Jen: This weekend our guest is erotica author Beth Wylde. Beth, will you please share a short bio with us?
Beth: Author Beth Wylde writes what she likes to read, which includes a little bit of everything. Her books range in theme from paranormal to contemporary and in pairings from lesbian erotica to straight m/f as well as menage and m/m.
When she isn't writing she can still normally be found in front of her computer either plotting, chatting or working on promo. Her first story was published in 2006 and her reviews have been top notch.
Some of her most recent awards include, The Romance Erotica Connection (REC) 2007 & 2008 F/F Author of the Year, REC's Best Gay short story for Alpha-Omega (co-written with Cassandra Gold) and she is up for the 2008 GLBT Author of the Year from Love Romances Cafe (LRC) Her werewolf themed story, A Little Taste of Red earned her a recommended read from Joyfully Reviewed and she has been on the Phaze Top 20 bestsellers list more than once.
Keep an eye out for more from this talented author in the upcoming year!
Jen: Tell us about Sapphistocated and where it's available.
Beth: Sapphistocated is coming out from Phaze with a tentative release date of February 9th.
I just finished the first round edits and I'm so excited about the fact that this will be available in both ebook and print. This is a four author lesbian erotic anthology with stories by myself, Alessia Brio, Jolie du Pre and Yeva Wiest. It's going to be fabulous and a must have book for anyone that enjoys lesbian fiction.
Jen: At what age did you discover writing and when were you first published? Tell us your call story.
Beth: I've been making up and writing stories and rhymes since grade school. It started off with a love for poetry, then grew into song lyrics and eventually evolved into full fledged shorts and novellas that a friend of mine read and recommended I submit to a publishing company. After a bit of convincing I took her advice (thanks Pennie) and sent one of my stories in. I haven't looked back since.
Jen: Describe your writing in three words.
Beth: WOW, ok, hmmm? Trustworthy, fun-loving, honest.
Jen: Do you have any "must haves" with you while you’re writing?
Beth: A pen and a notebook. I can write on the computer but when I get stuck working longhand always gets me through the block when nothing else can. I keep a small notepad and pencil in my purse or by my bed at all times.
Jen: Do you have a writing routine?
Beth: I'm not sure anything is routine around my house, LOL. With 3 young children and a day job I write when ever I can squeeze it in. Early morning or late at night seem to be the main times I can get online without interruption.
Jen: How do you shut out disruptions?
Beth: I can't always shut the noise out. I absolutely can not write if music is playing. I'm one of those people that has to sing along and I can't write and sing at the same time. I will use music to get me in the mood to work on a certain storyline though. I do need some semblance of quiet or peace to write.
Jen: What’s the most challenging aspect of writing? Easiest?
Beth: Most challenging has to be getting in the mood and finding the right inspiration. Endings are the hardest part of a story for me. I get the intro and a vague idea of where things are headed but the rest comes together as I go along. I just follow the characters where ever they lead me.
Easiest? Hmmm? Getting a story idea. I have a file folder full of ideas I'd like to work on. My mind is always churning up new storylines it's just finding the time to work on them that's hard for me.
Jen: What did you do to celebrate the sale of your first book?
Beth: I held a party on my yahoo group. It was just a small chat when my group was new and first getting going. I think I was still in shock over seeing something published with my name on it.
Jen: Where do you draw your inspiration?
Beth: A lot of times I get ideas while I sleep. I'll dream about the story, just like watching a movie unfold in my head. Then I'll wake up and have to jot the ideas down before I lose them. Some of my characters take on attributes of people I know too, of course I never use their real names.
Jen: Do you have a favorite character or one that you identify most with?
Beth: I have two actually. I'm a huge fan of Elizabeth from Switching Sides. There is just more to her than meets the eye. I'd love to revisit her and Kara.
I identify most with Tara, from my currently out of publication novella, Full Moon Madness. She's brutally honest, no-holds barred and a woman that can take care of herself. Very protective of her child and her friends.
Jen: Do you become attached to your characters and have a hard time letting them go, or are you happy that their story is told and you can move on?
Beth: I hold on, sometimes too tight. I'm always thinking of new adventures for some of them to embark on. My mind works constantly.
Jen: Most people only dream of becoming a published writer. Now that you’ve accomplished that goal, is there anything else you dream of doing?
