Tag Archives: interview

Phil The Shelf Series Kd Grace And Hazel Cushion

July 31, 2012Pressbbc, Hazel Cushion, interview, K D Grace, pressK D Grace

Radio or Not, Here I Come!

I had the very big pleasure of being interviewed, along with Hazel Cushion, Managing Director, and Dominatrix of Xcite Books, (As Phil has dubbed her) by Phil Rickman for his popular Phil the Shelf programme on BBC Radio Wales. Phil Rickman is the author of the best selling Merrily Watkins mysteries, the John Dee series and several paranormal novels. Though I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting the man face to face, I was ushered into the studios of the BBC Radio facility on the Surrey University Campus several weeks ago, and there, alone in the small cubicle, Phil’s ethereal voice filtered into my ear via the magic of techy stuff. The interview lasted about twenty minutes, covering everything from Fifty Shades of Grey mummy porn to interesting uses for truffles in The Initiation of Ms Holly.

Here’s the link:

http://kiwi6.com/file/syxjao0u91

The Intrepid Sarah Berry Talks Writing and Other Outrageous Stuff

December 26, 2011Blog, InterviewsFannying Around, feminism, inspiration, interview, Pete and Sarah's Guide to Seasonal Sex, Peter Birch, psychology, Sarah Berry, self-help, sex writing, women's sexualityK D Grace

KD: My first introduction to you, Sarah, was back when you wrote for the now defunct Scarlet Magazine. I always looked forward to your ‘Berry Outrageous’ pieces because you were the reporter who personally explored the kink we all wanted to know more about, then told us the yummy details in a style that was both entertaining and informative. Since then I’ve known you as the editor of Forum Magazine and the founder of the wonderful women’s group, Fannying Around, and just all around cool chick. Having recently been thoroughly entertained by hearing you read an original work of Sarah Berry erotic fiction, A (getting) Biblical Tale, I was amazed by your versatility as a writer. Could I be so bold to ask for a brief history of Sarah Berry, the writer?

Sarah: Dear KD, the phone is off the hook, the Cava is bubbling and I’ve slipped into something uncomfortable. Fire away…

KD: Oooh! Sounds like the ideal set-up for a fab interview! Let me start by asking what do you like to write most?

Sarah: I delight in writing features that are informative, entertaining and saucy and have carved a name for myself writing reportage features for Scarlet as Berry Outrageous – a joy. There have been thousands of articles written on the likes of pony play, spanking and adult babies, but if you write openly about your own experiences it will always be unique.

KD: Tell us a little bit about your latest offering, Pete and Sarah’s Guide to Seasonal Sex, written with Peter Birch.

Sarah: I met Peter while editing Forum and a collaboration between us seemed like a no brainer. I am relatively young lady who delights in gentler sex play while Pete is a veteran of the sex scene whose deliciously pervy antics frequently lead cheeks (both upper and lower sets) to blush furiously. Our Seasonal Guide captures both our perspectives in a range of features, fiction and interviews, written around a seasonal theme. The Winter issue includes Burlesque queen Ditz Von Teese; Trans porn star Buck Angel; great ideas to raunch up 2012 with our new year’s revel-ations; kinksters who love sneezing, woolly tights and big knickers, sexy ways to keep warm and more. We’re just working on the spring issue – watch out for the bunnies!

KD: Sounds fab! And I’ll be looking forward to the bunnies in the next issue! You’ve written a lot about sex, Sarah, you’ve written investigative pieces, you’ve written blog pieces, you’ve edited magazines on the subject, and you write some pretty steamy erotica as well. Why sex? Why not food or politics or any number of other topics? And why such an enthusiastic ‘hands-on,’ so to speak, approach?

Sarah: Actually over my career I have written on a range of subjects from the latest developments in railways to living with Tourettes (I have it mildly and no I don’t swear – at least not without meaning it). I am currently contributing editor of a marine magazine!

