Our guest today is the wonderfully talented Australian writer Denise Rossetti. Denise writes unique and intensely romantic tales that combine elements of fantasy, sci-fi, romance and erotica. She is also from my neck of the woods here in Queensland, a lovely part of the country if we do say so ourselves :). I had the pleasure of conducting a talk on writing erotica at the Romance Writers of Australia conference with Denise a few years ago. Today, she has kindly agreed to answer a few of my questions, and she’s also offering an e copy of her latest Ellora’s Cave release as a prize to one lucky commenter.
1. Hi Denise *Sami waves* On your website you mention you had an Aunt who used to tell you wonderful tales. When did you first know you not only wanted to, but that you could create them yourself?
Like many people, I spent years telling myself, “One day I’ll write a book.” But, of course, I didn’t. Then I hit a rough patch in my life and I had a significant birthday. Suddenly, I was thinking, “Why the hell not?”
I hadn’t written any fiction since high school (back in the Dark Ages), so at the start, I wasn’t sure I’d even be able to finish an entire novel so I chose to try a category romance, because categories were the shortest books I knew. Silly me! It’s funny when I look back on it now.
That was in 2002 and once I finished that first book (it lives in the sock drawer)… ah, then it was a different story. I was hooked on the sheer power of creating a world and disappearing into it. It also placed third in the Clendon, which proved, much to my astonishment and relief, that I really could tell a story. But the biggest thrill of all was that readers—real live people not related to me in any way—said they’d enjoyed it. I was so excited!
2. What genre do you think your books best fit into? Or would you prefer not to be labelled?
I’ve always been firmly of the opinion that everything I write is fundamentally a romance, but not everyone is so convinced. The Flame and the Shadow, the first in the Four-Sided Pentacle series, was published under the Ace imprint, Berkley’s fantasy line. The decision was made because of the strength of the world-building. However, later the Berkley editors came around to my way of thinking and shifted me to the Sensation line. On the other hand, my two novellas for them were published in anthologies under their Heat imprint.
For Ellora’s Cave, I write erotic romance. Go figure.
I don’t much care to be labelled. I get bored easily and I like to try different things, new challenges. For example, The Dark Rose, the fourth and last in the Four-Sided Pentacles series, has elements of fantasy, science fiction and steampunk, all set on a world like a skewed version of Regency Ireland. There’s loads of adventure and derring-do. Oh—and it’s erotic.
But if you put a gun at my head and forced me to choose, I’d plump for romance because it’s always the dynamic of the emotional relationship between the protagonists that comes to me first.
3. You put your characters through a lot of inventive turmoil. Does your guilt ever keep you up at night?
Nope, she said cheerfully. I remember going to a Donald Maas workshop (might have been the Melbourne Conference in 2005) and taking his constant refrain of “Make it worse, make it worse, worse, worse!” to heart. I write sword and sorcery type fantasy. There’s no sense in going for small stakes—no one would be interested.
There’s only been one character whose pain really distressed me. In The Flame and the Shadow, my hero, Gray, has a truly traumatic childhood. I hated doing that to him, I really did, but it was necessary to explain why he is so profoundly disturbed—essentially he’s a man at war with himself. The separation between Gray and his shadow, Shad, is central to the plot so it had to be credible emotionally. But by the time I finished writing those chapters, I was shaking, believe me.
4. I hear around the water cooler that you’re a pantser (that is she writes without an outline folks). What’s your basic writing schedule like… or do you have one?
Hmm, shows you shouldn’t believe in gossip! Yes, I am a pantser, but not entirely. These days, especially writing for Berkley, I find do need some sort of outline to keep me on track. However, it’s always pretty vague and I never, ever, manage to stick to it! But given that I’ve already had to write a synopsis for my editor (which I utterly loathe and despise doing) I might as well take advantage of it. That said, I have to leave myself loads of ‘wriggle room’. Too much detail and I’m bored because, in my mind, I’ve already told that story.
As for a writing schedule—oh, how I wish I actually had one! *sigh* Part of it is because I have a Day Job, but I often say I’m the Queen of Procrastination ruling over the Land of Clutter. I’ve given up trying to tidy my desk before I begin. I’d never get anything written.
When I do have a writing day, I fluff around until lunchtime at least, doing emails, tweeting and stuff. Heavens, I don’t even know what it is that I do, except waste time. I usually start writing after lunch. The dog lies on the floor and snores. The cat insists on sitting on my lap so I have to type over the top of him.
