I was Interviewed Today

I was interviewed today by Rose of Romance at Heart. I've known about this site for quite some time, but just never seized the opportunity to contact her for an author interview. There are so many sites out there offering interviews, so readers, here's an opportunity to learn a little more about me, and discover new authors!

http://romanceatheart.com/interview/charismaknight.html

Amira Press Bad Boys Inc Available in Print

Bad Boys Incorporated anthology now in print! What awesome stories! So glad I was invited to participate in this! 

J.A. Saare, Candace Donovan, Dahlia Rose, E. Jamie, Charisma Knight, Tressie Lockwood


Available at Amazon

Blind Passion, Part Three

Well, another awesome Thanksgiving has passed. It was wonderful being with friends and family, but just went too fast!

Anyway, I hope you will enjoy part 3 of Blind Passion over at Tracy Ames' site. Love this site to death! I just need to be more active on it! Anyway, if you haven't checked it out yet, you really should!

http://www.interracialerotica.net/erotica/articles/279/1/Blind-Passion-Part-Three/Page1.html

~*Author Spotlight on Raquel Mulgrew*~

CK:  Hello folks! Today, welcome

Raquel Mulgrew! I’m curious to know, where did you submit your first story?

RM:  My first erotic story was published at the publishing company, Wicked Women of Color. Oddly enough, I didn’t approach them with my story, they approached me. I had been posting work for free online and the owner of the publishing company contacted me. She was a fan of my work and she asked if I would be interested in writing for her. I accepted and the rest, as they say, is history. Unfortunately, WWC is no longer around, but it will always hold a special place in my heart.

CK:  It’s such a wonderful feeling when a publishing company approaches the author! Please, tell us, what are the pros and cons of being a published author?

RM:  In my opinion, one of the major pros of being a published author is the feedback from my readers. I love getting reader emails and interacting with people from all over the world. I had a great dialog going with a man from Australia. There are very many deep and interesting people in the world, and I have to say if not for my writing, I would know even fewer of them. Cons: writing is work. It’s emotionally expensive and mentally exhausting work. I know so many people who think writing is easy. I’m not really sure why, but I would venture to guess that it’s because they’ve never actually done it. At least not with any real enthusiasm, anyway.

CK:  Would you do us the honor of providing a sneak peek of your most recent project, if possible?

RM:  But of course! My latest piece is called, “A Summer Rain”. It’s a short story about love and loss and love again. I liken it to a Romeo and Juliette-ESQUE style romance where the “Montague” family is less than tolerant of the young miss “Capulet” and makes arrangements to ensure that our Romeo stays far, far away from his true love.

Blurb:

Shana Sanders was moving on with her life after the only
man she ever loved walked away from her with no explanation. One rainy
Chicago afternoon, she's stunned to find him standing at her doorstep begging for forgiveness.


Robert wants her back in his life as he tries to convince her
that his departure had nothing to do with his feelings for her but
everything to do with his bigoted father and brother.

Can Shana forgive him and recapture the love they shared, or will hatred and ignorance keep them apart forever?

Excerpt:

“Why are you standing out there, silly?” Shana asked, holding the door open for Robert in the entryway. “Come on in. I made your favorite, chicken Marsala and mashed potatoes.”

He smiled.

“I can’t stay,” Robert said in an almost inaudible tone. “I just—I wanted to see you.”

“You just got here. Where do you have to go?”

“Shana, I… I can’t really talk about it.”

Shana eyed him curiously. It was obvious there was something amiss.

“What’s wrong, Robert?”

“Nothing. Just trust me, okay? I’ll be back soon.”

“Robert…”

“Shana!” Robert exclaimed with mild impatience. He ran his fingers through his hair and sighed. Shana noticed the bruised knuckles on his right hand. She thought to inquire about their origin, but pushed the thought from her mind.

“Trust me. I need you to do that for me. Can you?”

Shana backed up and viewed the figure in front of her with confusion. What was he doing?

“Yes?” Robert asked.

“Yes,” Shana said shyly. “But what…?”

