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Lorelei James
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AC: Lorelei James of Chasin' Eight (June 29 - June 30)
Welcome Lorelei, it's a pleasure to have you with us!I hope you enjoy your time with our members; and good luck to you all!
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Members, if you can please write the questions in bold; it would be easier for her to know that you have asked a questions and less chance that it will be missed. Thanks!
Your books were my first introduction into erotica. I am a huge fan. I can't get enough of your books. This will be a frivolous question to get us started. As an author of erotica are you ever hesitant or embarrassed to tell someone the genre you write? I often tell friends that they have to read your books. But, these are friends that I know will love you as much as I do. There are some I know that I am just not sure. You are an amazing writer, so it shouldn't matter, but I tend to overthink a situation.
Welcome to RRRC Lorelei. When did you realise that you you were a writer (not that you wanted to be - but that moment when you actually were able to list writer as your profession).
When you wrote Long Hard Ride did you envisage it being the start of a series or did you think it was going to be a (really great) stand alone book?
And just out of curiosity - how much say do you get in your cover designs?
Many many thanks for taking the time to talk to us all...
hi Lorelei - thanks for joining us.I remember downloading LHR was I was in Iraq in 2009 as a kindle freebie and I was hooked!
How do you develop your characters - do you keep a notebook with bits and pieces? find pictures that have various characteristics you think fit them? or something else
Thank you for answering our questions!With your series do you concentrate on writing one book at a time or do you plan for a number of them?
Tina,I'm happy you're enjoying the books!
I was published first in mystery in 2005 under my real name and I knew if I was ever published in romance, I'd take a second name. Not for an embarrassment factor, but because of writing in two completely different genres and the reader expectations for those genres. Even romance fans are divided on what they'll read -- many won't even try erotic romance, so you can imagine the response of mystery readers, who by and large don't want much sex, let alone explicit sex, clouding up their whodunit.
I have cross links on both my websites to the other website of my alter ego. I tend to have crossover fans from the romance side, readers who will try the mystery series although there is little romance in them, but the reverse isn't true. And yes, I get unflattering comments from mystery and literary lovers, along the lines -- I never read that romance crap, it's so predictable, blah blah blah -- that's not specifically directed at my books, but the entire romance genre in general. I'm proud of all the books I write regardless of the genre.
So to be honest, if your gut feeling says that your reading friends would look at you differently for your choice of reading material, then I'd keep it to myself. Life is too short to be made to feel bad about any choices you make!
L~
Tania,I started writing in 2000 and my first book was published in 2005. I told people who were interested in what I was doing after I quit my job, that in addition to being a stay at home mom fulltime, for the first time since we started having kids, I was writing. To be honest, a lot of them considered it a hobby until that first book hit the shelves. But during those years I told the IRS I was a writer :) -- so I've thought of myself in those terms since I finished my first book and immediately started the second book.
I wasn't sure how LONG HARD RIDE would be received. It had a lot of sex in it, way more than any book I'd written, and I knew that some people will not read books with cowboys as the heroes no matter if the book is erotic or sweet, historical or contemporary. It was one of those wait and see things. My publisher and I were both pleasantly surprised by how well the book did from the first day of release. So not only was a series born but I found my niche and the sub-genre of romance I really loved writing. I was comfortable writing series characters, although I knew this would be a challenge because I wouldn't be focused on the same character throughout the course of the series, but a different character each time. I call the Rough Riders series my western saga :) There will be 16 books total in this series.
I have a lot of say in my covers. The last...4 covers were all from photo shoots set up in LA specifically for my books. I'm very fortunate to have so much input, because that is not the case with other publishers I've dealt with.
L~
I remember when you contacted me, Dee, from one of the world's sandboxes :)I always carry a notebook with me. Sounds strange but it unlocks a different door writing longhand than typing on a computer. When I was taking kids to activities and had to sit for hours, I used the time to write, and notebooks worked best. More than half of my book BLOOD TIES was written longhand. I have several computer files of notes about the different series -- since I'm writing two different western romance series (3 if I count the Wild West Boys which is on hold) and two mystery series, as well as ideas for new books and characters in both mystery and romance. It's hard to keep everything straight sometimes, especially when I'm under multiple deadlines like I've been for the last 2 years.
