Alyssa Brooks - In Interview with Lena Austin

In Interview with Lena Austin 09-02-2005

Alyssa: Tonight we’re talking with Lena Austin, an author I’m anxious to get some answers from…so let’s get started! Lena, clue us in…who are you? A bio, a backlist, your writing credits, or anything at all. Who are we speaking to?
Lena: My name is Lena Austin, and I'm the author of over 14 books to date. My bio is available on my website, www.lena.realmsoflove.com, so I see no need to repeat it. Those who want to know more are certainly welcome to find out about my checkered past there, and see my picture even.

Alyssa: Cool. I get the feeling I’m talking with a no-nonsense type of woman! Ok, on with the interview then. Do you have any specialties you love to write about? What’s your favorite part of the writing, for example, do you love to hatch out fight scenes, love scenes, threesomes…In other words, what really makes you fingers flow?
Lena: I seem to specialize in ménage and m/m, as well as many forms of FF&P (Fantasy, Futuristic, and Paranormal. I love to plot out twists and surprises, but after I've done the initial plot, it's not uncommon for me to get "in the zone" and gosh knows what will come out!

Alyssa: Awesome. And a plotter too…until this week I have never planned a story. Now I am being forced to write a synopsis for a publisher and eek! So hard! I am not the organized type. Speaking of which, what does your desk look like?
Lena: I've a tendency toward "pile-o-mania," so I have to be very careful to stay neat and organized. I have a spiral notebook on my desk at all times, with each page dated and sections of it color coded for tasks in different areas of my life so I'm never overwhelmed. My desk is black with a gray faux granite top, and L-shaped. I need lots of horizontal space to spread out! Two other things are vital: my coffee cup warmer and a kitchen bell timer.

Alyssa: I’m jealous. Will you come clean my house? LOL, “pile-o-mania”…I now have a name to my sickness. Currently I have twenty books on my desk. Seriously. My computer isn’t even on it. Ok. On with things… What do you think about the lines between romance, erotic romance, and erotica?
Lena: To me, the lines are very clear. Romance is an overall term to describe a love story between two or more individuals, and it always should have a happily ever after (HEA).

Erotic romance is a sub-category beneath Romance, in which the above definition must be true, but also the love scenes between the protagonists are more explicitly detailed.

Erotica does not necessarily have a happily-ever-after, and the sex drives the plot. (example: Fantasy erotic romance: They f*cked and the magic happened.)

Alyssa: Superb answer. How about editing, how does it affect you? Like it or hate it?
Lena: I love my editors! We've worked together long enough now that they know they can throw the whole thing at me and I won't flinch. They also can depend on me to perform certain things like spell check and grammar check before they see it. Believe me, my crit partners are much more ruthless!

Alyssa: Clapping! It annoys me when authors hate their editors ... words are not gold. So, what’s your favorite length to write? Any reasons?
Lena: I love novellas! Usually, I can turn and burn on those puppies, getting one out in about two months. Novels take much longer. Writing novellas teaches you to write tightly, with no waste.

Alyssa: Me tooJ What kind of schedule do you keep? Do you write full time, or have another job? How do you keep yourself working and motivated?
Lena: I write full-time. Often I will mumble over my email while drinking my coffee in the morning, do what business tasks need to be done, and write in the evening when all is quiet. My best motivational tool is my giant wipe off calendar on my wall. When I've written for at least one hour, I put an iridescent smiley face sticker on that day. When I didn't, I put a big black "X of shame." Helps keep me motivated. It's so cheerful to see all those winking smiles. I also have what's known as a Power Hour. I shut down the browser, turn the bell timer to one hour, shut the office door, and threaten the family that, unless I hear sirens, they'd better not bother me.

Alyssa: That’s a damned good idea. I am always wrapped up in one email or promotion or something other than writing. Speaking of which, what’s your favorite type of promotion?
Lena: The ones where I get to chat with the readers. Author/Publisher days in loops, chats, contests in my own loop. Anywhere that I get direct feedback. This is a lonely business without the readers talking to you.

