Experience the Passion With "Enspiritu Sancti" by J S Wayne

Scribal Love Welcomes J. S. Wayne!

What is the name of your paranormal novel?


“Espiritu Sancti”


Who is/are the main character(s)?


Isabel Roquefale is a student studying in Romania. Lilliana Jursik is a strange local woman who stirs Isabel’s imagination…and her passion.


What is it about?


Lilliana and Isabel have been lovers for nearly a year when tragedy strikes and Isabel dies. Lilliana, a vampire, blames herself for Isabel’s death and goes to the mausoleum in the family chapel to say one final goodbye to her lover before she goes to join Isabel. But, as both women are about to learn, some passions even survive the grave . . . .


Is your main character good, evil or torn in between?


Lilliana’s inherently good, even if she herself doesn’t believe it. But Isabel’s death hits her hard and makes her question her place in the world. For the first time in her life, she finds herself considering the possibility that maybe simply being a vampire makes her evil by nature.


What are some of her strengths and weaknesses?


Lilliana’s a vampire more in the “vein” (pardon the pun) of the original Dracula. She doesn’t go out during the day if she can avoid it, but she can function in daylight. She prays freely in full view of a cross and douses herself liberally with holy water.
Her greatest weakness is her own self-doubt, which escalates into fully realized loathing with Isabel’s death.


What first attracted you to writing paranormal fiction?


I’ve always loved the things that go bump in the night, since I first saw the original Dracula with Bela Lugosi! When I saw a paranormal erotica challenge on Writing.com, I saw a chance to stretch myself a little; a year ago, I’d’ve been the first person to scoff at the very idea of ME writing erotic romance. So I wrote a story that was romantic, but very dark at the same time. And the result, after some tweaking, was “Espiritu Sancti.”


Go crazy and tell us about your novel! Include excerpt or blurb if you'd like!


Espiritu Sancti by J.S. Wayne 
Genre: Erotic Romance, Horror, Paranormal 


When Isabel Roquefale earns a scholarship to study in Romania, she's thrilled. As a lifelong devotee of vampire legend, the opportunity is a dream come true. While she's there, she encounters the beautiful Lilliana. Something about the woman calls to Isabel, stirring her blood and her desire in ways she's never known and compelling her to offer herself completely to Lilliana. 


But Lilliana has a secret; one that Isabel pays a tragic price to learn. When Isabel awakens in Lilliana's ancestral mausoleum, at first, she believes it's a hideous practical joke. She quickly learns otherwise. And both women are about to learn that some desires survive even death. 


Special Content Alert: Lesbian, Gothic Horror


It was a fine night, cool but not unpleasantly so, and the stars and a sickle moon hung in the sky as if placed there specifically for their benefit. It was then, while they stood next to each other, not quite touching, that Lilliana began to speak of her loneliness.


"It has been a long time since I've had a lover. My last love affair ended badly, and ever since, I've kept people at a distance. Have you ever been wounded by love?" Lilliana turned the full force of her eyes on Isabel.


Isabel thought it over. "I . . . think so," she'd said. Her fingers clenched, belying her apparent hesitancy. "My last boyfriend was a real bastard," she said bitterly. "He was a football player and fucked his way through the entire cheerleading squad while we were together. I thought he was going to marry me," she replied, her tone changing from venomous to pensive as she thought of how foolish she'd been. She dropped her gaze to the floor as a hot flush spread across her sharp cheekbones.


"Bah!" Lilliana waved her hand dismissively. "Men will say whatever will make a woman do what they wish. There is no more truth in men's words than those of a mockingbird. Only a woman can truly speak with complete candor to a woman. May I be candid?" Her eyes bored into Isabel's.
Lilliana's eyes seemed to gather the light of moon and stars and transmute into silver. They were the most striking eyes Isabel had ever seen; Isabel's knees went weak for the second time that night, this time with desire.


Unconsciously arching her back a little, revealing her throat, and pushing her full, firm breasts outward, Isabel let out a quavered, "Y-yes."


"I want you tonight." Lilliana reached out one cool finger to trace it gently down Isabel's cheek. "I want to love you. Will you allow me?"


Isabel's eyes slid closed, and she gasped a little at the sensations stirring deep within her. She made a tiny whimper of a sound; whether it was acceptance or negation, she could not have said. 