Because the Rough Riders series has a large cast of characters, I'm always thinking ahead, and when a characteristic of a specific character that I'm still several books away from writing occurs to me, I add it to the story arc right away or else I'll forget it.
thanks!Do you have a favorite character? have to admit Cam is my favorite, but Kane is a close second ;) but I think Mercy is also kick-ass
Ken,That's a tough question. I'm more of the type who takes things literally, so I'd define hope as something that gives promise for the future.
I'm going to answer this in the context of writing because I don't believe you have to experience things firsthand to write about them accurately, at least in fiction. That's what makes writing romance so interesting is that everyone has a different perception of love, of how it feels to fall in love, of their expectations both before and after. So when it happens to them, they aren't exactly sure how they'll react. Sometimes badly, sometimes it'll change them entirely. I don't think it's something you can predict or even plan for.
Again, the short, literal -- probably cliched answer -- is love can be that feeling of butterflies in the stomach like that first sharp drop on a rollercoaster.
L~
I am a huge fun and love all your sexy cowboys! I'm currently losing sleep reading
late into the night, I have been having McKay cowboy withdrawal lately. I'm excited for Ben's book too. How was it emotionally for you writing
? I was surprised at how believable their HEA was (I've read many books where this wasn't the case). Their story was so emotional for me while reading it. The love was so genuine and intense. It is one of my favorite books still.
Joanne,Since I prefer writing series to stand alone books, I plan for multiple books in a series. I can't anticipate everything or how long a publisher will keep a series going, but I do include situations, characters etc. in books that I can utilize in future books. The hard part is fitting the thread into the current storyline without it being obvious to the reader. Also, keeping that line of including an interesting tease for future books for specific characters, without detracting from the story involving the hero and heroine. I'm usually working on 2 to 3 books at a time, if not actually writing them, at least thinking about them.
Hope that answered your question!
L~
I am so excited! I just got an iPad for Mother's day and downloaded LONG HARD RIDE for NOOK but haven't started it yet, it will be next on my to-be-read. Since Lorelei is a new author to me my question is non-specific to her writings. Did you keep a diary/journal growing up? What types of things do you use for inspiration? I have always had a weakness for cowboys so I can't wait to start reading your stories.
Megan,That's a huge compliment that you're losing sleep because of one of my books :)
ROUGH, RAW AND READY was a hard book to write. I read a lot of erotic romance so I know there are many books where the HEA and acceptance for people living a menage lifestyle comes really fast. One thing that I try to do in this series is keep true to the prevailing attitudes of the area I'm writing about -- and that is not always PC, or understood by people who might've driven through the area but don't live in the rural west. I've always considered Chassie and Edgard falling in love the main theme in RR&R. Trevor already loved both Chassie and Edgard. When Chassie and Edgard fell in love, it cemented the idea that love is not confined or defined by the person's gender, so to some extent, they both understood how and why Trevor could love them both.
I don't set out to write controversial books, or controversial scenes, sometimes it just happens and I don't even know it's controversial until after the book is released. If I worried about reader's reactions ahead of time I'd never write a damn word, so I stay true to my vision for the story and trust that if I've taken a wrong turn, my editors will pull me up short. A few readers commented they felt Chassie got "gypped" in the threesome relationship and I really have no response for that. Every reader gets something different from reading one of my books and trying to defend or explain is pointless. I wrote it. I stand behind it. I do get a lot of readers telling me RR&R is their favorite and wondering if I'll write more menage books like that. If it fits the character arc I'd consider it, but I don't feel every book needs a menage scene.
