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| Deck the Halls. |
Tell us about your latest book, including its genre. Does it cross over to other genres? If so, what are they? (Please include the cover so we can post it as well.)
I’ve had a number of short stories published, but it wasn’t until recently that I had my first two manuscripts published. It is with great pride that I introduce my latest books Deck the Halls and Christmas Do-Over.
In Deck the Halls:
Jake and Jason are identical twins who’ve known for a long time that there would only be one woman for the both of them. One who loved each of them equally and could handle both the pros and cons of being shared by two men on a daily basis. As soon as they laid eyes on the beautiful new file clerk Gloria they knew deep in their heart that she was the one meant to be theirs. They thought their only obstacle was to convince her that their feelings were genuine. Quickly they learn they’re mistaken when they find out the lovely Gloria’s been keeping a major secret. One that not only jeopardizes the future they planned to share with her, but also places her very life in danger.
Gloria found it hard not to have a positive outlook when she got to see the delicious Jason and delectable Jake every day. On top of that the merriment of the season all around her was infectious. It was the first Christmas in a long time that Gloria was actually looking forward to. That is until she learns the mistakes of her past, ones she tried very hard to put behind her and bury, were now back. Back with a vengeance and determined to destroy her. Now all she hoped for Christmas was that the people she’d grown to love wouldn’t get caught in the crossfire.
In Christmas Do-over:
Alone from an earlier age, Julian McGee hates the holidays. This one is shaping up to be the worst yet. Stuck between a rock and hard place, Julian drowns his sorrow in his favorite pub. In order to keep a roof over his head, he may have to take on a job he doesn't want—something worse than anything he's done.
All hope seems lost when a beautiful redhead arrives and expresses an interest in Julian. Their instant attraction spurs him into taking the lovely nymph home for a night of passion.
Something that will change his life forever and make the Christmas season one he'll never forget.
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| Christmas Do Over |
Though both are erotic Christmas themed novellas; Deck the Halls is a contemporary ménage romance while Christmas Do-Over is a contemporary sci-fi romance.
What can we expect from you in the future?
With a number of memorable characters and romantic tales floating around in my head you can expect to see many more erotic tales. The overall themes may vary: BDSM, Sci-fi, futuristic, contemporary, historical, m/f, f/f, m/f/m, m/f/f, but all will be memorable. What I do look forward to is finally finishing some of the longer books I’ve been working on and seeing them published. There are also some story lines that would make up a book series. To have a book series of mine published for the entire world to enjoy is an accomplishment I’ve dreamt about since I first began writing full time.
How do we find out about you and your books?
For more information on me and all of my published works, books and short stories, you can check out my website http://www.sptpassions.weebly.com. You can also check out my professional facebook page http://www.facebook.com/sptpassions. And on a Romance authors and books forum she maintains a topic stream that she updates with info on her published works http://kirkhamsebooks.com/forum/romance-authors-and-books/books-by-shashauna-p-thomas/.
Why did you decide to write romance novels?
Everyone loves a good love story. I’ve loved romance novels since I was a little girl. Of course the heat levels of my preferred romances rose as I grew older. Two, or more, coming together and making lasting connections and living happily ever after. When I first sat down to try and write a story of my own what began to flow out of me was a romance which really wasn’t a surprise to me nor anyone who knew me.
How much of your personality and life experiences are in your writing?
How much of your personality and life experiences are in your writing?
I think a lot of my personality traits can often be found in the characters from my stories, but they’re mostly found in the supportive characters. A few of my traits are found sprinkled in here and there with the main characters, but mostly they’re found in the character that always seems to have the hero or heroine’s back. Their best friend, co-worker, or confidant. As for my life experiences, they’re a lot more limited than one would think. A lot of the places, settings, and situations that are found in my stories are pure imagination. An author’s wishful thinking of how it would be to visit new places, find themselves in new situations, and meeting new exciting people.
When did you first think about writing and what prompted you to submit your first ms?
I started writing poems when I was younger. It wasn’t until after I graduated from college did I write my first story. A sorority sister of mine who knew I enjoyed creative writing forwarded me an e-mail from Erotic Author Zane’s mailing list promoting the open call submissions Strehbor books was holding. A couple of the open calls inspired my creativity so I ended up creating four short story erotic romances and submitted them. While working on my stories something inside me just clicked and I knew for certain that this was what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. This was not only the perfect career for me it was the only career for me. Out of the four I submitted one was chosen and that was when I knew for sure this was what I was meant to do.
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Generally, how long does it take you to write a book?
Generally, how long does it take you to write a book?
Writing a short novella it takes around a month. Of course that is if other things don’t get in the way. Like other writing commitments, promotion, and of course dealing with day to day tasks that love to distract an author from working on their projects.
Do you have a set schedule for writing or do you just go with the flow?
Though I wished I had a set schedule, no matter how hard I try to set one in the end I usually just go with the flow. I try to focus on one project at a time and once I finish it I move on to another task and don’t come back to the previous one unless I have to review and rework it with an editor. There never seems to be enough time in the day to complete everything you want or need to.
What do you do to relax and recharge your batteries?
When I need a break from writing I watch movies, or listen to music. But when I really need a break I sit down and read like there is no tomorrow. I run though books like they’re water and I just came from a dessert. Getting lost in the worlds created by other authors is a great way to get out of my own head for a while.
What truly motivates you in general? In your writing?
There are so many things that motivate me and the things that I do, but one of the most motivating forces in my life is my mother. She raised me and my brothers to believe in ourselves and to always do our bests. She always told me that I could do anything that I set my mind to. All the love and support she gave me when she was alive still resonates strongly with me today. So much so that I swear I hear her voice in my head encouraging me to keep fighting, keep working hard, and to keep my head up in face of adversity. Everything that I am today is because of her and I live every day to the fullest in her honor.
