Interview with Tawny Taylor

Michelle Ellis © 2006

Wild Child Publishing.com © 2006

WCP: When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

TT: It's funny but unlike many writers, I didn't grow up knowing I wanted to be a writer. In fact, I had several other career aspirations before deciding to give fiction writing a try. However, now that I look back, I can see that many of my former jobs required writing skills. I suppose you could say I was practicing for the day when I'd realize what I really wanted to do.

WCP: What do you want to say with your writing?

TT: Wow. Deep question.

Love conquers all...and sex is fun? Life isn't worth living if you can't have love and laughter? Alpha men rock? Oh, and polar bears can be sexy.

Yeah. All that.

WCP: How does writing make you feel?

TT: A lot of stuff, not all good--frustation (at times), elation (at other times). Joy and saddness. Pride and humiliation. Agony and ecstasy. Some days the pages write themselves. Some days it would be easier to squeeze blood out of a rock than pull a few decently written pages out of my brain.

WCP: What would life be like without writing, for you?

TT:My family might be happier. (smile) They'd have clean clothes, a tidy house and homecooked meals. Then again, knowing me, I'd find something else to obsess about, something besides cleaning, washing and cooking. I'm so NOT domestic.

WCP: What did your first publication feel like, and where was it published?

TT: I was SO thrilled when I received my first contract (Raphaela's Gift, Echelon Press). I was sure I'd "made it" and I'd soon be a famous author. How wrong was I? LOL You can't find that book anywhere. However, it did lead to my first contract with Ellora's Cave, which led to more contracts, and more. I'm still far from famous, but I like to say I'm "almost famous".

WCP: What was your latest publication? Where can we buy it?

TT: I've had several books release within the past few weeks. In print: SEX AND THE SINGLE GHOST (Kensington) and BEHIND CLOSED DOORS (Ellora's Cave). Both of those can be purchased at Amazon or at Borders/Waldenbooks stores and independent booksellers. Ebooks: MARK OF THE BEAST, the launch book for my new Animal Urges series at Ellora's Cave, can be purchased at www.ellorascave.com.

WCP: What does this year hold for you, writing wise?

TT: The past twelve months were really exciting, lots of "firsts". I saw the release of my first Kensington book, my first contract with Pocket, my first interview with a major newspaper, and my first writer's conference (Romantic Times, Daytona). I've also seen the release of several books at Ellora's Cave, both in print and ebook. I've put together some new proposals, which my agent is shopping around, and have explored some new subgenres, like shapeshifters, menage, vampires, and chick lit...and the year's not over yet! You know, it seems there comes a point when a writer's career starts to gain momentum and an author can sense it. I feel like I'm teetering on the cusp of that. It could happen. It could not.

WCP: Where do you see yourself in a years time?

TT:Next year at this time, I'll be celebrating the release of my second Kensington title (REAL VAMPIRES DON'T DRINK O-NEG) and my first Pocket release (MASTER OF SECRET DESIRES). I'm hoping the momentum I sense now will be fully realized, allowing me to release more "Beast" stories for Ellora's Cave and explore other opportunities and subgenres. I have an idea for a paranormal erotica series I'd love to get started on, a chick lit series, and a vampire erotica series.

WCP: What is your ultimate goal?

TT: To have a series/character that is as recognizable as Lora Leigh's "Breeds", MaryJanice Davidson's "Undead" Betsy, or Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum.

WCP: What do you like to do other than writing?

TT: Chase my toddler, entertain my kiddies, and sew period garb--Victorian, Renaissance and Medieval.

WCP: If money was no object, what would be your first purchase?

TT: A nice home with property, a barn and a wooded lot. Around here that costs a small fortune, at least $1 million.

WCP: What are your views on ebook vs. print publishing?

TT: Oy. This is a hot-button topic. The pressure!

I'm definitely pro-epublishing. After all, I attribute much of my current success on epublishing. But I still caution authors to be careful and research a publisher thoroughly before submitting.

New epubs offer new authors who might otherwise remain unpublished the opportunity to get their books pout there, into the world. And those first sales can (and often do) lead to bigger and better things. However, after having had several books published by a few different epublishers, it's become evident to me that readers are publisher-loyal, not necessarily author-loyal. And the online romance world is a relatively small one, jam-packed with ebook authors all out to promote their work. As a result, there are only a few epublishers that offer authors the opportunity to sell adequate copies of their books, so that the MANY hours of work involved in writing and promoting the book is actually worth it. Also, new publishers can and have shut down with little or no notice, leaving authors to battle to get their rights back.

Finally, there are specific genres that sell much better in ebook than others. Erotic fiction is probably the best selling, and the kinkier the better. If you're an author of sweet Regency romances, this isn't good news.

So, yes, epublishers are great. The market is slowly expanding and some ebook authors see income that rivals that of print book authors. However, we're still a long way away from the average epublished author making a reasonable amount of money from a book, unless they're writing specific material for specific publishers. At best, an epublished author can hope to enjoy a relatively stress-free career, writing what they love, turning in books to their editor and happily carting their royalty checks to the bank weeks later. At worst, they can expect to spend months writing the book, and then throw good money after bad to promote it, seeing no return on their investment.

WCP: What's your advice to aspiring eBook and print authors?

TT: Understand the benefits and drawbacks to both ebook and print publishing.

Some ebook publishers may be easier to "break into" than print, may offer a new author the opportunity to develop her craft while working with an editor, and may provide the author with the opportunity to see a book that is not commercial enough for larger distribution published. But the drawbacks are low royalties, (sometimes) lack of editing, poor distribution of print books (many bookstores will not stock POD titles), and instability of the publisher. It's wise for aspiring authors to do their homework and select their publisher carefully.

The world of print publishing can be equally dangerous to an author who stumbles into it without proper representation. Having an experienced agent with a solid track record of sales is a MUST. Print contracts can be confusing, and sometimes contain sticky clauses that can make it difficult for an author to build her career. But the payoff will be wider distribution of the book and greater exposure in the marketplace.

WCP: Okay, a fun question. Are you a tea, coffee or pop person?

TT: Pop! Diet Coke.

WCP: I'd like to thank you for taking the time to do this interview. It was lovely speaking with you.

TT: Thank you for having me! I appreciate the opportunity.

Links to Tawny's work:

• Mark of the Beast (ebook)
• Sex and the Single Ghost
• Behind Closed Doors