Naughty Tantalizing Authors ~ Gemma Parkes

Late post today darling ones. This should have been up on Thursday but due to some personal issues it is going up now.
So who is it we have being grilled in the interview coffin you ask. Well it is none other than the sultry and breathtaking Gemma Parkes.
Please take the time to read her interview and go and show her some loving and tell her Vampirique sent you with loads of *bites n kisses*

Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions.

Thank you very much for having me here today!

Can you tell us a little bit about your background?

I am a freelance writer from England and l specialize mainly in Erotic fiction.

I have always written, as long as l can remember, but it took encouragement from my partner to ‘do something’ with the many erotic short stories that l used to write just for him.

What was your first book and how long did it take to get it published?

I decided to self-publish my short stories, but at the same time (April 2011) l sent off three short stories to submission calls. I was lucky to get all three accepted (by three different publishers) though they took several months to be released. Meanwhile my self-published stories began selling straight away and l set about selling my name to all and sundry! I set up a blog, joined social networking sites and put myself out there.

When did you start writing erotica? What about this genre interested you the most?

I used to write a lot of poetry and in particular erotic/romantic love poems for my lover. I have always read erotica and l am a very sensual person.

I always wrote naughty stories but never let anyone read them until l met my current partner. He made me feel that l had nothing to be ashamed of and that l could share everything with him. He encouraged me and the rest is history!

How long did it take you to get published? How many books have you written thus far?

It was very easy to self-publish, though the editing and the synopsis writing continues to be a pet hate. Once l decided to do it, it happened straight away.

I was also lucky to have the first 3 stories l sent off accepted. These took several months to be available to purchase though.

I have 17 self-published books, and the following:

Anthology inclusions:

Train Whore - Girl fever – Cleis Press

Access all Areas –Back Door Lover – Ravenous Romance

Cassandra – A Wicked and Wanton All Hallows Eve – Naughty Nights Press

Scarlet – Behind Stone Walls – Yellow Silk Dreams

Novellas:

Pleasing Mia – Rebel Ink Press

I also have an acceptance for NNP for the Hotshot range called ‘A Voyeuristic Lover’ due to be released in the near future.

Do you write full time?

No, but l really wish l could. I work full time and all my writing (and promotion) has to be done in the small window that l make free each day.

Looking back was there something in particular that helped you to decide to become a writer? Did you choose it or did the profession choose you?

I always wanted to write and l always did write, l couldn’t help it. I write poetry virtually every day of my life, so in that sense the profession chose me. Literacy is my life. But l was busy doing other things, building a career and working to pay the bills. But l always thought l would write eventually, when l had the time. The trouble is you never really have the time unless writing is your full time occupation. I hope that will be the case eventually. For now l just do the best l can.  

On a typical writing day, how would you spend your time?

If l could (and during holidays from work) l would write for 2-3 hours in the morning. Have a break for an hour or so; write for another 2-3 hours, break to do other things for a couple of hours. Then in the evening l would promote and visit many of the networking sites I’m involved with to see what’s about, do my blog, contact colleagues etc.

But as everyone knows it doesn’t really work like that, sometimes you’re on a roll and you have to keep writing. Other times you just can’t think and need to motivate yourself first. Then there’s the research that’s sometimes needed in a story and takes ages to trail through websites before you can confidently write your next paragraph!

Do you write right through or do you revise as you go along?

I usually revise as l go along. I try to get it right first time so that the editing doesn’t take longer than writing the story! There are times though when a story just rolls out and when that happens nothing would make me stop.

When it comes to plotting, do you write freely or plan everything in advance?

I don’t plan, l should plan. The story takes me, but sometimes I’ll take a step back and think ‘Where am l going with this?’ And on occasion I’ll ask my partner what he thinks. Endings used to be a nightmare for me, probably because l didn’t plan!

What kind of research do you do before and during a new book?

Lots. If my characters go to a restaurant l research menus. I wonder what wine they would drink with their meal and whether or not there would be a dress code. I try to think realistically, for example if my characters are students they’re unlikely to eat at the Savoy.

If they visit a museum (however fictitious) l research what might be in various rooms. I research everything l make a reference to, even if l know it really well, just in case. I don’t research beforehand unless it’s a topic I’m not familiar with (such as a recent request to write steam punk). But l research when l reach a part of a story that needs to be just right.

How much of yourself and the people you know manifest into your characters? How do you approach development of your characters? Where do you draw the line?

There is more of me in my stories than l intend. I suppose it’s only natural that occasionally your personality comes out through your characters. I find myself using actions and phrases that l have used/done in real life (not all the time obviously!) It’s impossible for me to write about something that doesn’t appeal to me. I write what l feel, my stories turn me on and l get emotionally involved with some of my characters. Some of their emotions are mine and l write about my fantasies (again, not always). Development happens naturally when you put yourself in their mindset and feel what they would do or say next.

Some aspects of erotica are very popular but leave me cold. I draw the line at writing about something l could never bare to read.

How long does it take for you to complete a book you would allow someone to read?

It depends. If l get an idea (or a fantasy) in my head, l can reach for the computer and write until it’s finished. But that is rare. If l have been given a theme (for example an anthology request) l find it much harder. I write in fits and starts, ploughing through 2000 words then leaving it alone for 3 days. Flash fiction and poetry takes minutes and l rarely have to rewrite it. If it’s short it’s so much easier!

Writers often go on about writer’s block. Do you ever suffer from it, and what measures do you take to get past it?

I struggle with some anthology requests that l really want to do, I feel restricted by them. So if I’m just not happy with where my story is going I’ll leave it alone for a couple of days, write something else and then come back to it with a fresher mind.

When someone reads one of your books for the first time, what do you hope they gain, feel or experience?

