Excited to host my online friend and fellow Scarlet Rose, Emma Lai!

So happy to have Emma visiting with us today. Emma is one of the busiest and friendliest writers I have the pleasure of knowing and I am thrilled to be celebrating the release of her latest sexy Cowboy story, Riding Rodeo with her. It is on my virtual shelf waiting to be read, I can't wait!

Rachel, thanks so much for celebrating the release of Riding Rodeo with me. I’ll be giving away a copy to one lucky person who leaves a comment.

1) When and why did you decide you wanted to be a published author?

In the Fall of 2008, I was amusing myself, my husband and my mother-in-law with stories I’d written as a way to relax while studying for my comprehensives. My mother-in-law, who has many years of experience in the industry suggested I submit, so I did. The rest is history.

To be honest though, I didn’t really think it would go anywhere. Imagine my surprise when I heard back three weeks later that they liked my story.

2) What is the best and worst thing you have learned from an editor/agent?

With each round of edits, I’ve learned something new, which I then incorporate into my writing drafts on every new wip from then on. So, it’s hard to pinpoint one thing. Though I have to say my erotica editor made a lasting impression on how to write all those extra little details that really give a story life.

The worst experience I’ve had was being asked to completely rewrite a scene I felt was crucial to the story. It’s hard to see something you felt was intricate lying on the cutting room floor. Please note that if I had chosen to submit elsewhere, the scene would have remained intact. These are just decisions writers have to make when settling on publishing houses.

3) Favourite author/s?

Too many to name across too many genres. I think a lot of writers, such as yourself, are awesome and have an audience waiting for them. And what I like, others may not; but my latest reads include After Midnight by Sarah Grimm (romantic suspense), Captain Marvelous by Kat Henry Doran (romantic suspense), Fulfilled by Lynda Bailey (contemporary erotic menage), and Going Down Hard by KyAnn Waters (cowboy erotic m/m/m).

I do try and post reviews whenever I finish something, so readers can check my blog for reviews.

4) What is your typical day?

I have two, since hubby and I split duties watching our two-year old. The days I watch my son, I spend an hour in the morning doing admin stuff because it’s something I can go back to without having to worry about losing my place. Then in the afternoon, during nap time, I write or edit. On days, my hubby stays home, I leave the house as soon as I can and settle in at my local coffee shop for writing and editing. I go home for lunch and then I’m out the door again until five or later.

5) Share your blurb or short excerpt from your latest release with us

The last person Amanda Goodson expected to walk into her bakery was Sean Cassidy, the bareback bronc rider who rode her hard one night and left without a good-bye the next day. Since then, she'd sworn off one-night stands and cowboys, but one look at the man she called Rodeo leaves her hankering for another ride.

A nasty injury ended Sean's career and left him with nothing but time to contemplate past sins, especially the most damning one...walking out on Amanda, the one woman he couldn't forget. Eager to right the biggest mistake of his life, he finds Amanda--and learns he has competition. Never one to back down from a challenge, he offers to fulfill her darkest fantasy--taking two cowboys for a ride.

When the dust settles, will Sean's plan to win Amanda's trust backfire or will she risk her heart for one more shot at Riding Rodeo?

6) Who would you cast to play your hero & heroine in a movie?

I think Ginnifer Goodwin would make a great Amanda, and Scott Caan for Sean.

7) Did you plan this book? Or write it as it came?

This book is the happily-ever-after for a friend who passed before her time. It was never meant to be an erotica, but once I started writing, it just kept trying to go that way. I agonized over taking it there, but my sister and I decided our friend would have gotten a kick out of it. So, I just let the story go where it would. :)

8) What surprised you the most when you became a published?

The amount of time it takes to promote was an unpleasant shock, but it was countered by the friendliness and helpfulness of all the other writers I met.

9) Do you have a dedicated writing space? What does it look like?

When I write, it’s just me and my notepad sharing the area with my drink of choice and perhaps a snack. Most of my notes are on my computer, though I do have a book with some notes are early projects that I tote around in case the mood strikes.

10) What’s next for you?

Difficult question since my characters dictate what I write. I’m polishing a fantasy with strong romance elements. I have an M/M in progress, my first attempt that I have no idea if it will go anywhere. Besides those two things, a YA fantasy/sci-fi I’ve been developing has been calling of late.

Website: http://www.emmalawrites.com

Twitter: @emmalaiwrites

Facebook: AuthorEmmaLai

Thanks for being here, lovely Emma Lai! Remember Emma is giving away a copy of Riding Rodeo for one lucky commenter, so get writing!

Comments?