Here are the questions I get asked the most from readers about my books and the writing process. You may also want to look at FAQ for Authors.
Q. What order do I read your books in?
A. There is a handy list HERE.
Q. Is all of your writing in British English?
A. Most of it is, yes. I am British, my characters are mostly British, and my stories, with a few exceptions, take place in the British Isles.
Q. Why is that?
A. I know the UK very well and I'm in love with it. Its countryside is ancient, its pagan roots only just beneath the surface for all to feel. As a land, Albion is still alive, magical and mystical. This is why I write about it.
Q. What genre do you write in?
A. I prefer my readers to decide. I don't like being boxed into a genre. Readers have called my stories paranormal romance, urban fantasy with a romantic kick, paranormal romantic suspense, paranormal erotica, erotic paranormal fantasy, and so on. Read about cross-genre fiction HERE.
Q. What are the main messages in your books?
A. None. I don't write that way. I write for entertainment and to release my own demons, not to convey any message. I'm a firm believer that books should be open to reader interpretation - we all experience stories differently and from our own personal level.
Q. Will I like your books?
A. I have no idea! I find it impossible to know who will like my books and who will not. My books tend to be a lot lighter in tone than people expect, and they can find that weird because I can touch on very dark, sometimes taboo, subjects. I have readers who are both male and female, ranging in age from 20 to 65 (I know this because they tell me). They come from all walks of life. Reading is subjective. It should also be noted my books are not recommended for those under 18.
Avid romance readers should take note of this: I don't write to a formula. There are no rules! My series books contain multiple characters and scenes from many points of view - each series may not be dedicated just to one hero and heroine, and the "happy" may not happen until the very end of the series. The romance may also not be seen as "traditional". My books tend to not completely fit into the mould of romance, even though there is a hell of a lot of romance within its pages. (And yes, I love romance - it's one of my favourite genres to read.)
Q. Why do authors feel they have to put sex and violence in their books to sell them?
A. Do they feel that? I can't speak for other authors, but I write sex and violence because I like to write sex and violence. Those darker scenes are a fabulous way for both authors and readers to stretch themselves and explore themes including freedoms, choices, morals and ethics. Writing these challenging scenes comes naturally to me, I enjoy writing them, and this is the way I want to write. I also enjoy the challenge of getting into darker characters and situations and portraying those in the best way I can. I don't write them to shock anyone or to "sell books" (I'm sure many people will choose not to read my books for the same reason) - I write the way I write because it fits my characters and the story. Also, the violence in my stories is not glorified. It's part of a dark process that take the characters on a necessary journey, in which there are always consequences.
Q. What are your favourite genres to read?
A. I fell in love with romance and passion from the age of twelve, and I've also always had an equal love of horror and scary things. In the past, I have loved horror, splatterpunk, paranormal romance (anything paranormal actually), thrillers, edgy erotica and some cutting edge contemporary fiction.
Q. Who are Erika Sorin and Elysa Summers?
A. They were my erotica writing pen names from back in 2011, but writing erotica didn't completely suit me, and since the fabulous feedback I started to receive about The Witching Pen, I made the hard decision to say goodbye to my pen names back in December 2011 - they have "retired" from writing.
Q. Is what you write now, Erotica?
A. No, it is not. By default, it has erotic elements because I like to write sex scenes, but it is not erotica. It is important to note that "Erotica" assumes that you have written the book for the "purposes of titillation". I do not write any of my sex scenes for the purposes of titillation. I write them because they are a heavy part of the plot and of character development. I make my sex scenes explicit where I feel it is important to get inside the characters' heads during the act to understand their pleasure or pain - again, a part of their development that needs to be understood for the storyline. Those familiar with my stories will know that during or after a sex scene, some pivotal point within the character/storyline will have been established - those scenes are the catalyst for change. I always, always write for the story. Whether anyone is actually "turned on" by what I write has absolutely no bearing on me as an author, or on the stories themselves. I don't think about whether my audience will be turned on - it is only important to me that the characters are, when they need to be, and that they are not, when they shouldn't be.
07.11.17 - Edited to add an interesting Facebook vote I held: I asked which aspects readers of my stories would choose if they had to ONLY pick one - not a single person chose 'eroticism'. See the post and comments HERE and see the collation of answers HERE. In conclusion, while my readers may very well enjoy the sexy times in my books, that's clearly not the reason they read them, or the reason they stay for more.
Q. Do you full-length novels as well as shorter ones?
A. Yes. I write both novellas and novels. I don't word-count in my head - a story is as long or as short as it takes to complete it. My shortest takes about 45 minutes to read (at around 11,000 words), and my longest single volume book is over 125,000 words (so, what is that? Around 7 or 8 hours to read, non-stop?). I don't forfeit in-depth characters or world building, but I do, naturally, write fast-paced stories. I like that 'TV series feel' you get when you read an exciting book: something important is happening in every scene with a build-up of suspense and raw emotion.