First and foremost l want them to be turned on. If erotica doesn’t turn you on there’s no point to it. I like people to understand any humour I’ve used and to ‘feel’ the emotion.  I want to move them to respond. I’d like them to be entertained for a short while and feel good afterwards.

Can you share three things you’ve learned about the business of writing since your first publication?

1. If you don’t promote you won’t sell anything.
2. Make sure everything you publish is as good as you can make it.
3. There will always be someone who doesn’t like what you do.

Does the title of a book you’re writing come to you as you’re writing it, or does it come before you even begin the first sentence?

I usually give stories a working title just so that l can save them under something. Occasionally I’ll keep that title but usually I’ll wait until the story is finished and then agonize over the title for days! Titles are hard! Sometimes I’ll come up with what l think is a really foxy title but I’ll type it into Amazon and find 45 books with the same one, so back to the drawing board l go.

How would you describe your sense of humor? Who and what makes you laugh?

I have a wicked sense of humour, laughing when things go wrong (like walking into a door or falling over). But l also have a very silly sense of humour. I loved Bob Hope when l was very young, Peter Sellers was another. Now l love ‘The Big Bang Theory’. I love people who don’t take themselves too seriously and l love men who send themselves up.

What is the most frequently asked question?

What inspires you?

What are you working on now?

I’ve just released a new novella called ‘A Wicked Game’ which is a story of sexual desire and intrigue with many twists and turns until the story reaches its final climax. Though still sexually explicit it’s something a little different for me and I’m very pleased with the end result.

I’m also working on 3 very different anthology requests for 3 different publishers.

What was the best piece of advice you've received with respect to the art of writing?

Just keep writing, some of it will be really good!

When it comes to promotion, what lengths have you gone to in order to increase reader-awareness of your work?

Apart from all of the usual routes, blogging, network sites, selling myself as an author and getting my name out there, l had some business cards made up when l went to an ‘Eroticon’ conference last year and since then l have left them all over the place. For example restaurants, train stations, museums etc. If it wasn’t for the fact that l like to keep my identity secret l would probably wear a ‘Gemma Parkes’ T shirt!

Writing is obviously not just how you make your living, but your life-style as well. What do you do to keep the creative "spark" alive - both in your work and out of it?

Fortunately, for now anyway, it’s always there. I have so many thoughts that l can’t get them down quick enough. I love life and the people l share my life with. When l am feeling low l read something somebody l respect has written and that puts me back on track. I think it’s easier for me because l write stories about situations that just occur. There isn’t a sub genre that l use so it gives me free reign to imagine all kinds of naughty goings on and unexpected ‘moments’! If l stop enjoying what l write l will change genre altogether.

What kind of books do you like to read?

I don’t often have the time to read as l used to and that is the downside of this life style. But whenever l do l like to read Philippa Gregory, old classics and autobiographies.

If you weren’t a writer what would you be?

A teacher, an actress or a painter.

Where did you get the idea for the stories you write?

Straight out of my naughty mind!

When it comes to the covers of your books, do you get much say in how it will appear, design, location etc?

I have full control over my self-published books of course and I’ve always found the cover artists that publishers use to be a seriously talented bunch!

Aside from writing, what else do you enjoy doing?

I like to visit restaurants. l listen to music, read, travel and love with all my heart.

Any special projects coming out soon we should watch for?

I am eagerly awaiting the release of my first HotShot book for Naughty Night’s Press. It’s called ‘A Voyeuristic Lover’ and is a naughty multi partner tale!

New writers are always trying to glean advice from those with more experience. What suggestions do you have for new writers?

Believe in yourself; don’t let anybody put you off. Work hard and don’t give up.

Can you please tell us where we can find you on the Internet?

http://gemmaparkes.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/#!/gemmaparkesbooks

https://twitter.com/GemmaPar

Could you please share your favorite excerpt(s) from one of more of your stories with us?

From ‘Christmas Delights’ (‘The Christmas Guest’):

Mike kissed the top of her head, combing his fingers through her silken hair, breathing in the scent of coconut and a trace of expensive perfume. His lips caressed her neck and her shoulders, trailing down her stomach as his hands snaked her spine, following the outline as if he was tracing her very curves using his fingers as soft pencils capturing every dip and ridge.

As he kissed and caressed Leanne he dropped first to one knee and then the other holding her bottom with wide palms he pulled her towards his mouth and breathed her in through the soft silk of her thong. He exhaled warmth breath back through the flimsy materiel sending shivers through Leanne and making her unsteady on her feet.

Gradually Mike moved the thong to one side and teased her apart with his long fingers. Instinctively, her skin alive with pleasurable sensation, Leanne opened her legs a little wider and reached down to place her fingers under his untidy hair.

From ‘Pleasing Mia’

In the early hours of the morning and alone in his simple bedroom, Scott lay naked on his double bed. He thought about Mia’s face and took his cock in his right hand. He thought about her pout, that sexy mouth, and wished that he could slide himself inside it. His hand gripped his shaft as he imagined her taking him deeply, her big blue eyes watching as he fed her his length. He stroked his cock, back and forth as he thought about her, down on her knees, taking him. He thrust harder and closed his eyes; he could almost feel her warm, wet tongue, tasting him, teasing him.

His hand moved steadily as he thought of how he would fill her, how she would swallow him, squeezing his cock with her beautiful throat muscles, her long tongue sliding the full length of his rock hard shaft. He came violently and imagined her eyes, wide with excitement as he filled her mouth with his creamy seed.

********* 

I think the first of these two excerpts is pretty sensual and I’m quite proud of the descriptions I’ve used. The second is down and dirty but hopefully it captures those many private moments that men have!

So my darling nights I bid you a wonderful and horny weekend and hope you have enjoyed reading about Gemma. Don't forget to go and show her some loving *wink*

*bites n kisses*