What is one of your favorite things about writing?
Discovering my characters and having them fall in love.
Are you a plotter or a pantser?
Oh, I am a plotter. I love outlines and will swear by them for the rest of my writing days.
Can you write sex scenes at any time or do you have to be “in the mood?”
There’s not really a mood, but if I think about it too much then the scene is disjointed and definitely not sexy. I just have to write and edit later.
What is the most difficult thing about writing?
Revisions, revision suck.
What do you like about writing series books?
You get to visit the other characters in your previous series and you know they are happy.
What do you feel are some of the pros and cons of indie publishing?
You get to control everything about your book from the cover, independent editor, and when you release your book. You get to write what you want when you want. The cons, you have to market your book constantly and you don’t always get the number of readers that you want.
What do you like best about writing erotic romance?
Your characters are free to express their emotions by being intimate and it also gives you a glimpse into something very private that ties the two characters closer together.
Would you tell us about your latest release?
Ronan and Caleb meet in a bar one night, and although they’ve always identified as straight, they are attracted each other and decide to go with their feelings and get to know one another. As they fall in love, they have to deal with a stalker, some homophobic attitudes, and a friend that is confused about his sexuality.
Do you have an excerpt from your latest release you would like to share?
“I’m Ronan Scott.” He held his hand out.
Shit, even the man’s name is sexy.
He had to clear his throat before he reached out and grasped Ronan’s large, warm hand in his. “Caleb Hunt.”
Something inside Caleb warmed in increments until fireworks exploded behind his skin, all from a simple touch.
Ronan froze, his hand clutching Caleb’s. He pulled him forward, until Caleb could smell his subtle scent of cedar and spice. “Do you have a boyfriend?”
“No. I kissed a man once during a party, but I’ve never dated one.”
Ronan hadn’t let go of his hand and it felt wonderful. When he ran his thumb against the sensitive skin along the back of his hand, Caleb couldn’t suppress the shiver that snaked over his body. He glanced up, hoping that Ronan hadn’t noticed his overt reaction. He needn’t have worried; Ronan was deep in thought and the touch had been unconscious.
Caleb’s eyes roamed over Ronan’s face, understanding on a certain level that the attraction he felt was something he’d never experienced before.
But the man was spectacular. His dark hair, although styled, seemed a little longer than he was comfortable with, as he brushed it out of his face from time to time. His olive skin glowed with a healthy tan that made his eyes brighter, piercing. Caleb’s gaze lowered to the muscles of his chest and arms, and over the strong hands, one of which still held his. His gaze traveled back up to Ronan’s face, loving the scruff that had grown over the course of the day. Caleb couldn’t pull his eyes away, even when Ronan glanced up and their eyes met.
“I’ve never dated a man before, or even thought about it.” Ronan pulled Caleb even closer. “What happened with the guy you kissed?”
“Nothing. It was a drunken frat dare. He was a pledge and they ordered him to kiss a man and I happened to be close. The guy had been too drunk to remember who I was and since I didn’t feel anything when he kissed me, I had forgotten about the entire incident. Until now.”
“So…you’ve only dated women?” Ronan leaned closer to Caleb.
Caleb couldn’t help that his gaze dropped down and focused on Ronan’s lips. After a few seconds of silence, Caleb shook himself as he remembered the question. “Yes, I’ve only dated women, but usually infrequently and I’ve never been serious about someone before. Since my job requires a lot of focus and long hours, they quickly move on when they get bored of being ignored. I haven’t met anyone where I’ve given them my full attention, and that’s when they usually break up with me.”
What are a few of your favorite book covers that have been done for your books? Actually my book cover for this book, Unexpected, I created and I love it. The others in the series will be similar. I also loved my covers for the first three Dark Assassins novels.
Do you prefer writing your heroes, your heroines or do you like writing both equally?
I like writing both equally. When I write a character, I love to get to know everything about them from the type of music they like or hate, what they eat, how they live, down to their mannerisms and their idiosyncrasies and I always fall in love with my characters.
What are your favorite genres to read and write?
I love writing erotic paranormal and contemporary romances, I read romances (all genres and levels of spiciness), mysteries, biographies, and humor.
Where can we visit you online?
How long have you been writing?
I’ve been thinking about writing for the last 20 years, but I didn’t take it seriously until 2014 when I wrote my first book. I independently published my first book in May 2017.
Do you have any particular writing habits? (Listening to music, best time of day to write, etc.)
I listen to music. I tend to write in the afternoon after several cups of coffee.
Name three fictional characters (not your own) that you find hot. They can be from books, movies, or TV.
Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch), Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton), The Gunslinger from The Dark Tower (Idris Elba).
What is your favorite season?
Fall, love the cool weather.
What book are you currently reading?
Elementary Blood and Ink by Adam Christopher
What is the last movie you watched?
Alien: Covenant
What is your favorite comfort food?
Lasagna
Do you have any pets?
Yes, Maddie my 8 year old black lab mix, and she is the sweetest dog you will ever meet.
Author Bio:
Valerie writes paranormal and contemporary romances with strong alpha males and brilliant, beautiful heroines. She lives in Denver, Colorado with her wonderfully supportive husband and their funny and wise black lab. She’s addicted to coffee, crime shows, and reading and writing character driven romances.
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Thanks for having me, Kate!!
Fun interview! Book sounds great!
Great interview!
Congratulations on your new release!
Sherlock AKA Benedict C – is also one of my favourite characters.
Book sounds fantastic. Tweeted.
Thank you for being a guest, Valerie!
Sherlock is one of my favorites, too.
Glad you ladies enjoyed the interview!