Beverly and Tamara: Kayelle, welcome to SSLY. Thanks so much for joining us today.

Beverly: Why don’t we just get right into the interrogation, er interview!

Tamara: What do you HAVE to have when you are writing?

Water. If I have caffeine after 10 am I will be up all night. I’m very sensitive to it, but I love coffee and cola. I like to have coffee in the morning (weak, decaf, lots of cream, little bit of vanilla), and diet caffeine-free soft drink in the afternoon. I’m happy with store version colas, but I prefer Diet Dr Pepper without caffeine, or Diet caffeine free Coke. For coffee, it has to be Decaf Folgers Coffee Crystals or I don’t want it. Folgers is the only one that is truly caffeine free. The others have some measure of it. When you’re as sensitive as I am, it matters.

Beverly: When did you start to write?

When I was 18. About *cough* two years ago.

Tamara: *snickers* Uh, yeah. *clears throat* What do you think are the qualities that make up a “hero”?

To me it’s dependability, faithfulness, and compassion — and doing whatever it takes to get the job done. Any person with those characteristics can be a hero. My brand is “unstoppable heroes” and that comes from the belief that if you love someone, you will stop at nothing to be with that person.

Beverly: Can you describe your favorite character? And which of your books is he/she in? How do you come up with your characters?

Honestly, my favorite character is Luc Saint-Cyr. He’s the original unstoppable hero. He’s been in all of my Tarthian Empire books either as a minor character or a protagonist and I plan to have him in many more. How do I come up with characters? Once I have a name, I have the character. I was writing a walk-on part once and kept referring to the young man as “Her Majesty’s personal assistant.” That got old fast. I decided to name him, and the only thing that came to mind was that he was unique, and part of an elite group. From the word “elite” I created the name Alitus. He went on to be much more than a walk-on part, and eventually had his own book. There is power in a name.

Tamara: What are the hardest scenes for you to write? Suspense? Sex? Dialogue? And why?

I have trouble writing conflict. My readers are probably giggling, because I tend to put my heroes through the mill when it comes to trouble, but it’s difficult for me to write. I don’t like conflict myself, but I will handle it if necessary. I tend to want people to be nice and get along, but if you don’t have conflict you don’t have a story. What good are a goal and motivation without conflict?

Beverly: What writer, if any, influenced how you write?

Many, because I read extensively. Two of my favorite writers are Mary Renault and Heather Gladney.

Tamara: Who would you choose as your “book boyfriend”? From what book? Author?

I’d love to hang out with Caladrunan (Drin) from Teot’s War by Heather Gladney. He was a king who ended up with a rather unusual sidekick (Naga Teot). Drin was a man’s man who wasn’t afraid to face emotional issues. I admired him greatly. He took in a spirit-wounded soldier as bodyguard, advisor, and friend, and then guided him back to sanity. Teot’s War and its sequel Blood Storm are amazing books. I’ve re-read them multiple times. I think Drin and I would get along great, and I’d love to pick his brain about Naga (who would never let me get close enough to be his book girlfriend because he has major trust issues). Drin, though, would sit down and let me talk and ask him anything. The characters are real when you read them. I’m amazed by that.

Beverly: What is the kinkiest thing you’ve ever done? Or would like to? What? We are all about the love!

Since I never kiss and tell (I save that for my books) let me tell you about the very first time I tried something even remotely kinky. My hubby and I were newlyweds (married Dec 23rd and this was less than a week later) and we wanted to have a special evening. We bought satin sheets, lingerie, scented candles, some colored bulbs for mood, and flavored lubricant. That night, we set the stage. The bed was made with shiny red satin sheets, lingerie was donned, the candles were lit, and the lubricant was placed beside the bed. I took our nightlight and replaced it with a blue bulb we’d purchased, turned it on, and then slid into bed beside hubby. We began to kiss, and the bulb went out. We both looked over at it. I remember thinking “Great. It’s a dud.” I started to get out of bed to replace it when it came back on. And then went off again and back on. We’d inadvertently picked up Christmas bulbs! That bulb story has been the cause of much laughter over the last 39 years. Sometimes the most memorable sex is the kind you laugh through. When I write sex scenes, I keep that in mind. There is humor in all of my stories.