Q. Will you be writing any books suitable for teenagers / young adults (from age 14)?
A. No, probably not. Wilted (A Witching Pen Prequel) is suitable for a YA audience, but only by default because the characters are 15 and 17 years of age. I've thought about writing for a younger audience, and I never say never, but certainly not now. However, those that love New Adult books and don't mind the paranormal element may enjoy my stories a lot.
Q. Why does Releasing The Wolf end on such a cliffhanger?
A. Some readers like cliffhangers and I like writing them :) My series books tend to end on a cliffhanger until the very last book - much like watching a TV series - but it is an actual cliffhanger and not an abrupt finish in the middle of a conversation as some books nowadays tend to be. I don't consider a cliffhanger to be "not an ending". I think they are a perfectly valid ending. Different strokes...
Q. Why can't you wait and bring all the books of a series out at the same time?
A. For me, that's like saying to the creators of The Walking Dead (or any TV show), "Don't air a single episode until all of the seasons are finished." That's not the way it works. The next season is being produced while we get the teasers and then we see it when it's ready. It is the same for writers. And the viewer/reader ratings determine whether the next season/book goes ahead. My writing is my business as well as my art - I need to make money from it, or you will not be getting any more books because I'll have to go and get a job I don't enjoy that drains my soul. Please be patient - I'll do my best to make it worth your while :)
Q. You've written a couple of out-of-print, metaphysical non-fiction books, as well as fiction books that involve witchy storylines... Are you a witch, or involved in the esoteric world?
A. I so hate labels (in case you hadn't got that by now). I dedicated myself into the path of witchcraft in December, 2000. In December, 2001 - while I was studying a form of shamanism, I, along with the group of people I was studying with, entered the world of the shamanic warrior. I have not left either of these paths, and I practice as a solitary. I suppose you could call me a shamanic witch (that's what most people have called me in the past without my naming it). I am not a Pagan, I am not a Wiccan, and I actually grew up with a loving Roman Catholic influence, nestled among the culture of the Far East and Buddhist philosophies, which helped shape a lot of how I practice my craft and confer with the Otherworld. I am a spiritual freethinker who has always chosen my own path; who has always encouraged others to do the same. I have a blog where I post my spiritual thoughts and practices called Between Fire & Ice.
Q. Will those books ever come back into print?
A. If it feels right to bring them back, then yes. If it doesn't feel right, then no.
Q. How do I report any errors I've found in your books?
A. Please report it via the publisher website.
Q. (From reviewers) Can I sign up to request ARCs of your upcoming books?
A. Yes, definitely! The sign-up form is on the publisher website - CLICK HERE.
Feel free to leave a question or comment below. I try to reply within 72 hours.
Q. What order do I read your books in?
A. There is a handy list HERE.
Q. Is all of your writing in British English?
A. Most of it is, yes. I am British, my characters are mostly British, and my stories, with a few exceptions, take place in the British Isles.
Q. Why is that?
A. I know the UK very well and I'm in love with it. Its countryside is ancient, its pagan roots only just beneath the surface for all to feel. As a land, Albion is still alive, magical and mystical. This is why I write about it.
Q. What genre do you write in?
A. I prefer my readers to decide. I don't like being boxed into a genre. Readers have called my stories paranormal romance, urban fantasy with a romantic kick, paranormal romantic suspense, paranormal erotica, erotic paranormal fantasy, and so on. Read about cross-genre fiction HERE.
Q. What are the main messages in your books?
A. None. I don't write that way. I write for entertainment and to release my own demons, not to convey any message. I'm a firm believer that books should be open to reader interpretation - we all experience stories differently and from our own personal level.
Q. Will I like your books?
A. I have no idea! I find it impossible to know who will like my books and who will not. My books tend to be a lot lighter in tone than people expect, and they can find that weird because I can touch on very dark, sometimes taboo, subjects. I have readers who are both male and female, ranging in age from 20 to 65 (I know this because they tell me). They come from all walks of life. Reading is subjective. It should also be noted my books are not recommended for those under 18.
Avid romance readers should take note of this: I don't write to a formula. There are no rules! My series books contain multiple characters and scenes from many points of view - each series may not be dedicated just to one hero and heroine, and the "happy" may not happen until the very end of the series. The romance may also not be seen as "traditional". My books tend to not completely fit into the mould of romance, even though there is a hell of a lot of romance within its pages. (And yes, I love romance - it's one of my favourite genres to read.)
Q. Why do authors feel they have to put sex and violence in their books to sell them?
A. Do they feel that? I can't speak for other authors, but I write sex and violence because I like to write sex and violence. Those darker scenes are a fabulous way for both authors and readers to stretch themselves and explore themes including freedoms, choices, morals and ethics. Writing these challenging scenes comes naturally to me, I enjoy writing them, and this is the way I want to write. I also enjoy the challenge of getting into darker characters and situations and portraying those in the best way I can. I don't write them to shock anyone or to "sell books" (I'm sure many people will choose not to read my books for the same reason) - I write the way I write because it fits my characters and the story. Also, the violence in my stories is not glorified. It's part of a dark process that take the characters on a necessary journey, in which there are always consequences.
