Today, I'm happy to have Ella Jade here on my blog with an interview. Please enjoy our virtual sitdown.
How long have you been writing?
Probably all of my life. For as long as I can remember I've always had a pen and paper in my hand.
What made you decide that you wanted to put yourself out there to publish?
The characters and plots have always played out in my head but I never knew what to do with them. When I stumbled onto the eBooks industry, I figured, why not try it?
Before you started, had you done any fanfiction? If so, what fandom? Yes, I came from the Twilight Fandom. I was an alternate shipper though, mainly Jasper/Bella.
Are you in agreement that writing fanfiction is a great way to practice ones craft, why or why not?
Yes, I personally leaned so much about my writing during the years I wrote fanfiction. Writing in that forum, learning to take constructive criticism and making the on-line friends I did gave me the courage to branch out.
Since you write, m/m, m/f, do you find it difficult to switch back and forth?
I've only written one m/m and I almost didn’t go through with it because I was afraid I only knew how to write m/f. Once I got out of my own way, I figured it out. My next three pieces are m/f, so I haven't had any issues with switching back.
Is there one genre you haven’t tried that you see yourself doing in the future?
I'm embarking on a ménage story. Hopefully it goes as well as it sounds in my headJ
What is your opinion on the “chicks with dicks” analogy? In your opinion, is it wrong for your males to be emotional or romantic?
I like a strong, hot domineering hero most days, but I also like to see him tap into that softer, emotional side. I like a character who can grow and develop throughout the story.
Your first published book?
Jocelyn's Choice – its categorized as YA, but it has some steam. I think it's really marketed for the 18-24 crowds.
I’m of the opinion that erotica doesn’t have to be real all the time to make a good story, what are your thoughts?
I agree. I read and write to get lost for a few hours a day. There's enough "real" in my own life, so if the HEA is too sweet and unrealistic sometimes, I don't mind. I want to be left feeling satisfied and happy.
What are you working on now?
I try to write one story at a time, but lately that doesn't seem to be happening. Too many plot bunnies hopping around. But, a short contemporary, light BDSM popped into my head the other day, so I'm focusing on that right now. It's called Make Me Stay.
When creating your characters, do you have models in mind or are they totally fictional?
Totally fictional. I know what they look like, but I don't really base them off anyone. Most times I'm thrilled when I get the cover art because then I have a face. Lol
If you write gay romance or erotica, just how descriptive are your in their sex scenes?
Well, because I'm not a gay male, that was part of my fear of pulling off an erotic gay book. I researched as much as I could, but at the end of the day I had to use my imagination. I wanted the scenes to be erotic, but I also wanted an emotional connection between my two characters. I wanted the love to come through.
Recently, a writer sabotaged her career by answering a bad review on a blog. How would you have handled this and do you think authors should answer their reviews?
Reviews can be tough. I'm extremely sensitive so I stress over them much more than I probably should. I try to remember that a review is an opinion and not everyone is going to like everything. I can't speak for every writer, but I don't answer back. I respect people's opinions and try to move forward. I'm appreciative for the opportunity I have of getting my work out there. And reviews, good or bad, come with the territory.
Do you think it’s important as a writer of both to do your research on the genre you are least familiar with?
Yes, imagination can only get you so far. I'm not saying you have to be an expert on every subject, but knowledge is good.
What do you enjoy most about writing in the genre you don’t do as often? Ex if an m/f writer, would do you like about m/m?
I loved the characters I created in my m/m Embracing the Unexpected. Jace is openly gay and Parker has always been straight. So when he develops feelings for Jace he doesn't get it. I enjoyed being able to explore those particular feelings.
Do you write under a different pename because you switch?
No, I kept the same pen name. Maybe down the line, if I choose to do sweeter romances, I may use my real name, but right now my next few stories are all of the erotic nature.
What’s it like talking to family or friends about writing romance and or erotica?
I don’t usually broadcast it. They know what I do, but most of my friends and family don't read my work and I'm fine with that.
Have you ever thought about doing a ménage story? If so tell us why and your idea?
Why yes, lol, I'm working on a vampire/human m/m/f. It's in the early stages, but I like where I'm going with it. It's a very erotic, sensual story with a deep emotional vibe throughout. It's called True Companions.
For you, what works in promotions?
I try to get my name out there as much as I can. I'm still new to the industry, so it’s a slow process, but I think with some patience and persistence I'll figure it out.
What promotional methods work best for you?
I'm thinking visiting different blogs, participating in blog hops and stopping by chats on various groups help to pick up new readers. I've also done two blog tours through a PR company.
Do you think we should be held accountable for the pictures and or covers we post on social media ie Facebook when we promo? Why or why not?
