writers – Maria Gibbs

1.Can we start with your name and where you’re from?

I’m Lucy Felthouse and I’m from Derbyshire.

2. Most authors love reading, is this true for you and if so who was/is your inspiration?

Oh yes, reading has always been my first love. I used to whizz through all the books in the school library, and ones I’d been given by my older cousins. I particularly loved Enid Blyton. I don’t remember if any author or book in particular inspired me to write, but even as a child I was forever making up stories and scribbling them down in notebooks. I wish I could see those notebooks now!

3. What genre do you write in or do you cross over into many?

I write erotica and erotic romance, but find that these themselves encompass a lot of different genres—I write contemporary, paranormal, thrillers, etc…

4.If you could take any character from someone else’s book and make him/her your own creation who would it be and why?

Harry Potter, because then I would be filthy rich. Not to mention having written a completely awesome world populated with amazing characters.

5. When did you first start writing?

I genuinely can’t remember. Like I said, when I was a child I used to scribble in notebooks, making up stories and things. So probably ever since I could physically write!

6. Do you plan every inch of your books or do you just let the words flow?

It depends. I’d never say I plan every inch of my books, but with some I do have a chapter by chapter plan, or a more general outline to ensure consistency and that I don’t lose my way, especially if the book is longer or more complex. But for short stories and some novellas I just tend to have an idea in mind and run with it and see what happens.

7. Who is your favourite character and why? (your own character)

I think Alice from my first full-length novel, Stately Pleasures, is my favourite. Purely because it was my first full-length novel and therefore is my baby. And come on—she gets two smoking hot guys—what’s not to like?

8. Was there an event in your life that triggered a particular book, or even a scene in a book? If so what was the book and what was the event?

Afraid not—my life really isn’t that interesting!

9. Are you working on anything at the moment? If so can you share any tasty morsels?

I’m currently working on my first erotic spy thriller! It’s been a genre I’ve wanted to explore for a while, so I’m glad I finally got around to it. The thing is, it’s kind of spinning out into a series…

Here’s a little snippet:

Mallory Scott spotted the people she was looking for as soon as she walked into the hotel bar. Hell, she hadn’t even needed to search, they were being so loud and obnoxious that they were practically screaming for attention.

Stupid, in Mallory’s opinion. If you’re going to run an international diamond scam, then surely you’d want to keep a low profile? But no, apparently these guys didn’t give a shit. Not only were they screaming for attention, and getting it, she noticed, as other patrons of the bar shot them the occasional glare, they were also projecting the fact that they were filthy rich. They were supping on the most expensive champagne money could buy and asking if they could have some oysters and caviar brought in. The overwhelming arrogance made her blood boil, but she consoled herself with the fact that by the time she was done with them, they’d be taken down by more than a peg or two—they’d be at rock bottom.

Heading for a table in a position where she could watch them, but remain partially hidden behind a pillar, she shook her head. She could hardly believe they’d kept their multi-million-pound enterprise going for so long. If they ran their operation as sloppily as their current behavior indicated they might, it was a miracle indeed.

Not that it mattered. They could be running the tightest ship ever known to man, and she would still find a way to take them down. It was what she did. For years now, she’d been successfully infiltrating illegal operations of varying kinds, then gradually dismantling them from the inside. Before the criminals realized what was happening, it was too late, their wrists were practically in the handcuffs, their asses on their way to jail.

10. What one piece of advice would you give to someone starting out?

Read lots in your chosen genre, learn to edit your own work, and if you’re signing contracts with publishers, read them thoroughly. It’s exciting when someone wants to buy your work, but not everyone is trustworthy.

11. What do you do when you’re not writing?

Read, of course! Play with my dog, spend time with my other half, go out walking in the countryside, visit stately homes and historical sites, go to the cinema, go travelling. I love exploring new places.

12. What is the hardest part of the whole writing, editing, marketing process for you?

None of it, really. I’m an editor and a marketer/publicist as well as a writer, so it’s all my day job! I have to do the paid work first, though, having bills to pay and food to buy, so I do often wish I had more time to write.

13. We all have those friends or family members who make sweeping statements about our writing or the process, which is your particular bug bear?

This isn’t anyone in particular, but I’ve found it a lot—people think that all writers earn a fortune. If only that were true! We have to work damn hard and for very little reward, and then some people complain about paying a couple of quid for an eBook when they spend more than that on a cup of coffee.

14. What is your idea of happiness?

That’s a very deep question, and I’m currently feeling pretty crappy with a cold and therefore woolly-headed, so I’m not even going to attempt it right now. LOL.

15. For this one I want you to showcase your creativity by painting me a picture, with words, of your ideal setting to write in.

See above question! But any setting that is quiet with no distractions is good for me!

16. What makes you laugh/cry?

My other half and my dog make me laugh. They’re both nuts.

17. You’re stranded on a desert island and you can take three men/women who would they be and why? This can be practical or purely sexual in nature.

Bear Grylls—he’s both practical and kinda hot.

