Interview & Giveaway with Karen Erickson author of Forbidden.......

I would like to Welcome Karen Erickson to Book Junkie today as my Guest Author celebrating her latest release Forbidden, Book 1 in the Playing With Fire Series set to release Nov 17 from Samhain Publishing. Karen was kind enough to answer some of my questions about this highly erotic tale & emotionally stimulating love story ….. let’s get started!

You can read my review of Forbidden HERE!


If someone were writing a story about Karen Erickson, what would your blurb say? My day to day life is so boring, trust me. I live on a dirt road, I have three kids, a husband, a dog, a herd of cats and a bunch of chickens that I take care of.Though seriously at my old job, the scandalous things that went on there on what felt like a daily basis could be a book. A book that I could write, every word of it true (but names changed to protect the not so innocent) and every agent and publisher in the world would probably turn me down saying “too unbelievable.” Trust me, when you work with a woman who married a pimp (this is just one small example), your coworker’s lives become awfully interesting.I definitely should write that book someday…LOL.

How do you get started with writing a story (as in, how do you start developing the story, how do you get inspired for it)? Do you start with an outline, synopsis, characters; what is your writing process like?
I usually just get an idea. It can be from a magazine, something on TV, something I read on the internet…inspiration strikes at the oddest times. I’m definitely more of a pantster than a plotter but I do like to have a bit of an outline. A map to guide me but not with every destination planned out.Some books take me a while to write and others pour out of me. Like literally they just flow out of my fingertips as fast as I can type.

Can you tell us a little about your newest release Forbidden?
Well, in reference to the last question, Forbidden was one of those books that just tumbled out of me. I wrote it in about two weeks’ time. I believe for the length, that’s a personal record.Anyway, Forbidden is about a woman who’s in love with her gay roommate so she thinks it’s pointless. But wait—he’s fallen for her too. Because he’s bisexual and gender doesn’t really matter to him. The story is a journey for the two of them, of finding out that they’re perfect for each other. Michaela’s always felt like a different person in her past relationships and Austin just let’s her be. It’s quite liberating for her.And though Michaela opens up and explores her naughty side, the book is really Austin’s. Definitely hero driven, he was the one who came at me with this story. I tend to fall in love with most (not all but most) of my heroes. Sshh, don’t tell my husband.


Why Erotic & Paranormal Romance & is there another genre you would like to explore?
Well, I’ve only dabbled in paranormal. I would consider myself more of a paranormal “light” author. And I write mostly erotic because I just tend to write hot. I can hold back, I’ve done it before but it’s fun to just let loose and get naughty.I’d love to explore the YA genre! I know, such a complete difference from the erotic stuff (and yeah if I’m ever successful at it I have to get a new pen name). But there’s so many wonderful YA books out there right now. It’s so experimental and fresh. Love it.

When reading a book I often imagine the characters in my head as thought I am watching a movie play out. If you could cast Michaela, Austin & Brad for a movie who would play them on screen?
Oh, this one is sooo tough. Sometimes I use visuals and sometimes I don’t, depends on the story, how full fledged the character comes to me, what inspired me in the first place, etc.I can admit this and you’ll like it Brande – the inspiration behind Austin is Adam Lambert. Ha! My editor was like “I don’t get his appeal” but she did devour Forbidden in about a couple of hours and offered a contract on it just as quickly so…I must’ve done something right!Michaela and Brad, I never used anyone for inspiration. But pretty people from Gossip Girl would work, LOL.

Do you usually cast your characters (a mental picture) before or after you have started writing? Does it help inspire you and take the story in a different direction?
Well, as mentioned in the above question, sometimes I do and sometimes I don’t. I’m all over the place when it comes to my process huh? Normally I do cast at least one main character via a mental picture. It doesn’t necessarily take the story in a different direction but it does help me “see” them better.

What is the hardest part for you about creating/continuing on with a series?
You want to give everyone equal treatment. I can see not wanting to stop a series, just getting so caught up in the characters and the world that you never want it to end. In fact, though I haven’t written it, I’d like to write one more for the Playing With Fire Series. There’s a friend I mention in there a few times and I think her story needs to be told…

What was your favorite scene to write in Forbidden?
The first sex scene between Austin and Michaela. I wanted it to be really hot yet also romantic and I hope I succeeded. I was so tired when I was writing it and I had to get up early the next morning so I went to bed. Became struck with inspiration as I drifted off to sleep and I had to grab a notepad, scribble a few lines down so I wouldn’t forget them. Used those lines in that scene too!

