Friday, September 9, 2011

Interview: Ashlynn Monroe




Welcome to Beck’s Book Picks. I am very excited to have Ashlynn Monrie here today.

Tell us a little about yourself?
Ashlynn Monroe is a busy working mom. She loves her kids and family. Her greatest joy is creating stories to entertain others, and she hopes they bring a little more romance into the world. She’s been writing since her teens for her own enjoyment but decided in her thirties to share her imagination with readers. Ashlynn enjoys biking, camping, reading, video games, and filling her home and life with love. If she’s not working or chasing children, you can find her daydreaming up her next tale of romance.

Back in the Saddle (A 1 Night Stand Story)Checking out your website www.ashlynnmonroe.com I was quite impressed by all the books you have written. How long have you been writing and when was your first book published?
I’ve been writing since I was thirteen by didn’t have the courage to pursue publication until my thirtieth birthday. I guess that’s how I dealt with the big 3-0 *wink*. I first tried to find an agent but was told my work was too short so I researched and found epublishing. I sent my first novella, Hidden Magic, to Wild Horse Press and was delighted to be contracted by the publisher a very short time later. I was contracted at the end of February 2010 and on June 4, 2010. I became a published writer. This is a much cherished anniversary date and this year I took my kids out to a special supper to celebrate. I was a birthday of sorts for me as I use a pen name. I’ve been blessed with finding multiple publishers who are willing to believe in me. It’s expanded my friend base and my knowledge about the craft I love. The first person who bought Hidden Magic changed my life and filled a hole in me I didn’t even know existed. Whoever you are, thank you so much, everyone who buys my work gives me a wonderful gift and they don’t even know it. This has enriched my life tremendously.



Why have you chosen to write paranormal? Have you written any other genre?
I write a lot of sci-fi erotica and I write urban fantasy, contemporary, steampunk and young adult romance.

Slave to His DesiresTell us a little about your release Slave To His Desires from Beachwalk Press.
It’s the story of a girl with a dream. She’s tragically taken from everything she knows and has to choose between returning to the life she knows and keeping the passion she’s found. It’s a fun story about the power of sex even when one is powerless.

What are you currently working on?
O. M. G. too much to list! I don’t want to give away any details but one of the stories I’ve been playing with for six months off and on and it’s a story that’s radically different from my other works and will strike a chord with readers in today’s world and I hope its message will stick with the reader for a lifetime. I’m also working on several pieces of sci-fi erotica and next year’s holiday pieces. I need to finish the third novella in a contracted steampunk trilogy as well.

Do you have any writing quirks?
Protector MineI can write anywhere on paper or computer. Years of fitting it in every chance I get has made me able to turn “Ashlynn” off and on with ease.

What gets you into the mood to write?
Everything…the easier question is what doesn’t.

Favorite snack or drink while you write?
Chinese food and diet Pepsi

Any words of advice to aspiring authors?
Write what you love and others will love it too. Don’t let rejections get you down keep on writing. I have far more rejections than acceptance. Also, have a thick skin people who donate their time and money to read your work have just bought the right to have an opinion…even if it hurts.

What are you currently reading?
I’m actually reading Fire Dance by Della Jacobs.

And finally, is there anything you would like to share?
Please don’t pirate books, buy them from a legitimate vendor and not from a thief. Please don’t download from file sharing sites because I can guarantee if it’s for sale anywhere, the author isn’t making the choice to “share” it with you. That’s theft. Also, please don’t upload an ebook to these sites and only borrow them legitimately using the library or Amazon or Barnes and Noble. There are tons of free books on Amazon, All Romance Ebooks, One Place for Romance, and various publishers. Night Owl Reviews offers free reads ever Thursday, and there are many wonderful giveaways on small press author and publisher blogs and websites. You’ll not only get a wonderful free read but you’ll get to establish a connection to the fantastic men and women who write independent fiction. We don’t have assistance politely declining facebook requests and sending out form emails, we are real people who get up and put on our big girl/boy panties one leg at a time. I’d love to hear your opinions and ideas about my work at authorashlynnmonroe@gmail.com. Join my website as a member too because I often send out goodies. I appreciate my reader and author cyber friends and you guys are as much a part of my life as my living and breathing see-ya-at-lunch pals.
**HUGS** Ashlynn Monroe


I hope you enjoyed the interview as much as I did. Be sure to check out Ashlynn and all her books on her website http://www.ashlynnmonroe.com/


 

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