But Lilliana allowed her no chance to consider the matter further. Pressing her lips against Isabel's, she lightly flicked her tongue against the soft gates. As if she had spoken a magic word, Isabel's lips parted to permit Lilliana full access. Her tongue darted and probed. She caught Isabel up in a fierce yet tender embrace, crushing her breasts against Isabel's. Lilliana's arms ratcheted around her, as if the woman feared Isabel would fly away if the grip were loosened.


Isabel was interested in going nowhere except deeper into Lilliana's embrace. She'd experimented, certainly; who hadn't tried it on at least once with a member of their own sex? It was almost a rite of passage. But she had never been kissed like this before. The arms which held her were feminine and shapely but in no way weak. The woman's mouth touched her as light as a breeze but seething with passion the likes of which she had never known.


She moaned against Lilliana and pressed herself more fully into her mysterious lover's arms, her blood singing at the wonderful feel of another female body against her own. Lilliana deepened the kiss, as if trying to inhale Isabel's very soul.


Isabel found herself on the bed, staring in wide-eyed wonder as Lilliana released the strings of her bodice and somewhat timidly pulled it down to reveal her snowy breasts. Her nipples were taut and puckered, the exact shade of strawberry-flavored milk; large aureoles haloed them in the same rosy hue. Isabel's mouth watered. Lilliana cupped her full breasts and held them up in the glow of the candlelight for Isabel's perusal.


If the ceiling had collapsed at that instant, Isabel would surely have been crushed. She could spare no thought for anything but her desire to taste the ripe delicacies being offered. She brushed kisses over Lilliana's breast a scant instant before her mouth closed around the pink berry, teeth gently nibbling and tongue flickering at the stiff nub.


Buy Red Roses and Shattered Glass, featuring “Espiritu Sancti,” at www.nobleromance.com/books/260


Thanks J. S. for Dropping By!

Erotic Author Kay Jaybee Tells Us About Her Newest Work "The Perfect Submissive"

Kay Jaybee is an author of erotica.  Her newest work The Perfect Submissive is available from Xcite Books.

What is the name of your latest book?  And how did you come up with the title?

My latest publication is an e-novel called The Perfect Submissive.  This is actually the novel’s second title. Originally it was called The Fifth Floor, after the top floor of the hotel on which the majority of the action takes place. I changed the title to The Perfect Submissive in honor of the lead character, Jess Sanders, the submissive in question.

What is this book about?  And what genre is this book in?

Very much a bondage and submission piece, containing straight, lesbian and bisexual scenes, The Perfect Submissive concerns the training of new employee Jess Sanders when she becomes the new booking clerk for the Fables Hotel.

Hidden behind the hotels respectable facade, five specially adapted rooms wait; ready to cater for the kinky requirements of its guests.

When Mrs Peters, the manageress of the hotels adult entertainment facility, meets Jess, she instantly recognizes her potential as a deliciously meek addition to her specialist staff.

Under the tutelage of Mrs Peters' assistant and resident dominatrix, Miss Sarah, Jess learns to cope with a sexually charged training schedule, the increasingly erotic chill she experiences each time she survives a new level of correction, and a truly kinky exercise routine.

At the same time, Mrs Peters is distracted from her intimidating rule over Fable’s top floor by enigmatic artist, Samuel Wheeler, and becomes determined to secure his obedient assistance in grooming Jess into the perfect submissive…

Who is/are the main characters?  And why did you choose them?

There are four main characters within The Perfect Submissive.

Mrs Laura Peters- the intimidating manageress of the exclusive fifth floor of the Fables Hotel, is on the lookout for a new submissive assistant.

Jess Sanders – is the new booking clerk at Fables Hotel. She quickly becomes the object of Mrs Peters' attention, and finds herself on the most intense training course she could possibly imagine

Miss Sarah – is Mrs Peters’ right hand woman, and resident dungeon mistress and dominatrix on the fifth floor

Sam Wheeler – is a graphic artist visiting the hotel on a conference who becomes captivated by Laura Peters- little does he know what he’s letting himself in for…

   

What is the coolest or best part about your book?  (Any Favorite scenes, the world-building etc…

My favorite part about the book is the finale, but I won’t give anything away, as it would spoil the entire book. I will say however, that the idea came to be when a friend sent me a very bizarre picture she’d found on the Internet- she thought it would provide inspiration- she was right!

