When you’re brainstorming for a new story, what usually comes first for you, the plot or the characters?
Typically, it’s the characters. One scene will pop into my head or I’ll have a dream that forms the basis of the romance (I have some very sexy dreams!), and then I have to find the right plot for them.
When you’re writing, who is more in control, you or your characters?
I love this question! Definitely my characters—and I wouldn’t have it any other way. While I need an overall concept of plot and conflict to get the ball rolling, I don’t fully commit to anything while crafting the story. I used to struggle with guiding my characters, wanting them to do this or that when it clearly wasn’t the right direction to take, and I was never happy with the outcome. One of the best pieces of advice I received in that vein was to let the characters write the story. Understand who they are and how they would react in any given situation and let them have at it!
Can you write sex scenes at any time or do you have to be “in the mood?”
I used to only write them late at night, after a glass of wine (or several!), with whatever music fit the tone of the story. That meant that while I was writing during the day, I’d include a highlighted note to myself in the manuscript – INSERT SEX SCENE HERE!! – and move on to the next chapter or scene. But it was pretty anti-climatic to reach the end of the book and be thrilled to have it finished, only to remember I still had a number of scenes to write! I’ve also found that writing the steamy stuff works better for me when I’m in the groove of what’s happening between the characters, what moods they’re in, what the intensity level is supposed to be, etc. So now I just go for it when the scene arrives!
What is the most difficult thing about writing?
For me, it’s the self-doubt that comes right around Chapter Five. When I start a new book, I’m completely into it, loving the characters and getting to know them better, developing their conflicts and the plot. Then Chapter Five arrives and I’ve re-read/edited the first draft leading up to it several times and I suddenly start thinking, “Why am I writing this book? Is anyone even going to buy it?” I hear this is a common affliction for writers, and it’s actually pretty painful. That’s when I move onto my next project, only to have the characters I shoved aside nag me to finish what I started!
What do you like about writing series books?
My favorite part is building a large cast of characters. I’m a huge fan of secondary characters! Also, I like to build my series around a certain locale, and it’s fun to explore the area and write about interesting places or facts, or dream them up if it’s a fictitious town. In my upcoming BURNED DEEP trilogy, the setting is gorgeous Sedona, Arizona, and it was amazing to use the red-rock canyons, Oak Creek and the late-summer monsoons as the backdrop. The town has immense personality and is a character unto itself!
Would you give us a sneak peek at one of your upcoming releases?
Absolutely! I am so thrilled to have my first New York publishing debut (with St. Martin’s Press). BURNED DEEP is book one in the contemporary erotic romance trilogy and releases on October 6, 2015! (In trade paperback and ebook.) Ari DeMille and Dane Bax set the pages on fire! There’s plenty of steam, but the story is also part thriller/part intrigue as Dane attempts to launch a luxury resort amidst betrayal and deception from a secret-society poli-econ bloc that wants to cash in on his dream and hard work.
Do you have an excerpt from BURNED DEEP you would like to share?
This is from Chapter One, when Ari is orchestrating a wedding at a resort and has to track the groomsmen down at the bar and get them to the altar—it’s the first time she gets a gander at Dane, and the sparks fly!
“How many has he had?” I asked Kyle.
“Going on his second one. Sean won’t slur his vows, I promise. Just needed a little fortification so he doesn’t sphincter up when the I now pronounce you man and wife part comes.” He winked. “Couple of wedding day jitters, that’s all. Nothing to worry about.”
“Hey, I love Meghan,” Sean assured us. “But come on—she’s only two months pregnant. What’s the rush?”
Kyle snickered. “You’re a lucky SOB and you know it. Meg’s a knockout and you’re marrying into a crazy-rich family. Too bad she doesn’t have a sister. But, hey, if I catch the garter, that means I’ll find my own pretty little love slave, right?” His gaze swept over me.
“Use a condom,” Sean lamented. “That’s all I’m saying, man.”
Kyle leaned in close—too close for comfort, making me flinch. I didn’t like anyone invading my personal space unless invited.
I sensed he was harmless, yet Kyle exuded enough self-confidence to convince me he had a way with the ladies. So my nerves jumped to attention when he gave me a suggestive look.
“I’d be your love slave,” he mused good-naturedly. “You can even tie me to the bedposts, if you want.”
“That’s, um…not really my thing.”
“You’re not married, are you, Ari? Or otherwise spoken for? ‘Cause there’s a whole night of dancing ahead of us—”
“Dude.” Sean fake-punched his best man in the arm. “She’s my wedding planner. Don’t hit on her. At. My. Wedding.”
Kyle said, “Weddings are the perfect place to meet new women, amigo. And this one’s beautiful and smart. Possibly single. So why wouldn’t I find out if there’s something to pursue here?”
I suddenly felt another set of eyes on me. From behind. It was an eerie, unmistakable feeling.
As they bantered like I wasn’t standing next to them in earshot, I glanced over my shoulder. And lost my breath.
The argument faded into oblivion as my pulse echoed through me, drowning out all other sounds, thoughts, everything.
