I want to welcome Pauline Allen to my blog. I really enjoyed her answers. Lots of inspiration.
Pauline Allan is a woman on a mission. Curvy girls of the
world unite! She writes erotic romance for the ordinary woman who fantasizes
about extraordinary possibilities. Pauline strives to make every reader feel
sexy and desirable by the time they turn to the last page.
Hi Judi. Thank you for having me on your blog today. I look
forward to chatting with you and your readers. I'm so excited to share some fun
topics and discuss the interesting world of writing.
If you were
stranded on a desert island, what 5 things would you have with you?
-Oh goodness. I would definitely
need these essentials for my island retreat. First the two obvious choices. I
would need clean water. Food would consist of mac-n-cheese and potato soup. The
third would probably be a journal and pen. I would need to record the
inspiration the island provided. I would require a long range radio with plenty
of batteries. I love music and would go crazy without some tunes. Last, but
most certainly not least, I would need my muse. Marco Dapper would be the
perfect addition to the secluded oasis. I believe with these essentials I would
enjoy the peace and tranquility of a fantasy getaway.
What is your
favorite way to relax after a hard day working and writing?
-I'm addicted to bubble baths. I
have a rockin' set up to this routine. I put a movie in the laptop and place it
on the vanity. I like to watch movies like 9 1/2 Weeks, Clue, Pretty in Pink,
Shag: the Movie, Grease, and anything staring Marilyn Monroe. (By the way, Ms.
Monroe was a genius comedic actor. She had great timing and a snarky side to
her talent. Just wanted to point out that she was much more than a sex goddess
of the screen.) A nice glass of raspberry wine is an added plus to the relaxing
experience.
What is the one
era you would love to go visit and why?
-I love the music of the Motown
era. The idea of music going through such an exciting transformation is amazing
to me. I think it would be so cool to ride around in a 1955 two-tone Chevy Bel
Air convertible sports coup. (I'm a little addicted to that model. Can you
tell?) I'd loved to have been shag dancing on the pier, shaking my pelvis like
Elvis, hanging out with friends at the local diner, and sneaking records like
Chuck Berry and Howlin' Wolf to parties. I like the idea of the diner with the
counter where you can order meatloaf in the middle of the day and enjoy a real
chocolate milk shake. I want to travel back to when things were simpler. People
talked instead of texting and laughed
instead of Lol'ing. It was an exciting time of cultural change and the music
was a universal way to bring people together.
Out of all your
books, do you have a favorite one? If not, then which one is closest to your
heart?
-Out of the books I've written I
would have to say the one closest to my heart is Gilded Lily. I wrote that book
when I was dealing with the grief of losing my grandmother. The book was a way
for me to cope with what I was feeling. I also had a deep kinship with Tony. He
was the secondary hero in the book and has an underlying darkness that he has
to tackle. The book gives a glimpse into his torment. There will be a sequel to
Lily's book that delves into Tony's character.
As for a favorite book that I didn't write, I'd have to narrow it down
to two books. The erotic romance book would be Story of O by Pauline Reage and
the contemporary fiction would be Precious and Fragile Things by Megan Hart.
These two books left an emotional imprint on my life.
When you sit down
to start a new book do you begin with an outline or synopsis or do you just go
with the flow?
-I have a routine that takes place
when I begin a new project. Research is key for me. I take time to study the
aspects of my characters. For instance, the project I'm currently working on
has led me to research the world of architecture. I enjoy this process and it
helps me flesh out and get to know my characters. I then write down my
character arcs and story arc on note cards to remember in which direction my
characters and the story needs to grow. That's it for the structure of the
story. I firmly believe my characters write themselves. They do things that
surprise and excite me. I never know which direction my story is going to go,
but I make sure the end result is a transformation of my hero and heroine.
How long does it
take you to finish a book from start to finish?
-My goal is to put out two books a
year. I feel the need to write complex characters and that takes time. From
research to editor it takes me around three months. That may seem like a long
time to many writers, but I like to pace myself so I can go back and revise. I
typically write 130,000 word count and have to cut down to 75-95,000 words.
That's a real mountain to climb. A good book has to marinate in the writer's
mind and for me it takes that three months to put out a story I can be proud
of.
What is the
hardest part of writing your books?
-My books are emotionally draining.
The content is very personal and takes me on a journey. The hardest part about
this is the time it takes away from my family. I'm horrible at budgeting my
time to balance writing and other priorities. When the muse hits I can't ignore
her. I write in a frenzy and stream the ideas in my mind constantly. My
thoughts get so full it's hard for me to process anything else.
Where do you dream
of traveling and why?
-I want to see Italy
Has a vacation
trip ever inspired a book?
-Gilded Lily's setting was inspired
by my love of the South. I use Louisiana New Orleans Crescent City
Tell us about your
characters in your latest/upcoming book. Are they inspired by anyone?
-Lily was inspired by an alter ego.
I wanted to write about a persona embedded deep within myself. She's always
lingered there and needed the right forum to emerge. Tony and Adam were inspired
by my hot, handsome, sexy, drool-worthy muse. Mr. Marco Dapper is a model/actor
that I've adored for years. He has the ability to look different in so many
pictures. He always gets my blood pumping and ready to write desirable heroes.
Please tell us
about you latest or upcoming book.
-Gilded Lily is a story set in the
heart of Louisiana
What do you enjoy
most about writing?
-I really enjoy the story building.
I love to be driving in my car and hear a piece of dialogue in my head or
listening to my iPod and a line from a song inspires a whole book. Getting into
the character's head and letting them lead the way is very exciting when
constructing a story line.
List two authors
we would find you reading when taking a break from your own writing.
-I love Charlotte Featherstone and
Megan Hart. The books these gals put out are amazing. They create complex characters
rich in description and depth.
Where can we find
you on the web (website, Facebook, Twitter, others)?
My website: www.paulineallen.com
My blog: www.blog.paulineallan.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/author.paulineallan,
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/5780480
Twitter: www.twitter.com/paulineallan
Please share your
cover and a blurb or short excerpt and a buy-link for your book.
Adam's ferocious sexual
appetite for submission has left him frustrated and alone. He turns to the photo in his wallet. The
woman's full lips smile with laughter. The yellow sundress hugs her soft
curves. The beautiful muse. His elusive flower.
Lily has a dark secret. A
submissive without a Dominant, her life had derailed with grief, solitude, and
rejection. Until a mysterious stranger's erotic education led to unfathomable
pleasure.
Tony knew Lily's training
would be his last attempt to escape the void in his life. An experienced Dom
with the very nature of his control shaken, he has to run. There's one last
responsibility to take care of before he can leave.
Lily, his once timid sub, is
testing her boundaries and craves more. A love he can never give.
Tragedy leads Adam to Lily's
plantation in Louisiana
The clock is ticking. Tony
wants freedom. Adam demands total submission. Lily must choose. Does she cling
to the safety of Tony's commands or risk the rejection of Adam's love?
Either way, a submissive's
trust is a fragile thing. Once broken...it's lost forever.
And here are the buy links:
If you are
offering a prize to a lucky reader, what question would you like them to answer
in a comment to be eligible for the draw?
-Win a free eBooks copy of my
book See Me if you answer this question: Which genre of romance is your
favorite? Do you like a contemporary story brimming with angst, perhaps
shifters fighting over a mate, how about a vamp wondering in the darkness, or a
sweeping historical romance? Tell me what gets your blood pumping! Don't forget
to leave your email address to claim your prize!