Do you have a favorite character in the book?  If so, why?

Jess has to be my favorite character. I put the poor girl through so much! I like to think she enjoyed the journey in the end though.

Is this book part of a series?  If so? What can we expect in future books?

I hadn’t considered this to be anything but a one off novel, but I’ve recently received two fantastic reviews, both of which hinted towards a sequel! Never say never!

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

I never really think any of my stories are finished, and I never think they’re good enough. I could edit forever! If I could zip back in a time machine and fiddle with The Perfect Submissive, I’d add a delicious dose of anal sex- not like me to miss that out!!

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

Writing is a constant learning experience. This was my first full length novel, and it was a real learning curve. It was difficult to keep the chapters flowing sometimes, especially as I’m so used to creating shorter pieces.

Do you have a publisher?  And if so, why did you choose them? 

I don’t have a contract with a set publisher. I’m very fortunate in that I have worked for a wide range of erotica publishers. The majority of my work has been published by Xcite Books in the UK and Cleis Press in the States.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

That’s a tough question as I have the good fortune to have met, and worked for, some amazing writers and editors, all of whom I respect and admire.

If I was to choose just one erotica writer as a mentor it would have to be KD Grace. This isn’t because she happens to be a very good friend, but because she has a writing style and flair that I will never match, and which I admire greatly. If KD Grace gives you writing advice- listen.

What books are you reading now? 

I enjoy a wide range of different genre of books, and generally have two novels on the go at once. I normally read when I’m in the bath and at bedtime. Currently I’m re-reading the brilliant Terry Pratchett’s Going Postal for the third time, and Mitch Absolm’s, For One More Day. Unusually for an erotica writer, I very rarely read smut- but don’t tell anyone!!

What are the current writing projects that you are working on?

I’ve just finished a Fem Dom anthology called ‘Yes Ma’am’ for Xcite Books, which should come out as an e-book before the end of the year, and have started to write my next e-novel, Fantasy 13- a mixed genre story about a very unusual threesome.

Do you write full time?  If not, do you hope to do so one day?

Sadly I only write for two hours of every week day. I’d dearly love to write full time, and get horribly frustrated when my two part-time day jobs take up more of my time than they are supposed to!!

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

Ever since I was a small child I always wanted to write. When I was 12 I wrote a play called, The Toy Box, which I acted out with my friends. From that moment I never looked back, and by the time I was 30, I had a fair collection of poetry published.

I was at the ripe age of 33 however, when, whilst sat sipping coffee and eating an incredibly unhealthy Mars Bar scone, an unexpectedly erotic image came to me- I scribbled it down on a serviette, and I suddenly found I had a talent for writing very graphic sex scenes.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

The hardest thing is to find uninterrupted time in which to write in the first place! After that, the most challenging thing is to break the 5000 word barrier. I find knocking out up to 3,500 words no problem- and up to 5000 words is fine if the smut is flowing- but for some reason I always hit a wall after 5000. It becomes a massive slog then, until I break 10,000 words.

I have no idea why this happens, but it always does. The only thing that gets me through this period is black coffee, toast, and lots of encouragement from my friends.

Do you have any advice for other writers seeking to get published for the first time?

Have faith in your stories, and accept you’ll get rejections and knock backs. We all do, it’s just part of the game. I promise you however, that once the first acceptance comes along, it’ll all be worthwhile.

I often think writing is like a drug. An acceptance gives you such a massive high, that you immediately want to write more so you can feel that rush again, and when you get a rejection, it makes you write even more, so you can find that high again!

Oh- and edit, edit some more, and then, just when you think it’s time to stop- edit again.

*****

If you need to find Kay on any weekday morning, then she's usually to be found in the far corner of her favourite cafe, with a large black coffee in one hand, and a ballpoint pen in the other.

After five years of compiling stories and poems, and reviewing other people's work, she says without doubt, that there is NO going back. Once writing has you in its power you are at its mercy for life. It doesn't pay well, it leads to constant disappointment, and it takes over every other thing you do - but when the publisher says "Yes," and the occasional unexpected royalty cheque arrives in the post, it suddenly all seems worthwhile, and I love it!!

