Taking Pleasure While You Can

Ever since Pearl Harbor, John had become a shell of a man, unable to move on from the trauma. When his captain forces him to take shore leave, a night out with the guys and one woman were about to change everything.

Buy Link

http://www.breathlesspress.com/index.php?main_page=product_free_shipping_info&cPath=9&products_id=584&zenid=ca99eacfa94894a8dafdfb4e4aeb5bb8

Excerpt:

Joe seemed to know everyone, and everyone seemed keen to be near him. It made it much easier for the quiet-by-nature and still healing John to slowly make some friends. Once the drinks started flowing, he even began to loosen up a bit. He missed hanging out with guys, telling stories, joking around, and laughing. His captain had been right; this was what he needed and what his friends who had passed on would want. He was beginning to feel alive again, and it felt good. Then he caught sight of her.

Author Interview Questions-

1. How did you start writing erotic romance?

I have been scribbling stories since I was a child, usually something paranormal like vampires and ghosts, something that I still like to write about to this day. Then when I was a teenager I started reading some of my grandmother's romance novels. Now most of these novels were straight romance, no supernatural aspects what so ever. Eventually I learned that I could marry the two love and write steamy paranormal romance. My first few erotic romances were paranormal, but I have now started branching out and doing other romance as well. My current release is a war time story with no paranormal aspect at all and I am currently working on some mystery romance as well. I like broadening my writing horizon.

2. Plotter or pantster?

I am a complete pantser. I never write out a full plot. Sometimes I will jot notes and I do tend to do a lot of research on the topic I will be writing about, but I never know where the story is going. Sometimes that can bite me in the butt. Hey, I like to live and write dangerously I guess!

3. What are three things you have on your writing desk?

Dare I say that I rarely write at a desk? I write at my kitchen table, my desk at work when I get there early or at lunch, and a bulk of my writing is done lounging in bed. So really all I need is my laptop and I will write anywhere. I also usually need to have music on, again from my laptop. I listen to a lock of hard rock and metal when I write, so I guess that is something that I need.

4. Favorite food?

Right now it is pizza. So many options and toppings. A complete meal that you can eat with your hands? What is not to like? I may even be serving pizza at my wedding reception. Now that is love of pizza!

5. Tell us a little about your new release. What character in the book really spoke to you?

Taking Pleasure Where You Can is loosely based on some stories that I used to hear from my grandpa who was stationed in the Philippines during WW2. He did indeed have a girlfriend over there. That being said, all the sexy stuff is completely NOT about my grandpa! That would be gross! But the idea of a man healing from war and falling for a local girl really peaked my interest.  War is hard and I found it very interesting to play with how people deal with it.

6. I write because ____...

I think I would go crazy if I didn't. Well crazier at least crazier.  I already talk to myself when characters or ideas pop into my head, imagine if I didn't have the outlet of getting it out through my writing? I'd be certifiable for sure.

7. What is your favorite type of character to write about?

Strong females with a bit of a naughty side. I like women who know what they want and go for it, like Imee in Taking Pleasure.

8. What is the sexiest scene you ever wrote?

In my shifter novella, Not So Silent Night, there is a pretty hot scene on a workbench in a flower shop that makes even me need to take a cold shower!

9. What advice would you give new authors in the erotica/romance field?

Read a lot. Write a lot. That's what you have to do to get better. Polish your work and submit. Find publishers that are geared towards what you write and follow their guidelines. If you are rejected, take any critiques and consider them, then dust yourself off and submit again. Don't give up. Just keep writing and reading and you will get to where you want.

10. What is next on your writerly horizon?

I have a few things in the works. My first full length novel is set to start edits soon. I am working on a few themed submissions for my publisher and I have an art heist erotic romance in the works! I'm pretty excited about that one.

Kelly Ryan, aka as Sheri Velarde, lives in New Mexico and grew up with a fascination for all things that "go bump in the night," so it is no wonder that she turned to writing paranormal romance. In her spare time, she fancies herself a cyrptozoologist and loves to go on paranormal related outings, searching for things that might not really exist. She is an avid exerciser and gets some of her best ideas while on runs. She also has a bit of a wild side, which only leads to inspiration for her writing.

Being an avid reader since an early age, she has wanted to be a writer for as long as she can remember. She has been writing all her life, but only recently started to actually try to pursue her dream of writing for a living. She has published with Breathless Press before, but Salvation is her first zombie story ever.

Kelly/Sheri is a multi-published author. You can keep up to date with all things Kelly Ryan/Sheri Velarde at: www.sherivelarde.weebly.com.

Not So Silent Night

1. How did you start writing erotic romance?

I started reading paranormal romances after borrowing a ton from a friend. I became hooked and thought about joining my love of the paranormal (I've always loved things that go bump in the night) with some hot erotic goodness. Some of my first attempts are probably laughable, but I really think that I have found my writing niche, 5 books out and counting!

2. Plotter or pantster? I'm a complete pantser!

I like to say it keeps the story exciting and suspenseful even to me!

3. What are three things you have on your writing desk?

Dare I admit I rarely write at a desk? I tend to write on my laptop in bed at night. But I always have a glass of water by my side, lots of pillows to make me comfy and keep me propped up (hey, I'm writing in bed after all) and my dog so I can pet her when I'm trying to work something out in my head before writing it

.
4. Favorite food?

