Today I am speaking with Elisabeth Drake.

Hello Elisabeth, and welcome to Fallen Angels Review. Thank you for taking time from your busy schedule to speak with us today. The readers would love to learn more about Elisabeth Drake.

Elisabeth, I love your name. I also love the little corner flower on your website. And the cover to A Passion Draconic is stunning. As fantasy and romance author, I see you have written under other names, too.

Thanks! I'm of the opinion the cover art gods have been smiling upon me; all the cover art I've had to this point has been beautiful. *smiles*

While writing under different names, does it ever get confusing?

I don't think so. I only published short stories or writing-related articles under the other two pen names (Nonny Harper and H. E. Smith, for the curious). My romance fiction has been published under Elisabeth Drake, and I don't intend to use either of those two pseudonyms from this point onward.

Can we talk about A Passion Draconic today? Readers would love to hear about the book.

A Passion Draconic was my first experiment in writing novel-length erotic romance. Originally, I'd labeled it erotica, but later realized that it followed the plot line of a romance, HEA and all.

The novel is about two shapeshifters on another world. Shaiandral, the heroine, is a virginal healer-priestess of the Sharteka jaguar shifter clan. Veren, the hero, is the Dragonlord. Basically, he's the king of the dragon shifters. The two peoples have been at odds for years, so when Shaiandral receives a summons to heal the ill Dragonlord, she'd much rather leave him to die. Trouble is, her oath kinda prevents that. *grins*

When she gets there, it's almost too late. Veren is dying, and she doesn't think she can save him. But one of her magical workings brings a demon forth from his flesh. He gives Shaiandral a choice: Either she can sacrifice her virginity and use the energy raised from that act to heal Veren--or she can become his new host.

Not much of a choice! LOL.

From there on out, it gets interesting. Shaiandral's sacrifice unlocks the tantric (sex) magic she bound through her sacred virginity. Over the course of the book, she has to learn how to control the desires now raging through her body--along with fighting demons and dealing with one very sexy Dragonlord!

What does your working space look like? Are you an organized person?

Oh gods. *laughs* I'm most certainly not organized. My "nook" is a mess of old manuscript pages, pens, envelopes, coke cans, cigarette lighters (I'm fond of the occasional clove), anything I happened to put there and haven't gotten around to moving yet… I think you get the picture. I try to keep it at least somewhat clean, but the clutter seems to have a mind of its own. *frowns*

Do you have any special routine to help you get in the mood to write?

I have in the past, but what I would consider my "routine" has recently been broken due to events beyond my control. (Long story.) Right now, my routine contains of kicking my own ass to stop playing World of Warcraft and get some words in. *laughs*

What is your favorite part of a book to write, the beginning, the middle or the dramatic ending?

The middle, definitely. I've been a part of way too many critique and writing groups in the past that focused on the "hook" beginning. While it's certainly important to have a catchy opening, that's something that can be polished in revision; however, these days, I am overly perfectionistic and expect it to be right the first time. *rolls eyes*

Aside from that, it's also difficult for me to get into my character's heads at the beginning. Voice and style also play a part, because I don't have a standard invariable style amongst my work. Part of this is due to the fact I write in multiple sub/genres, but it's also due to my characters. I'd get bored if everything I wrote sounded the same!

Endings are hard for me because I'm often anxious to have the story finished. At the same time, I'm also worried about doing the story justice and wrapping up all the loose threads properly. (Is there a Perfectionists Anonymous? I think I need it… LOL.)

The middle is where I really get "into" it. I've got the character's voices down pat (or I should!), and I can let go and have fun. Not that I don't still suffer from the perfectionism bug, but it doesn't come up quite as often.

Have you ever found yourself playing out the role of the character as you write the story?

Not consciously, but I've had a few odd moments. When I was writing the first draft of Stronger than the Night (an urban fantasy novel currently being rewritten), I would slip into the voice of my main character while talking to other people. Considering that character had a tendency to (over)use profanity, that got me some interesting responses and looks!

What were you doing when you got the call that your story was accepted?

E-mail in my case. *smiles* Truthfully, I don't remember. Since I was at my computer, I was probably working on another project and chatting with friends. (I am a multitasking queen! LOL) Or else compulsively checking my e-mail in-between doing other things.

If you could be a musical instrument what would you choose to be?

Probably a violin -- elegant and beautiful, but sounds like a tortured cat when played wrong.

If you could write a story with a famous author, who would you choose, living or dead?

Anne Bishop. She's a dark fantasy author, but her books have integral romantic subplots--and she has openly said in interviews her males are based on gothic romance heroes. I love her work and have re-read her Black Jewels trilogy countless times. It would be a blast to write a story with her, because we both have similar tastes in themes and characterizations. ^_^

Do you have another website, other than, http://www.emdrake.com that you would like to share with us?

I post in a shared blog, Shadows of Passion, with other authors who also write romantic suspense. (My prior release, The Twilight Deception, is paranormal rom-susp.) The URL is: http://www.shadowsofpassion.com

Also, readers are more than welcome to contact me at elisabethdrake@gmail.com. (I love getting mail. *grins*)

What is your favorite spot to travel?

Mt. Rainier in Washington State. I grew up hiking all over that mountain. Beautiful scenery and a very serene, calming environment. I miss it dearly (I live on the East Coast these days).

Do you have a favorite food or dessert?

Cheesecake!

Which do you prefer, hot showers or warm soothing bubble baths?

It depends on my mood. *smiles* Some days, I want to feel the hot spray of water on my back; others, I want to sink into a pool of hot water and relax.

Is there anything else that you would like to add?

Thank you so much for having me today. It's been a lot of fun. *smiles*

Again, thank you very much, Elisabeth for taking time to speak with us today. I wish you the best in all your great works and look forward to more delights in the future.

Interviewed by: Linda L.