WWR: First, let me say how much I truly enjoyed Bad Boys Ahoy! It was a pleasure to read this book, and it makes me grateful I'm the one doing the interviews around here! I found the characters imminently likeable, the passion fiery and sweet, and the stories fast-paced and intriguing.
So...let's start off with my most pressing question. ;-)
WWR: Did you have any say in the order the stories were placed in the Bad Boys Ahoy! anthology? I'm a little interested in why the second story (Lucien's Gamble) wasn't in front of the first (Stolen Pleasures).
Sylvia: I didn't have a say. In fact, the stories were once listed chronologically, then rearranged into their present order of #2, #1, #3. I assume they wanted the Readers' Choice Winner first, regardless of timeline.
WWR: I loved that Lucien's Gamble and Her Mad Grace were so closely connected. Tell me what made you want to revisit Julienne's brother and give him a story of his own.
Sylvia: I really liked Hugh, even though he's almost the villain in "Lucien's Gamble". He has a dry wit, bad boy arrogance, and he's hot. *g* He had hero potential, and I wanted to see him grow up and find his own love.
WWR: My favorite story was Lucien's Gamble. Julienne and Lucien were crazy about each other but couldn't do anything about it! I thought you handled their mutual obsession well, without diluting the tension between them. In fact, the tension was my favorite part. What led you to write Lucien's Gamble? Can you tell us what you were thinking during the writing? Did it seem like such a strong story at the time?
Sylvia: Thank you!
In my head, there is a world of familiar characters. Many of the men in this world frequent Remington's Gentleman's Club, which led to me to think about Lucien Remington. What kind of man was he? What kind of woman would attract him and win his heart? He'd obviously be a man's man, understanding the types of comforts men would pay good money for. He'd be rich and ambitious. And hot. But he's in trade. Why?
Did I know it would be strong? No. I never know how a story is going to turn out until it's finished. I'm a panster (one who writes "by the seat of their pants"), not a plotter, so it's as much a surprise to me as it is to the reader.
A bit off topic, but I have to mention that Lucien has received a great deal of fan mail. *g* From the time I first launched my website with his excerpt, readers have been emailing me and asking when his story would be published. I'm not sure what it is about him. Must be the bad boy thing.
WWR: Stolen Pleasures was the Readers' Choice Winner of the Lori Foster / Kensington Brava Novella contest. Tell us about that. What was it like to find out your story had been chosen?
Sylvia: I was beyond thrilled. My entry was selected in the second week, which was a relief because the announcements of the finalists went on for another couple months afterwards. I wasn't sure what the contest would lead to, if anything. I knew that in the past, a few of the finalists did end up with Brava publishing contracts, but for me, I just hoped the editor would read it and find something worth pursuing. If not that story, then maybe something else.
WWR: You've written and published the first historical Bad Boys anthology for Brava! What's it like to be a maverick? :-) Are you going to be writing more historical novellas or novels for Brava?
Sylvia: I'm very excited to have penned the first all historical BAD BOYS! It was totally unexpected, and very scary. I even asked my editor, "Are you sure you want to give me my own book?" She'd done it before with other Novella Contest winners (Erin McCarthy - BAD BOYS ONLINE and MaryJanice Davidson - UNDERCOVER), but those were contemporaries. I'm grateful she trusted me and gave me the chance.
Will there be more? Definitely! I've finished two single title historicals for Brava--ASK FOR IT releasing in August, and THE STRANGER I MARRIED releasing in January--and I'm working on my next historical Brava now.
WWR: Would you care to tell us why you write? Many authors blame their love of reading. Are you an avid reader? What authors and books do you most enjoy? Is there a genre you particularly don't enjoy reading?
Sylvia: I write because I'm a romantic. I adore love stories and while nothing compares to reading a great romance, I often think, "What if the author had done this instead?" That sets my imagination off and I can't help but write down where it goes.
I LOVE to read. I can't imagine not reading. My favorite authors are Lisa Kleypas and Shelby Reed. I only read romance, so most hybrids don't appeal to me. I need the book to be at least 75% focused on the romance.
WWR: Have all your books been erotic romance stories? Why do you think you're drawn to that genre?
Sylvia: Yes, I write exclusively erotic romance. In my stories, the pivotal turning points of the romance happen during the unguarded intimacy of lovemaking. Afterwards, the increased sexual tension between the characters as they struggle to stay emotionally distant while physically craving each other is powerful, and oftentimes heart wrenching.
That's where the joy of writing comes into play for me. Those moments in a love story are what make this job my dream career.
WWR: How many books have you written and are you going to have more published soon? Tell us about them.
Sylvia: I had six releases in 2005--one mass market paperback anthology and five ebooks. In 2006, I have six trade paperback releases--two are multi-author anthologies, four are all mine. Then in 2007, I have a single title release and a multi-author anthology. I write for Brava, Avon, Black Lace, Amber Quill Press, and Ellora's Cave. And I write in most romance sub-genres--historical, futuristic, paranormal, and contemporary.
The best way to learn about my books is on my website, which is updated almost daily. My bookshelf is divided into formats (e-book or paperback) and sub-genres to make it easier for readers to find what they're looking for. I also have a printable booklist, which readers can use to order my books from their favorite bookseller. http://www.sylviaday.com/books/
WWR: Is romance your one true love, or do you plan to write books in other genres someday?
Sylvia: Romance is it for me. I love it. It's all I read, all I enjoy. I've no plans to write anything that isn't romance.
WWR: I'd like to know what advice you were given when you first started writing--that you didn't get until it was too late. What mistakes did you make at the outset of your career that made you want to beg for a do-over? I know, nosy question, but I had to ask!
Sylvia: Honestly, I don't think I've gotten to that stage yet. Despite my publication credits, I'm very new. I signed my first contract only a year ago and I was only writing for a year before that. So far, I've been very fortunate.
WWR: You have this really cool gear store on your website. However did you come up with the idea? And tell us about Sylvia's Sinners--they sound so wicked!
Sylvia: I originally set up the store as a place for personalized contest prizes. Then ‘Sylvia's Sinners' was suggested to me by a reader who participated in something similar with another author. I loved the idea of a "rewards" program for my die-hard readers. They're out there spreading the word, spending their hard earned money on my books, and keeping me motivated with their enthusiasm. I wouldn't have a career if it weren't for my readers and I think it's important for them to know how much I appreciate them. The Sinners asked about membership cards and other fun things. So creating a special Sinners Only section of the store was a natural offshoot of those requests.
WWR: Sylvia, thanks so much for your time for this interview! I wish you many great sales of Bad Boys Ahoy! and all your future projects. Bad Boys Ahoy! was great.
Sylvia: Thank you!
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