Welcome My Guest Author Emma Lai.
From Emma Lai's blog: Emma likes nothing more than a challenge. First, she tackled the male-dominated field of engineering. Next, she expanded her understanding of the world by studying international relations. Finally, her husband dared her to use her experience and knowledge and devote herself to writing. She accepted his challenge and has been writing ever since. Writing keeps Emma sane. Her characters demand their stories be told and nag her incessantly until she complies. The characters are very insistent about her remaining faithful to their individual adventures. As a result, Emma writes a range of genres and levels of heat. She never knows what the next set of characters will demand! What is it about the romance genre that appeals to you? I’ve been reading stories for the romance in them for as long as I can remember. When I was in elementary school I kept wanting Nancy Drew and Frank Hardy to date. (I don’t remember if they do or not, but when I started reading the books, they were all just friends.) I attempted to write my first romance in elementary school as well. It was a high school romance. What does an elementary student know about high school? Nothing, is the answer. The story was horrible. What is it about romance that draws me though? I like the push and pull between the hero and heroine, and, of course, the happy ending.
What is it about the romance genre that appeals to you?
I’ve been reading stories for the romance in them for as long as I can remember. When I was in elementary school I kept wanting Nancy Drew and Frank Hardy to date. (I don’t remember if they do or not, but when I started reading the books, they were all just friends.) I attempted to write my first romance in elementary school as well. It was a high school romance. What does an elementary student know about high school? Nothing, is the answer. The story was horrible. What is it about romance that draws me though? I like the push and pull between the hero and heroine, and, of course, the happy ending.
Is there anything in your story based upon a real life event? If so, tell me about it.
In most of my stories, character emotions are drawn from personal experience. In His Ship, Her Fantasy, Ellie’s sense of isolation was based on my initial experience when starting as an electrical engineer. In His Hope, Her Salvation, Judith’s resilience in the face of abuse was drawn from one of my first relationships, which while not physically abusive was emotionally abusive. In Twice is Not Enough, Lady Minerva’s self-sacrifice for the happiness of others was based on, well let’s face it, most women today know all about the circumstances that lead to this one. The only story with absolutely none of my life in it is my latest release, Slave to Innocence.
What inspired you to write Slave to Innocence?
Slave to Innocence was inspired by a submission call. The story line calls for stories set in Ancient Greece. I started out with the intention of writing a story about a female slave, who is rescued by a friend of the family. However, the characters refused to cooperate and I ended up with something completely different that challenged me in ways I’d never imagined. No matter what I tried, the mistress of the house refused to be written as a secondary character. Then she admitted to having feelings for the slave, and the rest, well I blush to think about it.
Are the love scenes in your books made up or are they from personal experience?
All my loves scenes are made up. Mortification burns me up at the thought of committing those particular personal experiences to paper. Not too sure what hubby would think either.
LOL – My hubby worries about that all the time. Can you give us a sneak peek of your next book?
My next story is an erotic contemporary. It was inspired by an idea of a friend and fellow author. Sabrina is going to lose the one thing left in the world she cares about unless she can find someone ruthless to help her. So, she turns to her ex-lover, who she abandoned five years ago without an explanation. William’s moved on with his life. A self-made millionaire with women at his beck and call, he wants to know what Sabrina’s willing to offer for his aid. Sabrina’s answer...complete and utter submission.
What draws you to a story?
A good plot with strong characters. I check out the blurb and if it portrays the story as having a good plot with strong characters, I’m tempted to read the excerpt and maybe more. What makes a good plot and strong characters? All kinds of things, which is why I read across genres with a special spot for romances, science fiction and fantasy.
If you could have dinner with one person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
My current choice of dinner companion would be Franklin Roosevelt. I’d like to talk to him about where he found the courage to take on the problems facing America at the time. And, ask him what he would do if he were president now.
Do you know how your book is going to end and/or the fate of all your characters or are you surprised as you write the story and in as much suspense as the reader?
I never know how my stories are going to end. Sometimes, I don’t even know what a character is going to do next. It can be trying sometimes because I then have to go back and make sure the actions don’t contradict previous behaviors, and if they do then they have to be explained, which means I have to ask the character why they’re behaving unusually. It makes for fun writing.
Where can people learn more about you and your work?
Blog: http://emmalaiwrites.blogspot.com
Twitter: @EmmaLaiWrites
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/emmalaiwrites
Blurb: Slave to Innocence (Sins of Sybaris) Selene, the wife of a wealthy merchant, has few freedoms. To entertain herself, she uses her male slaves to fulfill her fantasies. However, she finds herself drawn to the innocence of her favorite female slave, Parthenope. Will Selene resist temptation, or will she become a slave to innocence?
>br>Thanks so much Emma for joining me and much luck in your endeavors. Patsy
