Hi Marianne! Welcome to Fallen Angel Reviews! Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to visit with us. I appreciate this opportunity to visit with you.

Thanks for having me!

Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m 35 years old and a mom of toddler girls and have been married for about twelve years. I have a BA in English and a nurse, but I am not practicing at this time.

I started seriously writing erotic romance back in 2003. Since then I have had a few successes including a Romantic Times Top Pick, a RT Reviewer Choice nomination and a PEARL Honorable Mention.

What or who inspired you to try to become an author?

A few years ago I ran a review site and as I read, I began thinking about writing. I read all sorts of books, but then I found erotic romance. I loved it, but I wanted more—certain stories So why not write them myself? Thus, it began.

When your first story was picked up for publishing, how did you celebrate?

I went out to dinner with my family. My head was in the clouds.

Do you write on a schedule or as inspiration hits?

With little kids, the schedule is pretty loose. It is as time (or my kids) permit. Usually I write after 8pm—after they go to bed.

Per your website, I see that you have some proposals have been picked up by two different publishers. Scorpion King, which is a stand alone book, as well as a series called Moonrunner. How does this make you feel? Do you have a favorite among these new proposals?

How does this all make me feel? I feel great. It all makes writing worth while.

It is hard to pick a favorite since I like them all. I am excited about Scorpion King since it is very different than my usual genre. All I can say is, Scorpion King is a futuristic and will be out in 2006 from Ellora’s Cave.

I have a serial I proposed to Silk’s Vault called Moonrunner. The concept is the adventures of a vampire hunter/slayer, who happens to be a werewolf. I hope to see the first installment, Moonrunner, out before the end of 2005 or early 2006.

What was the inspiration for The Hunted? Can you tell us a little about this new release?

I saw the emails about the Vamprotica anthology and thought it would be nice to write something for that. I didn’t really know what to write other than a vampire short. Then I thought about Atlantic City and asked myself, what if there were vampires using Atlantic City casinos as their hunting grounds? And that is how The Hunted came about. My being from NJ and having gone to the casinos in the past, it was easy to write.

At the time, I had been chatting with Andrei Claude via email, you know, just the normal, “Hey, how you doing?” Then I got the idea to have him on the cover of The Hunted, and asked him and Chippewa. Once everyone agreed, I realized my vampire would be based on Andrei’s appearance—and I even named the character after him.

Although your characters are centered in a paranormal realm, are they based on real people you know or made up?

I usually make up the characters. I base appearance on people like actors or actresses, but the personalities are made up. However, some secondary characters can occasionally be influenced by someone I know. For example, Desiree Claus in A Twisted Xmas Tale coming from Silk’s in Dec, that character was influenced by my friend, Desiree Erotique. Of course, I gained permission and her okay before using her as a model. As I mentioned above, Andrei de Santori in The Hunted was inspired by the model, Andrei Claude. I don’t think there are many authors that can avoid using real people they know to inspire a character.

Do you tend to do lots of research for your novels? If so, what type of research do you do?

Depends on the story. Historicals take more time to research. Any mention of the past takes some research as well. As in Descendants of Darkness, I created a unique past for Lucius, and I had to map out his centuries as a vampire. Someone like that would have come in contact with a few historical time periods, or even historical figures. My editor and I both double check the facts. Unfortunately, some sources vary in their “facts” and that is quite frustrating.

Right now I have been researching the Tutankhamen discovery—items in the tomb, time tables, government involvement, maps, etc.

Also Egyptian mythology comes into play in the Desert Guardians series, so I basically have to pick and choose what myth to use. There are several versions of the Osiris myth and some even vary in how the gods and goddesses were related. Kind of frustrating, but you pick one and move on.

Being a mother of twins myself, how do you balance the demands of writing with the demands of a family?

I wait until they go to bed before I write. I can answer emails during the day, but writing is at night. My husband leaves me alone for a few hours so I can have that quiet time to work. He is so supportive, which helps a lot.

Is there a genre you would like to try your hand at writing other than paranormal? Or is there one that you would never try your hand at?

I have trouble writing straight up contemporary. I have tried it, but after the last one, I doubt I will do any more. As for something I will never try—not sure. Maybe hardcore BDSM. I think that genre should be written by those who live the lifestyle simply for the believability and understanding. I write some mild bondage play or spanking in my books, but the rougher themes I will leave to the professionals. I will stick to reading BDSM, but someone else can write it.

You have quite an impressive list of published books. Do you have a favorite?

Since reworking Descendants of Darkness for Ellora’s Cave, I have to say that is my favorite. And I hope to continue that in the series with more books.

Do you think writing a full novel gets easier as you go or do you find it harder to come up with fresh new stories?

It does get easier as you go along. You start out with a basic idea of what you want, outline the details and write. My idea well is far from empty.

Are you currently working on anything? If so, can you give us a sneak peak?

