A Visit With Lila Munro

How did you get started writing erotica?

Lila: Well, it’s sort of a misconception that I write erotica. Erotica by definition is centered around the sex and without the sex couldn’t stand alone as a story. I write a small step below that in the category of erotic romance, which by definition if you removed all the sex could stand alone as a story in and of itself. When I first began writing I was a very straight-laced, trying to write by the book, vanilla character driven writer. Now, while I do still write vanilla characters now and again—although their vanilla sex is hot—the interest in alternative lifestyles just drew me like a moth to flame. I have a degree in sociology so any sub-culture is purely fascinating to me and the BDSM world called to me and I answered. My first BDSM book, which happens to be the first in the Identity series, Identity Crisis, was intended to be a stand-alone novella. But it didn’t squash my desire to write these characters and my readers really dug it, so it morphed into what I’m doing today.

What inspired you to write the Identity Crisis series?

Lila: Oh, gosh, got ahead of myself with question one, huh? LOL…it was the drive of a sociologist hiding inside a writer’s body. It was never intended to be a series at all actually. I thought I could get away with writing a stand-alone novella and that would be enough. Clearly I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Julie, one of the main characters in Assumed Master has an interest in edge play. Can you describe what that is for people unfamiliar with the term?

Lila: Edge play is, in my mind, BDSM games on steroids. Some people have the need to push the envelope and try things which could prove dangerous to one’s health and well-being if not done properly and by someone skilled. Like mind games. Role playing can be fun and exciting until someone freaks out. For edge players role playing might go past lines no one else will cross with guided fantasies which might  include the use of fire or blood-letting, piercing. I myself find fire play completely fascinating. Would I be tempted to try it if I lived in the world of my characters? Probably not. The idea I might end up as toasted as a marshmallow isn’t worth the risk involved. Other forms of edge play might include sensory deprivation, like breath play where the submissive is denied air, or water play where the sub is held under in a tank and pushed to their limits. Like I said, dangerous unless attempted by those who are skilled in this area.

What fascinates you about BDSM erotic romance?

Lila: Everything really, but the thing that intrigues me most is the mental rather than the physical and many times that’s what my stories are based on.

What is one thing you want readers to get from your books?

Lila: Love can conquer all and no matter your situation in real-life, there is hope for your own HEA.

In your biography on Goodreads, it talks about you getting inspiration for your heroes from the Marines you have lived around. Tell us more.

Lila: I just wrote a blog post for Wednesday at my own place this morning on this, based on your question. Most of my readers know I’m married to my very own Marine and have been for 17 years. He’s been enlisted for 24. Before I met him I dated a few men from various branches, it was just fate I ended up being married to the Corps. So while I do take inspiration from what I know, that includes the bits of information I’ve gleaned from all the men I loved before, but most of my heroes are fashioned after Marines, who bleed Alpha blood by the way. 

What would you tell someone just starting out in the erotica genre?

Lila: Do your research. The number one rule and one I live by.

Tell us about the most awkward scene you ever had to write.

Hhmmm…now there’s a question. I get asked a lot where I draw the line and what boundaries won’t I cross. And the answer is, I’ve not found the line in the sand yet. This question is similar in that I’ve never found a scene awkward to write. I make sure I’m good and comfortable with whatever aspect of the lifestyle I’m writing long before I attempt writing it. I feel if you’re not entirely comfortable with writing something it’s going to come off fake and contrived. I write realmantica…can’t be coming off all fake now. 

What are you currently working on?

Assumed Calling, book five in the Identity series. Right now it has a tentative November release date. Allen’s story has taken twists and turns I never expected and has taken a lot of energy and more time than I expected to write, but I think my readers will be pleased with the results. I’m also knee deep in A Slower Lower Leap which will bring the Slower Lower series to a close with Logan’s story. Past that I’ve got lots of things on the drawing board, but haven’t fully prioritized the list yet.

Thanks for having me over, Erzabet. I enjoyed being here. And thanks readers for coming by and spending some time with me!

~Lila

About the author:

Lila Munro currently resides on the coast of North Carolina with her husband and their two four-legged kids. She’s a military wife with an empty nest and takes much of her inspiration for her heroes from the marines she’s lived around for the past fifteen years. Coining the term realmantica, she strives to produce quality romance in a realistic setting. Her genre of choice is contemporary romance that spans everything from the sensual to BDSM and ménage. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading everything she can get her hands on, trips to the museum and aquarium, taking field research trips, and soaking up the sun on the nearby beaches.

Her works include The Executive Officer’s Wife, Bound By Trust, Destiny’s Fire, Salvation, Three for Keeps, the Force Recon series, the Slower Lower series, and the Identity series. She’s a member in good standing of RWA and Passionate Ink. Currently she’s working on sequels to several series to be released throughout 2012-2013. And has a brand new line scheduled for winter 2012-13. Ms. Munro loves to hear from her readers and can be found at Realmantic Moments Facebook Goodreads Twitter You can also contact her via email at lilasromance@gmail.com and you can find all her works at: Amazon  ARe  Nook  Bookstrand