My first Noble Romance guest, Ashley M Christman!

Hi Ashley, it is such a pleasure to welcome you here today! I love discovering new authors and publishers. Once we're done with the interview, maybe you could tell us a bit about Noble Romance?? I'd love to learn more about them and your experience with them.

OK, let's talk!!

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

I was in high school and I had some very supportive people telling me I had a gift for plotting and spinning yarns.

2) What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given as a writer?

Be persistent. So what if you get rejected one, two, a million times—keep writing and keep trying.

3) What is the best thing you have learned from an editor/agent?

The best thing I’ve learned is to deepen characterization you have to sometimes go deeper into their thoughts and feelings. It’s the whole adage of show, don’t tell. Don’t tell us that the character is heartbroken, show us. Does he/she cry, bottle it up and turn cold, or scream at the top of their lungs?

Also always be professional.

4) And the worst?

I haven’t really gotten any bad advice yet from an editor. When I do, I’ll let you know.
5) Share your blurb or short excerpt from your latest release with us

Here’s the blurb:
For millennia, Kate, a vampire succubus, has wandered through life feeding on both the blood and sex of mortals, with an utter disregard for human life. Even that gets boring after a while. But problems don't arise until Kate meets the new “Hollywood Heartthrob,” Aidan Cross.

Aidan is human, which would normally put him on the menu, but Kate finds herself attracted to him in more ways than one and decides to wait before she kills him to see if the allure is something more than his irresistible good looks.

Jack and Kate have a very complicated relationship dating back to the fall of Rome. He's an angel, she's not. One night with her will make him fall and be damned to life in the demon ranks, and she'll become mortal.

With Aidan, she gets a chance to play human. One night with Jack and she'll actually be human, but that also means giving up everything she loves.

6) Who would you cast to play your hero & heroine in a movie?
Hmm. I honestly haven’t thought about that. I think I’d want David Tennant to play Jack, the swearing, whiskey guzzling angel. Henry Cavill to play Aidan, and Bianca Lawson to play Kate.

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

I wrote as it came. This book was like therapy for me in many ways because Kate is a dark character and I was going through a very depressing phase of life.

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

The fact that I actually got published is what surprised me the most. Every time I think about being a published writer, I think oh my god, when are they going to realize they made a mistake. ~Chuckles~

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

I have an office and its pretty basic. There’s a desk, printer, etc…I also have a whiteboard where I brainstorm, candles and incenses, and of course my iPod docking station.

10) What’s next for you?

I have another book being released this November. I’m also working on two series right now.

Finish with details of where readers can find you – website, Facebook, Twitter etc

Readers can find me online at my website www.ashleymchristman.com
Twitter: @AMChristman
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/achristman2#!/pages/Ashley-M-Christman/270726188001?ref=ts

Great interview! Your comments about the publisher discovering they've made a mistake, really made me laugh - how many times have I felt like that? LOL! Comments people, Ashley would love to hear from you!

Welcome fellow Wild Rose Press author, Tess Lamont!

Hi Tess,

Lovely to have you here - I think the topic of your post is a great one to get us all talking about erotic romance. I can't wait to read your reasons for loving the genre - I'll make sure I post mine at the end!

4 Reasons to Read Erotic Romance

First of all, I'd like to thank Rachel for allowing me to guest blog & congratulate her on her upcoming release. We share an editor over at the wilder side of the Wild Rose Press & so I know her story is going to be fantastic!

Now, onto a question that's been on my mind for the last few days: Why read erotic romance?

I think all writers are also readers and I am no exception. I write erotic romance, but I read it as well. In fact, I read erotic romance often. *Clears throat.* Make that very often. Why?


1. The "ah" factor.

Unlike straight erotica (think Anais Nin), when I read erotic romance, I know I can expect a physically and emotionally satisfying ending. I'm not knocking Anais. I store Delta of Venus and A Spy in the House of Love in my "favorites" bookcase. But before erotic romance came along, I often found a disconnect between sexual fulfillment and emotional fulfillment in the stories I read. Though the ending may not be a Happily Ever After, when I read Erotic Romance, I know I am guaranteed a satisfying emotional ending.

