Getting to know Beth Burnett!
Beth’s debut novel, Man Enough!
Tell us about yourself:
What genres do you normally write in?
Romantic Comedy. Though, I do enjoy writing unusual fiction, and recently, a kind of mildly erotic short story for a woman I met.
What genres do you typically read?
I love so many kinds of books. Fiction, classic, Sci-Fi.
Is there a genre you haven’t written in that one day you’d like to tackle?
I would love to tackle a science fiction book. I love Sci-Fi so much and would be so happy if I could even come near Heinlein or Asimov or Bradbury.
Are there any authors who have influenced your work?
My dirty little secret is that I started writing my first novel after reading a romantic comedy by Sophie Kinsella.
What was the first book you ever published?
“Man Enough,” a charming and quirky novel about people across all sorts of gender and orientation lines, looking for validation and understanding.
How did you celebrate your signing
I called my sisters and screamed. Then I called my best friends. Then I called my friend, author and professor and all-around amazing woman Linda Kay Silva and let her counsel me for an hour to settle down and get to the hard parts of the new book… editing and marketing.
What was the craziest thing you’ve ever done when it came to a storyline in your book?
I had to learn that the storylines never play out the way I intended. At some point, my characters will tell me that they are absolutely not interested in following my outline.
Have you ever acted out a scene in your book?
I don’t think I should answer that on the grounds that I’m not sure of the statute of limitations on some of the activities.
What was the hardest scene you’ve written? Why?
I found the sex scenes easy and the emotional scenes more difficult. It can be hard to convey that heady, dizzying rush of new love. We all know what it feels like, but putting it on paper is difficult because love is so elusive. I wanted to do it justice.
Is there a genre you just won’t write?
Not that I know of. I am currently pondering writing an erotic novel and a book about God. (Two separate titles, mind you.)
Do you have any specific things (or rituals) that help you to write or that inspire you?
I only use my laptop and I like to have music in the background. I put my Ipod playlist on shuffle, so the soundtrack to my writing is schizophrenic. I was listening to my 70s mix when Davey went to Danny’s house for the first time, hence his unusual musical tastes.
Is there a certain time of day you prefer to write?
Dead dark night. I’m answering these questions at 3:30 in the morning, propped up in bed and freezing.
What is your writing day like?
I have to make myself a list every single day of the things I have to do. Then, I ignore the list and mess around on Facebook, or run errands, or hang out with friends. When the daylight is almost gone, I’ll grab dinner and eat it in front of the computer, reading what I had written the night before. Then, I will write until I can’t keep my eyes open any longer.
In the morning, I will often go back and reread some of my nighttime ramblings.
These are just for fun so we’ll call ’em quickies:
Satin or Lace? On me? I’m a cotton girl all around.
Hot or Cold? Hot. I lived in Phoenix for ten years, the Virgin Islands for seven. Now back in Ohio and already planning the winter move to California.
Camera or Canvas? Camera. I love the instant gratification. Plus, I have no artistic ability. In Pictionary, someone thought my dog was a mutant donkey.
Denim or Leather? Denim. On me or my lover. I do like to ogle a hot biker chick in leather, but in reality, I’m in love with that denim clad earthy type who strums a guitar and hangs out in the woods, building fires and cooking stew for me.
Talking or Texting? I love texting! I have over fifteen hundred texts with someone I just met a few weeks ago. Though, I think there should be a rule that no serious conversation should be initiated over text. It is too easy to be misunderstood.
Irish or Italian? Irish drinking, Italian eating.
Thunder or Lightning? I like a good storm, so both. And hail. But no tornadoes.
Front seat or Back seat? I like to be behind the wheel.
Dark eyes or Light eyes? I like blue eyes. But it isn’t a deal breaker.
The sound of a heartbeat or a crackling fire? I adore fires.
Sleeping bag or Bed? Dinner or Movie? Wine or Beer? Preferably, dinner and wine in bed.
Coffee or Tea? Both. Coffee in the morning, tea all afternoon.
Holding hands or Holding her attention? I do love touch.
Red or Black? Black. It is most of my wardrobe.
Crayons or Paint? Body paint. Edible.
High heels or Flip-flops? Leather Jesus Sandals or cheap sneakers.
Mountains or Beach? Beach.
Rain or Sunshine? Both have their perks. Sun for the most part, but a stormy rainy day that can be spent curled up in bed with a book or a beautiful woman is nice, too.
Picnic in the park or Dancing in the club? Picnic. I am so far beyond my clubbing days. I would much rather be sitting around with a bunch of lesbians talking about social issues, than trying to make myself heard on a dance floor.
Silk sheets or Cotton sheets? Cotton. Comfort can be sexy.
Tell us about your new release.
What kind of heroine is Davey Carter?
She is an every woman. She’s slightly neurotic, but so full of love. She worries about everything, but goes ahead and acts anyway.
Was there someone famous she resembled when you wrote her? Or is she based off someone you personally know? (pictures are welcome)
Davey looks like my fantasy version of myself. Pretty, dark-haired, kind of fit, but kind of curvy. Gorgeous eyes, great smile.
What are your favorite character traits that you cannot resist?
A sense of playfulness. I love it in my characters, I love it in myself, I prefer it in my friends and lovers.
What part of the female physique captures your attention?
A woman usually captures my brain first. Then her physical characteristics capture my attention. A sense of humor, a good heart, and a desire to nurture me are as sexy to me as a tall, muscled butch in leather.
As an author and essentially the “creator” of your character, do you find yourself attached to her in a personal way?
I love her as a friend, but I am not attracted to her. I do, however, find her butch best friend to be extremely sexy. In fact, several of my straight girlfriends and my two sisters are also in love with Andy.
If you could actually meet the character of one of your books, the exact woman you’ve conjured up in both looks and personality, which one would it be and why?
I think I would like to meet Davey’s mom, Leah. She’s just earth mothery enough to appeal to my inner lost child. She’s funny. She’s good with sex toys. And she bakes.
Tell us what kind of heroines you prefer to write about.
Davey was sweet, but my next heroine is hot and confident and absolutely sure of herself in every situation. I would love to be like that someday.
Does your heroine, Davey Carter take after you? Or is she someone you wish you could be?
I have to be honest, Davey is more me than anyone else in my life. We diverge in several significant ways, but she shares many of my character traits. We are both mildly neurotic. We are both a bit insecure. We both love our friends and family with abandon. And we both tend to put sex and romance into a closet until someone special comes along and truly opens us to the magic of love.
Out of all your books, do you have a favorite?
“Man Enough” is my first novel and I do love it. But right now, the sequel, “Andy’s Song” is engrossing me.