Robert cut off her inquiry with a kiss. He wrapped his arms around her waist and squeezed her tight, lingering there as if it would be their last. He rested his forehead on hers and kissed her nose. He finally broke their embrace and turned to leave.

“I love you,” Shana said with an abruptness that made Robert freeze in his tracks.

It was the first time either of them had uttered the words to each other. They spilled forth from Shana and hung in the air like a billowy cloud. She held her breath and waited for his response. After seconds of nothing but silence, the three words that had patiently hung above them seemed to evaporate into a distant memory.

Shana felt chilled at Robert’s lack of response. How could he not say anything? She stood there, vulnerable, wishing he would reciprocate her words. But silence was her answer. She’d wanted to tell him this so many times in the past, but never had the courage. They’d been together for over six months, and tonight, she had decided she was going to say what she had wanted to for so long. But even if he didn’t feel the same, she still deserved a response.

From behind, Shana watched his shoulders hunch. He still hadn’t turned around to face her. The fact that he couldn’t return her glance spoke volumes.

“Robert? You have nothing you want to say?” Her lips trembled at the words. “At all?”

Robert turned and stole a quick glimpse toward her, then looked down to the ground. He was quiet—too quiet. Shana knew he always got that way when he was thinking.

He walked back up to her, as if he had finally figured out what he wanted to say. His eyes widened, and his face looked sad. He leaned in and kissed her on the forehead.

“I have to go. I’m sorry.”

Shana’s eyes welled with tears as she stood aghast at the man in front of her. She wanted to yell and scream, but she couldn’t think of anything to say. No words could convey the anger and hurt welling inside her, so she stood in the doorway, dazed. Soon, all she heard was the thunderous beating of her heart. It was rapid and out of rhythm. Her vision dimmed in slow increments, and soon, everything had gone dark. It wasn’t until his voice broke the silence that she realized her eyes were closed and she felt the sting of hot tears stream down her cheeks.

“I’m sorry,” he said again. She opened her eyes only to see him standing in the doorway looking lost and confused. “I’ll be back, I promise.” He gave her a pained smile and turned out the door.

CK:  Please share one of your earlier novels with us. 

RM:  My last book is entitled, Just Beneath the Surface. It’s available for purchase at my publisher, Amira Press or at Amazon.com.

Blurb:

Grace Williams, a forty-three year old black college swimming coach reluctantly falls in love with her twenty-two year old, white swim student, Eric Bailey. Grace not only has to reconcile the age and race difference between them, but also the ethics of dating a student. To complicate things even further, she has to choose between Eric and her current lover, Edward, who’s not so willing to let her go.

Eric has his own issues to deal with concerning his sister’s death, his alcoholic mother, and his adulterous father.

Can the two of them find happiness in each others’ fractured lives?

  

CK:  What are your future goals?

RM:  My professional goal is to be able to write for a living. Although, I love the work that I do (I’m a computer tech) I do find creating stories very fulfilling and it leaves me free to pursue my personal goal of living abroad. I want to spend my life traveling and living in different countries immersing myself in the various cultures of the world. To me, the world is meant to be explored and I would be remiss if I just stayed in one little corner of it pretending the rest was irrelevant. Being a writer would allow me to work from anywhere in the world, and BONUS: the more exotic the travels, the more exotic the stories!

CK:  If your books were turned into a movie, but producers wanted the heroine to be white and the hero black, would you allow that? I ask this question only because over a year or so ago, another interracial author took a poll on this. From what I remember, her story would have been turned into a movie, under the condition that her black heroine and white hero would be swapped; to a white heroine black hero. “The Powers That Be” insisted a ww/bm couple would sell better and was more prevalent in society.

Since then I’ve checked her website, and I’m unable to find any further information on this, so I cannot mention the author’s name. Perhaps, if she allows me to interview, then everyone will know.

