What
genre do you write in? Any specific reason why you chose the genre?
I write erotic romance. It was a genre
I fell into - my debut novel dealt with the nature of sexuality and so involved
multiple erotic scenes, and I discovered through this that I apparently write
sex very well!
Where
do you get the ideas for your books? How do you go from idea to outline?
I draw ideas from all sorts of places
- I'm always having to email or text myself because an idea has come to me at
an inconvenient time. These get written down and left until I'm ready to pick
them up, which will probably be when I have several small ideas that will work
well together so that I can form an outline from them.
Are
you a plotter or a pantser? Why?
I'm mostly a plotter, although I'm
always open to new ideas as I write.
If
you are a plotter, how thoroughly do you outline the plot?
I like to know where I'm going, but I
don't outline too tightly - I find the story will often develop as it goes so
there always needs to be room for manoeuvre. The characters have a tendency to
tell their own stories, I find, and often things which were briefly mentioned
early on will turn out to have vital importance later.
If
you have to choose only one element (setting/ character development/ structure/
conflict/ etc.) that is absolutely essential to every novel you’ve written,
what would it be? Why?
I'm probably in the minority on this,
but for me it would be setting. I like to set my novels in distinctive places every
time, so they're memorable for the reader and more fun for me to write.
How
much time do you spend on getting to know your characters before you start the
first draft? Why?
I don't go into too much detail
straight away - what is important to me is a strong sense of who a character is
as a person, and that can often be sketched quite broadly. The little details
often come out of the story. That said, when I wrote about fraternal twin
sisters, I did spend more time on them so that I could establish their
similarities and differences.
What
is the single most important thing a writer must do before he/she starts
writing the first draft? Why?
For me, it's having a plot - even if
it's only general, or if it changes (as mine frequently do). If I don't have some
idea of where I'm going, I'll wander around all over the landscape.
Do
you only self-edit or hire a professional editor? Why?
I self-edit. In part this is because I
know there will be more editing to come after acceptance, but also because I
used to be an editor on a regional magazine myself so I have a certain degree
of confidence in my editing skills. I leave the draft alone for a few days so I
can view it objectively.
How
many drafts do you write before submitting to publishers?
Generally two, although longer pieces
have been known to have three drafts. I do a lot of fiddling as I write, so
it's usually enough to write a first draft and then go over it one more time.
Do
you submit to multiple publishers at the same time or stick to one?
Unless I'm submitting for a particular
submissions call, everything I write goes to Totally Bound first. They were the
first to accept me and so far have proven to be a great publisher, so they
definitely have my loyalty.
If
you have to give one sentence advice to a novice writer, what would it be?
Finish the book.
Could
you please give us a list of your published books and a short blurb about each
one? Please state the publisher and year published as well.
The Hand He Dealt - Totally Bound June
2011
Astra Scott likes to live life to the full. A sorority girl and Gaming Management student, she spends her days studying and practising guitar, and her nights partying or working at the Fountain Casino, where she has an internship as part of her final semester. The only blot on her landscape is Ash Drake, her best friend Sasha's boyfriend. Arrogant, physical and blond, Ash has never forgiven Astra for her rejection months earlier and enjoys annoying her at every turn.
But when Astra's boyfriend Harry reveals a shocking secret, Astra responds in the only way she can think of: by finding a way to take on a more attractive, masculine role in the relationship. Her experimentation with sex toys finds a surprising outlet in Sasha, but when Ash discovers their secret and wants to get involved, Astra finds herself torn between dislike and desire…and as their undercover relationship grows, Astra finds herself falling in love, a path she feels can only end in heartbreak. For Ash may be the only man whose own fantasies are a match for hers, but can she knowingly steal his affections from her best friend?
I Heard Your Voice - Totally Bound December 2012
Tamar
Steele’s life was never supposed to be like this. A sensitive working with a
team of paranormal investigators, she is trapped in a loveless relationship
with the team’s medium, Reed James, who believes that having sex on haunted
ground enhances paranormal activity. Tamar maintains their partnership for the
sake of the crew, forcing herself to ignore the burgeoning sexual tension
between her and fellow investigator Jason Bray.
Until one night when, alone and bored, Tamar sings to herself and is knocked to the ground by an invisible force. Somehow she is able to invoke spirits with the power of her voice. And one particular sexy, matchmaking spirit is determined to turn her life upside down.
Until one night when, alone and bored, Tamar sings to herself and is knocked to the ground by an invisible force. Somehow she is able to invoke spirits with the power of her voice. And one particular sexy, matchmaking spirit is determined to turn her life upside down.
Sleepwalker - Totally Bound November
2013
Tally Haslam has too much to deal
with. A herbalist and aromatherapist, her latest creation - an aphrodisiac
potion - remains in unsaleable condition as she has nobody to test it with.
And, much to her annoyance, she sleepwalks.
Hoping to get away from it all for a weekend, Tally travels to nearby Madigan Hall for their yearly Paranormal Evening—but on the first night she wakes up outside the bedroom of another guest: Kyle Hunter, who has chosen to pleasure himself with the door open. Tally escapes without being seen, but is unable to get Kyle out of her head—especially when she finds herself at the same table at him the following evening.
However, Tally's world is turned upside down when, at the paranormal dinner, she encounters the ghost of the Blue Lady, who seems determined not to leave her alone—and shows a disturbing penchant, when Tally sleepwalks again, for leading her astray…
Hoping to get away from it all for a weekend, Tally travels to nearby Madigan Hall for their yearly Paranormal Evening—but on the first night she wakes up outside the bedroom of another guest: Kyle Hunter, who has chosen to pleasure himself with the door open. Tally escapes without being seen, but is unable to get Kyle out of her head—especially when she finds herself at the same table at him the following evening.
