INTERVIEW WITH CAT MARSTERS, PARANORMAL EROTICA WRITER

Cool Cat: Cat Marsters


Cat Marsters is an awesome babe. She lives in England, which is a sexy and interesting fact about her, but to top it off - this cat's got 5 published books to her credit (with more on the way) AND SHE'S ONLY 24 YEARS OLD!!

Jealous, bitches?? Well, I was too, until I remembered that 40 is actually the new 30, so at 33 I'm really only 23 years old - which means that I'm actually a year younger than Cat Marsters!.

Here's the formula I used to figure this out (you can use it too!):


You're welcome. So, the next time you're feeling like an underachiever, you can re-create my calculations and feel like a super-star, like me!

HERE'S MY INTERVIEW WITH CAT MARSTERS:

Cat, when did you decide that you wanted to be a writer?

When I was 16. I finished my exams, had the whole summer ahead of me (no homework! Indescribable bliss!), so I sat down and started to write the stories in my head. They were rubbish, but I was hooked. By the time I left school (in England you have to stay at school until 16, but the majority stay on until 18) I knew it was what I wanted to do. Therefore, I have no qualifications for anything else, so I really have to make this work!

Here's my dream career: I sit on a tropical island all day surfing the internet, writing stories, getting served drinks by guys with tans, and eating candy. Can you describe yours?

What I do now. But I'd get paid more and be thinner. Oh, and there would be the boys with tans, too.

Chance, in Almost Human is a really great heroine. She's tough, smart, cool, and a real bitch when she needs to be. Is that the kind of women you like to write about?

Definitely. I've tried my hand at writing quieter heroines and they just haven't worked out. Aside from Chance I've written a twenty-three-century-old vampire assassin; a werewolf; a pirate queen; and a nymph who beat the devil. I have an upcoming book about a demon hunter. The girliest, quietest heroine I have is a sex fairy. My all-time favourite heroine, in a series as-yet unpublished, is a spy. She's a bit useless, but she's very hard to keep down. I'm planning a sequel to AH about Kett, Chance's shapeshifter cousin, who's an even tougher broad. I guess I write the kind of heroine I want to be--and she's pretty much just like Chance. Of course, that means my heroes have to be mildly insane to keep up with them ...

"Almost Human" is coming out in print format August 2006 - and I can see from your blog that you're very excited about that milestone. Do you think it's the ultimate goal of most e-book writers to be published in print?

Probably the ultimate goal of most e-book writers is to be financially solvent. Print books help with that, I hear.

I often hear men say things like this: "Women are just as obsessed with sex as we are, so they shouldn't act like they aren't." I always want to refer these guys to the world of Erotica writers - I think they'd eat their words. Care to comment?

Well, I don't know many erotica writers who'd pretend they're not interested in sex. It would be largely pointless. I think it's a bit 20th century to assume women have that attitude, too: did Sex and the City completely pass these men by? (R.W. Yes, I believe they were too busy watching midget cage fighting)

You're the only English writer I can think of who's active in the Romance/Erotica blogging community. I've come to think of it as primarily an American community. Am I wrong there?

Well, the majority of authors I know are American, but there's another Changeling author who's British (Scottish, actually) and quite a few who are Australian. I haven't got to know the Ellora's Cave authors so well yet, but I'm pretty sure there are a few who are also from overseas (as you Colonials call it). I blog with a writer in Canada. And I know one or two British erotica authors from the Romantic Novelists Association in the UK. But as you say, it does seem to be American-dominated.

I spent some time in England a while back, and I came back home convinced that the English spoken in England is almost a different language than the English spoken in North America. You're average American doesn't even know what a "fortnight" is, let alone "snogging" or "taking the piss out of someone." Have you even needed to "Americanize" your writing?

You don't know what a fortnight is? What do you call two weeks? And you really ought to know what taking the piss is. After all, we do it all the time to you.

I quite often have clashes with my editors over Britishisms. Since a lot of my characters for Changeling have been British then their speech, and their thought processes in the narrative, have necessarily had a British flavour. Quite often I get comments from my editor going, "Yes, but what does it mean?" For fantasy, like Almost Human, it's different a little, because I can invent my own language--and I do, because I get a little tired of those fantasies that have very BBC Historical language. It's a bit like Firefly/Serenity. If I want them to say 'shagging' and 'fine and dandy' in the same sentence, then they can. Be an interesting sentence, though.