RM:  For me, the ethnicity of the characters is not as important as the message I’m trying to convey. If I feel that the ethnicity of the characters is critical to the message, then, “no”. I wouldn’t feel comfortable with the change. But in a lot of my stories, the ethnicities of the main characters aren’t as important as the evolving the characters do as a result of their interaction. That, to me, transcends race and if it stays true to the essence of the story – and the lesson is still learned, I don’t see how their skin color would matter.

CK:  Also, I see many varieties of books in Wal-Mart, Target, CVS, and Rite-Aid, with the exception of interracial. How does that make you feel?  Do you foresee interracial romance (not erotic because of children) books in these stores in the near future? Any ideas on how we in this genre can make it happen?

RM:  Well, first of all, I think Walmart is the wrong place to expect to see this change if and when it ever occurs. Stores of this ilk (i.e. Target, Walmart, etc…) do not cater to the average bookworm. I read extensively and I have never gone to any of these stores in search of a book. Their target market is not us regular readers. Stores such as these cater to the popular demand of the masses. You will frequently see the Stephen Kings, Dan Pattersons, John Grishams and the like on the shelves there. In other words, “the best sellers”. Not that there’s anything wrong with this, if I were in the kind of business that these stores are, I would probably do the same. But until the IR genre has its “A –list” author, you probably won’t find us covering the bookshelves of your local Walmart.

But this doesn’t mean that the genre isn’t popular! There are many online communities catering to IR romance lovers. This rise in popularity, for me, was abrupt and surprising and the community is growing larger every day. We IR romance authors are here and in full force, and as long as we have a large and devoted audience, we’ll keep writing the stories you love and the publishing world will take notice, trust me. It’s all about the bottom line and if it sells, you better believe publishers will be interested.

CK:  Do you see yourself writing in other genres in the future, and leaving erotica/erotic romance behind? If you were to spring into another genre, becoming even more successful than you are, would you deny you once wrote erotica?

RM:  I currently write in a few different genres, but as it stands right now I don’t see myself completely abandoning erotic romance. I have some devoted fans who let me know regularly that they enjoy my writing. So, if for no other reason, I’ll keep doing it for them.

Would I deny I wrote erotica? Ha! My first instinct is to say, “no”. But the more I think about it, the more the question gives me pause. The unfortunate part about this genre is that it’s not only not “mainstream” but, in some circles it’s looked down upon. I’ve always had a really big problem with people comparing erotic romance to porn. They are not the same thing. Wait. Did I say that loud enough? :: getting out bullhorn :: THEY ARE NOT THE SAME THING.

There.

So, sometimes when I mention what I write to people, they get this look of shock about them. It’s amusing, but troubling at the same time. And I know that it only stems from their misunderstanding of what erotic romance is. Erotic romance is plot, it’s character development, it’s ROMANCE, it’s all the things you would find in a regular romance novel except the bedroom door stays open. Yes, erotic romance tends to be a lot more sexually explicit than other romantic genres, but that’s okay. In my opinion, if your sex life isn’t messy and “curl the toes, scream your head off” good, you’re doing something wrong, anyway! J

CK: What other genres are you interested in writing in?  YA, Mystery, Suspense, Thriller, Scifi, or would you combine all these, with the exception of YA into your erotica/erotic romance stories?

RM:  I currently write mystery, horror (a la Stephen King and Edgar Allan Poe), suspense, psychological / intellectual thriller… Hmm, did I mention I have a bit of a dark side? The fact that Poe and King are two of my favorite authors should give you a little insight into my psyche. Something else I’ve noticed just recently? All of my romance novels have someone dying in them. Not particularly “romantic” but I guess it says a lot about what kind of writer I am. J 

I’m also a screenwriter and I’ve had one of my fantasy / comedy scripts looked at by a couple of movie producers, but neither of them picked it up. There is one that I’m particularly fond of and I would love to see it find a home one day. It’s not even about the money. I just want to see this dang movie!

CK:  Well, my fingers and toes are crossed for you! Believe me when I say, congratulations, because you are inspiring everyone who reads this interview, as well as myself. ; )  What are your hobbies?

