Silk Jones's Blog

Silk Jones Reader Survey Results

Hi there:

I wanted to get you the results of the first ever Silk Jones Reader Survey I ever put out.  The survey is still ongoing. These are the results  for the 4th quarter of 2016.

I can’t believe that 2016 is gone and we’re already fully into January, 2017.  It’s almost too late to wish someone a happy new year.  But I digress.

I’m really glad I took the survey.  It helped me to learn a little bit about my readers and how I can give them more of  what they like and less of what they don’t.  The readers who took the survey were very nice and, to my great relief, had nothing really negative to say.

How my readers find me.

746 members of my newsletter list responded to the survey. Of that amount, 513 (68%) readers found me through downloading The Interview on Instafreebie, 229 (30%) say they found me through Bookbub, 91  (12%) found me through other discount e-mail service sites, 79 (11%) found me through a friend online, 66 (9%) found me on a retailer website, and 37 (5%) found me through an online ad.

The numbers above don’t add up so people must have learned about me and my books on multiple sites.  But what’s most interesting is that 229 readers say that they learned about me on Bookbub and I’ve never had a Bookbub ad. I do, however, have a profile on Bookbub that shows my books.  I’m glad I signed up for that.

Which of my books have they read?

Of the 746 people who answered the survey 417  have read “The Interview” and only 163 have gone on to read “The Admin” – the next book in the Law Firm Masters Series.  That means 329 people who responded to the survey had not yet read either of my books.

Where do my readers buy books?

81% buy them at Amazon, 5% buy books at Barnes & Noble, 5% buy books on iTunes and 4% buy books on Kobo.  Strangely enough, 224 (30%) reported that they don’t buy books anywhere.

What book formats (besides e-books) do my readers buy?

77% said they buy paperback books, 20% said they buy audiobooks, and 29% said that they buy hardback books.  I was a bit surprised by these figures at first, but then I remembered that there are still a lot of people out there who prefer to hold books in their hands and turn pages rather than read them on e-readers and tablets.

Where do my readers live?

80% live in the U.S.. 6% in Europe, 5% in Canada, 3% in Australia, and 6% in South and Central America, Africa, Asia and other places. I’m happy that my books are being read all over the world.

What gender and age are my readers?

97% of those who responded to the survey are women and the vast majority of my readers (90%) are between the ages of  32 and 71.  I found it interesting and heartening to learn that 15% of my readers were over 61 years old.

What genres do my readers read?

My readers enjoy a wide variety of genres: 90% enjoy erotic romance and erotica, 77% read contemporary romance, 65% enjoy romantic suspense, 41% read fantasy novels, 40% enjoy historical fiction, 22% enjoy women’s fiction, 19% enjoy urban fiction, 17% enjoy legal thrillers and 33% enjoy other thrillers.

Those numbers don’t surprise me as I too enjoy reading a variety of genres.

General comments

Several of my readers had good things to say about my books.  They also said they couldn’t wait for the final installment of Sir and Laura’s story – The Admin II – which will be coming out soon.  I am working on that now.

I appreciate the support and well wishes my readers expressed.

I hope you enjoyed this overview of the survey.

May you and yours enjoy a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.

Ciao,

Silk

The post Results of the Silk Jones Reader Survey 4th Quarter 2016 appeared first on Silk Jones.

Hey there:

It has been a while since I touched based with you in blog land.  I’ve been busy writing and experimenting with new ways to reach my readers. I do so love to experiment. But I digress. My latest experiment involves playing on a site called Animoto where you can make thirty second or so videos for free.  Specifically, I made two videos for my  Law Firm Masters Series that I plan to put up on Youtube and other social media.

I’m actually kind of on the fence about this experiment.  You see, I’ve been taking social media marketing courses and they all say that people nowadays like watching videos.  What do you think about that? I don’t know.  I like watching videos on Youtube and other places as much as the next person – especially if they’re funny or entertaining or they teach me something that I need to learn, but I don’t know if I absolutely love watching book trailers.  I did, however, enjoy the book trailer for Fifty Shades of Grey where Beyonce sang a bit.

Oh well, it’s time to get down to the nitty gritty.  I put the two videos I made below.  Please check them out and tell me which video you prefer. Which one is the most entertaining?  Which one has the best text?  Which one has the best music?  Do they make you want to check out the series or run away screaming?