However, the reason my sex writing is so prominent is maybe because people enjoy my unique perspective – indeed Pete says I could sell butt plus to Mary Whitehouse. I am open about the fact that I’ve suffered from a sexual dysfunction (more on that below) and, whether I am writing about amputee devotees or men who like to be kicked in the balls, I try not to sensationalise them. I strive to portray their point of view and offer helpful advice to any readers with similar passions. I encourage people to experiment if they want to but don’t try and shock those who don’t. As long as we’re safe sane, consensual and legal, I say each to their own.

KD: I’d buy butt plugs from you, Hon! If you had to choose a topic other than sex to write about, what would it be?

Sarah: In the future I hope to write more women’s lifestyle pieces.

KD: What do you think was your finest moment, as a writer (so far, of course)?

There’s been lots of proud moments but I think the most important one was the first time I wrote about vaginismus. This is a sexual dysfunction where my brain told my pelvic muscles to clamp up. In my teens sex was impossible, in my 20s it was traumatic, then in my early 30s, unpredictable. It’s only with my current fella that I know I can have sex whenever we both feel like it.

By the time I was 28 I’d had a couple of sex features published and I decided that, if I was going to be a sex journalist, I wanted to tell it how it was, warts n all (I mean this metaphorically, luckily I’ve never had genital warts).

But I felt like I was taking a huge risk. Most of my friends had no idea about the condition, and I was so worried the media world would think I wasn’t qualified to write about sex. So I downed two bottles of wine and wrote a Voice of Experience feature for Scarlet, explaining my struggle with this condition. I read the feature to two ex boyfriends. They both asked me if I was sure then commended my braveness. The next morning, hungover, I edited it for drunken typos then sent it in.

I needn’t have worried: Sarah Hedley the Scarlet editor, loved the article and awarded me with the accolade of “Contributor of the month.” A year later she gave me a column in the magazine!

Countering the shame around sex problems is the basis of my groups. The Open Forum is a support group for women with stubborn nethers, in Fannying Around we discuss the good, bad and interesting about our special places and in Private Pictures we draw them. Find out more at www.fanniesrule.com.

KD: Wow! You’ve had an amazing journey, and one that I’m sure is a real encouragement to a lot of people. What would you love to write about that you haven’t?

Sarah: I am hoping to do a lot more campaigning about how the medical profession views sexual problems. Like me, many of the women have been told to, “Just relax,” while many men are palmed off with Viagra. GPs should be more open to referring patients to therapists. Also, I went to a vulvodynia conference the other day. This is an umbrella term for women who suffer from an unexplained chronic pain in their nethers. I will be pitching features about this in the new year. My dream, once I’ve qualified as a sex therapist, is to get a gig as an agony aunt!

KD: What advice would you give to young writers or people aspiring to a writing career?

Sarah: Be honest, be original and, if you’re writing about sex, seriously consider using a pseudonym.

KD: What was the most fun piece you’ve ever written?

Sarah: Gosh… there’s been so many. I think the London Naked Bike Ride was special. I had to swallow all my worries about being chunky and just get on with it. It was so bloody liberating. And when I threw a flier explaining the cause of the ride to a load of builders, they fell on it like I was Angelina Jolie. I highly recommend you give it a go!

KD: Wow! I might consider riding a bike naked if it got me treated like Angelina Jolie. What was the most unusual piece you’ve ever written?

Sarah: Definitely the big toy challenge where I put the world’s biggest sex toys up a very mild tempered chap called PUMA (which stands for Put It Up My Arse). The finale ended up with me drildoing him with a bumpy toy that that was over two feet long, stuck on the end of Woolworths’ drill. When he prolapsed I almost puked!

KD: What do you think is the most exciting thing happening in sex writing right now?

Sarah: The fact that it’s so easy to blog means that anyone can be a writer – of course that means there’s a lot of crap and offensive diatribes to wade through. Also the nature of social networking means we can bring our messages to a wider audience. I’ve had some very touching emails for kinksters and vaginismus sufferers thanking me for helping them to not feel so alone.

KD: What does the future hold for Sarah Berry, the writer?

Sarah: I’m planning on penning more erotica and a book offering advice on getting laid. Plus there will be the spring issue of Pete & Sarah’s Guide to Seasonal Sex and more exciting fanny projects on www.fanniesrule.com. I hope you’ll all be along for the ride xxx

KD: I wouldn’t miss it, Sarah! Thanks for being my guest. Happy New Year, and I’ll very much be looking forward to lots of great pieces from Sarah Berry in 2012!