RM:  I’m a HUGE movie fan. I’ve literally hundreds of DVDs in my collection. I like action, suspense, drama and sci-fi. Oddly enough, I’m not a big romance / chick flick woman. :: shrugs :: Go figure.

My new favorite movie to date? Inception. That. Movie. Was. AWESOME! I saw it three times at the theater and I can’t wait for the DVD. (December 7^th for anyone wondering.) I highly recommend.

I love to read, but that should go without saying. I host a monthly book club in my city which ensures that I read at least one book every thirty days or so. Generally, I finish 2 – 3 a month, but some months I’m lazy. L

I love to travel, too. Every year I try to visit at least one place I’ve never been before. I also play the violin. Unfortunately, I don’t practice as much as I would like, but I try to make time for it. Learning is another hobby for me. No, I’ll be honest, it’s more of an addiction. Taking classes at my local college is incredibly exciting to me. This semester I’m finishing up the first of four novel writing classes, and next semester I do believe I’m going to complete my second semester of Spanish. Then on to French…

CK:  How do you unwind?

RM:  Can you say, “Dave & Buster’s”? I thought you could…

CK:  Ah yes, good ole Dave & Buster’s! Do you mold your characters strictly from imagination or from those you cross paths with in everyday life?

RM:  I think it’s more of a mixture of the two. I have an incredibly vibrant and, dare I say, sometimes “out of control” imagination. But I also like observing people and I tend to incorporate a lot of that human interaction into my characters. I want them to come off as real as possible to my readers and so I do my best to make them as authentic as I can.

CK:  Do you allow your muse to take total control, or do you create an outline before writing? 

RM:  It depends. This one is more dependent on the length of the story I’m writing. Shorter stories, say 15,000 words or less, I don’t outline. The plot and characterization comes easily enough that I don’t feel an outline is necessarily critical to mastering the story. Conversely, for longer works, I would be lost without an outline. More detailed and intricate plots require the extra time and effort to map them out, to thoroughly analyze each character, interview them in turn (yes, I interview my characters. I let them tell me who they are instead of vice versa) and make sure I stay as true as possible to the unique and diverse personalities of each character.

CK:  What methods of research do you utilize? I know, I know! The internet is available, but do you scour the library as well? LOL

RM:  Life! Yes, life is a great resource for information. Believe it or not, not all of us writers sit in a little cave day in and day out and only see the light of day when it is forced upon us. (NO! The light…it BUUUURNS…) I’m very active socially. I go to college, I have lots of diverse and interesting friends, I travel a lot – the world has a plethora of resources available to anyone willing to get out and find them. Yes, the Internet is a great tool, but I believe it should only serve as a starting point. I think the best way to make your characters’ personalities as rich and authentic as possible is to have a rich and authentic personality yourself. Someone who enjoys exploring and learning will find that there is a nearly endless sea of information available to them. You just need to jump in with both feet and find it!

CK:  Where can you be found on the internet?

You can visit my website at http://www.raquelmulgrew.com and friend me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/people/Raquel-Mulgrew/1028198993

You can also visit my blog at: http://raquelmulgrew.blogspot.com/

Feel free to message me anytime! I love hearing from my readers.

CK: What advice would you like to pass on to aspiring authors?

RM:  I’ll try to stay away from the clichéd advice you’ve all heard before.

The best advice no one ever gave me as a writer (I had to learn it on my own) was to READ. Yes, read. Read, read, read. And not just in the genre you write in. Covet a multitude of genres. You will learn much more than you ever thought you would. Read all you can. Read non-fiction, pick up a classic or two and find out why they’re called “Classics”. One of my favorite authors (who, unfortunately was not recognized for his genius during his lifetime) is George Orwell. His book, 1984 was one of the most incredibly well written and life changing novels I’ve ever read. Pick up a book or two by Kurt Vonnegut and To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is phenomenal. Check out Edgar Allan Poe, Stephen King, Mark Twain, Ray Bradbury, Alice Walker, Fyodor Dostoyevsky. Immerse yourself in the great writings of history and learn from them. Reading great works will improve your writing by leaps and bounds. Bonus: You get an awesome story to boot which could also inspire your next novel. It’s win-win, baby! (And yes, don’t forget to WRITE!)

