Today I am speaking with Shawna Moore.

Welcome Shawna, and thank you very much for taking time out of your busy day to spend some time with Fallen Angel Reviews.

Wow, so much going on. I checked out your website and I can practically feel the heat leap off the screen. Hellé in Heels, sounds enticing. Would you like to share something about it with the readers?

Though Hellé Hawthorn is the Devil's daughter, and possesses his animal magnetism and good looks, she was born with her mother's conscience. Most women will relate to the story of Hellé in Heels as it taps into the feminine tendency for caring/nurturing and self-sacrifice. Hellé is forced to leave behind her otherworldly powers and true love in order to save Earth from Satan's ultimate wrath. Her intelligence and determination remain intact, and she must use them in escaping a hellish situation that's getting hotter with each passing moment. Hellé loves adventures, but she frequently puts another's needs before her own. Despite her ordeals, Hellé remains a sexual being. During one steamy encounter, she tells a lover that she's, "Your mother's worst nightmare and your daddy's wettest dream." Yet Hellé never forgets the handsome Greek who brought her heart's desire--as well as unconditional love and countless orgasms. Menlikus, the story's hero, shows readers how much he will risk to reunite with the woman he loves. This is a white-hot tale of personal loss for the gain of many. Hellé risks life, limb and love to bring betterment for herself and others. Hellé in Heels keeps the hellfires burning for readers who enjoy explicit sexual content and relationships that dare being a bit different in the name of love and sexual fulfillment. Paranormal elements combine with white-hot sex and a tone that is edgy and sassy. I'm proud and excited to have this novella available soon for Ellora's Cave's new Exotika line.

Shawna you have so many releases and new ones coming out. Why not give us a heads up on some of your books. We would love to hear more.

My first two published novels were erotic historical romances with American settings. SAINTS AND SINNERS (Jazz Age Lower Eastside Manhattan) and TAMING THE TEMPTRESS (1880 Tombstone) will always remain two of the favorite stories I've written. FORBIDDEN HUNGER was one of those historical tales that sprang from my mind over a winter weekend, and it was also the most difficult to write. Sarah and Thomas are my favorite story couple of those published to date. It's set in 1700 Salem Village and details the sexual, and sometimes sinister awakening, of a young Puritan woman who dares defying societal conventions and seeking romance on her own terms. JINGLE BELL ROCK is a fun and flirty erotic romance set during the Yule season and shows how second chances at love come along when we least expect them. THE GYPSY AND THE JESTER is set in my favorite city, New Orleans, and pits an academic-minded and free-spirited woman against the sexy behavioral-psychologist son of her nemesis. This is also a erotic romance.

In March, my duo of erotic stories featuring Italian heroes--TORRID TEASERS VOLUME 24--was published. One of these steamy tales, ANDANTE, has a lighter tone and features a cellist who finds musical and sexual release while studying with a maestro and disciplinarian. Armand's unorthodox methods of instruction find Mara following more than the notes on her sheet music. IMMORTALLY YOURS is a darker erotica tale pairing a Venetian vampire with a San Franciscan museum curator. Zoe poses for a portrait but finds herself drawn into the decadent and passionate world of painter, Renzo Volpe. For those who enjoy reading explicit encounters between fictional characters, these stories promise plenty of sexual tension and erotic escape.

Excerpts, reviews and more information on these releases are available on my website at: http://www.grant-moore.com

What is a typical day like for you?

At least five days a week, I spend 8-10 hours writing, editing, researching, plotting and promoting my books. Mornings are spent running errands and taking care of household tasks. Most work days, I head into my writing room around two in the afternoon and finish around midnight. Short of a family emergency, I only take a couple short breaks during this creative time. When my husband is home, much of my time is reserved for sharing with him unless I'm on a book deadline, or inspiration for a new story strikes and I have to jot down some of the details before they vanish. My writing computer isn't online, thus one temptation is removed. On my breaks, I quickly check e-mail messages and answer any requiring an immediate response. Sometimes in the spring and summer, I will work later in the day--or into the wee hours of the morning--and indulge in an extra long walk around our neighborhood. But I always have a set writing goal for the day and normally don't turn off the computer or put away the plotting sheets until I've done everything possible to meet or exceed that goal. Life sometimes thwarts my best-laid plans, but on those occasions I always make up for any unfilled goals the following writing day or next time I sit down at the computer.

