May 18, 2024

#AuthorInterview–> Author in the Spotlight- Lacey Silks

Hey Friends,



Today I have the pleasure of talking to Lacey Silks who is the author of Layers Deep (Layers Trilogy #1).
Lacey is an Author of Erotic Romance. Her stories come from her life, dreams and fantasies. She’s a happily married wife with two kids. Lacey likes to make her readers blush and experience the story as if they were the characters. Drawing on the reader’s most sensitive emotions through realistic stories satisfies her more than… …okay not really, but you get the point;) She likes a pinkish shade on a woman’s cheeks, men with large feet and sexy lingerie-especially when it’s torn off the body. Her favorite piece of clothing is a ‘birthday suit’.


Welcome to Njkinny’s World of Books, Lacey!
Lets start the interview. 🙂

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
It was a proud moment. I used to sell real estate and at one point I was sitting at my new hair dressers, I think this happened about three years ago, and she asked me what I do. I said I’m a writer without hesitation. She looked at me funny and then
I had to explain in more detail. It was one of the proudest moments of my life.

Describe your writing space.
Ha, ha! Anywhere I can plug my laptop into. This includes and is not limited to: my bed, the couch, patio, swing set, my lap while taking the kids to swimming classes, on my phone in the car while the hubby is driving, my iPad, the floor, the kitchen counter. Ok, I think you get it. It’s pretty much anywhere. I change my writing spot often. I find I can be more creative that way.

What is the hardest part about writing for you?
It’s always about finding the time and SYBITC otherwise known as “Sit Your Butt In The Chair” problem. With an 8 and 10 year old, other things take on priority so I try to squeeze in as much writing as I can whenever I can. I love to write in the morning before anyone is up and late at night when everyone is sleeping. That’s when I’m most productive.

What do you like to do when you are not writing?
It depends on the season. If it’s winter time, then definitely skiing. I love to ski as much as I love to write. If there was a way to combine the two, I would do it, but I don’t think there is.
If it’s summer time, camping with the family – now that’s a place I can definitely take the computer or a book to the beach so it’s always a win-win. (unless the family insists of unplugging me for awhile)

What is the most surprising thing you discovered while writing your book(s)?
That I can actually write a book and I would love and my readers would love.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
Under a different name, two novels and two novellas. As Lacey Silks, eleven short stories. and two novels (three new ones are in production). My favorite has to be My First, My Last. It touches me like no other story does, because when I wrote it, I thought about my first.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?
I’m definitely a panster, but I do usually know the ending of the story before I start writing. I’ve tried to plot but it didn’t work. The characters took it away in a different direction. I will plot a chapter or a scene though before I start writing. It makes it a bit easier.

If you had to do your journey to getting published all over again, what would you do differently?
I would have started writing twenty years ago instead of four years ago. And, I would read more and write quicker. I’m still working on that. My goal would be to publish one book per month. I know authors who do it, but I’m not quite there yet. I may be at six novels for this year if I really push it.
 
Ebook or print? And why?
For my own work, definitely both, but not necessarily at the same time. It depends on my work load because print requires a bit more formatting.
If it’s for my pleasure I’m more into ebooks now (especially if I’m reading smut), although I still buy print if it’s something I absolutely must have like Cassandra Clare’s The Mortal Instruments series
and Percy Jackson and the Olympians set.

What is one thing your readers would be most surprised to learn about you?
I was a movie extra when I was a teen and met Brendan Fraser, Ricki Lake, Matthew Broderick and the late Marlon Brando. I can be seen in one of the movies, as an extra on a train. (That was a dream come true and in my mind that’s deserving of a Hollywood Star – yes, I said in my mind so don’t break the dream) Having said that, I’m extremely shy in real life and if I don’t know the crowd, I’m that quiet person in the corner who listens to what other people say (Then I use what they say in some of my books. My friends found out about that the hard way;)

What advice would you give a new writer just starting out?
Simply start writing. Write a lot, read a lot and your writing and storytelling will improve with each story/novel. Don’t expect the first one to be a best-seller. Don’t expect the tenth one to be either. Sometimes it takes a bit of luck and other times, a lot more luck. And sometimes, when you have that little luck, your first can hit that special spot in someone’s heart and fly on its own right away. Still, keep writing.

Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? If so, what do you do about it?
I used to, but not anymore. My type of a writer’s block is called “procrastination”. If I really want to, I can write at anytime, providing I’m not tired. If I’m rested, there is no writer’s block. If I’m stuck on a scene I ask myself what would my characters do and then they simply take over.

Tell us something about your newest release that is NOT in the blurb.
There’s a cliff-hanger ending. I know some readers don’t like that, but it was the only way I could make both Layers Deep and Layers Peel (currently in editing) work. But, the release time between the two novels should not be more than 4-5 weeks.

Are you working on anything at the present you would like to tell us about?
I’m working on four separate novels and my day will depend on who wants to tell their story. I know it sounds odd, but that’s the way it works for me.
The first one is the last book in the Layers Trilogy titled Layers Off. If I disclose any details about this one my other books will be ruined, but it will have a happy ending for the most hated character since the prequel “Dazzled by Silver”.
The second book is titled No More Regrets. It’s a New Adult Romance and it’s still work in progress, but I love where the story is going.
The third one is an extension of My First, My Last: a short story I wrote. It has a lot of elements from my own life and it’s very emotional. I started writing this novel due to many requests from my readers.
The fourth one I’ve had three-quarters done for a while now and can’t get back to it. I know I will, because I love the story, but it’s not erotica. It’s a dystopian, post-apocalyptic fantasy under a different name. I’ll finish that one soon too.

What are you reading now?
I just downloaded Don’t Make Me Beautiful
by Elle Casey. I plan to read it over the next few days during the kids swimming and karate. I can’t wait! I’m itching to start now but I wouldn’t get any writing done if I did. One thing I know about me is that when I start a book, I don’t put it down until it’s done. I just can’t.

How do you come up with the titles to your books?
They happen sporadically. Some, while I’m writing. Other before I even start to write (like the Layers Trilogy). I came up with the title for Dazzled By Silver when the book was almost done. I don’t think there’s a rule for coming up with the title. It just happens, like the writing.

If you were stranded on a desert island and were only allowed to have five modern conveniences with you, what would they be?
Alone, no man, can the batteries last forever? I’m assuming my hands would be too tired from the work I’d have to do to survive so:
1. A very good, long lasting, vibrating, back massager (hey, what were you thinking?).
2. My kindle with everlasting power. It would have to be full of book too as I’m assuming there’s no internet.
3. A bidet – this one’s self explanatory. If you’ve never used one, do so and you’ll know what I mean. I love my bidet as much as my shower. And it could be used as a source of water too!
4. TV with Netflix and all the shows I love to watch (Gray’s Anatomy, Survivor, Game of Thrones, True Blood, Vampire Diaries etc…)
5. A plane full of fuel so that if I got bored I could fly back to civilization (yes, we’re assuming here I can fly, which I can’t, so perhaps a speed boat would be easier).

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever done in the name of research?
We’re talking about erotica here, right? Uhm, I can’t really say because my husband would kill me. But it does involve watching and reading lots of porn (which the hubby doesn’t mind) and searching the internet for things I will never show my kids. The internet scares me.

Do you use a pen name? If so, how did you come up with it?
Yes, Lacey Silks is my pen name. It was actually the hubby’s idea but he said Silky Lace. I said: “That doesn’t make sense, but Lacey Silks does”. Why? Because I love lace and silk in my lingerie.

What was the scariest moment of your life?
The moment my kids were born and I realized I’m responsible for another life. After that, it’s whenever I get on a plane. You don’t want to sit beside me on a plane – ever. I’m the one saying Hail Mary’s with a seat belt on the entire flight. I will not even go to the bathroom and I will cry on take-off and landing. The funny thing is that this fear developed after my kids were born.