CK:  I totally agree, and Ohh, I love To Kill a Mockingbird. Raquel Mulgrew, thank you so much for sharing.

RM:  It was my pleasure! Keep up the good work!

Alone ~ 25 Days of Christmas at Silver Publishing

Hello folks, "Alone" is part of Silver Publishing's 25 Days of Christmas Anthology, to be released December 17th! As a matter of fact, I Hope you enjoy!

Blurb:

After experiencing a traumatic childhood, Darcelle Campbell carries scars that never healed into her adult life. Her guardian angel is placed on earth to prevent her from suffering a tragic event on Christmas Eve.

However, Jack can only do so much. It is Darcelle who must change for the better to ensure the dark event never occurs. In addition to this, she must open her heart to Harley, or lose everything. 

Will she tear down the walls she's worked so hard to construct over the years, and allow herself to experience love from a man who strives to stay by her side no matter what, or will she forfeit it all, and succumb to the tragic event foretold by Jack?

Chapter One

Darcelle Campbell slipped out of Harley’s grasp as she struggled to free herself from the impeding emotions bombarding her. Once again, he was getting too close for comfort. Their on again, off again relationship was based strictly upon her terms, since she was nineteen years old. Now, in their thirties, she knew he sought more from her, possibly even marriage.

Sighing, she sat up in bed, clutching the comforter close to her naked body, and observed the blond man sleeping. They’d known one another since she was fourteen. Back then, he’d just moved to Maryland from West Virginia, looking for construction work. Her stepfather, Jackson Wagner had taken the young man under his wing, teaching him all there was to know about the construction business.

Sunlight slipped through the Venetian blinds and kissed the curly golden mass framing his strong masculine features. He was so handsome, and all a woman could ever want in a man. Other qualities included his kindness, generosity, thoughtfulness, and consideration. Why couldn’t she be the same?

Darcelle tweaked her black razor cut shoulder length hair and turned to look in the mirror on the door of her closet, beside the bed. She frowned as she studied her reflection. To him, she was a goddess, but in her own eyes, she was plain, at best. She knew he adored her flawless mocha skin and chocolate brown eyes, and other exotic features. Her oval shaped face and high cheek bones were a gift from her great-grandmother, who was half Blackfoot Indian and African American. She continued staring at her reflection while tracing the outline of her full pouty lips, as Harley usually did when he gazed lovingly in her chocolate depths.

He stirred, and soon, green eyes fluttered open, and a smile formed on his face.

“Good morning, beautiful,” he said softly, reaching up to caress her chin with a strong hand. “What a beautiful sight to wake up to,” he murmured as he propped himself up with an elbow. “Wish this could happen every day.”

“Good morning Harley,” she said with a smile. Already, she knew where this conversation was going. She bent down, allowing her lips to brush his, almost giving into the strong pull of love, and basking in the fluttering of her heart. Instantly, she pulled back. This was a mistake, and an emotion she couldn’t allow. She tried leaving the bed, but he yanked her back quickly, forcing her to gaze into liquid green eyes.

“Don’t do this to me again, woman.” Harley breathed, as he cupped her face between work roughened hands. His eyes pleaded with her. “I don’t want to be away from you, Darcelle.” His thumb stroked her bottom lip, leaving her breathless. “Christmas will be here soon, let’s go shopping, or something. I thought since we both have the day off, we could—“

She interrupted. “Harley, it’s time to get up, and there’s so much I have to do.”

He frowned, forcing the vein between his eyebrows to dance. “Um—I thought we would share this day, remember? Don’t do this to me--to us.” He released her from his grasp, exhaling as he ran a hand through his hair and looked at the clock on the nightstand. “You know, it’s only eight o clock.”   She bit her lip, trying to think of an excuse as he stroked her smooth mocha colored skin. “Well, I’ve got some paperwork I need to take care of and—“

He pulled her against his hard body and kissed her cheek. “Don’t make me leave.” His hand brushed against her nipple, forcing a whimper from her. “You know, it would be nice if you’d let me in here.” He gently tapped on her forehead. “I’m tired of you shutting me out Darcelle.”

