Good morning Ms. Drake, I would like to thank you for taking the time to participate in this interview.

I noticed that you like to travel a lot. Can you tell us about the most exotic locale you've been to?

Most recently, I went on a mission trip Nicaragua. Half the time, we stayed on a coffee plantation, the other half, right in the middle of several huge tobacco fields. The trip was the ultimate combination of helping others and experiencing a different way of life. The fantastic weather was a huge bonus!

You said that your travels influence your writing. How?

The "what-ifs?" that come from being in a new, unique place are always an inspiration. Even at the airport, the questions start. I'm intrigued by people coming and going, I start to wonder who they are, where they're going, and what they're going to do when they get there. What starts out as basic stuff, often works its way into a great story idea.

What was the most exciting thing that happened to you during your travels?

I wish I had an outrageous story to tell... In LA, I went on a back lot tour at Paramount Studios. We walked through the sets, saw where they store props, and even got to watch a bit of a Star Trek taping. I had the pleasure of looking at an endless array of armor in London.... went on a swamp tour in Louisiana... rode a pony up the hills of Haiti...

Your bio at Venus Press states that you write about thrill-seekers and untamed women, is that autobiographical?

Hmmm... I like to think part of me is untamed, but the other part, the one who takes care of my two children and cleans my house, she's predictable (in the best possible way).

You have two books available at Venus Press, EVERGLADES WILDFIRE and a bit in VENUS’ GUIDE TO PASSION AND PLAY. Can you tell us a bit about them?

I think of EVERGLADES WILDFIRE as a classic beauty and the beast story. Amber's love for Rick transforms him, helps him let go of his troubled past, and have faith in the future. My contribution to Venus' Guide is one of my favorite recipes--a chocolate/peanut bark that travels well, tastes great, and is easy to make.

I loved the idea of an alligator wrangler as the hero in EVERGLADES WILDFIRE. How did you come up with that idea and how much research did you do?

At a party, I met a woman whose cousin works on an alligator ranch. I'm not sure how we got on the subject, but she must've thought I was a little odd, because I started asking her A LOT of questions. "What do they feed them?" "How do they raise the babies?" "Is it a scary place to work?" and so on. I went to bed thinking about everything she'd told me, and woke up, as I often do, with some ideas for a story.

I told my sister and mother about my idea, and they insisted we go to the Florida Everglades, so I could do some research. My research consisted of one day trip to Gatorland Zoo and one to the Everglades National Park. Theirs was lying on the beach, making sure the sunshine was good enough to be included in my story.

How does it feel to participate in such an anticipated series like THE SONS OF ZEUS?

It's very exciting, and a great privilege, to be included in a series that features such an amazing group of authors. I'm thrilled. Check out the cover!

Can you PLEASE give us a little peek inside FATE UNBOUND, your contribution to the SONS OF ZEUS line?

Love to!

FATE UNBOUND December 2005
The bounds of fate are strong, but some men are even stronger.
Tired of her arrogance and conceit, Taryn’s sisters trick her into seeking her fate from The Oracle.

The Oracle dictates: Taryn must leave her home and search for the one man who will tame her wild heart. Along the way, she must submit to all men who approach her. In doing so, she will find the single man who desires submission to her, then, and only then, may she return to her beloved home.

Frustrated by being forced live as an unrecognized son of Zeus, and unable to bear living without knowing if he will ever receive the recognition he so intently desires, Adrian seeks his fate from The Oracle.

The Oracle dictates: He must be patient, accept what comes to him, and never act on his own desires--especially those of the flesh. In doing so, he will, when the time is right, receive the recognition as Zeus’s son.

Do you have any other works in progress? If so, can you tell us a little bit about them?

I've just started a new erotic romance, a futuristic.

PROJECT 15EX - Science Fiction/Futuristic

In the year 2108, six years after the last physically transmitted disease was eradicated, Crystal 31-89 is still trying to adjust to the free and open sex policy her closed society has embraced. Now, with no fear of disease or unintended reproduction, sexuality is the key to everything. Until she is able meet the expectations of those around her, she will never truly belong.

To rid herself of the last vestiges of hesitation and old-fashioned conscience, things she wanted to leave behind in her previous society, she has signed herself in for treatment at Project EX. Although she is only the 15th person to enter for treatment, the managers at Project EX assure her that as long as she abides by the policies, especially the agreement that she not be discharged until she is cured, she will be able to reenter her society and take full advantage of all that it offers.

Crystal 31-89 takes to the treatment quickly and enjoys fast progress--until Marcus 56, one of the team of behavioral experts who monitors the progress of the clients, takes a special interest in her challenging case. When he points the inconsistencies of her behavior, she sets out to disprove his claim, that she is one of the "incurables."

Do you have any particular habits for writing? Do you listen to music? If so, what kind? Does it depend on the character or the story?

Scented candles and music are both very important. When I start a new project, I buy a scented candle. I keep the candle lit only when working on that project. The scent becomes intertwined with the story and helps me stay focused on the characters and their conflict--and of course the setting. While working on EVERGLADES WILDFIRE, I used a lemon spice. I think I'll get something more intense for FATE UNBOUND. I use music in a very similar way.

Is there anything else that you would like your readers to know?

If you have a friend who likes romances, but thinks the hot stuff isn't for her, suggest EVERGLADES WILDFIRE. It’s a traditional romance story, with a hot sensual side.

Upcoming releases with Venus Press include:
FATE UNBOUND, Sons of Zeus, December 2005
HARD FALL, Hard Hats, Hard Bodies Anthology, June 2006
BRACE FOR IMPACT, Out of Uniform Anthology, August 2006

Thanks again for taking the time to answer our questions and good luck in the future! You can visit Ms. Drake at her website where she welcomes e-mail from her readers.




Interviewed by: Serena