2. New things!

In America, they just released a new National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior? It turns out that Americans are experimenting with greater abandon than ever before! (Woo Hoo!) Reading erotic romancecan be a nice, safe way to explore new ways to express sensuality.

In my September Wild Rose Press release, Bound to Surrender, I even had to do some research before I understood what my characters wanted to try! (I wrote about that experience over on my blog, www.tesslamont.com.) When I read and write Erotic Romance, I always find some little tidbit that makes be think, "oh, that might be nice."

3. I thought I was the only one.

This is kind of the inverse of #2. IMHO, nothing is sexier than confidence. But to own it, you gotta feel comfortable and to feel comfortable you gotta know you aren't the only one . Carrie may have had some great sensual adventures, but she also had Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda to help her sort out her feelings. You may not be up for trying everything you read in erotic Romance, but you will come across things that prove someone else "gets it".

4. It is all about you.

Life is busy.hectic.sometimes even frantic. When you settle in with an erotic romance you can just sink into your chair and enjoy. Maybe you have a lover, maybe you don't.but either way, you know you are going to be aroused. And, you can bring that knowledge to your next encounter.

What do you think? What are some other reasons to read the genre we all love?

Fab post, Tess...mmm, my reasons for reading/writing/loving erotic romance??

1) I like getting turned on

2) I like seeing sex as serious extension of a relationship without having to hide it

3) Writing sensual sex scenes is the best fun in the world!

4) It proves men do not hold the monopoly in thinking they know what sex is all about

OK, guys, come (!!) and share your secrets!!

Welcome Breathless & Eternal Press author, Mary Corrales!

Before I pass you the floor, Mary, I have to say just how very hot your cover is, phew-wee! That is fabulous! Who was the cover artist, he or she deserves a mention. You have chosen a great topic to get us all talking today, over to you...

Thanks for having me here today, Rachel. I wanted to pay tribute to a legendary bad boy known for his passion. Intrigued? Good, because I want to hear from readers out there.

I remember him larger than life and so full of passion I couldn’t take my eyes from the television. His name was James Dean and the movie was Rebel Without A Cause. I have watched that movie so many times that I can recite lines perfectly. Yes, I’m fun to watch movies with. I’m only irritating when it’s a silent movie and I’m putting in lines, but I digress.

James Dean passed away, September 30^th 1955, way before I was even born, yet his legend lives on due to the incredibly passionate way he portrayed characters. The outbursts and struggles he displayed in Rebel Without A Cause made you long to be co-star, Natalie Wood, just for a taste of the emotions he unleashed.

How many times do we fall in love with the tormented hero in romances, because we can feel their passionate struggles right through the pages. We long to be that special heroine wrapped in the hero’s ardent embrace. I always try to remember that display of emotion when writing my characters, hopefully capturing some of that great expression in every scene.

The movie heroes I loved later consisted of pirates where I fell in love with Tyrone Power in the Black Swan and bikers like Marlon Brando portrayed in The Wild Ones, but I’ll never forget my first taste of passion thanks to movie icon, James Dean.

What movie star stirs your passions?

Mary Corrales

Website: http://www.authormaryc.com

Dhampir Passions, Eternal Press, paranormal erotic romance

Dangerous Moves, Breathless Press, contemporary erotica

Clandestine Eyes, Breathless Press, contemporary erotica

Great post, Mary - I have a confession to make....I have never seen Rebel Without A Cause! Yes, I am ducking as you throw a plate at me, LOL! But I am going to fix that this weekend, promise - it's about time, don't you think?

Come on everyone! This is a great chance to get us all talking,,,

I am thrilled to welcome fellow Brit, erotic romance writer, Scarlett Sanderson!!

Hi Scarlett, it great to have you here! I love it when I discover other Brit writers who are in The Wild Rose Press family as I know they are there but hard to find amongst the bushes (excuse the word choice!). Right, shall we get on with the interview? Can't wait to learn more about you and your work...

1) What is your writing routine?

I’m one of those writers who don’t tend to have a routine. Sad but true! I try to carve out some time each week, usually at the weekend, and just sit down with my laptop and type. Throughout the week I’ll have been thinking about where I want the story to go, jotting down some ideas. I guess the only semblance of routine is the cup of tea that I always like to have with me when I sit down to write.