“You’re taking things way too fast. I’m not ready to move in with you. I’m still just really enjoying being in my own place, you know?”

“My God, woman! We’re both in our thirties, and have been dating on and off for years,” he exclaimed, swiping his hair from his face. “I don’t get you sometimes. Whenever we get close, something clicks in your head, and you back off.” He shrugged his shoulders, and shook his head in frustration. “Do you even love me?” Jaw set tight, he searched her eyes for an answer.

“I care for you, you know that.”  That was the most she could give him. He’d have to take it or leave it. The hurt look on his face confirmed the fact that his patience was wearing thin. She couldn’t blame him.

“You care for me? Sorry, I’m not buying it.” He reached for her, but she pushed his hand away.

“Look, I think you should leave, okay,” she said as she left the bed and grabbed her robe from the floor. Quickly, she slipped it on.

“Please, just talk to me. Let me in. What goes on in that head of yours?” She looked away from his mesmerizing gaze.  

“I’m just so busy with my business, and I—“

In a fit of anger, Harley jumped out of bed and began dressing. “Fine, you can have your business, you can spend the day--alone,” he said, slipping his boxers on, then his jeans. “I’m getting sick of this shit.” He paused before slipping his black sweater over his head. “When you’re ready for a relationship, you know where to find me!” There was silence as he sat on the edge of the bed to slip his socks and boots on. He stood and stared at her for a few moments, as though waiting for an answer that would never come. “I’ll talk to you soon, I guess,” he snapped before snatching his keys from the black lacquer nightstand.

“Go after him,” a tiny voice in the back of her mind commanded. She continued staring at the spot where he stood, and listened as he stormed down the stairs, and out the door. She jumped when he slammed it, and she continued to stare off into space. Tears welled in her eyes when she heard the diesel engine of his truck start.

“You’re going to lose him,” the voice came again. This time, she looked around. Was she going crazy, or was it her imagination? Shrugging it off, she sighed and sat down on the bed. She’d lied. There was no paperwork. She’d concocted the lie to get him to leave her alone. Truth of the matter was, Christmas was coming, and this was the most painful time of the year for her.

 

Coming to Silver Publishing, December 17th, 2010

New Contract

I'm proud to announce, Beautiful Trouble Publishing contracted my short story, Menage Unchained. It's a smoking hot menage between two mouth watering hunks and one sensual sassy woman. Totally pumped, because A, I can't wait until the release, and B, really curious about my book cover! Marteeka Karland is BTP's cover artist and I know it'll be rockin!!

Currently in the midst of editing this book, will release excerpt & blurb at a later date.





https://beautifultroublepublishing.com/


Ciao Chickies!!!

Writing in Different Genres

Hola folks. Today I'm blogging over at Whipped Cream's site about writing in different genres. I'd love to hear authors and readers perspective outlook on this. Currently, I have some YA stories I've been working on for the past several months. Come on over and join me!

http://whippedcream2archives.blogspot.com/2010/11/tuesday-spotlight-charisma-knight.html

Win a Free Copy of Spiritwalker

To those of you who haven't read Spiritwalker, you now have the awesome opportunity to win a copy. I'll be blogging at the Long and Short Reviews/WC site every day this week. Simply read my post for today and email Marianne and Judy the answer to the question listed on the author spotlight page. You'll earn an additional entry if you leave a comment on the specific day's post!

Good luck and enjoy your day!

http://www.longandshortreviews.com/WC/index.htm

~Author Spotlight on Dahlia Rose~

CK:  Hello folks! Today, I welcome Dahlia Rose! I love doing author interviews because I’ve added so many new and exciting reads to my out of control TBR list. I’m also very eager to share that Dahlia influenced me into the industry. I would go to her blog and website once a week to check out her newest releases, and made the decision to start writing interracial erotic romances. One day, I had to contact her to let her know how much I truly loved her books, and she was just so pleasant and down to earth when she responded to my email!

