Lisette Kristensen's Blog, page 10

Menage Author, Ava Sterling talks about 2 for 1.

Today, we have a the saucy author, Ava Sterling with us.  She is the author of Two for One, a steamy short read in the M/F/M genre.

1. What inspires you to write?

What initially inspired me to write was wanting a following who enjoyed reading my stories. I followed quite a few authors, especially when I first started reading, and I remember wanting readers like that, ones that couldn’t wait to read my next story.

2. Tell us about your latest release?

My latest release was Two For One, which is a saucy read about one woman and two men. Angela hasn’t seen Jake in some time, and when she finally visits him again, she sees how much he has bulked up, and his roommate is no less attractive.

3. Where do you get your ideas?

I get most of my ideas from my own daydreams and fantasies. Some people wonder whether I write based off of my past experiences, but mostly they are of my fantasy would-be future if I was that daring.

4. Do you outline or free flow your stories?

Since they are short stories, they are short enough not to need an outline, at least in my experience. I’m the type to need an outline for longer works, such as a novella or novel, though.

5. What is absolutely a no go for you in terms of sexual content?

The best answer for that concerns topics that are banned from e-book marketplaces, such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble’s, Kobo, etc. If they won’t sell it, then I won’t write it. One day I would like to have my own online store, but until then, I have to abide by the rules. Other than that, I don’t write about anything illegal. I like to push the envelope, but not get too extreme.

6. Which scenes are the hardest to write?

That’s a good question. I suppose I would say the build up, so about the middle or just shy. Sexual tension is very important in an erotica short story, so I’m always careful to get it as well as I can.

7. How many hours a day do you spend writing, promoting and making new fans?

It’s hard to say, as it does vary. I also balance writing blog content across several websites and I have a demanding day job, so my effort is limited to quite part-time hours. I’d like to say that it’s around fifteen hours a week doing one of the above activities. In the future, I would like to write full time.

8. Are some of the details in your books from real-life situations?

Some of them, although usually it has only trace elements of my personal history. I’d like to thank I wasn’t any more sexually active than the next girl, but what I have always loved doing is fantasizing, and that’s where my stories come in.

9. What books do you enjoy reading?

I read fairly widely, anything from romance to erotica to fantasy. I try to dip my toe into lots of pools.

10. What is your current project?  

My current project is writing a story about two women who work in a library who have only one more night to realize their desires for each other. When the lights turn off after hours, who knows what’ll happen!

Thanks Ava for sharing your insights, and look forward to reading your next project. Remember readers to leave a review when you finish your book. We Indie Authors appreciate it greatly.

Menage Author, Ava Stewart talks about 2 for 1.

Today, we have a the saucy author, Ava Stewart with us.  She is the author of Two for One, a steamy short read in the M/F/M genre.

1. What inspires you to write?

What initially inspired me to write was wanting a following who enjoyed reading my stories. I followed quite a few authors, especially when I first started reading, and I remember wanting readers like that, ones that couldn’t wait to read my next story.

2. Tell us about your latest release?

My latest release was Two For One, which is a saucy read about one woman and two men. Angela hasn’t seen Jake in some time, and when she finally visits him again, she sees how much he has bulked up, and his roommate is no less attractive.

3. Where do you get your ideas?

I get most of my ideas from my own daydreams and fantasies. Some people wonder whether I write based off of my past experiences, but mostly they are of my fantasy would-be future if I was that daring.

4. Do you outline or free flow your stories?

Since they are short stories, they are short enough not to need an outline, at least in my experience. I’m the type to need an outline for longer works, such as a novella or novel, though.

5. What is absolutely a no go for you in terms of sexual content?

The best answer for that concerns topics that are banned from e-book marketplaces, such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble’s, Kobo, etc. If they won’t sell it, then I won’t write it. One day I would like to have my own online store, but until then, I have to abide by the rules. Other than that, I don’t write about anything illegal. I like to push the envelope, but not get too extreme.

