Spring Fever: A Romantic Writerly Interlude with Barbara Winkes

1. How did you start writing romance?

I like a big bold Hollywood type of happy ending. When I first started watching lesbian-themed movies, I didn’t find but a few in that category--and don’t get me wrong, it is important to show history and a damaging effect of misogyny and homophobia, therefore those darker stories are relevant…but I wanted stories with a hopeful outcome, the type where you can practically hear the power ballad being played with the credits at the end. I wanted to write that kind of story about love perservering and two people meant for each other.

2. Plotter or pantster?

A bit of both--leaning towards plotter more now, mostly for the story arc. I believe the characters reveal themselves in the process, and there needs to be some room for surprises.

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

A pen, a coffee cup, to do lists. This interview is on one of them! J

4. Favorite food?

Italian. I enjoy all kinds of food, and I try something new when I have the opportunity, but there’s nothing that says comfort like pasta and pizza. When it’s the weekend, a good glass of wine doesn’t hurt either--right?

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

If I say I have a favorite, I’m afraid the other one is not going to be happy…Kidding. Spring Fever is the third in my romance series, and both Callie and Rebecca have learned important lessons about themselves and their relationship. They don’t give doubts so much room anymore, and that strenghtens their connection.

6. I write because …

I couldn’t imagine not to.

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

Women who define their own fate.

8. What is the sexiest scene you’ve ever written?

Depends on what exactly you’re asking…It can be incredibly sexy to just have two people look at each other, fantasize, and the temperature in the room goes up by a few degrees. Talking about that kind of sexy scene, a fictional couple of mine once got creative in the laundry room. That’s pretty sexy.

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

It’s a highly competitive field, but not all romance readers are the same. You have to stick to your vision, define and find your audience.

10. What is next on your writerly horizon?

After Spring Fever, there’ll be three more publications, under contract with Eternal Press: The Interpretation of Love and the Truth (a standalone romance), Amber Alert (a mystery) and Open Spaces (an erotic romance). Of course there’s Callie & Rebecca #4 which I will submit soon.

11. Favorite cookie?

If it has chocolate in it…

About the author:

A psychologist/trauma counselor by training, Barbara Winkes left her native Germany to live with her wife in Québec City. Telling stories has always been her passion. She loves to write suspense and romance with female protagonists who try to solve the puzzle of their love life, a murder case, or sometimes, both.

~ Lesbian fiction with high drama and happy endings ~
Barbara's debut novel Autumn Leaves and the follow-up Winter Storm, published by Eternal Press, tell the love story between two women in a small town, where neighbors take an interest in the life of others. The thriller Secrets followed November 2013. Upcoming publications include Spring Fever, book #3 of Callie and Rebecca’s story, the standalone romance The Interpretation of Love and the Truth, the mystery Amber Alert and the erotic romance novella Open Spaces.

Social and media links:

Blog: www.barbarawinkes.blogspot.ca

Twitter: https://twitter.com/demeter94

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Barbara-Winkes-Author-page/289940881121860?ref=hl

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/demeter94/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6577259.Barbara_Winkes

Coming Unbound by Lacey Savage

Ginny and Cole have struggled to connect intimately since before their marriage. When Cole suggests they surprise each other with the most sexually daring things they can dream up for their anniversary, Ginny reluctantly musters every ounce of courage she possesses to get nipple piercings.

Cole’s surprise?

He’s turned their suburban basement into a dungeon—and hired a sexy Dom to teach them the art of BDSM.

Desperately in love with his wife, Cole’s aware of sensitive sexual demons in Ginny’s past, and will try anything to beat them. Whips, toys, ménage play with the Dom…all these and more could help Ginny find pleasure, break through her issues.

Or, if they’re not careful, possibly just break Ginny.

Goodreads

Amazon

Stories about couples going through marital difficulties are a favorite of mine. Let's face it. Sometimes things can get a bit staid after a few years together and it takes some flash to get things roaring again. Ginny and Cole are facing this issue in their marriage in this book. Ginny has not been able to orgasm and it is causing a huge strain on the marriage. Most of it stems from events in her past. She was made to feel that her love of pain was disgusting and she was a bad person because of it. (Okay, that just made me mad and I totally felt for her.) After a horrible non-encounter, Ginny goes on a business trip and decides she has to do something to spice things up. She buys books, sexy clothes and (gasp) gets her nipples pierced. *insert toe curling moment* As she is on the table getting worked on, the pain makes her orgasm in a way her husband has not been able to make her do. She is totally torn about what to do.

Cole has been a busy boy while she has been away and when Ginny returns from her trip, he has a little surprise of his own waiting. Erik is a Dom and he helps her to realize some very key things about herself. It is up to her whether she will become unbound from the shackles of her own mind, or allow them to dictate her relationship with her husband. 

A great read! One that left me wanting more...

4.5/5

Best Lesbian Romance 2013: The Review

Radclyffe is on a mission: she wants to rock your world every single year. And she does. We marvel at every year's batch of annual excellence. Swooningly romantic, shudderingly erotic, poundingly good prose that will tug at your heartstrings (etc) at the beginning of every single year, or every time you open the volume.

Love stories from Cheyenne Blue, Andrea Dale, Charlotte Dare, Sacchi Green, Anna Meadows, Radclyffe, and others span the tumultuous, exhilarating roller-coaster ride of romance, from the breathtakingly discoveries of new passion to the poignant depths of a shared lifetime. Love, newly minted or aged like fine wine, is ever young at heart—savor the pleasure of romance with Best Lesbian Romance 2013.

Amazon buy link

I had in my mind what to expect when I received this book from the publisher for a review. You know what they say about judging a book by it's cover. Well, sometimes what's between the covers is a whole lot hotter and so much better than expected.

This collection of stories is focused on the human element of relationships and they aren't always the perfect pert little bodies of twenty year olds either. These are women that have seen a thing or two, with the scars to prove it. The authors in this collection made me weep with appreciation for how they wrote about the feelings that can exist between two lovers. Sometimes tender, sometimes violent, but always full of romance and feeling. I can't recommend this anthology highly enough.  

Make sure you add this one to your TBR list. You won't be disappointed.

5/5