Sienna Mynx Interview at IRMC
Stephanie Morris
Tiffany Ashley
Diagnosed with chronic stress disorder, half-demon Gideon is ordered to take up a hobby. Initially balking at his shrink’s remedy, but faced with an eternity in solitude, Gideon signs up for ballroom dance lessons.
His hobby turns into another kind of hell when Gideon is partnered with the curvaceous Macy. He’s avoided human females for more than a thousand years, but her moves evoke carnal images of sweaty bodies and tangled sheets. Unable to resist temptation, Gideon thinks a few nights of soul-searing sex will slake his lust for the human female.
Diva: Hi Koko! Thank you so much for agreeing to this interview. I’ve known you for several years, but even now I’m shocked at how much we have in common. We not only went to college together but pledged a sorority together. I remember the day I stumbled on your work and was like…wait…is this? Oh snap it is! LOL! Anyways, let’s get down to basics. Why the name Koko Brown?
KB: I chose Koko Brown as both a nod to where I’m from, I’m originally from Cocoa, FL, and a popular 1970s blaxploitation film featuring a heroine of the same name who was described by one of the characters as “a whole lot of woman”.
Diva: What state do you reside in now?
KB: Born and raised in Central Florida. I lived in Georgia for about eight years. I missed home and the ocean so I moved back.
Diva: As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
KB: I wanted to be either a fashion designer or public relations executive. I know readers are probably like hunh, she didn’t say a writer. But it’s true; one of my dreams in life was to become a famous fashion designer.
Diva Does your family, neighbor’s, friend’s read your spicy tales? What do they think of your published work?
KB: I have friends and a few cousins who read my stories, but no one in my immediate family has ever read my erotic novels. I think they believe I just write for self-enjoyment. However, that changed the day when I showed them my first royalty check which was more than I made in two weeks at my present full-time job.
Diva: How exactly did you decide on writing erotica? What is your first novella about and who published it?
KB: I decided to write erotica because I was a rabid reader of it especially the smaller presses because at the time and it still holds true to day they offer a large selection of interracial/multicultural romances. So I decided to pen my own. At the time I was on personal leave from my job as a high school English teacher (I taught American Literature), so I had plenty of time on my hands. I ended up writing and editing my first erotic novel, Charmed, in two weeks. Personally, I think it’s my favorite story out of the one’s I’ve published so far. It’s a love story about four hundred year old vampire charms or glamours a human female woman he believes is his one true mate into marrying him one wild weekend in Las Vegas. Unfortunately, he spends most of the book trying to convince the woman they belong together. The book was published by Ellora’s Cave in 2007.
Diva: How did/do you find your e-publisher’s? Any tips for authors in choosing a good one for Interracial genre?
KB: Well, I only submitted to publishers I bought books from. I know that limited my chances, but why work with a company when you don’t like their product. I’m not sure anyone would go wrong choosing a publisher who publishes interracial romances because it’s a hot genre. I think people should read a few books by a publisher they’re considering first. They should look at the types of stories they’re publishing and how well the book is edited. I would hate to put out a book that was slammed because it was filled with typos, especially since I suck at editing my own stuff.
They should research whether or not a publisher is professional. I’ve been lucky in that regards because all of my publishers (Ellora’s Cave, Loose-id, Red Sage, and Red Rose Publishing) have been really great to work with.
Diva: I first came across your work on Ellora’s Cave, but you have written for other epubs including Loose ID in both contemporary and paranormal romance. Your latest Carnal Moves is a sinfully delicious bit that would make lovers of an alpha male with rhythm quiver. Is paranormal your preferred genre? You did it so well!
KB: I really like to write paranormal and historical, but that could be because those are the two genres that I read the most. Give me a Johanna Lindsey or Jude Devereux novel as a teen and you didn’t hear a peep for days.
In both of these genres there is so much more personal freedom to create or recreate a whole new world. It makes the writing process easier. Contemporary is very hard to write. Instead of the setting or time period becoming a secondary character, you’re pretty much dependent on the characters and their developing relationship.
Diva: I loved Carnal Moves. I have to admit it’s my first demonic romantic fiction. Where did the idea come from? Do you plan to revisit the story between Gideon (a name I love) and Macy?
