Please give a warm welcome to Dakota Dawson, author of several short stories including Fulfilling Rachel: The Sexcation.
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you’re currently working on or promoting.
I’m an “experimenter” and love sex in almost every form. I have very few hang-ups and don’t judge anyone for their kinks and fetishes. As long as you enjoy what you’re doing and aren’t harming anyone (non-consensually of course), I think it’s awesome! I have a degree in English, but don’t blame me for mistakes, as I believe in descriptive vs prescriptive. Right now I am finishing up a foursome story (which might be based on a true story…), and in the middle of a dystopian erotica story. In the latter, sex has become a form of entertainment similar to television that is solely done through virtual reality. My protagonist breaks free from the mold and looks for physical interaction, no matter what the risk.
As I write erotica, and exclusively use a pen name, my picture is intentionlly sexy and my face was cropped. Yes, it’s me, and I also use myself for the majority of my covers.
Who or what inspires you?
I am most inspired by things that I want to try but haven’t had the opportunity, but I also draw on my own sex life (which every year becomes more exploratory). I also write for my spouse, which is how I started in the business. I keep a notebook full of plots and characters and also love taking ideas from fans and from friends. My list of current ideas grows faster than I can write!
Do you set writing goals and if so, what are they?
My typical goal is 2k words a day, but not necessarily items for publishing. Writers should read and write EVERY DAY!!! If it’s not your passion, find another field. Sometimes I’ve cranked through 10k words in a day just because I couldn’t stop myself.
What does your writing space look like?
I write wherever I feel comfortable. Everything is done on a chromebook, so I have a exceptionally long battery life, and ultra-portable. I have written on my couch, in the mountains, coffeehouses, college campuses, the bedroom, in a hammock, etc.. Don’t limit yourself to an office, inspiration comes best when you change your environment.
What are your three favorite books including the authors?
Hamlet (Shakespeare), The Sound and the Fury (Faulkner), and the entire “Xanth” series (Piers Anthony). I read in every genre, usually alternating classics with contemporary.
Is there a message in your book(s) that you want readers to grasp?
Enjoy sex. Really. And don’t judge people for what they like.
Do you see yourself in any of your characters?
Yup. Of course. Whether I’m writing from a male perspective or a female, at least one of the people getting lucky has a large amount of me in them. I mean, I write as much for myself as I do for others, so I need to be involved!
Was one of your characters more challenging to write than another?
It was very difficult getting the protagonist in The Zombie Sex Diaries right at first. Trying to accomplish the task of creating a sexy zombie story drove me nuts until the ideas started flowing. Plus, I tried to write in my normal style, which proved impossible in this case, so I spoke from my own persona, which explains the snarky, humorous attitude.
Is there a character that you enjoyed writing more than any of the others?
Absolutely, Kayleigh (who stars in 3 books so far, with at least another 3 planned). She’s becoming the perfect pet, but still retains her sense of self. She’s strong by being submissive.
What do you do when you’re not writing?
I’m outdoorsy, so hiking, camping, backpacking, etc. I’m also a musician and a beginning artist. Oh, and sex. As much as I can get.
What do you do to stay sane as a writer?
First off, writers are inherently insane. We hold on to the last vestiges of our mental faculties BY writing. Find me an author that isn’t a bit “touched,” and I’ll show you someone that is either unsuccessful or a liar!
I have found the writer’s community to be very supportive and welcoming. Please share writers that you recommend for us to check out.
- Ashlynn Aimes
- Gabriel Argonne
- If you haven’t read anything by Selena Kitt, then why not?