Thursday, October 20, 2011

Getting Lucky with Lucy

I'd like to introduce you all to my friend Lucy Felthouse. In addition to being super adorable, (Seriously, look at her!) she's also an awesome writer, editor and PR powerhouse and an overall wonderful person. Lucy's visiting and giving away one of her single author ebooks - winner's choice! All you need to do to win is to leave a comment and a valid email address. I'll be drawing a winner Tuesday at 7 pm EST.

Here's a little more about the lovely Lucy!

Lucy is a graduate of the University of Derby, where she studied Creative Writing. During her first year, she was dared to write an erotic story - so she did. It went down a storm and she's never looked back. Lucy has had stories published by Cleis Press, Noble Romance, Ravenous Romance, Summerhouse Publishing, Sweetmeats Press and Xcite Books. She is also the editor of Uniform Behaviour and Seducing the Myth. Find out more at at her website. You can also find her on Facebook and Twitter.


How did your writing path evolve?


My path to writing professionally started when I was doing my degree. I went to University to study Creative Writing because I wasn't sure what I wanted to do as a career. When I was there, I was dared to write an erotic story. I did, and enjoyed it. From there, I carried on writing erotica and started submitting it. I had my first piece accepted to Scarlet Magazine and from there, truly caught the bug. I kept writing and submitting, and the rest is history!

What type of research do you do for your books?

It varies. Some stories don't require any research at all. Others only require a small amount, and some much more. Often I don't even know how much will be required until I start writing and suddenly I'll write something that needs fact-checking. So I'll go off and check books if I have any that are relevant, as well as using Google. I also find asking people on Twitter is often very helpful.
From what or where do you derive the most inspiration for your stories?

I honestly couldn't say. Ideas can pop into my head at any time. When I'm working on other things, when I'm in the shower, the car or even eating dinner. The trick is to either remember the ideas or write them down quickly before I forget them!

Tell us about your upcoming releases?

I have a novella coming out on the 24th from Noble Romance, called Love Through Time. It's part of the Timeless Desire range of novellas, and there's a huge blog tour taking place throughout November to promote them. There will be some fab interviews, blog posts and prizes to be won. Check it out! The story itself is a bit of a hybrid – a contemporary paranormal erotic romance with historical elements. It's not as complicated as it sounds, though. It's a romantic tale with the past woven into the narrative. This is one tale where I needed to do quite a bit of research to make sure I had my facts correct.

On the 31st, I have a novella coming out in a book called Immoral Views from UK publisher Sweetmeats Press. It's a voyeurism-themed anthology and contains stories from yours truly and four other amazing authors. My story is written from the male perspective and is about a policeman who makes an interesting discovery which sets off a dangerous obsession that could cost him a great deal. I don't want to say any more than that because it'll give the game away, but let's just say it's an incredibly naughty tale and one I had a great deal of fun writing.
What are you working on at the moment?

I'm working on a novella for one of my publishers. It's for a secret project of theirs that is going to be announced next year. All I can say is that it'll be my longest piece to date and is an erotic romance.
What do you like best about being a writer? What do you like least?

Nothing beats the thrill of seeing your name in print. I love having new releases come out and hearing what people think about them. It's so exciting when people are reading and enjoying what you've written. I also love chatting to other authors and engaging in lots of mutual promotion. It's a great community to be a part of.

As for what I like least – that would probably be the waiting after you've hit that 'send' button.

What would you do if you weren’t a writer?

Well, writing isn't my main job. I actually do PR, Marketing and Web Design for writers and other small businesses, which is what takes up most of my time. So if I'm not writing, that's what I'm doing. You can find out more about what I do here.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing?

I love to read, watch films and my favourite TV shows, spend time with my other half, go out walking in the countryside and exploring country houses and ancient monuments.

Of all of the characters you’ve created, who is your favorite and why?

I have a soft spot for Meg, the vampire character from Bite with Height. She's a total kick-ass chick, wickedly funny and lives an unusual lifestyle... even for a vampire.

Do you find it difficult to keep love/sex scenes fresh and interesting?

Sometimes I get the feeling I'm repeating things, but then I remember that each and every story is different, with different characters and scenarios. But I am always aware of not writing sex scenes which are too typical – and when I think about it, there are many many stories I've written where the characters aren't even in a bed, so I guess I'm not doing too badly! ;)

Do you listen to music when you write or do you need quiet? If you listen to music – what kind?