6. Which scenes are the hardest to write?

That’s a good question. I suppose I would say the build up, so about the middle or just shy. Sexual tension is very important in an erotica short story, so I’m always careful to get it as well as I can.

7. How many hours a day do you spend writing, promoting and making new fans?

It’s hard to say, as it does vary. I also balance writing blog content across several websites and I have a demanding day job, so my effort is limited to quite part-time hours. I’d like to say that it’s around fifteen hours a week doing one of the above activities. In the future, I would like to write full time.

8. Are some of the details in your books from real-life situations?

Some of them, although usually it has only trace elements of my personal history. I’d like to thank I wasn’t any more sexually active than the next girl, but what I have always loved doing is fantasizing, and that’s where my stories come in.

9. What books do you enjoy reading?

I read fairly widely, anything from romance to erotica to fantasy. I try to dip my toe into lots of pools.

10. What is your current project?  

My current project is writing a story about two women who work in a library who have only one more night to realize their desires for each other. When the lights turn off after hours, who knows what’ll happen!

Thanks Ava for sharing your insights, and look forward to reading your next project. Remember readers to leave a review when you finish your book. We Indie Authors appreciate it greatly.

Erotic Thrillers the new Noir?

I write on this blog about erotica, dark erotica and some of the taboos that come with it. What I haven’t explored is the foundation of the genre that my stories are centered around:  Erotic Thrillers.

It’s a small category within Amazon, only 7000+ titles are offered. (Erotic Suspense and Erotic Mystery are separate categories).  We are blessed to have wonderful authors, like Jeanna Pride, CR Lemons, Jacqueline D Cirque, E.K. Blair and Drew Jordan.

What makes a thriller? The wiki definition covers it best, “Thrillers are characterized and defined by the moods they elicit, giving viewers heightened feelings of suspense, excitement, surprise, anticipation, and anxiety.  

You add the element of erotica, and you have a deliciously dark read. The difference for our genre compared to the more big name Thriller writers is our focus on the more taboo elements of sex.

In this genre, we employ those areas of sexual fantasies that mainstream authors won’t even think about. When we look at situations of suspense, surprise and anxiety we bring such titillating taboos like forced seduction, kidnap, sexual slavery etc.

We enjoy those darker elements. Our characters are challenged not only by the circumstances they find themselves but what resides inside themselves.  Like I have written before, it’s a tried and true theme, the lady with flaws that has to overcome them in the face of those elements of a thriller.

The sexual situations she finds herself in, often is the vehicle that propels to her being a stronger person.  I chose that theme deliberately.  The dichotomy inside a woman is fascinating.  The outside persona of being part of what society calls normal and the darkness that lies quietly until a situation exploits it. Awakening a part of her that most and even she never see.

It’s that combination that makes the genre so dark and tantalizing. Also, one that is fun to write.  There are almost no boundaries we as writers can take it.  For fun let me throw up four covers for you to look at. Then at the end, I will have a poll for you to vote.  The question is which cover would you want to read or fantasize about? Be honest now.

Four great pulp thriller noir covers.  Now for the poll, which cover is the most appealing to read.  Think how wildly dark these titles could take us.

Take Our Poll

Thanks for reading and remember we Indie Authors appreciate all reviews.

 

 

Coming in Hot, Interview with Piper Presely

If you find firefighters sexy and hot, then Piper Presley is your author.  Her current Anthology Coming In Hot: A Squad of Sexy Firefighter Romances, currently ranks 19th in the Romance/Collections & Anthologies genre.

When did you start writing?

I started writing in 2000 under a different pen name. I retired that pen name and started writing under Piper Presley in January of this year.

Where do you get your ideas?

Real life situations involving heterosexual relationships is what interests me. Plus hot guys! Add these two, and I create my stories!

What is absolutely a no go for you in terms of sexual content?

My sexual scenes are graphic, but I won’t write about anal sex. I don’t do it in real life, and I don’t write about it. Nothing against people who are into that, but I’m just not.

