Eden Baylee's Blog, page 102

Download a FREE erotic ebook ~ The Austrian and the Asian

I’m offering a FREE ebook as a gift to readers over the holidays.

The Austrian and the Asian takes place in Austria over Christmas and is available FREE, today until Dec 25th.

I’d love if you download a copy and tell your friends about it. I don’t mind giving away free books, especially at this time of year.

All downloads will help increase my visibility as an author, plus you get to read a great sexy story for the holidays!

Sincere thanks for your continued support, and I hope you enjoy the book.

eden

♥

Buy Links

Amazon USA (includes India)

Amazon UK

Amazon Canada 

Amazon Germany

Amazon France

Amazon Japan

Amazon Italy

Amazon Spain

 No Kindle? No Worries.

If you own a computer, smart phone, iPad, or iPod touch, you are able to download the ebook with an app found here.

 

Filed under: -Promo of Fall into Winter

Props to the people I interviewed in 2012

I hosted 47 authors the first year of my blog for Inside the Author’s Mind.

In 2012, I expanded the segment to other creatives.

44 wonderful people graced me with their presence, and I’d like to acknowledge them again.

Read them if you missed their interviews initially. They’re amazing people to have as part of your social network.

 Click on the name for the interview. 

 Genre/Profession
 Name


 YA/Dystopian
 Joseph Paul Haines


 Erotica/Romance
 Cassandra Carr


 Crime/Thriller
 Melanie Comley


 Thriller
 Darcia Helle


 Fantasy/Screenwriter
 Lorna Suzuki


 Science fiction/Romance
 Jessica E. Subject


 Horror
 A.J. Alto


 Literary fiction/Thriller
 Thea Atkinson


 Suspense/Thriller
 Russell Blake


 Crime/Thriller
 Robert Chazz Chute


 Crime/Thriller/Paranormal
 Maria Savva


 Poetry/Stort Stories
 Steven Marty Grant


 Singer/Songwriter/Autobiographer
 Janis Ian


 Crime/Mystery
 Dani Amore


 Crime/Thriller
 Derek Blass


 Christian Fiction/Inspirational
 Robert (Sharky) Pruneda


 Romance
 Karen Einsel


 Self-help/Spiritual
 Gabe Berman


 Crime/Thriller
 Andy Holloman


 Thriller/Short Stories
 Justin Bog




 Urban Fantasy
 Solitaire Parke


 Erotica/Erotic Romance
 Brenda Woody & Steven Tindle


 Science fiction/Fantasy
 Jamie Heppner


 YA/Non-fiction/Humor
 Lorca Damon


 Humor/Short Stories/Essays
 K.A. Laity


 Erotica/Romance
 Carrie Ann Ryan


 Poetry
 Nick Palmer


 Fantasy/Paranormal/Action-adventure
 Eri Nelson


 Humor/Drama
 Lisette Brodey


 Mythology/Satire
 Jamie White


 Travel Memoir
 Andy Christofferson


 Literary fiction/Romance/Theology
 Wyatt McIntyre


 Suspense/Fantasy
 David C. Cassidy


 Thriller/Non-Fiction
 David Vinjamuri


 Thriller author/Actor/Film producer
 Ken Flott


 Horror/Erotica Filmmaker
 Sid Kali


 Independent podcaster/Blogger
 Casey Ryan


 Romance/Suspense/Sci-fi/Fantasy
 Julia R. Barrett


 Erotica/Romance
 Rae Spencer


 Fantasy author/Book Reviewer
 Diantha Jones


 Documentary filmmaker/writer/director
 Meg Pinsonneault


 Poetry/Short Stories
 Marian Kent


 Erotica/Romance
 Gemma Parkes


 Independent film promoter
 Marcella Selbach

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Filed under: Author & Artist Interviews

Maggie’s Child by Glynis Smy (@Ghunibee) is Born

I’m happy to support one of the loveliest women I’ve met via social media. Glynis Smy, whom I originally interviewed May 2011, is celebrating the launch of her second book, Maggie’s Child. 