Funnily enough, despite the fact that I’m so careless with physical objects, I’m a very slow, very deliberate writer. I don’t often get carried away and have words simply flow out of my fingers. I have to dig for every single one, which means I need to concentrate. I have a timer on the computer and I turn it for 45 minutes. When it goes off, I stretch and then I’m allowed to check my email. (Did I say I need a 12 step program?) It’s amazing how little I can write in that time. Around 5pm I have this incredible desire to doze off, but the cat comes in and head-butts me until I fix his dinner. The dog just grumbles. So I yawn and go on. By 8pm, I’m firing on all cylinders and if I’m on a roll, sometimes I go ’til after midnight.
5. I’ve saved the important question for last: What is your all time, absolute favourite dessert?
Affogato – icecream with espresso coffee and a nice liqueur, say, um, Baileys. Ah…
Thanks so much for stopping by today Denise, we’re honoured to have you at our blog. Before you go, please tell us a little something about your latest release Guilty as Sin.
I haven’t had a new book in the Phoenix Rising series for ages, so I’m really excited about the release of Guilty as Sin. It came out on 3 August 2011 and is available at Ellora’s Cave.
Leave a comment to go in the draw for a free copy of the ebook!
I absolutely adore the cover. Not only is the model an absolute hunk, but he’s perfect for Dax, who is that rare thing—hero who is thoroughly good. He’s decent through and through—unlike Michael who’s the ultimate bad boy. Poor Lise, having to cope with them both. *sigh*
Here’s the blurb and you can read the whole first chapter on my website
Michael’s bad, bad, bad—all the way to the bone. A single heated encounter with the master thief and level-headed Liseriel the Gray has never been so furious—so intrigued—in her life. Neither has Michael. Danger’s always been his drug of choice.
With his huge bronze wings and sweet, serious smile, Daxariel the Burnished is everything the thief is not—a generous shining spirit, an honest loving soul—and a virgin.
It’s going to take two Aetherii to catch a thief. Lise and Dax are both so godsbedamned good, Michael can’t wait to debauch and defile, to make his Aetherii beg for dark erotic pleasures. It’s the only way he knows to win—and win he must, because there’s something about wings and tails and trust freely given that has him reeling.
Exquisitely trapped between Michael’s intoxicating wickedness and Dax’s steadfast love, everything Lise believes about duty is dust on the wind. How can she crave both these men, different as night and day?
Don’t forget, if you want to win a copy of Guilty as Sin, leave a comment!
Join Denise’s monthly newsletter for sneak peeks, freebies, contests, vignettes and general mayhem – https://app.expressemailmarketing.com/Survey.aspx?SFID=79564 You can also find her on Twitter, Facebook and Goodreads and of course, her website – http://www.deniserossetti.com.
Cathy Keevill
Aug 17, 2011 @ 11:08:20
Thanks for the interview. I love hearing about how the creative process works for other people. It inspires me to keep plodding along with my own work. Thanks for the information and entertainment.
Denise Rossetti
Aug 17, 2011 @ 12:00:49
My pleasure, Cathy! Creativity fascinates me too, the way everyone is so different and yet so similar. The very best of luck with your writing!
Keziah Hill
Aug 17, 2011 @ 11:57:46
Love that cover!
Denise Rossetti
Aug 17, 2011 @ 12:02:33
Ah, Keziah, the cover gods have been very VERY good to me! *beams* As I said in the post, I adore this cover, because the model is not only gorgeous, he’s perfect for the character. Didn’t need one of those dark broody types on this one!
Fedora
Aug 17, 2011 @ 12:32:38
Oh, Denise is very lovely indeed! I’ve enjoyed your writing since picking up one of those EC anthologies ages back 🙂 Must catch up with your Pentacles series, and congrats on your latest release–this sounds like one for my TBB, too!
Denise Rossetti
Aug 17, 2011 @ 12:54:55
Hey Fedora, good to see you! Thanks for the kind words. *beams* I’d love to know what you think of Guilty as Sin if you get around to reading it. Pentacle series too – hey why not go the whole Rossetti hog! BWG
And now I’m thinking I don’t much care for that image… LOL
Fedora
Aug 17, 2011 @ 13:12:12
ROFL! 😉 Never you fear–you’re on my list for the next spree! I’m sure I won’t be able to hold out for long–never was known for my self control 😉
Denise Rossetti
Aug 17, 2011 @ 13:21:12
OOh, Fedora, that’s EXACTLY what an author likes to hear! *snork* You go, girl! LOL
Billi Jean
Aug 17, 2011 @ 13:13:23
Wow, loved this interview. I especially liked to hear how you are in all these different genres. Exciting. I wish I could slow down when I write but wow, you really go! Fluff all you want if you go on and on until midnight and beyond!
Thanks for such a great interview. I’m excited to find your books and dig in.