You can find more information on Kay's website: http://www.kayjaybee.me.uk. She's also on Facebook.

Erotic Romance Author Berengaria Brown Discusses Her Book "Dinner Delights"

Scribal Love Welcomes Berengaria Brown


Berengaria Brown is an author of erotic romance, mainly ménage, male/male and lesbian. Her only one man/one woman book is available from Breathless Press. 

What is the name of this book?  And how did you come up with the title?


“Dinner Delights” is a short story that begins at a formal, boring work dinner, then moves to Krystal’s apartment afterward, so the name seemed to encapsulate the story.


What is this book about?  And what genre is this book in?


This is a contemporary short story. 


Two workmates. A boring dinner function. An explosion of lust. Will it lead to love?
Krystal is thrilled when Troy asks her to be his seatmate at a boring work dinner. He is a totally yummy hunk, whom she has loved forever.


When they dance, their passions combust and they rush back to her apartment to take their relationship to the next level: from friends to lovers.


Their night together is better than anything Krystal had ever imagined. But can it last? What will happen tomorrow?


Who is/are the main characters?  And why did you choose them?


Krystal and Troy. My characters always choose themselves, they just turn up in my head, demanding their story be told.




What is the coolest or best part about your book?  (Any Favorite scenes, the world-building etc.


Troy is a yummy hunk. Everyone would like a date with him. Krystal is an ordinary woman, a little overweight, a little socially inept. But she adores Troy who is her very best friend at the office. The fact that Troy chooses her as his partner for the dinner encourages every ordinary woman to believe that there will be a romance for her.


Do you have a favorite character in the book?  If so, why?


Because it is such a short story, really only the hero and heroine are fully developed characters. And I wouldn’t dare choose between them.


Is this book part of a series?  If so? What can we expect in future books? 


“Dinner Delights” is the first of my three books at Breathless Press. Each book explores a different genre. “Loving Lydia” is an erotic lesbian short story, designed for people who have never read that genre before. “Carnal Connections” is a ménage with three men, again, a short story aimed at people interested in exploring different genres.


If not?  Are you considering expanding it?


Because “Dinner Delights” is so short there are no secondary characters crying out for their own book.


If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?


These short stories are purposely designed to give readers a taste of a genre. They are not meant as full-length books with a lot of plot and world building. They are brief tastes to see if the reader would like to try a full-length book. If you do decide to embrace erotic romance I have longer books at other publishers.


Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?


It is very hard to write a short book. Every word has to add to the story. With longer books the author has more space to play around with ideas.


Do you have a publisher?  And if so, why did you choose them?


I write for several different publishers, with each genre at a publisher that specializes in that genre.




If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?


Jaid Black introduced me to erotic romance, Georgette Heyer to historicals.


What books are you reading now?


Tracy Cooper Posey, “Blue Knight”; Anny Cook, “Blue Paradise; Penn Halligan, “Who Dares Sins”; and a holiday anthology, “Twas a Dark and Delicious Christmas”.


What are the current writing projects that you are working on?


I have just contracted a series with Amarinda Jones called “Sex Odyssey” about people on vacation who meet at a fictitious town. Amarinda wrote three of the books in the series and I wrote the other three. 


Do you write full time?  If not, do you hope to do so one day?


I think every author dreams of being on the New York Times best seller list and writing all day. Unfortunately, like most authors, the day job is a reality for me.


Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?


I read a lot of books all the time. At one stage there were no new books that interested me and I was tired of re-reading my favorites, so I sat down and decided to write a book. I took writing seriously, treated it as a job, and researched publishers carefully. I tried very hard to submit my book as they had asked and to follow their guidelines. Apparently it worked, because my books were accepted and by the end of 2010 I will have 20 published books.


Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?


Always for me the plot is the most difficult part. It is clear in my head, but harder to ensure there are no inconsistencies or plot holes on paper.


Do you have any advice for other writers seeking to get published for the first time?


Keep reading. Keep writing. Keep submitting. But also research the publishers and submit your book to houses that publish books similar to yours. Follow the submission guidelines as best you can. And good luck.




Thank you Berengaria for Dropping by!  