I liked the way the characters in Almost Human travel to different places where the cultures are so varied. I enjoyed the way you made those places so real. It reminded me a bit of travelling in Europe, where you don't have to go too far to come across different languages, different looking people, different everything. Have your European travels influenced your writing?

Well, France is 21 miles away from England, so you really don't have to go far. I've been to France quite a lot, although not for a while, and to Germany, Holland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, and Ireland. I may be forgetting some there. I have actually used little bits of my own experiences in books--like for instance when Chance says that she gets more money for being a blonde in certain areas. England is very ethnically diverse, so no one blinks an eye at my often random hair colours (and honey, I've had 'em all). But it's different in Europe. As a blonde, I can't go to Scandinavia or northern Europe because I'm wallpaper, and it's very bad for my ego. So I was a redhead in Sweden. But when I went to Spain and Italy, people called out, "Hey, Blondie!" to me in the street. I got stalked in Menorca because I was blonde. It was actually a little bit tiresome.

Can you talk to me about Dark, the hero of Almost Human. He's not exactly the type of guy you'd want to take home to ma and pa, but he's got a definite appeal to him.

If I took him home my ma would probably pounce on him. Okay, anyway. I called him Dark because he really is dark, in his soul and his attitude. He's the ultimate Alpha: big and strong and tough, won't rely on anyone, will get violent if the situation calls for it, but he really does care about his people and will do anything to protect them. He's got a very strong honourable streak, so much so that it's probably more of a flaw than an asset. That's why I made him a lion. They'll protect their pride (not called that by accident!) and they'll fight to the death for them. Like with any cat, he's not easy to win over, but once you've won Dark's loyalty, he'll do anything for you. That's pretty sexy to me. If you took him home to your parents, he'd at least be polite to them. Of course, assuming your parents aren't Chance's parents.

Speaking of--if I had the choice I'd probably take Striker. He has the first half of the Alpha qualities, but then it stops. Violence is fun, and he doesn't care about anyone. Except his woman. Imagine how special you'd feel to be the only person in the world he considers worth cherishing! Ooh, baby.

Do you watch movies and tv? If so, what do you watch?

Yes, I do (although the ruttin thing's broken right now). I'm a big Buffy fan, in fact I love anything by Joss Whedon. Firefly, of course, and I waited very impatiently for Serenity to come out on DVD. I'm also a fan of a BBC show called Hustle, about a group of London con artists. It's very glossy, smart and funny. Also, weirdly, I love a BBC motoring show called Top Gear. Because it's also glossy, smart and funny. Are we noticing a pattern here? I watch the Simpsons so much I don't even think about it, and I love Scrubs, too. Favourite films are Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (can quote it almost verbatim), a Knight's Tale, Clueless... plus whatever I'm in love with at the moment. Serenity is making its way into my top ten list. I also love Out of Sight, 10 Things I Hate About You, and Pirates of the Caribbean. What's not to love about Pirates? (R.W. I heart Johnny Depp)

Okay, casting couch time: Chance, for me, was a much younger Charlize Theron and Dark (although most people would say Hugh Jackman) was somebody awesome, like Christian Bale. Care to cast Almost Human, the blockbuster movie?

Charlize Theron? That's interesting. I always forget what she looks like, but I've since Googled her and you know, you're right! Although she needs better cheekbones. I have a thing about cheekbones. I'd cast someone like Natalie Imbruglia as Chance, or maybe Shannyn Sossamon. It's hard because she has to be very expressive and also very poised. Someone like Nicole Kidman, perhaps, in that sense. Not that I spend hours casting my blockbuster movies. Nooo, not me.

Dark would be Hugh, first choice. Although I'm very impressed with whatever I see Christian Bale in, so I've no doubts he could pull it off. He can do that dark intensity very well.

I actually pictured Chance's mother, Chalia, before I ever got Chance. She's definitely Shannyn Sossamon. So she can't be Chance. Dammit.

Striker would be James Marsters. No contest. Although I wouldn't be averse to Johnny Depp (in any and all situations).

What are you reading these days?