Billi Jean
Denise Rossetti
Aug 17, 2011 @ 13:27:27
Hi Billi Jean! Great to meet you. 🙂
I’m a real night owl. In fact, I have a T-shirt that says (in large letters) – “I don’t do mornings.” When I wear it to the Day Job, my colleagues just roll their eyes. LOL
As for digging in ( I love the sound of that!) to my books, they’re all listed here – http://www.deniserossetti.com/books.html – in reading order, with covers, first chapters and buy links included, so you can make up your mind.
Billi Jean
Aug 17, 2011 @ 14:09:58
woohooo…that makes things easy! Thanks sweet. Do they sell the T-shirt on there too??? Just teasing, I need a T-shirt that says that too, but I’m off to sweet dreams.
nite!
billi jean
Jacki C
Aug 17, 2011 @ 13:13:40
Great info. I love the look of Guilty as Sin – I’ll have to go and get it.
Denise Rossetti
Aug 17, 2011 @ 13:31:36
Hey there, Jacki!
Covers are sooo important. So’s the blurb (ie the ‘back cover copy’) and OMG, they’re hard to write. When you say you’re going to check it out, that makes me incredibly happy – even if you don’t buy. Cos me and Mr Hunky on the cover, we’ve done our job. Yay! 🙂
lilliangrant
Aug 17, 2011 @ 13:15:37
Love the sound of this book. I wish you many sales, Denise 🙂
Denise Rossetti
Aug 17, 2011 @ 13:33:38
Ah, Lillian, thanks so much! I wish me me many sales too! 😉 But you know what? The thing I like best is hearing from readers who’ve enjoyed my work. There’s nothing better, IMO. 🙂
Jess Dee
Aug 17, 2011 @ 13:34:26
YAY!
We finally got Denice to blog here.
Well done Sami.
And welcome Denice.
Whoa, that cover looks just as hot on screen as it did on the cover flat. YUM!
Mai
Aug 17, 2011 @ 13:41:31
Nice to meet you Denise! Lovely interview, makes me want to run out and read your books LOL 😀
Janni Nell
Aug 17, 2011 @ 13:46:34
Your working day is the opposite of mine. I write well in the morning, by afternoon after I’m flagging, at 8pm forget it. 🙂
Denise Rossetti
Aug 17, 2011 @ 14:05:01
Hi Janni!
I love that it takes all sorts. At the Day Job, I have colleagues who love the early shift – start early, leave early. Which means I don’t have to do that. 🙂 Likewise, they love that I’ll stay late. Ah, teamwork!
And my excuse for typos is the fake nails – always!
Janni Nell
Aug 17, 2011 @ 13:48:07
See what I mean, after midday I can’t even post without a typo.
Mel Teshco
Aug 17, 2011 @ 13:52:06
Hi Denise!
So many of your comments made me giggle (probably in that I understand where you’re coming from!) – The queen of procrastination ruling over the land of clutter, and your writing process which starts after lunchtime sometime… yep, I know *exactly* what you mean.
BTW – bestest cover!! =)
Denise Rossetti
Aug 17, 2011 @ 14:08:54
Oh, Mel, I missed you at the conference. 😦 Sad…
Ah, a soulmate! It’s good to know I’m not alone in my messiness and confusion.I tell myself, it’s creative – and the I lose something I really need. *sigh*
And yes, it is the bestest cover. W00T!
Denise Rossetti
Aug 17, 2011 @ 13:57:51
Hey there, Jess! Thanks for having me over. You Divas have the coolest blog. I especially LURVE the name – cos you *are* all divas, and yes, you’re all Down Under.
Denise Rossetti
Aug 17, 2011 @ 14:00:39
Hullo Mai!
Hey, sweetie, you go right ahead! Buy the lot! 😉
Seriously (ahem!), they’re all listed here – http://www.deniserossetti.com/books.html – in reading order, with covers, first chapters and buy links included, so you can try properly (I hate short excerpts) before you buy.
Camille (@Envyious)
Aug 17, 2011 @ 14:08:03
Hi Denise! 😀
‘Panster’ lol you learn something new everyday.
I think Gray distressed the readers too, certainly me!
Can’t wait for The Dark Rose 😀 😀 😀 and I just had to nab myself several of the Guilty as Sin covers from RWAus freebie table XD it’s gorgeous! not to mention it sounds fab. Pfft, what do you mean ‘poor Lise’- if only such misfortune were to befall the rest of us plebeians in the real world lmao
– Camille ❤
Denise Rossetti
Aug 17, 2011 @ 15:00:21
Camille, it was so good to meet you at the conference – in the world’s prettiest conference bookstore. 🙂
“pantser” comes from ‘flying by the seat of your pants’. It’s not a term you hear every day, mind you. 😉 I’ve heard the word ‘flimmer’ used too, though not sure of its origin.
Sorry *winces* – I really hated doing that to poor Gray, but it was necessary to explain the man (and the shadow) he’d become. It was like the trauma had forced into the fantasy world’s version of schizophrenia, so it had to be pretty awful. It was – and for me too. But – *brightens* – he got his happy ending, in spades. Yay!