You can find Berengaria on the web at:


Berengaria Brown
http://berengariasblog.blogspot.com/
http://berengariabrown.webs.com/ http://www.facebook.com/people/Berengaria-Brown/100000055736290/ http://twitter.com/BerengariaBrown 

Science Fiction/Military Romance Author DL Jackson and Her Newest Book "Blown Away"

Scribal Love Welcomes D. L.  Jackson

D L Jackson is an author of urban fantasy and science fiction/military erotic romance. Her newest work Blown Away is available from Passion in Print or through most major book retail outlets like Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
　
What is the name of your latest book?

Blown Away.

And how did you come up with the title?

Since it has to do with EOD, the explosive ordnance disposal in space and on alien worlds, I couldn’t think of a better title for the first novel in my space EOD series.

What is this book about?

The novel is broken into two novellas, Detonate—about Alice MacKay and Boomer, a former Terran Marine, looking for a serial killer whose weapon of choice is Odroxian bombs. Happy Trails—takes place in space on a mining ship and later on a planet in a city called Trios Port, where Jenna and Tyson find a bomb stuck to the hull of the ship—only the beginning of an ugly game of cat and mouse.

And what genre is this book in?

Erotic science fiction/military romance.
　
Who is/are the main characters?

Alice MacKay, Boomer, Tyson Rivers and Jenna Clark.


And why did you choose them?

Opposites attract and make the best fiction material. These characters have history.

What is the coolest or best part about your book?

Detonate~The final standoff between the bombers and MacKay and Boomer in Trios Space Port.

Happy Trails~ A chase scene that starts with a HALO (high altitude, low observation)jump from the edge of the Stratosphere, and ends with the characters trying to escape white water rapids after a stolen forester’s vehicle stalls and they have to abandon ship.

Do you have a favorite character in the book?

Boomer

Why him?

Besides the weird name, that has most the people reading this asking, WTF? LOL. There’s a good reason for his name, and though it sounds ridiculous, it won’t seem so once you know where it comes from. Boomer is a man that’s wanted a family all his life, someone to love and be loved by. He’s an unwanted half-breed and child of two worlds, who was orphaned at birth. He’s the pull to MacKay’s push, the one person she can’t seem to scare away with her prickly personality, brought about by a deep tragedy.

Is this book part of a series?

Yes

If so?

What can we expect in future books?

Jayson Rivers, Tyson River’s twin has a story called Bomb Voyage. There’s a shotgun wedding, or the futuristic equivalent of it, and a trip into space on a shuttle loaded with explosives, where the hero and heroine wake up naked, tied to their seats with nothing to wear but socks.

The Infamous Ava Frost, the second novella in the next book in the series, is a story of a woman baptized into revolution with blood and violence. The daughter of a bomber and rebel leader, she lives to free her people from oppression, smuggling dangerous goods to other side of the galaxy.

It opens when Ava is in her 70s, facing execution. The man she loves also happens to be the one responsible for her execution. It’s a timeless game of cat and mouse, where one man holds to his honor and duty, instead of grabbing the love of the one woman he can’t have, until Ava forces him to finally choose. Will he stop the execution or watch as she dies.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

Yes. I would have probably written two novels, instead of the two novellas that are woven together to make up the one book.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

Yes. A nuclear explosion in space is nothing more than a pop and it looks like a camera flash. The blast isn’t significant because it lacks oxygen and gravity, but the EM waves can knock out power over a large area, because they have no problem traveling through space.  Also, holding your breath in space will kill you. 

You don’t freeze instantly and moisture in your body will boil away, fizzle on your tongue. You also swell if you’re not wearing a pressurized suit. I can’t think of a more terrifying death. Your first instinct when you lose oxygen is to hold your breath. Can you imagine blowing that air out, knowing there’s nothing to breathe? Even underwater we hold our breath.

Do you have a publisher?

Yes. I’ve been published with three different publishers. I have short stories with Ravenous Romance who gave me my start with my first short story called Sex, Shoes and Combat Boots, in the Sex and Shoes Anthology. I have two e-novels with Liquid Silver Books. The editor I worked with there is amazing. All of the staff is professional and awesome to work with. Passion in Print is a new imprint of MLR press. When given the chance to write a new science fiction erotic romance with them, I couldn’t help but jump on it. The staff is amazing and hard working. They burned a lot of midnight oil to get my novel released before Thanksgiving.