Do you outline or free flow?

I outline. I also like working with mind maps.

Which scenes are the hardest to write?

Scenes that require research are the hardest. Fortunately, I don’t write a lot of scenes that require research.

What are you currently reading?

I’m currently reading and reviewing the Good Pussy Bad Pussy books by A. Aimee.

How many hours a day do you spend writing, promoting, and making new fans?

I take time out to sleep, exercise, eat and spend time with my husband. But I’m writing, promoting, and making new fans the rest of the time. LOL! It’s hard work!

What is your favorite book series? Who is your favorite author?

Any series by Frankie Love.

If you could collaborate with any other Author, who would it be?

There is no one author, but I am in some multi-author boxed sets. I’m currently in two of them: Field Stripped: 15 Steamy Military Romances and Coming In Hot: A Squad of Sexy Firefighter Romances.

What is your next project?

I’m finishing a military romance story. After that, probably a long series, but not sure what yet!

Here are Piper other links:

FaceBook

 

Book Reviews, an Indie Writers lifeline.

Today’s topic is one near and dear to me. Book Reviews.  Like the title states, they are the lifeline for an Indie Author.  They are important but difficult to obtain.  You’d think it would be easy. Someone buys a book, they read it and when done they’d post a review. Sadly, it doesn’t happen that way.

For an Indie Author, the battle is tougher. I’m not going to whine about not having a marketing department, or a vast email list to blast my new release. I chose this path, and I have no regrets. The challenge we Indie Authors face is education. Readers have no idea what reviews mean to us, and they wouldn’t unless we tell them.

Let me say this first, the majority of the readers want us to be successful. They respect our efforts and want us to write more. Where we have failed is to have them understand how vital those reviews are, even brief one’s matter.

Readers need to understand what we go through in fighting for reviews. Amazon’s rules can be construed as heavy handed. For instance, their rules stipulate that there can be no reviews by friends or family. Right, there wipes out a dozen or more. No author swap reviews either. How does that work? I have an author friend, and I like her work, she likes mine. We enjoy reading our each other’s books. We even pay for them, but Amazon says’s no way.  No reviews. I think you get the picture what an Indie Author faces.

I’m not griping, but just want readers (we are included) to understand what a mountain we climb after we publish.  That’s fine and good, you get it, we get it but so what?

Here is why? With Amazon if an author gets’s 20+ reviews, it doesn’t matter the stars. Amazon includes the author’s book in “the also bought” and “might like this list.” This can increase  sales, but more importantly, visibility.

When an author gets to the 50-70 level. Amazon highlights the book in its spotlight positions and newsletter. That is invaluable advertising.

The cynics will say, you want more reviews to sell more.  Yes and no. Of course, I want to sell more books, what author doesn’t?  Reviews don’t guarantee that.   The reality is when we self-publish we have no idea who will like it or not. We stick it all on the line and wait. That leads to another reason.

Reviews are critical in finding out what we need to do better. Example, I recently got a 3-star (out of 5) review over at GoodReads. The reviewer wrote a nice review,  she liked the story. Why 3 stars? She mentioned she spotted typos (grinding my teeth now) and while not major it wasn’t worthy of 4 or 5 stars (my words not hers). I agree with her. Shame on me for not finding them. (For the record this is a re-release and originally was sold to a publishing house and went through a copy editor. Still on me for not double-checking).  I learned something from this review. If she hadn’t reviewed it I would never know.

Reviews help us in so many ways.  I know we all are busy, life’s demands make our needs pale in comparison.  We ask you the reader (author’s too) when you finish our stories, take another five minutes and post a review.  We as Indie Authors are honored when you do. It helps us know if our books are on the right track. Yes, it helps sell more too, but you’d be surprised at the smiles we have when we get reviewed. Even the bad ones.