2) Which author/s inspire you to write?

Ahhh, too many to name. If I had to choose I would say Sherrilyn Kenyon. She was the first paranormal romance author I read about eight years ago. It was the first time I realized romance could be cool.

3)
Which is your favorite romance subgenre to read? To write?

I’ll read any subgenre, as long as there are words on a page I’ll read them J Looking at my bookshelves I seem to have a lot of paranormal and historical romance. I’ll opt for those!

As for writing I like to experiment with different subgenres. I never stick with one. I’ve written paranormal, fantasy, historical and erotic. If I had to choose, I’d go with historical. I have a degree in history and it’s a huge passion of mine.

4) How do you deal with criticism/rejection?

When I first starting writing, I used to take criticism and rejection to heart. I used to see it a personal slap in the face. I would be devastated for days and vow never to write anything again! Once you’ve written a few books, been criticized and rejected, I believe you learn to deal with it in a more mature manner. It still stings, but I don’t let that deter me from writing. I’ve developed a thicker skin.

5) What do you expect from an editor?

For me an author-editor relationship should be a close one. I don’t expect my editor to be distant or unreachable. I expect the communication to be a two way street. I expect an editor to be professional but also human, it’s nice when an editor respects your work and appreciates the creative effort you’ve put into it. It’s easier if you both have the same sense of humor! I’ve been very fortunate to work with some wonderful editors at The Wild Rose Press, but Trish Owens, my latest editor, is a hoot – professional, respectful, honest and a genuinely nice person who pushes me to get the best from my manuscript.

6) Tell me about your latest release

Owned by the Night is an erotic paranormal romance. Sweeping across time from Ancient Rome to modern day America, it’s a story about a female vampire looking for her perfect mate. Allegra finds Kyrian in Medieval England. A dark druid she turns him, seeking to control and harness his powers. Only Kyrian refuses to be tamed.

Despite my love (and pure addiction!) to vampires, I’d never written a story that involved vampires until Allegra and Kyrian came along.

7) Tease us with a blurb or short excerpt

Watching from the perimeter of the stone circle, Allegra’s gaze swept over the powerful druid performing the ritual. Wearing nothing but a coarse black robe, he knelt in the circle of stones, hands and face raised up to the heavens. The moonlight danced on the elaborate black and red tattoos that adorned his slightly golden-colored skin. The air around him crackled, sizzled with power as he chanted into the darkness. She adored the Dark Ages; people were so keen to embrace forbidden mysticism.

Allegra’s body tingled. Her nipples peaked, became turgid buds against the heavy velvet of her bodice. Her incisors lengthened. Her mouth watered—desire tasted hot and rich on the back of her tongue.

Yes.

Here was a man worthy of her companionship. She’d been a vampire for over a thousand years having been turned by her Master in Ancient Rome. She’d had lovers and fed from many humans—males and females, rich and poor. But throughout the centuries she’d never found a companion, one who made her body burn, her soul ache. One powerful enough to match her own abilities.

Until now.

Until him.

8) Which is your favorite character in the book? Why?

Kyrian de’Tame. I didn’t even need time to think about that one. He’s dark, dominating, delicious and dangerous. Something naughty that you know you shouldn’t want but can’t help needing. I need a fan just thinking about him!

9) What is next for you?

I don’t have anything scheduled for release yet, but I am in the process of trying to find a home for my first full length novel.

10) What are you working on right now?

I’m working on a historical novel set during the English Wars of the Roses. It might not be a straight up historical though. There may be a few time travel aspects lurking in the plot.

11) Your biggest piece of advice to aspiring novelists?

Write for YOU. Big cliché, I know. You have to write what you love, not what other people demand or what is selling. Write the story you are burning to read.

Learn your craft and I don’t just mean the writing aspect. Learn the business; learn about publishers and editors, the markets and promotion. There are so many things I wish I knew when I submitted my first manuscript. In essence, writing the book is the easiest part.

12) Where can readers find you?

I always look hearing from readers and other authors. They can find me on my blog: Musings from the Darkside of an Erotica Author

http://scarlettsanderson.blogspot.com/

Fabulous interview, Scarlett and I'd love hearing about your relationship with your WRP editor - I totally agree that the writer/editor relationship should be a special one. I know of writers who didn't connect with their editors at all and in turn, weren't happy with their final story that went to publication - can you imagine?? Scarlett would love to hear from you, folks!

