Hello everyone! I am very excited to have the opportunity to interview this fantastic author after the wake of her newest release Baird from her fabulous Druids Series, which you can find here:
I met Marata a couple of years ago on Shelfari, if you don't know what that is, think Goodreads on a smaller scale. :) I got her first Druids book as a freebie and fell head over heels in love with the characters. Talk about intense, heart pounding, action packed with scorching heat in one little book! Phew! I also got her Dara Nichols series which was out of this world erotic. If you haven't read any of these, you are completely missing out. These are not for the faint of heart and are dark, edgy and totally mind blowing.
She approached me on that particular site and I have to say that I had what is now referred to as a fan girl moment. She completely blew me out of the water, and as I've told her many times, she intimidated me like no one's business. Turns out, she is one of the most warmest, kindest, loving person, and lets not forget a total riot! This woman can make me laugh at a drop of a hat! *wink* She is a total charmer. I recently called her a goddess of erotic artistry, and it really does fit her to a tee. So with all of that said, it is my absolute pleasure to introduce you all to Marata Eros! Enjoy.
M: I'm a happily married mother of four sons. I love working with my hands, and in my spare time I'm usually gardening or working on house projects that involve woodworking. I also adore reading. I try to read 2-4 books per week at least.
What made you decide to write dark fiction literature in particular? Is there any other genre you’d like to write? If so, why?
M: I didn't mean to write dark fiction. It was only after the first five titles or so I began to see the trend. It is what I gravitate toward as a reader so I must also enjoy writing [it]. I have not yet tried my hand at true horror or strict mystery/thriller but plan to dip my toe in those waters in the upcoming year.
What inspired you to write your first book?
M: I'm aware TWILIGHT has its share of dissenters but at the time, it was revolutionary. Vampires that sparkle? Young adult fiction? Now I say: thank you JK Rowling and Stephenie Meyer. Those two put YA on the map and opened doors for all of us who wanted to exhaust the unique in our work. My first book was completed in 2007. I also wrote something quite different. A vamp book that has become more than what it began as. BLOOD SINGERS is that original work and I'm quite happy my third son pressed me to publish it or I might not even be writing at present!
If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
M: That's so easy it's criminal: Stephen King, hands down!
What are your current projects?
M: I am currently immersed in a secret book I can't talk about (I know, sorry), and a short novel that will be the third in The Siren Series, BRANDON. I'm also getting ready to write the 6th novel in The Savage Series, a dark post-apocalyptic fantasy under my real name, Tamara Rose Blodgett.
Can you share a little of your current work with us?
M: I am crazy about my secret book and since I'm such a big blabber mouth it is painful for me not to say absolutely nothing. All I can say is it's a departure from my typical work. In that, I've added foreign elements and I'm playing race against type. What? (I can hear you guys screaming from here!) What I mean is, nothing about it will be expected, stereotypical or predictable. Early feedback has been more than I could hope for and I'm stoked. This will be a 2015 full length novel. I love the challenge of stretching myself.
Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
M: I used to get everything Laurell K. Hamilton wrote. I especially loved her Anita Blake books 1-10 and adored the Gentry series up to the last book. I hold a lot of respect for an author who can take a series to over 20 books! That is so impressive. Hamilton beautifully combines dark fiction with the following elements: horror, suspense, thriller, mystery and erotic romance. No one does it better. And I know other readers will understand when I say: It feels as though she writes exactly the words I want to read. Like it's my fave ice cream flavor over and over. It's uncanny and wonderful.
Do you have any advice for other writers who are just starting out?
M: Yes. Write. Write some more. Finish. Pay for edits. Buy great cover art. Treat everyone well. Rinse and repeat.
Where and/or how do you find the greatest inspiration?
M: Life has been an excellent teacher. I'm a big observer of others and am endlessly fascinated with the differences among people. I daydream a lot and love being alive. I take it all in like a big sponge and a lot of those nuances get regurgitated into my work. There's plenty of every day things I use. A great source of inspiration are my readers. They're just regular folks like me, who want to be entertained by a storyteller. I get it. I dig the same thing.
What appears first when contemplating a new project: A character, the plot and/or the title?
M: Always the title. Then the characters begin talking, then I “find” their name(s), then they “tell” me their story (plot).
What’s the hardest part of a novel for you to write: Beginning, middle and/or end? Why?
M: Beginning. It has to be gripping and dramatic for some reason. I always feel that getting past the 60% mark in a work seems to be a turning point where it comes easier, though less so now as when I first began.
Writing sex/romantic scenes can be a challenge for some authors. Do you find it difficult? If yes, how do you compensate? If no, where do you draw your inspiration?
M: Writing sex and/or violence is an absolute joy. I won't lie, the inspiration for sex is simple: I love sex. LOVE. My amazing husband encouraged me to write erotica in the first place and even made up my pen name. How's that for faith, girls? Lol. The violence part has been researched. I never have a work that does not include both of the above in some form, large or small. I don't know what that means but it's just what it is.
Do you have a method you use to write the sensual parts? Do you prefer the sex to be bold and in your face? Or left to the imagination?
M: I don't have a method. All my writing is done very organically. I'm quite devoted to my job. Action scenes (sexual and violence or other) are always easiest by far. As is comedic dialog. I think both subtlety and boldness can be played to the advantage of the writer for scenes of sensuality, though those take more skill. It is very important (in my works) that an intimate scene play like a movie inside the readers' head. If the sex scene is not hot to me, I couldn't write it. Yes, that goes for all my work, every word.
