Sahara Kelly Interview

Sahara Kelly Header

Hi Sahara. Thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to answer some questions. Inquiring minds wanted to know you a little better.

It's my pleasure. Always happy to talk to ARR!

Now lets get down to business. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Well, I'm originally from 'Old' England, and am now living in New England. There's a certain symmetry there. I'm married, have a teenage son, and love to write.

How did the concept of Alana's Magic Lamp come into being? Did you have to do any research into the myth of genies?

Alana came about thanks to a conversation with two good friends about what we found - ahem - arousing. You know, the women-chatting-about-sex type conversation! We all decided that the two-on-one scenario had a definite appeal, and the seed was planted, so to speak. I didn't really need to research genies much, because the beauty of writing fantasy is that you can create your own myths and legends. So although I kept a Middle Eastern feel to the story, I let the guys take care of their own magic talents.

The story was so exciting and HOT!!! Will there be any sequels or other adventures for the Genies?

Well, thank you! I'm glad you think so. There will definitely be sequels to the idea of the "Guardians of Time" - and yes, more genies will be wandering the Universe. But each will be different - the one coming later this year is going to be in a galaxy far far away.... which will confuse the heck out of him seeing as he was originally a twelfth century Scottish knight!

What does your family think about your writing erotica novels?

They're a bit stunned and confused and probably not quite sure how to deal with it. I don't believe either of them appreciated its significance until I received my first royalty check. That kind of got their attention and made them understand that this was for real. Now they suggest plot ideas (none usable as yet), and respect my writing schedule. Sort of.

What is your opinion on the e-book vs. paperback industry? Do you think that e-book writers are treated fairly by their paperback counterparts?

It's a touchy issue. I have noticed that many people feel (incorrectly) that unless you've written a "book" they can hold in their hands, you're not published. Well, shucks, I guess there are an awful lot of people just doodling on their computers in that case! And of course, we doodlers are also smiling all the way to the bank! LOL

Because epublishing is such a new phenomena, there are bound to be misunderstandings and misconceptions. Not unlike the Impressionists in 19th century France, whose work was reviled as "non art" by the traditionalists. But eventually the dust settles. There's room enough for all.

Do you have any plans to release Alana's Magic Lamp in paperback?

It is my understanding that many, if not all, of Ellora's Cave books will be available in paperback sometime this year. It's a very exciting period of growth for Ellora's and those of us lucky enough to be part of it. Stay tuned for news on that front - it's a complicated process that is way over my head!

How did you start writing in the erotica genre? What drew you to it?

I guess one really just starts writing a story, without specifically aiming for a "genre", especially in the early days. But "Alana" was certainly created to be erotic and to touch on all things sensual. The challenge was to match the story to the sex and keep it fun and romantic at the same time. I found as I got into it that the freedom was the most seductive feature. No rules, no boundaries, I could be in total control of my characters and their environment with no limits set by anyone but myself. Plus, I thought it might be fun. I didn't realize it would be deliriously wonderful!

There is a very fine line between erotica and erotic fiction. Do you think you would ever write an erotica fiction story?

I'm not sure where the line is, to be honest. I'm also not sure if I could write "erotica", because those books I've read that have been described as such, have often been rather empty of character and devoid of plot. The romanticas, on the other hand, are richly populated and widely entertaining and I have yet to run up against any prohibitions. I think I'm probably going to stick with the romanticas.

Where did some of the plots come from? The plots are vivid and rich in imagination-explain!

Oh my. That's a tough question. I love to have an idea, a kernel, a little something that my characters and my story can grow on. It may be suggested by a time in the past perhaps, a place, a sexy fantasy, or something as unlikely as a hand-made toy. I guess that's part of what makes writing fun - waiting for those ideas to jump out and slap you upside the head! LOL

Research. How much research goes into writing one of your stories? How do you do the research on your stories? We are talking a wide variety of stories here.

Ah yes, the research question. Before we go too far down that road, let me make it clear that I do not personally research each and every sex scene I write. I'd never get a book finished. LOL

However, I do believe that research is crucial. It is to me, anyway, which is why I spend hours on the Internet hunting up references, papers, articles, anything that will give me the information necessary to make my story work. I need to be accurate, for my own peace of mind, about things like the civilization in Ancient Sumer, for example, (which really was based largely on sex) or the social strata of the Regency. I believe every writer owes it to the people who are nice enough to buy and read their work to make sure that any facts they use are accurate. There is simply NO excuse for anything less. Especially these days with the enormous resources of the Internet at everyone's fingertips. I suppose I might go a little far - I have a wonderful Stephen Hawking book I'm about to read before starting my sci-fi story, as if my readers really want to know about fundamental cosmological theories. LOL But the principle is that I believe accuracy matters. Sorry - I didn't mean to rant, but it's a touchy point with me!! LOL

What premise do you like most to write about (i.e.; time travel, contemporary)?