I’m writing The Dark Rose now – took time off for this blog – and I’ll be going right back to it. About to murder someone. Ah, I love being a writer!
Enjoy the covers – I’m going to send you Dymocks gals some more as soon as I’m back from a week’s holiday. And actually, Lise copes admirably. If it was me, I’d have to move to a rest home to recuperate, but OMG, I’d be smiling! *snork*
robyngrady
Aug 17, 2011 @ 14:36:02
I so totally love that cover!!!!!
I remember Donald Maass’s workshop from 05 very well indeed! I have his books and refer to them often.
It was great to catch up at the conference, Denise!
Denise Rossetti
Aug 17, 2011 @ 15:03:58
Robbie, it’s always so wonderful to see you!
Maas made a real impression on me – and to be frank, not many so-called writing ‘experts’ do. Mind you though, I’d walk over hot coals for a workshop with Stephen King.
See you at the gold Coast next year – and hopefully, before. 🙂
Sami Lee
Aug 17, 2011 @ 15:53:07
Hi Denise. Just got home from work to find my foray into blog scheduling worked! Being the techno challenged type, this is better news than you can imagine.
I’m with you on the Stephen King thing. His book ‘On Writing’ was the one that finally dragged me out of writers block last year. I’d like to kiss his feet.
Denise Rossetti
Aug 17, 2011 @ 16:41:10
Oh well done, Sami! I’m glad you didn’t tell me that beforehand. LOL
I generally don’t care for ‘how-to’ books, though I make exceptions for Donald Maas and Anne Lamont’s “Bird by Bird’. I didn’t think King’s book was going to help at all – but boy, did it ever! It was absolutely brilliant. Blew me away!
Dawn
Aug 17, 2011 @ 16:51:01
Thanks Sami I love finding new authors!!! Hi Denise 🙂 I love your cover and what a great interview. I will be adding this to my TBR list for sure 🙂
Lexxie Couper
Aug 17, 2011 @ 17:28:26
I am soo suffering from a nasty bout of writers block and your interview has really help, Denise. I’ve owned a copy of On Writing for years…time to pull it down from the shelf again.
(On a completely unrelated note: it was fantastic meeting up with you again at RWAus *grin*)
Denise Rossetti
Aug 17, 2011 @ 18:45:36
Hey Lexxie, that’s great! So glad it helped. It’s really a fabulous book. I remember gobbling it up like it was a novel.
And yes, I love seeing you gals every year. So comforting when I’m not the only crazy woman in the room. 😉
Denise Rossetti
Aug 17, 2011 @ 18:43:34
Hi Dawn! Just read the interview with Damon (Conrad) and PG Forte on your blog. What a hoot! It’s a great blog you have there. 🙂
Thanks for putting me on your TBR pile. Mine now resembles a mountain. ZIf it wasn’t electronic, it’d topple right over. *sigh*
June M.
Aug 18, 2011 @ 12:29:58
This book does sound great! I loved Gift of the Goddess! Such a great story (m/m/f) and it really made me eager to read more books in this series. Thank you so much for the chance to win a copy of this book *Crossing my fingers*
June M.
manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com
Denise Rossetti
Aug 18, 2011 @ 18:45:01
Hi there, June!
Thanks for the kind words about Gift of the Goddess. It was my first published novel and it’s still very special to me. And of course, the cover helped!
Good luck!
adina west
Aug 18, 2011 @ 12:53:10
Great interview! And every time I hear someone else’s a pantser I feel comforted.
This book sounds great (quite apart from the awesome cover). A nice menage…
ROB HAMOND
Aug 18, 2011 @ 15:20:28
Wow what a cover, and the quick glance of the first chapter along with the cover makes out for a super duper story.
Congradulations can feel a great success with this one………….Rob
Denise Rossetti
Aug 18, 2011 @ 18:47:37
Hi Adina, nice to meet you here!
Ah, another pantser. There’s quite a few of us, you know. Come to next year’s conference and find out! 😉
As for the menage, not sure ‘nice’ is the right word. LOL Complicated, hot, tender, desperate… Exhausting for the poor author…
Denise Rossetti
Aug 18, 2011 @ 18:50:09
Hey there, Rob!
It’s great to hear you enjoyed the excerpt. I hate it when they’re too short for me to know if I’m really going to like the book. Which is why I put up the whole chapter. Can’t say you haven’t been warned then! 😉
And I’d love a great success. Fingers crossed…
Deb
Nov 14, 2012 @ 21:58:49
You’re so bad for my budget. I’m supposed to be saving for a Canadian holiday not buying books from an auto buy author. That isn’t going to stop me though LOL