Videos for the Law Firm Masters Series

Video A:

http://silkjones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Law_Firm_Masters_Series_720p.mp4

 

Or do you prefer Video B?

http://silkjones.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Law_Firm_Masters_Teaser_720p.mp4

Please comment on this post and let me know.  I really would like your feedback on this.  It would be invaluable to me.

In the meantime, I’ll get back to writing.  Or maybe I should go visit Sir for some inspiration and research first.  

Hi there:

I don’t know about you, but ever since I started my own indie publishing company, I’ve struggled with learning how to do everything from managing my company’s books to how to market my erotic romance novels. I had to learn how to use social media, format and upload novels, and market books from scratch.

I just discovered a whole new resource to help me learn what I need to know: Udemy.  Before last week, I had no idea there was one place I could go online to learn how to do Excel spreadsheets, market my Kindle books, and do yoga.  I even signed up for a course on how to twerk dance (on orders from Sir).  I was surprised to see courses on everything from dance to voice lessons,  languages, business, and social media marketing on Udemy’s website.

Guess what? Udemy is offering a huge sale through Monday, January 11, 2016, at midnight.  They’re offering 17,000 courses for only $10.00.  The courses normally range from $50 on up to $300.  To take advantage of the sale, click the banner below.* (affiliate link banner)

In the past week, I’ve taken courses on meditation, yoga, affiliate marketing, and social media.  The courses were excellent and I learned a ton of valuable information.  I took advantage of the sale and went a little crazy (don’t tell Sir) and signed up for courses on Excel, Powerpoint, how to make Youube videos, social media marketing, book promotion, etc.  Take advantage of the sale by clicking the banner above.

Ciao.

*This website uses affiliate links and banners.  If you click on them and buy something, I will earn a commission.  You should know that I only promote products and services I believe in and have probably sampled myself.

The post How I learned Yoga Online at Udemy appeared first on Silk Jones.

Hi there:

I’ve been quite busy lately with getting the second book in the law firm erotica series “The Admin: Law Firm Erotica Book 2″  out on pre-order and gearing up for the mother of all BDSM reader and writers conferences next week: the BDSM Writers Con.

The BDSM Writers Con, which will be held on August 20-23, 2015, at the Doubletree Hilton (569 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York, 10022), is a one-of-a-kind conference that provides writers and readers with the ability to discover the complexities of Dominance and submission through workshops, live demos, and fascinating hands-on experiences.  It brings together some of the top BDSM presenters in the world and veteran authors to help readers and writers explore the various nuances of the BDSM lifestyle.  It helps writers  learn how to write about BDSM in a safe, playful and comfortable environment, and provides readers with an opportunity to mix and mingle with their favorite and soon-to-be favorite authors.

Bestselling author Cecilia Tan is the keynote speaker at the BDSM Writers Con this year.  I’m going to be there too, along with Cris Anson, Paige Matthews, Laci Paige,  and a whole host of other authors.  Check out the BDSM Writers Con website to get the full list of attending authors.

The workshops for this year’s conference look fantastic and include such diverse topics as how to succeed in self-publishing,  book marketing, proper etiquette for scene and club play, a workshop for novice Dominants, BDSM and the Law, and dealing with conflict in a power exchange relationship.  There are also workshops on the violet wand and sensual steel, and a bondage demonstration.  There’s even a trip to a local BDSM club planned.  Go here to learn more about the conference schedule and workshops.

You don’t want to miss this wonderful opportunity to mix and mingle with your favorite authors and learn more about BDSM in safe and fun environment.  Register now here.

If you can’t attend the conference then come to the hotel on Sunday, August 23, 2015 to attend the Giant Book Fair.  It’s free and open to the public.  I’ll be there along with my  fellow conference authors signing and selling books.  Fetish vendors will also be there selling everything from handcuffs to leather paddles to fetish jewelry to custom made whips.

I look forward to seeing you at the Conference and/or at the Giant Book Fair next week.  We’re going to have so much fun and learn a lot.

Ciao,

Silk

The post Come Join Me at the BDSM Writers Con appeared first on Silk Jones.

For this week’s segment of my BDSM author interview series, it is my pleasure to share with you the interview of bestselling author Bo Blaze.  Bo is a certified “Alternative” life coach, specializing in Kink, BDSM and Polyamory. He is the author of the bestselling book “50 Shades of Curious: BDSM for Beginners” and has taught and lectured at hundreds of universities, conferences and various alternative events. He is also a featured author at the 2015 BDSM Writers Con.