Who is your favorite character, which you’ve created? And why?
M: Oooh... I loved Cas in A BRUTAL TENDERNESS and THORN of THE TOKEN 7. They are very “real” to me. I can't describe it but I felt as though I was “cheating” in the writing. Like a voyeur writing everything I saw them do. It was simple and raw; beautiful.
Tell us about your newest release.
THE DRUID SERIES 9: BAIRD just released on 8/22/14. It is the second book of the spin off from the main Druid Breeders series. It is a dark paranormal erotica which contains elements of horror, dark erotica, romance, suspense, thriller and dubon themes. Witchcraft and vampires who breed women of Druid descent come into play. Some of the language is archaic and both books 8 & 9 take place in Europe. The bundle of the first three volumes is currently free at Amazon.
Siana has disappeared. As an Exotic and Druid warrior queen, she is not beholden to the magick call of sex slavery as the Druid witches of her upbringing. She does not realize as she runs, Baird and Kael follow with opposing agendas.
Now that Jessamine is within the subjugation of the undead, the Druid females will be ruled by the fair hand of Imogen and her Reaper Kings, Carrig and Quinn. When a gathering of remaining Druid priests come against the new kingdom, the Reapers find their numbers too few to protect the stronghold.
Altho and the gifted Druid female Seraphina cannot reconcile the inception of their relationship, and her promise to be his. Altho seeks guidance from the Reaper leader, Maghnus... only to discover they vie for more than power alone.
Can Siana obtain the freedom she wishes and the love she denies? Will the new kingdom of Reapers succeed in the protection of their Druid females? Do Altho and Maghnus hold the key to revolutionizing the power structure of both Druid and Reaper?
Fun Questions:
When you need a break, what do you do to recharge?
M: I strip antique wood of old paint and varnish. Or, I go out for a nice supper with the fam. I'm currently digging riding around with Hubs on the mortorcycle....
And about that riding part....LOL.
What’s the one thing you can't write without?
M: Music. Ever....
If you could choose anywhere in the world to set up your desk and write, where would you like it to be?
M: I write on my couch, often in my pajamas (I'm nuts for them and have an embarrassing amount). I love being in Mexico best. But I haven't been everywhere yet :)
Who is on your "keeper" shelf?
M: Laurell K. Hamilton and Stephen King. I also like JR Ward's work. They're my “mac & cheese” writers.
Are you reading anything currently?
M: Always: The Decimation of Mae.
Where do you see your writing career in the next five to ten years?
M: I'll still be writing. And hopefully, readers will still be reading.
Would you rather be a worried genius or a joyful simpleton?
M: Joyful simpleton!
Why are you, you? What sets you apart from other authors?
M: What a insightful question! I don't know why I'm me, though I've often wondered. In the end, I was grateful to be who I am. Most would say I am a prolific writer.
Do you have any other creative talents?
M: I can do a lot of things with my hands and have always felt compelled to craft, sew, do woodworking, etc. I can even draw a little bit and am a fair photographer. Alas, I am not really that great at anything. I'm kinda good at a lot of little things if that makes sense. I look at myself as highly capable but not especially “talented.”
Any embarrassing moments?
M: Oh boy, too many to count! Where do I begin? If I kept my mouth shut more I would have less. Now that's a fact. Lol.
Name one thing you can't live without?
M: Coffee. I am hopelessly addicted. sighs
Who was the first person you have ever kissed?
M: I know I kissed my parents. But they don't count!
I kissed a boy (who shall remain nameless) in fourth grade. I was so nervous I about passed out. And it was the most chaste thing imaginable.
Name five things people don't know about you.
M: I did the entire interior carpentry job on our last house.
I speak Spanish well enough to have fun and will learn Italian next. I'd like to collect languages. I understand this is ambitious. Ha!
I'm not crazy about food and have to figure out what to eat every day, (y'know, so I can live and stuff). It's kinda a chore. I had eight ears of corn today because they're in season and I get a little nuts over fresh corn.
I'm not a fan of being 'in charge'. I'd much rather delegate to a natural leader. They're a thing of beauty to watch.
I'm an introvert. No—really. An introvert is someone who doesn't gain energy in [large]social settings. I love a one on one convo or interaction TO DEATH. But get me in a crowd and I feel an immediate energy-suck. Some people that know me well would be aghast at the above statement. Because they know me in the setting of just them and I. It's different depending on the circumstance. I'm perfectly happy in my home, puttering around doing writing, reading, or whatever.
Speedround: (I love this part! Anything goes!)
Favorite color?
Pink
Hero or Villian?
Villain, every time! haha
Favorite Movie?
Last of the Mohicans
Chocolate or Vanilla?
Hate both, how about that?
Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts?
Starbucks! Donuts are super-gross.
Baked or Fried?
Baked.
Wine or Beer?
Both-lol
Business or casual?
Casual.
Blue or Green?
Blue.
Thor or Iron Man?
I like IRON MAN the movie. I thought Gwyneth was divine in that one ;)
Bath or Shower?
Shower.
Cat or Dog?
Dog.
Favorite number?
13
Favorite car?
Smart Car.
Biggest fear?
It's not smart for me to say....
If you could be anyone in the world who would it be?
Me.
If you would like to contact Marata or keep updated with her latest releases please visit her on her blog here:
Or visit her on her Amazon Page here:
Until Next Time, Enjoy!
~Lilly Rose
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