You might roll your eyes and think I’m on a rant, it’s not such a big deal. If this was a minor issue, then why is there a plethora of “pay for review” sites? I have a list of over 50 sites that will review your book for a fee. Why do some authors (rumor is publishing houses use this) offer Amazon gift cards for reviews on their new releases?

To summarize, reviews help with visibility, but more importantly, they make us better writers.

Last item on this topic. My friend, Kat Crimson, has started an initiative on this issue. Here is a link Save an Indie and Kat does a better job explaining in detail why reviews are important.

This Thursday interview is with Piper Presley, don’t miss it.  Thanks for reading and comments welcome.

 

Interview with Casey Cane, no female doormats need apply

Today’s interview is with author Casey Cane. She is an incredible talent. Her stories are rich in prose and bring a different light to the BDSM genre.  The tempo of her scenes is sensuous and thought-provoking.  Enjoy the interview.

When did you start writing and what inspired you to do so?

I have been writing since I was a kid. It seems like I’ve always had a story in my head to tell, and over the course of my life, those stories have become more clear and focused.

At a certain point, you can either write down what the voices in your head are saying, or you can indulge in various substances to shut them up. I choose to write.

You write erotica from a different perspective, could elaborate on that vision?

Certainly. I feel that as a species, we are losing something, we humans: nobility. Every now and again on Facebook I see posts comparing photos of men from earlier in the 20th century, and men today, with a “WTF happened?” caption. My feeling is that men today have failed women—and that’s not meant as an aspersion. From my perspective, it’s all about biology—nature, evolution, the characteristics that have gotten the species to survive for a hundred thousand years. Darwinism works pretty well, but with the rise of technology, we have, in many cases, chosen to ignore the natural order. We worry about Skynet taking over, but Skynet is already being served—just try telling a teenager to put down their iPhone!

More seriously: when did being “submissive” become a weakness, or “dominant” a character flaw? To me, a submissive girl is the strongest of all, because she has given herself over to trust and love to a man she has chosen to dominate her, to lead her. And that dominant man must rise to his own inherent nobility to properly guide her in her submission. Domination isn’t about ropes and beatings; it’s about caring, protecting, and cherishing. It’s about learning what she needs, and giving it to her. She needs to know he is always there for her.

In the current societal climate, I realize this is not a popular view. But as I’ve said in my bio, I seek to strip away the veneer of civilization. I do this because I think many people not only don’t like to think that humans are animals, but some get quite angry when the concept is put forth to them. We have lost contact with our primal selves for many reasons, not just because we can’t put away our screens. It’s my feeling that this has resulted in a widespread unhappiness.

Portraying characters that are largely in touch with that primal nature—or realize the necessity to do so—is what I explore in my stories. There are no female doormats; these women are strong, and show that a girl can be submissive without “knuckling under”. And while the males may have flaws, they also realize their responsibilities as dominants: if a girl gives herself over to them, they accept that obligation, and they also must shoulder all the blame in a true D/s situation.

My stories incorporate this philosophy in what I hope is an unblinking way. The “Owned by the Master” series isn’t for everyone, and some readers may be upset by some scenes, or even react to them as triggers. (I provide warnings for each book.) And especially in my latest—“Valeria Must Kneel”—there is a scene that may distress some. But if I am to plumb the depths of what I feel is a tremendous discontent sweeping the Western world right now, I have to go farther than “politically correct” interactions, and truly strip away that veneer of civilization for my readers in order to reach the depths of human emotions and sexuality, as I see it.

Where do you get your ideas?

Idea.com.  Seriously, this is probably the most difficult question for a writer to answer. I’ve always liked Stephen King’s response to this—that what he does is think of two seemingly unrelated things, and yet those two things connect in his mind in some fashion, and from that conflation his stories flow outwards. I’m in no way comparing myself to Stephen King, but something similar happens in my brain as well when I form my ideas.

Do you outline or free flow when developing your stories?

I keep track of plot points, character traits, and to-do’s in OneNote, but I write free flow. I do have an overall plan for a story—or in the case of the “Owned by the Master” series that I am currently writing, the entire series—and know the broad strokes going in, the endings, etc. But getting there is the adventure; I like discovering things about my characters along the way in much the same way my readers do.

