Guest Post: How I Write

by Sherri Hayes

I met a friend last week for lunch. She’s been trying to write a book of her own for the last two years and wanted to know about my writing process. “How do you know where to start, where to go, how it will end? These are very common questions and she’s not the first one to ask. 

My writing process involves a lot of thinking. Before I even start writing, I’m thinking about my characters. For my newest book, Slave, I spent more than a month contemplating Stephan and Brianna before I ever put a word on paper. For me, it is very important to have that solid base. I need to know who my characters are in order to know how they will react to any given situation I place them in. 

Once I have my main characters flushed out, I begin incorporating the plot. Again, I spend a lot of time thinking and often talking out plot points. It’s not uncommon to see me during my morning walk talking to myself. I like to talk out scenes, character backgrounds, motivations… It helps me to put things into perspective because how I would react is not necessarily how my character would. 

A lot of writers use outlines. I’m not one of them. Everything about my books goes on in my head. I’ve tried outlines and they just don’t work for me. One time I spent an entire day on an outline and ended up using only pieces of it in the end and not even in the order I’d originally planned. 

When I write, I am in the moment with my characters. Whether it is a love scene or an action sequence, I’m there. I consider myself an emotional writer. If I can’t feel a scene, I have a very hard time writing it. Because of this, I spend a lot of time on character development throughout the process. 

It isn’t uncommon for me to wake myself up in the middle of the night with a story, be it the one I’m working on, or one I’m contemplating for the future. Stories are always rolling around in my head. It’s just a matter of putting them on paper or in the computer as the case may be.

I don’t hand write any of my stories as some authors do. Typing is my preferred method to write. I type much faster than I write freehand, so it allows the emotion of the scene to flow more easily through typing than writing it down with the traditional pen and paper. 

My best advice to aspiring authors, and the advice I gave to my friend… Just write! Give a little thought to your main character, set up the opening scene, and then just go for it. It doesn’t matter if the first story you write is crap. As with everything else, the more you write, the better at it you will become. You can always go back and edit, re-write, or completely trash a scene later. It’s what writer’s do, and that’s okay. Just be true to yourself and your characters. And above all else…Write for you.  

(Originally posted 9/3/11 on Earth's Book Nook)

Author Bio 

Sherri spent most of her childhood detesting English class. It was one of her least favorite subjects because she never seemed to fit into the standard mold. She wasn't good at spelling, or following grammar rules, and outlines made her head spin. For that reason, Sherri never imagined becoming an author.

At the age of thirty, all of that changed. After getting frustrated with the direction a television show was taking two of its characters, Sherri decided to try her hand at writing an alternate ending, and give the characters their happily ever after. By the time the story finished, it was one of the top ten read stories on the site, and her readers were encouraging her to write more.

Nearly eight years later, Sherri is the author of eight full-length novels, and two short stories. Writing has become a creative outlet that allows her to explore a wide range of emotions, while having fun taking her characters through all the twists and turns she can create. You can find a current list of all of Sherri’s books and sign up for her monthly newsletter at www.sherrihayesauthor.com. 

Self Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing

Welcome to Serpent’s Kiss is my first venture in self-publishing. The first part of the process wasn’t all that different from what I was used to. After publishing nine books through a publishing house, I was familiar with the writing and editing process. Just because I was self-publishing didn’t mean I wanted the quality of my books to decrease so I stuck to what I was used to. I was able to freelance with the same editor who has worked on my last six books.

The first thing that did change for me with self-publishing this book was my cover. I decided to have a custom cover made rather than use a stock photo. The entire process was a lot of fun. I was able to work with the photographer to pick a model and the props that would be used. This gave me a unique cover that was able to look exactly the way I wanted it to.

My biggest challenge came when I went to create an IBSN for my book, and then upload it to Amazon. Since I’d never done it before, it took me a while to read through everything and make sure I was filling things out correctly. All in all, I think those two things took me upwards of six hours. It will get easier, I’m sure. The first time is always the hardest.

Overall, I’ve enjoyed my self-publishing experience. It has, however, made me appreciate some of the behind the scenes stuff publishers do for authors. 

(Originally posted 12/13/14 on Author Lisa Bilbrey's Blog)

Author Bio 

Sherri spent most of her childhood detesting English class. It was one of her least favorite subjects because she never seemed to fit into the standard mold. She wasn't good at spelling, or following grammar rules, and outlines made her head spin. For that reason, Sherri never imagined becoming an author.

At the age of thirty, all of that changed. After getting frustrated with the direction a television show was taking two of its characters, Sherri decided to try her hand at writing an alternate ending, and give the characters their happily ever after. By the time the story finished, it was one of the top ten read stories on the site, and her readers were encouraging her to write more.

