Thank you Shara its such a pleasure to have steamy author like yourself to chat with on The Diva’s Pen. I’m a fan of your sensual erotic romances. Even more delightful is your impressive Interracial Erotica catalogue. I could die happy with three or four of your naughty tales at my side. I want to thank and celebrate author’s like yourself that keep this genre front and center. Okay, let’s get started shall we!

Diva: For those of us that haven’t visited your website and read your cute bio (love the Duran Duran refrence) can you share with us where you’re from? Where do you reside in now?

SA: I am from Southern California, Irvine specifically. I now live in Florida.

Diva: As a child, who did Shara want to be when she grew up?

SA: I’ve always wanted to be a writer. For a while there, after my dad told me writers were poor, I debated becoming a lawyer for a while, but left that to my sister.

Diva: How does your family, spouse, friend’s handle your success in writing erotica? Are they fans as well?

SA: My family and friends are very supportive. In fact, my husband pushed me to do it. I used to write all the time and share my stories with him. After complaining about some eBooks, he told me to just do it, so I did. My mother enjoys sharing my books with ladies from her church, which is interesting.

Diva: Shara, I have to say your list of books is quite impressive. We’d all love to know which sexy scene or sexy pairing you’ve written that you’re most fond of?
SA: I think my favorites would have to be Britt and Wes from Britt’s Protector (available at Cobblestone Press) and Katrina and Aubrey from The Taming of Katrina. I think Britt knew just how to handle her befuddled Marine, and Wes was just downright sexy. Katrina was a woman with very real issues and Aubrey was so loving and patient. I loved that about them both.

Diva: Where and when do you write?

SA: I am always writing, even if it’s only in my head. I have notebooks in my purse at all times. I usually sit down late at night to type it all out.

Diva: Out of all your published works which is your number one seller? Why do you think that story is the most popular?

SA: Thierry’s Angel, my second book remains the most popular. I think it’s because the characters are so real. I look back at parts and cringe, I really hope I’ve gotten better, but all in all, they were a sweet couple. Endearing even.

Diva: I ask this question of all the authors, and I’m fascinated by their responses. Why Interracial or Multicultural romance? What about the genre draws you to it?

SA: Because I wanted to see “me” in my romance. I am so happy to see an explosion of MC/IR romances that aren’t what some might call “typical”. They don’t stereotype or portray any woman as one particular thing, because we’re not. We are all different. Different experiences, backgrounds, needs, wants.

Diva: Are your characters and their stories modeled by anything in your personal life? Where does the inspiration for your work come from?

SA: If they were I’d never admit to it (big grin). I get inspired everywhere. News especially. Facts are always stranger than fiction.

Diva: Now here’s a loaded question. What is your stance on e-book piracy?

SA: *sigh* Look I understand people wanting to read a book and not paying for it, but this is not like a library. Self-published and small publisher authors do NOT get paid up front, so you are stealing from them every time you download a book from a pirate site. You can’t really understand until you are standing on the other side where small publishers and authors are. It takes money to put a book out, and the return is really not what people think it is.

Diva: You are a very accomplished self-published author, do you prefer self publishing?

Diva: Honestly I really don’t. It is sooooo much easier with a publisher but I do enjoy having complete control. I really love doing both, and I don’t want to stop doing either. In fact, I would like to be with more ePublishers. I would like to release more self-published books. It kind of keeps me balanced in a weird way.

SA: Your write across genre’s, which genre do you feel most comfortable with?

SA: Military men are my sweet spot. I am a Marine brat who grew up and joined the Navy then married a lifer. I understand the military mind. I don’t always understand the civilian one.

Diva: I’m impressed with your ability to do such steamy Anthology’s. Is it the collaborative comraderie that makes you choose these projects or something more?

SA: Oh I love to see what my friends and colleagues can do with an idea. It is so much fun to read the diverse stories stemming from one idea. Unfortunately they really don’t sell as well.

Diva: What inspired you to write your first book? What inspires you to write the next?

SA: My first book was never published. I actually lost it when my computer crashed and died. It was a historical because at the time that was all I read. This was of course before being introduced to the eBook world.

Diva: What are your current projects?

SA: Badland Warriors: Vikings, soon to be released at Changeling Press. Three hot and sexy genetically engineered warriors go and take their mate. So excited about that one.

Diva: Do you have a specific writing style (first person, ominscent point of view, etc)?

SA: I have never done a first person book, but I like to included both hero and heroine point of view so you aren’t left wondering what the other person is thinking.

Diva: How have you dealt with rejection letters when seeking to publish mainstream or have you had too?

SA: I haven’t tried to submit to New York. I am just not ready for that yet. I think I still have a lot to learn.

Diva: If you had to choose, which author would you consider the greatest influence?

SA: Oh wow, I don’t think I could. I mean when I was younger it was Kathleen Woodiwiss, Nikki Giovanni, William Faulkner, Bridget Midway- oh the list is endless

Diva: What book(s) are you reading now?

SA: I am reading several things actually; Colter’ Lady by Maya Banks, Politics: A Treatise on Government by Aristotle and Simply Beautiful by Serenity King.

Diva: What is the most surprising thing you learned in writing your first book?

SA: Characters do not listen. They develop a mind of their own no matter what you want them to do.

Diva: How does a day of writing start for you? Any vices you have to keep you focused?

SA: I am the world’s most spastic writer. I start off by surfing the net, write a bit, if the flow catches me I can be pecking away for hours. Every time I sit down to write it’s different.

Diva: Do you like writing Alpha Males? What do you find sexy in a Alpha man?

SA Love, love, love a hot Alpha Male. I love a man who is all take charge and so adorably confused by the feminine.

Diva: Do you hear from your reader’s much? What kind of things do they say?

SA: I used to hear from readers a lot more, it’s tapered off lately. Mostly when will this be out, or have you finished that. I love hearing from everyone and do my best to answer all.

Diva: Have you ever hated something you wrote?

SA: OMG yes! I won’t say what it is because a lot of people loved it, but when I finished it I was like ewww, that gave me a cavity.

Diva: What are your expectations for your work?

SA: I expect to get better with each book. I want readers to feel when they read open of my works. I try so hard to make that happen.

Diva: Have you ever experienced writers block? Any technique’s to overcome it?

SA: I get writer’s block three to four times a year. You just have to work through it. I generally read a lot, watch romantic movies, and cry to friends. Eventually it eases until it lifts. You just have to keep on trucking.

Diva: Okay let’s get to some fun facts about you. What’s under your bed?

SA: Absolutely nothing. Just moved.

Diva: Chocolate or Vanilla?

SA: Chocolate

Diva: Light’s on or Lights off?

SA: Fire or candle light

Diva: What’s your favorite breakfast cereal?

SA: I don’t eat cereal

Diva: Dog or Cat person?

SA: Dog

Diva: Last movie you’ve seen (at a movie theater)?

SA: The Expendables (don’t get out much)

Diva: Tell me the last thing that made you laugh.

SA Something a close friend said.

Diva: First time you knew you were in love?

SA: I think it was the first time I heard Billy Dee Williams say “Woman” or when J.R. gave a woman “that look”. I have been falling in love ever since. In real life, 7th grade. He walked me home, carried my books and told me I was beautiful before sneaking a kiss behind the bush. Had a weakness for auburn hair from that day on.

Diva: Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview. Is there anything else you want share about your work to your readers?