However, Tally's world is turned upside down when, at the paranormal dinner, she encounters the ghost of the Blue Lady, who seems determined not to leave her alone—and shows a disturbing penchant, when Tally sleepwalks again, for leading her astray…
Ready for Him - Totally Bound
September 2013
In the bar at the Bellagio in Las
Vegas, Jade Bleecker celebrates with her three best friends, all of whom are
there to get married. Jade is their bridesmaid, and beginning to believe that
three times a bridesmaid really does mean never a bride. Tattooed, pierced and
a martial artist, Jade is used to inspiring fear rather than desire in men, and
even if she did find one who could handle her—well, no man is worth trusting
with her body.
But as she is leaving the bar, she comes upon a mugging in progress and, with a few swift moves, makes short work of the mugger. Invited up to the victim's room for a nightcap, she is stunned to discover he is Will Vandenmeer—billionaire poster child of the Vandenmeer hotel and casino chain, and owner of The Sanctuary, one of the best-known BDSM clubs in New York City.
Jade finds herself hopelessly attracted to the sensual, dominant Will, and when he offers to induct her into the world of BDSM, she accepts…but can she truly give herself to him, and is Will ready for what Jade has to offer?
But as she is leaving the bar, she comes upon a mugging in progress and, with a few swift moves, makes short work of the mugger. Invited up to the victim's room for a nightcap, she is stunned to discover he is Will Vandenmeer—billionaire poster child of the Vandenmeer hotel and casino chain, and owner of The Sanctuary, one of the best-known BDSM clubs in New York City.
Jade finds herself hopelessly attracted to the sensual, dominant Will, and when he offers to induct her into the world of BDSM, she accepts…but can she truly give herself to him, and is Will ready for what Jade has to offer?
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall - Totally
Bound September 2013
Into the quiet village of Lindenhope
comes Helen Graham, an attractive young widow and mother. Living alone with her
son at Wildfell Hall, her seclusion attracts curiosity from the local people,
in particular Gilbert Markham, whose interest in her is soon edged with
desire-and Helen, despite herself, begins to reciprocate his love for her.
But when scandalous rumours begin to circulate
about Helen's behaviour, Gilbert is filled with anger and jealousy. Helen
attempts to clear her name by offering Gilbert her diary, which reveals the
dark, passionate story of her former marriage to debauched rake Arthur
Huntingdon, whose sexual and sensual desires fill her with excitement and
pleasure but precipitate a gradual descent into hell.
Gilbert believes he could forgive her
anything, but the lies continue to spread, threatening Helen's peace of mind
and, above all, her physical safety. Will the secrets of Helen's past get in
the way of their future?
Photograph - Totally Bound May 2014
Tara Thornton hasn't spoken to her
sister in two years, ever since Azure married the man of Tara's dreams. Tired
of the rift, Azure invites her to take a Mediterranean cruise on a friend's
yacht and, bowing to family pressure, Tara accepts.
Forced to be in close proximity with
the man she still desires, Tara is thrown into confusion. The presence of
celebrity theme park owner Liam Wilder and the reality of his marriage to Azure
send Tara into a tailspin and, in an attempt to regain control, she responds to
the advances of hot fellow guest Ryan Hyde, while determined to feel no
affection for him.
But Ryan has a way of getting under
her skin, and Tara's plan to get closer to Liam is rapidly losing its
importance as Ryan begins to break down her defences. Can she let go of Liam,
let Ryan into her heart...and tell Azure the real reason for her silence?
Tamar Rising - Totally Bound December
2014
Tamar
Steele’s star is on the rise. Her relationship with boyfriend Jason Bray is
blossoming, as is her bond with her spirit guide, the ghost of Jason’s brother
Matt, who has been training her in mediumship. And, newly installed as the
medium for her crew of paranormal investigators, she is already receiving press
attention, which brings her to the notice of Scare Seekers – a paranormal entertainment show keen to film an
episode with Tamar’s team.
But
when teammate Hana is violently possessed, filming is thrown into disarray. The
dark spirit seems to disappear at first, but when a frenzied Hana attacks Tamar
on the drive home, Tamar realises that her mediumistic abilities may not be
strong enough to fight the demon.
Until
one day Tamar discovers her powers are increased by having sex on haunted
ground, and finds that maybe she and Jason can save Hana, their team’s
reputation, and themselves…
About Tanith Davenport
Tanith Davenport began writing erotica at
the age of 27 by way of the Romantic Novelists' Association New Writers'
Scheme. Her debut novel "The Hand He Dealt" was released by
Total-e-Bound in June 2011 and was shortlisted for the Joan Hessayon Award for
2012.
Tanith has had short stories published by
Naughty Nights Press and House of Erotica. She loves to travel and dreams of
one day taking a driving tour of the United States, preferably in a classic
1950s pink Cadillac Eldorado. Her latest novella "Tamar Rising" is
out on pre-order from Totally Bound on 23rd November 2014.
Tanith's idea of heaven is an Indian head
massage with a Mojito at her side.
Where can you find Tanith Davenport
Website - tanithdavenport.com
Facebook -
www.facebook.com/TanithDavenport
Twitter -
www.twitter.com/TanithDavenport
Thank you for being with us today, Tanith. I look forward to getting my hands on a copy of Tamar Rising soon.