What is the worst part of Indie writing?

That there are only 24 hours in a day, and that I have to sleep for 6-8 of them.

Which scenes are the hardest to write?

That depends on the day. Some days, the sex scenes are tougher, because I may not be quite in the mood. Other days, the linking scenes are the beasts—those transitional moments between one major scene and another. But I set word-count goals for myself each day, and I sit there and type until I reach those goals.

Who are your favorite authors?

At the moment, I favor reading mysteries / suspense thrillers. Right now I’m reading Tana French’s “In the Woods”.

What do you do to relax, other than writing?

I read, first and foremost. I watch scripted TV, both comedies, and dramas, to see how other writers do what they do. I go out in the sun and put the electronics away for a while.

If you had to choose one kink to write on, what would it be and why?

D/s. That’s mostly what I write about anyway though the scenes and characters may take different forms and involve varied additional kinks. For me, D/s has the richest veins to mine, because it is never the same from couple to couple. Certainly, in my stories the male is always dominant, the female submissive, but they aren’t cookie-cutter characters, and their dominance and submission emerge in different ways each time. Especially a girl just discovering that she is submissive, and gradually trusting the man she is with to guide her in her awakening—you can really see this process happening in my third and latest entry in the “Owned by the Master” series—“Valeria Must Kneel”.

What is your next project?

As I mentioned, I’ve just completed the third entry in the “Owned” series—“Valeria Must Kneel”—and it is up on Amazon now. My readers have asked me when I will write another taboo-type story, so I am halfway through writing one now, and will have it up on Amazon hopefully before the end of April (assuming they allow it—Amazon is cracking down on taboo-type books). After that brief hiatus from D/s (though not really—wait till you read this one!), I will write the fourth book in the “Owned by the Master” series. Continuing the traditions, I’ve begun in the first three books in the series, readers will meet new male and female leads—though this couple will have played supporting roles in previous books—and the overall arc taking place in the background will progress, perhaps in unexpected ways. I keep getting asked about Ronan…

Thank you so much for the great questions, and for giving me a chance to expound on my philosophy and process! I hope your readers enjoy my answers and my stories!

I strongly urge you all to put her books on your “to-read” list. As a reminder to us all, leaving reviews are the lifeblood of indie authors. It only takes a minute to do them. We understand that not everyone will like our stories. Don’t let that stop you. There is an old saying in our industry, “a bad review is better than no reviews.” We enjoy critical feedback, so don’t be shy regardless if you like the story or not. Thanks.

Here are Casey Cane’s links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaseyCaneBoo...

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CaseyCaneBooks

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Casey-Cane/e/B0...

 

Dark Desire Series, will the taboos ever end?

When I wrote, Unveiling Facade, I looked at it as a stand-alone short story.  That has all changed, as a result of you the readers wanting more.  I admit I had other stories roaming in my head that clamored to get out.  For a long time had no idea what to do. Then one day I was reading a book on writing, and there was a discourse on what is the stories theme.

Like most writers we run out the door when anyone asks, what’s the theme? In reading the passage regarding themes, it struck me clearly that the story of Jocelyn’s journey had to continue. Why? For it was evident that Jocelyn’s story had not been finished. The result? The Dark Desire series was born.

I wanted to share with you today what is the theme, where is all of this going and why. I think it’s important for us the readers to have a clear idea what the author is trying to accomplish.  We writers need to be held accountable to the declaration of the theme. It’s our promise as writers to you the readers.

The theme of the Dark Desire series, is an exploration of a woman, Jocelyn, conquering her flaws.  Her flaws are not uncommon but they inhibit her from being complete as a woman.  How does she overcome them? Through her adventures in the dark desires within her soul. She is confronted by several trials that challenge her physically and mentality.