Nearly eight years later, Sherri is the author of eight full-length novels, and two short stories. Writing has become a creative outlet that allows her to explore a wide range of emotions, while having fun taking her characters through all the twists and turns she can create. You can find a current list of all of Sherri’s books and sign up for her monthly newsletter at www.sherrihayesauthor.com. 

Guest Post: Why I Write Romance by Sherri Hayes

I’ve always loved a good romance. Back when I was a pre-teen, I remember reading Sweet Dreams romances. As I got older, I graduated to Harlequins. There’s always been something about two people meeting and falling in love that draws me in, and makes me want to see them find their happily ever after.

When I started writing, someone told me to always write what you like to read, and that’s what I’ve tried to do. The hero and heroine have to be characters I can fall in love with. I don’t want them to be perfect, but I do want them to be likable enough to make me want to root for them through whatever struggles they have to go through.

Relationships are complex, which means I can have fun putting the couples through lots of twists and turns. There has to be a good story, with strong supporting characters to round things out, and keep things entertaining.

(Originally posted 2/20/13 on The Daily Opinion)

Author Bio

Sherri spent most of her childhood detesting English class. It was one of her least favorite subjects because she never seemed to fit into the standard mold. She wasn't good at spelling, or following grammar rules, and outlines made her head spin. For that reason, Sherri never imagined becoming an author.

At the age of thirty, all of that changed. After getting frustrated with the direction a television show was taking two of its characters, Sherri decided to try her hand at writing an alternate ending, and give the characters their happily ever after. By the time the story finished, it was one of the top ten read stories on the site, and her readers were encouraging her to write more.

Nearly eight years later, Sherri is the author of eight full-length novels, and two short stories. Writing has become a creative outlet that allows her to explore a wide range of emotions, while having fun taking her characters through all the twists and turns she can create. You can find a current list of all of Sherri’s books and sign up for her monthly newsletter at www.sherrihayesauthor.com. 

Guest Post: Writing and the English Language

by Author Sherri Hayes

I was doing a radio interview about a year ago and the host asked if I’d always wanted to be a writer. The simple answer to that is a resounding no. Becoming a writer was never a consideration for me growing up.

Why? First of all, I suck at English. Some of you are probably laughing right about now, but it’s true. Even today, when my editor tries to explain grammar rules to me, my eyes glaze over. English is not one of my strengths.

As a child, I had stories in my head. I just never wrote any of them down. As an adult, I gravitated toward customer service jobs—ones where good communication was essential. I think these two things, combined with my love of reading romances, have helped to make me a better writer. I understand how to break things down and explain them to someone who may not normally understand the situation. That’s a great skill to have as an author, and one I’m forever grateful to have.

Although I may never understand all the technical aspects of writing, I try to concentrate on my strengths. We all have them. We all have weakness too. It’s part of life and what makes us unique.

(Originally posted 3/6/13 on Beautiful Mistakes)

Author Bio

Sherri spent most of her childhood detesting English class. It was one of her least favorite subjects because she never seemed to fit into the standard mold. She wasn't good at spelling, or following grammar rules, and outlines made her head spin. For that reason, Sherri never imagined becoming an author.

At the age of thirty, all of that changed. After getting frustrated with the direction a television show was taking two of its characters, Sherri decided to try her hand at writing an alternate ending, and give the characters their happily ever after. By the time the story finished, it was one of the top ten read stories on the site, and her readers were encouraging her to write more.

Nearly eight years later, Sherri is the author of eight full-length novels, and two short stories. Writing has become a creative outlet that allows her to explore a wide range of emotions, while having fun taking her characters through all the twists and turns she can create. You can find a current list of all of Sherri’s books and sign up for her monthly newsletter at www.sherrihayesauthor.com. 

New Year's Reflection

by Sherri Hayes

The new year always seems to be the time for resolutions and reflection. It’s on the news, television shows, and of course, most of us do it with our personal lives in one shape or form. We may look back at what we’ve accomplished and then set some goals on where we want to go from here.

This last year has been one I don’t think I’ll forget anytime soon. On December 30^th, 2010, my first novel was published through The Writer’s Coffee Shop Publishing House. I had no idea what to expect. As with many first time authors the excitement overshadows anything else. I wasn’t thinking of sales or marketing. Just having a book I wrote in my hands was beyond belief.

Now, a year later, I’ve gotten my feet wet a little in the indie publishing world. I now have two full length novels published, a short Christmas story I wrote for my publisher’s very first holiday romance compilation, I just finished editing and am preparing for the release of my third novel, and am already in the middle of writing my fourth. It has been an extremely busy year, but a very fulfilling one as well. I’ve met many new people, made some really good friends, and have learned so much.