Sugar and Spice Press was one of the second Epublishers I purchased books from. Velvet Leather, and Roses and Sensual Bites were two of Dahlia’s books I started out with. I must say I was heavily intrigued by both reads, and became hooked. You will too, I urge you to check them out, if you haven’t already!

Sensual Bites is an intriguing combination of short mini love stories that immediately draw the reader in from the very beginning. My favorite story is Of Gods & One Woman, an entertaining read centered around the infamous Ares, Greek God of War!

Her current releases are just as hot as her older ones. Thirst, a vampire story was something I anxiously awaited, and was finally released back in April! 

 Okay, let me hush and get on with this interview. LOL

CK:  Where did you submit your first story?

DR: I submitted to a now defunct Mardi Gras Publishing and while that should of soured my views on being an author from how we were treated. I kept plugging along because it is a career that I love.

 CK:  Thank goodness your views on being an author weren’t permanently jaded, or we wouldn’t be reading your wonderful books today. Please, tell us, what are the pros and cons of being a published author?

DR: (Laugh).The pros are I’m creating a story with my words. I can make my imagination soar within the pages of my books. From the time I was a child this has been my dream and I have been living it. The Cons … its work don’t let anyone fool you that being an author is not work..You know that Charisma. We have long hours, write until out hands ache. We edit and we fine tune. But all in all I would not have it any other way.

 CK:  Yes, I hear you. It is work, but so rewarding. Would you please do us the honor of providing a sneak peek of your most recent project, if possible?

DR:  My most recent work is Black Magic Seduction coming soon with Sugar and Spice Press. My heroine and hero are both kind of naughty. I went into this book thinking even demons and witches need love too. They want to recruit my heroine Tricia to fill the council seat in hell. So they send my sexy demon hero Jaidon to sweet talk her into the fold. Tricia knows who he is from the time she sees him and does not deny her attraction for him. But what he doesn’t know is that she is going to convince him to stay with her topside. It’s going to be fun, devilish and sexy and also in print!

CK:  Black Magic Seduction, can’t wait to sink my teeth into that one. It sounds like an awesome read, Dahlia. Please share one of your earlier novels with us. 

DR: My favorite will always be Paradise Found. It has a new cover and a new look but the book still is the same on the inside. This was my very first novel and its sequel feature the secondary characters Danny and Abigail will be out next year. In Paradise Found I blended my love of suspense and romance and also my Caribbean home of Barbados. I hold these characters close to my heart most of all and I hope if you ever read it you will see why.

  

CK:  I’m sorry to say, that is a book I don’t have, but will soon change that. I know I’ll enjoy it Dahlia. Now, what are your future goals?

DR: It’s been a busy 2010 and already my writing list for 2011 is already filled with books for my publishers and deadlines to be met. Along with conventions I’ll be attending I would say my future goals is to keep pushing forward until I hit that New York Times Best Seller list. All Authors aspire to it and my dreams are the same.

CK:  Sounds great, and I know you’ll hit that New York Times Best Seller list, and I’ll be rooting for you honey!! You’re a shining star, and I know you’ll always be that wonderful humble person who took the time out of your busy schedule to answer my questions. Now, I’m curious to know, what are your hobbies?

DR: First love is reading I have a stack of books waiting in my TBR pile for when I get a few weeks free. Dancing, I and my husband go dancing whenever we can. Dates nights are especially fun for us..LOL.. I haunt book stores and have a love of shoe shopping ... All in all I’m a girlie girl with a bunch of books and a peter pan complex of never growing up.

CK:  I hear you! I don’t wanna grow up, either. LOL One of these days I’m coming to North Carolina and hanging with you and Dorian! LOL How do you unwind?

DR: Honestly a glass of wine and my Ipad or Ipod in a hot tub of lavender bubbles. You want to see me distress that would be the way.

CK:  Do you mold your characters strictly from imagination or from those you cross paths with in everyday life?

