Please tell us a little about yourself, and how long you have been writing? Have you always gravitated toward being an author? 

I’ve been writing since 2000. The first novel published was Lucinda’s Contract-- a historical work set in Renaissance Venice—and that was in 2003. No. I never imagined being an author when I grew up.  

What inspired you to write in the first place? Does the same thing inspire you all the time? 

I was sitting on the couch reading a truly woeful book. I mumbled something about doing better as I tossed it. My best friend said, “Why don’t you write a book?” I looked at him, hummed, hared, and agreed that I should give it a go, and that was that. *shrug*   

Hmm… My imagination…situations unfolding around me inspire me all the time. I’m utterly fascinated with life, it’s a writer’s aphrodisiac.  I’m addicted to daydreaming and writing those scenes I guess.  *g*  

What influenced you to be published? How long did it take your first book to be sold? 

My insatiable need to succeed in the literary world.   

My first book never sold; it sits in an archive box on top of my wardrobe... Lucinda’s Contract, my first published boo, was my third written work and my first erotic romance. It sold right away, hence my foray into the erotic romance world.  

Often a writer’s first book is the hardest to write. Was this the case with you? If so, what helped you get through it? If it wasn’t, what book was the most difficult to write, if any? 

My imagination has always been a wonderful thing.  My first work was rather difficult, as I had no clue. None at all. Plot structure and point of views were alien to me. Plenty of research and patient editors helped. *Groaning in remembrance*    

Do you usually outline or go with the flow? Do you have a routine when you are writing (mood music, candles, no noise, etc)? 

Sometimes I outline and at others, I go with the flow. Most times the story comes to me and I plot it out right there and then.  

The editing process is quite important in an author’s life. How do you find the editing process for any of your books? Do you have a routine when you edit? 

I edit as I work and then go back over it. I like clean work. 

What makes your characters the most vulnerable yet strong in all your books? 

Hmm… Well, that difficult to say. I guess for all of them…I’d have to say love. :) 

Do you have moments of insecurity when writing? If so, how did you overcome these moments? 

Yes, of course.  I step back and look at how far I’ve progressed in this industry.  That usually puts me right back on track.  

Ms. Martin, erotic romance is getting bigger and more mainstream as months go on. What do you believe is the biggest misconception in this field? 

In my opinion the biggest misconception is, there is no storyline in erotic romance and erotica, that the authors are barely literate pornographers. It’s obvious that the individuals with this view haven’t bothered to read the superior works available today’s market. This kind of ignorance gets right up my nose let me tell you. Blah… Blah… Blah…  *Stepping down off my soapbox.*   

I checked out your site and it’s amazing. On your coming soon page, you have some great books coming out. Can you give us a glimpse into what is coming up for you?  

Vampiric Feast is due to be released through WCP Torrid, April 2007. This is my first gay erotic romance. It’s in TORRID TEASERS Volume 25, shared with Michael Keene’s The Loch Keeper.   

Here’s the blurb for Vampiric Feast: New Paris, 3030 A.D.  

Claude Roux--a twenty-seven year old protected mortal-- has had many woman in his bed, but finds them lacking. He realizes what he’s been missing when Darius and his predatory associates begin to frequent his nightclub. Darius is a three thousand year old vampire with a taste for virile young men. Claude can’t take his eyes off the towering black-eyed male. Irrepressible desire drives him to seek out Darius’s company, even though he has never been intimate with a man before. However, to know the privilege of Darius's lovemaking in its entirety Claude must also know his eternal bite. Is he willing to give up mortality for eternity with a dominant lover and master?~~~~

Coming the first half of this year is Immortality’s Caress book 3: Sophia’s Release, which is set in New Orleans 1770.   Check my website for more details on that one.   

I also am writing a psychological thriller… working title Stalking Jessica. Arrr…thinking. I’m hoping to complete my collection of erotic and romantic poetry this year, and a collection of erotic shorts, but we’ll see how I progress, as I have work aside from writing to do as well. No rest for the wicked. Lol. 

What do you feel is the most important thing(s) new authors need to remember when writing their own books? What advice can you give aspiring authors? 

Study your craft well. Write what you know-- you can never do enough research… ;) Scrupulously edit your work.  Opinions differ and rejection is something most of us have suffered through, so don’t get down about it.  Know that your hard work is going to a reputable publisher before you sign that dotted line. Ask other writers whether they’re happy with the publisher they have. Look for online sites that list sham publishing houses. ‘Preditors & Editors’ is a good start: http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/. 

Which book (out now and coming soon) is your favorite and why? What have you enjoyed the most of this book? 

I have many... Mistress Kitty’s Thigh High Boots: I enjoyed the research…and creating in-depth characters that fitted the BDSM lifestyle. I experienced a sense of satisfaction from the finished product.   