The journey is through her eyes. Not a man, billionaire, alpha male etc. It’s a woman’s travel of self-discovery, renewal and those battles that try to keep her down. In that journey, we will see her in situations of depravity and darkness.  Certain “taboos” will be featured, some disturbing.  Those situations aren’t gratuitous but presented in realistic scenes that force Jocelyn to continually face her flaws.

What I have discovered in focusing on this theme, is that the stories read like a thriller. But I didn’t want to lose that dark feature. What I did is ask you, the readers what taboos would you read. While it was a small sample, it was clear that “capture/forced seduction” is popular.  Sexual slavery came in second.  Will Jocelyn face such taboo’s?  That is for you to find out, as the story progresses. You didn’t think I was going to have a spoiler alert did you?

Currently, book two has been written, Facade’s Retribution. It will be released at the end of this month. I’ve finished outlining book three, and will start writing it this week. Based on this outline, a fourth book will be needed.

How far will it go? I leave that to you the readers to decide. I want to thank all of you how have bought it or downloaded it on KindleUnlimited.

Thursday’s author interview will be with Casey Cane. So don’t miss it. I also want to give big thanks to Jessica Ozment over at Fanatic Review for a wonderful review of Unveiling Facade.

 

One kinky interview with author, July Cumming

Today, we have an interview with one wicked author, July Cumming. She is the author of the sex pot series, Violet the Organ Grinder.  Go ahead and connect the dots in that title for it’s real.  Here she is, July Cumming.

When you first started writing, did you have any idea you’d be writing kinky books?

When I first started writing I did it for fun. It was a few years back when I had told someone about one of my wild sexual adventures. The person liked how detailed I wrote and told me I should sell my stories on a blog. I didn’t think they were serious as my writing skills were horrible. They kept telling me that I was good and I should get into writing erotica. I ended up enrolling myself in some writing courses to become better than good.

Was there something that happened to you in your life or career that made you want to begin thinking about writing kinky-themed erotica?

Nothing but determination. Some of my friends and family laughed it off when I told them I wanted to start writing. They all thought I wasn’t all too bright and that I couldn’t do it. I needed to prove to myself and them that I could do anything if I put my mind to it. Not only did I sign up for the writing classes, I entered the National Novel Writing Month challenge. The NaNoWriMo challenge is writing 50k words in 30 days. I did the challenge at the same time as I took the classes. I ended up writing 25k words and passing the classes with a +90% grade. Not too shabby I’d say.

In reading Violet the Organ Grinder, you take us on one hell of a kinky ride, where did the idea come from?

When I first started self-publishing, I wasn’t sure what kinks I wanted to write in. I enjoyed too many  of them to make up my mind. Then I got the crazy idea of what if I had a character who would do it all? Of course, I couldn’t write every kink into one story, but I could have a series with a couple of different kinks in each one. So I created Violet, a woman who was a stage actress, turned into a sex slave as part of a travelling carnival. She fulfills sexual fantasies of all kinds and ends up loving everything she does. I wrote the short stories to be all tied together but can be read as a stand alone.

You have written three books on Violet the Organ Grinder, can we anticipate more of her adventures?

Yes, if I can get around all the road blocks that are in my way. The last Violet was unfortunately pulled from the shelves as it was apparently too hot for Amazon. After submitting some corrections, they outright banned it from the site. There wasn’t anything in it that should have caused it to get banned and they won’t tell me what it was. I am welcome to resubmit it after I make the changes that they won’t tell me it needs.

I do have part four close to being ready for upload, but it still needs an ending. After that, I have ideas for the next two parts in the Violet the Organ Grinder series and many more ideas after that.

Is there an area that is kink-related that you haven’t written about yet that you’re interested in?

I’m willing to try my hand at almost any kink. I like too many of them. I have at least forty ideas in notepad for different stories, but I can’t write as fast as I’d like to. I wouldn’t mind writing a story involving doctors.

What’s the most surprising piece of feedback you’ve ever received from a fan on your writing?

