Interview With Sloane Taylor

I'm on a deadline this weekend, and my good friend Sloane Taylor agreed to visit and talk about her books, writing and her life as a writer. Sloane is one of the nicest, most humorous people I know.

MR: Sloane, thanks so much for visiting.

ST: Hi, Maya, thanks for having me come out and play this weekend. I love your blog. You have wonderful information that’s helped me a great deal.

MR: Let's jump right in. Why erotic romance? Why did you choose this genre?

ST: I’ve kept a writing journal since before books were bound and rarely miss a day of writing an entry.

One day, my insides simmered and then boiled into a story that just had to be told.

Like every other writer, I was sure if I hadn’t written the Great American Novel, it was at least in the top two. I sent it off to an editor who told me it was too explicit, not fit for category romance.

Explicit? thinks I. Okay, so maybe there weren’t any “shafts of hot steel” or “womanly cores,” but…come on…who the hell really has those?

Surprised by the editor’s response, but not disillusioned, I turned to my mentor, mystery writer Beth Anderson. She taught me the technical side of writing and how to bring out my voice, loud and clear. And she had this 2' x 4' with lots of rough edges that she had no problem wielding across my bony backside…hmm, sounds like the start of a new novel.

We were soon joined by Yasmine Phoenix, who can spot a scene that needs more sexual tension and how to do it faster than I can reach for another Fanny May. She tortured me into taking an online class with Jan Springer, the Queen of Hot, who encouraged me to be more serious about a God-given gift. Erotica, here I come, no pun intended.

Following Jan’s class, several of us formed what has become the Brazen Hussies group. These fine authors are a great group who honestly help one another. Although I’ve never met any of them in person, I feel like they’re some of my best friends.

With the help of these patient and talented people, my life has become very sweet. Now I have the best of all worlds, writing erotic romance set in exotic foreign countries.

MR: You have two books out right now: French Tart and Francine on Fire. Tell us about them.

French Tart is the first of five books in the “Naughty Ladies of Nice” series.

Donatienne Dubois is determined to prove herself and shed her party girl image. She pins her hopes on an exclusive cooking school in Nice, France.

One by one, Doni’s expectations are shattered by a foul-mouthed parrot, a bogus Michelin chef and a headmistress with a heart of tungsten steel. Her lifesaver is a bad boy hunk she longs to get into her bed.

Sebastien Reinard is a classmate of Donatienne’s, incognito and hating every minute of the cooking school. To pose as a student while protecting a rich wild child is his version of hell, until he’s partnered with a slice of crème brule good enough to eat.
Class takes on a whole new meaning as Doni and Sebastien heat up the kitchen and discover honey has better uses than sweetening tea.


Francine on Fire is Francine Daniels' story. She doesn’t trust men--two husbands and a con artist have guaranteed that. After years of struggle – during which she took back control and soared to new heights – there is no place in her plans for a German hottie…Even if she does burst into flames at his touch.

Heicke Brewer already made one disastrous trip down the aisle, and has no plans to go that route again. He prefers the parade of international beauties who line up outside his bedroom door to enjoy his ‘satisfaction guaranteed’ reputation…until he meets an American pixie too hot not to handle

MR: Where can we buy them?

ST: French Tart is published by Eternal Press. Their website can be found here:
http://www.eternalpress.com.au/

Eternal Press doesn’t link to specific books, but if you'll click on "New Releases," you'll find French Tart for $2.95.

Francine on Fire is published by Aspen Mountain Press. The link to the book is here.

MR: I've read French Tart and was delighted with your sense of humor and your hot storyline. That brings me to the question: Your heroes are usually European and very alpha. Is there a reason for this?

ST: I started traveling to Europe during the Ice Age. LOL. I found the men there so very different from what I’d experienced back home. There was an instant appeal that I’ve never quite figured out, but thoroughly enjoy.

As for the alpha heroes – I’m a strong woman. If I don’t have a man with as much or more oomph, I’d run over the poor guy and come to resent him.

MR: You also feature exotic locales. Do you travel much?

ST: I’ve been fortunate to travel a great deal in my adulthood. It started as pleasure. At one point, I owned a travel agency. Almost all my travel became business-related. For more years than I care to remember, I escorted groups throughout Europe. It was also necessary to go over in advance and make all the arrangements like tours, hotels, meals.

My very first tour was all set up through phone and fax. Not good. I’d inadvertently booked the group into a revamped brothel in Rome. LOL.

After that embarrassing episode, I made it a point to check out all aspects of what my clients were purchasing.

MR: Tell us more about your personal life.

ST: I was born and raised in Chicago, then lived in Houston for two years with my first husband. A second marriage brought me back to the Midwest where I’ve remained to be close to my wonderful daughter and her terrific family. Not too proud, am I?

Every possible moment is spent with Studly DooRight, my mate for the remainder of my life, either at our home in Lansing, IL or our weekend cottage in Highland, IN.

I love to cook for Studly and my daughter whenever they’ll let me. They claim I’m good at it. You can check Stud’s waistline if you need proof.

MR: LOL. Let's stop for today. Tomorrow we can talk more about your writing process and your journey toward publication.

In the meantime, check out Sloane's website here.