Immortality’s Caress book 2:  Eloise’s Awakening: This work is set in Baroque France, the research, the story, took me on a journey through the past. The main characters shine-- a gorgeous fop and a clumsy, bisexual vampire. I love this period in history and it shows. I guess that’s why this work has received rave reviews and is a 2007 EPPIE finalist-- in the paranormal erotica genre.   

What do you think the level of sensuality/heat is in your books? What can readers expect from your books with respect to sensuality, sexual content? 

I write erotica, erotic romance and sensual romance. Sensuality level differs greatly. Example: Pharaoh’s Touch is hot. However, the couple is exclusive. Crimson Destiny’s characters are uninhibited. There is m-m, m-f-m, s/m and hetro sex.   I have made note of contents on each title’s web page for the reader’s convenience. 

Have you ever been nervous about the reaction of readers when a new book comes out? 

Sure. All the time. I guess I always will be.  

What do you hope readers take with them when they read one of your books? 

A sense of satisfaction, and perhaps insight into the world I tried to create. I hope they return for more, of course. *g* 

If a book was written about you, what do you think the title would be with in five words? 

Lol. ‘Miss Naughty…Nice…and Peculiar!’  

In your Immortality’s Caress Series, you introduce Eloise to the readers in ELOISE'S AWAKENING. What part of you is in this character? How many books are you planning in this captivating series? 

Eloise makes her entrance in Allegra’s Seduction, the first book in my Immortality’s Caress series. She made such an impression; I had to write a story for her, too.  

I don’t consciously place my characteristics in my characters. I guess I would have to say Eloise’s clumsiness. *g* I leave traces of me in all my works I suppose. 

There are six books in the Immortality’s Caress series. The story begins in Venice and moves to Paris, New Orleans, Cairo, London and New York...  It’s an erotic historical and journey through the dark and delightful world of my vampires.  

Eloise and Christian are two strong people, different yet the same. How did these two characters captivate you to tell their stories? 

Eloise came to me larger than life in book one, as did Sophia and Shiro. They all proceeded to hound me ‘til I promised them their own limelight, and that’s when I decided to create the series. Sophia and Shiro are in book three.  Back on track. With all his airs and graces, Christian just appeared to me when I was setting the scene for Eloise’s Awakening. I wrote him into the story for Eloise. He was perfect for her.  Yeah, I know I sound absolutely nuts. I am, of course.  LOL. 

Do you fall in love with the heroes you write? Who is your favorite hero from any story you have read – one of your favorite books? 

Sure.  Nicolas, the French Spy in Lucinda’s Contract—now out of print—he is tall, dark, handsome, and sarcastic, the perfect man for Lucinda. I must admit I love most of my characters, male and female.  

A favorite character from a book that I’ve not written? I’d have to say Jane Austen’s Mr. Darcy ~ Pride and Prejudice. That’s one at least. :) 

Your latest book is PHARAOH'S TOUCH and tells a story of an Egyptian god frequenting the dreams of one woman. What was it that drew you to tell this short yet captivating story? Do you plan any other mythical character stories? 

PHARAOH'S TOUCH  is set in my favorite place in the world, Egypt. The Pharaoh, Khufu, has fascinated me since I first started to read historic books.  *g*   

Oh, I can see many mythical characters entering future works. :) 

You have some great secondary characters in your books. Will we see spin offs in regards to them in their own storylines? Do you prefer writing series books over non series or does it matter? 

There are many characters from books one and two of my Immortality’s Caress series that will reappear in the following four works. Shiro, Sophia and Jamal will have main parts in books three and four.  

It doesn’t matter to me--I like writing both. Admittedly, it is more difficult to write the series books, as I have to keep the all those stories straight. 

Did you ever expect your books to be so popular and receive such great reader response when you first started writing? 

I hoped they would be popular. I am pleased with the success I’ve had thus far.

Please add anything else you would like us to know, Ms. Martin. 

Thank you for having me at Love Romance & More, Dawn.   

Readers can visit me here: http://www.monicammartin.com/ 

My works can be found at WCP Torrid , Mardi Gras Publishing and eXtasy Books

My Poetry is published at Sensual Venus,  The Erotic Woman and Monica M. Martin.

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Visit Amorous Authors here: http://www.amorousauthors.blogspot.com/

Note: The Amorous Authors are Rayne Forrest, Ann Cory, Brenda Williamson, Twyla Dawn McNight, and Monica M. Martin. 

Cheers, M. 

Thank you, Ms. Martin for sharing your wonderful works of art and magical storytelling with your readers. I look forward to reading more from you and look at Ms. Martin’s website for more information on her latest books, news and other tidbits (http://www.monicammartin.com/home.html