I’m 100% behind e-publishing, because I truly believe this is the future, but I also like to be able to offer my novels in print to readers who like the traditional format, instead of digital readers.

Passion in Print publishes in both formats, giving me the best of both worlds. So I can promote online and offline. Plus, it’s nice to be able to sign your novels and give them out.  :)
　
If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

Hands down—Barbara Elsborg. She’s been through this journey with me, smacked me upside the head when I needed it, and was great support when I needed it as well. A close second would be my other peers, Arlene Webb and Laurie Green. Both amazing writers with unique styles.

What books are you reading now?

James Patterson’s, Witch and Wizard, Zoe Archer’s, Stranger, and various WIPs from my indispensable peers.

What are the current writing projects that you are working on?

Not necessarily in this order, but here you go. Legionarii—part of the Blown Away world. Hear No Evil—a novel to follow Slipping the Past. The Infamous Ava Frost and Bomb Voyage. Backward Momentum, a new sci fi romance series I’ve started with a fantastic group of writers we hope to shop this coming spring. The always painful rewrite of An Alien’s Guide to Abducting a Bride, and last but not least, a sci fi YA romance—Intergalactic Bounty Hunters, Inc.

Do you write full time?

LOL Oh, no. I have to pay the bills. I work 40+ hours outside the home and full chief cook and bottle washer inside the home. I write on my lunch hour in my vehicle. I like the solitude. The lack of internet makes me behave and I can listen to the radio for inspiration.

If not, do you hope to do so one day?

I’d love to, but I’d probably go crazy from the lack of human contact. I like to socialize.
　
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

Yeah—down to the moment. There was this movie that hit the big screen when I was a young child called Star Wars. It was an iconic moment for kids in the 70’s, like Woodstock was in the 60’s for that generation.

I remember looking at that screen and falling in love with a world, far, far, away, wanting to be part of it. My generation saw the birth of a technology that would bring a reality to the movies we’d never seen before. This more vivid world sparked my love for science fiction and fantasy. I found my niche, the place I wanted to spend my time.

I was a voracious reader as a teenager, consuming five to ten books a week. I swiped my mother’s bodice rippers and devoured those without her knowing and still wanted more. I wanted the love story. I wanted Star Wars. I wanted them together. So I started writing and combined the love with the science. Since I was a big time daydreamer, it was a small step for me to put it to paper. I had notebooks full of stories as a kid.

When I turned 17, I enlisted in the Army. My military background feeds into my novels, in what I hope are unique worlds readers have never seen. 

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Time and family. They don’t always understand the time it takes to turn out a book. Sometimes it takes time from them, and I hate that. They’re my heroes for putting up with me when I go on a writing binge.

Do you have any advice for other writers seeking to get published for the first time?

Take your time, learn your craft. Read, read, read. Read everything out there in your genre and in genres you’re influenced by. Know what’s in the market and know what is selling.

Write the best damn book you can, listen to your Beta readers and don’t let pride get in the way of making cuts and changes. Then when you’ve polished it an inch within its life, send it out and don’t give up. Everyone gets rejections. It’s par for the course.
　
　
Thank you D. L. for Dropping By! 


You can find D. L. on the web at:　

Paranormal Erotica and Contemporary Author- Lucy Felthouse

Happy New Year!!


Scribal Love Welcomes Lucy Felthouse!

Lucy Felthouse  is an author of contemporary and paranormal erotica.  Her newest work 'Uniform Behaviour' is available from Amazon and All Romance eBooks. 

So where do you hail?  Where are you from? 


I was born and bred in Derbyshire in the UK. And I’m still there!


What inspired you to write this book?


I’d wanted to put together an anthology for some time. It almost came to fruition with a publisher, but then they sold up and I was back to square one. So I decided to go it alone, put the book together myself and use a distributor that had been recommended to me to get it into the online retailers.


Do you have a specific writing style? 


I guess I do. A lot of what I write is contemporary, with characters around my age. So many of the female characters I write about have a similar personality to me, always come out with wise-cracks and love sexy men. I have been challenging myself more lately to create characters that are nothing like me, both in age and background and to give them a very distinct voice.


