My First Time: H K Carlton

It’s interview time again folks. In the hot seat- revealing her ‘First Time’ – is my lovely friend in erotica H K Carlton. Why not join us for a cuppa and a chat?

Can you remember writing the first story you actually wanted to write, rather than those you were forced to write at school? What was it about?

The first story I remember writing, funnily enough was probably an erotic story, or at least as risqué as a girl can get at fourteen. It was nothing more than a fantasy about a friend of my brothers. As I recall, it was the first time I used the word cock. How scandalous! It wasn’t a word I was allowed to use. Not that a young lady of that age should be using certain words but I came from a fairly strict and somewhat religious household and certain things were not to be said let alone written.

Unfortunately, I shoved the unfinished story, under my bed and one day while vacuuming, my mum found it. Sex of any kind was not discussed in that house.  Instead of addressing the issue with me, for some unknown reason, my mother turned it over to my holier-than-thou older sister who took great pleasure in handing my pitiful little blue-lined sheets with the dirty words on them, back to me, all crumbled from the run-in with the vacuum hose. I remember she said, “Mom found these,” with a sanctimonious smirk on her face. I was so embarrassed. They’d obviously read it. In tears, I tore it up and I never wrote another story, not even ‘acceptable’ ones, outside of schoolwork, while I still lived under my parent’s roof. Sadly, that was the end of my writing for many years before I found the courage to try again.

On a happier note, I do recall writing a story for grade 8 creative writing class, that did not feel like an assignment at all. I had such a ball writing it. It was one of those times when my pencil couldn’t keep up with my thoughts. It was the first time I’d ever earned an A++. Hell, I believe it was the only time. LOL. I was extremely proud, especially when the teacher’s comments were complimentary and encouraging. Eleven pages of foolscap. Anybody remember that stuff? J It was about a stolen ring. I still remember the title, The Winkwaddle Detective Agency. I’m off to copyright that right now! J

What was your first official publication? Was that erotica?

My first book was entitled Swap, an erotic contemporary romance for Totally Bound, about a woman who had the hots for her hunky brother-in-law. I had two submissions out at that time, to two different publishers. Swap, to TB, and a historical romance with another publisher. Happily, both were accepted within weeks of each other.

I had no idea I’d be an erotica writer- it just came from nowhere! Was writing erotica something you intended to do, or was it a bit of a shock?

It was a total shock for me as well, especially after the bumpy start. I never thought being a published author was in the cards for me, regardless of genre. When I finally found the courage to write again, I did it for me with no intention of doing anything with it. My head was so full, I had to get it down on paper and out of my mind. When I finished, I didn’t feel like it was half bad. So, I did a whole lot of research and started fumbling my way through the process.

I intended to write historical romance because it was the genre I loved reading most, at the time. I’ve penned a few historical romances, but even they push the line of what true historical romance readers want to read. The sex scenes are a bit too explicit even if the language is tamed.

In Lost Time, I was able to combine both my loves—the historical elements along with erotic romance. To this day, it is still one of my favourites.

What affect did that have on your life?

I’m busier and have had to figure out how to budget my time between work and real life. But I’ve also kept my writing a secret from the majority of my family and that can be tricky at times when deadlines and release dates loom. Of course, my husband and kids know. My three children are extremely supportive and proud of me. I’ve always encouraged them to follow their dreams and they are happy for me that I’ve gone after mine. My closest sister (I have two, this one is not to be confused with the censorial one :p) has always been my champion and confidante. She was one of the first people I told when I began sending out submissions. But I have kept this secret from my mother, out of respect for her beliefs, and from my other siblings. I can only imagine my oldest sister’s smirk now, if she found out about my dirty little secret. LOL. Though perhaps now, the joke’s on her.