Actually I'm re-reading a regency by Shirley Karr called Kiss from a Rogue. Hah, betcha didn't expect that! I've just come off a Sherrilyn Kenyon binge, and I'm always reading and re-reading Jennifer Crusie. I also went over Sophie Kinsella's The Undomestic Goddess the other week. I'm re-reading a lot right now 'cos I'm too broke for new books!

Cat, thanks so much for the interview. I really enjoyed Almost Human and I 'm looking forward to reading more from you!

And, guys, if you want to check out Cat's website, it's here, and here's her blog.

And, of course, if you want to be as cool as me and Cat, you'll definitely want to click here and get yourself a copy of ALMOST HUMAN!

INTERVIEW WITH GENNITA LOW

All Time Cutest Novelist Ever: Gennita Low


Well, since I spilled the beans about my true identity last week (In case you didn't catch it, I'm a former secret agent/assassin and am on several, very cutting-edge Most-Wanted Lists) it's probably no surprise to you that I absolutely loved Gennita Low's Romantic Intrigue novel, SLEEPING WITH THE AGENT.

So when this hot-ticket writer agreed to do an interview with me, I couldn't help myself - just to celebrate, I slipped my .357 Magnum into my garter, fitted myself up with tiny microphones, and went out in search of someone to seduce and/or assassinate.

Well, it seems I've been out of the spy game for a little too long. None of the Balkan terrorists I used to hang with even bothered to return my calls and, since even I won't deal with the Yakuza anymore (too fetishy), I had to contend myself with jetting off to L.A., stealing an old person's luggage, making out with Gary Coleman, and speaking harshly to the fitting room girl at the Victoria's Secret.

Sigh. Well, dreary old me. I guess I'll have to leave it to Gennita Low to write books that remind me of the good old days.

I love Gennita to bits. She's a great writer, a riot to chat with, and a super cute person.

HERE'S OUR INTERVIEW:

Reese: If you had written SLEEPING WITH THE AGENT under a male pseudonym and had published it with a non-romance publisher, I'm sure plenty of men would read and enjoy the book. But as it stands now, most men won't touch a romance novel without a latex glove and a pair of tweezers. Why is that?

Gennita: Men are, by nature, macho, even if they might, in real life, look or behave like George in Seinfeld. Hey, even George had his macho moments on that show! So anything that would make other men think they are soft and un-cool is an automatic no-no to them. Romance is soft and un-cool, so of course they avoid that like the plague. I think it's the word that gets them all messed up in the head. To them, romance is ribbons and laces, babies and marriage, damsels and the most important thing of all--the impossibly big erection that goes on several times all night long. That kills them, I tell you. Heh. (R.W. Double heh.)

Reese: You don't make your readers wait a long time before you get to the good, pervy, sex scenes - and I would like to extend my personal thanks for that professional courtesy. Have you ever bought a romance, then read, and read, and read, only to find out that there's only one sex scene, and it's at the end of the book, and it's not that good anyway? When that happens to you, do you go through the same feelings that I do: hurt, betrayal, bewilderment then, finally, anger?

Gennita: Those pervy, sexy scenes were tough research indeed, yes sirree! But anything for the sake of my art, you know? As for books that left me cheated because of the lack of romance, yeah, and they were mostly romantic suspense! Gah. I wanted so much more than long detailed passages of mutilation and rape (I don't like gore) and felt really cheated that the relationship part of the book was secondary. But that seems to be the trend in romantic suspense. I worry about it a little. Because...well...will I catch this disease too?

Reese: On your website, you describe your books as "Romantic Intrigues," rather than the more common term of "Romantic Suspense." I've actually never heard of "Romantic Intrigue" before. Did you invent that term?

Gennita: I've always called my books romantic intrigues, even when I was unpublished, so I like to think I'm one of the first writers to think of using it to describe their work. I wouldn't say I invented the term, although the last few years, I've noticed that Romantic Times magazine has come up with this category. (R.W. Hmmph. Copycats.)

Reese: You're fluent in a number of different languages. I'm impressed! How did you acquire these languages?

Gennita: Languages come easily to me. I'm Chinese and was brought up in Malaysia, so I started out tri-lingual at a very young age (Cantonese, Malay, English). I picked up the rest from my travels.

