Interview and Giveaway: Author C.J. Ellisson

I am very excited today to have an amazing author here for a interview and giveaway of her newest book "Vanilla Dom". Please give a warm welcome to author C.J. Ellisson. Welcome to Romance Book Junkies, C.J.!

I know you get asked this question over and over but can you tell us a little about yourself? Maybe something juicy. ;)

Something juicy? Hmm… How about something funny and hard to believe? Aside from the normal “I’m a writer”, have you ever wondered how fast a writer can type?

Well, have I got a nice shocker for you – I can’t touch type. I’ve written literally thousands of words professionally, maybe a million or more, and I can’t touch type more than like 15 words a minute (and even then there are mistakes).

I “sight-type” which means I must look at the keys when I type. But, I can do it pretty darn fast.

When did you first start writing? Are you a full time author or do you do it on the side?

I write full time. I started in February 2009 and poured more hours into this vocation than any other career in my life. If I had known how hard it was I may not have jumped in with both feet.

Do you have an author that has really inspired you?

Not one person in particular, and not the author themselves. I’d say it’s more their work that has inspired me. The stories full of adventure, steamy sex, intrigue, and great characters are what inspired me to try my hand at story telling as well.

How long does it normally take you to write an average book or your last book?

Each book is different, and the timing directly correlates to what’s going on in my life. If I’m swamped with health or family issues then writing gets put on hold for a while. I wrote one novella in three weeks and my first novel in four and half months. This last book I did in about three months, and that was with a ton of traveling for work.

What do you think makes a story great?

First and foremost, an author must have a good story to tell. As many bestsellers have proven, it is not the literary skill the writer has, but their ability to tell a captivating tale that pulls readers in. Creating relatable characters people love is what keeps readers coming back for more.

Can you describe your book "Vanilla Dom" in one sentence?

It’s a story about two people exploring their sexuality, discovering boundaries they hadn’t crossed with anyone else, and falling for each other along the way.

Tell us a little about your new book “Vanilla Dom”.

The term “vanilla dom” refers to the main character, Heather, and how she feels about stepping out of her comfort zone. She’s willing to try new things, but not ready to dedicate a room to a new lifestyle or get physically hurt while she experiments. Having been a doormat in previous relationships, she hopes being assertive and asking what for what she wants from a man will be just the change she needs to find happiness.

The new man in her life, Tony, is constantly in control at work and in his personal life. Meeting a woman who wants to tell him what to do for a change is right up his alley. They have an interesting relationship, one I think readers will be able to relate to with ease.

Have you done lots of research for your books or do the stories just come to you?

Depends on what I’m writing. This book is a contemporary erotic romance and the underlying story takes place in an office environment, something I lived first hand for a decade. Sometimes the sexual aspects do need to be researched, LOL—let’s just say I have a very happy husband!

What are you currently working on?

Two projects at once. A prequel novel involving how the werewolf Jon in my V V Inn series came to be Vivian’s vampire servant, titled Death’s Servant, and the second book in Heather and Tony’s tumultuous relationship, called Vanilla Twist.

Can you tell us about some of your prior achievements?

Hmm… I’m assuming you mean writing-wise. My bestselling vampire series has sold over 50k copies and won several awards. I’ve amassed a good-sized following on Facebook, which has lead to forming groups with readers—book clubs, street teams, and an alpha reading group who reads my work as I create it and before my editor sees it.

Is there anything that I didn't cover that you would like to talk about or say to your potential readers?

You’ve covered a great gambit of questions, thanks for having me! I’d like to suggest that if readers are considering trying my work they check out my website. Half of my books are posted for free on the book tabs.

http://www.cjellisson.com/ 

Just for fun:

Hardback or Paperback? Kindle!
Dog ears or Bookmarks? Bookmarks
YA novels or Adult novels? Adult
Library or Bookstore? Bookstore
Reading glasses or No glasses? No glasses for reading
Snack while reading or No snacks? Hmm… depends on my mood. I’d say normally no snacks.
Beach or Mountain? Only if the mountain has  lake nearby.
Vampire or Werewolf? Vampire, baby!

C.J. is giving away a copy of "Vanilla Dom". The book isn't released yet so you will have to wait till then to receive your prize. This giveaway is international and you must be 18 or over to enter. Just leave a comment or question for C.J. with your email address to enter. Good Luck!