L~
Do you ever struggle with the backstory of a certain character? How the events in their life shaped them into what/how they are in the book. The characters that come to mind are Colt, watching his life spiral down in each book, and Cam, dealing with his injury, and Jessie, dealing with her not too perfect first marriage. For the Rough Riders series having so many books, they are all so unique and genuine, without blurring together like other series I've read, I'm always surprised at how they can all stand alone distinctly in my mind. They don't follow the same HEA storyline book after book and each couple has their own journey. That is why you are one of my favorite authors.
Welcome!! I have never read any of your books but I am going to have to add them to my "to-read" list...I love a good sexy cowboy story!!You said that you also write mysteries. I am an avid fan of both the mystery genre and the sexy contemporary romance genre. Do you find it difficult to switch back and forth between the two? Do you approach writing a mystery different than you approach writing a romance?
Thanks for taking the time to join us!
OMG such a fan girl here! I was drawn to your books because of the covers. At least that is what caught my attention. BEFORE your books I hadn't read one cowboy themed book. Now my screen saver is a picture I took myself of bull riders so I have grown into a cowboy lover. hee hee
So many great writing questions but I have just two. Sorry I don't know how to bold in the comments.
1. Is Sundance the same Sundance that has the film festival or is it a fictional town?
2. Where do you get your awesome boots? Do you have them custom made?
Thanks for your time and thank you so much for an amazing fictional family. I adore them!!
I agree with Tiffany I will have to put you in the to read section. I would love to here the answer to her question, as it was mine. :)
Renee,I hope you give the books a try.
I've never kept a journal -- I tended to embellish life events, which was an indication I should write fiction :)
As far as inspiration, do you mean inspiration to write on a daily basis? Because I have several books contracted, I write every day. It's my job and if I waited to get inspired I'd never even sit down at the computer.
If you mean inspiration as far as what to write? Well, I do live in the west and everything around me inspires me to share my love of this part of the country and the people who live here!
L~
Not dodging you Dee, or pimping my current release, when I say that Chase is my favorite. That's most likely because he's the freshest character in my mind!L~
@Megan, that is so true! It is rare that you find a series 10 books or longer that hasn't become redundant and stale.Yet, Rough Riders is still an auto buy for me. One of those series that I can't wait to get my hands on, and it is because each book is so unique. Somehow LL J manages to keep the family we love alive and present and give each character their own unique past and present even having grown up with each other.
Is there anything that is taboo? Anyplace that you won't let your characters take you to? Or have they taken you places that were uncomfortable, but you went with them to hear their story?
I just became a huge fan of yours over the last 2 weeks! That is how long it took me to read up on the Rough Riders series. I am starting on Chase today. Being that your books do have a happy endings, did you have any idea when you started that you were going to make Luke a unfaithful husband, kill him off then pair Jesse and Brandt together? Seems like that would be difficult without more background info on Luke.
I have to say next to Trevor/Chassie/Edgar this was the hardest book to read. It was so emotional.
I live in Ontario, and have never met a cowboy. For this reason, chosing a western book to read was not natural for me. Then I read one of yours. The integrity, work ethic, honesty, and humour of your characters both male and female had me instantly addicted. The more books you authored that I read the higher on my authors list you rose. I have now read most of them and am looking forward to the Nov release of Wrangled and Tangled. I have just downloaded book 10 and 11 to read now. My question is frivalous, and may sound niave, but I really do not know. Sorry I do not know how to change to bold script so will separate the question.Do cowboys really spend so much time mending fences? It seems to me when ever a group of cowboys need to be put out of the way so the main characters can make out they are sent off to mend fences? Or to town to buy feed. Just wondering.
lol! I torturing myself by not starting Chase until this weekend - I know I need the time to just sit and devour and I have a 4 day weekend - it'll be a good reading weekend ;) (plus i'm broke until payday since I locked myself out of my house the other day)Lorelei wrote: "Not dodging you Dee, or pimping my current release, when I say that Chase is my favorite. That's most likely because he's the freshest character in my mind!
