I’m really excited about interviewing Jess Dee today. I’ve had the pleasure of reading Jess’ Circle of Friends, and let me tell you, this lady knows how to keep you captivated. Jess is an Aussie girl writing red hot romance novels.

Jess, thank you for joining me today in the Fallen Angel Den.

Hi Sandie.

Thanx for inviting me over.

When did you decide to take "pen in hand" and write with the intent to publish?

When I was 22. I wrote my first category length book then, and it was terrible! Put it away, and didn’t think about it again until 12 years later when I came to live in Australia. That’s when I started to write seriously.

Of all the individuals you have created, do you have a particular favorite? What appeals to you the most about this character?

I have two:

Daniel Tanner from Photo Opportunity. I adore him because he is my ideal hero. Funny, intelligent, blonde, all round nice guy — and he loves his heroine to bits.

Steve Sommers from Steve’s Story. I admire him because he goes through hell to be with his heroine and does not stop loving her for one second. I cried several times when I wrote his book. He’ll always have a special place in my heart. (Oh, and did I mention he’s also blonde? See, I have a thing for blond heroes.)

What was the first story you ever wrote?

Um, the one I mentioned earlier that I put away and forgot about. Can we rather talk about something else? Please?

A number of discussions on the Yahoo groups talk about Happily-Ever-After. Do you feel that HEA is necessary to a romance novel?

I am a firm believer in a happy ending in a romance novel. But not necessarily a Happy-Ever-After. A Happy-For-Now is just as satisfying and probably more realistic in today’s times, and especially in erotic romance.

While writing, how does the story develop for you? Do you go from start to finish or create scenes as they come to you?

Initially I wrote haphazardly, focusing on whatever scene sprung to mind at the time. But now I tend to write sequentially. It’s easier for the plot to develop that way. One thing I cannot do is sit down and plot out a story from start to finish. It takes the mystery out of writing. Soon as I know what happens next, I lose interest in the book.

Most people only dream of becoming a successful writer. Now that you have accomplished that is there anything else you dream of doing?

Lots!

Not do the washing or dishes for a month. (Okay, forever.)

Train my dog so he actually listens to me. (And train my kids too, come to think of it.)

Learn how to parallel park my car without breaking into a cold sweat every time.

Lie on the beach/by the pool and read a book without having to worry if anyone’s drowning. (Just not possible with young kids.)

Have a full night’s unbroken sleep. (Just not possible with young kids.)

Lose weight. (Just not possible with young kids.)

Earn/win millions of dollars. (Ah, dreaming is nice, isn’t it?)

Why do you think erotic fiction is so popular right now?

Ooh, don’t get me started. I can talk for hours on the subject.

I think we have e-books to thank for this phenomenon. The instant, affordable and private access to erotic romance made buying books in this genre both easy and appealing, and the popularity boomed from there.

I also believe that erotic romance gives readers (who are looking for a hot, sexy read) an outlet for their secret (or not so secret) fantasies. While classic “closed bedroom door” romance may not be satisfying enough for some, and porn too crass for others, erotic romance provides just the right blend of seduction, romance and sex.

Have you ever had writer’s block? If so, how have you dealt with it?

Yes! Writer’s block is an occupational hazard, and man, it makes me scream out loud in frustration! LOL, I’m not one to suffer in silence. I feel compelled to contact every writer friend I have so I can bitch and moan about my inability to put two sentences together.

I have two ways of pulling myself out of my funk. The first is to rewrite the scene I’m struggling with in another character’s point of view. This usually works a treat. If it doesn’t, I take time off from writing, and I read, read, read. Whatever romance I can get my hands on. (Karen Marie Moning and JR Ward usually get me all revved up and ready to write again.)

Your characters stand out as individuals. How do you bring them alive and keep them sympathetic?

I focus on their inner thoughts and emotions. As long as I can tap into what they are really feeling or thinking, the characters are real. It’s all a matter of empathizing — putting myself in their shoes, and imagining how I would feel/act under similar circumstances.

What are you working on now?