Pete and Sarah’s Guide to Seasonal Sex is available to download from Amazon and iTunes.
Amazon UK
Amazon US
All Romance eBooks
iTunes

Is Tonya Kinzer The Boss’s Pet?

August 3, 2011Blog, InterviewsBDSM, erotica, erotica writers, interview, The Boss's Pet, Tonya KinzerK D Grace

I’d like to welcome Tonya Kinzer to A Hopeful Romantic today to tell us a little bit about herself and her hot new series, The Boss’s Pet. Welcome Tonya.

KD: For the readers out there who might not know about you or your work, can you please tell them a little about yourself.

Tonya: First, thank you so much for having me today so I can chat with your readers, too. I’ve been writing for years, but only last year decided to put it ‘out there’. I love that the erotic genre can go almost anywhere so the field is wide open and any topic is ‘up’ for discussion. I’m married and hubby and I have two Siamese cats who keep us entertained. That is, when we’re home long enough to spend time with them. We own our own business so that keeps us at the office, where I also write or take to the net when I’m not ‘working’ at my day job even though I’m AT my day job. Is that bad?? I’m a techie, love working with photo shop, creating covers, back grounds, book marks, etc…comes along with also knowing a bit about networks, servers and techie stuff.

KD: Can you tell us a little about your current release?

Tonya: I wrote The Boss’s Pet years ago for hubby because he IS my boss at the office, I suppose, and this just fit us so well. He also introduced me into the world of bondage, per se, and I learn a little more every day. I’ve also learned, from listening to friends, that women tend to think of themselves last, whether it’s regarding family or their love life. They satisfy their partner, yet don’t get the same in return, nor do they ask to be satisfied when they are just as horny as their man! Why is this? If someone can enlighten me, I’d love to discuss this because I just don’t understand why they allow that to happen and end up frustrated. Now I’m off on a tangent….sorry!

KD: The publishing industry is constantly changing; do you think that e-books will one day replace print?

Tonya: I don’t think paperbacks will ever be non-existent but e-books are flooding the market because it’s another item we can have instantly and let’s face it, that is what our society has become accustomed to… ‘I want it NOW!’ So, as long as I can stay abreast of what’s happening out there and what our readers want, I plan to stay current with the needs of my readers and …. What we write is what they want!

KD: Which do you prefer…e-books or print?

Tonya: I prefer paperback but I do have to admit, the racy covers we produce are probably best downloaded to my Nook! Regarding the historical/contemporary romances, I prefer the good ol’ paperback!

KD: How do you choose the topics for your stories?

Tonya: I choose things that I like to read about and topics that curl my toes. Maybe some scenes are even things I’ve not experienced, but hope the research has provided me with enough information that the reader becomes part of the scene and hence, doesn’t realize that I’ve NOT experienced some of what I write. If I may borrow a line…those who write murder mystery/thrillers have not killed, yet that is what THEY write about.

KD: Tell us something readers might be surprised to know about you.

Tonya: …….I’m your neighbor or the sweetheart next door that you’d NEVER suspect would write erotic romance that makes you seep into your panties!

KD: What do you think is most important in creating a character?

Tonya: The more real we can make our characters, the more the reader will relate to them. They have to be so human-like that the reader would want to be their best friend, flaw or no flaw. Not all the characters are going to be size two because the majority of the world isn’t size two, although maybe it’d be nice to be that size for week just because…and I’m NOT a size two! I like to show that my characters exercise and try to stay in shape, but they also like to eat and drink. Being in shape doesn’t just happen, one has to work at it; some are obsessive, another flaw, because they don’t want others to see them as not being in control. So, do the readers think being submissive is being in control? *wink* If we weren’t actually in control, would our Masters be able to do what they do with us…because we are allowing it? I’d call that being in control. That’s a post for another day!

KD: What is the biggest misconception you think people have about erotic authors?

Tonya: Those who have misconceptions don’t read erotic romance. Our readers don’t have misconceptions about us, other than to perhaps assume we’ve done EVERYTHING we write about. Not true! Then again, that may be the biggest turn on for some of having their fantasy that we’ve done it all.