Tamara: What are your favorite types of heroines? Do you like the damsel in distress who needs saving or the kick-ass variety? Why?

I’m not the type of damsel who needs saving myself, so I don’t relate well to them. I don’t read them. Don’t write them. My first book, At the Mercy of Her Pleasure, was about a military woman who hires a professional thief to help her nab an item that will overthrow the government. NarrAy wasn’t a girly-girl but she cleaned up nice. On her mission, she had to wear girly things and dress in fancy clothes, and it was just beyond her. She had an aide who picked out the clothes for her mission and then organized everything neatly. NarrAy had no clue what to do with any of it. She was a trip to write. In For Women Only, Mehfawni was a trained hunter, and an ambassador for her world. She carried a decorative-but-working knife strapped to her side throughout the entire book. In fact, I believe in at least one scene, she rescues her hero.

Beverly: What was your worst date ever?

It was the Sophomore Reverse, where the girls ask the guys. I was on the decorating committee, and was trying to decide which guy to ask. On the same committee was a gorgeous exchange student from France that I was dying to ask, but I didn’t because I figured –surely — the hunk already had a date. Instead, I asked a guy my parents thought was nice. After I’d asked Mr Nice, I found out the cute French hunk didn’t have a date, and he hinted he would love to go. I was terribly disappointed but did the honorable thing and went with Mr Nice. He turned out to be far from nice, and I was glad to get home in one piece. Worst date ever. My parents were mortified. The French guy moved back to France that summer and I never heard from him again. Oh, the missed opportunities…

Tamara: If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want to have with you? (you have food, water, shelter, all the necessities, so nothing mundane)

My first choice would be a helicopter so I can leave. I’m not fond of the beach at all. I grew up in the southwest and prefer the desert or mountains. If no chopper, then I’d want companionship of some type. If not a person then a supply of books. If no books, then a pet like a dog or a horse to ride. I’d also like to have some way to write. I’m an introvert so I do well by myself, but I need companionship. I don’t mind being alone; I don’t like being lonely. Assuming survival doesn’t necessarily mean computers, internet, and the like, a deck of cards.

Beverly: What is your “guilty pleasure”?

To make this my real “guilty pleasure” I have it while watching a movie with hubby. I love curling up with him to enjoy a show. The treat is Dove Sugar Free Dark Chocolate truffles. They’re incredibly rich and melt on your tongue like the most expensive chocolate. I’ve never been able to eat more than 5 pieces. I have to watch blood sugar and always go with sugar free, and these are so decadent you’d never guess a serving actually has *gasp* 3 grams of fiber. To top it off, I have it with a diet soft drink. I love the taste combination. Maybe that’s a tame pleasure, but I enjoy it completely.

Tamara: What dream or goal have you yet to realize?

I visited Italy many years ago and want to go back to Rome. I grew up in a household where art was revered, and seeing Michelangelo’s paintings on the Sistine Chapel ceiling actually made me cry. It was beyond description. None of books for sale there could come close to capturing the essence of the true colors.

Beverly: What was you most embarrassing moment?

When my son was three, I was holding his hand as we walked across a street. I tripped and fell flat. I was so embarrassed that I simply stayed there, hiding my face. My son began wailing at the top of his lungs, “Mommy’s dead!” Of course, that meant everyone had to look.

Beverly: *laughing* Oh my goodness!

Tamara: If you were a color what would you be and why?

I’d be mother of pearl so I could shine with all the colors, because I could never pick just one.

Beverly: Who has influenced how you perceive love? Why?

My husband loves me unconditionally, and he is my touch point. He loves me the way Jesus does — with acceptance for who I am, and belief that I can do anything. When someone loves you like that, you cannot help but love others.

Tamara and Beverly: Okay. We are SSLY so I have to ask. Who loves you?

Wow, I think I answered that above, but I’ll add that my family and friends show me that I’m loved every day. I am blessed to know I’m not alone.

Now for some quick fun questions:

Boxers or briefs?
Commando 😉

Coffee or Tea?
Both, different times of the day.

Tall, dark and handsome or Blond and buff?
I think one of each will do nicely. Thank you!

Hairy chest or smooth?
One of each of the above, if it’s not too much trouble.

Chocolate or Vanilla?
Vanilla ice cream, chocolate everything else.