What motivates my writing is my belief in myself, my belief in the stories and characters I create, and seeing the finished product. Sitting back and looking at the collection of my published works all together makes me very proud at what I accomplished and warms my heart when I think about these works out there in the world for everyone to read and enjoy. Not to mention the thought that my works will still be out there for people to enjoy long after I’ve gone motivates me as I feel like I’ve made my mark upon the world.
How do you come up with ideas?
Sometimes I get inspiration from the most random place like a TV show, or a commercial, or a conversation I had with friends, but most of the time my ideas come to me randomly while I am writing another story. I’ll be focused on that manuscript and it’ll be on my mind when I go to sleep, but when I awake the next morning I’ll momentarily see a new character or scene. Something that has nothing to do with what I’m currently working on but they catch my attention and cause my imagination to begin working overtime. Those flashes will inspire another manuscript that I can’t wait to write.
Do you feel humor is important in fiction and why?
Do you feel humor is important in fiction and why?
Absolutely. Humor not only makes the characters more realistic, but I feel it helps readers identify and connect with them. Not to mention everyone needs a good laugh from time to time. Taking life too seriously helps no one.
What are your thoughts on love scenes in romance novels, do you find them difficult to write?
Considering I’m an erotic romance writer I think love scenes are essential to my stories. Writing them isn’t hard at all. The only hard part is wondering if I’ve been descriptive enough or too descriptive. Knowing what the perfect balance is always different in each story.
Fill in the blank favorites - Dessert. City. Season. Type of hero. Type of heroine.
Favorite Dessert – Strawberry Ice-cream
Favorite Season – Summer
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| Bondage by the Bay |
Favorite Type of Heroine – Smart, sassy, sexy, adventurous, courageous, and strong. Also completely devoted to the one or ones they love. Sacrificing when they think it’s what’s best. Also high sex drive both in and out of the bedroom.
What are some of your favorite things to do?
What are some of your favorite things to do?
I love to curl up in bed with a good book and read to my heart’s content. I also love to listen to music, watch TV, go to the movies, cook, and hang out with friends.
Do you have a favorite author? Favorite book?
One of my favorite authors is Lora Leigh. And her Breed series are my favorite.
Who are some of your other favorite authors to read?
Lisa Gardner, Steven King, JR Ward, Kate Douglas, Katie MacAlister, Maya Banks, Zane, Cassie Edwards, Lisa Jackson, and Sharon Page.
If I was a first time reader of your books, which one would you recommend I start with and why?
I would recommend you read Deck the Halls. I think that is a great representation of the types of stories I love to write and why not start reading my books with the first one I had published. Start from the beginning.
Which comes first, the story, the characters or the setting?
The characters always come first, then the story, and then the overall setting.
Are you in control of your characters or do they control you?
I’d say the characters have more control over me and what I write than I have over them. I see them clearly in my head and then I try my best to write what I see the best that I can.
Are there any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?
Never give up. If writing is what you truly want to do than you just have to keep at it.
What do you hope readers take with them after reading your work?
A story that you love and remember. Something you’ll want to read over and over again from time to time. I’d also love to inspire them to maybe step out of their box and be open to new things and new experiences that may come their way.
A biography has been written about you. What do you think the title would be in six words or less?
Life is what you make it.
If money were not an object, where would you most like to live?
If I could live anywhere I’d live in Miami. Have a house with the beach in my backyard.
What song would best describe your life?
“Billionaire” by Travis McCoy and Bruno Mars.
If you came with a warning label, what would it say?
Warning: Must handle with care.
Leather or lace? Lace
Black or red? Red
Satin sheets or Egyptian cotton? Satin Sheets
Ocean or mountains? Ocean
City life or country life? City Life
Hunky heroes or average Joe? Hunky heroes
Party life or quiet dinner for two? Quiet dinner for two.
Dogs or cats? Cats
I love pizza with (fill in the blank). I love pizza with cheese sticks.
I'm always ready for (fill in the blank). I’m always ready for an adventure.
When I'm alone, I (fill in the blank). When I’m alone, I enjoy my time alone with a good book.
You'd never be able to tell, but (fill in the blank). You’d never be able to tell, but I love to work with my hands putting things together around the house.
If I could (fill in the blank) I'd (fill in the blank). If I could afford it I’d travel all around the world.
I can never (fill in the blank) because (fill in the blank). I can never give up because it’s not in my nature.
On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sptpassions
Romance Authors and Books Forum: http://kirkhamsebooks.com/forum/romance-authors-and-books/books-by-shashauna-p-thomas/
E-mail: shashaunapthomas@yahoo.com
Buy Links to book covers:
Christmas Do-Over: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/coming-soon-c-2/christmas-do-over-ebook-p-695
Bondage by the Bay – Kink in San Francisco: http://shop.renebooks.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=CHRISTIAN-08
Where’s your favorite place to hang out online?
Shashauna P. Thomas graduated from Cornell University and SUNY Stony Brook with two BAs' before returning to the Bronx where she was born and raised. It wasn’t until after college that she first began writing erotic romances for open call submissions. That is when she discovered that writing was her true passion and she’s been crafting the vivid tales she sees in her head ever since. With the love and support of family, friends, and her sorority sisters the D.I.V.A.S. of Lambda Fe Usöñ Sorority Inc. she has had a number of her erotic stories published. One of her greatest hopes is that her stories inspire her readers to be open-minded and to not be afraid to try new things. And most importantly to follow their hearts no matter where it leads them.