KD: What’s your guilty pleasure (if any)?

Tonya: I LOVE dark chocolate, does that count? Dark chocolate truffles, Lindt, Godiva…mmmmm! Oh, and dark chocolate syrup! *wicked laugh*

KD: What do you like best about being an author?

Tonya: I love creating a world of pleasure, of characters that readers want to know more about and I hope I can make them beg for more of those characters. I like to make it possible for some to experience a new sexual act that they’ve not had a chance to try yet. When they get up the courage to discuss it with their partner then also ask for that to be done to them! Spreading chocolate syrup in places you were taught it doesn’t go…..is not all bad. Change your frame of mind. Be not afraid…how can you experience love when you’re afraid to take what you want. Perhaps your partner is dreaming of that day….make it happen!

KD: What are you currently reading?

Tonya: I recently finished Best Lover in Town by Brenda Woody and Steve Tindle, friends of mine that I met on the net and now we chat quite a bit. BLT is a hot read so be prepared. Their newest release, Temptation Triggers, is now out and I truly think it will be better than their first book. They write as a team and are fun to talk with. Currently, I’m reading Hour of the Lion by Cherise Sinclair, another fantastic author!

KD: What do you think sets your stories apart from other authors?

Tonya: I don’t think my books will be so much set apart from others, but will fit nicely in your library alongside books of the same type. I write about soft bondage, restraints, training, anal play, BDSM, but I don’t think you’ll ever find severe torture or needless pain in my books; I’m just not into that kind of thing.

KD: Could you give us a little teaser of some of your work?

Tonya: I’d love to share a few paragraphs of book one, The Boss’s Pet: The Contract, which is the ‘prequel’ to Office Training Goes Home. I wanted my readers to know more about Sondra and Nick if I expect them to continue reading the series I have planned for these two characters. Nick will be taking Sondra deeper into the world of a Dom/sub relationship so please stay tuned! I released book three, Sharing Among Friends, on June 22.

Book 1 – The Contract, BLURB: Turning her in his arms, he wanted to see all of her. “You’re gorgeous, Sondra.” At the same time, she began to unbuckle his belt and loosen his slacks until they fell at his feet. His black thong matched hers but for the protrusion in the front. Sondra’s hand moved down his shaft and her nails lightly dug into the boys with a firm grip. “Be careful, woman, danger lies there.”

“I think I can handle danger…it’s the after effects that might be hard to deal with.”

“I think you might have a few tension knots in your back and shoulders that we need to tend to first. Spread out your towels at the edge of the bed and lay on your stomach for me.”

Watching her in the dim light churned his needs. Sensuous curves begged to be caressed. She pulled one of her pillows to place on the bed where her stomach would be then spread out the towels along the edge of the bed, twisted her hair and put in the clip, then seductively lay on her stomach for him. Immediately Nick thought of his tie in the other room. “Don’t move I’ll be right back, just close your eyes and relax.”

Back in her bedroom, Nick looped his tie around his neck then ran his hands up Sondra’s back, over her shoulders and down her arms. “Move your arms up over your head. I can get to the muscles better.”

Without hesitation, her arms rested on the bed above her head and Nick’s shaft hardened even more as he laid her wrists over one another then very lightly tied them together with his tie. A satisfied moan slipped from her throat letting him know she was okay with it. Visions of what he could do to her in the future filtered through his mind, seeing her tied and helpless while he explored her tender body. Taking it slow with her would gently introduce her to his lifestyle.

He grabbed the bottle of oil and straddled her thighs. Pouring oil into his palm, he pressed down the squirt tip, dropped it on the bed and rubbed his hands together over her back, allowing a few drops on her skin. The scent of eucalyptus and lavender filled his senses; he would forever associate this scent with Sondra. Lightly his hands touched her back then firmly moved up her spine to her shoulders, feeling for knots and smoothing them out one at a time. The softness of her skin tortured his senses; he wanted inside her so bad he could taste it. Tasting her would be his next move but knew he had to take his time. His fingers moved to her sides as his thumbs moved along her spine, massaging the firm muscles of her well toned back. The soft flesh of her breasts touched his finger tips and he pressed firmly there, too.