In the coming year, I have lots of goals I hope to accomplish. Some are personal like trying to eat better and do some type of exercise every day. Others are book related. One of those is finishing the sequel to my second novel, Slave (Finding Anna Book 1).

I’ve learned over the years that although I might not fulfill all the goals I set for myself, that’s okay. But, nothing with ever be accomplished if you don’t try. I think back four years ago when I started my first story and realize that if I’d never taken that first step my life would be very different right now.

(Originally posted 1/4/12 on Kinky Book Reviews)

Author Bio 

Sherri spent most of her childhood detesting English class. It was one of her least favorite subjects because she never seemed to fit into the standard mold. She wasn't good at spelling, or following grammar rules, and outlines made her head spin. For that reason, Sherri never imagined becoming an author.

At the age of thirty, all of that changed. After getting frustrated with the direction a television show was taking two of its characters, Sherri decided to try her hand at writing an alternate ending, and give the characters their happily ever after. By the time the story finished, it was one of the top ten read stories on the site, and her readers were encouraging her to write more.

Nearly eight years later, Sherri is the author of eight full-length novels, and two short stories. Writing has become a creative outlet that allows her to explore a wide range of emotions, while having fun taking her characters through all the twists and turns she can create. You can find a current list of all of Sherri’s books and sign up for her monthly newsletter at www.sherrihayesauthor.com. 

An Interview With Lisa Bilbrey, Author of FORBIDDEN AWAKENINGS

Lissa Bryan sat down with Lisa to talk about writing erotica and her upcoming novel.

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Lissa Bryan: You were involved in the fan fiction world. How did you discover it, and how did you decide to take the plunge and post your first story? 

Lisa Bilbrey: Like so many people, I first read the Twilight books and found love for the characters. However, it wasn’t until I read a two-shot called Isle Esme that I found fan fiction. I was a member of an online parenting site, and someone posted the link. Curious, I clicked on it and it took me to the story. From there, I found myself reading story after story, and then one night about three or four months later, I found myself unable to sleep because I had this nagging storyline inside my head. So, I grabbed my laptop and started writing. And I wrote, and wrote, and wrote. For two years, I wrote a dozen stories. I wanted to post them, but I was so scared and nervous because I didn’t think I could write. I have a learning disability, and for a long time, I let it hold me back. But I found this love with writing. Almost like I found myself being set free. One day, my mother, who had read a couple of my stories, told me that I needed to share my words with others. So, I took the plunge and posted my first. And it was horrible! The worst grammar and spelling, but I had sweet readers, who taught me a lot, and I learned so much. Now, it has been five years and fifty stories later, and I still love it.

How did you make the move to original fiction? 

Making the jump from fan fiction to writing original fiction wasn’t easy. I was scared because taking characters that someone else had created and bending them to my will was one thing, but creating my own was scary. But then, as it happens a lot with me, I had this dream. In my dream, a young woman was standing on the beach. There was a storm brewing — lots of lightning and thunder, wind whipping her hair around her. In the dream, she was sobbing, and as she lifted her hands to the sky, a bright pink glow radiated from her fingertips. In an instant, the storm stopped, and when she looked back at me, her eyes were pitch black. I woke with a start, half scared of what I’d dreamed, and half excited. I had to write it. I had to, it was too important to let go. And that’s how Angel’s Heart: The Keeper began. While it wasn’t the first book I released, it’s the first that sparked something inside of me.

What do you believe is the most erotic scene you’ve ever written? What gives it that special edge? 

There’s a scene in Forbidden Awakenings where Elle is watching as her lovers are making love. She’s mesmerized by the way they move together. But instead of joining them, she decides to up the ante. Here’s a peek:

Elle strapped the device on, smiling as when she saw the pink silicone dildo hanging between her hips, felt the snugness of the leather straps against her skin, and the pressure of the vaginal plug pressed inside of her. Taking a deep breath, she turned and walked out of the closet.

"Holy shit,” Callum groaned, his eyes traveling down the length of her body, his eyes locking on the fake-cock. “Baby?”

“On your knees,” Elle ordered, smirking when Callum groaned and followed her demand by kneeling in front of her. 

His nude body was luminous in the soft lighting inside their bedroom. Behind him, Derek and Sadie were watching and waiting with anticipation for what she was going to do next. Elle slid her hand over her breast, tweaking the hardened peak of her nipple, the sensation causing her to whimper. 

Callum moaned, his mouth parting as his tongue snaked out and wet his bottom lip.

“Baby, please.”

“What do you want?” she asked, letting her hand slide further down her body until she was gripping the silicone appendage. “Hmm? Tell me what you want.”

“I want . . .” He exhaled a sharp breath, and for a moment, she wondered if she was going too far. They’d played with toys before, but was asking him to give himself over to her like this too much to request? But before she could say anything, Callum shifted his eyes up to hers and said, “Fuck me. I want you to fuck me, to take my ass and claim it as yours.”