Benedict Cumberbatch and Chris Hemsworth. I think I’ve got a reasonable variety of men there, so I won’t get bored…

18. What is your most annoying habit?

Just one? I’m sure I’ve got loads! Probably you should be asking my other half this… or maybe not 😉

19. Please tell me about your books? For each one please send a pic (kindle cover would be perfect)

I have tons of books, so I’ll stick with full-length books here, I think!

The Billionaire and the Wild Man

Flynn Gifford is enjoying a simple existence in a rural Derbyshire village when Caroline Rogers crashes into his life, barefoot and panicked.

Their lives could hardly be more different—she owns a successful luxury hotel chain, and he’s a penniless nomad who’s off the grid—yet neither can deny the attraction that burns between them. As Caroline reluctantly starts to open up to him, Flynn finds himself divulging some secrets of his own, secrets he thought he’d take to his grave.

But can a billionaire and a wild man ever make a relationship work, or will their secrets keep them apart?

Buy links: http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk/published-works/the-billionaire-and-the-wild-man/

The Persecution of the Wolves

Werewolf brothers Matthew and Isaac have lived in the peaceful village of Eyam, Derbyshire all their lives. The villagers know what happens every full moon, and have their reasons for keeping quiet. But this secrecy comes at a cost—the brothers can’t risk romantic entanglements.

Then, at the full moon, a sheep is slaughtered on Eyam Moor, by what could only be a large animal. Even the brothers’ staunchest supporters begin to have their doubts about who—or what—could have done it.

As the brothers fight to clear their names, things are complicated by unexpected opportunities to indulge their lust. Isaac is intrigued by a handsome newcomer to the village, and a vivacious visitor is happy to offer Matthew her all.

Can the men prove their innocence, or is their centuries-old secret about to be revealed to the outside world, bringing their carefully-crafted existence crashing down around their ears?

Buy links: http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk/published-works/the-persecution-of-the-wolves/

Grand Slam

California had seduced me with promises of a new life working at Los Carlos Tennis Academy. What I didn’t expect was the dark, brooding number one seed, Travis Connolly, resisting my help. He wasn’t interested in my psychology skills. Instead his attention was drawn to the edgy, sharper corners of my desires, proving that they existed, setting me challenges and driving me crazy to the point of combustion.

I’m the best tennis player in the world—officially—so why would I need a damn woman full of psychobabble to get me on form? Despite my irritation, however, I can’t resist pushing Marie Sherratt’s buttons even though doing that shows her the darkest shades of my lust, the parts of me I buried deep. So I set her a challenge, one she rises to, one that has me rising too, and before long my game relies on her calling the shots, hitting the target and bending to my will. One thing was certain, being not just master of the court, but also of Marie is seriously good for my soul.

Buy links: http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk/published-works/grand-slam/

Eyes Wide Open

An ordinary girl catapulted into an extraordinary world meets two even more extraordinary men—but what will she do when she discovers their sexy secret?

Fiona Gillespie moved to London shortly after graduating to take advantage of the opportunities the capital could offer. However, months later, she’s still living in a horrid flat and working in a grimy East End pub. The problem is, she doesn’t really know what she wants to do, career-wise. So when she happens upon an advertisement for a job at a plush Mayfair hotel, she jumps at the chance. A great deal of determination and a spot of luck land Fiona her dream role.

But working at the Totally Five Star London is just the beginning. She adores the role and flourishes, impressing her bosses and making her increasingly determined to climb the career ladder.

While her career is flying, though, her love life is non-existent. She hasn’t even thought about men, never mind met or dated one for months, so when she bumps into two gorgeous businessmen in the hotel, she’s surprised to find her head has been well and truly turned. Even more surprisingly, they flirt with her—both of them! She’s drawn to James and Logan, despite feeling that they’re way out of her league.

When a misunderstanding leads Fiona to James and Logan’s sumptuous top-floor suite, she has no idea what she’s about to uncover. Scenes of people-trafficking, drug-pushing and wild sex parties all appear in her active imagination. Yet what she actually sees is something she’d never even considered before, something that piques her interest.

After discovering their sexy secret, what will she do with this new-found knowledge?

Reader Advisory: This book contains scenes of anal play, spanking, sex toys and bondage.

Buy links: http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk/published-works/eyes-wide-open-totally-five-star-london/

Stately Pleasures

Is it possible to have it all?

Alice Brown has just landed her dream job as property manager at Davenport Manor, a British stately home. It’s only a nine-month contract to cover maternity leave, but it’s the boost up the career ladder she needs.

On her first day, Alice finds her boss, Jeremy Davenport, in a compromising position. Jeremy and his best friend Ethan Hayes, Head of Security at Davenport Manor, turn the situation around and give her an ultimatum. Faced with the possibility of losing her job, Alice agrees to their indecent proposal.

When the dust settles and Alice has time to think, she realises perhaps it isn’t such a bad thing after all. But what happens when Alice thinks she’s falling for both men?

Buy links: http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk/published-works/stately-pleasures

20. Lightning round

Tea or Coffee? tea
Cash or credit? cash
Cats or Dogs? dogs
Beach or Mountain? mountain
Summer or Winter? summer
Sweet or Savoury? sweet
Early riser or late riser? neither
Morning or Night? Afternoon!
Christmas Tree – real or fake? fake
Sex – Lights on or off? Depends who it’s with!

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