Welcome Pauline Allen

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! I dream of clear Mediterranean waters and beautiful sweeping landscapes. My background in college was religious history and I long to see the rich history of this area of the world. I want to sit in a small cafe and eat the amazing cuisine. The area is so exciting and would inspire me with endless romance. It doesn't hurt that I'm hopelessly attracted to hot Italian men!

Has a vacation trip ever inspired a book?

-Gilded Lily's setting was inspired by my love of the South. I use Louisiana as a go-to in my mind for set inspiration. I travel to New Orleans two to three times a year and soak up the slow pace and friendly atmosphere. The city is rich in American/French history that many writers find recharges their creative batteries and blooms complex and exciting stories. I'm no exception. Every time I visit the Crescent City a new story gets my thoughts churning with romantic scenarios.

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 where the days linger and the nights are hot with mystery and eroticism. Lily is a woman whose life was spiraling out of control until the afternoon she met Tony. His Dominant ways changed her life forever. Tony trains submissives to accept who they are and celebrate their sexual nature. There's just one problem. Tony feels restless. He can't explain why his demons are creeping up now, but he has to run. Leaving Lily behind without someone who can see to her needs is not an option. Adam's brother, Nick, dies and the tragedy leads Adam to Lily's plantation house where Nick had rented a place on her property. Through exploration and sensual experiences Lily has to decide if she can take the chance on love or fight for the only Dominant she's ever known. Adam needs his flower, Tony needs to run, and Lily needs to discover her courage. The story takes each character down dark roads to discover redemption.

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. While packing his brother's belongings, Tony offers the one precious thing Adam could never deny. The submission of his elusive flower.      

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:

http://www.loose-id.com/gilded-lily.html

https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-gildedlily-1220170-147.html

http://www.amazon.com/Gilded-Lily-ebook/dp/B00DC2AGKW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1371514526&sr=8-2&keywords=pauline+allan

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!