Alyssa: Do you write on a notebook, laptop, or regular computer?
Lena: It depends on the stage of writing I'm in. When plotting and preparing, I use a notebook or a printed out plot chart and workbook I created. When writing, I may use my computer or I may use my Alphasmart. When finalizing, I use the computer.

Alyssa: What do you think about the way some people relate porn to erotica and erotic romance?
Lena: Opinions are like assholes. Everyone has one. I find that a large portion of those who equate porn to erotica and erotic romance are basing their opinions on ignorance or their own narrow view of the world. Puritanism is the firm dislike of anyone anywhere in the world having the free will to have fun. Just a peek at my publisher's submission standards will tell them that there is no child porn, no incest, no bestiality, and only consenting adults are depicted. Please, live and let live.

Alyssa: Very true indeed. Ok, time for a little about Lena, the woman. What’s your favorite television show?
Lena: CSI (Las Vegas). I have a serious lust for Dr. Gil Grissom.

Alyssa: Name your quirks and kinks.
Lena: All of them? You don't have room. I'm a polyamorous pagan and a retired BDSM Mistress. For those that don't know polyamory means "multiple loves." I live with two men whom I love equally.

Alyssa: Whoa! That’s interesting and definitely quirky. Now I’m definitely going to check out your books you’re a pro! Ok ... next question ... if you could drive any type of vehicle, what would it be?
Lena: Money being no object, a Lincoln Navigator. Black with a black interior. I live in Denver, where four-wheel drive is desirable.

Alyssa: Are you a Star Wars fan?
Lena: Yes. I love S/F and space operas.

Alyssa: What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
Lena: Oh, dear. Now which would I choose? The scuba diving? The phone sex job? Being an exotic dancer? The medievalist sword-swinging with live steel? Hmm.

Alyssa: Those all better be true! I’m checking! Wow ... you are the most interesting woman, and you know how to have fun! How can readers find out more about you? Links ... etc ... please!

Lena: Website: www.lena.realmsoflove.com
Readers' loop: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LenaAustin

