Author Interview: Marie Harte

Author Name: Marie Harte

Year started writing for LI: 2007

Titles: Tied and True; Reaper’s Reward; Mirror, Mirror; Saturnalia; Satyr’s Myst

Web Page: http://www.marieharte.com

What genre do you write in, and why? : I write in a lot of genres, but specifically have been writing contemporaries and paranormals for Loose Id. Contemporaries give me a breath of fresh air, where I can focus more on character than on creating a world. And paranormals test reality, so I can go back to breaking rules with those.

How much time do you spend writing every week? : Hmm, about two to three hours a day (usually at night), except for the weekends where I can normally fit in a few more if my husband will take the kids. But if I’m on a hot streak, I’ll sacrifice everyone’s dinner for my muse. J

What was the first story you ever wrote about? (not nec. first published story) :
I was very young, maybe 8 or 9, and wrote a story on 5x8 index cards. It was about three girls and three guys in the jungle, and the girls had crushes that were returned. A bunch of Tarzans and Janes living it up without parents, and who could turn into animals at a whim. And I wrote it in purple ink.

How do you judge the effectiveness of the sensual scenes in your stories? : If it turns me on after I read it, it’s good. If the words are flat to me, they’ll be flat to the reader as well.

Do you ever try out the sexual positions you write to make sure of accuracy? : Once in a while, but for the most part, I fantasize a lot. And I’m pretty good at accurately gauging spacial relationships. Slot A, Tab B…etc. haha

Ever been told, Um...sweetie, that's not how it works? : A few times, yes. And I cracked up over the editorial commentary that’s rated X and yet still managed to sound professional. Too funny.

What one word best describes your toy collection? : very slim, but I like to share my husband’s magazine and video collection. Hey, what’s his is mine. That’s my motto.

Favorite candy while writing? : Chocolate, specifically those dark chocolate, mint Musketeer snack bites. They KILL me.

Where did your most unusual plot idea come from? : Not sure. A lot of my ideas come from the shower. See the next question.

What inspires you to write? : The Discovery Channel, TV, other books I’ve read that make me wonder what if? Oddly enough, most of my ideas come to me in the shower. I stand there zoning out with the water hitting me, and bam. A story comes to mind. Weird, I know.

What music inspires your writing? : I don’t write to music. No music, television or radio. I like silence.

Plotter or a Panster? : A little of both. I have a general plot where I think the story should go, but between that first word and the last, it’s anything goes.

Does your cat insist on sitting on your keyboard like mine does? : No. Molly is nearly 10 and still hates everyone. She’s so mean she’s cute, and when she lets you pet her, it’s as if you’re getting a real treat, at least until she bites you.

What is your most embarrassing moment as an erotic romance author? : Having my mom accuse me of writing porn. Though it wasn’t as embarrassing as it was annoying. We’ve had some discussions about it, and she’s since “seen the light.”

Most challenging place you've ever written a spicy scene? : I only write at home in the privacy of my study. I simply cannot write with the distractions of family, or, God forbid, the yammering at a Starbucks. When I go to a coffee shop, I want to drink coffee and talk, not write.

When you get stuck, how do you find your way back to the writing? : Sometimes I start something new. Other times I know I just need a break. But I never give myself more than a few days off, and that’s if I’m really struggling.



The Personal stuff:

Any outrageous liaisons in your past? Unfortunately no. If only I were as adventurous as my heroines on the page.

Where's the most unusual place you ever managed to have sex? : In a dorm room. Hey, I said I was boring , see the question above.

What was the most romantic meal you've eaten? : It was a combo seafood/filet plate for one of my wedding anniversaries. We only hit this place once a year, if that, because it’s expensive, but the food and service are terrific and that adds to the romanticism of the date.

What kind of books do you read for fun? : Romance, scifi, horror and fantasy. I’m a true bibliophile. I don’t often read nonfiction, but I do like biographies and the occasional true crime, because I find human motivations fascinating.

Is your real life anything like your stories? What about your fantasies? : Some of my characters are military or ex military, and I use my time served in the Marine Corps as some basis for their experiences. Other jobs I’ve had are good for character backgrounds. My fantasies on the other hand… let’s just say I have yet to talk my husband into a threesome, and I mean the m/f/m kind. Sigh

If you were to make a bumper sticker for your car that had to relate to erotic romance, what would it say? : SEX is not a four letter word. Read a romance, save a marriage.

Soulmates? Do you believe? : I truly do. And I one day hope to meet him. (pssst, is my husband reading this?) Just kidding. But for those who haven’t met their soulmates, I do believe there are people out there who complement us during the different stages in our lives. But it’s the rare souls who finds their other half.

Sex with anyone famous? : Hell no. Those “famous” people have too many problems.

Cake or Pie? Coke or Pepsi? Tea or Coffee? : Pie, Coke and Coffee. But not in that order.