L~"
Welcome Lorelei! I am a huge fan- love all of your Rough Riders and Wild West boys. If I wasn't on vacation right now with my kids under foot Chasin' Eight would already be done. Strong, Silent Type is one of my favorites. There is just something about Quinn and Libby's story that touched me. Is it easier or harder to write one of your shorter stories?
Sounds like the type of book I like to read since I love the west and horses and everything in between. Ill have to start a new bookshelf just for you! Thanks!
Welcome, Lorelei! It's such a joy to have you here with us!RR&R is my favorite of the series (although I'm up to #6 so I know I have a lot to look forward to) and I loved how you handled their HEA and found a solution that made sense for the place they live but also gave us a feeling they will be alright. I'm a very un PC person and I always hate when BIG societal conflicts are resolved overnight as part of the HEA.
I also read mysteries and I didn't know you were a mystery writer too! What made you decide to start your writing career as a mystery writer as opposed to sexy romance?
I also have a confession to make: I confuse all the male characters because all the names start with C or with K (basically, I think of them as 'the soldier', 'the eldest', 'the ex-alcoholic', or 'so and so's husband'.) You cannot imagine how happy I was when India's brother in law decided to change his name to Butch.
The covers of your mystery books are just beautiful! I just added the first book to my TBR. :) Which made me think...How quickly do you write? It seems you have so many books published and you just started in 2005.
Yes, M, I struggle with the backstory for most characters, it's their struggles that make them interesting to write and to read about.With Colt, I hoped readers would trust me and follow the story arc that allowed for his redemption because everyone should get the chance to change. Cam didn't need redemption as much as he needed self-acceptance, so it's ironic that self-acceptance came when Domini accepted him. Jessie never really had to stand on her own until Luke died, and she went through an adjustment period of trying to reconcile her less than rosy marriage. Sometimes that "hey, this wasn't as great as I remembered" flash happens all at once, sometimes it happens gradually.
And thank you for saying I don't write the same book over and over. The similarity in the characters? My male characters are all unapologetically alpha. It's what I write. It's what I like. It's what I *know*. I don't think anyone who's ever read my series will expect me to write a book about a beta man like a mild-manned business executive who works in middle management and is probably a super guy in real life. But doesn't interest me in fiction -- either from a writer's standpoint or a reader's. But that's just my opinion :)
I love your "unapologetic alpha" males. For me, there is no bigger turn on in a book. You did a fantastic job in all of the books getting that point acrossed. I love that you had them explain up front in their relationsihps about their "in control" behavior in the bedroom.
Did you have a certain Western Ranchin' Family that inspired these books? Or were all these hot cowboys just wondering around in your head waiting for you to bring them to life for all of us? And yes, we are forever grateful!
Lorelei wrote: "I don't set out to write controversial books, or controversial scenes, sometimes it just happens and I don't even know it's controversial until after the book is released. If I worried about reader's reactions ahead of time I'd never write a damn word, so I stay true to my vision for the story and trust that if I've taken a wrong turn, my editors will pull me up short. A few readers commented they felt Chassie got "gypped" in the threesome relationship and I really have no response for that. Every reader gets something different from reading one of my books and trying to defend or explain is pointless. I wrote it. I stand behind it. I do get a lot of readers telling me RR&R is their favorite and wondering if I'll write more menage books like that. If it fits the character arc I'd consider it, but I don't feel every book needs a menage scene.This statement cannot be more true, i wish sometimes that all writers would feel the same way. As much as i wish for another non-conformist relationship in the series, i want you to write about them because it fits into the story, not just as add-on.
Hey Lorelei, long time no "see"! I'm so glad you're able to spend time with us. Having a great time reading your answers.
I love the Rough Riders series, and hopefully soon i'll start on the Blacktop Cowboys. So if you guys have yet to pick up one of her books, i suggest you get on it right away! ^.^
Ooh, another Lorelei virgin :) I hope you give the books a try, Tiffany.The mysteries are written in first person singular so I utilize a different skill set in my writing brain than writing in third person with multiple points of view. I actually plot the romances more thoroughly than the mysteries (which is not to say the mysteries are not plot heavy, which they are!) it just surprises a lot of people that I'm not "spitting out one of "those" book over the weekend in my spare time" because everyone knows romance is total formula and has no originality whatsoever and anyone with even a pea-sized brain could write one -- tongue firmly in cheek there, but I have had people say something along those lines to my face, believe it or not.
