Welcome to Writing Inspiration Friday here at the Saucy Scribe Blog! Today I'm pleased to have Angelika Devlyn in the house to talk about what inspired her to take up the pen and write erotic romance!
For as long as I can remember I’ve always been a voracious reader, passionate about everything from fantasy to horror to crime. And then I discovered two things I’d never even looked at before - e-Books and erotica. Well, what can I say? Just like that all important first line in a book, I was hooked. I devoured books as though they were going out of fashion. Clearly, e-Books are a relatively new thing here in England and slow to catch on, but out of fashion they are not.
What surprised me most about these erotic stories was my own attitude towards them. After I’d shaken off the ‘dirty old-man mag’ mentality (because in my town all the paperbacks are on the top shelf) I began to realise that there was much more to these sensual stories than at first it would seem. They had a plot! They could be just as suspenseful as a mainstream adventure, but the sex was better. It wasn’t just added in there as a contender for the worst sex in a book award, these authors had taken the time to use sex to move the plot forward and create a story which more-often-than-not pushed the boundaries in a tantalising and erotic way.
The realisation of what a good erotic story contained represented a crossroads in my life, and I made a pact with myself to get my arse moving and just do what I’ve been thinking about for years - write.
The rest, as they say, is history, but with the tenacity of a hungry tiger, a “take-no-prisoners” attitude, some very supportive friends and many hours and words later, I finally sent my manuscript off and had my story accepted.
Since I’ve not had many reactions to it yet I cannot say what readers will feel about my maiden novel. Nor can I share with you any reviews at this stage. The road to future publications may be a rocky one full of obstacles, unexpected interruptions and hidden black ice. It might even be a fun sleigh ride, like those Calvin and Hobbes go on - only less dangerous - who knows? What I can say, however, is that whatever the future holds, I am determined to keep going; to crack on and break through the ice casing barriers of my mind and just do it!
I want to learn, improve and move on to bigger and better things. I can’t promise myself that will definitely happen or see into the future like the Birds of Doom that have escaped Raven’s Passage in my book, but I do know that to write a story you have to write! Anyone can dream, write lists (which I do a lot) and make goals, but to achieve them is not easy. To stay focused, take action regularly and above all never give up is hard work. You too can smash down that wall of ice which separates you from achieving your goals. And without a pick-axe in sight. All you need is a steely determination and the willingness to see it right through to those last all important words- THE END.
Black Ice: The Dark Kingdom Chronicles is my debut book and the first in the series of the erotic adventures of Ronnie Weaver - a girl transported to another world where the Pandora witches are after her blood. Ronnie will leave behind her safe and comfortable life for one of high adventure, steamy sex and exotic mysticism.
To find out more please visit my website: http://www.Angelika.Devlyn.com
Thank you for having me here, Debora!
My question to your readers is - If I could snap my fingers and grant you an adventure of a lifetime, what would you ask for?
I will be hanging around to check for comments today. So please do drop me a line. I love to chat.
Angel
Thanks Angel for being here today!
CONTEST! Angel has graciously offered a free download of her first erotic novel to one lucky commenter! Winner will be drawn from comments made before Sunday July 25th at 11:59pm and the winner will be posted on the blog Monday morning - so don't forget to come back and check!
*Email subscribers and GoogleFriends - both found on my sidebar - get extra chances to win each week when they comment*.
Congratulations on your Black Ice release! I hope it’s a great success for you!
My adventure, please, will be to sail the Caribbean with my family for a year, island-hopping at will and free of all other concerns. David Bridger(Quote)
Hi David!
Thank you very much, you are kind. What a lovely adventure – I’m beginning to wish I could really grant this for you now! That would be SO relaxing.
Thanks for taking the time to comment, I appreciate it.
Angelika Devlyn(Quote)
Angelika Devlyn´s last blog ..The 1st of The Dark Kingdom Chronicles Book Blog Tour
Hmm… my adventure would be to travel all over Europe with my husband and to try all the new foods I find DESPITE my want to be picky! Krysten(Quote)
LOL I can totally sympathise with you there when it comes to being picky, Krysten. I try so hard not to be, but some things I guess I just do not have the right taste buds for!
Surprisingly, though, I do love Brussels Sprouts. Most people I know hate them. Someone told me your tastes change around every 7 years, whether that is true or not, but in my case I have always eaten Brussels first, before anything – even as a child. Odd, but very true LOL
Great adventure, I’d like that with the extra delivery of chocolate at every stop. Now, there’s a sweet thought.
Oops! I’m not supposed to be writing an essay here… Please forgive me, this is my first ‘Guest Post!’ and I just can’t stop talking.
No change there then. LOL *Excited*
Thanks for taking the time to comment, Krysten!
Angelika Devlyn(Quote)
Angelika Devlyn´s last blog ..The 1st of The Dark Kingdom Chronicles Book Blog Tour
My adventure of a lifetime would be publication. *smiles. Lame answer, but true.
Congratulations on your release. As far as writing erotica goes, I think if it’s your niche, write it. I’d be terrible at it, I write YA and adult romance.
Wish you all the best.
R.M.Gilbert(Quote)
R.M.Gilbert´s last blog ..YAFF Muse- Singing Sands
Hi R. M Gilbert!
First thank you for your kind words. Lame your adventure is not, I can tell you. If you want it badly enough you’ll get there, it’s just a matter of when.
It certainly is an adventure, one of which I view as a long journey, and I’ve only got as far as stepping out the front door! LOL
Thanks for your comment, and good luck with your own road to publication.
Angelika Devlyn(Quote)
Angelika Devlyn´s last blog ..The 1st of The Dark Kingdom Chronicles Book Blog Tour
Congratulations on being published, Angelika, and thanks for inspiring us to stop dreaming and actually do it. Words to live by.
Michael(Quote)
Thank you so much, Micheal!
Although, dreams are important – as long as you act on them
To be honest I’m a bit of a daydreamer myself. I find my mind wandering in all sorts of directions, many of which I write down!
Oh, I like these smilies, there’s some great ones I’ve not seen before LOL See, I’m wandering again. But look, this is so cute:
Thanks for your comment. I appreciate it.
I’m off to sort out my website. I made a new one, but I’m having a few — shall we call them “technical hiccups!” ? Should be live by the time this evening is through…fingers crossed.
Ooh, there’s even a Dr.Who! LOL
Angelika Devlyn(Quote)
Angelika Devlyn´s last blog ..The 1st of The Dark Kingdom Chronicles Book Blog Tour
Twitter: DeboraDennis
says:
Angelika thanks so much for being here! It’s great to hear how different people deal with obstacles.
As for a wish? Just to be on a tropical island with no stress would be sufficient!
Debora(Quote)
Debora´s last blog ..Writing Inspiration Friday – Angelika Devlyn
Thank you so much for having me, Debora, it’s been a pleasure and great fun.
Thank you also to the lovely people who commented on my post. It was lovely to chat with you, and to have your support.
Congrats! I see also goes to Michael. I look forward to sending you a copy of my book – as a prize.
Bye for now, and thanks again, Debora!
I won’t be a stranger.
Angelika Devlyn(Quote)
Angelika Devlyn´s last blog ..The 1st of The Dark Kingdom Chronicles Book Blog Tour