When did you first start writing?
Pretty much when I learned to use a pencil.
I loved books from the moment I discovered them, sitting in my parents' laps while they read to me. I still own tattered books I devoured repeatedly when I was a child.
As soon as I learned to talk, I made up stories and told them to whoever would listen. Discovering I could write them down opened up wonderful possibilities.
I remember writing Chapter One and the first few pages of a novel in grade school. A few years ago my mother found it while cleaning out the attic. I don't remember where I planned to go with the story, but I still like the main character.
As a teen, I always carried a notebook with me and furiously scribbled poetry while my siblings ran and played on the beach.
I decided in sixth grade that I wanted to write professionally and took every writing course I could in high school and college. I even had one class that required I write papers in French. Although I've forgotten the language in which I was once fluent, I still remember the fun I had finding the words to discuss French literature in French.
How did you start writing erotica?
I had little success selling the fantasy stories I had written, so I decided to try something contemporary.
My first e-book purchase (in 2002) was a copy of Katie Terrega's *It's A Dirty Job...Writing Porn for Fun and Profit* from which I learned that writing "porn" requires the same skills as writing any type fiction, but without the world building necessary in fantasy. Just add graphic sex and, of course make sure it moves the story forward and/or reveals character.
I discovered I enjoy writing erotica. Before I went Indie, I had three erotica novels, 19 short stories, and nine poems published traditionally. Now, I have more han 40 short stories available for purchase as well as nine collections of short stories, five novels, and one book of poetry.
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