When I first read it, not only did it make my day but it made me misty eyed reading it. I have to quote him as it’s rather long, and this was said after the initial review of the story he’d read.

“Speaking of her other stories… I’ve literally read them all. Let me explain something to you. I’m spoiled as hell when it comes to the books I’ve read. So I’m hard to please. And when I read something I don’t like, I don’t give it to chapter three to shape itself up. I shut it down if the first page doesn’t please me and then I leave a constructive bad review. I don’t need to pretend to like something, nor do I want to because as a writer, and a voracious reader, I have a love for spreading joy through the written word, whether it’s mine or someone else’s. So it really gives me joy to be able to review good books, because I hate bringing bad books to your attention.

In saying that, all of July Cumming’s books have been great. Trust me… you’re reading a blog of someone who has been spoiled by the likes of George R. R. Martin, J.K. Rowling, Stieg Larsson, P.N. Elrod, and in the erotica genre, Lexi Maxxwell herself. They’ve spoiled me rotten. Brought me so much joy. Is July as good as these authors… no, but few people are, and she’s one of those who in time, will be. Not can. Will be. So truly, if I say July Cumming has what it takes to entertain you… then she does. Personally I’d love to see what she can do outside the erotica genre. I think she has the chops to do anything and everything she wants.

I’m a fan. And I can’t wait to read what July comes out with next.” –   J.B. Taylor

If someone new to your work is going to start with a story, which one would you recommend they read first?

It depends on one’s personal tastes for kinks. My first series Voices Carry isn’t for everyone as it’s a man of the house series. In other words, step dad/daughter with a lot of issues getting in the way. It does happen to be my best seller, so if that scenario doesn’t bother you, I’d start with that.

Violet the Organ Grinder is and always will be loaded with kinks. If you want a continuing tale, that one is full of kinky with a side of twisted and a cup of hot sauce.

Bending over for Jeff is another with a few kinks in it. I wrote it using myself (the erotica writer) as the main character. It’s extremely dirty with humour thrown in.

Can you tell how indecisive I am? Try ordering a pizza with me.

Do you write erotica based on what you find interesting or sexy, or do you write more for your audience?

I guess it’s a bit of both. I’m vivid when it comes to writing details and that is purely for the audience. I wouldn’t write a kink I had no desire to write about. If it doesn’t make me tingle when I’m writing it, then it wouldn’t be fair to the readers. I’m sure readers can sense when an author feels what they write vs. an author pumping out something for the money. I can tell you now, I’m not in it for the money. If I was, I’d be writing stories in the kinks that sold a lot better and I’d write much faster than I do now.

What author or author’s have had the greatest influence on your writing?

Would it shock you if I said I haven’t read a lot of erotica? I’m a multitasker with about 60 tabs open at the moment. If I’m not plotting, researching, promoting, designing covers, editing, and writing every waking hour, I might have more time to read. My Kindle is full of books I’d like to read and when I do have a chance to open a book, I end up skimming to find the start of the story. That’s bad right? Sure I’ve read through entire stories and I do like many authors, but nobody in my genre has influenced my writing. I think I’m too picky. I do love Stephen King’s books and if I ever get bored of writing erotica, I’d be heading down a darker path with horror.

If you had to choose one kinky-related theme to write, what would it be?

Bondage, no, um… spankings? Can I say BDSM in general? No? So many to choose from. I guess most of my stories have domination and submission so perhaps it would be that.

Thank you for having me on your blog.[image error]

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Just what is your kink?

Recently I was reading an article about writing dark erotica. It had some interesting insights, in what we go through in finding that niche that will appeal to all of us as readers.

I consider myself a BDSM writer, and from this article I would be labelled too broad, not specific enough. That is fair, for my stories are more focused on the mental evolution of the person falling into the dark recess of herself. I use BDSM as a platform for her descent into an abyss of hedonistic pleasure. (On further reflection, I can see how someone might see Unveiling Facade, as dubious consent.)

