Find Out Friday: Lucy Felthouse
11/18/2011 6:35:35 PM
This week, for the third edition of Find Out Friday, I have something a little different as I find out about Lucy Felthouse, writer of Erotic Romance. Whilst the content of this interview is universal, please be aware that Lucy’s sites contain adult themes and this interview contains links to those sites.
Whilst studying a Creative Writing course at university, Lucy Felthouse was persuaded to write a saucy story. She did so and is now an established erotic romance author. We met at the amazing Festival of Romance in October this year.
Good day to you, Lucy. What were you doing before I interrupted you with all these questions?
A million and one things – answering this interview was a very welcome respite! I divide my time between writing and doing PR, Marketing and Web Design for other writers and publishers, so I always have lots on the go!
Now, your foray into writing erotic romance began at university with a friend persuading you to write an erotic story, as described on your website http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk Can you recall what went through your mind at that time?
If I remember rightly, I laughed at first, thinking it was a ridiculous idea. But the friend who suggested it was quite serious, and eventually dared me. Of course, I couldn’t say no then!
What or who was it that encouraged you to pursue writing in this genre?
It was the aforementioned friend who first came up with the idea, but there were several people around the table that fateful lunchtime that then took an interest in what I was doing and encouraged me to write more!
How did you go about getting published and how long was it before you saw your stories in print?
Very soon after I penned my first erotic piece, I started researching the genre. I bought and borrowed erotic books, and discovered the now sadly folded magazine, Scarlet. They had a section for erotic stories, so I sent them a story and much to my delight, they published it! That was the biggest encouragement of all and I continued writing, having my work appear on several websites, and eventually in a printed book published by Xcite Books, called Seriously Sexy 3. Since then I’ve had many stories published, including several more by Xcite Books and other publishers.
Over the past two years, I’ve been learning how to write romance and I understand the reader has a certain level of expectation – boy meets girl, conflicts prevent them from initially getting together, but ultimately there must be a happy or hopeful ending. As an erotic romance writer, what expectations must you fulfil?
Oh crikey, that’s a tough question. I’m far from being an expert, but I think in erotic romance, you have to have the balance right between the erotic elements and the love interest. You also have to create characters that people will enjoy reading about, become invested in, and ultimately, care about what happens to them.
Is there a standard word count?
Not really. The beauty of publishing nowadays is that it’s so much more flexible. Each publisher has their own guidelines and length of stories they’re looking for, but because ePublishing and eReaders mean you can publish any length of story, it’s easier for a writer to simply write a story and see where it goes, rather than being restricted by a word count. Naturally with print, the word count restrictions are still there, but that just means that if you’re aiming to write something to fit a certain anthology, or a full-length novel, you have to be more disciplined!
Do you become attached to your characters or do you find it refreshing or even necessary to move on?
With short stories, I don’t often become attached to the characters because I’m writing more about a ‘scene’ in their lives, rather than giving them any background, or anything for the reader to become invested in – there’s just no time. This is why some people don’t enjoy short stories – but I love reading them (as well as writing them), they’re ideal for busy people who only have time to read for short periods.
I have, however, written a couple of short stories where I’ve felt I could write more about the characters. For this reason, I’m planning to pen some sequels – watch this space!
I recently finished my longest piece to date, a 23k novella (it just went off for submission, wish me luck!). I most definitely got attached to the characters, and admit to having a huge crush on the main male character, Damien.
What sparks your imagination? What makes you think ‘That’s a great story – I’ve got to write it’?
Anything and everything. Ideas come to me completely at random (though frequently when I’m in the shower); it could be a film, a book, a person, a place, something I saw… all it takes is one little spark and I can come up with a story idea. That’s the easy part. The hard part is writing it!
Your recent tweets had me smiling. I believe you were finishing a draft, but had to stop for tea. How do you fit writing around family life?
I’m in a pretty good situation, really. I’m still living at home with my dad, and he’s at work all day so I have peace and quiet during the daytime. I tend to do writing then, and do other things (like answering interviews!) during the evening. My boyfriend and I have a fairly long-distance relationship, so we only see each other at weekends, anyway. So my life is pretty organised and somehow I squeeze a million and one things into it. But, as I always say, it keeps me out of trouble. Sort of.
