As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Growing up, I think I had the same career goals as a lot of children. I went through the stages of wanting to be a ballerina (too tall and klutzy), an astronaut (afraid of heights) and a veterinarian (love animals but would fall to pieces when they’re sick). But I was able to use my love of books and reading in my ultimate career choice as librarian.
Tell us about your latest book.
“One Good Man” is an erotic romance that features two people who’ve been messed over by love. Andie is recovering from her boyfriend’s “need for space” and Matthew is a good man who’s been dumped for the bad boy. While dog sitting for her vacationing father, Andie spots Matthew, her Dad’s next door neighbor, and indulges in a bit of spying (and fantasizing). When he catches her, Andie runs away in embarrassment, but can’t help wondering what it would be like to do more than watch…
Do you have anything new in the works and can you tell us a bit about it?
I have a new book coming out shortly through Loose Id, a BDSM erotic romance titled “Uncollared.”
Here’s the blurb:
Submissive Mia Manetti is devastated when her first Master uncollars her just as she was hoping for a permanent relationship with him. Trying to move on, she agrees to sub for a powerful and sexy new Dom.
Chess Ryan has wanted Mia from the first moment he saw her at Club Restraint, but it was always “hands off” because she belonged to his friend Philip. Now, thanks to that friend’s maneuvers, Mia is finally his. But only for a little while.
Mia finds it increasingly difficult to keep her feelings in check as she experiences erotic delights with Master Chess, sensual and sexual fantasies that she’s never known before. Is she setting herself up for another heart ache?
Guilt, secrets and misplaced pride all keep Chess and Mia from being completely honest with each other. As they connect sexually and emotionally, they realize their relationship has grown too serious to be called “play”. How far are they willing to go as Master and slave?
My short story “Irresistible Impulse” has also been contracted by The Wild Rose Press. It’s an interracial f/f erotic romance featuring Tania and Latisha, who appear in supporting roles in “One Good Man.” This story is something of a prequel to OGM and tells how the two women first met.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging about writing?
Sitting down and actually doing it! Though I don’t have the responsibilities of many other writers who juggle children, spouses and full-time jobs, I have no problem finding lots of distractions! Self-discipline is such an important quality for writers, and one that I constantly struggle with.
What advice would you give to writers just starting out?
I guess the same advice that most everyone gives—keep writing and read as much as you can. Learn as much as you can about promotion and marketing, because that responsibility will fall largely on you. Get comfortable with social media sites (though younger writers have no problem with that). And try to be as helpful and generous as you can to your fellow authors. I’ve found the romance community to be extremely generous and it’s always good to pay it forward.
Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? If so, what do you do about it?
So far I haven’t struggled with writer’s block (I’m knocking wood and rubbing a rabbit’s foot as I write this). But whenever I finish a book there is that niggling little fear that makes me wonder Will I be able to do this again?
Who is your favorite author and why?
What books have most influenced your life?
Though I’ve loved individual books (“Black Beauty” and “Anne of Green Gables” were particularly memorable when I was a child) I would say that reading in general has been a huge part of my life. My father took us kids to the library and we always had books in the house. Reading became my favorite past time (still is) and even directed my choice of profession.
How did you deal with rejection letters?
It’s said “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” So rejection must be character-building, lol! But I’ve been lucky, because I’ve never received a nasty rejection letter. The rejections I’ve received have been gently worded and actually helpful. I reworked one manuscript based on the insight provided in an editor’s rejection letter and was able to sell the book elsewhere. A rejection letter is not a reflection on you as a writer. It’s one person’s opinion. I’d just advise people not to get snarky with an editor who passes on your work, especially if someone’s gone out of his/her way to give an explanation or insight. You don’t want to burn your bridges, and who knows? You might have the chance to pitch to that editor again.
What tools do you feel are must-haves for writers?
Where do you as an author draw the line on gory descriptions and/or erotic content?
I don’t write suspense or paranormal, so the gory part doesn’t really apply to me. As for erotic content, I’m all for swinging that bedroom door wide open. I enjoy reading hot and sexy romances and that’s what I try to write.
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever done in the name of research?
Well, it’s not really weird, but I have cold-called people while trying to research careers or other aspects of my story. I usually preface my questions with “This is going to sound pretty wacky, but I’m an author…” For example, I spoke to a 911 operator (on a non-emergency line) to learn how certain calls are responded to. People for the most part have been very helpful and just as curious about my being a romance writer as I’ve been about their careers.
Thanks so much for having me here today!
Don’t forget to give us links to your website etc.
Link to website: www.nonaraines.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nona-Raines/222025614533448
Buy Links my books:
One Good Man:
Barnes and Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/one-good-man-nona-raines/1104955288?ean=2940013101371
Amazon:
The Wild Rose Press:
http://www.wilderroses.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=88&products_id=836
All Romance ebooks:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-onegoodman-586345-148.html
