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Interview with Annabel Allan




Q.1 Tell us a little about yourself?
A. I am the author of a few pen names, writing full-time while living in Ontario, Canada.

Q.2 Do you have any upcoming books?
A. Yes. My newest book is Hard Limits, second in the Goode Pain series and the sequel to Edgeplay goes up for preorder very soon.

Q.3 When and why did you begin writing?
A. I began writing erotica as Annabel Allan specifically in 2015, but my writing journey began seven years before that, in 2008. In the beginning, it was just curious if I could write a full-length novel, as I was in my last term of film school and felt that I could write something of substance than the usual screenplays, which are the bare bones for actors, rather than something for a reader. I then fell in love with it! Erotica was supposed to be a way of breaking out on the scene.

Q.4 Among all the protagonists of your titles, who’s your favorite and why?
A. Writing as Annabel Allan, my favorite is Ava Goode, of course! She’s spunky, smart, and strong, everything I want to be in the real world.

Q.5 What about the supporting characters? Who does think is dearest to you?
A. My favorite is probably Reichen, who everyone will get to “meet” in Hard Limits. He’s a brat, but lost and in need of a guiding force in his life.

Q.6 How many books have you written? Which one is your favorite among them?
A. I am currently working on my 26th manuscript. Of them, my favorite is under a different pen name and my longest that I’ve written, coming in at 240,000 words! Suffice to say, it hasn’t found a home yet, probably due to the length. It’s actually a historical romance. One day, hopefully, it will be released.

Q.7 What is the most difficult thing about writing characters from the opposite sex?
A. I always try to break some boundaries with writing men, but sometimes it’s hard to write them as realistically as possible, especially when it comes to what they feel and how they express themselves. Men often grow up with different expectations and ideals than women.

Q.8 How do you develop your plots and characters? Do you use any set formula?
A. Nope, I just sit down and start writing! Sometimes it works out, sometimes it’s just an exercise in the craft.

Q.9 How do you select the name of your characters?
A. Sometimes they just come to me, sometimes I have to research on one of the many baby name sites I have bookmarked. I depend if I have an idea of their personality or not.

Q.10 What draws people to erotica novels?
A. I think it’s the fantasy that draws people in. Reading is an escape, a way to be someone else and in another world. Sometimes it’s about experiencing things.

Q.11 Outside of your family members, name one entity that supported your commitment to become a published author?
A. I’d have to say my English and Writer’s Craft teacher from high school, Mrs. Knox. She was always so incredibly supportive and without her Writer’s Craft class, I can honestly say I wouldn’t have any tricks up my sleeve.

Q.12 Do you believe in writer’s block? If yes, how do you deal with it?
A. I do believe in writer’s block, I have suffered from it a few times! I usually find that stepping away from the project and working on something else is most helpful. Sometimes, it’s about waiting until the muse comes back though, so I usually try to find other ways of distracting myself; sewing, reading, watching movies.

Q.13 Do you think the 50 Shades of Grey has helped or hurt other writers of erotica?
A. I, honestly, think it has hurt other erotica authors. I mean, in that series it is a toxic relationship with some BDSM elements that are not even entirely accurate. As a writer of BDSM, I like how it opened up people’s minds, but it has given BDSM a bad reputation as being toxic and dangerous. New subbies in the BDSM world are going to look for Christian Grey’s and there are many bad ones out there. I feel like it made things tougher for real authors of the genre as well.

Q.14 Do you have any unique and quirky writing habits?
A. When it comes to writing the Goode Pain series, I HAVE to be writing in my office. Otherwise, I enjoy sitting in my living room on the couch with a movie playing.

Q.15 Do you hide any secrets in your book that only a few people will find?
A. I did in my horror novels, but not so much in my erotica.

Q.16 Who designed your book covers?
A. Jessica Greeley. She’s amazing.

Q.17 What advice do you have for aspiring authors?
A. To not give up and research your options. There’s more than one road for publication. Find what works for you and research it well.

Q.18 Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?
A. Henry Cavill. I mean, why not? He’s gorgeous! Haha. A girl can dream.

Q.19 What is your favorite book and why?
A. Tale of the Body Thief by Anne Rice. I think it’s the best of the Vampire Chronicles, so engaging and entertaining.

Q.20 Share the experience of your journey so far?
A. It’s been tough, but in finding a place with Black Velvet Seductions, I really feel like my career is going to thrive now, that I’ve really found a supportive home for my work.

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20 comments:

  1. Wonderful interview.
    I bet your Historical Romance would get published if you broke the book down to a trilogy or a sequel. If it is your favorite out of 26 books, it must be wonderful.
    Callie

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    1. I'm definitely going to think about breaking it into at least two books! It will be an intense project though, that's for sure! :)

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  2. Great interview. Love to hear where writers get their inspiration or find their calling so to speak. I like Ava Goode too!

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    1. Ava is definitely my favourite! I can't wait to share more of her story :)

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  3. I really enjoyed reading your interview! I cannot wait to read your books, they sound right up my alley! I also have to mention I am still a big Anne Rice fan, so I love your 'favourite book' choice.

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    1. I'm still making my way through the Vampire Chronicles (up to Blackwood Farm), but Tale of the Body Thief is definitely my favourite!

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  4. Excellent interview and some really great advice to other authors.

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  5. What a great interview, I really enjoyed reading all about Annabel. Yes I am a big fan of Anne Rice too. Great blog...

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    1. The interview was just spectacular! I had so much fun :)

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  6. Very nice interview, Annabel! And I agree with Callie--break that bad boy into parts and sell it as a series!

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    1. I'm definitely gonna try! It'll be a big project, but hopefully I can pull it off.

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  7. Loved reading this. I would agree with the whole 50 Shades thing. I had no idea you had written som many books!!

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    1. Yup, the next Ava Goode novel is my 26th manuscript! I can't wait until I hit 30! Haha.

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  8. Sweet interview,Annabel :) That's the one aspect I like about reading. You can become anything or anything if just for a little while.

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    1. For sure! Thanks for stopping by! :)

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