Tell us about the absolute BEST fan letter you have received.
A lady wrote to me, thanking me for writing My First, My Last (which is a free story by the way). She said she re-lived her memories through the story and all of her emotions from when she lost her virginity were revived. After reading it, she regretted that her first was not her last. It was the most honest and touching fan email I’ve ever received.

Do you write in multiple genres or just one? If just one, do you ever consider straying outside your genre?
Definitely multiple. My writing day depends on what strikes my fancy. At the moment, it’s Erotic and New Adult Romance (which is on top of the list) and YA (urban fantasy, paranormal romance and dystopian). I’ve started a mystery/suspense novel which I think I may turn into Erotic Romance as well. The characters in that one are begging almost begging for sex.

What is something that you absolutely can’t live without? (Other than family members)
My laptop. I know it sounds cliche for a writer, but it’s true. I’m adding to my will to put my laptop in my coffin.

Could you ever co author a book with someone? If so, who would you choose, and what would you write?
At the moment, I don’t think so but I would definitely be open to it. I just think I’m too controlling. I like things done my way but I also like to try new things so you never know.

Favorite place to read?
My backyard. After that, my bed but the hubby can’t be in the bed. Reading anything erotic with hubby beside me can only lead to one thing. And since I really can’t put a book down until I’m done, it doesn’t make it a comfortable sex session.

Favorite Drink?
Water followed by iced tea. It used to be coffee but I really need to cut back so I’ve been slowly switching to herbal teas.

What authors do you think write excellent erotic
fiction?
There are so many of them and each one has a unique
style and voice. I love Raine Miller, H.M. Ward, Selena Kitt, Kitty French,
Elle Casey, Sylvia Day…. …. this list can go on forever.

How do you judge what makes a good erotic story
when writing your own fiction?
For me it’s the effect the scene or story has on my
own emotions. Since I’ve written it, I know what will happen, and if those
words can still conjure feelings I’m trying to evoke after reading it ten or
fifteen times, then it’s a good story. I like twists, turns and pushing my
characters to their limit. And if they reach that limit, I push some more.

Who is your favorite erotic author and why?
It has to be Selena Kitt. She introduced me to
erotica. Selena writes pretty much everything and it amazes me how many titles
she has published. Her stories are clear, concise and emotionally titillating.
Everything you’d want in erotica.

What is your favorite erotic book and why?
This one changes frequently. At this moment it’s
Tangled
by Emma Chase. It’s written from a male point of view and Drews voice
is so clear as to who he is. I honestly cannot believe a woman wrote this
novel. His thoughts are written so well, as if it was done by a man. And it’s
so funny. My stomach hurt from laughing while I read the story.

What research books do you recommend for
authors starting out in writing erotica?
Every author should have an Erotic Thesaurus
created by Morgan Hawke.
Another good one is Emotion Thesaurus by Becca Puglisi and Angela Ackerman.
I also enjoyed How to Write Hot Sex: Tips from Multi-Published Erotic Romance Authors.
An absolute must is Be a Sex-Writing Strumpet
by Stacia Kane. It’s
probably one of my favorites.

What advice would you give an author who wants
to write erotica?
Best stories come from the heart. Write what you
know and if you don’t know it, research it. The best part of writing erotica is
the ‘field research’. The questions I’d asked my husband about male anatomy
even surprised me. Sometimes you try positions to make sure they work (and
sometimes you argue with your editors whether they work which makes it all the
more
interesting if they work for you and not for
them). Probably the best advice is to read, and to read a lot.



Thanks for talking to Njkinny’s World of Books, Lacey!
All the best for your future endeavors. 🙂


Checkout the Book Blitz for Layers Deep (Layers Trilogy #1) and also enter the giveaways to win cool prizes.
http://njkinny.blogspot.in/2013/12/bookblitz-and-giveaway-layers-deep.html






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