Featured Authors of February
Thanks so much for stopping by and doing this interview with us here at Mocha's Erotic Review. I know you are working on a few stories so we will keep the interview quick and light.
What made you pick up a keyboard or pen? (Mocha)
Dreams, ideas, fantasies, and visions influence my writing. Visions introduce themselves usually when I meditate and I’m in perfect balance with the universe. When something gets into my head, I have a strong urge to put it on paper (if I’m not around a computer); eventually I add everything to Word.
Have you improved on your writing since the first time you picked up a pen or type using a keyboard? (Mocha)
Yes, I truly have. Friends say my writing is smoother when they read my manuscripts and works in progress. I’m even noticing the improvement myself, especially when editing.
What makes your stories different? (Mocha)
I like switching my stories up, sometimes I have a plot, sometimes not. My stories are daring, some people tell me. Some are risky, carnal, and over the edge. Honestly, some stories I write for my own sexual gratification.
Other pieces I have written are softer, more romantic with milder sexual situations. Sensual gentle lovemaking replaces the raw savage lust.
My great aunts used to spin tales of forbidden interracial love in 18th century New Orleans. Matriarchs of our family told these stories to them as young women on my grandmother’s side. I just like taking these stories a little further, giving them a wilder edge and a happily ever after.
In some of my stories, the heroes are handsome alphas with rock hard bodies, their heights ranging from six feet and up. They are rich and powerful. In other stories, some are flawed, maybe even an ordinary every day average Joe who may not have much money, but possesses a heart of gold. They place my heroines upon a pedestal and still manage to make them slick with want! I have a few where my heroes may be a little stockier than most, but then again, I’m only testing the waters. *grin*
Naturally, my heroines are strong-willed, they must give my heroes a run for their money, you know. Some are extremely exotic with voluptuous or Rubenesque physiques, and others are average with the same physical attributes. In real life, people come in all different shapes and sizes, so why not in fantasy?
In one of my pieces, my heroine will delve into the dark side. They say the heroine must always be sensitive, kind, and caring. Well, she was until she received the third bite from her vampire lover, then she becomes rogue. But don’t worry, after two series, she returns to her former self.
I enjoy writing variety. My stories will have a little something in each that everyone may identify with.
Are your characters more realistic? (Mocha)
Some characters are realistic; some are fantasy (dragon, werewolf, vampire, ghost, or an element).
Do you have certain way you develop your characters? (Mocha)
With my characters, I will use certain mannerisms of people I know or see. I enjoy watching people, and if for some unknown reason that person becomes intriguing or a mystery to me, I will develop my characters around them.
Which story stands out for you? (Mocha)
“When Darkness Falls,” the prequel to “Soul Seduction” stands out to me because Vivienne and Angelus pursue their love in Eighteenth Century New Orleans. Angelus doesn’t conform to the “norm” for that particular era in time. He is a stubborn Irishman who knows Vivienne is his soul mate. Nothing in heaven, hell or on earth can stop them from pursuing their destiny. He will move mountains to have her by his side. : )
“Soul Seduction,” is about how Angelus Cronen discovers his soul mate in modern times. He struggles as he comes to terms of which she is now, and in doing so must battle the dark shadow lurking beneath his human facade.
Below is an excerpt of “Soul Seduction.”
Patience is a virtue—especially if you’re waiting for your soul mate’s rebirth.
Vampire Angelus Cronen loved lusted for and
inevitably lost his true soul mate over two centuries ago. She was the
beautiful slave, Vivienne, who set his body on fire and branded her name on
his soul. He was told to have patience during the long years that separated
him from her resurrection. His lust only grew to have her in his arms again.
His dark soul's deepest desire was to bring her spirit once more under his
control.
First he has to conquer the dark side of his spirit, the beast within who
can and will destroy his soul mate with the least provocation. Seduction can
lead him to a love meant to last an eternity or cause him to murder her.
Soul Seduction will be released through Éire Lander Publishing March 2010.
What is the influence behind your plots? (Mocha)
A mixture of fantasy and “real life” experiences.
Any particular genre you prefer over any other and why? (Mocha)
Well, I prefer paranormal erotic romance and regular romance genres because for me, it is all about slipping away into that fantasy world. I sometimes add challenges of a normal life to these fantasy worlds.
What are you currently working on right now? (Mocha)
I’m currently working on edits for “Her Dark Desires.” This stimulating piece will be released November 21st through Sugar and Spice Press, so be prepared for my hero and heroine to rock your world!
“When Darkness Falls,” the prequel to “Soul Seduction.” This will be released the summer of 2010 possibly.
“The Beast Within” – By the time people read this review, I should have this piece submitted to Sugar and Spice Press.
“Just an Ordinary Vampire” – I just started this piece a few days ago.
“Bitch in Heat” – Dark paranormal werewolf story
I have thirty WIPs, many with only a few chapters written.
How long have you been writing? (Mocha)
I started freelance writing in July 2008, providing web content for clients from my virtual assistant business. At that time, I wrote articles for two online magazines.
Aside from writing sexy erotic stories strictly for my pleasure, I started penning erotica in March 2009 after ordering an ebook from Sugar and Spice Press, which I must say inspired me to do so. The passion to write erotica existed in 2007 when I purchased my very first ebook, and although I thought about writing for the world to see, I never acted upon it. I guess there is a time and place for everything.
Tell us who is Charisma Knight the author? (Mocha)
Are you sure you want to know?
Charisma Knight the author is an old soul with many secrets from the past locked away within her mind.
Charisma Thank you so much for stopping by Mocha’s Erotic Review and letting us pick your brain.