Please welcome Glynis, all the way from Cyprus, as she tells us about her latest release.

Congratulations, lovely lady!

* * * *

Author of Ripper, My Love, Glynis Smy, is celebrating the launch of her second novel. Maggie’s Child has been born into the world of ebook and paperback.

Read a synopsis

When farmer’s wife Maggie Sawbury gives birth to her fifth child, the only one that has lived and the result of an extra-marital affair, she is heartbroken and desperate. Maggie knows her joyless life with a bully of a husband is not one a child should endure, and she leaves the baby at the roadside to be found by passers-by.

Her money-driven husband announces he has found her another job in the village of Redgrave, aside from the many tasks she has on Windtop farm. He is totally unaware the position comes with a secret. One that frightens and yet brings joy to Maggie. She is to become wet-nurse to her abandoned child.

Love, and the possibility of incest, threaten to open old wounds, and Maggie has several decisions to make.

However, will they be the right ones? If she tells all she knows, it will bring about the destruction of three families. Equally, her silence could be just as destructive. She shares her secret with another, the result changes her life, and a death brings with it more secrets. Will Maggie stay or will she walk away and find the love she craves?

The ebook will be available at a Christmas – New Year price of 99c via  Amazon , (and other Amazon outlets around the world).

* * * *
Want to win a paperback copy?

If you can tell Glynis the name of the prostitute friend in her novel, Ripper, My Love, you will be put into a draw for a prize copy of Maggie’s Child in paperback format. The email address you need to send the answer to can be found in the sidebar of, NEW BOOK BLOGGER.




BUY LINKS: Amazon UK | Amazon US


Who is Glynis?

Glynis Smy, (nee Honeycombe), was born and raised in the coastal town of Dovercourt, near Harwich, in the county of Essex, England.

She married her school sweetheart, Peter, in 1979 and they produced three amazing children, Darren, Nicola, and Emma. The long hours of a nursing career, and running two  pharmacies ended in 2005, when she and her husband moved from the UK to the Mediterranean island of Cyprus.

Glynis spends her time writing historical novels, poetry and various other projects. When she is not tapping at the keyboard she makes greeting cards to sell for charity, or enjoys a spot of cross-stitch on the back porch. Failing that, she and friends sit chewing the fat over a glass of village wine.

* * * *
Connect to Glynis

To purchase Ripper, My Love in various formats: Books by Glynis Smy

Meet and Tweet with Glynis: @Ghunibee

Facebook Page: Glynis Smy

Author Blog: Glynis Smy

Thanks go out to Talli Roland, Len Lambert, Jen Moon and Dieter Moitzi for their support with this novel. Also to all those who are hosting the launch event.

Filed under: Author Promotions

Music Mondays ~ People are Strange by The Doors

Last week, I featured John Lee Hooker to highlight my book “Seduced by the Blues” and received a bizarre comment that had nothing to do with the post. Good friend and author, Justin Bog said to me, “People are strange” and suggested I use this song this week. Thanks Justin!

He’s right. People are strange.

As a writer of erotica, “strangeness” is not foreign to me. There is as much diversity in sexual preferences as there are people in the world. Strange? Perhaps, but that’s not for me to judge. My “normal” might be someone else’s kinky and vice versa.

“Act Three” is a complex story about people whom you might consider strange. It involves a director, an actor, and a woman who wants them both. I use my love of wordplay throughout, and you’ll find it’s quite funny at times. I wrote this to be playful because I think many adults have lost their ability to just have fun.

I’ve received great feedback on this story because it pushes the boundaries for what many readers find comfortable in erotic writing. Hope you’ll give it a try.

Buy from Amazon:

US http://bit.ly/SJetMO | UK http://bit.ly/SJewbx

Filed under: Musical Mondays

@NWilliamsWriter interviews me for YAM Magazine (@yammag)

An aspiring author, book reviewer, and all-around awesome young lady interviewed me.

Nicole Williams is one of the writers for YAM Magazine — a great site that highlights worldwide cultural media.

Nicole asked some excellent questions, so I hope you’ll hop over and read the interview. 