Bo is the winner of the 2011 Pantheon of Leather President’s Award and has helped thousands of people learn to practice Safe, Sane & Consensual BDSM over the last 13 years as Novice Group Facilitator & Board Member Emeritus, for The Eulenspiegel Society (TES), the oldest BDSM support and education group in the USA.

What is an “alternative” life coach and what made you decide to become one?

I’m a ICF certified Life Coach who just happens to specialize in Alternative lifestyles. Specifically Kink, Polyamory, BDSM and the entertainment business. I decided to pursue coaching after teaching and counseling people for years within the alternative sexuality world.

Does BDSM have to include sex?

“Sometimes, a person’s interest in BDSM is not of a sexual nature, so their BDSM play will be strictly power and pain catharsis based.  For others, it is very sexual…For some people, BDSM is purely masochistic and sadistic. It is about giving and receiving pain in a cathartic way, and is not really sexual….However, for the majority, BDSM is usually at least sensual if not sexual.”

Why is BDSM so appealing?

There are a multitude of reasons, everyone is unique, but “it’s about CONNECTION with other human beings and honestly exploring your sexuality in whatever way you choose….Whatever path you choose, there is something truly magical about the world of kinky sex and BDSM.  It’s about growth and acceptance.  It’s about letting go of your fears and demons and not letting anyone tell you what SHOULD or should not make you sexually or mentally excited.”

Why is there so much social stigma toward BDSM?

“Humans are complicated animals and our sexuality is tied in with all kinds of strange things in our psyche.  There is only a problem when we allow repressed and frightened members of society to feed us fear, guilt, and dogma and make us feel bad about ourselves for having nothing more than a sexual fantasy!”

Does BDSM have to involve pain?

Not always…Some people like it, others don’t…“One of the things about pain play is that it can bring catharsis.  Catharsis can be defined as a purification or purge.  This is another very popular reason people enjoy pain play.  For some people, intense pain will cause catharsis, where huge amounts of stress and negative energy will leave the body during this time.  Many people feel pain can be a purification and bring about healing.  People have used pain to reach catharsis and transcend since the dawn of time…”

What is the difference between pain and abuse?

“If your partner is interested purely in hurting you with absolutely no dynamic of pleasure or any type of connections, then you probably want to seriously consider if this is the relationship for you.  The keyword is connection….Remember, BDSM cannot exist without consent.  If there is no consent, then there is no BDSM.  Rather, there is abuse.”

What writers have inspired you the most, and why?

As far as the BDSM genre, my mentor was Philip Miller the author of “Screw the Roses, Send Me the Thorns: The Romance and Sexual Sorcery of Sadomasochism”. So I obviously have a big soft spot for that book.

Where did you get the idea for “50 Shades Of Curious: BDSM For Beginners” and what made you decide to write the book?

I have been the Novice group facilitator for TES/The Eulenspiegel Society, the oldest BDSM education group in the USA, since 2002. Working with new people in the community and helping them find their way is a big passion of mine. As you can imagine, over the years I’ve accumulated quite a lot to say on the subject of BDSM and a very strong paternal concern for all people new to the scene. After FSOG came out and sold 100 million copies I knew there would be a tremendous amount of people who would want to start participating in BDSM but their only info on the subject came from the book. This was very frightening to me as, although the book does talk about consent and several positive things, the consent is coerced and many other things were definitely NOT good examples of safe, sane, consensual BDSM.

What types of subject matters are covered in “50 Shades Of Curious: BDSM For Beginners” and how is it organized?

The core chapters in the book are: Communication, Consent, Relationships, Your Identity, Pain & Punishment, Toys & Activities, The Mental Side, Safety,

You have a whole chapter dedicated to communication, can you sum up some basic advice to help us be better communicators?

“Be honest. Let it all out.  You might be amazed by the responses and reactions you get. Remind your partner that nothing they fantasize about is wrong, its just a fantasy.  Be prepared to hear some things you may have never expected.  You need to create a judgment free zone. A safe place where you can say whatever you want…Communication is the most important thing in any relationship, be it a vanilla (non-BDSM) relationship or a kinky one.”

