing those "bodice rippers." It made me laugh. My characters are more likely to rip the clothes off of each other.

Now that some of your series are wrapping up, what are your plans for future projects? Anything you can talk with us about? Give us a sneak peek?

My next project for Changeling Press will be for their Agency of Extraordinary Mates series and the book will launch my next series. The A. O. E. M. series deals with an exclusive tropical island called Chimera where extraordinary beings of every variety go to find permanent mates. My extraordinary beings are an ancient race of aliens who sought refuge on Earth. They are called the Dichotomy and have some unusual abilities. Watch my website for more details.

Do you have works available other than those at Loose Id and Changeling Press? And how do readers find out more about you and your books?

As of right now, my projects for Changeling Press and Loose Id more than fill my time.

How can the readers contact you personally? Do you have a fan webaddress?

Readers are welcome to email me at aubrey@aubreyross.com I also have a newsletter group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Anything-but-Ordinary/join This group is used primarily for announcements, but readers can post questions and comments as well.

Do many readers contact you? Do you have any cool stories about their contacts?

Readers tend to contact me after a new release, which makes sense. Most are kind and complementary. Several readers were angered by Lilith's Legacy, but I figured the concept might step on a few toes.

What influenced your decision to write erotic romance novels?

My books have always been on the hot side. As I was researching angel legends for my (Cyndi Friberg's) Rebel Angel series, I came up with demonic clans and the struggle for power in the Realm of Darkness. I knew the concept would be too edgy and too erotic for some of my usual readers, so Aubrey Ross was born.

How much of your personality and life experiences do you put into your writing?

I think my personality comes through in a lot of my characters. My life experiences, on the other hand, are the polar opposite of my stories. I've lived a calm, ordinary life in the suburbs. (g) I married my high school sweetheart and never looked back. The belief in soul mates is a reoccurring thyme in my books and I think that's a reflection of my relationship with Scott.

What is your routine?

When I get up depends on how late I was up the night before, but the first order of business is making coffee! My muse loves caffeine. (g) I scan through my emails (Ugh!) and then start writing. I write at least 8 hours most days, often much longer if the story is flowing.

What keeps your writing fresh?

Listening to my characters. They will often take me places I didn't expect to go.

What do you do to relax and recharge?

I love live theater, sci-fi movies (even the cheesy ones), long drives in the mountains (I live in Colorado), and reading, of course.

Can you share with us where your inspiration comes from?

Anything can trigger my imagination. My ideas have come from the passing comments of friends, pictures in magazines, dreams, even the botched ending to someone else's book. I'll think, If I had written this it would have happened this way, and voila my muse is off and running.

What are your thoughts on the explosion of erotica in the romance market?

I think people are tired of the same old formulaic plots. Readers want fresh, new ideas and lots of sizzling sex! Sounds like fun to me, and who couldn't use more fun in their lives?

Please tell us about yourself (family, hobbies, education, etc.) anything you would like to share.

As I said above, I've been happily married to the same man for more years than I care to admit. We have two grown sons, and one utterly spoiled cat named Aphrodite. She's the daughter I never had and my writing companion. My "hobby" has become my occupation and the fulfillment of a life long dream.

Who are some of your favorite authors?

Angela Knight is my hero! She has done many of my covers and she's a genuinely wonderful person. I also enjoy Kate Hill and Kara Fey. I recently read Dark Elves by Jet Mykles, OMG it was fabulous!

Who, if anyone, has influenced your writing?

I'd have to say Dara Joy got me hooked on paranormal romance. Christine Feehan and Sherrilyn Kenyon are way up on my list as well.

How many books have you written?

Cyndi has completed 11 novels and 2 novellas. The first several are a tribute to how much a writer can improve. Loose Id has published 5 of my novels and both novellas. Aubrey has written 2 novels and 11 novellas.

Among your own books, have you a favorite book?

My favorite book is probably Comet Coalition. It has a dual love story unfolding simultaneously against the backdrop of incredible challenges. My favorite series is the Mystic Keepers. They were just so much fun to write. Of the Mystic Keepers, my favorite installment would have to be Mystic Keepers 3: Lorran.

Favorite hero or heroine?

I'm fascinated by Lord Nyx. He was introduced in the Mystic Keepers and his story launched the Zylott Wars. He is dark and brooding, and has a lot to overcome. His struggle appeals to me, but his bitterness can make him hard to understand.

Favorite kind of novel to read?

Sexy paranormal romances! There's a surprise. (g) I love all the subgenres, sci-fi, fantasy, anything with a paranormal twist!

What book for you has been the easiest to write?

I can't really think of one book that was easiest or hardest to write. My writing seems to follow a certain cycle. I develop the concept for the series and outline a basic timeline or sequence of events. Each book flows really well until it's time to wrap everything up. Ending each book is the hardest part for me.

What is the most rewarding thing about being a writer?

Everything about writing is rewarding. I thrive on the creative process, love that I'm basically my own boss, and knowing others are enjoying my stories is the greatest reward of all.

If you weren't writing, what would you be doing?

Wishing I could write. (g) I drove a school bus for 8 years and then became a trainer. As jobs go, it was a lot of fun, but my true ambition has always been to write.

Any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?

I submitted my first manuscript to a publisher over 10 years ago. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Join a writers' support group, if you don't already belong to one. If you honestly love to write, can't survive without it, then never give up! If you don't love writing that passionately, the quest for publication will break your heart.

What question would you love to answer that I didn't ask?

I can't think of anything. You've done a wonderful job. Thanks for "talking" with me.

Interviewed by: Izzy