Kiru Taye Writes: #Interview Cover Artist Meets Author @CharismaKnight #Giveaway

Happy Monday, folks. This week's guest author is the lovely Charisma Knight discussing writing and her book, Demoness of Lust. Please make her feel welcome.

Remember to leave a comment for your chance to win a copy of her book. A winner will be announced next week.

Last week's winner of A Woman Scorned by T.P. Miller is Abiola. Congratulations. Contact me for delivery.

On to this week's interview.

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Q1) Can you tell us a little about yourself

I live in the Maryland area with my soul mate and my youngest child. My oldest is nineteen and has left the nest. I’ve adjusted, and my little bird is doing well.

A writer and lover of erotic romance/erotica, I write in genres ranging from contemporary, science fiction, paranormal, and futuristic. I’m also a book cover artist and aspiring web designer.

Q2) Have you always wanted to be an author?

Looking back on my early childhood, I must say yes. I wrote short stories with talking animals, and even tried to draw. These little stories were like an escape for me. When I entered my teen years my auntie introduced me to romance books and that sealed my fate. ; )

Q3) Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?

There are so many wonderful authors out there, but to name a few for erotic romance, Kassanna, Jamallah Bergman, and Dahlia Rose.

Dahlia Rose influenced me greatly before I wrote my first book. She was inspiration for me to start writing professionally and I contacted her. The feedback was wonderful and she was very helpful. My first book with Sugar and Spice press was published back in November 2009. Wow, seems like such a long time ago.

I admire Jamallah Bergman because she is a wonderful writer and she produces lengthy books. I’ve read several of her books and she had me hooked. She inspires me to write longer works that are still in the wip phase.

Kassanna…She’s just awesome. I’ve read all her books in the Club Lexx Series, as well as her angel and demon series. Her writing style is fresh and unique and has changed from her earlier works. I love her old books to pieces, but you can see how she’s blossomed in her current works. She makes me proud and I’m happy to purchase anything she puts out. I love how she writes her characters in such a descriptive manner.

Other authors outside the erotic romance genre are Anne Rice and George R. R. Martin and many more.

I’ve been an Anne Rice fan forever and have all her vampire books. Queen of the Damned movie was awesome, but the book was better. Vittorio the Vampire was one of my favorites and I’ve read that book too many times to count.

I was hooked on George R. R. Martin when he wrote A Game of Thrones and I’m in love with the series. Totally admire how he pieced together his fantasy world. Unfortunately I haven’t read all his books, but I will eventually.

Q4) Can you tell us what a typical writing day for you is like.

I usually roll out of bed for some early morning meditation and exercise. After that I see my sweetheart off and get my daughter ready for school. Once she’s on the school bus I return home to write and work on book cover projects.

Q5) Let’s talk about your new book. Can you tell us a little about it?

Demoness of Lust is about my succubus Sabrina who has finally discovered her abilities to love. She visits the mortal Jake in his dreams and realizes she wants more than to be his dream lover.

Blurb:

Jake finds comfort in the arms of the lovely mysterious woman who visits him in his dreams. He soon realizes this being has awakened feelings within he’d never experienced in the past.

Sabrina answered Jake's lonely calls in the night. When strong emotions for the mortal develop, she discovers that she must follow her instincts and pursue the man.

A spell casts Sabrina into the human realm, but she must convince Jake to acknowledge his true feelings for her within four days. If she fails, she'll remain a demon for the rest of eternity. She also discovers destiny will have its way when she’s unable to control certain events and learns a powerful lesson of self-sacrifice and love.

Q6) How did you come up with the idea for this story?

This story was originally a Valentine’s Day story with the demon being a male. It was something I had to set to the side and needless to say, I didn’t meet my Valentine’s Day deadline. When I resumed writing, Jake and Sabrina’s story was written.

Q7) What is up next for you?

I’m currently writing a science fiction piece for Amira Press and hope to have it submitted by the end of the month. There is also another dragon book I’ve started for the same publisher.

Q8) What is the best piece of advice you would give to a budding writer?

A budding writer should definitely establish an online presence before their debut book. It helps to have a website, blog, Twitter, and any other social media outlets before releasing their book.

New writers should get used to criticism. Don’t take book reviews to heart, not everyone will enjoy your writing. Also, never argue with a reviewer, take things with a grain of salt.

Q9) What is the next book on your To Read Pile that you are dying to jump into?

Fang by Kassanna. Yeah I know I’m late. The book came out a few months ago and I haven’t had the opportunity to read like I want.

Q10) Is there anything else you would like to add?

I’ve spoken to a lot of aspiring writers who are hesitant about publishing their stories. All they need is a little encouragement. Don’t wonder about becoming a writer, just do it.

I’d like to tell all those aspiring writers out there to start publishing your works. Don’t sell yourself short. All those stories you have sitting on your hard drive could bring such happiness to readers who love a good tale.

That’s it, peace people!!!