Every writer has a favorite spot to go to compose their latest works in progress. Mine is a pub down my street. It’s perfect. Even when it’s busy, it’s not boisterous. There’s no internet, no television, I can people watch and Kyle, the bartender, refills my glass before I even have to ask. Try to get that kind of service in a coffee house.
As I sit at the bar with my pen and paper, I can feel the curious glances shot in my direction. Invariably someone sits down next to me, 99.9% of the time it’s a man, and asks, “What’cha doing? Writing a book?”
“Yes, I am,” I reply.
“Is it a romance novel?”
“Yes.”
“Is there lots of sex in it?”
Let’s ignore the fact that I do indeed write erotic romance. Why am I asked those three questions in that exact order every time someone finds out I’m a writer? Is there something about my persona that screams, “She has a kinky mind!” from across a room? My sister says it’s because I look like a romance writer, which she describes as being short, with long, dark curly hair and big boobs.
Okay, so maybe there are a few of us who fit that description, but when I think of the last writers’ conference I attended, there were actually very few of us who looked like that. So where does this line of questioning come from? Is it because of my looks, or simply because I’m female?
Sometimes I think that the gentleman questioner is mentally jumping up and down shouting, “I have found the holy grail! A female who thinks about sex as much as I do.” It’s especially funny when they ask if I’m published and I answer yes. Their speculative smirk fades into contemplation. Oh-ho, she’s not just being cute, she’s really a professional. Then comes the pause as if they expect me to say, “You know, I could use some help with this scene I’m working on. If I put my hand here and flick my tongue like this, how long will it take you to orgasm?”
Please don’t think I’m in any way offended when asked these questions. I’m only extremely curious as to the reason behind it, but I’m too chicken to ask the person to explain their thought process, so I end the conversation with a polite smile and go back to my work. But Kyle catches my eye and I see him laughing because I know he’s thinking the same thing.
I am a romance writer. It’s truly who I am, and maybe that shines in a way that can be physically seen by all. I will never shy away from proudly declaring that I write about characters who find connection with lots of incredibly charged moments of sexual interaction. If you ask me about my writing, I will tell you all about it, so you better be prepared for the answer.
Anna’s latest release, HERO REVEALED, is available now from Ellora’s Cave. Read an excerpt here: http://www.jasminejade.com/productspecs/9781419938665.htm
HERO REVEALED Blurb
As a female sheriff in a small town, Brett Briggs faces enough obstacles turning complacent good ol’ boys into a top-notch police force without the added insult of a vigilante apprehending her criminals. Her prime suspect? Kristos Kilsgarrd, the sexy river guide who has been open in his desire to move her away from her badge and into his bed.
In his former position as royal guard, Kristos once failed a woman he cared for and as punishment was banned from his home on one of Saturn’s moons. He vows not to make the same mistake with Brett and uses his superpowers to protect her, no matter the foe. Or the cost.
But Brett didn’t become sheriff by letting a man take care of her, and although the hot-as-hell Kristos is persuasive, she’s not going to start now—even after burning it up between the sheets with him. When her town is threatened, they cry out for a hero and she sets out to prove to everyone, Kristos included, that she’s the woman for the job.
Follow Anna Alexander on Facebook and on Twitter- @AnnaWriter.
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Today is Memorial Day.