What is the initial reaction when you state your profession?
As I mentioned earlier, my time is divided between writing, and doing PR, Marketing and Web Design for other writers and publishers. It’s quite handy, really, because if I think someone would be unhappy with what I do writing-wise, I just don’t mention it. Many people’s eyes glaze over when I mention PR, Marketing and Web Design so it’s a very nifty way to end a conversation and avoid further questions.
I’m not embarrassed about the erotica and erotic romance writing, it’s just that if people don’t ‘get’ it, they seem to think that just because I write it, means I’ve done it, which is just ridiculous. They don’t accuse Stephen King of being a freaky murderer, or Charlaine Harris of being a vampire, do they?
On the other hand, if I sense people will be cool with it, I’ll just tell them. It’s led to a great deal of very interesting conversations.
You were a member of the panel entitled ‘For Her Eyes Only’, discussing reading and writing erotic romance, at the Festival of Romance. Was this your first panel? Tell me about your experience.
Yes, it was my first panel. I was quite nervous about it. I’ve done readings before, but that’s different as you’re just saying the words that are on the page. Panels, however, mean people could ask you absolutely *anything* and you have to use your brain to come up with the answers! Fortunately, nobody asked me anything too taxing and I had a good time answering questions and listening to the ones my panel-mates gave.
What tears you away from writing?
Reading, eating, TV shows and films containing hot guys, and sleep. Oh, and the weekend, which is when it’s ‘playing out’ time – i.e. no work! Though having said that, most of the readings I’ve done are at weekends. I’m actually doing a reading tonight (18th) at Sh! Women’s Store in London with Victoria Blisse, then tomorrow (19th) I’ll be at Olympia in West London for the Erotica show, where I’ll be doing another reading and appearing on a panel.
Are you a straight-to-computer-person or a pen and paper writer?
Both. For the most part it’s straight to computer. But if I’m really struggling, or the lure of Twitter is just too much, I’ll take a pen and notebook and go and write in another room, then type it up later.
Every interview, I ask about To Be Read piles. Mine increases daily (tree-books and e-books). What is in your TBR pile and who inspires you the most?
My TBR pile is the most ridiculous thing you’ve ever seen in your life. I literally have no idea how many print books I have, and I have around 500 books on my Kindle. Basically, I read tons of erotica and erotic romance. If we’re talking non-erotica, I’m also a lover of chick-lit, paranormal, horror and crime.
You have raised a lot of money for cancer charities and the British Heart Foundation. No question, just a thank you.
It’s lovely of you to mention. Charity means a lot to me, which is why I like to give something back. One of the anthologies I edited actually has a portion of the proceeds going to Help for Heroes. It’s an erotic uniform anthology, which I thought was a great tie in for the charity. The anthology is called Uniform Behaviour and is available from all good eBook retailers.
Lucy has a website http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk
and a blog http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk/category/blog where you can keep up to date with her activities, subscribe to her newsletter and find out about the lovely lady herself.
You can follow Lucy on Twitter: @cw1985
Or on Facebook: (http://www.facebook.com/lucyfelthousewriter
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions, Lucy, and good luck with your ventures.
Comments:
Laura E. James:
11/22/2011 7:49:49 PM
Find Out Friday.
Thank you for your lovely comments. I’m pleased you are enjoying the series. This Friday, come and find out about Catherine Miller.
Caroline Bell Foster:
11/22/2011 5:40:31 PM
Interview – Lucy Felthouse.
Great interview. I missed Lucy’s panel session at the Festival of Romance, so lovely to get to ‘know’ her via this interview. Lucy, I was born inDerby(smile) and now live inNottingham.
Sarah Tranter:
11/21/2011 3:19:01 PM
Lucy interview.
Thank you – really interesting!
Sue Fortin:
11/18/2011 9:18:51 PM
Interview.
What a great interview ladies – really enjoyed it. Thank you!