#Interview with Autumn Stark for All In

Autumn Stark writes Romance with a sense of humor and a whole lotta steamy fun. Doesn’t mean there aren’t a few whips every now and then, but she’s a sucker for a happy ending. Autumn has been writing in one capacity or another her entire life, but Break Me is her debut novel.

Autumn Stark is the pen name for author and publisher, April Oglesbee.

All In is the second book in the All In series. Book 1 is already available on Amazon, B&N, and iBooks. Book 3 will be released in June 2014.

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This is the second book in the All In series. Book 1 is already available on Amazon, B&N, and iBooks. Book 3 will be released in June 2014. Add to Goodreads!

What is your story's heat level? How do you approach the sex scenes?

All In is probably a 9 out of 10! Sex scenes are difficult in that most readers have really read (or done) it all. There’s not much new you can bring to a sex scene...except that particular experience. I try to write sex scenes with the emotions of the characters in mind, but also the complications of their lives as well. It’s not just about putting parts together, but about projecting what’s happening inside, outside. That being said, I spend a lot of time trying to forget I’m writing a sex scene. If I’m super aware of what I’m doing, it often reads that way, too.

How do you maintain activity as a writer when sitting at a desk all day?

I’m lucky in that my day job requires me to be all over the place. I get a lot of relief in-between bouts of writing. I’ve also found that when I hit a mental block, the quickest path to getting writing “flow” back is to go for a walk or throw myself into something really physical. Something about the opposition of the two helps me to work out stuff I’m stuck on. I have problems with my back anyway, so movement is key. I also really love my yoga ball. It makes a great office chair to keep from getting sore.

What is it that you loved about the main characters in your story?

They’re both so stubborn and driven. Jay and Parker are both people with strong personalities and a deep understanding of what they want from life. I like that Jay knows who he is and what he wants while Parker is comfortable in who she is and unapologetic about her desires. Even more than that, I like that neither one of them are idiots. When they’re confronted with situations that challenge them, they may get frustrated or mad, but they ultimately go at it head on and look at it for what it is. 

What do you feel is your strongest type of writing? Humor? Angst? Confrontation scenes? Action? Sex? Sensuality? Sweet Romance? And why?

Hmmm, an interesting question. I guess I would answer this by saying that I’m most comfortable at writing  humorous scenes and/or sex scenes. I think they’re really about the same thing--human connection. Humor is one of the most intimate things you can share with someone else. It’s a lot about vulnerability. Just like sex. Not everyone gets your sense of humor in particular and that requires that you make a leap of faith in those moments...it’s a little bit like stripping down for the first time, right? My brain tends to grind best in finding the sense of humor in most situations (often odd moments) and when I let the characters unleash their sexuality. In a sense, I guess I think of both as a feeling moments. I’m the kind of person who’s pretty open about emotions and experiences.

Are you social media savvy? If so what do you suggest for others? If not, why not?

Yes and no. I think I’m pretty savvy in general, but some social media forums are not my cup of tea. I think the best advice for anyone is to find your forum and keep working at it. If you hate Twitter, by all means don’t force yourself to use it. Social media is important, but if you hate it and don’t understand it, it never works very well for you or those following you. You have to find your element.

What are some things from your life or things you have observed that you've infused into your stories?

People are flawed. I like that my characters are flawed and I’ve tried to invest my stories with the sense that that’s okay and even awesome. I’ve also worked really hard to keep the quirky and every day issues up close and personal. I think that when you’re reading a novel, sometimes it’s the little things that get to you. Yeah, yeah, sure. She’s fighting ultimate evil, but where does she pee, man? Where and when does she pee? My heroines hate cooking and fall in love with men who don’t really see them. My heroes say stupid things at the worst moments and get their asses beaten because they’re blowing off steam. Oh, yeah, and they pee. 

If you had an unlimited budget, where would you like to visit for story-related research?

Oh man. There are so many places. I might be cliché, but Ireland. It’s one of the places I’ve never been and it’s just so full of magic and myth that I’m dying to go there. As an author, Ireland is so full of possibility. I’d probably go there for two months. I’d spend one month sort of wandering around and doing research (getting inspiration) and another month writing in the space I’d explored.

Any fun facts about the research for your book?

A lot of the research I did really came from personal experience. I spent a lot of time fact checking my memories, but most of the things, like setting and career choices, were things I’ve run across through the course of my life. I don’t always get so lucky!

Finally, tell us a little about your newest release!

All In is about two people who come face to face with what they never knew they always wanted. When faced with such a situation, it’s about who’s willing to play the game of love. Jay Markham is a Hollywood playboy and Parker Hardisson is a fairly normal small town girl. Their paths cross by accident, but ultimately, it becomes pretty obvious they were always meant to run up against each other. A lot of readers have been excited for Jay’s story--he sort of steals the show in book one. If you love Tony and Abby, like I do, you’ll also get to see them in this book. They’re front and center trying to help Jay and Parker navigate the waters of love. You’ll also get to see the Stevens boys (Gabe makes a pretty spectacular appearance in this one). 

It was possibly nine in the morning the next day before Abby barged into Parker’s house. To be fair, Abby had used her key which Jay must have given back to her, but it was as close to barging as one might get, all things considered. Parker was barely awake.

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Excerpt:

“Parker? Are you home?”

“Where else would I be?” Parker tried to sound pleasant, but at best she knew she sounded grouchy as she called out to Abby.

“I don’t know, having wild sex with Jay in Los Angeles?” Abby walked into the kitchen as Parker was focusing on pouring coffee grinds into her espresso machine. Parker graced her with a snort as an answer. “Well, you could be.”

“I don’t know what that overgrown pretty boy told you, but I am not going to Los Angeles.”

“I’ll wait till you’ve had your coffee.” Abby grabbed her own cup and patiently sat on one of the bar stools under her kitchen island. Parker tried not to remember exactly what had been done on that particular counter while also trying to remember if she’d sanitized the thing since the sex marathon had started.

“Coffee won’t change my answer.”

“Might make you more talkative though.”

“Or more able to kill without getting caught.”

“I’ll take the chance.” Abby grinned at her and Parker sighed.

Autumn will be awarding at each stop a signed copy of All In to a randomly drawn commenter (US ONLY), and a Grand Prize of a $25 Amazon/BN GC plus a signed copy of All In will be awarded to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour (US ONLY). Remember to comment at each stop to enter to win!