What type of research, if any, did you do for “50 Shades Of Curious: BDSM For Beginners”

I did read FSOG and took copious notes. Although I only refer to it a few times in the book, it was good to know what the book did and did not say about BDSM.

What do you hope people take away from your book?

I always say in every novice class I teach, “There is no right way to do BDSM. There are no rules to BDSM other than consent. So although there are many existing ways to do this that you might admire and want to emulate, and lots of good advice you may want to want to take, at the end of the day all that’s important is that you do what works best for you and your partner(s). That and the mantra “Communication, Communication, Communication”. Communication is the key to every relationship, not just kinky ones.

Do you plan to write any more books?  What are you working on now?

I am considering a book on relationships called “Getting on the same side of the fence”. The book would talk about how unfortunately, too often we seem to be coming from a “me against you” model in relationships. Relationships are much more successful when you can get on the same side of the fence and be on the same team.

Bo’s book: “50 Shades of Curious: BDSM for Beginners” is available on Amazon.

The post Interview With Bo Blaze appeared first on Silk Jones.

Hi There:

Today, as part of my author interview series, I’m happy to share with you my interview of the fabulous erotica author Laci Paige.  Laci Paige is the author of several erotica novels, including, but not limited to, the “Silken Edge” series.  She is also a featured author at the upcoming 2015 BDSM Writers Con.

How did you start writing erotica?

I won a book in an online giveaway and loved it. As a result I scoured the internet for more, and after a year or so of reading it, I decided to write a few books myself.

What’s your favorite published work of yours and why?

I also write under a different pen name in the young adult paranormal genre; my very first book was a YA novel, and that will always be my favorite for different reasons. Mostly because it was so much fun to write and it was also major accomplishment for me. It gave me strength and courage not to be afraid to try new things. Hence writing erotic romance.

What erotic authors do you enjoy reading?

There are honestly too many to list, but I will say that military, rockstar, and cowboy themes are my favorites.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

Everyday life is my inspiration. People, and things around me jumpstart my muse. It could be something someone is wearing, or a scent, or a memorable person walking by.

Do you have any unusual writing rituals?

Not really, I just need it to be quiet, so I usually write late at night when everyone is sleeping.

Where’s your favorite place to write?

The Man Chair – We have a huge double sized chair it’s super comfy, that’s where I pen 90% of my work. It’s located in the den.

Who is your favorite character from one of your stories and why?

Jonathan Montgomery from Silken Desires, he’s someone I’d love to know in person. He’s a caring soul, and a dedicated friend. He rocks a dominant personality in an average body, and that dominance is sexy.

Do your nearest and dearest know what you do, and if so, what was their reaction when they found out?

My Mom knows, but looks the other way. My husband knows and encourages, and really enjoys the hands-on research. My two teenagers know I write “stuff with sex in it”, and at first my youngest one wasn’t happy with it, he didn’t understand why, and was a bit upset over it. I had explained that when you get older sex is very much a part of adult lives and loving relationships, and when you write about adults it just goes along with the territory. It took him a few days to digest that, and it hasn’t been an issue since.

What was your ideal career when you were a child?

To be a Flight Attendant. Never happened, but I married an aircraft mechanic. I also write about flight attendants in a couple books. Perhaps it’s so I can live vicariously through them.

How do you get yourself in the mood to write?

99% of the time I’m excited about what I’m writing and I can’t get to the computer fast enough.

What’s the best writing tip you’ve ever been given?

Just do it. Every day.

If you get writer’s block when you’re writing, how do you get around it?

I don’t know that I get writers block per se, but sometimes I feel like I’m not making the cut, so I step away, go for a walk, or crank up some music, and then try again with a fresh brain. Usually does the trick.

If you could bring one of your characters to life, which one would it be and why?

Would probably have to be one of my paranormal characters that could give me eternal life and the most amazing sex ever, forever.

What are you working on at the moment?

A military romance, and the next novella in my paranormal series.

When Laci’s not reading or writing she can be found spending time with her husband supporting their children. Laci enjoys camping, hiking, and photography (and all things chocolate). She currently resides in Hampton Roads, VA.

You can purchase Laci’s book “Silken Edge” here.

You can find Laci at:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lacipaige

http://www.facebook.com/authorlacipaige

Blog: http://lacipaige.blogspot.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/laci_paige

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/7690652-laci-paige

 

The post Interview with Laci Paige appeared first on Silk Jones.

