Welcome to FAR, Lucynda. Lucynda Storey is the author of Simply Irresistible, The Captive’s Release, 15 Degrees of Heat, and Reynardine.


Simply Irresistible has a Catholic school teacher helping a police officer infiltrate a BDSM group gone bad. Did the idea of a Catholic school teacher and a cop as partners emerge initially or did they occur as the story develop?

The two characters were with me from the first word – personalities, names, and occupations.

What/Who inspired your foray into the BDSM genre?

Initially, the idea of doing books based on 80’s music came from Loose-Id. Lots of songs from that decade have awesome titles to generally inspire stories. The song “Simply Irresistible” by Robert Palmer has the sound of a whip cracking in it. There was only one use I was aware of for a sound like a whip in a romance. I literally knew nothing about BDSM until I read Lena Austin’s “Black Widow” and started my research.

How was writing this story different from your other stories?

It was a foray into a world I’d never visited, so I was just like the main character, Maggie. I needed an education, quick.

What/Who inspired the Kingdom of Hamre in The Captive’s Release?

I collect castles and wanted to use one as a setting. Since the story was basically written on a dare, I needed to make it a fantasy of some sort as opposed to a historical set in Europe.

Are you able to tantalize our readers with a brief snippet about the Masked Man?

In some ways, the Masked Man of “The Captive’s Release” is the most tragic of my men thus far. He has sexual and emotional needs only a good woman can fill, yet he is reluctant to give up his memories of his deceased wife. Additionally he is motivated to seek revenge on the man ultimately responsible for her death, the villain, Calder. Having failed to protect a woman before, the Masked Man fears a repeat.

Princess Finola’s independent and adventurous spirit leads to her to temptation in the form of the Masked Man. Do you and Finola share any character traits?

Finola is the one able to experience what I’ve only dreamt up in my mind.

When did Finola’s role in The Captive’s Release reveal itself to you?

Finola was one of those characters that slowly shed layers to reveal her true nature. She was spoiled, as some have pointed out, but she learns she has to take responsibility for her own actions and choices. She also learns, like many of us, that our first “love” isn’t necessarily our “real” love. Indeed, like many of us, she has to find out what real love truly is.

California Evans’ rescue of her sister in 15 Degrees of Heat leads to an unexpected odyssey of love and danger. What/Who inspired 15 Degrees of Heat?

At the time, I was pretty much focused on category romance. While I was in college I read Harlequin’s as fast as they came out and loved the ones with the exotic settings. I always seemed to learn something about other places from those. So, I picked Guatemala to place the story. As I did my research, I discovered there are parts of Guatemala that aren’t humid, hot jungles. The title of this story, originally “The Doctor Adventure,” propelled the initial, underlying plot.

How does Cali differ from your other heroines?

Cali has an agenda, and she is totally focused on it – she wants her ill sister back in the states so she can recover. She’s not the best prepared for some of the circumstances she encounters, rather like some of us I’d imagine, but she’s not about to give up, no matter what.

Werewolves and Ireland dominate Reynardine. How has the legends of werewolves affected this story?

I did quite a bit of research on werewolves only to find out a lot of my ideas were incorrect. I borrowed one idea from Hollywood – the concept of changing forms at the full moon.

Did the history of Ireland inspire any part of this tale?

While I love Irish history and discovered the intentional extinction of wolves by Oliver Cromwell during my research, history didn’t have a huge influence in the story.

What/Who inspired Reynardine?

The band, “Uncle Dirty Toes.” Their music is described as “Celtically Electric Folk Rock.” (http://www.forthright.com/~dirtytoes/) I’ve been privileged to call Mark von Schlemmer, the bass guitarist of the band, “friend.”

How does he differ from you other heroes?

First, Reynardine (Ray-ner-dine) is like a lot of my heroes – an honorable guy who keeps things close to the vest. Rey is different because he’s my only shape shifter to date and because he really wants a woman to settle down with. His tragedy is he’s cursed and doesn’t want to pass the curse on to any offspring.

With four books you have explored Fantasy, BDSM, Suspense, Contemporary, and Paranormal genres. Did the characters or worlds ever collide?

No. The “worlds” are too different from one another to allow for a collision.

How did you manage to keep everyone separate?

In the case of these four novels, they were all written at different times, so I was only thinking about one book, one setting at a time.

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

I hope my love for writing and story telling comes through. I’ve just turned in a new novel, “Blind Devotion” and am working on a futuristic for Triskelion Publishing, “Watchtowers: Water. ” An evil sorcerer is trying to control the world by manipulating the elements of air, water, fire, and earth. Sydney Somers, Brenna Lyons, Cynnara Tregarth and I have each taken one of the elements to write about.

Are there any other genres you would like to explore?

I’d like to someday visit the realm of “contemporary fantasy”, and maybe try my hand at a political/espionage thriller.

Is there any music that inspires the different genres?

Uncle Dirty Toes is great when I’m in the historical/paranormal zone. The Eagles are great for general inspiration, and ideas fly when I listen to classical.

Do you have a specific routine before you write?

No, not really. I get up, check email, then write. I do have a strong idea of what the story is and where it’s going so it’s not too difficult.

Do you write in one area only or everywhere?

Currently, I write on my computer, located in one end of my kitchen. When I’m pressed to get something done, I take my Alpha smart with me. This usually happens when I have to attend sports practices for my kids.

Who/What inspired you to write?

I think I would have to go all the way back to Nancy Drew and Cherry Ames. I’ve always loved reading and asking questions about the characters, “I wonder what happened later …” and “What if …”

Who are some of your favorite authors?

Hands down my favorite author is Terry Brooks, followed by Orson Scott Card. Leo Frankowski is another. Lizzie T. Leaf, Lena Austin, Ann Jacobs and Angela Knight round out the list.

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

They can join my newsletter. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Lucynda_Storey/
I’m preparing to hold a drawing for “52 Weeks of Naughty Nights”, the winner selected from newsletter members.

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

My favorite line from “Galaxy Quest” – “Never give up, never surrender,” coupled with this: You can’t get published if you don’t submit. You can’t submit if you don’t polish. You can’t polish if you haven’t finished. You can’t finish if you don’t start.

Finally, any last thoughts.

I believe each and every person has at least one creative talent, even if they don’t know it. Don’t be afraid to try something new. It just might be your talent coming to the fore.

Thank you Lucynda for taking the time to answer my questions and give us a glimpse into your life and world. For more information about Lucynda Storey and her books, visit her website at http://lucyndastorey.com/.


Interviewed by: Dena