Many people know my first book was a novella, Lady Sheba, a tale about an Egyptian inspired shape shifter. I always wanted to make that into a series. And that is what I am working on. Lady Sheba will be the second installment to the series called Desert Guardians. I am working on the first installment, Desert Guardian. It takes place in 1920s Egypt around the excavation of Tutankhamen’s tomb. I won’t go into big details, but readers will get a new shifter for the series, one inspired by another Egyptian god. Basically the series will contain Egyptian inspired shape shifters.

I recently had a book chosen on a proposal at Ellora’s Cave for an upcoming series they are doing. I can’t reveal much about it at this time, but they will make a big splash of an announcement soon. I think they may be waiting for covers to show off, which will be, no doubt, HOT! Anyway, my novel will be Scorpion King and will come out in 2006. I will reveal details as it gets closer to the release. Hey, got to keep a few secrets to make readers reel in anticipation.

I also have a serial for Silk’s Vault in progress as well, Moonrunner. The concept is the adventures of a vampire hunter/slayer, who happens to be a werewolf. I hope to see the first installment, Moonrunner, out before the end of 2005 or early 2006.

Here’s a mini (unedited) excerpt from Desert Guardian:

Typhon leaned forward, a devilish smile curling his lips. “You are in the city of fantasy. Maybe you should explore one tonight.”

“I don’t have any,” Karrie quipped. It was a lie. It was so easy to picture this rogue as her commanding sheik.

He laughed and it vibrated through her body right to her cunt. She suppressed a moan from the sensation. “Come now. Everyone has a fantasy.” Then he added in a low voice, “Perhaps I can help you discover one you never knew you had.”

Her breath caught. His hand brushed over hers, his warm skin caressing hers, sending thrills coursing through her veins. “I can’t, I’m engaged.” Temptation flew across her mind…in the form of a handsome sheik with golden eyes.

“Engaged to a man who rather unravel the dead pharaohs than pleasure his woman. How do you feel about that?” His seduction turned serious. His eyes pierced her, a glimmer of anger reflecting in their depths.

“I hate it. I was excited about the discovery, but that was before they began to remove the treasures.”

“The kings should be allowed to rest in peace.” His fingers laced with hers and his scent of spicy musk filled her nostrils. “Beautiful women, on the other hand, shouldn’t.” Then he asked, “What is your fantasy, Karrie? Maybe you’ve always dreamt of a sheik stealing you away for a night of passion?”

She felt her face redden. Her heart jumped in excitement. The air from her lungs stilled.

He brought her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles. Sensations skittered down her arm and ran through her body.

“Tell me, do you want me to make that fantasy come alive?” His voice, so rich and masculine soothed her, tempted her.

“I…I can’t.” She was unsure if she could resist his advances. This man was unlike any other man she ever encountered.
“You’re alone tonight, and so am I. I feel like we could make magic together.”

She was fighting an internal struggle. Wasn’t she in love with Reggie? How could she let this stranger tempt her with a night of sex? “We don’t even know each other. How could you possibly want me?”

His tongue flicked out over her palm and she gasped. “I want you. I can tell I excite you. Why should we fight the attraction between us? Can you deny that I arouse you?”

“I can’t…” He nibbled on her wrist and she shuttered. She was almost ready to fling herself into his arms, beg him to take her, show her ecstasy like her dream sheik that not only dominated her heart but commanded her body’s responses.

But no. She was here in Egypt for Reggie. She couldn’t let this dark stranger to seduce her. “No, I’m sorry,” she said as she pulled away her hand. She instantly missed the contact. I can’t.” She got up from her table quickly and bolted from the café.

Copyright Marianne LaCroix, 2005. All rights reserved.

Most authors are avid readers. Do you have any favorite authors/books?

I have been reading a few books over the past month or so. Some authors I have been reading recently include Jaci Burton, Jan Springer, Lora Leigh, JC Wilder, and Lorie O’Clare. Some of my favorite authors include Sahara Kelly, Angelique Armae, and Johanna Lindsey (early works). My favorite novel is Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice.

What do you always have or take with you?

I usually have my PDA with me in my purse. I don’t go out a lot though. The kids are in that stage when tantrums are a form of communication.

Describe the perfect paranormal.

Ack, the perfect paranormal? This a trick question? I don’t even know how to answer. Everyone’s style differs.

Is there a TV show or movie that you will never grow tired of?

I don’t watch much TV, but I do like shows on A&E or Discovery, mainly ghost hunter shows like Most Haunted. I like CSI (Vegas), but I watch those on DVD. I love Phantom of the Opera with Gerard Butler and Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth. I never grow tired of watching those. I think I listen to the PotO soundtrack at least once a day.

Thank you so much for stopping by Marianne. For anyone looking for a sizzling, erotic tale, look no further. Stop by Marianne’s website, www.mariannelacroix.com, to see what you could be missing. It has been a pleasure talking with you and I look forward to having the opportunity to pick up a story or two of yours.

Once again, thank you and FAR for the opportunity.

Interviewed by: Jessica