Yes, I think we should be responsible for our content. We are in the business of promoting erotic material, but I think we can try to tone it down for places like FB where an underage reader could stumble upon our stuff. (That's the mom in me). But, on a blog or a site that specifically states they are an 18+ site shouldn't have to worry about content.
Do you have any advice you could give to new writers?
Don't give up and don't get discouraged. My favorite quote and I use it on my kids all the time is…
"Life will knock us down but we can choose to get back up." Mr. Han, The Karate Kid Movie 2010
Fun Questions
Boxers or Briefs? Briefs
What celebrity man or woman do you wish you could have but can’t? I'd feel like a cougar if I told you.
A perfect date with my husband…
The kids go to my mom's house once a month over night, so me and the Mister go out to dinner, and then we get to come home to a quiet house where no one interrupts us ;)
Give me a sweet romantic scene off the top of your head in 5 sentences or less.
The waves crashed along the shoreline as Josh gently kissed Miranda. She shivered under his touch as the cool night air swept over them. She'd waited months to be with him and now her wish was finally coming true. He was going to make her his.
The character in one of your books that you identify with?
Lilli from Passion's Pain (not yet contracted).
Chocolate or Vanilla? Vanilla
Bubble bath or shower? Hot, steamy shower
Lights on or off? Off
Favorite way to relax. Don’t say write! Going to the movies all by myself.
What is one sentence to sum up Ella Jade.
A shy, sensitive woman with an unbelievable imagination who has only just begun.
.
Embracing the Unexpected
Blurb…
Sometimes love can be found where we least expect it.When Parker Phillips, a successful attorney, has a confrontation with his friend Ava's abusive boyfriend, he finds himself facing assault and battery charges, and he's ordered to attend an anger management course. Parker, who has never been attracted to a man, is drawn to Dr. Jace Cross, the psychiatrist leading the class. But how can that be, since Parker is straight?
Jace accepted the fact that he was gay many years ago, and he's comfortable in his sexuality, but he's been single for some time now. He throws himself into his work to fill the lonely void.
Although sparks fly whenever they're together, Parker's reluctant to embrace these feelings he has for another man.
Can the sexy doctor help him discover who he truly is?
Content Warning: Strong language, graphic sex
Excerpt…
How far was Jace willing to take this? He was comfortable in his sexuality and had known he was gay ever since high school. He had no problem exploring this relationship, but he wasn't sure what Parker wanted. Up until now, Jace only had relationships with men who were open with their sexuality. He'd never had to ask a potential partner if they were into men.Jace sat on the edge of the chaise lounge, but never expected Parker to sit in the small space with him. He could have sat anywhere else in the room. That had to mean something, didn't it? They were close enough that their thighs were pressed against one another and their shoulders were touching. Parker had his hand in his lap, so Jace reached out and placed his hand on top of it. Parker looked down at their joined hands, and Jace could feel how tense his body was.
"Jace," he said. "This is all new to me."
"I know." He tilted Parker's chin up with his free hand. "But you can feel it."
He nodded and Jace felt a sense of relief. If Parker realized there could be something between them then that was half the battle.
"I've been trying to fight it all week," Parker said. "But when you're close to me, I forget why I'm trying to fight it."
"Maybe you should just go with what you're feeling." Jace wanted to encourage him, but he didn't want to push.
"I had a really good time tonight," Parker admitted. "And I want to see you again."
Jace leaned closer, never taking his eyes away from Parker's or removing his hand from his. He could feel Parker's warm breath on his mouth and his eyes looked so inviting.
"You're going to have to go slower than you're used to," Parker said.
"Slow can be good." Jace smiled as he brushed his lips against Parker's jaw, moving toward his mouth. Parker looked down and Jace sensed his embarrassment, but he couldn't help himself, so he slowly moved his lips against his. They were so soft and warm, and he wanted to explore more of him, but he didn't want to rush him.
He couldn't take it anymore. He had to deepen the kiss. He needed more, so he moved his hand over Parker's shoulder and up to the back of his head, pushing him closer to him as he slipped his tongue inside his mouth. Parker briefly reciprocated and Jace thought he'd blow his load from the taste of him, but then Parker pressed his hand against his chest and tried to push him away.
"I don't—" Parker was breathless, and although the man looked conflicted he didn't move his lips away from Jace's.
"You don't what?" Jace whispered against his mouth as he pressed his forehead to his and played with the hair at the nape of his neck.
"It's just different," Parker said. "But I like it." He shifted in his seat, and Jace knew exactly what he was feeling. He was sure Parker was just as hard as he was.
"Parker," he mumbled against his lips. "I'm willing to wait for you, so why don't you relax and let's see where this goes?"
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