So far, I've loved them all. Fantasies are wonderful, but I adored Sumer, loved letting Hansell and Gretty get up to mischief in today's business world, and am finishing up a Regency as we speak. I am itching to get into my sci-fi, which is coming up shortly, and there's a couple of medieval historicals looming, as well as a quartet of bondage stories. I am NEVER bored.

What do you enjoy most about writing and the least about writing?

Enjoy most? Losing myself in my stories. Finding out what my characters want to do and letting them do it. Watching as they get into and out of trouble and feeling as proud as punch when "The End" gets typed on the final page. Also being able to work in my jammies if I feel like it.

Like least? Leaving characters I've become attached to - it's like sending kids off to college. They have to go, but you really miss them. Oh, and I have to say that I am totally useless at self-promotion. Just can't get out there and sell myself, or my books. Wrong personality type, I guess.

What inspires you if you get a case of writers block?

I tend to get more of a "chapter" block than writer's block...sometimes things don't sound right or plans for a scene don't work. I walk around a bit, do a bit of housework, maybe tidy up...just let my mind wander round the problem, digging and poking at it until it is resolved. I guess it's not a huge problem for me or my house would be cleaner. I also believe in the therapeutic use of chocolate.

When do you like to write night or day? Do you have anything going in the background while you write?

I find I write best in the morning when my mind is clear and fresh. And I definitely prefer quiet, no music or anything. I do love incense - a habit I began with the genies, especially when I found a Blue Lotus incense that I adore. I usually have a couple of sticks going when the ideas are flowing fast. In the summer I'll have my sliders open to the deck, because I love the sounds from my garden too.

Are some of your characters inspired by people you've met in real life? If so, can you tell us what stories they are in?

Not by people I've met, although a couple of friends did make cameo appearances in Alana. But I do occasionally have a face to go with a character. The Guardian, for example, walked into a scene and I realized he was Oded Fehr (the guy from "The Mummy" who had the face markings. Mmm.) And George Clooney sort of buzzes around in my mind whenever I get seriously into one of my heroes. Of course, he's welcome to buzz even when I'm not into one of my heroes! LOL

How do you feel about your sudden popularity?

Um - I don't know. Am I popular? LOL Seriously, I'm stunned and tickled to bits when nice folks like you ask for interviews, and enormously touched when people care enough to drop me a line after reading one of my stories. Getting nominated for two Golden Rose awards, for example, was a major delight and pleasure, even though I wasn't fortunate enough to win!

What kind of heroine most reminds you of Sahara Kelly?

Hoo boy. I don't think there is one. I am definitely SO not heroine material.

Can you tell us what you are currently working on? Can you give us a little peek?

As I mentioned earlier, I am just now finishing up my Regency, titled "Madam Charlie", and it's about a young woman who owns a brothel in London. She's an interesting character with an iron will and a lot of self control. Until she meets the hero, that is! (Smile). I'm also hoping that a story called "Persephone's Wings" will be released soon. It's a fun fantasy that takes a whole new look at Fairyland, and will probably have Shakespeare rolling in his grave. I particularly enjoyed one character, whose name I'm not going to share (this is a family site, I believe). But picture Danny DeVito as a grubby goblin with wings and a real bad attitude.

Anything you would like to tell our readers that we haven't asked you?

Just that I always love to welcome visitors who drop by my website, I try and keep it as updated as possible - in fact I'm a bit obsessive about moving stuff around. It's like virtual furniture without the backache and the scuff marks! There's information on current and forthcoming books, some games, a couple of other interesting pages...occasionally a contest...I'm a website junkie! LOL (Oh and you'll see the most recent covers of my books, too... I do my own covers, so they're always featured prominently!)

Thank you again for answering our questions. As you can probably tell we are fans of yours.

Thank you so much for some great questions. It's been a pleasure chatting with you and I hope you and your readers will continue to enjoy my stories. As long as you do, I'll keep writing them!