Pollygraph (interviews with erotica authors): Denysé Bridger

Why erotica and erotic romance?
Erotic romance mostly for me, though many people think it’s a fine-line distinction of sorts. I’ve also broken it into two types of stories – erotic romance for the emotionally charged, HEA type of stories, and erotica for the sex without commitments made, but still some romance elements. Anything beyond that is pretty much pornography, in my opinion.

How did you get into it?
I’ve always written stories, but I came to this particular genre quite by accident, really. A friend sent me a notice about a writing contest, this was back in the Spring of 2004, and the requirement was an erotic romance story between 12-15K. I’ve never really been much for writing contests, and I waffled about entering and then decided I wouldn’t do it. Of course, 48 hours before deadline, the entire damn story just fell into place and I decided to give it a shot – 24 hours later it was written, and then I got it proofed, polished, and submitted only hours ahead of deadline. Imagine my utter shock a few weeks later went the publishing house contacted me and told me I’d won my first contract!! Haven’t looked back since, really.

What kinds of stories do you write?
I write in many genres, often mixing them up and combining them to keep things fresh and, I hope, interesting. I’ve done Victorian mysteries, westerns, fantasy tales, and many paranormal books, all combining the erotic/sensual romance elements with the main genre, so it’s been a fun journey–and has created a very diverse catalogue of work.

Tell us about your experiences as an author. What have the big challenges and successes been?
The challenges have been the learning to forget bad habits and organize time as I’ve gotten more aware of the importance of promotion of my books. Too many authors think the writing of the book is the challenge–hell, that’s the easy part, the real work begins after the book is published! Each new story has taught me things, and given me a better understanding of my craft.

The successes have come in unexpected ways, really. At one of my publishers, I’ve held the #1 best-seller spot for nearly a year on their site, which is pretty cool. I had my first major book release back in August 2007 with a fantasy novel that was nominated 6 months later for the prestigious Aurora Award, and it was a finalist. In 2011 I signed with industry giant Ellora’s Cave, have two books out with them now, and another one pending. Just today a new publisher (for me) told me they would be releasing my first eBook with them in audio, as well, and without waiting–the releases would be simultaneous. This is a first for me, and it’s very exciting to think I will be listening to actors read my book for an audio production!

Do you write in other genres, too?
Yes, I write in all genres except science fiction, really. I’ve touched on horror, done sweet romance, as well as straight on erotica, and pretty much everything in between. I love historical romance, and a lot of contemporary cross-genres, as well. Epic fantasy has always been something I love, too. I’m a huge fan of Terry Brooks, and his Sword of Shannara series was my first love in that genre. CJ Cherryh’s Morgaine Saga is another set of books that influenced me greatly.

Do the people around you know what you write? How have they reacted, or how would they react, to the more steamy stuff?
Yes, my family has always known what I write. They support me entirely, though they don’t read most of it. ALL of my fantasy writing, and the sweeter romances are read by my sister and my mom, they’re all the family I have. I’m happier that they don’t have any interest in the steamy stuff! :-)

Tell us about your most recent titles.
The newest titles are a mixed bag, really. I’ve done a 13 story anthology for XoXo Publishing™ that is a FREE read, that’s called Snap-Shots. The stories in that collection are varied, some sweet, some highly erotic. My latest from Ellora’s Cave was released recently, too, a thriller called Jaded Hearts that is really sexy and has gotten some great reviews! Also, my latest vampire tale came out a few days ago – a super sexy story called Hunters’ Game that has gotten the most amazing feedback from readers! That one is with New Dawning International Book Fair.

Do you have a favourite, or favourites, among your stories?
I don’t really know if I have favourites, per se. I like different titles for different reasons. I have a set of two Victorian mysteries that I know are among the best things I’ve written, they are tied to the Ripper murders. I love Michael Devane, the inspector who is the hero of the stories. My fantasy novel, As Fate Decrees, is one of my favourites because it’s all tied into Greek Mythology. I have a mainstream mystery thriller with paranormal overtones, as well, called Shades of Death. Oddly, what often happens is the books I like least sell much better than those I really do like, so I never really know what to write for market.

How do you normally go about developing and writing a story?
The process of writing the story or book depends largely on the project itself. If I am writing a novel, then I start by outlining the story in detail, very organized, broken into chapters, so I have a clear guide to take me through it. Outlines can run 25-45 or so pages, depending on how much detail I want to get onto the page before I start the actual writing. If it’s shorter pieces, I can write down one of two pages, or as little as a couple of paragraphs just to keep the idea fresh. Details emerge as I write, and they often tie together very smoothly without me being fully aware of it until I’m done. Of course, I sometimes make glaring errors that aren’t readily apparent, too, which is why detail-oriented proofreaders and editors are so valuable to any author!

Do you have any favourite romance/erotica authors?
I love anything by Lara Adrian, and Nalini Singh. I love the work of Gena Showalter, and Lucy Monroe is my inspiration for all things romantic. Sylvain Reynard’s writing just dazzles me totally, and I thoroughly enjoy virtually all of Sylvia Day’s work. I’m also a huge fan of Cynthia Garner, Kristen Painter, and many fantasy authors. Shayla Black and JR Ward are authors I’ve read a lot from, as well. Oh, and a relatively new author called Zandria Munson is wonderful, too!!

And finally, what can we expect to see from you soon?
My next releases will be a mixed bunch of stories, as usual. Ellora’s Cave has a Halloween thriller called Reckless Assignation coming soon. Return To Love is a short western, and is my first audio title, from Eirelander Publishing. Really looking forward to that one. Plus, I’m working on a story with a genie as the hero. Once these are done, I have two new novels in the works for next year. There really is not enough time to write all the wonderful stories in my head, but I want to keep exploring and growing, and most of all, I want to keep entertaining readers with my stories. So, with luck, there will be many more years to tell the tales!!

FREE DRAW:
Anyone who leaves a comment, we’ll do a random draw and give away a copy of one of Denysé's newest books.


More from Denysé Bridger:
Website: http://www.denysebridger.comBlogs: http://fantasy-pages.blogspot.com and http://boundpassion.blogspot.comSensual Treats Magazine: http://www.sensualtreats.webs.comNewsgroup: http://ca.groups.yahoo.com/group/denysebridgernews/Newsletter: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/romanceandfantasy/Twitter: http://twitter.com/denysebridgerFacebook : http://www.facebook.com/denyse.bridgerFacebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/Romance.and.FantasyAmazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B003LUHE96MySpace : http://www.myspace.com/denysebridger