As part of my erotica author interview series, it is my pleasure to bring to you an interview with the amazing Dr. Charley Ferrer.  Dr. Charley is a world-renowned Clinical Sexologist and BDSM Expert. She is the award winning author of “BDSM The Naked Truth” and several other books on sexuality and self-empowerment. Her new audio program, “BDSM Intensive,” continues with over twelve hours of valuable information on Dominance and submission. Doctor Charley conducts provide Mentorship programs and workshops.

Hello Dr. Charley. Welcome to Silk’s Lounge.

Hi Silk.

Thank you for inviting me to your website and allowing me to spend a little time with you and your wonderful readers. I hope everyone is enjoying the new year. I look forward to seeing many of you in New York City, August 20-23, for BDSM Writers Con.  So let’s get started and address a few of those questions you have for me.

**smiles and takes a seat in the lounge** 

What was your ideal career when you were a child?

Funny that you should ask that question, I remember I had to write a paper on this very topic when I was in sixth grade. I chose “being a teacher” because I figured it would butter up mine and get me a better grade. Unbeknownst to me at the time, teaching would become what I love to do most. I’ve been doing it for decades. Even while in the military, I was always teaching something: first aid, weapons training, even communications.

There’s this “majestic glow” people get when they’re learning and discovering something new. Their eyes sparkle, their breath hitches in anticipation, their minds open to countless possibilities and they become passionate and hopeful. It’s that same look a submissive gets just as his/her Master or Mistress is about to share a night of passion with them. How could you not love teaching or learning?

I’ve taught in many colleges and universities throughout the US and overseas as well as conducted hundreds of workshops over the years, however, I must say that out of all those experiences, BDSM Writers Con has been the most inspiring for me. During last year’s conference, I was able to take a few minutes here and there and simply observe the participants as their faces lit up, their eyes widen, and they held their breaths and laughed or shared that stolen moment of wonder as they discovered something new during the various workshops we offered. Most of all, I loved when participants shared their pleasure about the workshops they attended and praised the speakers, both veteran authors and BDSM experts alike, for the presenter’s knowledge and openness in sharing their truths.

BDSM Writers Con is an annual conference that will be held in New York City in August. Because it’s annual, will it remain “fresh” for those participants who wish to attend in consecutive years?

Just like a snowflake, no workshop we present at BDSM Writers Con is ever the same twice. Every year, we introduce new workshops which depict various aspects of Dominance and submission as well as the marketing/publishing community—for the authors and aspiring authors amongst us. Though a class may be repeated, like “The Violet Wand,” each interactive workshop is unique. The difference in energy and how the participants interact with our amazing world-class expert instructor, Traveling Fool, makes each presentation unique. Last year, Traveling Fool was joined in an impromptu collaboration by Nauttiboy, our instructor on “Sensual Steel.”  Together, they demonstrated another playful side to the Violet Wand. Thus, the workshop participants who were actually present during BDSM Writers Con 2013 were treated to a new outlook.

BDSM Writers Con also provides education for authors and aspiring authors on various aspects of traditional publishing, self-publishing, marketing, and social media to help authors expand their career. We also provide classes on ways to improve your writing and creating realistic credible characters. This year, Smashwords will be joining us to discuss two other aspects of writing and increasing financial success. Plus, we will have another Publisher’s Panel where various experts from the publishing industry will share what publishers are looking for and how to give it to them. Let’s not forget the publisher/agent appointments we facilitate.

Why the name BDSM WRITERS CON? Is it only for writers? Are readers welcomed to attend? Does the name discourage readers?

Gasp…I sincerely hope our name doesn’t discourage readers—we love and encourage readers to attend! Originally, BDSM Writers Con was set up as a 3-Day Intensive Workshop geared specifically toward writers though we have always allowed readers to join us. In the past four years, BDSM Writers Con has expanded to incorporate readers as a major part of the conference.

It’s important to remember the first two words standalone—BDSM WRITERS. That’s what we’re about, bringing BDSM Writers together so they can then interact with each other and their beloved readers. We did consider using the name, BDSM Writers and Readers Con but that was just a mouthful don’t you think. *chuckles* However, if you type it into your search browser, it’ll redirect you to us.

