Interview with BDSM author, Elise Hepner

There are many kinds of romantic stories out there and thankfully an endless array of romance authors to supply them. I have had a wonderful time hosting a few of them. My first was YA paranormal romance author, Shannon Delany (http://brooklynann.blogspot.com/2009/12/interview-with-special-guest-author.html ) the second was Jo Lynne Valerie, author of the poignant novella collection: A Tale for All Seasons. (http://brooklynann.blogspot.com/2010/01/special-guest-blog-by-jo-lynne-valerie.html) And then there was Stella Price, co-author of the intense Eververse series.(http://brooklynann.blogspot.com/2010/02/interview-with-incubus.html) Today I have the pleasure of interviewing Elise Hepner, author of BDSM erotica.

Welcome, Elise!

1.) First off, to get us all on the same page, what exactly is BDSM?

BDSM stands for bondage, dominance, submission, and masochism. Or a few other different acronyms, depending on who you talk too. Either way it represents a culture where both parties in the relationship are equal, but not necessarily on the same sexual level, meaning one is being used for pleasure by the "top," or dominant partner, and the other "bottom," or submissive, delights in pleasing their partner through consensual, but varying degrees, of pain and pleasure through sex.

2.) What made you choose to write BDSM?

I chose to write what turns me on--that so happened to be handcuffs and then the more I did research, the more I realized I wanted to explore this new world. Fiction is a nice little outlet for me to do that without necessarily experiencing firsthand what I've written--though there have been a variety of testings in our house. I also enjoy the pure emotions that are unleashed through BDSM; there's an openness and a vulnerability that's hard to find in most regular sex that is both a turn on and a sexy revelation.

3.) With all types of erotica, there is naturally a focus on hot sex scenes. What challenges and triumphs do you encounter coming up with steamy scenes and tying them in with a tantalizing plot?

Generally, I don't have any issues with my sex scenes because my characters tell me what to do and what exactly they want, though I really try to push them to the limits in what they are ready to experience. Sometimes they have to come to the brink of being uncomfortable in order to fully experience pleasure. I do really enjoy a scene where I've written it and I know it's good because not only does it turn me on, but I have to go try it at that moment--so that could be considered a triumph. As far as challenges-- word repeating can be an issue so I like to keep a thesaurus handy, and even now I'm still advancing.

4.) I’m sure that you get a great variety of reactions to what you write. Which are the most typical?

For the most part people are very accepting or very embarrassed. I've gotten a few letters telling me how well I've written the feelings of BDSM and then I'll get an email from my mother telling me the family is calling me the "Porn Queen" and they are loving my work, but she's the only one that will read it. Which is perfectly fine with me! Regardless of reactions, I love what I write and I'll keep writing it because it's what I love, but it's always a little easier when there are people cheering you on from the stands.

5.) Is there any advice you can offer those that write for specific niche markets?

Even though in a niche market you can write about the same sex acts or similar acts in a sexual genre, the best thing to do is to keep the emotions high and really engage the characters. Otherwise reader's can get bored or stories repetitive. Also, don't be afraid to branch out. I love what I write, but if at some point I don't think it's working for me anymore I'm not going to be afraid to try something else under a different pen name. Sometime you have to give it a rest or there is epic burnout and that's really bad for a writer--obviously.

And now, for the exciting part: Elise has decided to hold a contest. Here are the details:
I'm running a contest where anyone who comments is entered to win two books of their choice from my current e-book back list. Deadline to enter is by midnight ET Monday, April 5th.

Here’s a blurb of the newest release:

Mina knows that after several years with her vanilla husband she's never going to get the hot and heady sexual experiences she craves unless she looks elsewhere. During their divorce Mina is willing to risk everything for a heart pounding, head exploding orgasm.
She embarks on a sexual journey of self fulfillment and submission that could only play out in her wildest fantasies. There is no turning back.

Warnings: This title contains strong language, kidnap scenario, BDSM and mind games.
For excerpt, click here: http://celise91writer.blogspot.com/2010/03/repossession-new-release.html


Buy Link: http://excessica.com/store/catalog/index.php?manufacturers_id=34&osCsid=f38c08cfbd9af1ab43d221c3fb3ddc52