What is the name of your latest book?  And how did you come up with the title?


My latest book is called 'Uniform Behaviour.' The title had been rattling around in my ideas book for some time and it was only when I decided to put the anthology together that I knew the title would be perfect for it.


What is 'Uniform Behaviour' about?


It’s an erotic anthology. It has sixteen short stories from fourteen different authors about various uniforms. There are soldiers, pilots, sailors, cleaners, waiters and much more nestling between the covers!


What books have influenced your life most?


It’s difficult to say as I’ve been reading voraciously since I was old enough to read. I’ll read most things I can get my hands on, but naturally I have favourite genres, which are erotica, chick-lit and supernatural books. They’re also the genres I tend to write in so I guess they must influence my life!


Did you find the idea of having your work published for others to read intimidating?  


No, not really. I found it really exciting! I figured that if the people who knew what they were doing thought my work was good enough to publish, then it couldn’t be that bad! It’s actually very rare that I like many of my stories when they’re finished, but I think it’s because after working on them and revising them, I get too close. So by the time I submit them I’m convinced they’re rubbish. Luckily, editors don’t seem to think so, and by the time the book has gone through the publishing process and I receive my author copy, I re-read the story and realize it’s not so terrible after all!


If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?


To be honest, the erotic writing community is so huge, cool and friendly, that I couldn’t consider one person to be a mentor. Many of them have influenced me, encouraged me and helped me along. However, writing is a pretty solitary task and my creative writing degree has given me the strong base I need to make my writing the best it can be. It also taught me not to be too precious about changing my work. At the end of the day, I’m writing for publication so it’s got to impress others, not just me!


What books are you reading now? 


I’m glad you said books plural. I’m currently reading Monica’s Secret, by Saskia Walker, which I’m enjoying very much. I’m also reading Michele Hauf’s Seducing the Vampire, Girl Fun One from Xcite Books and The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. That last one is proving a real struggle, but I’ve been told to persevere beyond the first fifty pages or so and it gets better. Watch this space.


What are your current projects?


I’m currently working hard to promote Uniform Behaviour. Writing-wise I’m working my way through a huge pile of calls for submissions for short stories. So hopefully I’ll have more books to add to my publications list in a few months – fingers crossed!


Do you find that international audiences are different from your home or native country's audience?  


Within erotica, I don’t think there’s much of a divide. I’ll be honest, when I’m writing now I am aware of using words which are very “British” and could have an American, Australian, etc, reaching for the dictionary. I’d find it off-putting when I was reading if I didn’t know what a word meant. Luckily, you can work most words out from their context, but often I just won’t risk it and I’ll find a better word! However, because of the internet and improved distribution it means that all countries read works from other countries so we’re definitely getting a better handle on each other’s slang terms anyway. They’re even creeping into worldwide vocabulary. So maybe in a few years we’ll never know the difference!


Do you see writing as a career?


Not at present. I have a full time job in marketing, so writing is very much my sideline. However I’d love to do it full time, and my long-term goal is to write a full-length novel. Then of course I’d have to hope it was good enough to be published!




If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?


No, not really. I’m proud of what I and the other authors involved have achieved with the book. My only regret is that it’s only available as an eBook.


Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?


No, I don’t remember. It’s always been there. As a small child I was always reading and writing. I guess that my love of reading had a lot to do with it though, I probably wanted to create something as cool as what I was reading!


Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?


Yes – coming up with titles! I really do struggle with titles and they often pop into my head quite a while after the story is finished. Other than that I think that writing is a constant learning curve and I hope that I’m improving all the time.


Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?


Not so much from the writing point of view, but definitely from the editing side. I learnt that I’m good at proofreading, but not perfect! 


Do you have any advice for other writers?


Yes – just do it! For too long I kept talking about doing certain things in writing and never actually getting around to it. Now I’ve set myself realistic goals and I’m doing my hardest to achieve them. Naturally, life and the day job can affect what I’m doing but all I can do is my best.


Thanks Lucy for dropping by!  


You can vist Lucy on the web at:

Lucy Felthouse

Freelance Writer

Editor of Uniform Behaviour

Website: http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk

Creator of: http://eroticaforall.co.uk

http://eroticaforall.co.uk/new-erotica-releases/new-release-uniform-behaviour-edited-by-lucy-felthouse/

Patricia Pellicane, Author of the Historical Romantic Erotica, 'Heat Lightening'

Scribal Love Welcomes Patricia Pellicane!