Because the romances are erotic, every sex scene needs to drive the plot forward -- or backward in some cases -- or the scene needs to further character development. I approach mystery the same way, every violent scene needs to have a point and not just be for shock value.
When I first started writing, I had a balance between writing the mystery and the romances, but the Lorelei James career has taken off and I'm writing multiple books a year for multiple publishers, and I spend more time writing romance than mystery. Plus, Simon and Schuster, my publisher for the Mercy Gunderson series, only wants one book a year from me and I cannot write as Lori Armstrong for any publisher besides them because of contractual constraints.
Dee wrote: "lol! I torturing myself by not starting Chase until this weekend - I know I need the time to just sit and devour and I have a 4 day weekend - it'll be a good reading weekend ;) (plus i'm broke unt..."You're not alone Dee. I'm actually forcing myself to wait because it's going to be a while for our next fix! *whimpers*
Sinful -- love your name :)Taboo...hmm.. I probably won't ever write about incest and have that be an issue from a character's past that the character needs to overcome or deal with. It's been handled so well with other series I love (IN DEATH) and there are plenty of other life conflicts to work with.
I've been uncomfortable with lots of scenes in my books, but I let them play out as they're supposed to. Killing off characters is hard, but people die. Not all sexual situations are comfortable but I think that's more true to life than painting every sexual experience with angels singing in the background as the couple simultaneously orgasms a dozen times in one night :)
L~
Lorelei wrote: "Not all sexual situations are comfortable but I think that's more true to life than painting every sexual experience with angels singing in the background as the couple simultaneously orgasms a dozen times in one night :)"What? You've never heard angels sing after the multiple simultaneous orgasms? You've just never been in looooove and your soul hasn't communed with his in that most important of physical acts!!! *snorts*
When I read scenes like this in romance, my eyes roll out of my eyes so much that I'm always afraid they will come out of their sockets.
I do have awesome covers, Michelle, so I'm glad they lured you in :)Sundance Wyoming is a real place. So is Moorcroft. It's one of my favorite places so that's why I set the RR stories there and it's about 90 miles from my house so if I need to do research I can just hop in my car. That said, quite a few of the stores, restaurants, etc. I mention are fictional.
I did a library event in Hulett (which is smack dab in the middle of that area) last year and quite a few of the women in the audience asked where I was getting the characters because not many of the men in their area were like the McKays, which cracked me up. I always point out my characters are fiction, probably larger than life, but I do know several cattleman, ranchers and cowboys who could fit right in with my McKay men :)
I buy boots locally when I can, and so far haven't ponied up the cash to get a custom pair made. Umm...and don't ask me how many pairs of boots I have because I honestly don't know.
L~
there are so many of us that are OMG, got to buy it day of release/soon as we can afford it readers of your books - do you have any authors you read/enjoy like that?
Lauren,I knew Luke was going to die around...book 4. I didn't know about Brandt and Jessie's story arc until book 7 after Luke died. Some things I can plan for, some things just happen and even I'm like...WTF? Really? Where the hell did *that* come from?
I have a huge surprise in CHASIN' EIGHT that I've also known about since around book 7 but I've been vague about, hinted at, but no one but me and my editor knew about.
L~
I guess that gives me an excuse to go back and re-read the rest of the series to see if I can pick up on the hints...(after I read Chase of course)
Sandi,Going to the Calgary Stampede is on my list of rodeos to attend.
Our friends own a huge ranch...he told me he could spend 8 hours a day, 7 days a week fixing fence and he wouldn't be done in 20 years. So it really depends on the size of the ranch.
Right now if the weather holds, aka we actually get sun instead of rain, they start haying and that can take weeks.
