Here’s an author interview with Eden Walker. Take it away, Eden…
- How did you start writing erotica?
I was a teen, actually. I had this little whiteboard on which you could write and then wipe stuff out – perfect for my early forays into smut! I can’t imagine a love story without steam. Or an erotic situation without highly charged emotions. So when I started seriously writing romance in my forties, the heat was always there. At one point I realised, “Hang on, this stuff has crossed over into erotic fiction”. I had arrived!
- What’s your favourite published work of yours and why?
I love One Night in Venice because the heroine, Kate Pollock, is so not expecting the ride of her life (excuse the pun). She’s in a bad headspace, she’s plain, she’s untalented – or so she thinks – and now she has the hots for her completely-out-of-reach Art tutor, who happens to be sex-on-legs and a world-famous painter as well. When he turns around and sees her, really sees her, it’s the stuff of miracles. Her magic moment. But the journey’s just beginning, and it’s extraordinary for them both.
- Do you have any unusual writing rituals?
Well yes, I procrastinate. That’s very unusual. I’m joking, but I am very interested in how writing is the battle between fear (clinging on) and tapping into some kind of higher channel, where you have zero control. I write about this on my “Love Blog” sometimes. Letting go.
- Where’s your favourite place to write?
I have this beautiful study, with wood panelling on the walls and an ample desk. It smells of aromatherapy candles, has a plush carpet, and overlooks a nature reserve. For years I wrote in a cupboard, in a tent, in my bed, on the floor, even in a massage chair… I’m ready for this.
- Do your nearest and dearest know what you do, and if so, what was their reaction when they found out?
My dad tried to read one of my stories once. He stopped about a quarter of the way in. I’m glad.
- What was your ideal career when you were a child?
Being a glamorous Hollywood movie star with all the choice roles, like Meryl Streep.
- How do you get yourself in the mood to write?
I just open the document. Before I know it, I’m zooming into that world.
- If you get writer’s block, how do you get around it?
See above, or read my blog. I just ask the powers that be to deal with the fear and I open the document.
- If you could bring one of your characters to life, which one would it be and why?
Ah, that’s easy. Martinez Di Ser Piero from One Night in Venice. Because he runs the tip of his paintbrush all over her body. And I mean all over.
- Which author, erotic or otherwise would you love to meet and why?
I’d like to meet Lucy Felthouse! Apart from looking like a really cool person, she’s a fabulous writer who is hugely prolific and doing her own thing with great verve!
- What are you working on at the moment?
The sequel to One Night in Venice. Kate Pollock’s lusty Orientation guide, Ana Ortensia, heads to Bali on a photojournalism assignment, where she meets a spiritual New Ager, name of Caleb Barnard… the result is One Night in Denpasar.
- What’s the biggest writing challenge you’ve ever taken on? Did you succeed?
Becoming a writer. Yes!
- What’s your biggest writing achievement? Why?
Finishing a novel. Editing it. Submitting it. Getting it published. Selling copies. Getting reviews. It takes perseverance. It taught me to believe in my work, to cherish my dreams, to never give up. I’m extremely grateful.