What is your story's heat level? How do you approach the sex
scenes?
I’d say the heat is pretty darn hot in Ophelia’s Lessons! Since
this is one of the stories in my Naughty Shakespeare series, I go on a Quill
Pen system. This tale gets five Quill Pens! That means it was hot enough for
Shakespeare’s quill to catch fire. When it comes to sex scenes, I let them
unfold naturally. My erotica is very character driven so the style and type of
sex they have is based on their personality.
How do you maintain activity as a writer when sitting at a desk all day?
How do you maintain activity as a writer when sitting at a desk all day?
Lots of breaks and I have an IV drip of caffeine that goes
directly to my heart! Just kidding. It can be tough to sit behind a screen for
long periods. I take walks, I go to the store, and I sometimes close my lap top
and walk away. Those things help me keep my sanity and let me puzzle out my
story.
What is it that you loved about the main characters in your story?
What is it that you loved about the main characters in your story?
In all three books of the Naughty Shakespeare series that are
currently out, my favorite thing about the main characters is that they aren’t
who we’ve been led to believe. You know, the original stories that Ophelia’s
Lessons (Hamlet), Ravishing Rosaline (Romeo and Juliet), and The Taming of the
Prude (The Taming of the Shrew) are based on are all over 400 years old. We’ve
certain preconceived ideas about them. It’s fun to change up those expectations
and give each tale and character a new little twist.
What do you feel is your strongest type of writing? Humor? Angst? Confrontation scenes? Action? Sex? Sensuality? Sweet Romance? And why?
Humor. If you can’t laugh at yourself or situations, you’re in
trouble. I think that’s especially true in novel writing, too. If your
characters don’t have a bit of humor now and then, than it’s hard to identify and
connect with them.
Are you social media savvy? If so what do you suggest for others? If not, why not?
Are you social media savvy? If so what do you suggest for others? If not, why not?
I try to be. I love me some Facebook time and Twitter time. I’m
constantly fiddling with my website because it’s fun. I love going to book
signings and showing off my business cards with the QR codes on them. I think
social media is an important tool for writers. It’s not going away, so if
you’re serious about promotion, you gotta jump on the bandwagon and start
learning about it!
What are some things from your life or things you have observed that you've infused into your stories?
What are some things from your life or things you have observed that you've infused into your stories?
That it’s important to take risks! All my characters take a risk
of some sort. Maybe it results in good things, maybe not. But they take the
chance instead of lamenting what could have been.
If you had an unlimited budget, where would you like to visit for story-related research?
If you had an unlimited budget, where would you like to visit for story-related research?
Hmmm….so many places. However, I think jolly old England would up
first. So much history and culture there. Of course, I’d never survive the plane
ride. I’m way to anxiety ridden about flying.
Finally, tell us a little about your newest release!
Finally, tell us a little about your newest release!
Ophelia’s Lessons is a fun, erotic, modern day prequel to
Shakespeare’s tragedy, Hamlet. Ophelia is a sweet, innocent girl. Or is she?
When her roommate, Portia, comes up with a plan to “educate” her on the ways of
love, Ophelia discovers there’s a lot more to life than she thought. With the
help of Horatio, Ophelia’s eyes are opened to a world of sexual delight that
she hopes will help her capture the love of her life, Hamlet. But her new found
world could also be her undoing. There are lots of secrets and lies surrounding
Hamlet’s family which threatens to suck her in and crush her hopes and dreams…
Gotta question for Esmae? Feel free to ask!
