Please give a warm welcome to Sarah Daltry, author of Forget Me Not.
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you’re currently working on or promoting.
I’ve been writing for some time, although I didn’t officially go “live” until earlier this year. It’s one of those things – I did it for so long and it was something a few people knew that I did, but it was just a hobby. Finally, a friend suggested I actually stop doing it only as a distraction between work and socializing, so I did.
Right now, I am promoting my new book, Forget Me Not, which will be out soon. It is a novella length New Adult erotic romance. In my short story, “Her Brother’s Best Friend,” Lily finally sleeps with Derek, her brother’s best friend whom she’s had a crush on for years. Now, ten months later, things are going strong with them and she is off to college. However, when school starts, she realizes it’s hard to maintain a relationship while also trying to live her own life. She and Derek find themselves falling apart and Lily has no idea where to turn.
Enter Jack. Everything about him is wrong for Lily and she knows it, but she can’t stop herself from being attracted to him. When things implode with Derek, it’s Jack who is there to pick up the pieces – and show Lily an entirely new set of experiences she didn’t know she was missing.
Of course, Jack has his own problems and once Lily gets to know him better, she starts to wonder if she can handle all of Jack. When Derek reappears on the scene, Lily is forced to decide between two guys and herself. Can she find herself without losing the people who matter in the process?
What genre is your book? Do you write in other genres as well?
This one is New Adult and very steamy. It is as much about coming of age as it is about discovering sexuality. I write erotica and romance in a variety of styles. I have several works that are basically straight-up smut (minimal plot and a lot of sex). I also have The Quiver of a Kiss, which is historical erotic romance based on the life of Helen of Troy.
What does your writing space look like?
My writing space is wherever I have my computer. Sometimes it’s my desk at work (although that’s a secret between us!); other times, it’s my couch or bed depending on time of day, energy level, etc. I’ve even dragged my laptop to Barnes and Noble’s café on more than one occasion when there was too much distraction at home.
Who are your three favorite books including the authors?
This is always a tough question. My favorite books change almost daily, depending on my mood. It’s also hard because I’m not sure if I should name my favorite in my genre or just in general! I love the classics, I have to admit. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte is the ultimate bad boy love story. Romance writers today have to give her credit; there would be no Christian Grey without Heathcliff. The tortured antihero is perfected in that novel. Another favorite, also with a broken man, is The Sun Also Rises. Hemingway captures sexual tension like no one can, although the ending is depressing. I think Jake Barnes might be the love of my life, though. So there are two novels with male characters who are swoon worthy yet damaged. As far as vampires? I think my favorite vampire writer is Poppy Z. Brite (Lost Souls). She manages to get the sexy part down without sacrificing the whole vampire thing. I like the balance.
Is being an author your dream job? If so, how long have you been chasing the dream? If not, what would be your dream job?
Definitely, although it isn’t a perfect job. I love writing and I would love to be successful as a writer, having time to focus on my writing as my primary career. However, writing can be a lonely profession and it is far more stressful than a lot of people know. Still, I can’t think of anything else I would enjoy more than just writing. Except being a curator for the Met in NYC. That would basically be the coolest job of all time.
Is there a character that you enjoyed writing more than any of the others?
I love Nora from Bitter Fruits. She’s incredibly flawed. I liked telling her story because she was a lot of fun (her commentary entertained me) but also because she was not simple. She had a lot to face, but really her story could be taken out of the paranormal realm and it’s not much different than what a lot of college girls face. Her idea of love is a little different than that of others, but it makes sense to her. I enjoyed thinking about why we expect people to have the same relationships that we do; I think adults should be free to love other consenting adults and it’s not our place to define what is a moral or normal relationship (provided everyone is of age and in agreement). I think Fifty Shades taught us that there is often a lot going on under the surface of people’s lives.
What do you do when you’re not writing?
I am a master at wasting time! I work a lot, but when I’m not working or writing, I am usually doing absolutely nothing of value. I watch terrible TV, look for pictures of cats on the internet, play mindless video games… Basically, I look to turn off my brain for a little while.
How much time a day do you spend on social media?
Too much. I sometimes wonder how I can use Facebook for as many hours as I do and still get my work done. When I’m under deadline, I have to close all windows and resist the urge to check in or it isn’t getting done!
What do you do to stay sane as a writer?
Like I said, I entertain myself by turning it all off. As a writer, I am always about five ideas ahead of what I am working on at the moment. My sleep schedule is sporadic and, when I’m in the midst of something, it’s almost unhealthy. Thank God for coffee! I also take time off once in a while. If I’m in the early stages of something, it isn’t so bad, but once I get into rewrites and edits, I need sometimes to put it all away and forget it exists. That’s the best way. Also, I keep writing. There’s a lot of noise in my head; getting the words out helps quiet that noise.
Do you read your reviews and if so, how do you cope with a bad one?
I do. Truthfully, every single bad review makes me want to cry. Sometimes, I do cry. And then, I move on. It’s one person’s opinion. The greatest works of art in history (which I am not saying I create, just using as a comparison) have their detractors. If there is something in the review I can use, I take it into account. Otherwise, I leave it behind. I also think that there are two additional factors – one, people like to complain more than they like to compliment. Two, the internet is a haven for trolls. The anonymity calls to these people and just begs them to be jerks. So, I remind themselves that they are jerks.
I have found the writer’s community to be very supportive and welcoming. Please share three writers that you recommend:
Braxton Cole, Chloe Thurlow, and Mary Lancaster
Please be sure to like Sarah Daltry’s Facebook page, Bitter Fruits page and follow/friend her on Twitter, Tumblr and Goodreads!