* * * *

Connect to Nicole and Yam Mag via Twitter

Twitter @NWilliamsWriter

Twitter @yammag

* * * *

Now available! Hot Flash  from Amazon.com and Amazon.UK

No Kindle? No Worries.

There is a Kindle App for just about any electronic device (Click here to get one). If you own a computer, smart phone, iPad, or iPod touch, then you are able to download my e-books.

Filed under: -Promo of Hot Flash

Inside the Mind of @MovieAngel ~ Marcella Selbach

I am thrilled to end 2012′s interview series with one of the most fascinating women I’ve met on social media. Marcella Selbach, also known as @MovieAngel on Twitter is a true angel in many ways. She is a huge fan of indie film and has helped make the dreams of many artists come true.

Her promotion agency helps and supports young and ambitious indie film makers and producers, and her goal is to enable them to make their work  more popular and accessible in Germany.

I met Marcella while listening to podcaster Casey Ryan, who broadcasts The Cutting Room Floor out of Canada. Marcella is a regular listener, all the way from Germany!  This is just one example of her devotion and commitment to people and projects she supports.

Though not a native English speaker, her interview responses are flawless and provide great insight into her as a person.

Please give a warm welcome to the energetic First Lady of indie film, Marcella Selbach.

* * * *

In Marcella’s own words …

I am a huge movie fan – actually since my childhood and maybe based on my family background as my parents have been actors on stage until they got married.

I grew up with theater and film always surrounding me. This has strongly influenced my dedication, passion and love for film and theater.

*   *   *   *
Inside Marcella’s Mind

First of all, I want to thank you, Eden, for giving me the opportunity for this interview. I’m really honored and will do my best, although I’m not a native speaker, as you know.

[Eden] It’s my pleasure to have you here, Marcella, and your English is perfect! Let’s start with a question about what makes you happy.

What is your idea of perfect happiness? Being healthy, having a wonderful family, good friends, and a job I love, but if you ask me what makes a perfect day, I would say: The laughter of a child, a thank you from a friend and the smile of a stranger.

What turns you on creatively? The kids I work with inspire me daily, their love, passion, dedication and creativity excite me. They’re so pure and full of ideas that I’m sometimes impressed and speechless.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse? As you all know, I’m German, and my English vocabulary is not as multifaceted as my German, but the English words I overuse are “inspiring,“ “great,” and “excellent.”

[Eden] Those are wonderful words to overuse.

What quality do you most admire in a man? I admire the strength of a man and the commitment and passion for reaching his goals and being successful.

What quality do you most admire in a woman? There are several.  It’s a combination of  her personality, determination and the incredible creativity and power that she has. That doesn’t mean that every woman is like this, but in general, women are so talented in balancing family life with their careers. They’re  like the head of a huge company, the perfect manager, in many ways.

What is your greatest regret? Ha,ha,ha!! That I backed my first project on Kickstarter a couple of years ago and since then became addicted to crowdfunding platforms and campaigns.

[Eden] I’m sure many filmmakers are very grateful for your addiction!

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I would change my impulsivity. My sign is “Leo” and Leos are impulsive and impatient. I hate that, but I fight it, though I lose the battle, on occasion.

What is your greatest fear? I think my greatest fear is to be ill and lonely when I’m old! You often read about people who die and nobody misses them. This thought breaks my heart.

Which living person do you most admire? I admire German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The world of politics is predominantly still a masculine domain, but she holds her ground successfully. The world accepts and respects her, and I think she does a really good job.

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? I always wanted to be an actress on stage like my parents, but I was never allowed to go to a drama school. My parents wanted me to become something “better,” as they called it. Something I could earn enough money so I could have a family and live a good life. Looking back, I regret that I didn’t try to make my way as an actress.

If you could choose what to come back as, what would it be? Probably as an EAGLE ! I would love to fly wherever I want to, without having any natural enemies, except maybe human beings, of course. I would be the queen the air!!!

What do you consider your greatest achievement? I don’t know. Maybe the fact that I raised my son and tried to educate him well, with love, respect, and dedication, which, to be honest, wasn’t always easy.