L~
Novellas are much harder for me to write. But sometimes there just isn't enough conflict for a full length novel, and getting a slice of life is better than the whole pie :)Have a great vacation, Fran!
Nope, Lauren, all the characters are from my head, so sometimes, that is a lovely place to be!I do think there's a lot of truth in books that deal with a woman being strong-minded enough to surrender to a man sexually. Not become a doormat, a slave, etc., but to trust that man will take care of her needs. Being naked adds another layer of vulnerability.
L~
Lorelei wrote: "Sandi,Going to the Calgary Stampede is on my list of rodeos to attend.
Our friends own a huge ranch...he told me he could spend 8 hours a day, 7 days a week fixing fence and he wouldn't be done ..."
Thank you for taking the time to answer, mending fences sounds like such a frustrating job, never done. I too should get to Calgary events, and the Klondike days in Edmonton are of equal interest in the western scene.
Thanks, Rossy, for having me.Many authors don't mix it up as far as plots because they write what they know sells and what their readers expect. I can't fault them for that, because hey, as much as we like writing, it is a job. We have bills.
ALL books have a formula to some extent -- that's what defines genre fiction. Heck, there are only 3 basic plots so how we mix it up and put our own spin on it, within genre constraints...is why there are so many sub-genres in romance, mystery, fantasy and sci-fi, YA...and why there are so many different authors. If you don't like one author's take? There are plenty of others to choose from.
I don't write the same book every time, that'd be a helluva lot easier. Write a m/m/f menage, and then ooh, mix it up and write a m/f/m menage and if I'm really daring, a f/f/m menage (why daring? Because by and large f/f doesn't sell in romance and we writers are dependent upon sales to get contracts for additional books and honestly, most readers are put off by f/f because that isn't a fantasy, being the object of 2 men's sexual attention? Who wouldn't want that?) Or I could write another book like COWGIRL UP AND RIDE because that seems to be the most popular book I've written as far as readers favorites.
But if a plot line bores me? I figure it'll bore readers. So I'd rather step out on a limb and take a chance I'll fall on my face than stay safe on the tree trunk :)
L~
The wait isn't that long, relatively speaking - WRANGLED AND TANGLED is out in Nov. and COWBOY CASANOVA will be out Dec. 6thL~
Lorelei wrote: "Yes, M, I struggle with the backstory for most characters, it's their struggles that make them interesting to write and to read about.With Colt, I hoped readers would trust me and follow the stor..."
I love alpha men and was lucky enough to marry one, sadly minus the cowboy hat though, lol.
I love how everyone enjoys your covers. I fell in love with the covers before I started my first book by you. My 4 year old daughter picked up
off my bookshelf and said "Mommy, he's got a cute tummy." LOL, "yes, yes he does hun" LOL Have you ever thought about branching off into paranormal or historical romance or any other genre?
By the way, reading Chasin' Eight on my lunch break and I'll never look at a Twinkie the same way again! lol
Romance Readers Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
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Cowgirls Don't Cry (other topics)
Slow Ride (other topics)
Long Hard Ride (other topics)
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Meet Lorelei: A bit about me: When I'm not squirreled away behind my laptop writing fun, sexy, contemporary erotic romances set in the modern day Wild West, I can be found reading everything under the sun, practicing yoga until I’m a pretzel, shootin' my .22, watching the Professional Bull Riders tour on Versus, and running a kid's taxi service, all in the guise of avoiding housework and rustlin' up vittles.
Why do I have a particular fondness for all things western? Well, I'm a fourth generation South Dakotan, living in the Black Hills, which is chock-full of interesting characters, including cowboys, Indians, ranchers, and bikers. The geographical diversity of the surrounding area showcases mountains, plains, and badlands. Living in and writing about rural settings gives me a unique perspective, especially since I'm not writing historical westerns. Through my fictional world, I can show the ideals and the cowboy way of life are still very much alive.
http://www.loreleijames.com/
Books:
Giveaway: 1 ebook copy of Chasin' Eight. Open to both US and Non-US Residents.