Another important distinction is that we are a conference not a convention where BDSM Writers come to learn and share and most of all interact with readers! We host several Mix & Mingles throughout the conference which allows readers and writers to get together. Plus our Golden Flogger Awards ceremony allows readers to share in the triumph of their favorite author and discover new ones.

Let’s not forget our private BDSM Club night where everyone gets to don their leather and lace and explore…a little voyeurism is always sweet as well.

With all the writers and readers conferences to choose from, what makes yours unique and distinguishes you from the rest?

BDSM Writers Con is not your typical writers or readers conference. Our core foundation is to provide participants (readers, writers, and anyone interested in BDSM) with education on the various aspects of Dominance and submission. Alongside that mission, we provide authors with valuable tools and information they need to self-publish in the BDSM genre or find the best traditional publisher for themselves, market their books, and build a career in publishing they can be proud of. Several of our prior participants stated, “BDSM Writers Con is for the D/s genre what RWA is for the romance genre.”

We offer a dual educational program in BDSM and publishing focused of selling erotica and BDSM. Each year, we expand our programs taking into consideration our participants’ requests. For instance, this year we’re including Screenwriting and Rope Bondage. Next year, we hope to include Film Making.

I know you not only educate others in D/s but you also love reading it. Share with us a few of the authors you enjoy reading?

It goes without saying that I love love love Joey W. Hill. Reading one of her books led to connecting with her and the writing community which led to writing my internationally bestselling book, BDSM The Naked Truth and creating BDSM Writers Con.

Over the years, I’ve discovered other amazing authors of BDSM such as Cris Anson, Roz Lee, and Eden Bradly. I think it’s important to also mention a few non-fiction BDSM authors which I also enjoy such as Bo Blaze, Jolynn Raymond and Mike Makai.

Because we’re currently hosting the Golden Flogger Award, I’ve had the opportunity to discover even more wonderfully talented BDSM authors and will have the privilege of announce the winners on August 20, 2015, during our award ceremony.  Peruse our website to discover all the nominees and their books. http://bdsmwriterscon.com/nominees

Well thank you so much Dr. Charley for stopping by and interviewing with me.  It has been an honor and a pleasure.

Thank you again, Silk, for having me join you. I look forward to seeing you in New York City in August and I hope your fans will join us as well. For those that cannot attend the entire four days, consider joining us on Sunday, August 24, 2015 for our BDSM Book Fair & Fetish Vending which is open to the public from noon to 4:00 p.m.

To learn more about Dr. Charley, visit her at BDSM Writers Con or www.DoctorCharley.com

Twitter:  @DoctorCharley    @BDSMwriterscon

 

 

 

The post An Interview With Dr. Charley Ferrer appeared first on Silk Jones.

Sign up for my newsletter at http://silkjones.com for a chance to win free Audible promo codes for the audiobook of The Interview: Law Firm Erotica Book I

Hi There:

As part of my erotica author interview series, it is my pleasure to bring to you an interview with the amazing erotica author Cecilia Tan.

Cecilia Tan will be the keynote speaker at the 2015 BDSM Writers Con. She is the author of many books of erotica and BDSM including the Magic University series, The Prince’s Boy, the Struck by Lightning series, The Velderet, Black Feathers, and many more. Her latest release, a new edition of The Tower and The Tears from her Magic U. series is out this week.

 

Q: Where do you draw your inspiration from?

My inspiration when I first began writing erotica and BDSM came from my desires, many of which were unfulfilled then. I was writing erotica before I’d ever had actual sex and a lot of what I wrote was about what I hoped it would be like. As it turned out, my writing was either prophetic or a kind of self-fulfilling prophecy, especially about the BDSM parts! Later, as I got more experienced in the BDSM community, I was able to build up a wellspring of experiences to draw on for stories and ideas. It’s funny: you’d expect that, say, a big whipping scene would inspire a story about a whipping, but it’s often small, subtle details that become the sparks for stories. Like I’ll remember one specific thing about the way the leather wrist cuff tightened, or one detail about how the rope sounded as it slid across the bed.

Q: Where’s your favorite place to write?

These days I write a lot in coffee shops. It really forces me to focus in a way that I don’t always when I’m at home, and it serves as a reward at the same time! Isn’t that what BDSM is all about: discipline and rewards? No wonder I like writing in coffee shops.

Q: Do your nearest and dearest know what you do, and if so, what was their reaction when they found out?