What is the trait you most deplore in others? I hate selfishness, superficiality and unreliability, but what I deplore most are lies. You can tell me everything, but don’t lie to me!

What is your greatest extravagance? I don’t know whether I would call it extravagance, but it’s my love and passion to travel  to other countries and learn about other cultures and people. It simply fascinates me.

[Eden] I love to travel too, and your pictures are fantastic! 

What is one thing you want to do before you die? I would LOVE to swim with the dolphins. When I was a kid,  I regularly watched the TV series Flipper, and  since then, it’s always been my dream to swim with the dolphins, to touch them, be surrounded by them. Hope my wish will come true someday!

What is your favorite film/director? There are actually three directors I admire: Martin Scorsese,  Francis Ford Coppola and Alfred Hitchcock.  My favorite film is The Godfather.

What are some of your favorite curse words? What a question! I don’t you know those kinds of words. I’m a lady, after all!? I’m kidding, of course! There are actually some I use (unfortunately) much too often, like “DAMMIT,”  “SHIT” and that bad “F” word. In German, I say “Scheiße” which means “crap / shit.”

What is your motto? I call it my philosophy, really: Living my dreams by supporting others in living theirs.

Danke sehr viel Marcella! I love your philosophy and generosity of spirit. You are a true friend to so many indies, and we are fortunate to know you.

Readers, please say “hi” and leave a comment for this lovely woman.    

* * * *

Connect with Marcella  
 Website | Twitter @movieangel |  | Facebook


 




Filed under: Author & Artist Interviews

LAST STEPS ~ A story written and read for @RBwood’s Word Count Podcast

You can also hear me read this story  on:  Episode #26 of R.B. Wood’s “The Word Count” podcast.

The theme for this podcast is “Those last few steps seemed the most difficult I had ever made in my life.”

*  *  *  *

The phone rang just as I was sitting down to eat. With my feet tender and swollen from a recent attack of gout, the only thing I wanted was to elevate my legs on the La-Z-Boy chair and watch the baseball game. On the fifth ring, I swore under my breath and put down my TV tray. Who the hell would let it ring so many times?

“Hello?” I said in a brusque manner, ready to snap if a telemarketer came on the line.

“Tony?” The woman’s voice vibrated in my ear and immediately sent a shiver up my spine.

“Who’s this?”

“It’s Gina … from Vegas.”

Her name bounced around in my head, and I struggled to match a face to it. “Gina … Frank’s wife?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

I overheard a sigh. Was it relief or something else?

“I’m sorry to call you like this,” she said, “but I didn’t know who else to turn to.” A sniffle, another sigh.

“Does Frank know you’re calling me?”

Silence.

“Gina?”

“No,” she said finally, “Frank doesn’t know.”

I wasn’t surprised. I’d had a thing for Gina once—a big thing, but that was a lifetime ago. She left me and married my cousin Frank about fifteen years back, had a few kids, but the family never liked her. She was French, and her real name wasn’t even Gina. It was Ginnette. To appease Frank’s widowed mother who’d only call her “Gina,” she had her name legally changed.

After a couple of years living under her mother-in-law’s roof, she and Frank moved to Vegas and severed all ties with the family. Not long after, I’d heard rumors Frank beat her, that she deserved it. I didn’t care to know the details. It was all family gossip to me. Gina had made her bed.

Now I listened as she told me the story of the last few years of her life with Frank. She begged me to help her, said she’d always trusted me. She wanted to do the right thing by the kids. I couldn’t believe I’d be the only person she could turn to, but she swore she had no one else.

After I hung up the phone, I turned on the television and sat down with my Hungry Man dinner—roast beef, peas, mashed potatoes, and peach cobbler. I stabbed a piece of meat and broke it away from a white fatty film, which had crusted over the gravy. I immediately lost my appetite.

Why me? Couldn’t Gina have called anyone else from the family to do this?