It varies dependent on my mood. If I'm trying to drown out my noisy neighbours I'll often put music on and wear my headphones to help me focus. Other times, I need perfect quiet. Whatever helps me get the words down on the page, really!

What makes a man sexy?

The main things for me are intelligence and a sense of humour. I'm a sucker for dimples, too ;)

Do you family and friends know you write erotic romance – if so, how have they reacted?

Some do, some don't. I think some probably know but haven't admitted that they know. The people that 'officially' know have all been fine – and most weren't at all surprised.

What’s your favorite food?

I have very simple tastes. My favourite meal is steak and chips.

Do you have any bad habits?

Yes, thank you. Plenty. ;)

If you were stranded on a desert isle, what five things would you want to have with you?

Ooooh, good one! My Kindle (with a magically never-ending power supply), WiFi connection, food and drink supplies, suncream and Jared Padalecki. Thinking about it... if I had Jared, would I really need the Kindle? Hmmm...

Do you have any pet peeves?

Oh, dozens! A few random ones: poor drivers, people that drop litter, the fact that the UK gets Supernatural on its screens so many months behind the US, the fact that the tastiest food is always the food that's bad for you, petrol prices, corrupt politicians... need I go on?

What do you like about where you live?

The fact that it's so close to one of my favourite places – The Peak District. Also the fact that within an hour's drive I can either be at a cinema, at a bookshop, at a stone circle, on a hill, in a country house, etc...

If you could travel back in time, would you? If so, what time period would you visit and why?


Oh yes, definitely. I think I'd probably travel back to the 70s. They had all the best music, the whole 'free love' thing and it always sounds like so much fun!

Here's a blurb from one of Lucy's books.

Weekend at Wilderhope Manor blurb:
When Stephanie and Jenny go to a Murder Mystery Halloween weekend at Wilderhope Manor, they’re expecting fun and games. But following creaky floorboards, spooky noises and an alarming encounter in the Manor’s grounds, the girls begin to wonder if there’s more to Wilderhope Manor than meets the eye. As they find frequent comfort in one another’s arms – and their bed – will the girls discover what’s causing the bumps in the night, or will they run scared?

More info, excerpt and buy links:

12 comments:

Unknown said...

Nice interview. :) Crappy drivers are one of my pet peeves too.

My e-mail is: contact [at] ranaerose [dot][com]

Casey Behr said...

Can't go wrong with dimples AND a sense of humor! Haha. Enjoyed the interview!
My email:
Caseybehr21@yahoo.com

elaing8 said...

Great interview ladies.
I can't believe you get Supernatural months later than here.Have you tried watching online.

Weekend at Wilderhope Manor sounds really good.
elaing8(at)netscape(dot)net

Diana Coyle said...

Great interview! I'm also a big fan of a guy with a great sense of humor.:)

My email: DisRdStang@aol.com

Molly Daniels said...

I loved Jared in Gilmore Girls, but on Supernatural? Give me Jensen Ackles:)

Your books sound awesome:)

storimom2@aol.com

Lisabet Sarai said...

Hi, Lucy!

A secret project? I can hardly wait!

Be sure to let me know so I can give you a spot at Beyond Romance to tell the world, when you finally can!

Hugs,
Lisabet

Meg said...

Good interview!
Would love to read a new book.
harrisonmeg@hotmail.com

Naomi Bellina said...

The 70's! That would be a great time to visit. Kind of like Austin Powers, in reverse. Maybe you could invent the the Kindle. Nice interview.

naomibellina(at)live(dot)com

Terri Doezema said...

Wilderhope sounds intriguing! And I have to agree with intelligence and humor, especially dry humor. Thanks for sharing.

email: terridoezema@gmail.com

Lucy Felthouse said...

Thanks for all the lovely comments, everyone. I appreciate you stopping by!

gigis said...

Definitely would not need the Kindle if stuck on an island with Jared ;)

Great interview!

gigi

Marie Carlson said...

This is such a fun and charming interview, and the blurb for Weekend at Wilderhope Manor is really intriguing. I'm adding it to my To Read list.

(marie@mariecarlson.com)