The evidence says, today readers like to find a sub-genre and dive into that space. That got me thinking of what sub-genre’s or kinks are out there and popular. So I did my research and the findings were a bit astonishing, well at least for me.

I used Goodreads for my study. I am a member of the dark erotica group and the bookshelf there is loaded with over 600 titles (666 to be exact, but that number is a bit too freaky). What I discovered, in looking at content titles, is that over 70% of the books were in the kink of non consent, abduction, rape, sexual slavery and torture. That surprised me!

Here I thought I would see menage as a leader and actually it has one of the lowest percentages of interest.  BDSM is still an individual leader, but kept it out for it a broader genre.  Of the group, mentioned above, the leader was “dubious non consent, non consent”.  That too surprised me, for as a writer of dark erotica, you have to work around the guidelines of Amazon and the other digital publishers. Those guidelines are in general vague, but they make it clear they shy away from books in the category listed above..

With that in mind, I asked myself how do these authors get it past Amazon and the others?  Back I went and looked up a variety of titles, and when I took those titles to Amazon to see how they are categorized, another shocker. The majority of them are not listed as erotica at all.  The author will drop them into science fiction, suspense, mystery, thriller etc.

Problem solved! However, while the anecdotal study shows that readers (mainly women) want to read the kink of “non consent style dark erotica” (for a lack of a better term). I want to do a poll and get your opinions on this, what kink flips your trigger.

So take a moment and look at the poll and cast your vote.

This Thursday, July Cumming will be here for an interview. So don’t miss it.

Take Our Poll

 

Menage author, Kristin Daniels interview

Today’s interview is with Kristin Daniels. I have known Kristin for several years and have witnessed her go from a romance author to now a serious erotica writer. What I enjoy about Kristen books, is how in depth she gets with her heroine, coupled with hot sex. So sit back and enjoy the interview.

When you first started writing, did you have any idea you’d be writing erotica books?

Actually, no. I started out writing romantic suspense, but one of my critique partners back then challenged me to write an erotic romance for a call from an erotic publisher. I’d always read both suspense and erotic romance, so it wasn’t difficult for me to slide right into the ER category.

What triggered the idea to write menage themed books?

I love reading them! I have to say, out of all the ER sub-genres, menage is my favorite.

What’s the most surprising piece of feedback you’ve ever received from a fan of your writing?

That they’d read one of my books three times! That they did that really touched me.

In Seven Nights you toy with some BDSM and bi sexuality. Will we see either of those ideas become a feature part of a book?

I’m releasing a book in the very near future that has a BDSM theme to it. I’m waiting to get it out there because I’m apprenticing with a Chicago photographer. Together we’re collaborating on a photo shoot for the cover image. It’s going to be a hella sexy cover to go along with the hella sexy story inside!

If someone new to your work is going to start with a story, which one would you recommend they read first?

Hmm, I’d have to say if their preference is M/F novellas, then Unscripted. If M/F full length is what they like, then my upcoming release, My Tye. If menage is their thing, definitely Seven Nights.

What have you written in the past that you think your erotica fans might find interesting?

I have a three book set titled Leave Me Breathless, which includes the novellas Unscripted, Chasing Eden and Charmed and Cherished. That’d be a good start

You started your writing career in the traditional publishing houses, why the switch to self-publishing?

By self-publishing, I have more control over the stories I put out there and when I put them out there.

Do you write erotica based on what you find interesting or sexy, or do you write more for your audience?

Definitely what I find interesting and sexy. I appreciate what audiences love and the recent trends that are out there, but I find it more fulfilling to write what comes from my heart.

What author or authors have had the greatest influence on your writing?

In the ER genre, Megan Hart, hands down. Broken is one of my favorite books ever.

Last question, what can we expect in the future from Kristin Daniels?

My soon-to-be released novel My Tye! It’s a very special book to me and I hope others love it as much as I loved writing it.

Kristin Daniels links:

Amazon Author Page

Twitter

FaceBook