Elle’s lips curved upward as she took a step toward him. She reached out, placing her hand on the back of his head while brushing the tip of the strap-on against his lips. 

Callum moaned again before he opened his mouth and began to suck on her pink dildo. 

“Jesus fuck,” Derek growled, and Elle looked over at him. He was stroking his cock, but his attention was locked on Callum and Elle. “That’s, um, that’s fucking hot.”

“He likes it,” Elle purred, turning her eyes back to Callum a she shifted her hips forward and filled his eager mouth. “Don’t you?”

With his mouth full, his response was muffed, but his hands, which had found her hips, spoke for him. He was pulling her forward, almost begging her to keep fucking his face. Elle was glad to oblige, to give her lover what he needed, what he wanted, because she needed and wanted him, too. 

“Yes, I thought so,” Elle murmured, stroking his hair before tightening her grip and pulling his mouth off of her. “But I want more. I want your ass.”

So, yeah, I go there. lol

Did you have any hesitation or shyness when you began writing erotica? If so, how did you overcome it? 

My biggest concern with writing Forbidden Awakenings was how to make the sex scenes realistic, without being too technical. I wanted to touch on the emotional aspects of their relationship, rather than the physical, but the physical was a huge part of who they were. And since none of my other books had a lot of sex, I worried about how far I could push my readers. I know that my book won’t be for everyone. There’s so many different types of love here: F/F, M/M, M/F/M/F. I worry a little that people will reject it because polyamorous relationships are so taboo, but I strongly believe in the characters I created and the love they share.

Your latest erotica novel has an untraditional romance. How do you balance that as a writer? Did it present any challenges to you? 

For me, one of the biggest struggles with a poly relationship, is keeping it balanced. It’s easy to have two characters, like Elle and Callum, become the main focus, and not explore Elle’s relationship with Derek or Sadie, I really put the extra effort in creating private moments between the four of them. Hopefully, I’ve done it justice and people will fall in love with them like I have.

You write in multiple genres, but all of your stories have a romantic bent. What do you think draws people to love stories? 

I think it’s the idea that love can be magical and special. For me, I love romances where the couple are strong and overcome their challenges without running from each other. It’s the idea that true love is worth going through hell, that there is someone out there who can save us, not from the evils in the world, but from ourselves. I found that person in my husband, and I guess, I like the idea of others finding theirs.

What drew you to write erotica? 

Well, I wanted to explore the genre, since I’ve written more than a couple as fan fiction, but there is a big difference between fan fiction and original fiction. I’d written a similar fic version of Forbidden Awakenings, but there was so much that I didn’t like about it. So, I decided rather than pull the FFs, I would completely rewrite them the way I wanted them to be written, and I think they’re 1,000 times better.

What do you think is the greatest challenge an erotica author faces in keeping their work fresh and exciting? 

I think it’s keeping the sex from being too repetitive, because, to be honest, there’s really only so many ways to describe people having sex. And this is where focusing on the emotional connection is so important, and not just relying on the sex to sell your book.

Do music or images provide inspiration for you? 

I listen to music a lot when I write. In fact, I have a huge playlists for the Awakenings Series, that includes: Nickelback, Hinder, P!nk, A Great Big World, Brandi Carlilse, and more. Anything that touches my heart is included. I don’t use images as much because I tend to have a clear view of what I want and how it looks. The trick is getting it from my head and into the book.

Do you have any advice for aspiring erotica authors?

Wow, I don’t know that anything I have to say will be helpful, but I guess it would be to let it go. Don’t be afraid of touching on the taboo, of taking chances because when you let yourself be free, the results are powerful and amazing. But at the same time, don’t force it.

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About the Author:

Obsessive, compulsive, slightly crazed, but enough about her personality. First and foremost, Lisa Bilbrey is a mom to three and a wife to one. She loves to write, and spends the majority of everyday writing. It's who she is, and what she's meant to be doing. Words are her life, the air she breathes, and the nutrients of her soul. Finding a love in the written word, Lisa Bilbrey started writing as a way to express herself and let her voice be heard. From the first word she wrote, she'd found her heart and soul.

Always willing to learn, she's spends much of her time trying to improve as a storyteller.

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Lisa Bilbrey is the author of 

Angel's Heart: The Keeper
Angel's Heart: The True Enemy
The Journey Collection
The Journey Home
The Journey of Champions
The Journey to Forever
The Journey to a New Life
Life's Unexpected Gifts
A Season of Change
The Apartment
Broken Hearts & Dusty Dreams
Whispers of Time Gone By

Forbidden Awakenings is available for pre-order on Amazon now. You can read the first chapter on Lisa's blog.