DR: Everything is a learning experience for me and I am a people watcher. I can say that a lot of my characters can be from personal experiences and people I know but mostly it’s my imagination. The characters talk to me like they are real so I guess I should listen. (laugh)

CK:  Yes, it’s hard silencing the characters. They just talk louder if you don’t answer the first time. Do you allow your muse to take total control, or do you create an outline before writing? 

DR: The muses have control. I might try to lead them down a path but they will get mad and pout so I give them free reign and they gave me amazing stories.

CK:  Ha Ha!! Pouty muses. I love it! What methods of research do you utilize? I know, I know! The internet is available, but do you scour the library as well? LOL

DR: Along with the internet I have a reference library including an encyclopedia of paranormal entities for my books. Vampires, witches and so much more I have a little piece of everything in my office so as usual books will save the day!

CK: Wow, that sounds interesting. No wonder you weave such awesome tales. Inquiring minds what to know, where can you be found on the internet?

DR: I can be found at www.authordahliarose.com but I am most vocal on facebook and twitter.www.facebook.com/author.dahliarose.com andwww.twitter.com/DahliaRose1029

CK: *Giggles * I see ya on Facebook often! Hey folks, hit up Dahlia’s fan page when you get a free moment! Now lady, what advice would you like to pass on to aspiring authors?

DR: Never settle and never back down. If you love your books and make other people love them too, Publishers and readers alike. Don’t be too afraid to ask a question. If you know an author ask them for advice and they will usually be the ones who will lead you on a right path. When I was an aspiring author I met many authors who gave me helpful advice. I always said I would be pay it forward and I still do to this day 

CK: That’s really wonderful Dahlia. Authors helping authors, now, that’s where its at! This question is a little different, and I must wonder about this, as an author.  If your books were turned into a movie, but producers wanted the heroine to be white and the hero black, would you allow that? Do you think it’s selling out?

DR:  Honestly I would feel like its selling out. I live my work, My children are my work…To explain this is to say my husband is a Caucasian man and three of my kids are mixed race. If my book was made into a movie and I said yeah you can change the racial background of my characters. What does it say to my husband who looks at me and love me not the color of my skin or my children? It says be ashamed of what you are and how mommy lives and who she loves. No, I don’t see a color I see people falling in love regardless of what shade of skin they wear. So I would prefer my book not be made into a movie rather than take money for something that would eat at my soul for the rest of my life.

CK:  Here here! People are people, and I believe we were all put here as different races to create one large melting pot! Also, I was in Walmart the other day, and I saw all types of books, with the exception of Interracial. How does that make you feel? Do you foresee interracial romance books in Walmart in the near future? Any ideas on how we in this genre can make it happen?

DR: I do see it happening eventually because everyday more interracial couples and being formed and making families. I know myself that one of these day I’m going to march up to my local Walmart with one of my books and say why don’t I see couples like these on the shelves. Are you ashamed? I think we all need to band together and say it’s time. Why can’t you see our lives are not only black and white they are multi- colored and books are not on the shelves…ppfftt please.. We are bigger in number than anyone thought I say we lift our voices and be heard 

CK: And I say you’re absolutely right. I’m there, 100% and can’t wait for that day to come. Let’s make it happen. Do you see yourself writing in other genres in the future, and leaving erotica behind? If you were to spring into another genre, becoming even more successful than you are, would you deny you once wrote erotica?

DR: I like suspense and mystery and I can see myself doing that one day. But erotica is my first love and I will continue to write that for the rest of my career. Deny I write erotica? It would be like denying that I breathe. LOL there is no way that’s happening

CK:  I thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions. You’ve been so very supportive to myself and other new authors, and I just want to say how much we look up to you. Thanks so much for the inspiration!

DR:  Anytime and I need to plug my new books coming out for the holiday season. LOL…Black Magic Seduction, Dear Santa, Army Beasts, The Right Christmas and Toy Soldier. All very yummy reads. Thanks Charisma and I’ll see you around.

CK:  Woot!! Army Beasts sounds like a hit! Okay Dahlia babe, see you later!