Patricia Pellicane is an author of both Contemporary and Historical Romantic Erotica.  Her newest work, ‘Heat Lightning’ will be available on November 9 from Resplendence Publishing.

Before we begin I wanted to thank you, Clare, for this opportunity.  It’s much appreciated.



Where are you from?


I’m from a town a half hour outside of New York City, on Long Island.  I live there with my husband.  My six kids and fifteen grandchildren live mostly in close or adjoining towns.



What inspired you to write this book?


This book is the third of a series set in the old west.  I like writing about cowboys, etc.  To me it’s a sexy time period.



Do you have a specific writing style?


I suppose I do.  Everyone who writes has their own style, but I can’t name it.



What is the name of your latest book?  And how did you come up with the title?


Heat Lightning is the name of the book. It’s part of Arizona Heat series.  I needed something with heat in the title.  The first two were Heat Wave and Heat Flash.  It didn’t take long to work out the three titles.



What is Heat Lightning about?


It’s about a young woman who just finished school in the east.  She’s coming home for her mother’s wedding and meets a man on a train, seconds before the train crashes.  The two are trapped together, unable to move under pounds of rubble.


The young woman is educated, delicate and very much a refined lady, while the man who ends up on top of her for the night is her total opposite.  


The softness of the lady beneath him and their altogether close proximity only stirs this man’s interest, while his impossibly brazen actions, during the long night, leaves the lady confused and disgusted at her shocking inability to say no.


Of course after being rescued, they are destined to meet again.  His interest only grows as does her aggravation.



What books have influenced your life most?


That is a hard question to answer. I’m not sure any books have influenced me.  I read for escapism.  I write escapism. There’s nothing very serious here.


The only influence I can say would be influence on my writing.  Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte’ influenced me there.  I’ve read their work a dozen times.



Did you find the idea of having your work published for others to read intimidating?  If yes, why?


Sure it’s intimidating.  This is your baby.  You want everyone to love it and when some don’t, it can hurt like hell.  After awhile a nasty comment or bad review stops bothering you.  A writer needs to develop a thick skin and realize everyone has their own taste, likes and dislikes.  The only thing that’s important is you like it.  If you don’t, then you’re doing something wrong.



If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?


I can’t choose one.  I enjoy many writers for a dozen different reasons.  In the beginning it was Kathleen Woodiwiss and her book ‘Shanna’.  No one person since then.



What books are you reading now?


At the moment, nothing.  It’s hard to concentrate on a book when you’re in the middle of something else.



What are your current projects?


Right now I’m writing another book for Total-e-bound.  A contemporary piece.  Very sexy.



Do you find your international audience is different from your home audience?


No.  Most of my readers are women and women love romance, no matter their color or nationality. 



Do you see writing as your career?


It is my career.



If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?


No.  Mostly I go over a book so many times that I grow sick of it.  If I need to change anything, that would be the time to do it.



Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?


I always loved to read.  One day after reading a particularly awful book, I said to myself, “Even I could do better than that.”  I tried it and was immediately caught.  Since that day I was a writer.  Certainly not polished at first, but a writer never-the-less.



Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?


Yes, the sex scene are difficult.  After twenty two printed novels and twelve erotic eBooks, you come to realize there are just so many words like ecstasy, tormented desire, savage heat, etc.  It doesn’t get easier when you try not to repeat yourself.   Also choreographing a love scene is tricky.  You can’t leave a leg wrapped around a guy’s neck and walk away.  Unless of course the lady has more than two legs.



Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?


The truth is I don’t learn much.  Some history here and there, but not much else.  Like I said before, my books are escapism, purely entertainment.



Do you have any advice for other writers?


My only advice is if you love what you do, keep doing it.  Never, ever give up.


I had twenty six rejections from my first book.  It never sold and I lost the manuscript somewhere.  But my second book sold the first time I sent it out.


You can’t win if you stop trying.


Thanks for dropping by Patricia!


You're Welcome, Clare.




Patricia Pellicane


For romance that sizzles find me at www.patriciapellicane.com
ppellicane@gmail.com
www.facebook.com