“Found out” makes it sound like it was ever a secret. It was never a secret. I’ve been a professional erotica writer pretty much my entire adult life. My first professionally published story was a self-bondage story called “A True Story,” which it was. My mother was little worried about bondage and the master/slave roleplaying at first. Her take was that she couldn’t figure out how she had raised me to be a freedom fighter for civil rights and yet I could eroticize slavery. Once I explained that BDSM is about consent and a personal imaginative connection between two people, and nothing about the subjugation of one race by another, she was fine with it. She reads all my books!

Q: What was your ideal career when you were a child?

I always wanted to be a writer. In fact, from a very young age I didn’t say I wanted “to be” a writer. I said I “was” a writer, I just wasn’t published yet. Well, I was right!

Q: What’s your biggest writing achievement?

Why? I’ve always been very artistically satisfied with my work. I’ve pushed the boundaries many different directions. In the 1990s I went in a more literary direction. I’ve incorporated fantasy and science fiction, pushing the imaginative boundary. I’ve done a lot with blurring the strict lines of gender and genre. So it’s kind of cool that right now it feels like all of a sudden my achievements are starting to be recognized by the book industry and the romance world in particular. So I guess I would say my book Slow Surrender stands out as an achievement for things like winning the RT Award and the Maggie Award for Excellence, as well as being my first book that was sold in places like Target!

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

I always have lots of irons in the fire, but the big thing right now is I’m writing a new BDSM romance trilogy for Hachette that is going to mix rock stars and BDSM. It’s “billionaire BDSM” except that this time the heroine is the billionaire. The series will be called Secrets of a Rock Star and the working title for the first book is “Taking the Lead.” It should be coming out about a year from now: January or February 2016.

To read a sample of Cecilia’s latest release, The Tower and the Tears, please visit her website here:

 

The post An Interview With Cecilia Tan appeared first on Silk Jones.

Hi there:

I’m excited today to bring you a special treat.  My friend, Cara Downey, erotic poet and a featured author at the upcoming 2015 BDSM Writers Con, agreed to let me interview her today.

Cara Downey

Q: How did you start writing erotica?

I started writing erotica as a means to write down my own fantasies, wants and desires.   It was sometime later when I decided to take the leap of faith and take the next step, to publish my own stories.  I’m very interested in erotica and I took every opportunity to dive right into erotic romance novels.  I was always transported to a fantasy world, when I opened up an erotic romance novel.  I believe that’s a testament to the writing skills of the author.  I hope to someday reach that level in my own writing… I know I still have a long way to go, but I’m excited about the future and my future writing.

Q: What’s your favorite published work of yours and why?

I’m very proud of my first publication. A lot of hard work and patience went in to ensure that it has a level of authenticity.  But at this point in my career, were I still have my training wheels on, I’m going to say I do not have a favourite published work as of yet.  I’m currently working on my second publication, which is a series…  so after a few more publications and a couple of years, I can say then what my favourite published work is.

Q: What erotic authors do you enjoy reading?

Erotic authors I enjoy reading are: Maya Banks, Sylvia Day, Beth Kery, Tara Sue Ma, Primula Bond (the list is long :-))…  However, when I attended the BDSM Writers’ Con this past August, I met some very amazing women whose works I cannot wait to read: Dr. Charley Ferrer (whose books: “BDSM for Writers” and  “BDSM: The Naked Truth, helped me a lot when I took the leap of faith to write and publish my collection of erotic poetry), Paige Matthews and Carrie Anne Ward to name a few.

Q: Where do you draw your inspiration from?

I draw inspiration from my imagination *smiles big*  Writing down my own desires, fantasies, wants etc. has helped me when it comes to developing stories and characters.  Also my sister, reads a lot of erotic romance novels, and she will relay to me scenes from a book she’s recently read.

Q: What’s your favorite genre within erotica and why?

My favourite genre within erotica is BDSM *smiles* BDSM is a topic I’m very interested in… When I started writing down my fantasies, desires, etc. I took the opportunity to research as much information as I can.  I’ve since developed a stronger interest, passion, respect and love for BDSM and to this day I crave more

Cara Downey’s book: Love Beyond Boundries, A Collection of Erotic Poetry is available here:

You can learn more about Cara Downey and her exploits on her website: www.caraddowney.com.

The post An Interview With Cara Downey appeared first on Silk Jones.