Author Interview: JUNIPER BELL

Ladies & gentlemen! Today we launch the April Blog Party & Ereader Giveaway with an interview from fabulous author Juniper Bell, who just so happens to hail from (roughly) my neck of the woods up here in Alaska. She writes steamy erotic romances, including her latest release Training the Receptionist - now available from an e-tailer near you!

Welcome Juniper! (Applause!)

Vivi, thanks so much for having me on your blog! How could I miss a fellow Alaskan’s blog party?

So glad you could be here, Juniper! What inspired you to write your current release?

My current release, “Training the Receptionist,” was inspired by the many hours of tedium I’ve endured inside office cubicles. My imagination kept me company during that time, and this book, about a receptionist’s naughty dream job and her two sexy bosses, is the result. I guess you never know where inspiration will come from!

What drives your books? Is it the hero, the heroine, the conflict?

My books tend to be driven by self-discovery, prompted by conflict. Since I write erotic romance, the self-discovery comes from a sensual experience of some kind, something that transforms the world of the main characters. I like stories that explore the way an erotic encounter can change the way you see yourself, and what you thought your limits were. It can happen in so many different ways, with an emotional tone or a light, fun tone – that’s why I love writing in this genre. It has so many possibilities.

If one of your characters came knocking on your door, how would you react?

I’d run screaming! My characters belong in a fantasy world. I love erotic fantasy BECAUSE it’s fantasy, not reality. I love them all, but I prefer them to stay where they belong. That said, my character Dana Arthur from “Training the Receptionist” cracks me up. She has such a snappy sense of humor and entertaining take on the world that I wouldn’t mind hanging out with her and a bottle of tequila. She has some stories to tell!

What is the best advice you ever got as a writer? The worst? If you could go back in time and give your beginner-writer-self some advice, what would you say?

This may be controversial, but I’m not a fan of “Write what you know.” I understand the point of that advice, but I think it can be too limiting. If you take it too literally, you don’t allow yourself to use your imagination or your dreamer side. Writing, in my very humble opinion, should be more about freedom than about rules. So the best advice I’ve gotten is “Just have fun. Don’t worry so much.” And that’s what I’d say to my younger self, and to other new writers. Let your mind roam free, find your groove, try anything and everything, and don’t worry so much.

That is excellent advice. What three things do you absolutely need in order to write?

A computer. In Jane Austen’s time, I never would have become a writer. I rework things like crazy, and pen and ink just wouldn’t have cut it for me. The second thing is time. I’m not good at transitions. Getting my mind into writing mode is a process a lot like getting a monkey into a cage. I’ve got to check email, check my favorite websites, make sure there’s no pressing business I have to do, then gradually my mind settles down to work. If someone’s breathing down my neck, I can’t focus. Knowing I have at least some uninterrupted time ahead of me is key. It doesn’t have to be a lot, just some. And lastly, I need a cup of tea. Helps me concentrate. Relaxes me. Gotta have my tea. But you know what … if I were on a desert island with no computer and no tea, I’d probably adapt. At least I’d have plenty of time.

What book is your comfort read?

When I was younger, “Little Women” was my ultimate comfort read. Today, any historical romance works. Somehow, knowing the story took place in the past makes it very soothing, even if it involves Scottish lairds hacking away at their enemies on a battlefield.

What’s next for you/what are you working on now?

My next book happens to be my first historical. It’s a Regency ménage called “My Three Lords,” coming from Ellora’s Cave sometime in the near future. Miss Alicia Silverwood is an innocent country girl who discovers her sensual side in the company of an irresistible Duke, a cynical Marquis and a virile young Earl. It was a lot of fun writing about such scandalous behavior during such an outwardly proper time. I hope people enjoy it!

Thanks for having me, Vivi, and I can’t wait for “The Sexorcist”!

Thank you for launching our web party, Juniper! I know I'll be keeping an eye out for My Three Lords.

For more about Juniper & her books, you can visit her website: http://www.juniperbell.com/. Today one lucky commenter will win an ebook download of one of Juniper's books!