* * * *

I felt no obligation to Gina, but after thinking about her request for a day, I decided to do it. I heard the relief in her voice when I called her back, and at that moment, I knew she really didn’t have anyone else. It upset me somewhat that she’d suffered so long in silence. Maybe a part of me still cared for her, even hoped that after all this was over, I might have a chance with her. Funny how I should be thinking with my dick at a time like this. I had no clue what she looked like anymore, but her voice still tugged at my heart, and her sexy French accent had not completely disappeared.

I arrived in Vegas Friday evening. The flight only worsened my gout. After removing my shoes on the plane, my feet had swollen and were throbbing by the time we landed. Squeezing into a pair of shoes I couldn’t even lace up, I was in agony after I checked into my hotel room off the strip.

Gina had given me directions to where Frank would be the next morning, and the exact time he’d be there. She tried to sound casual about it. “Imagine me asking this favor of you, Tony, after all these years. I never thought it’d come down to this.”

Neither did I.

“Don’t worry,” I said. “It’ll be over soon, and you and the kids can go on with your lives.”

* * * *

I arrived fifteen minutes early in a land of water fountains, palm trees, and immaculate greens. It was dark and overcast, unusual for a Vegas afternoon this time of year. I stood and watched the clouds drift through an empty sky. Quiet like death.

In the distance, I heard the drone of car engines headed my way. I stepped back from the path and leaned against a tree to alleviate the pressure on my right foot. I looked at my watch and saw Frank was right on time, just as Gina had said.

Three cars slowed down and parked by the side of the road twenty feet in front of me. A pause, and then it seemed all the car doors opened at once. I walked slowly toward the first car, one hand in my pocket, the other gripping a curved wooden handle.

To the right of me, I saw Gina exit from the second car followed by three teenagers. A crack of thunder, and the sky opened as she came toward me. I depressed the metal button of my umbrella and shielded her under its canopy.

“Thank you for coming Tony,” she said and leaned in to kiss me on each cheek, as beautiful as the last time I saw her.

“I’m sorry about Frank,” I said.

Gina gave a tiny smile. “He wouldn’t listen, still smoking even as he lay on his deathbed.”

I gave her my umbrella as a man approached and handed me a pair of white gloves. “Put these on,” he said, “and follow me.”

Along with the funeral director and four young, skinny lads who looked like they could use an extra meal, we carried the casket nearly thirty feet to Frank’s final resting place.

Those last steps just about killed me.

If you enjoyed this story and would like to read a collection of erotic flash fiction and poetry, pick up my ebook Hot Flash, which includes two non-erotic Christmas stories too.

Available at Amazon.com and Amazon.UK.

No Kindle? No Worries.

There is a Kindle App for just about any electronic device (Click here to get one). If you own a computer, smart phone, iPad, or iPod touch, then you are able to download my e-books.

* * * *

Click on the cover and LOOK INSIDE to learn more.

Filed under: Short Stories & Poetry

Music Mondays ~ Boogie Chillun’ with John Lee Hooker

I released my book “Seduced by the Blues” earlier this week, and its main character was inspired to play blues guitar after listening to this song.

Enjoy the great John Lee Hooker, and grab my book if you’re in the mood for sexy boogie chillun’.

A bluesy tale of music mixed with passion available from Amazon:

US http://bit.ly/SJdxrK

UK http://bit.ly/RQv7go

Filed under: Musical Mondays

FALL INTO WINTER is now sold as 4 separate ebooks

A short time ago, I met with NYU professor and Forbes writer, David Vinjamuri. I wrote about it in my post here.  We talked marketing strategy, and I’m finally putting his advice into practise.

My book, Fall into Winter has been on the market since February 2011. It contains four distinct novellas and is the size of a novel at 60K words. It has sold well, but not as well as I’d like. I packaged the book this way because I wanted a print version; it only made sense to do it if there was enough material.

So what’s changing?

Nothing as far as Fall into Winter is concerned, but I’m adding 4 new books to the marketplace. I’ve stripped out each novella to be sold separately as ebooks.

Each will be offered at $2.99, or you can still buy Fall into Winter at $4.99.