Erotic novella number two is finished and ready to go out into the big wide world!!

Tentatively entitled 'Coming Back', it is about reunited lovers and the fire they've got no chance of extinguishing once they set eyes on each other again. I loved these characters! Kelly Hampton owns and runs in a bar in a small town in England, so she is used to hauling drunken patrons out on their ear as well as delighting them were her wicked humour and sassy dress sense.

But once Sean McKenzie walks back into her bar and her life, Kelly's newly made vow of celibacy is thrown to the wind pretty damn quickly - she just has to hope pray and heart doesn't follow right on behind it....

I'll let you know how I get on with the submission as soon as i know anything, wish me luck!

Rachel x

The 'Frisky' covers i've seen so far....

Phew! Welcome, Sandy, before we even start the interview I've got to say I actually felt my eyes pop a little out of my head when I first opened the jpegs of your book covers, LOL! They certainly let the reader know what they're getting, who is your cover artist? I'd love to know what my visitors think of them, they are a talking point without doubt - love it! OK, can't wait to 'meet' you...

1) Who is your favourite author and why? I have so many, it's impossible for me to choose. I read anything that catches my eye and not necessarily by the name of the author.

2) When did you first consider yourself a writer? People say there are writers and there are authors. Writers are those pre-published and authors are already published. I guess I really still don't consider myself to by an author although I now have 10 pieces out with more coming. I guess it makes me an author. J

3) Describe your writing space? I have a small "office" off the back of our living room with my pc and all kinds of other crap. It's really cluttered and I wish it wasn't. I guess it means I need to clean.

4) What are you reading now? Nothing at the moment. I've got too many projects going on to sit down and read. I usually will if I'm stuck on a piece I'm writing.

5) How many books have your written? 10 published with several more coming. Which is your favourite? I can't pick just one. The one I'm writing on at the moment is usually my favorite.

6) What comes first, plot or characters? Oh, definitely character's. I'm a panster all the way.

7) Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? Sometimes, but it doesn't usually last more than a day or two. I don't call it writers block so much as the characters aren't talking to me.

8)

What do you like to do when you’re not writing? Ride my horses, visit old houses, and listen to music.

9) Tell us about your latest book? Not sure if you mean the latest one published or the one I'm writing. The latest piece I have out is called Professional Liaison and it's a light BDSM piece. It's about a powerhouse woman who is the CEO of a large corporation and she figures she's given her life to her career rather than to find the man of her dreams. Until, said man shows up at her office, takes her home and loves her like she's dreamed out, but then disappears. You can read more at www.bookstrand/professional-liaison

10) What’s next for you? Well, I have lots of books coming from different publishers in the coming months and I have a pitch appointment with Harlequin/Silhouette at the Central Ohio Fiction Writer's Conference in Worthington, OH on 10/1 and 10/2. They are having an open to the public book sale and signing on 10/2 from 430 to 6p. If anyone is in the area, stop by. I'll be giving away 20oz aluminum water bottles to the first 75 visitors to my table.

Thanks so much for having me, Rachel. I appreciate the exposure and I hope to see some people at the conference next month. If you'd like to check out more of my books, you can visit my website at www.romancestorytime.com.

Huge luck with your pitch in October, Sandy - I love conferences but have never pitched at one - I'd love you back to talk about your experience there if you want to. Loved having you here, open to questions and comments, guys!!

As Kerri is unable to make it....

I thought this was the right time to uncover and talk about my first erotic romance release with The Wild Rose Press due out October 15th, yay!! It is called Explicitly English and features a yummy, cool, calm, in control stockbroker and a feverish, high-octane interior designer...and girlfriends, when these two get together, phew-wee!! It is sexual meltdown, LOL! Love it!

My editor and cover artist is the fabulous, Angela Anderson who held my hand through the editing process of this story as well as giving me a second chance to improve on it when I first sent the manuscript in. I have learned so much from her and now hope to go on and write more and more of these hot and heavy get-togethers.

I'd love to hear what you think of the cover, the premise, your preferences in erotic romance or anything else you'd like to talk about!