Here’s an author interview with Tyler Robbins.
Take it away, Tyler….
- How did you start writing erotica?
I began writing erotic novels much the same way one begins a good love making session. I eased into it… one gasp, slow grind and orgasm at a time. My first three books were categorized as young adult, but I found myself unsatisfied with that, so I gradually turned up the heat. By the time the climax reached its peak, all that remained was one mind blowing, lip-biting wave of passion after another.
- What’s your favourite published work of yours and why?
Beyond Honor is my only work published as Tyler Robbins, so naturally it is my favourite. It’s still quite possibly my favourite anyway simply because of the genre and how easily the two heroes, Michael and Jared, spoke to me. They each became an important part of my life and I love ‘em.
- What erotic authors do you enjoy reading?
I have a soft spot for Avril Ashton. I can’t help it. She delivers the heat and in my opinion, romance should be about scratching an itch that needs scratching, otherwise it just leaves you unfulfilled.
I had a similar discussion about this with my daughter the other day. She’s a mature 17yr old, and while she’s a bit young for my erotic books, she has read the others.
She happened to be reading a fantasy series which just hit theatres as a movie this year… think bow wielding heroine and “games” only the “hungry” can play.
I hadn’t read it and asked her if the two protagonists “hooked up” and she sighed. “No, mom it’s not that kind of book.”
To which I replied, “Well, what’s the point if they don’t get to act on their love?”
A few eye-rolls later, and we still hadn’t come to an agreement.
Suffice it to say, I want to read what I write. So happy endings, should truly be, “happy endings.” **wink wink.
Avril and the rest of the Wickedly Sexy Writers group, provide that.
- Where do you draw your inspiration from?
My inspiration comes from many places depending on the story. Most times, an entire 80,000 word novel may come from one conversation which played out in my head as though I’d eavesdropped on a couple talking, laughing or, in the case of Beyond Honor, it began as a very intense rejection. I just had to get the story to the point the event occurred then move past it.
- Do you have any unusual writing rituals?
With a house full of teenagers, I never know what I’m going to get: peace and quiet or all out chaos.
In the early days, a little classical music set the mood, but nowadays, total silence works best. No distractions, no television, no phones and sometimes no food or bathroom breaks. It just depends on the intensity of the scene I’m trying to hammer out.
- Where’s your favourite place to write?
If I’m just writing, I sit in my favourite chair and use a small, portable desk in my living room. It’s always there so no matter what I’m doing, I have my laptop nearby to write/type whatever comes to mind. If I am in editing mode, I’ve been known to move everything to my bedroom, affectionately known as the writing cave, and I will reside there for hours on end until the job is done. The kids check on me every few hours to make sure I’m alive and they’ve even been known to bring me bread and water. It’s a self-imposed prison of sorts, but very effective.
- Who is your favourite character from one of your stories and why?
In Beyond Honor, I really have a soft spot for Jared Prophet. He’s like so many people I’ve known throughout my own life. He puts on the tough-guy face, and he is tough, he just doesn’t always have to be. I like men who are strong, but still manage to let that soft side come though when they need to. Love does strange things to even the strongest of people and it seems like the more someone resists, the harder they eventually fall. Those are my kind of heroes.
- Do your nearest and dearest know what you do, and if so, what was their reaction when they found out?
Yes my family knows exactly what I do. I’m bad about keeping quiet when I am excited. My step-mother has read just about everything I’ve ever written and has loved it all. She hasn’t read Beyond Honor yet, and if she chooses not to, my feelings won’t be hurt.
My dad knows quite well what genre it is and he just grins and shakes his head. I told him recently that it’s his fault I’m a woman who loves boys who loves boys, considering he’s my favourite self-proclaimed lesbian. He just loves girls who love girls. 🙂 What can I say? We were born this way!
- What was your ideal career when you were a child?
I always wanted to be a teacher until I had children of my own and realized I didn’t care much for other people’s kids. Ha! Just kidding.
I did love working within our local school district and for the Head Start program back when my children were younger. As a Family Services Tech, I thoroughly enjoyed helping families with whatever special services they needed. It was very rewarding.
- How do you get yourself in the mood to write?
Getting in the mood isn’t a problem, although photos of nekkid men helps. Inspiration comes in all sorts of shapes, sizes and shades of sensuality.
- What’s the best writing tip you’ve ever been given?
The best tip I have ever given is to develop thicker skin. This industry is tough and everyone is a critic. You must take any negativity or rejection and turn it into motivation. Listen, learn and apply. It’s the only way we can grow as humans or as writers.
- If you get writer’s block, how do you get around it?
Beyond Honor actually marked the end of a nearly four month bout with writer’s block. I simply lost the voice in my head and had to wait until he returned. (Yes, my muse is male) When he came home, I pushed him like I’d never pushed before, so when I cracked my whip, he knew I meant business. I dare the little bugger him to run out on me again… No wait! That was just a joke. I seriously didn’t mean it. I adore my sexy little muse.
- If you could bring one of your characters to life, which one would it be and why?
If I could bring one of my characters to life it would have to be Jason Craft from my Blood Hunter Series written as Robin Badillo. Jason also happens to be the sexy little muse we were just discussing. He came to me in book two of the series, The Betrayal, and has helped me through every book I’ve written since. He even tagged along during Beyond Honor and although he’s more a fan of ginger-headed Vampire Vixens, he got a kick out of Jared and Michael. He and Jared are a lot alike, except of course, Jason is a vampire and Jared is a human army medic. They’re both southern boys, so that may be what makes them so similar.
- Which author, erotic or otherwise would you love to meet and why?
I would LOVE to meet the other authors I collaborate with over at Wickedly Sexy Writers. If time and money were no object, a nice little trip across the pond to visit Lucy Felthouse would do wonders for our group…you wouldn’t happen to know her would you? 🙂
- What’s your favourite genre within erotica and why?
I am a paranormal fan, but naturally M/M erotica holds a special place in my heart.
- What are you working on at the moment?
At the moment, I have another vampire story, a detective story and another M/M in the works. I have no idea which one will make it to the finish line first, but the M/M just may have an advantage since I love the genre so much.
- What’s the biggest writing challenge you’ve ever taken on? Did you succeed?
I wrote a young-adult, paranormal a few years back titled, “Blood Rites”. It’s my daughter’s favourite story and over 100K words. It’s in terrible shape and I hope to figure out how to cut it down considerably and get it up to par. The only reason I would even attempt such a huge job is because she absolutely loves the book and wants to add it to her collection. I can’t disappoint my baby girl, now can I?
- What’s your biggest writing achievement? Why?
I haven’t won any awards yet, but just being published at all means so much to me. I started seriously writing at nearly 40, a couple of years after my husband passed away. Three years later, I’ve had eleven published books and several more in the works. That in itself is quite an accomplishment. I may be one step away from the poor house, but dammit, I’m still writing!!