Then her back arched inward, pressing her pelvis into the pillows as she moaned again. A quick intake of breath filled Nick’s lungs. Her pleasure was in his hands and he was prepared to take her to the edge. Spreading the oil lower on her back, he rubbed it in along her hips before moving up and over her cheeks. The bottle of oil dribbled as he poured more in his palm, letting it drip into the crack of her ass and watched as the drops of oil slid lower toward her woman’s center. He dropped a few more as they slid to join the rest of the oil and imagined exactly where it was settling. Warming the rest of the oil in his hand, he then placed them directly on the cheeks, taking her flesh between his thumbs and fingers, massaging, swirling the oil over her skin, pressing up, then down. Nick moved her cheeks a bit wider apart then moved a thumb slowly through down the crack and back up, taking each cheek and massaging, pulling them apart so he could peek then holding her open for a few seconds before continuing. Her pink rosebud winked at him more than once. He couldn’t resist holder her open with one hand while his fingers oiled the bud, barely touching as his fingers moved over her.

Sondra squirmed a bit but only to separate her legs which surprised and thrilled Nick. Never missing an offered opportunity, Nick touched her bud and pressed ever so slightly then pushed more, up to his first knuckle. Out came his finger for more oil and then he pressed in again.

“Oh Nick…..mmmm”

“It’s okay, pet….I’ll go slow but let me show you how much pleasure this will bring you. Trust me here…just relax…” Grabbing the oil again, he lifted the squirt tip and a few more drops landed directly on her bud and his finger push it in…ever so slowly…past his first knuckle and he swirled his fingertip around, feeling her tighten then relax. He pushed further and slowly swirled more before moving his finger in and out, getting a slow rhythm going. Kneeling beside her now, without removing his hand, his other fingers slipped lower and entered her through the silky juices there and her body responded. Her hips moved and squirmed as his fingers went deeper, swirling in both places until Sondra struggled to move her hands.

*****

KD: As a writer, what is the best advice you were ever given?

Tonya: The best advice came from one of my critique partners years ago…use all five senses, always. The reader needs to be able to smell what the character smells, feel what the character touches, taste what the character eats….or licks! *wink*

KD: Any advice for new writers out there?

Tonya: Your writing should not read like an instruction manual! It has to flow and be natural, not short choppy sentences. Read your work out loud. If the flow isn’t there, it won’t be for the reader either. Dialogue is not an enemy; allow your characters to communicate. Let the reader feel what your characters feel so the emotion is in the writing.

KD: Where can readers find out more about you and your work?

Tonya: M website is listed below; I love visitors and to hear from readers. Don’t be afraid to sign my guestbook! My day job at the office keeps me very busy but I do squeeze in time to write. Please visit my Facebook, Twitter and now my Fan Page. My work is available for download at All Romance E-books (a great reader’s site!), Smashwords, on Nook at Barnes and Noble, and a few other sites out there. I love doing techie stuff like my covers, websites, book marks, book trailers, formatting my work for various formats and I do self publish, but that’s not to say I won’t one day send a submission to a publisher.

Tonya’s Bio

Tonya Kinzer writes erotic romance for readers who love to become a silent character within the story! You will be pulled into scenes to partake of the activities, to feel what her characters feel and taste what they taste…strong sexual desires! Be prepared to enter a world you’ll not want to leave and can’t wait to get back to. Their future holds new submissives and demanding Doms.

Her series, The Boss’s Pet, will take you on a journey alongside Nick and Sondra as they venture into a lifestyle that pulls them deeper into a world of sensuality and submission. You’ll not want to miss any of the books in this series so stay locked on her website to know when the next books get released.

B00k 1 – The Contract

B00k 2 – Office Training

Book 3 – Sharing Among Friends

B00k 4 – Out in Oct

Buy Links

B & N: http://tinyurl.com/6cgprjf

Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/3fetwfq

All Romance & OmniLit: http://www.omnilit.com/category237.html

SmashWords: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/tonyakinzer

Site Links

Blog Site: http://tonyakinzer.blogspot.com

Website: http://tonyakinzer.com