Monday, November 5, 2012

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.


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!

23 comments:

Mary Kirkland said...

I've really been enjoying all the new books coming out lately. Seems there are a lot of erotic romance books being released and I am all for that. It's one of my favorite genres. Can't wait to read this.

miztik_rose@yahoo.com

Denise Z said...

You are amazing to accomplish all you have and not be able to touch type. Congratulations on the new release and am looking forward to more.
dz59001[at]gmail[dot]com

marcus said...

wether i win it or not im looking forward to reading it :o)

marcus from the seethe

lhooq_harper@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

I am looking forward to the next book. How long to plan of carrying out the VV Series. i do hope there are more.

lsming@bresnan.net

Christy said...

C.J. is a brilliant author! I have had the opportunity to read some of her books and have thoroughly enjoyed them. C.J. you know I would love to own a copy of Vanilla Dom but even if I don't win, I still think you're great!

Katrina said...

I think I have all of C.J.'s books on my Kindle. I go back and re-read when I need a VV or WotWS fix. I can't wait to have VD on my kindle!
On typing... sitting here remembering typing class. FFFJJJ, lol, and never really being able to put it all together. I know I'm no speed demon on the keyboard- but IMing with my friends helped more than anything!

ckreh said...

After reading all your amazing books I would like to know how or who inspires your stories?

ckreh@wowway.com

Kristin Reh

Ami Stigall said...

Hey this is Ami Stigall, we met in New Orleans a few weeks ago.

Here is my question: Will you please give the book? I am loving the V V Inn series so yeah, you need to feed my growing addiction.

Ami Stigall said...

Give ME the book lol. Should have looked over it before posting.

Cathy V said...

Great interview. Vanilla Dom sounds interesting and I look forward to it's release.
kitcat76(at)hotmail.com

Steph from fangswandsandfairydust.com said...

You do tell some good story CJ! Steph steph@fangswandsandfairydust.com

Sandy said...

Congratulation CJ. Looking forward to reading Vanilla Dom...all in one sitting...lol

sandy@thereadingcafe.com

Kim Engstrrom said...

What made you decide to become a writer? What is the hardest part of that life?

Unknown said...

Congratulations on the new release. I can't wait to read this book. It sounds very good. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com

Unknown said...

I really LOVE all of your books CJ and am so glad that there will be more coming. Thanks for the GREAT reading :)

Wendy Higgins said...

Hey CJ..great interview and thanks for sharing..best wishes to you with all you do!!!
I would love to win.
dragonflychic@tampabay.rr.com

Heather said...

Great interview. I can't to read it. Thanks for doing the giveaway. bluepooh1@hotmail.com

pc said...

Lovely interview...thanks for sharing about yourself! Vanilla Dom sounds like a must read! You're a new author to me...how many series do you have/are working on?
ivegotmail8889(at)yahoo(dot)com

JamieL said...

LOVE the book I read so far!

Anonymous said...

I'm amazed, I must say. Rarely do I come across a blog that's both equally educative and entertaining, and let me tell you, you've hit the nail on the head. The issue is something which too few people are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy that I found this during my search for something regarding this.

Review my web-site http://www.rahula.info/
my webpage: does quantrim really work

Anonymous said...

hi!,I love your writing very a lot! share we be in contact more approximately your
post on AOL? I need a specialist on this house to solve my problem.
May be that's you! Looking ahead to see you.

Also visit my weblog ... is quantrim safe
My web page > jollyfigure.com

Anonymous said...

Hello there, I found your blog by way of Google even as looking for a comparable topic, your website came
up, it appears to be like great. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.

Hello there, just was aware of your weblog thru Google, and
located that it's really informative. I'm gonna watch out for brussels.
I'll be grateful in the event you continue this in future. A lot of folks shall be benefited out of your writing. Cheers!

Also visit my web blog :: Quantrim Usage
Also see my page: where can i buy quantrim

Anonymous said...

At this time I am ready to do my breakfast, later than having my breakfast
coming over again to read other news.

My weblog :: quantrim purchase

Post a Comment

Each of my followers mean the world to me and I would love to hear from each and every one of you.
:)

 
Blog Design by Use Your Imagination Designs all images from the Estranged kit by Studio Flergs