KB: To be honest, I don’t know where the idea came from. I guess I thought it would be funny to see a demon that’s so stressed out that he visits a shrink on a weekly basis. And that his ordered treatment is to take up ball dancing lessons. I probably will one day. I’ve tinkered with a second book that revolves around his brother Satanchia and Tante Celine, the voodoo priestess who helped them defeat Lilith.
Diva: Do you consider yourself an Interracial/Multicultural author? What about the genre draws you to it?
KB: Of course since I only write stories that revolve around those types of relationships. I was drawn to the genre because I’ve dated interracially in the past. Plus, I think it’s sexy this blending of colors.
Diva: Are your characters and their stories modeled by anything in your personal life?
KB: I’m constantly asked that question. Where does the inspiration for your work come from? I wish a viking would come through time and sweep me off my feet…sigh. But admittedly none of the stories or situations mirror anything in my life. However, my first heroine Chloe Walker from Charmed is all me. She’s vulnerable yet strong and she talks a lot of trash.
Diva: In the past two years there has been an explosion of IR Romance across genre, including paranormal. I’ve even read some work by non-minority authors. Why do you think that is? Do you think that the Romance genre will finally pay attention, and inviest in love across the color lines featuring black women of all shapes and sizes as leads?
KB: Well interracial stories are supposedly in high demand so I think that’s why there has been such an influx of stories. The same thing has happened with M/M.
I wish larger publishers would pay more attention to what’s going on in smaller presses, but I think they haven’t broadened their sights with interracial because of profit margin. Once an author explodes in the genre then they’ll be looking for more.
Diva: What is your stance on e-book piracy?
KB: Hate it. I still can’t get over how many of the pirates feel that they’re doing author’s a favor by sharing your work with thousands of other people.
Diva: How do you think the surge in e-readers will impact publishing in the next five years?
KB: I think e-books will continue to outpace the sell of traditional form of bound books.
Diva: What inspired you to write your first book? What inspires you to write the next?
KB: I was reading a ton of interracial paranormals published by smaller presses and one day I was inspired to write my own. I’m usually inspired by books I’m reading or daydreams.
Diva: Can you give us some insight into what you’re currently writing?
KB: I’m writing about five books at once. From erotic paranormal to YA. So we would be here all day.
Diva: Do you have a specific writing style (first person, ominscent point of view, etc)?
KB: I usually write in third person, but the YA I’m currently working on is first person and I’m finding that I really like it.
Diva: What books have most influenced your life?
KB: Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye Khalil Gilbrand’s The Prophet, and Malcolm X’s Autobiography.
Diva: If you had to choose, which author would you consider the greatest influence?
KB: Johanna Lindsey. I’ve collected all of her books over the years.
Diva: What book(s) are you reading now?
KB: I’m reading Samuel Westerfeld’s Leviathan and Laurell K. Hamiltons’ Guilty Pleasures for both pleasure and research purposes.
Diva: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest in paranormal romance?
KB: My favorite paranormal writer is Kresley Cole hands down.
Diva: Have you chosen writing erotica as a career? Will you?
KB: I think I’m heading into YA paranormal romance.
Diva: Okay let’s get to some fun facts about you. What’s under your bed?
KB: Nothing. I vacuum under it everyday.
Diva: Chocolate or Vanilla?
KB: Both. I’m an equal opportunity dater.
Diva: Light’s on or Lights off?
KB: Lights on most definitely. Of course it took me some time to get to that stage, but I’m a very visual person so seeing the human body is a definite turn on.
Diva: New Edition or New Kid’s on the Block? (C’mon you’re old school I know it, who would you chose)
KB: Gosh neither.
Diva: Dog or Cat person?
KB: Dog
Diva: Last movie you’ve seen (at a movie theater)?
KB: Precious
Diva: People Magazine released their sexiest man alive contender. If you were in charge of the voting who would be your choice? I love their choice.
KB: I think Ryan Reynolds was a long time coming. Even though he’s gorgeous and his body should be dipped in bronze, his comedic timing is his sexiest quality.
Diva: Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview!