The math is simple. It’s easier for readers to part with $2.99 than $4.99, but the better value is of course to buy the whole book.

Below are the four new covers designed by JBGraphics. You can follow him on Twitter @jbgraphix.

Buy links:  Amazon US | Amazon UK

If you love how the covers tell a story, I know you’ll enjoy my writing. I’ve included a summary of each book as well.

Your opinion of the strategy, covers, pricing, etc. is welcome. Feedback is always appreciated,

Grateful,

eden

Heavily influenced by my fondness for blues guitar, this story explores music as the common language for love and seduction.

* * * *

The power of adult play inspired this story. For some readers, this story will push the boundaries for what they find comfortable in erotic writing. Join the fun if you dare.

* * * *

A Norwegian athlete possesses unique skills which make him a winner on the slopes and in the bedroom.

* * * *

A special Austrian man inspired this story … and the Asian woman is someone I know intimately.


Filed under: -Promo of Fall into Winter

Inside the Mind of Author ~ Gemma Parkes (@GemmaPar)

Gemma and I became friends when I first started on Twitter. She exemplifies so many of the qualities I like about indie authors—supportive, friendly, and helpful. Though we don’t chat often, she pays attention to her friends, knows when they have a book release, and offers her support when she can.

She’s a lovely author who would be an asset to anyone’s social network, and I’m thrilled to finally showcase her.

Please welcome the beautiful, Gemma Parkes.

* * * *

Who is Gemma?

Gemma Parkes is a freelance writer from the UK who specializes mainly in Erotic fiction. Her writing covers a variety of sexual genres which include: BDSM, voyeurism, Lesbian love, Ménage, and more. As well as her self published work she has anthology inclusions with: Naughty Nights Press, Cleis Press and Ravenous Romance. Gemma also has work published with Rebel ink Press and Yellow Silk Dreams. Her work can be purchased in eBook format from all major eBook retailers.

****

Buy links 

Amazon | Smashwords

For a full list of Gemma’s books, visit her Amazon Author Page

* * * *

Synopsis

Mandy knew that it would take more than a short holiday to a quiet seaside town to turn her struggling relationship with long time partner John into one of passion and honesty. But when help and advice was offered from a voyeuristic stranger by dubious means, it opened the floodgates to her inner desires and darkest fantasies.

This story tells of the journey Mandy takes, her realisation about the present and her eventual expectations for the future. This story contains explicit sex and is not suitable for anyone under the age of 18.

* * * *

Excerpt

Mandy raised her hips upwards to meet John’s steady thrusts. The heels of her feet dug into the sand causing little turrets, her arms were stretched out behind her and with her head resting on one side she could taste the salt in the air. It was very late, possibly 1am, there was no-one around to disturb them and the only sound other than John’s rhythmic grunting was the constant roll of the waves.

She knew he was about to come by his change of pace. She felt his body tense momentarily just before he released himself inside her with a loud groan. Seconds later he fell forward onto her and Mandy felt the grains of sand sticking to the small stream escaping from between her legs before he rolled sideways from her body in a satiated state.

Mandy allowed her hand to slip slowly down to rest on her pubic bone before trailing a finger carefully along her swollen sex, still eager to be satisfied. Silently and steadily she stroked the hardened nub of her clit until her body shook and quivered its delight at being set free from the deep ache of frustration.

“You should have let me do that.” John said quietly.

“I know.” Mandy replied.

A few moments later they headed back to the small guest house where they were staying for the week feeling grateful that they had been entrusted with a key. Once in bed Mandy lay silently listening to the unfamiliar night noises within the old house, probably caused by the ancient central heating system, and thought about her relationship with John whilst he slept peacefully by her side.

*   *   *   *
Inside Gemma’s Mind

Hi Eden, thank you so much for having me over today.

[Eden] Thrilled to have you here, Gemma. Let’s begin with an easy question

What is your idea of perfect happiness? An empty beach or a beautiful tree. No-one to stress me out, no-one to make demands, just sitting somewhere remote, breathing in the beauty in the world and thinking lovely thoughts. I suppose it’s kind of sad that my idea of perfect happiness is often, but not always, being alone!