When did you decide to start writing?

I've been dreaming of fictional worlds and practicing storytelling since the age of two. Very precocious only child was I My first skit was performed in our family living room before an audience of Barbie dolls and stuffed animals. Mom and dad took pictures of my first performance for the family album I was between the ages of three and four at the time. Granted, there wasn't a complicated plot and subplot involved in my story about woodland creatures, but I believed in my story like nothing else I've always loved visiting the enchanting and mystical worlds existing in my mind. What's even more of a blessing is being able to bring those characters and stories from my brain and into the hands and e-book devices of readers.

From the moment I could print, I started putting my stories on paper. Before then, mom helped me out and served as my scribe. My full-time focus on writing didn't occur until many years later. After college, I worked in the medical field in a variety of clinical and clerical capacities. When my mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer, my husband gave me his blessing, and I embarked on a full-time writing career in order to spend the precious final months with mom. For all his kindnesses and loving gestures, he knows he has my love and devotion as we often say, "Forever and ever, 'til the end and back again." Since mom's passing, my husband has been a real-life hero and served as my biggest cheerleader/champion in various aspects, including my writing career.

Who, if anyone, has influenced your writing?

My beloved mother was the greatest influence on my writing. Well before I started Kindergarten, she introduced me to the written word and storytelling by purchasing several books for me each week and reading stories to me every night before bed. By the time I started grade school, I was reading a wide variety of literature including the literary classics. At least twice a week throughout my childhood, we visited the local library and returned home with armloads of books. I've always been a voracious reader. Mom's favorite genre was romance fiction, and I'm glad she and I shared some special moments reading and discussing my first novel (never published).

What are some of your favorite things to do?

Reading romance, women's and popular fiction. Taking long aerobic walks which is not only great exercise but also a surefire way to work out the details of a new or existing plot. Shopping, especially for shoes. Listening to the music of the Beatles. Traveling is another of my passions, and I do a lot of research for future book settings during those adventures. Catching up on what's happening in my friends' lives over coffee or light lunches. My ultimate favorite pastime is spending quality time with my real-life hero. Whether we're discussing the events of our days, or snuggling and feeding each other a bit of dessert, those moments are the most precious in my life.

Are you a member of any author groups - RWA, critique groups, etc.?

I've been a member of a critique group in the past and still seek out author friends for brainstorming and opinions. I greatly value the input of my wonderful friends. They are gifts from God. Some of the professional organizations of which I'm a member are RWA, Central Pennsylvania Romance Writers, Washington Romance Writers, PAN, and PASIC. Much as my friends are invaluable resources in my writing career, so are these organizations.

How many hours a day do you spend writing?

Whenever I'm in a creative mode, time passes quickly and my writing day always amounts to at least eight--and sometimes ten or more--hours spent on various matters related to my writing career.

How do you know what to name your books or the characters?

I spend a great deal of time coming up with what I believe are the perfect names for my characters, titles and settings. The character names generally embody that fictional being's personality. On occasion, I've had to change a character's name at their request. After all, my fiction is all about the characters, their stories and journeys. My titles are sometimes mentioned somewhere in the story, usually in dialogue. I've always enjoyed when other authors use this method for their titling, and my mother also enjoyed finding the title somewhere in the books she read. My titles are always chosen carefully so that, along with the cover art, they give the reader an idea of the story's content and tone. Never do I randomly place a title on a project. Also, I've been blessed with many great covers and cannot sing the praises of those cover artists loudly enough.

Do you have any bad writing habits?

No. As a former office manager and supervisor, time management is a priority for me. Wasting time isn't something I tolerate. Life is too short to spend it on empty pursuits. When I left my outside-the-home job behind, I made a pact with my husband and myself to devote my all to a full-time career in writing. Once I set a writing goal, I doggedly pursue it. Same goes for deadlines. I owe it to my publishers, my readers and myself to get edits accomplished on time or ahead of time. As I'd mentioned, nothing short of an emergency is going to interrupt or pull me away from my writing time. During those eight or more hours each day, I'm focused only on writing-career-related matters. Once I meet my daily goal, then I'm free to pursue any number of passions as rewards for a good work day.