Reese: Your blog is is really playful and funny, but your books are quite serious. Is there a little comedian inside you waiting to bust out? Could you ever see yourself writing a romantic comedy?

Gennita: You know, I don't think my books are that serious. I mean, which assassin do you know would have a Tweety Bird tattoo in a very private area? Hmm? Or a Wretched Wench List? Okay, so the subject matter is always dark but that's why occasional humor is important to bring a contrast to these characters' lives. Thanks for the thumbs-up on my blog. That's me in real life. I really don't spend the whole day thinking of ways to kill and torture, except when I'm having fits with the crapenters at the jobsite. I would love to write a romantic comedy one day. It'll be a challenge because humor is so tough to sustain through four hundred typed pages.

Reese: Okay, let's talk about boys, now. What qualities do you like in a guy?

Gennita: A guy? Well, I'm shallow, so I like my men tall and pleasing to the eye. (R.W. I'm shallow too.) He must have a rowdy and warped sense of humor. He must be really smart, smarter than me, if that's possible, bwahahaha. He must like to read and be able to have a lively conversation about anything, from sports to politics to books to dirty jokes. And most important of all, he must be kind-hearted. It gives me a gooshy feeling inside when the tough guy drops his facade and he's really a teddy bear.

Reese: What turns you off?

Gennita: Laziness. Deceitfulness. Boastfulness. Guys that take themselves too seriously.


Reese: SLEEPING WITH THE AGENT would make a great movie. I'm picturing Paul Walker as the hero, Reed, and hmm ... I'm thinking an unknown for Lily. Do you ever play casting agent for your books? If so, which movie stars end up on Gennita Low's imaginary casting couch?


Gennita: No, I never really think about actors for my books. Mostly, if I have to describe characters, I tend to give them an emotional depth with which readers can identify however they please. For example, Reed from Sleeping With The Agent has a lot of the intensity of the Wentworth Miller character in Fox's Prison Break. I do have some VERY HOT photos of my characters here.


Wentworth Miller, from Fox's PRISON BREAK

Reese: Do you read a lot? If so, what do you read?

Gennita: Well, I used to read a lot. Now I have to remember what that is. Between my jobs and real life, I have no time! But I read my newspapers and boring political insider blabbery faithfully. I'm trying to read at least a book a month. We're talking about a woman who used to read a book a day here! Sad, huh? My favorite genre is sci-fi/paranormal romance.

Reese: As anyone who read your blogs knows, in addition to writing really fabulous novels, you also run a roofing business. Is it your hope to retire from your day job sometime and write full time?

Gennita: I would love to, but then, if I do, I would have to change my blog's name: Roofer Author. It's just too much trouble. I guess I'll just have to continue swinging that nailgun. Unless, of course, I'm offered Oprah-backed book $$$$$ for my next contract. Hey, maybe if I changed my spy-fiction into a spy-memoir....

Reese: Identity is a big theme in this book. Every one has an alias, or several of them, and their identities are well hidden, even from themselves sometimes. Does that theme arise from your own life? Are there any discrepancies between the public (or on-line) Gennita Low and the private you?


Gennita: Well, I have about ten names. And you have about three that I know of, wink, wink. Of course there are discrepancies between the public (online) Gennita and the private me. I'm really, really angelic and sweet, so don't let those bitches tell you those nasty lies about me. They're all just jealous that I can use a nailgun and type at the same time. (R.W. LOL)


Reese: Gennita, thanks so much for doing the interview with me. You're a lovely, beautiful, wonderful, sweet, smart, funny, adorable person, and I had FUN, FUN, FUN! Let's keep in touch!

INTERVIEW WITH AMELIA ELIAS, PARANORMAL EROTIC-ROMANCE WRITER

Amelia Elias

REESE'S INTRO

I'll always remember Amelia Elias, both for her cheerful, enthusiastic personality and for the simple fact that SHE WROTE THE FIRST E-BOOK I'VE EVER READ!

But wait, you're probably saying: "Don't tell me that Reese Witherfork, trendsetter of trendsetters, has only NOW discovered the cache of these stylish little five-dollar books?"

