GWN recently learned that you're an engineer. You've been in some very dangerous positions just trying to do your job. Tell us about them?
My partner and I were working 20 ft. up in a narrow mineshaft when the stull I was standing on went out from under my feet. (A stull is a 2x4 piece of wood wedged tightly between the walls of the shaft and is meant to serve as a temporary work platform.) We weren't wearing safety belts as it was a brand new shaft; in fact we were putting into place the framing that could then be used to link a safety belt, too. As I saw the stull tumbling downward into the darkness below, I somehow managed to "tread air" for a second-long enough to get my toes on two inches of wood that was framing the side of the shaft. My partner, who had installed the stull, felt terrible about the whole thing. At the time, I wished he'd felt bad enough to ask me out. I had a huge crush on that guy!
I understand that the first thing you saw of your husband wasn't his face. Can you fill us in to his sense of humor and yours?
I was surveying when I met my husband. He was my 'rod man.' While I was trying to get my crosshairs on his stadia rod, he dropped his pants and mooned me. Next thing I knew, I had the backside of paradise in my viewfinder. So I grabbed the walkie-talkie. "That's real nice," I told him, "but would you please turn around? I'd rather see the other side."
…and it was love at first sight.
What got you interested in writing? And drawing?
When my daughter entered high school, she thought she wanted to go to university in England-which would be very expensive. I only started writing to supplement my income. But now I write for all sorts of reasons. I write to relax, to escape, and sometimes because I just have to. As for drawing, I've always drawn and doodled. Nowadays, I often draw to kick my muse into gear.
Ellora's Cave, a great e-book and print format publisher of erotica published your e-book Made For Two Rivals. Whisk us away to the far ends of the universe to tell us about the characters in this Futuristic Ménage. For one, what does Lieutenant Velvet Meadows have to deal with at the very beginning of the book?
Velvet has recently survived a 90-day bombardment at Etiens where nearly her entire unit was wiped out. As a member of the Adept race her physiology allows her to adapt to her environment, which is probably how she survived the ordeal. But as a result of that harrowing experience, her heart has gone underground to protect itself from future loss. When Gray meets her, he makes the mistake of assuming she's a cold-hearted bitch. Only Jed can see her vulnerable side, hidden beneath the cold outer shell that protects her heart. Together, Gray and Jed help Velvet to find her way back to real life.
Velvet is an Adept. Is she part of a unique race that adapted naturally?
Yes. The Adept race hails from the planet Xenaar. Their ability to adjust to their environment is an evolutionary trait, rather than a skill they have acquired. Over time, they can grow claws or shrink an arm, as needed. If an Adept was climbing Mount Everest, for instance, his lungs might expand or he might even grow another lung.
Is the Spaceforce from Earth? What is this generation of scientists or militants dealing with in the future? What is their mission and what are they up against?
Historically, the role of Earth's Spaceforce was to promote space exploration. Over time, defensive alliances were formed with other friendly planets. Now Spaceforce is peopled with officers from the many planets that are members of the Alliance. Currently, Spaceforce is embroiled in a war of aggression initiated by the Grundians.
What's the other book in the Made For Two Series? Tell us a little about it?
Made for Two Men takes place on the planet of eYona. The main characters include Danjer, an immigrant from Earth, Saxon, a high-born eYonan, and Pink, a beautiful woman of the Imp race. When Danjer and Saxon fall in love with her, the two best friends have to learn to share her, because an Imp is made for two men; her body actually requires two men for her to be satisfied.
Are you working on another book? Is it a futuristic novel?
I'm always working on another book! I've just turned in a story for my contemporary series, Calendar Girls and am working on the next in that series. When I'm done with that, I'll return to the Made for Two series.
How are you promoting your books?
I'm terrible at promotion but I do have a website and a newsletter I share with Rhyannon Byrd.
What has your experience with Ellora's been like?
I adore writing for Ellora's Cave. I get to write exactly what I want to. I have a wonderful editor who makes sure I do it properly. The art department cranks out fabulous covers on a daily basis. Management is accessible and supportive. The income is extremely good and, unlike most other publishers, royalty statements are mailed out every month!
©Denise Fleischer, gottawritenetwork.com