You have been given notice that Rachel Ray is coming over for dinner, what thirty-minute meal will you prepare for your guest?

For the first course, we'd enjoy a mandarin orange and almond salad over assorted greens and drizzled with a raspberry vinaigrette. An entree of chicken and broccoli stir fry served over vegetable-fried rice would follow. Jasmine tea would fill our China cups. For dessert, a homemade vanilla-cinnamon custard would round out our meal. What a fun and fantastic question, Linda. I had a great time inventing this menu.

You find yourself stranded on a desert island, what things could you not survive without?

Let me say I'd do my best at never coming remotely close to being stranded on a desert island But if I were stranded, I would need an ample supply of my favorite bottled water, a large supply of writing paper and pens, the best sunscreen(or I would boil like a lobster, blister and not live long enough to be rescued by my real-life hero), some spare clothing (including one serviceable pair of shoes and undergarments), lots of wood (that didn't require chopping) for building fires to alert search personnel and for cooking, ample supply of flares, plenty of food that could be eaten raw or cooked over a fire, implements with which to prepare and eat the food, adequate shelter from storms or intense sunlight during certain times of the day, and a weapon for protection. There are probably more things, but this inventory would go a good distance at giving me some chance at survival. Most of all, I could not survive without God being there to keep my spirits from sagging and also without my real-life hero. I've every faith God would remain watchful over my plight, and deliver me from death, but long-term physical separation from the man of my dreams would become devastating. Though I'm a woman who functions quite well independently, without his love, caring and strong shoulders on which I can lean when times are trying, life wouldn't be worth living. I derive a huge amount of satisfaction from my writing, but my husband is where my ultimate happiness lies. My loving and sexual relationship with him are the reasons I continue writing romance (sweet and erotic), erotica and women's fiction. Oh, and let me say I am definitely not a wilderness woman. I thrive on and rely on creature comforts far too much.

What type of books do you enjoy reading?

I read a wide variety of fiction, but my favorites are erotic romance, erotica, and women's fiction. When it comes to romance, I enjoy all sub-genres pretty much equally. As to a book's tone, I adore the extremes in comedy or drama. Quirky and flawed characters are my favorites to read and write.

What do you do to relax after a hard day?

I enjoy meditating, either in complete silence or with sensual music playing low on the stereo. Long walks are a great way to de-stress, too. After life tosses me a truly rotten day, I like to retreat from harsh reality--after I've gotten the troubling situation as much under control as humanly possible. Then I take a long hot soak in a tub filled with fragrant bubbles.

What makes a great book to you? Does a book cover ever lure you into buying the book before reading what it is about?

A book that will keep me reading until the last page must have multi-faceted and memorable characters, a plausible plot (or, in certain genres/sub-genres, one which allows me to suspend disbelief), adequate conflict, and dialogue and actions that match the character to which they're attributed. I'm definitely a visually-oriented person, and appealing cover art will usually find me plucking a book off the shelf or display table and reading the back cover blurb. If that appeals, then I speed read the first chapter. If my interest is still piqued, I purchase the book.

Do you have any other websites or spaces besides this one to share with us, Shawna that you would like to share? http://www.grant-moore.com

I'm in the process of designing a Myspace page for Hellé, the Devil's daughter heroine featured in my first and upcoming Ellora's Cave Exotika novella, Hellé in Heels. I'm on Myspace. For any readers interested, I love making new friends on Myspace. Recently, fourteen author friends and I unveiled our new cyber home, Sensual Ink. We welcome visitors to our site where updates on our appearances, contests and books will appear. Sensual Ink is only a click away at www.sensualink.com.

I really enjoyed spending time with you, Shawna, and I wish you the best always with your writing. Keep those fabulous books coming for us to read.

Thank you for taking the time to interview me, Linda, and for your kind words. It was a pleasure conducting this interview with you.

Interviewed by: Linda L.