Um, er, well…nothing! (Shhh. Don’t tell my editor.) I’m a little burned out from finishing A Question of Love and Going All In so close together. I’m taking some time out to regroup, and hopefully come up with some fresh new ideas.

Can you tell us a bit about A Question of Love? How did you come up with the story line?

A Question of Love is the sequel to A Question of Trust (my novella from the Ménage and More/Three’s Company Anthology at Samhain.) I am a sucker for sequels. As soon as I introduce an important character into a book, I know that he/she is going to have his/her own story to tell. Even as I wrote the end to A Question of Trust, the beginning of Gabe Carter’s story was forming in my head. There was never any question I’d have to write his book.

This is the blurb:

A QUESTION OF LOVE:

A past with three, a future for two…


Gabe Carter and his best friend Connor’s passion for threesomes brought Tina Jenkins into Gabe’s bed—and into his heart. As a matter of honor, he gave up the woman he loved. Time passes, times change and old promises fall away, but Gabe is still in love with Tina. Now he’s going after his heart’s desire.

Tina has her own opinion about Gabe’s sense of honor. His departure tore apart the most special of bonds and destroyed her relationship with Connor, leaving her brokenhearted. It took her a long time to pick up the pieces, a struggle she doesn’t wish to repeat. When Gabe shows up at her favorite coffee shop, she knows just where to tell him to stick his apology.

Gabe isn’t so easily put off—and Tina can’t help but respond to his seduction. Picking up where they left off is tempting, but Gabe wants her all to himself. And Tina wants the whole package, which includes Connor.

At the risk of crushing his hopes for the future, Gabe sets out to prove he’s more than enough man for her…

Warning: If piping hot sex, ménage scenes, adult toys, anal play, short blonde heroines and stacked, muscular heroes are not your cup of tea, then don’t read this book. You won’t enjoy it.

What is your writing schedule like?

Haphazard. I write whenever I have free time. When the kids are at school is usually the best for me. Sometimes though, I get an idea, and I’ll stay up ‘til all hours of the morning writing. The only time I cannot write is when there is anyone around. I need to be alone to find my creativity.

What do you do to relax away from writing?

I wish I could rattle off a long list of things, but there is so little free time to relax in my house. When I do find the occasional few hours, I love to read, or veg in front of the telly with my hubby.

You have just had another book contracted to Samhain, Going All In, can you tell us a bit about that?

Going All In is probably the most erotic book I’ve written. It began as a m/f/m romance, and then quite unexpectedly morphed into a m/m/f ménage. It is due out at the end of the year, as part of a special New Year’s Eve themed release day, which is pretty exciting.

This is the blurb:

GOING ALL IN:

The higher the stakes, the harder they fall—in love.

Julia Savage’s weekly poker games are tearing her apart. She’s in love with two of her fellow card players, and much as she’d like to pick and confess her true feelings to one man, she won’t. Not if it means risking the love of the other.

Hunter Miles has wanted Julia for four months, and he’s about to deal a hand she couldn’t see coming. He’s determined to give her a New Year’s Eve celebration she never expected. He’s going to seduce her—in front of his friend and rival for her affections, Jay Blaxter. But Jay’s not willing to lay down his cards. He’s going after Julia too, and he’s not above bluffing to get what he wants. Either way, one of them is going to win her over.

Unless they change the rules of the game. If they double up, there’s a chance they can split the pot…

Warning: This book is strictly for readers over the age of 18 — and still many of your parents will not approve. Beware of the scorching-hot m/f/m loving and m/m/f action that might set fire to your computer/reader.

What do you know now you wish you knew before you started writing?

That there is a wonderful, supportive network of writers and readers out there who are so happy to offer their advice and share their experiences.

Jess Dee thank you for chatting with me today. I wish you every success with both A Question of Love out 19th November 2009 and Going All In out 29th December 2009.

Thank you!

If you would like more information on Jess and her novels visit her website at:

http://www.jessdee.com
or her blogs:
http://jessdee.wordpress.com and http://internationalheat.wordpress.com


Interviewed by: Sandie