Here’s an author interview with Kathryn O’Halloran.
Take it away, Kathryn!
- How did you start writing erotica?
I kind of fell into erotica by accident. A local sex toy shop was running a competition and the prize – a Polaroid camera. I really wanted to win that camera so I tried writing a sexy story. It had no idea how to write erotica felt embarrassed but ended up putting something together.
I sent it to a guy I’d been dating at the time and, when I asked him for feedback, he said he got halfway through it and lost interest.
I dumped him and turned the sizzle factor of the story up to ten! Entered it in the competition and won. After that, there was no stopping me.
- What’s your favourite published work of yours and why?
I really love the short story, I Always Cry in the Rain, in my collection DESIRE. It’s a story people seem to either love or hate but for me the idea of having a quickie in a summer rain storm is hot. Also, it contains my favourite kind of sex – angry sex. There is not enough angry sex in erotica, I think.
- Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Sometimes I like to take situations I’ve been in that haven’t worked out so well and rewrite them to how they should have played out. Writing can be so much better than real life sometimes.
- Where’s your favourite place to write?
I write on my laptop sitting on the couch and it’s a terrible habit. I think I’m going to end up with physio bills if I don’t stop it. I at least need to invest in one of those tray tables!
- Do your nearest and dearest know what you do, and if so, what was their reaction when they found out?
I used to be quite discreet but have always written under my real name. Since launching my novel and being all publicity minded, I think everybody knows now.
My mum will “like” my writing update statuses on facebook then quickly unlike them before any of her online friends see. I say to her, what’s more important? Your own daughter or strangers on the internet? But she doesn’t answer that.
- What was your ideal career when you were a child?
To own a candy store. That’s every kid’s ambition, right? Having all that candy free for the taking. I’m glad now it didn’t come true because I have no self control.
- If you could bring one of your characters to life, which one would it be and why?
I recently wrote a short story that featured a hot Asian guy. I’d like to bring him to life. He’s the type of guy I like best – the contract of the lean but muscular body with a slightly feminine look but oh so demanding in private.
- What’s the biggest writing challenge you’ve ever taken on? Did you succeed?
Writing my novel, The Bad Girls’ Club was a huge challenge. I guess a first novel is for everyone. It’s like trying to wrestle an octopus, keeping all those plot threads in order. I finished the book so that in itself is a success for me.
Ruby Rebellion says
I love that you started writing erotica to win a Polaroid camera.