Kinky or Sweet?
A lady never tells except in her books.

Fast or slow?
Hmm. Depends on the moment.

Public or private?
Private, but maybe with a peek.

Top or bottom?
Definitely both, and again — depends on the moment.

Forbid my Heart

Excerpt:
Forbid My Heart: A Luc and Rah Story
These characters were introduced in the book Surrender Love, which won the 2010 EPIC eBook Award for Science Fiction Erotic Romance.
Waking in the middle of the night, Izzorah begins to worry. His lover has pledged to take him back to visit his homeworld, but Izzorah knows the fact that they’re gay could cause their death if the Kin Pride Council hears about it. His heart tells him to trust Luc, but Izzorah’s fear is real. He snuggles up to Luc, seeking comfort.
Luc is immortal. He has the perspective to understand his lover’s concerns and not worry about them. To distract Izzorah, Luc tries a sexy game of dominance and submission played during their shared shower. Izzorah’s unreserved trust and respect make Luc long to wipe out any shadow of trouble or sorrow. He would turn the Kin homeworld upside down to protect him, but convincing Izzorah he can do it will mean confessing a truth Luc is not yet ready to share.
Luc and Rah must learn: where the heart leads — follow.
—
Scene: Luc and Rah’s penthouse in the middle of the night. Izzorah (Rah) is worried about returning to his homeworld, and Luc tries to reassure him, but gets a little distracted when Rah starts showing how much he appreciates him. Izzorah is a Kin, a feline humanoid with catlike ears, eyes, claws hidden beneath human nails, and the ability to smell emotions.
—
“Rah, no one–and I mean no one–will dare raise his or her voice or hand against you. You and I will not be subject to the whims of a Kin matriarch or anyone else.” Still holding Izzorah’s hand, Luc drew it against his own chest and turned the palm over his heart. “When I say I’ll take you home and keep you safe, trust me; that’s a promise I can and will keep.”
Luc’s will stood between them like a living creature, solid as the walls around them. He might mean every word he said. He might be able to kill the Falehla tzesar. But keep them safe on Felidae? Oh, Luc. I’m not sure anyone can do that.
Izzorah remained silent. He would not dishonor his lover by arguing the point. He hadn’t won agreement about not going home, but he could deal with that later. He approached the subject from a different angle. He leaned back, lowered his ears, and set them outward, showing submission instead of willfulness.
He rose to his knees, grabbed Luc, and flattened him against the bed. He clamped his fangs on the tip of Luc’s chin.
“Um…Rah?”
Purring in response, Izzorah kept his teeth against Luc’s skin.
“This bite’s good?” Luc’s mixed scent revealed curiosity.
Izzorah released him and sat astride Luc’s waist. He tossed his head to move hair out of his eyes. “Ehh nim shree.”
“Ah. A love bite. You’re being playful.”
Gaze locked with Luc’s, Izzorah bent forward and lightly nipped Luc’s lower lip, nibbled the upper one, and then scraped his teeth across the tip of Luc’s nose. He kissed it, then moved back to hover above his mouth, their gazes still linked. “I was bite-thanking you.”
“You’re welcome. What did I do to deserve that exactly?”
“You listened to me. I was missing Purkinje, and you helped me feel better.”
“I’ll always listen. I’m sorry about your horse, love. Buying you another one might not help, because it wouldn’t be Purkinje, but maybe we…” His voice trailed off as Izzorah slid claws through Luc’s curls. Luc sighed in pleasure. “Mmm. I like it when you do that.” He went completely still.
“I like touching you.” Izzorah bent down and licked the width of Luc’s mouth. He brushed his lips across Luc’s, gave another gentle nip, and then licked him again. “I think you need to be thanked some more so you know how much I appreciate you. Maybe I should tongue-thank you here.” He slipped his tongue across Luc’s right nipple. The scent of warm brown sugar and melting butter revealed Luc’s rising desire. “You taste of salt, sex, and male. I need to bite-thank and tongue-thank you all over.”
—
Here’s a link to the book.

http://www.loose-id.com/forbid-my-heart-a-luc-and-rah-story.html

Author Links

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Unstoppable Heroes – Kayelle’s Blog http://kayelleallen.blogspot.com
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