How did you start writing erotica? It started very young—a little bit too young, really. I started writing romance stories featuring me and my favourite musician when I was 13 or so. It’s hilarious to read back on some of the early stuff because I had no sexual experience, so kissing was really the extent of the eroticism. By age 18 I had several romance novels in the work, and it just kept snowballing from there. And, eventually, progressed beyond chaste kissing!
What’s your favourite published work of yours and why? The Last Resort is my current favourite published work. It’s true that it’s my new release, but I just love the heroine Rose SO much. She’s the woman I wish I could be. She’s a baby bounty hunter, she’s a Marine, she practices Jiu-Jitsu, and she dedicates her life to helping others. And overall, Rose and Garrett are very unconventional in general. I like writing couples that don’t follow the strict script of A.) Fall in Love B.) Get pregnant C.) Move into a small house on the river and raise a lot of kids. Don’t get me wrong, I LIKE those stories too. But I like to show other types of couples, doing other types of things. In this case, a bounty hunter and a resort renovation entrepreneur.
What erotic authors do you enjoy reading? Helena Hunting and Sylvia Day come to mind immediately. Those ladies know how to write some steamy scenes!
Do you have any unusual writing rituals? I think the only ritual that I have is that I don’t have one! I wish I had more of a ritual, and maybe by default a ROUTINE, but I definitely don’t. Maybe my actual writing ritual is compulsive nail-biting while trying to figure out scenes! Ha!
Where’s your favourite place to write? In my home office! I have a small little room that doesn’t count as a bedroom because there’s no closet, but it’s definitely not small enough to be a closet either. I hole up in here and turn my twinkly lights on and write for hours. Until hunger or stiff legs drive me downstairs.
Do your nearest and dearest know what you do, and if so, what was their reaction when they found out? Pretty much everyone in my life knows what I write except for my grandparents. I haven’t come out of the erotic romance closet with them. Is that bad? I’m in my 30’s, I should be able to tell grandma and grandpa. Maybe someday I’ll gather the courage.
What was your ideal career when you were a child? AUTHOR! It was always author. I’ve never wanted to do anything other than write. Well, okay, I guess I also wanted to be an astronaut. And a mermaid. But mostly author.
How do you get yourself in the mood to write? To be honest, I don’t have to do much to get myself in the mood because I usually AM in the mood. Especially when I’m in the middle of a first draft, the story bangs around in there like an angry monkey rattling the bars of his cage. And it’s my job, as the story/monkey caretaker, to slowly, and carefully, open the cage. But if there is ever a time when I’m not feeling the urge but I know I have to get words down…I usually just force myself to start. And hope that the words start flowing!
What’s the best writing tip you’ve ever been given? “Write.” I mean, it’s painfully obvious advice almost to the point of being silly. But seriously. I’ve spent the majority of my life as a writer NOT writing. And once I started getting serious about making writing my career, it was a hurdle to actually get my butt in the chair to write because I would flood myself with so many doubts and worries and restrictions. But no—just gotta write. Just do it.
Which author, erotic or otherwise would you love to meet and why? I want to meet Jennifer Crusie! She’s my romance author idol. I am such a fan of her style and skills, and I just feel like if we got to hang out we’d have some super hilarious hijinks! And maybe co-author a series or two together.
What are you working on at the moment? Right now, I’m working on the second book within a UFC series I started. The series follows around sexy, goodhearted fighters as they beat people up, confront dark pasts, and fall in love. Sigh. Good times.
What’s the biggest writing challenge you’ve ever taken on? Did you succeed? Writing 15,000 words in two days. And yes, I did it! By the skin of my teeth, no less!
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Excerpt:
She eyed him as she swam near him but not any closer than an arm’s length away. His cock hardened into a full-blown erection, and hiding it was no longer an option. As the water sloshed around him, he wondered if she’d spotted it yet— after all, the pool was chlorinated, crystal clear, and the woman had hawk eyes. She’d like what he had to offer, too.
An idea occurred to him. “Do you know how to dive?”
She shook her head, never ripping her eyes from him. “Want a quick lesson?” She nodded.
“Come here, then.” He held out his arms, absolutely ready to put his hands all over her naked body for an impromptu diving lesson that would teach her nearly nothing.
Rose swam closer, hesitant. “But don’t we have to get out of the pool first?”
“Yes, but first there’s a very important step.” Fuck it. Time to go for the gold.
She swam up to him and touched the bottom, her breasts peeking out of the water as she faced him. He wrapped an arm around her waist, nearly dizzy from the heavy hand of lust. Her tight nipples grazed his chest as she stood before him.
“First step,” he said, droplets of water falling from his hair onto his arm, “is to loosen up.”
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BLURB:
Rose Delaney is a baby bounty hunter, rescuing children from fugitive ex-spouses. All she wants is to return a recovered child to its mother and get back to her regimented solitary life. But when a snow storm leaves her and baby Emmy stranded, Rose has no choice but to lean on the ruggedly handsome rescuer, who thinks the baby is hers. Holed up in their mountain resort-under-construction and unable to contact Emmy’s mother, Rose’s priority is hitting the road—even if Garrett’s erotic touch entices her to ride out the storm.
Construction boss Garrett Galo loves his job, but he never imagined a perk like being snowbound during a whiteout with the sassy brunette he just rear-ended. He’s learned to stay away from women who want a family, especially when they come with a kid in tow. When passionate nighttime encounters flare between them, Garrett begins to question what he’d risk to keep Rose.
This isn’t the time or the place for romance—but will five days on a mountain make these loners reconsider giving in to love?
Buy it at The Wild Rose Press: http://wildcatalog.thewildrosepress.com/all-erotic/4944-the-last-resort.html
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Last-Resort-Ember-Leigh-ebook/dp/B01MRD30DX
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AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Ember Leigh has been writing erotic romance novels since she was far too young. A native of northern Ohio, she currently resides near Lake Erie with her Argentinean husband, where they run an Argentinian-American food truck. In addition to romance novels, Ember also writes travel memoirs and occasionally updates a couple of blogs. In her free time, she practices Ashtanga yoga, hops around the world, and eats lots of vegetables.
Website: www.emberleighromance.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/EmberLeighAuthor
Twitter: @EmberLeighAuth
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GIVEAWAY!
Be sure to follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here.
Ember Leigh says
Thanks so much for having me, this was a blast!
Goddess Fish Promos (@GoddessFish) says
Thanks for hosting!
Lisa Brown says
Congrats on the tour and thanks for the chance to win
Ember Leigh says
Thank you! And good luck in the giveaway 🙂
Rita Wray says
Sounds like a good read.
Ember Leigh says
Thanks! 🙂
Victoria says
Great interview & excerpt! Thanks for sharing them 🙂