 Spaghetti! It's my go to food for sure. I eat it once a week… at least! Lol

5. Tell us a little about your new release. What character in the book really spoke to you?

 Not So Silent Night starts off with Anna, a lonely woman not happy with her life's direction, who is dreading the holidays. Then the other worldly Russian stud, Alexander, walks into her life. They are immediately drawn to each other, let's just day that there is some magic in the air. Anna quickly learns that just because Russians are from a cold climate, that does not mean they can't heat up the cold Vermont nights! Of course, things don't run as smoothly as they would like. Soon they find themselves battling the good ole boys of the town who are hell bent on keeping Anna and Alexander apart because they feel that Alex is infringing on their territory. Soon secrets are revealed and soon they are in a fight that neither anticipated. If they are going to end up together, it is not going to be with out strife.

Anna is a woman who speaks to my heart. I have felt alone in this world before, so I think I really empathize with her the most.

6. I write because I think that I would spontaneously combust if I did not. Writing is just something that I have to do, it is part of who I am. Even before I was published or even submitting, I was writing. I always say I write because it is cheaper than therapy and I stick to that. Writing is an outlet that keeps me sane.

7. What is your favorite type of character to write about?

I like characters with flaws. All of my characters have flaws, perfection is somewhat boring to write about. Sure, my heroes and heroines all look great, but they are also complex people with all the normal human foibles.

8. What is the sexiest scene you ever wrote?

 I like sex with a little vulnerability to it. In my novella Alone No More, the two characters come together after the heroine has suffered a trauma and the hero is denying himself out of a sense of penance, the result was pretty hot. There is also a scene in Not So Silent Night, after some secrets have been shared, where the characters connect more deeply through their lovemaking. To me that is sexy.

9. What advice would you give new authors in the erotica/romance field?

Read books in the genre, become a fan. Know the subcategories, for instance paranormal is my bread and butter, but there are categories to please and entice everyone. Get to know the publishers that put out books that you like, learn their submission guidelines and see if they are looking for anything in particular. And the obvious, write and keep writing no matter what. Sure, rejection happens, learn from it and go back to writing.

10. What is next on your writerly horizon?

I have a short story coming out in the Bloody Valentine Anthology at Breathless Press. I am waiting to hear back on a few submissions and also have two stories just about ready to be submitted. I am then working on two pirate books and a sequel to my novella, Alone No More. A lot more coming from me!

Social and buy links

Buy Links: Breathless Press, All Romance eBooks, Bookstrand

Social Links: Facebook: Sheri Velarde/Kelly Ryan Author Page, Website: sherivelarde.weebly.com, Blog: Musings of my Scattered Mind, Twitter: Sher_V

Author bio:

Sheri Velarde, who sometimes uses the pen name Kelly Ryan, lives in New Mexico and grew up with a fascination for all things that "go bump in the night", so it is no wonder that she turned to writing paranormal romance. In her spare time, she fancies herself a cyrptozoologist and loves to paranormal related outings, searching for things that might not really exist. She is an avid exerciser and gets some of her best ideas while on runs. She also has a bit of a wild side, which only leads to inspiration for her writing.

Being an avid reader since an early age, she has wanted to be a writer for as long as she can remember. She has been writing all her life, but only recently started to actually try to pursue her dream of writing for a living.

She is constantly putting out new material, so it is best to keep up with her on her website.

Another lonely Christmas approaches for Anna and her life of penance—until the otherworldly Alexander appears.

Anna is a lonely woman, running her dead grandmother's flower shop. She hates Christmas and could not feel more lost when a handsome and mysterious Russian, Alexander, walks into her shop and her life. Each has secrets and magic they are harboring. Just as their passion erupts, the good old boys in town threaten to ruin everything. Getting to know each other is tough for most couples, but with a pack of werewolves out to destroy them, things become intense. They find themselves in a fight for their lives. Can their newfound love give them the strength to win against this threat and trust in the future?

"So you just got the quick sketch of my life, so perhaps I can ask where you are from. I love your accent."

"Russia. I grew up right outside of Moscow."

"Russia? Wow! What brings you to small town Vermont? Other than the snow, I can't imagine we are anything like Moscow," Anna said in true wonderment.

"My family came to visit and we wanted to go somewhere quiet. I live in Washington, D.C. now. Here seemed like a good spot for a vacation. And I must say I am glad we picked this town on a whim." Alexander moved even closer to her, close enough they were almost touching and he could gently stroke her hair, sending a visible shiver down her back. "I am not making you uncomfortable, am I?"

Anna swallowed. "No, uncomfortable is not exactly the word for what you are making me feel." She turned around so she stared up into Alexander's deep blue eyes. They were close enough for her to kiss his full lips and she found herself wanting to very much.

"You are a very beautiful woman, Anna." Alexander stepped even closer so their bodies touched. Anna immediately felt heat rush all through her body from only a little contact. She felt her own blue eyes widen in anticipation.

"Thank you," Anna murmured, feeling a blush spread across her face, so evident on her pale skin. "So are you... I mean, you are very attractive too."

Alexander smiled and leaned down so his lips almost touched hers. "I am going to kiss you now, Anna, unless you tell me not to."

"Umm, okay." Anna's breath grew heavier as Alexander brought his lips to meet hers.