Yes, my fabulous friends, I admit with great shame that this is one of the few trends I did not spearhead (in my defence, I will remind you that I was wearing imitation-see-through skirts BEFORE they hit the streets of Tokyo. Really.)

Oh, I had made the usual excuses for not trying out this new format: the strain on my eyes excuse, the I spend too much time at the computer anyway excuse, the you can't curl up with it excuse.

But still, the knowledge that there was something new going on in the world and I was not part of it got to me. It made me toss and turn at night, made the cucumbers fall off my eyes, made me wonder "Is Reese Witherfork no longer on the vanguard?"

Talk about a Dark Night of the Soul. Ouch, it wasn't pretty. So, what did I do? The solution was simple: I whipped out my Black AMEX, gave it to Biff - my personal assistant/bodyguard, and 5 minutes later was in possesion of a PDF version of Amelia Elias's PANDORA'S BOX.

And, did any of my old reservations about reading e-books hold up?

No, no and no. I enjoyed reading a book on the computer, had no problems with the format whatsoever, and will gladly do it again. In fact, I'm looking forward to it.

Amelia's already received some pretty damn glowing reviews for this book - and I can see why. Smooth, slick prose - no clunky sentences, no dangling modifiers, reads like a dream. PANDORA'S BOX also has an engaging plotline and totally likeable characters. In short, it's a really well-written book - the kind of book that stays with you. The kind of book that makes you want to read more More MORE from Amelia Elias!

Here's our Interview:

Reese: Okay, let's start with a few definitions. Can you please tell us A) what is erotica?; B) what is erotic romance?; C) what is romantica?; and D) how would you classify your books?

Amelia: *grabbing dictionary* Just kidding, but really, these definitions change depending on who's doing the defining, so my opinion isn't engraved in stone. To me, erotica is a sexually explicit story focusing on one main character, which may or may not end with a happily ever after. Erotic romance is a sexually explicit tale centered around a love story with a happily ever after ending--or at least happily for now. Romantica is a trademark of Ellora's Cave, and it's their word for erotic romance. I consider my books to be erotic romance, since they're love stories at heart, with the bedroom door wide open.

Reese: In PANDORA'S BOX, the hero, Rowan, is an incubus who feeds off the sexual energy of his partners/victims, weakening them in the process. I read this story as a very interesting allegory for dependancy (and for a few other things, but I don't want to give away the plot here). Was I wrong to read it this way?

Amelia: I don't think any interpretation is wrong. The incubus in mythology is the ultimate sexual predator, only taking and never giving more than it has to in order to acheive its goal--survival at any cost. And just like any relationship where all the giving is on one side, incubi never have a happily ever after--it's all about taking all they can and moving on to the next victim. I think Pandora's Box stayed pretty true to the incubus mythology, with a few adjustments! Rowan starts out as a classic incubus, but to me, stories are all about change, and he's got his share of changing to do before I get through with him.


Reese: Good erotic writing is very psychological fiction. That's just my opinion. What do you think?

Amelia: I'd agree with you. It's all about fantasies. Erotic writing is frequently compared to pornography, and I object to that because I think they're two different animals. Porn shows tab A inserting into slot B (in many varied ways) but there's usually no story with it. It's just two people boinking on-camera.

Erotic writing is about the fantasy of sex, not the mechanics of it. Yes, there's vivid detail, but it's more than that. It's how she feels about what he's doing, and how much he enjoys making her feel that way. It's the courage to try something new or having the patience to persuade a partner to expand his or her horizons. Sometimes the sex is about trust and vulerability, sometimes it's a power struggle, sometimes it's kinky and sometimes it's silly, but the sex is always *about* something. It advances the story instead of just filling pages, and in engages the most important sexual organ--the one between the ears. And to me, that's what makes it erotic.

Reese: Tera, the heroine of PANDORA'S BOX, owns an erotic novelty shop. Would you like to own a shop like that? If so, which items do you think would be flying off the shelves?

Amelia: Oh, I don't know if I'd like to own one, but I always enjoy exploring those stores. I suppose I'm not very shy! I see so many new and interesting inventions dedicated solely to pleasure and sharing, and I can't help but think that the person inventing this stuff would be a riot to hang out with.

