Interview with Emma Lai
For those who like their romantic tales both titillating and sexy, you'll want to check out Emma Lai's new release, Twice is not Enough.
Emma, why don't you tell the readers a little about yourself.
Writing keeps me sane. Characters demand their stories be told and nag me incessantly until I comply. The characters are very insistent I remain faithful to their individual adventures. As a result, I write a range of genres and levels of heat. I never know what the next set of characters will demand!
Give us a sneak peek at Twice Is Not Enough.
After several disastrous engagements, Lady Minerva Peters is an expert at suppressing her own needs. Only in the darkness of night does she give in to her wanton desires with a fantasy lover.
In the middle of a crowded ballroom, she learns her father is not yet ready to let her fade into spinsterhood. Humiliated, she ducks into a dark alcove only to find out she's not alone. Her hiding spot is occupied by a captivating stranger. Before she can escape, the two become voyeurs to another couple's sexual rendezvous. The atmosphere heats up and so does her body, especially with the tempting offers whispered in her ear.
Will Minerva deny her needs once again or will she embrace the anonymity of their seclusion and finally explore her basic impulses and the startling attraction to the compelling mystery man?
What kind of woman is Lady Minerva Peters? What is her first impression of the mystery man in the alcove?
Lady Minerva Peters is a typical woman. She loves her family and strives to do what is right by them--sometimes to the point of neglecting her own happiness. That's what is so appealing about the mystery man in the alcove, she can indulge her own wants and desires, put herself first for once. The scene isn't about him, but her. She already has a picture in her head--that of her fantasy lover--so she doesn't need to know what the man looks like, only that he's there for her.
Without giving too much away, can you tell the readers about the hero of the story? Would he be a man you'd like to be with? What is his first impression of Lady Minerva Peters?
William is a wealthy, American merchant with a younger sister, who is a target for fortune hunters. As a dutiful brother, he can't let her hare off with a man who only loves her for her money, but as an indulgent brother, he tries to find ways to soften the blows--like by indulging her passion for horses. But, he is distracted from thoughts of business and his sister, the first moment he sees Lady Minerva Peters across the ballroom. All he can think about is indulging himself.
William might come off as a bit gruff and overbearing, but he's driven by his duty to and love for his family. He's also a man who isn't afraid to pursue what he wants. So, yes, he's definitely someone I could be with.
What made you decide to start a blog and what do you write about?
Two reasons. First, to promote my first book, His Ship, Her Fantasy. Second, to help promote fellow authors. Sometimes, I provide brief snippets into my life as a writer, but mostly I focus on spotlighting other authors. I vary the interviews depending on different topics that strike my interest. Recently I've asked about the writing process, but I'm also spotlighting memorable secondary characters in the coming months.
From Twice is Not Enough, the memorable secondary characters are the lovers being spied upon in the library. The couple obviously has an interesting history. I've been playing around with the idea of writing their story. Though, I'm also tempted to write the story of William's sister--she's never actually seen in Twice and that feels wrong somehow.
Do you have a favorite reference book or website?
Since I don't write one time period or genre, I don't have just one favorite book or website. Whatever area or time I'm targeting, I check my library to see if I have anything on the topic. (I have a degree in international relations, which studies history and culture and the impact on politics, so my library is full of history and cultural books.) If I need more info, then I hit the internet and Google to search for relevant information online.
What are your current projects and works in progress?
I have quite a few works in progress since I have to get scenes out of my head before they drive me crazy. However, once the initial scene plays out, stories often sit on the hard drive. I had two projects going, one romantic suspense and one contemporary erotica, but I recently abandoned the suspense. So, if I'm in the mood to write erotica, I'm working on the contemporary. If I'm in the mood for something else, I'm revisiting stories on my hard drive to see if one speaks to me.
What genre inspires your writing?
I read across genres: science fiction, fantasy, paranormal romance, contemporary romance, historical romance. I also read a lot of books on history and political thought. Never know where I might find something that sparks a story idea.
Tell the readers where they can find you:
Website: http://www.emmalaiwrites.com
Blog: http://emmalaiwrites.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/emmalaiwrites
Twitter: @emmalaiwrites
