Interview with Ana Raine – Kate Hill's Romance, Writing, and More Blog

What is one of your favorite things about writing?

One of my favorite things about writing is that you can do it pretty much anywhere, whenever the mood strikes you. One of the difficult things is when you know you have to finish at least ten more pages, but you’re too exhausted to continue.

When you’re brainstorming for a new story, what usually comes first for you, the plot or the characters?

Usually the plot comes to mind first and then I try to think of characters that would fit well with what I want.

When you’re writing, who is more in control, you or your characters?

Actually, the scene and mood of my writing is controlled by what music I’m listening to. If it’s sad and melodic, then my characters tend to become a bit dramatic.

Can you write sex scenes at any time or do you have to be “in the mood?”

I can write them any time, but I usually go back to them when I’m “in the mood” to make sure they still sound good.

What do you like about writing series books?

I love the chance to develop characters and watch them grow with the plot.

What do you feel are some of the pros and cons of epublishing?

One of the biggest pros is that your books can reach a wider audience to those who have internet access and can’t/don’t want to buy a print book. One of the cons is not being able to have a tangible copy of your work.

What are your favorite research resources?

My favorite research comes from reading yaoi and listening to music.

Would you tell us about your latest release?

Rolland and Porter have been lovers for years, even though relationships between Nekos and demons are forbidden. But despite Porter’s numerous attempts to take Rolland away from the Neko Island and make him into a pet, Rolland refuses on the grounds their secret would be discovered.

When Lance, a demon rebelling against the Royal Council, comes to Neko island in search of pets, Rolland volunteers. But Lance is not as ignorant as he pretends. He knows Rolland is actually a hybrid demon/Neko. Lance offers Rolland the chance to join him as an equal, but Rolland would have to divulge the identities of the other hybrids. Is his freedom worth betraying Porter and the secret he vowed to keep?

Do you have an excerpt from your latest release you would like to share?

“Rolland, where is your mind?” Porter, Prince Adrian’s cousin, had the same dark hair sweeping down across his forehead and radiant purple eyes. He moistened his lips, the action sending my thoughts to spiral into every pleasurable thing he could do to me with his mouth.

All the things I could do to him…

“I’m sorry,” I told him. In this place, where we were alone, I didn’t need to address him as Porter-sama. When we’d first become lovers, I’d used his honorific and the look of sadness that crept into his eyes was forever imprinted on my mind.

“Are you okay?” he asked softly, touching the corner of my eye with the tip of his slender finger. I’d been lying beside him in our secret spot on the outskirts of the Neko Island.

There were many abandoned cottages here, because when other Nekos left, there was no one to take their place.

The bed creaked beneath us as Porter readjusted himself so he was propped on his elbows beside me. Dipping his head down, he brushed his hair over my chest and pressed kisses to my collarbone. “We don’t have to if you aren’t… in the mood.”

“Are you kidding me?” I scoffed, moving the blanket so he could see my erection tenting my boxers. “It’s hard for you to come here as often as we’d like. Of course I want to.”

He narrowed his eyes and even before he opened his mouth, I knew what he was going to say.

“You know, if you came back with me, we could have sex every single night and morning and day.”

I laughed. “So basically, we’d never leave your room.”

He nodded enthusiastically as he pressed two fingers against my mouth. Willingly, I parted my lips so he could stick them inside, and I sucked them greedily, coating his digits with my saliva. The lustful expression Porter showed me was beyond sexy. He was easily the most gorgeous male I’d ever met, right along with his cousin who shared his slender but muscular frame. Porter was only wearing briefs, so I could see his long pale legs stretched out across the bed.

I wanted desperately to please him. Even if he didn’t touch me, I wanted to see his satisfied expression more than anything. I ran my hand over his chest, following the scant line of hair to his flat stomach and slender hips. My breathing hitched as he pushed his fingers deeper into my mouth.

My plain brown tail thumped against the bed embarrassingly, but Porter pressed his nose to my neck and inhaled, his fingers withdrawing from the warm confines of my mouth.

He tugged on one of my brown cat ears, but I liked the sensation so much, my back curled in an attempt to get him to touch me more.

“I don’t think I can wait any longer to take you,” he admitted huskily as he raised his head from my chest so I could see the fire burning in his purple eyes.

I swallowed nervously. Despite being his lover for so long, Porter was undeniably attractive and powerful, the cousin of the Prince and therefore royalty himself. Yet, instead of being with a demon or another more handsome Neko, he was with me.

“Whatever you want, I’ll give you,” I told him. “You know that.”

His smile was dark as he nodded once, his hair cascading over his face. “I know, Rolland. I never get tired of wanting you. When I am away from you, there is an undeniable pain I can’t chase away. Please say you’ll come back with me this time.”

In my heart, I knew Porter would never choose to love another, but our love was secret. As far as anyone knew, Porter and I didn’t even know each other on a first name basis. Going back with him could jeopardize everything, including the lives of Porter and Collin.

“Ask me after,” I pleaded, “Please, I want you inside of me so much I can’t think.”

What three words would the hero of your story use to describe his love interest?

An intelligent, persistent demon!

If the main characters in your latest release were invited to a masquerade party, what costumes would they wear?

My main character, Rolland would wear a fox costume because sometimes he really hates being a neko. Porter, my other main character, would go as himself because hey, why not be a demon at a masquerade party?

Do you have a favorite character or characters you feel especially close to?

I really like Collin from my first two Neko books because he is a relatable character that you really want to succeed. Also he is a half human, half cat and if you love cats, what’s not to love about Collin?

Would you share one of the sexiest or most romantic lines from one of your books?

“I’ll take anything that you’ll give me, Adrian.” Collin, Clock Strikes (Neko 1)

If you could meet one of your characters, which one would it be?

Definitely Prince Adrian.

If you were a shapeshifter and could become any one item owned by your latest romance hero (or heroine), what would it be?

Collin’s diamond, sapphire, emerald bracelet.

Would you tell us about yourself?

Ana is still figuring out what she wants to do with her life, although social work seems to be the most likely. Her best friends are a box of chocolate and her kitten who always sit beside her while she writes. When Ana was in high school, she often wrote about the LGBT community, but now her work is less…innocent. Ana enjoys writing anything and everything, including BDSM, dragons, shifters, magic, and more.

What are your favorite genres to read and write?

Paranormal Fantasy and BDSM

Where can we visit you online?

Blog: http://anarainebooks.blogspot.com

Changeling Author Page: http://www.changelingpress.com/author.php?uid=178

When you’re not writing, what do you like to do?

I like to run, swim, bike, and paint.

To you what makes a great romance hero?

A hero has to be someone who eventually discovers what they want before they are swept away.

Where would you go on your dream vacation?

I’d love to go to Hawaii or Ireland. Anywhere surrounded by the ocean.

Name three fictional characters (not your own) that you find hot. They can be from books, movies, or TV.