In the corner up front sat two men, paperwork sprawled across their table. One salt-and-pepper-haired, distinguished looking, older. The other dark-haired and dressed all in black—button-down shirt with sleeves rolled up to reveal impressive forearms, jeans and boots. Late twenties, maybe thirty. He had a very mysterious air about him, and he was staring at me.
Right at me.
His onyx hair was sexily tousled as though he’d just rolled out of bed with a woman who’d enjoyed mussing the thick, silky looking strands. His piercing green eyes held a hint of intrigue and a hell of a lot of don’t mess with me. Contradictory signals that sparked my interest.
His face was a chiseled masterpiece. He had strong features with a stone-set jaw, balanced brows, not too thick, not too thin, and a nose that might have been punched a time or two, given the slight bump close to the eyes, but which still managed to look specially crafted to keep harmony with all the sculpted angles. A mouth that easily drew my attention, my gaze lingering on it until I caught myself.
All in all, he was devilishly handsome. Darkly beautiful.
It struck me that I would never consider a man beautiful, thinking it would undermine his masculinity. Not so with this one. He was beautiful and virile. Downright heart-stopping.
I felt a peculiar stirring deep within me. An innate reaction to his edgy perfection.
It seemed as though the blood moved a bit slower through my veins. Thicker, warmer. Molten.
My gaze lifted, our eyes locked and I was riveted. Still couldn’t breathe.
Something flickered in those hypnotic emerald pools of his. Something curious like a warning to be heeded. Not menacing, but…definitely intimidating.
Unnerved and surprisingly, intensely aroused, I tore my gaze from the sexy stranger just as Grace brought my shot.
©Calista Fox 2015
BURNED DEEP is currently up for pre-order at a huge discount for the ebook version—half off! (As of the time of this interview.) Get it at Amazon: http://amzn.to/1GXG6c0 and Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/burned-deep-calista-fox/1120919424?ean=9781250072511
What makes the hero of BURNED DEEP hot?
Dane Bax is tall, dark and dangerous personified! He’s actually a bit of a gothic character, teetering on the slippery slope of antihero. He’s fiercely protective of what’s his, powerful, intelligent and incredibly passionate. And once he meets Ari—she’s it for him. He’ll do anything to keep her safe from the perils in his world, and his raw intensity and devotion to Ari are some of the predominant traits that made me fall in love with him. Along with his hunky build and bold bedroom moves! 😉
My second NY debut, this one with Grand Central Publishing, launches in September. The LEAVE YOUR SHOES ON series starts with a very sexy “friends with benefits” twist and is titled, WHAT LOLA WANTS.
Beyond that, I’ve just signed a three-book deal, again with St. Martin’s, that pairs literary couples with a plus one—erotic ménages that have some surprise endings!
Would you tell us about yourself?
I’m a former PR professional who now writes full-time. I started with Red Sage Publishing in the popular Secrets volumes. I also launched their ebook venture with my novella, ONE WISH. I then began writing for Ellora’s Cave and Harlequin’s Carina Press. I did all of this while working and traveling, but once I decided to leave Corporate America behind, I signed with a great agent and am now mostly focused on traditional publishing, though my backlist will be offered at very low prices when I self-publish them this fall.
Aside from writing, I still travel a lot, though for fun and for research. I have two adorable dogs, a fluffy Pomeranian named Nikita Isabelle (“Nik”) and a cuddly Maltese named Riley Anushka (“Ry”) who is Nik’s offspring, but doesn’t look a thing like her mom! I married my college sweetheart and, thankfully, he completely understands and supports my writing obsession!
Where can we visit you online?
https://www.facebook.com/calistafox
www.twitter.com/calistafoxbooks
www.calistafoxblog@blogspot.com NEWLY LAUNCHED!
Do you have any particular writing habits? (Listening to music, best time of day to write, etc.)
I’ve always worked in fast-paced and noisy environments so I must have music on when I write! The playlists are tailored to whatever project I’m working on. I also like to get out and about and write in public places where there’s the illusion of social interaction while I’m working—writing can be a very lonely profession when the pups are snoozing and the hubs is at the office! I typically edit in the morning and write in the afternoon. I try to knock off around seven at night so that I’m not writing around the clock. I’ve recently incorporated exercise into my editing process—I’ll walk the house while editing a hard copy version of my current project. Not only does it help me to get in my 10,000 steps but I find it energizes my mind, too. I highly recommend it!
Name three fictional characters (not your own) that you find hot. They can be from books, movies, or TV.
Well, I’m a sucker for Rhett Butler. Strong, virile, savvy, sexy…you can’t go wrong with him! Scarlett didn’t know the good thing she had going! Second would be Smallville’s Oliver Queen/the Green Arrow (Justin Hartley). Totally sigh-worthy bod and smile. Plus, who doesn’t love a superhero? And third…Gannicus (Dustin Clare) from Starz’s Spartacus. Tormented when he falls for his best friend’s wife, a god of the arena, a total rock star gladiator with a cocky, yet boyish smile that makes my pulse jump. Yum! 😉
Thanks for having me, Kate!
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