Inventing Tera's shop, Pandora's Box, really let my imagination run wild. If I did have an erotic toystore, it'd be a lot like hers--including decorating the blow-up doll with Christmas ornaments. *wink*

Reese: As a writer, are you addicted to your computer (like I am)? Have you come to think of it as a limb or, say, a beloved family member?

Amelia: Yes, yes, yes! My computer is my third child. I wake up, check the email, get the kids dressed, fed, and out the door, check my email, then either go to work or write (or IM with friends for far too long when I *should* be writing), and on the days when a story is really flowing, I can sit here for hours on end and hardly move. Probably not good for me, but what can I say? 'Addicted' is definitely the right word!

Still, I have friends literally all over the world who I would never have met without the computer and the internet. And I have this totally off-the-wall career now because the computer lets me write and easily submit my stories to publishers, and I know for a fact that I couldn't do this on a typewriter. (Tried it, lost patience, the end!) I think computers are an awesome invention. Now if only they'd hurry up and create the computer-controlled-cleaning-cooking-dog walking-catbox changing-robot, I'd be set!

Reese: Do you like grammar. Do you love it? Are you a grammar fanatic?

Amelia: Me are an grammar ex-spurt, naturally. LOL! Actually, I'm blessed with excellent critique partners and editors, and they keep me in line. I'll never say I'm truly an expert grammarian, but I get by. Loved Eats, Shoots, and Leaves, though. That woman has so many of the same pet peeves as me!

Reese: I meet very few writers who wouldn't give up the day job in a heartbeat if they were given the chance. You work full time as a nurse. Does your job do anything for you personally, or is it mostly a distraction from your writing? Would you write full time if you could?

Amelia: Yes and no. I'd love to write full time, but I love nursing, too. I work for home health and just started doing some extra weekends at an assisted living facility, and I really love it. When I was in nursing school, I always thought I'd hate working with the elderly--but you know what? Old people are COOL! They truly are. Both my jobs, home health and the ALF, let me spend time with my clients and talk with them, and I enjoy them so very much. So that would truly be difficult for me to totally give up.

Then again, I love writing, too, and it's so hard to find enough time to write everything I have in my head. Plus I'd love to have more time to spend with my kids. I think I just need to add three or four more hours to the day!


Reese: Let's say you won the lottery and became filthy rich overnight. I'm talking, like, Arab sheik-rich, or better yet, Danielle Steel-rich. Describe your new rich-person life for me?

Amelia: Oh, wow! Well, first thing I'd do is pay off every bill my family has--parents, brother, etc. And then I'd hire a maid. I really, truly, deeply hate to clean house! Hmm... well, I'd better have a house for the maid to work in, don't you think? (And since I'm a tree-hugger, I'd research green technologies and see just how environmentally friendly I could make it. That'd be fun!) I'd travel with my boys. I'd find some local charities to support and let each son pick one as well, since I'm a big believer in helping others.

And then I'd probably buy a new hybrid car and a ton of purses. I have a really major purse addiction--couldn't care less about shoes, (R.W. surely you jest) but I love unique handbags! (R.W. alright, you're redeemed) And books. There's this used bookstore in my hometown that I'm not allowed to go into because I spend far too much money in there, and I'd go clear that sucker out. "I'll take everything." No, don't laugh, I know I've said it a hundred times before but this time I'm serious. Load 'em all up!"

Reese: Can you name a few books that have really impacted you as a reader?

Amelia: Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunter series. A bunch of the old Silhouette Shadows books--anyone else remember those? (R.W. Yes, my chapter-mate Florence Cardinal) I cried when they discontinued that line! Stephen King's books because he's absolutely incredible at character development and vivid descriptions. I think I've probably taken something from every book I've ever read, and I'm ALWAYS reading. If I don't have a book with me, I feel naked!

Reese: What are your dreams? Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Amelia: In ten years? Ooh, that's a tough one. Well, I tend to dream small because it's more likely to be achieved, if that makes any sense. In ten years, I'd like to be buying a house on a little bit of land here in Central Texas, and I'd like to have a dedicated readership who appreciate my stories. And I hope I'm not still driving the same car! The most important thing will be having my kids close to me and making sure they're doing well, and if there's a man in the picture, I want him to be a good one. And that's it! Pretty boring, huh? (R.W. You, boring? Nevahhhh!)