Today I am speaking with Shelli Stevens. Good morning, Shelli and welcome to Fallen Angel Reviews!

Hello, thanks for taking the time to do an interview with me.

Wow, four books already to Cobblestone. How wonderful. So, tell us something about Shelli, who writes spicy romances with a little bit of laughter and a whole lot of spice. I like that. Why not begin by telling us the day in the life of Shelli Stevens?

Let's see. I wake up with my 2.5 year old daughter and take her upstairs. I then change her diaper, feed her breakfast and then log onto the computer while she watches Little Einstein's. Then the day alternates between me entertaining her and taking her places, to me trying to write, check emails, and work on things for my local RWA chapter (I'm Vice President) as well as organize the raffle baskets for our upcoming conference. Two days a week I go and gramma sit, which is where I am right now. *Grin*

Would you like to tell us about your release?

My newest release is The Pirate's Booty. It's a contemporary novella with a bit of mystery, a lot or romance, and whole lot of sex. (Hey, it starts out at a sex party!) This was the first erotic romance I wrote, and it's very dear to my heart. You guys gave it 5 Angel, Recommended Read.

Why not tell us about your upcoming works in progress?

Oh I have a few. I have two just under single title length books that I'm looking to lengthen and sell to NY. I also have a single title sensual, romantic comedy I've been working on. That one keeps getting put on hold while I write projects or series for my publisher. I love it when someone gives me an 'assignment', I thrive on those. Plus I've delved into my paranormal side through doing that and have my first witch/vampire book coming out in October called This Spells Trouble.

What would you classify as your favorite part of a book to write?

I love writing the beginning. Love it. Because anything's possible. And it's so fresh. It's starting over. But I also love writing the first love scene. Because you've been building up this tension between your characters, and then they're finally given permission to go at it like monkeys.

Is there something about Shelli that even her fans would never guess?

See it's questions like this one that makes me realize I'm way too liberal and open on my blog. People know me. I have no secrets. But let me think... hmm. OH! I love those Sandra Brown books from the 80's that now have disclaimers at the beginning. Because the men were such sexist pigs. Call me weird, but I love them.

Of all things you have accomplished, is there one accomplishment you are most proud of?

I'm proud of my decision to be a single mom and raise my daughter without her dad. To say no to a man who would be more harm than help in our lives. I'm not sure that's an accomplishment, but I've been doing it for almost three years. Although I do have a lot of support from family and friend's.

If you could be invisible for one hour, what would you do and where would you go?

Oh dear, I'm not really sure I should say this. But here's a hint. It'd involve a tropical beach, tequila shots, and Matthew Mcconaughey.

From what do you derive the most inspiration for your writing?

Everyday life really. I like my books to be like something that could actually happen. I can relate to that, I think my readers can too. And the hot sex is a bonus some of us have everyday, and some of us aspire to have. *Grin*

Do you outline your stories or do you just write as you go?

I usually do an outline. A rough, but thorough outline. Then I'll start to write, and my pantsing side jumps out and kicks its arse to the curb. So basically my stories always change from the original outline. But sometimes just a little.

Do you feel as if the characters live with you as you write? Do they haunt your dreams?

Absolutely not. My characters and I have an understanding. I have my life, and they have theirs. Sometimes they get on my back and holler things like "Hey, Shelli, would you mind if we had sex in a pool during the next scene?" and I'll think about it and tell them I'll get back to them once I'm done watching CNN.

What made you go toward internet publishing?

Well. Basically I'm a little impatient. I had a stack of books I'd written, granted one of them is crap and will probably never be published, but I really wanted them to find the rest a home. I decided on epublishing because I liked how quick the response and publication time was. I sold two of my books to an amazing epublisher, Cobblestone Press. They're so incredibly author friendly, and I get the rights back after a year. Or six months if I get a print deal. Since then I wrote two more stories for Cobblestone Press and have two books I'm hoping to get to NY.

Is there anyone that you would like to pen a book with, living or dead?

I've never even thought about it. I love a challenge. I'd probably pair up with someone in the paranormal or suspense genre. Kind of a cross breed between my light tone and someone else's darker one. It would make for a fun book. Really, I'd love to just pair up some time. What a great idea!

What does your future in writing look like in the next year?

I have two books coming out with Cobblestone Press in the fall, and now I'm really targeting New York. I have two almost single titles (I flubbed on the margins, so my books are shorter than I thought!) and a romantic comedy I'm working on. I may put the romantic comedy on hold though to write more erotic romances. I love them, and they seem to be selling best right now. I'd also love to acquire an agent. But then who wouldn't?

Any other website than this one that you would like to share with your readers?

www.shellistevens.blogspot.com and www.thenoveltygirls.blogspot.com

For Fun: What is your secret indulgence?

I discovered this at Nationals. Sitting in bed, eating room service, while watching CNN or maybe even a movie if it's a good one. Amazing. (Did you catch on that I'm a huge news buff?)

Thanks ever so much Shelli for spending time with us today, Shelli. It has been fun.

Interviewed by: Linda L