Beth:My next goal was to see something I've written come out in print and that dream will be coming true in February. My next wish would be to be able to make a living from just my writing. I'd love to write full time as my profession.
Jen: What's next for you?
Beth: Lots more stories. ^_^
Jen: Where can you be found on the web?
Beth: My website: http://www.bethwylde.com
my yahoo group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bethwylde/
email: b.wylde@yahoo.com
Yahoo IM ID - b.wylde
and the links to my publishers, books, twitter, myspace, facebook, goodreads, etc... can be found on either my website or yahoo group main page.
Jen: Is there anything you’d like to ask our readers?
Beth: What is your favorite type of book or genre to read?
Jen: Thank you Beth for an interesting interview and captivating excerpts. Readers, Beth is offering up a copy of any one of her currently published ebooks to a random winner. So, to enter the contest, answer Beth's question or ask a question of Beth. She'll be around this weekend to answer them. Due to the content of Beth's books, we are going to have to announce that the winner will have to be over the age of 18. So, if you're underage, please don't comment to win. I will pick the winner on Sunday, January 25 around 5pm PDT.
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Nice to meet you Beth~ being a writer myself I love hearing another author's story. Great success to you and your work~
Welcome to the blog Beth! I admit that Switching Sides was the first (and I think only) F/F erotica I've ever read. It's still not a genre I hunt out, but I also don't shy away from it like I used to.
The question I always like to ask is... what book are you reading right now? Or what's up next on your to-be-read list?
Jen
admin.bookblog AT gmail.com
Beth - You seemed a little tentative in your answers, as if you feel vulnerable when talking about you writing. There seems to be so much competition in the book market today with the internet providing everyone the opportunity to write and be read. I've heard many times people say that they want to make a living at writing, as you did. Does that goal put pressure on you as a creative person?
Gary Severance - Book Talk
I enjoyed the blog. I am reading several books at once and Switching Sides is one.
I like the idea of recurring characters. When I come to the end of a story with characters I would like to know I feel saddened that I have come to the end and wonder what they will do next.
Ray
Just a quick update...
Beth has had a family emergency and she more than likely will not be here to answer your questions. But she will catch up on your comments and the contest is still on, so comment away.
Hello all, I am glad to see people commenting and leaving notes. Beth is an excellent author with a vivid imagination.
AS her PR Manager I know that Beth will drop back in and definitely put in some insight once time allows.
She loves to talk to others about her books and writing in general.
So ask away....
Dee
Personalized Marketing
(I guess I need to ask something... What is the one genre you would love to try out but yet haven't?)
Great interview! I like to read paranormals, contemps, westerns, time travel, and romantic suspense. Beth, have you ever modeled a character from a family member or a friend? How do you choose your character's names?
It's time to pick our winner. Names were put in a bowl and Gary was chosen as the winner of a free ebook.
Gary, please swing by Beth's website and pick your choice of ebook (and perhaps a second selection, just in case the first is unavailable) and email me at admin.bookblog@gmail.com.
okay i'm finally getting to answer everyone, my son just came home from the hospital last night so it's been crazy for me. This is my first day back online.
As for next in line for my reading, I have to admit that reading is on hold a bit for me because i have about 5 projects currently in the works. I flit from story to story so when i get stuck on one the next one is there for me. ^_^ I have release scheduled this year through July so far and two subs i haven't heard back about yet.
Gary, I think I'm always a bit humble when talking about my work because it still feels like a dream to me that people can go out and buy a book with my name on it. I think with all the venues available now for people to get their work published it does put extra pressure on both new and more established authors. You have to figure out how to interest the readers in your books and not the other million of them that are available. I'm constantly trying to come up with new storylines and ideas, things that are fresh and haven't been done to death. It's a constant challenge.
Ray, I hope you enjoy Switching Sides. It was my first lesbian themed story and one that is very dear to me.
Dee: I'd love to try historical. I recently got an acceptance in a genre i never thought I'd write and that was a western themed story. LOL It was fun though and very sexy!
Amy, I often model my characters after family members or friends. I know too many interesting people not to. LOL Though i do change the names of course.
As for choosing names I tend to browse through baby name books and when I get to a name that fits my character i just know it, some story ideas come complete with my character names off the bat but my story always unfolds as I write it. I am not a plotter and I can not outline at all.
Anyone else have a question? I'm here all evening.
Beth
and every month on the first you can check out my website for the monthly update.
www.bethwylde.com