Or, simply email me: lena@loose-id.com

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		Back to Extras In Interview with Lena Austin 09-02-2005 Alyssa: Tonight we’re talking with Lena Austin, an author I’m anxious to get some answers from…so let’s get started! Lena, clue us in…who are you? A bio, a backlist, your writing credits, or anything at all. Who are we speaking to? Lena: My name is Lena Austin, and I'm the author of over 14 books to date. My bio is available on my website, www.lena.realmsoflove.com, so I see no need to repeat it. Those who want to know more are certainly welcome to find out about my checkered past there, and see my picture even. Alyssa: Cool. I get the feeling I’m talking with a no-nonsense type of woman! Ok, on with the interview then. Do you have any specialties you love to write about? What’s your favorite part of the writing, for example, do you love to hatch out fight scenes, love scenes, threesomes…In other words, what really makes you fingers flow? Lena: I seem to specialize in ménage and m/m, as well as many forms of FF&P (Fantasy, Futuristic, and Paranormal. I love to plot out twists and surprises, but after I've done the initial plot, it's not uncommon for me to get "in the zone" and gosh knows what will come out! Alyssa: Awesome. And a plotter too…until this week I have never planned a story. Now I am being forced to write a synopsis for a publisher and eek! So hard! I am not the organized type. Speaking of which, what does your desk look like? Lena: I've a tendency toward "pile-o-mania," so I have to be very careful to stay neat and organized. I have a spiral notebook on my desk at all times, with each page dated and sections of it color coded for tasks in different areas of my life so I'm never overwhelmed. My desk is black with a gray faux granite top, and L-shaped. I need lots of horizontal space to spread out! Two other things are vital: my coffee cup warmer and a kitchen bell timer. Alyssa: I’m jealous. Will you come clean my house? LOL, “pile-o-mania”…I now have a name to my sickness. Currently I have twenty books on my desk. Seriously. My computer isn’t even on it. Ok. On with things… What do you think about the lines between romance, erotic romance, and erotica? Lena: To me, the lines are very clear. Romance is an overall term to describe a love story between two or more individuals, and it always should have a happily ever after (HEA). Erotic romance is a sub-category beneath Romance, in which the above definition must be true, but also the love scenes between the protagonists are more explicitly detailed. Erotica does not necessarily have a happily-ever-after, and the sex drives the plot. (example: Fantasy erotic romance: They fcked and the magic happened.) Alyssa:* Superb answer. How about editing, how does it affect you? Like it or hate it? Lena: I love my editors! We've worked together long enough now that they know they can throw the whole thing at me and I won't flinch. They also can depend on me to perform certain things like spell check and grammar check before they see it. Believe me, my crit partners are much more ruthless! Alyssa: Clapping! It annoys me when authors hate their editors ... words are not gold. So, what’s your favorite length to write? Any reasons? Lena: I love novellas! Usually, I can turn and burn on those puppies, getting one out in about two months. Novels take much longer. Writing novellas teaches you to write tightly, with no waste. Alyssa: Me tooJ What kind of schedule do you keep? Do you write full time, or have another job? How do you keep yourself working and motivated? Lena: I write full-time. Often I will mumble over my email while drinking my coffee in the morning, do what business tasks need to be done, and write in the evening when all is quiet. My best motivational tool is my giant wipe off calendar on my wall. When I've written for at least one hour, I put an iridescent smiley face sticker on that day. When I didn't, I put a big black "X of shame." Helps keep me motivated. It's so cheerful to see all those winking smiles. I also have what's known as a Power Hour. I shut down the browser, turn the bell timer to one hour, shut the office door, and threaten the family that, unless I hear sirens, they'd better not bother me. Alyssa: That’s a damned good idea. I am always wrapped up in one email or promotion or something other than writing. Speaking of which, what’s your favorite type of promotion? Lena: The ones where I get to chat with the readers. Author/Publisher days in loops, chats, contests in my own loop. Anywhere that I get direct feedback. This is a lonely business without the readers talking to you. Alyssa: Do you write on a notebook, laptop, or regular computer? Lena: It depends on the stage of writing I'm in. When plotting and preparing, I use a notebook or a printed out plot chart and workbook I created. When writing, I may use my computer or I may use my Alphasmart. When finalizing, I use the computer. Alyssa: What do you think about the way some people relate porn to erotica and erotic romance? Lena: Opinions are like assholes. Everyone has one. I find that a large portion of those who equate porn to erotica and erotic romance are basing their opinions on ignorance or their own narrow view of the world. Puritanism is the firm dislike of anyone anywhere in the world having the free will to have fun. Just a peek at my publisher's submission standards will tell them that there is no child porn, no incest, no bestiality, and only consenting adults are depicted. Please, live and let live. Alyssa: Very true indeed. Ok, time for a little about Lena, the woman. What’s your favorite television show? Lena: CSI (Las Vegas). I have a serious lust for Dr. Gil Grissom. Alyssa: Name your quirks and kinks. Lena: All of them? You don't have room. I'm a polyamorous pagan and a retired BDSM Mistress. For those that don't know polyamory means "multiple loves." I live with two men whom I love equally. Alyssa: Whoa! That’s interesting and definitely quirky. Now I’m definitely going to check out your books you’re a pro! Ok ... next question ... if you could drive any type of vehicle, what would it be? Lena: Money being no object, a Lincoln Navigator. Black with a black interior. I live in Denver, where four-wheel drive is desirable. Alyssa: Are you a Star Wars fan? Lena: Yes. I love S/F and space operas. Alyssa: What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done? Lena: Oh, dear. Now which would I choose? The scuba diving? The phone sex job? Being an exotic dancer? The medievalist sword-swinging with live steel? Hmm. Alyssa: Those all better be true! I’m checking! Wow ... you are the most interesting woman, and you know how to have fun! How can readers find out more about you? Links ... etc ... please! Lena: Website: www.lena.realmsoflove.com Readers' loop: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LenaAustin Or, simply email me: lena@loose-id.com TOP Website Design by Crocodesigns \|\| © Copyright 2006 Alyssa Brooks. All rights reserved.