What turns you on creatively? I am a very sensuous person, constantly in touch with my emotions and my body. I think a lot, about love and lust. I am easily turned on, so l would have to say, my own thoughts and desires, my imagination turns me on and makes me write what l am feeling or fantasizing about.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse? I really don’t know! When I’m editing l tend to remove any repeated phrases or words, but maybe l have a tendency to describe things in a similar way. I do say ‘trailed his fingers’ or ‘hard nubs’ a lot! Also people tend to ‘sigh,’ ‘whimper’ and ‘murmur’ quite frequently in my books! It’s hard to come up with new expressions for the art of ‘making love’ so there is always quite a bit of pounding and thrusting!

What quality do you most admire in a man? It would be too easy to say humour. I love a sense of humour, men who make me laugh, but no-one likes a clown or a smart arse. I like men who are in touch with their sensual side. I like emotional men, men who have something to say. I like kindness, positivity and affection. I am very turned on by intelligence. I tend to dislike ‘men’s men’ l prefer men who love women for all the right reasons.

[Eden] We have ‘intelligence’ in common. 

What quality do you most admire in a woman? Strength. Many women are strong, l admire independence and intelligence. I don’t think we should try to be like men, we are not men. Women who are comfortable with themselves and exude serenity and warmth are the best kind l think. It’s a beautiful thing to be a woman.

What is your greatest regret? I have a few, though l know that isn’t good. Life is full of mistakes and l know all the clichés about our mistakes making us who we are etc. I always regret taking too long to make important decisions about my life. Wasting so much time on, possibly, the wrong people.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I would be more assertive (maybe!)

[Eden] Great assertive answer!

What is your greatest fear? Losing those l love. Also that people l love won’t respect me. I really hate being misunderstood.

Which living person do you most admire? My children are cool, well balanced, loving and intelligent people. My partner is wonderfully supportive and a beautiful person in his own right. Famous people l suppose would include Philippa Gregory and J.K.Rowling but it’s their work l admire as l don’t know them personally. I admire anyone who is successful through hard work and determination and also anyone who has ‘made it’ against all odds.

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? I wanted to be an English teacher. Also wouldn’t it be great to be able to sing really well, or paint? I wouldn’t want fame though. I’d like people to know my name as an author but not my face, l have no desire to be recognized in the street! I can dance, ballroom and Latin, so perhaps if I’d started really young l could be a professional dancer.

If you could choose what to come back as, what would it be? A man. (I’ve already been a woman and I’d like to still be human!) Or a seriously pampered cat!

What do you consider your greatest achievement? Having my children and doing my best to make their lives as happy and safe as l can.

What is the trait you most deplore in others? Disrespect. In all its many forms.

What is your greatest extravagance? Underwear! I just can’t resist pretty, sexy, lacy underwear; it’s like an obsession truly! I see it and l have to buy it.

What is one thing you want to do before you die? Live for ever!

What is your favorite music (genre/artist/album/song)? I was very much into the indie scene, l suppose my favourite band of all time was the Smiths. Morrisey made me laugh with his clever lyrics and Johnny Marr just blew me away with his superb riffs. I also loved Oasis. But there are so many! I love Tchaikovsky too and Michael Buble so what can l say? I don’t like folk music or country and western!

What are some of your favorite curse words? As strange as it may seem given my writing, l never swear, seriously, never. I hate it when people swear. There are so many wonderful words in the English language without resorting to expletives. But hypocrite that l am, l do occasionally swear in my writing, it just seems fitting l suppose. I say crap quite a lot, does that count? I say stupid things like shoot or jeepers!

[Eden] No, Gemma, I don’t think ‘crap’ counts!

What is your motto? Do l have one? Not sure, they’ve probably all been used so many times. Live and let live.

 I think that’s a great motto. Thank you Gemma for your honesty and letting us know a bit more about you.  

Readers, please say “hi” and leave a comment for this lovely woman.    

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Filed under: Author & Artist Interviews