Did you ever draw your characters from the personalities in your life?
I have, definitely. Not full on, “this character is based on so-and-so” but I’ve used traits of people I know or have known, bits of my life, bits of my past. I honor friends by using their names. I honor my hometown by mentioning restaurants, stores, etc. that are unique to the area (or have even gone out of business, etc.). Those little things make me happy.

Have you ever encountered someone who said, "You write what!!!"?
Oh yeah! Where my husband works, I used to work. His coworkers ask lots of questions and read excerpts on my website which can be embarrassing but for the most part, I’m over it. They do think my husband is some sort of stud and everything I write is based on our wild and crazy sex life. He doesn’t confirm or deny.

What is the most interesting thing you’ve done in the name of research?
Hahahahaha, I can’t tell you. That’s too personal.

We are introduced to Scarlett, Trevor and Drake in Book 1 of the Playing with Fire Series Forbidden, Book Two Tangled (releasing from Samhain Jan 2010), focusing on the relationship between the three character’s above, what inspired you to create this love triangle?
Well I created Scarlett because I wanted to give Austin a fun female friend and I gave her the mad crush on Drake, a guy who works at a nightclub. I never meant for them to get their own book. I certainly never meant for Trevor to be the hero of Tangled either.But as I was nearing the end of Forbidden and whimpering in the depths of my soul because I didn’t want it to end, I asked my editor, “What do you think of Scarlett having her own book?” and she said yes. It kinda went from there and bam, Tangled was born. Scarlett is such a different heroine from Michaela. I gotta say it, she can be a bit of a snot. Okay, she can be really bitchy. And she’s mad she can’t have what she wants (Drake) because he wants Trevor and yet Trevor wants…Scarlett. Very confusing, but it all works out in the end.

If you were not writing, what would you be doing?
I started writing seriously because I was a stay at home mom of two babies and thought I had lots of extra time to pursue it (ha!). I made the time. I’d been writing for years but just dabbling really, I never finished anything. So if I wasn’t writing, I’d probably be desperately looking for a job since my baby started kindergarten this year. And I wouldn’t have much luck finding one either, I bet. The job market in my area is pretty awful.

For you, what is the hardest part of writing a novel? Concept, Characterization, Plotting, Writing the story, Synopsis/Query letter writing, etc.
Hmm, well the synopsis can be difficult. I’ve found the more I write them, the easier they become but I wouldn’t necessarily call writing them easy either. Plotting can be difficult because it needs to be smooth and have a certain flow. Sometimes I imagine it so perfectly in my head but becomes difficult to get out on paper. That’s frustrating.

If you could ask readers any one question, what would it be?
You actually buy my stuff and like it? No, that’s the sad little writer in me who’s still in awe that readers pay good money to read my stories. It’s such a privilege to create these stories and know that readers are enjoying them.
I guess I would ask what are they looking for right now? What sort of story would get their heart pumping as they consumed the story in one sitting? I’m curious…

Thanks for having me on your blog Brande!!! Some great, thought-provoking (and tough) questions!

Snippet: "Playing With Fire, Book 1
He always wanted what he couldn’t have…
Forbidden desires, secret needs…that’s not what girls are made of. At least, that’s whatMichaela’s past boyfriends told her when she revealed her darkest, dirtiest fantasies. She knows she’s better off without the exes, but she’s lonely—and horny. It doesn’t help that her roommate, Austin, is the most gorgeous man she’s ever laid eyes on. Too bad he’s bisexual…or so he says.
There’s a reason Austin hasn’t been with a woman in a long time. The only one he wants is Michaela. He’s fought his attraction for months, waiting for a sign, desperate to show her she’s everything he wants in a lover. One illicit kiss leads to an explosive night of sex that leaves her wanting more—yet afraid. But Austin is a patient man, more than willing to tear down her boundaries piece by piece. Exposing her to pleasures she’s never known.
Trust leads her to whisper her most deeply held fantasy. One that rouses a new emotion Austin didn’t expect: jealousy. Possessiveness. He’s the only man he wants in her life. And he’ll do whatever it takes to prove it…"

Wanna win a ebook Copy of Forbidden from Karen Erickson? Karen has generously offered to give away 1 copy of her latest book, just follow the rules below for your chance to win!

***GIVEAWAY RULES***

+1 Answer Karen's Question above in your comment

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+7 for subscribing to Book Junkie via e-mail (check my sidebar!)

Winner will be chosen via Random.org on 11/17

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