About Beth, Books and Writing
What should readers know about your books before they buy them?
I would like them to know that I put my all into my books—every one. A hot, erotic read is a top priority for me, but so is rich characterization, an interesting plot with some good twists, and a compelling, emotionally fulfilling relationship between my hero and heroine. My books are far, far from being conventional, but I do have to say that readers who enjoy traditional romance in additon to erotic romance likely will find a nice blend of the two genres in my work.
What inspired you to write erotic romance?
I love romance, but the only stuff that used to be available was always…lacking, to say the least. I think women are a lot more complex in their sexuality and in what they find appealing in regard to romance than most of the population—including a lot of women—ever realized.
Do your books have a HEA (Happily-Ever-After)?
Yes.
What are your heroes and heroines like?
My heroes are definitely dominant, alpha males but they are each complex and different in their own way. My heroines are diverse as well, but I would say one common similarity is that they are very strong, psychologically speaking. They aren’t Buffy the Vampire Slayer types but they are all fearless and unstoppable when it comes to down to danger, getting what they most desire or keeping their loved ones safe. One of the themes of my writing is the complementary aspects of the hero and heroine—how their characters fit together like a puzzle or template. He is drawn to her psychological/emotional strengths and she grows under the influence of his more physical, bold masculinity.
What do you hope readers take with them after reading one of your books?
It would make me happiest if they wanted to recommend it to a friend that doesn’t normally read erotic romance…and feel really good about doing it. I hope they’ll take the story and the characters with them for awhile—that it will linger in the mind like a good story should.
What do you hope they will understand about (erotic) romantic fiction and/or about you?
That erotic romantic fiction can be unique, smart, inspiring and fun and that people who read it or write it can be the same.
When are your next books coming out?
When are your next books coming out?
HOLIDAY BOUND: December 1, 2009, Samhain
RELEASE: February, 2010, Berkley Heat.
VELVET CATACLYSM, Princes of the Underground: Spring, 2010, Samhain.
EXPLOSIVE: December 2010, Berkley Heat.
Where do you get your ideas
Most of them come to me while I’m in traffic with my stereo playing really loud. Go figure.
How many books do you usually write a year?
Last year I wrote four full length novels. I still feel pretty new at this. I’m not one hundred percent sure what my comfortable pace is yet.
What do you like most about being a writer?
Finishing a book! It really is rewarding. I find that I have a sort of tension level that will NOT go away until I finish a book. When I finally send it in to my editor it feels so great. Until the next book idea pops into my head in traffic, that is.
How much research do you do and how do you do it?
I do a ton of research. I read books avidly before I begin writing and also do online research. When I can, I consult with people who are experts in the fields where my characters work. I had a ball doing research for DARING TIME, so much so that I think the book has become a real personal tribute to Chicago.
Does reader’s feedback help you with your writing? Is feedback something that is very important to you?
Feedback is very important to me and I would love to hear from readers.
Any advice to aspiring writers?
If you really love to do it, it will come. Also, read, read, read.