Q. What are your favourite genres to read?
A. I fell in love with romance and passion from the age of twelve, and I've also always had an equal love of horror and scary things. In the past, I have loved horror, splatterpunk, paranormal romance (anything paranormal actually), thrillers, edgy erotica and some cutting edge contemporary fiction.
Q. Who are Erika Sorin and Elysa Summers?
A. They were my erotica writing pen names from back in 2011, but writing erotica didn't completely suit me, and since the fabulous feedback I started to receive about The Witching Pen, I made the hard decision to say goodbye to my pen names back in December 2011 - they have "retired" from writing.
Q. Is what you write now, Erotica?
A. No, it is not. By default, it has erotic elements because I like to write sex scenes, but it is not erotica. It is important to note that "Erotica" assumes that you have written the book for the "purposes of titillation". I do not write any of my sex scenes for the purposes of titillation. I write them because they are a heavy part of the plot and of character development. I make my sex scenes explicit where I feel it is important to get inside the characters' heads during the act to understand their pleasure or pain - again, a part of their development that needs to be understood for the storyline. Those familiar with my stories will know that during or after a sex scene, some pivotal point within the character/storyline will have been established - those scenes are the catalyst for change. I always, always write for the story. Whether anyone is actually "turned on" by what I write has absolutely no bearing on me as an author, or on the stories themselves. I don't think about whether my audience will be turned on - it is only important to me that the characters are, when they need to be, and that they are not, when they shouldn't be.
07.11.17 - Edited to add an interesting Facebook vote I held: I asked which aspects readers of my stories would choose if they had to ONLY pick one - not a single person chose 'eroticism'. See the post and comments HERE and see the collation of answers HERE. In conclusion, while my readers may very well enjoy the sexy times in my books, that's clearly not the reason they read them, or the reason they stay for more.
Q. Do you full-length novels as well as shorter ones?
A. Yes. I write both novellas and novels. I don't word-count in my head - a story is as long or as short as it takes to complete it. My shortest takes about 45 minutes to read (at around 11,000 words), and my longest single volume book is over 125,000 words (so, what is that? Around 7 or 8 hours to read, non-stop?). I don't forfeit in-depth characters or world building, but I do, naturally, write fast-paced stories. I like that 'TV series feel' you get when you read an exciting book: something important is happening in every scene with a build-up of suspense and raw emotion.
Q. Will you be writing any books suitable for teenagers / young adults (from age 14)?
A. No, probably not. Wilted (A Witching Pen Prequel) is suitable for a YA audience, but only by default because the characters are 15 and 17 years of age. I've thought about writing for a younger audience, and I never say never, but certainly not now. However, those that love New Adult books and don't mind the paranormal element may enjoy my stories a lot.
Q. Why does Releasing The Wolf end on such a cliffhanger?
A. Some readers like cliffhangers and I like writing them :) My series books tend to end on a cliffhanger until the very last book - much like watching a TV series - but it is an actual cliffhanger and not an abrupt finish in the middle of a conversation as some books nowadays tend to be. I don't consider a cliffhanger to be "not an ending". I think they are a perfectly valid ending. Different strokes...
Q. Why can't you wait and bring all the books of a series out at the same time?
A. For me, that's like saying to the creators of The Walking Dead (or any TV show), "Don't air a single episode until all of the seasons are finished." That's not the way it works. The next season is being produced while we get the teasers and then we see it when it's ready. It is the same for writers. And the viewer/reader ratings determine whether the next season/book goes ahead. My writing is my business as well as my art - I need to make money from it, or you will not be getting any more books because I'll have to go and get a job I don't enjoy that drains my soul. Please be patient - I'll do my best to make it worth your while :)
Q. You've written a couple of out-of-print, metaphysical non-fiction books, as well as fiction books that involve witchy storylines... Are you a witch, or involved in the esoteric world?
A. I so hate labels (in case you hadn't got that by now). I dedicated myself into the path of witchcraft in December, 2000. In December, 2001 - while I was studying a form of shamanism, I, along with the group of people I was studying with, entered the world of the shamanic warrior. I have not left either of these paths, and I practice as a solitary. I suppose you could call me a shamanic witch (that's what most people have called me in the past without my naming it). I am not a Pagan, I am not a Wiccan, and I actually grew up with a loving Roman Catholic influence, nestled among the culture of the Far East and Buddhist philosophies, which helped shape a lot of how I practice my craft and confer with the Otherworld. I am a spiritual freethinker who has always chosen my own path; who has always encouraged others to do the same. I have a blog where I post my spiritual thoughts and practices called Between Fire & Ice.
Q. Will those books ever come back into print?
A. If it feels right to bring them back, then yes. If it doesn't feel right, then no.
Q. How do I report any errors I've found in your books?
A. Please report it via the publisher website.
Q. (From reviewers) Can I sign up to request ARCs of your upcoming books?
A. Yes, definitely! The sign-up form is on the publisher website - CLICK HERE.
Feel free to leave a question or comment below. I try to reply within 72 hours.
