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Friday, October 31, 2014

#Interview with Nancy Fraser for The Muse @NFraserauthor



Like most authors, Nancy Fraser began writing at an early age, usually on the walls and with crayons or, heaven forbid, permanent markers. Her love of writing often made her the English teacher’s pet, which, of course, resulted in a whole lot of teasing. Still, it was worth it.

When not writing (which is almost never), Nancy dotes on her five beautiful grandchildren and looks forward to traveling and reading when time permits. Nancy lives in Atlantic Canada where she enjoys the relaxed pace and colorful people.


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

The heat level is a 5 out of 5. The story contains a menage (the first one I’ve ever written). My approach is that they should be love scenes as much or more than sex scenes. I try to make each encounter, whether it’s a twosome or threesome, emotional rather than just physical. Because my heroine is rather innocent, I wanted to explore her feelings as much as give her a bunch of great orgasms.

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

I do take a number of breaks for coffee but those are short. I also try to divide my time between the writing and housework, more specifically laundry. The bending, loading and unloading are a nice stretch. I never sit at the desk longer than two hours without at least a 20-30 minute break.


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

My heroine is young and idealistic. She’s led a sheltered life as the daughter of a wealthy family. It was fun to watch her take chances and explore her sexuality. My hero, while all too eager to explore with her, has a crisis of conscience and does what he believes to be the right thing. It was nice to show him in that way … even though it backfired when he realized he couldn’t live without his muse.

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

Humorous sensuality. I love writing steamy scenes, whether romance or erotica. I often use humor to delve into the characters’ inner thoughts as they’re going through the emotional rollercoaster of a love scene.

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

I’m getting there. I began writing long before there was Facebook or Twitter. Communication with your readers was done either face-to-face or by a hardcopy newsletter. When email came along, it was a god-send for the newsletter. Now, it’s just a tweeted link to an online newsletter! I am active on a daily basis on both FB and Twitter. I have a website (although it’s undergoing a complete overhaul at the moment), and a blog. I’ve not quite embraced Pintrest as yet. Social media can be a time suck and take away from the time you write. My suggestion to someone just starting to build a career would be to find 2-3 that work best for you and concentrate on those. Don’t spread yourself to thin or you’ll find you haven’t written anything to tweet about.


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

I believe a huge portion of a person’s life can be turned into a book. I also find inspiration from objects. After my mother passed away I was cleaning out her house and found a shoebox filled with really OLD stuff. There was a ration book from WWII and a card of pearl buttons priced at 10 cents. Nearly every item in that shoebox spoke to me.



My very first book … way back in 1996 began with a scene I’d taken from real life. The heroine is at the sheriff’s office reporting a flasher and meets the local (hunky) sheriff for the first time. I was the one who was flashed. Unfortunately, I didn’t meet a handsome lawman.

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

Two places, actually. I’d love to go to Australia to set a scene for something contemporary. I’d love to go to Paris just to see the locations I’d put into one of my Rock and Roll novellas. I got the location information from a Foder’s travel guide from 1959 (another find from my mother’s house and the year the story is set). I’d love to see if it looks as good as it reads.

Any fun facts about the research for your book?

Researching the language of the 1920s always gives me a giggle. It was pulling wisdom teeth trying to find a comprehensive list of the sexual terms of the time period. It’s not sitting out there on Wikipedia. I managed to come up with a few slang terms, e.g., sweet spot, honey pot, and muff, for the female anatomy. Not surprisingly, men’s terms haven’t changed that much over the years.



Finally, tell us a little about your newest release!

Susan Leland is looking for adventure. Raised in the lap of luxury, she’s anxious to see what’s beyond the walls of her parents’ Hyde Park home. She and her few close friends frequent a local supper club where they enjoy private reserve beverages (protected against the laws of prohibition), and jazz music.



Holly Winters, the club’s sultry torch singer, fascinates Susan … even though she doesn’t understand why. When Susan is reintroduced to Evan Forrester, an up and coming artist who she’d met the previous year, Susan is given the chance to not only pose for Evan but share the canvas with the beautiful Holly. When Holly seduces the younger Susan into her bed, Evan is more than happy to join in.

Where to Buy: The Muse is only $0.99!
Excerpt:
Susan Leland handed her fox stole to the scantily dressed coat-check girl, took possession of the claim stub, and tucked it into her clutch. Off in the distance, she heard the smooth tones of jazz music, the clink and clatter of fine china and fancy glassware, the raucous laughter of the well-heeled patrons as they dined in elegance and gossiped about their friends and neighbors.

“Good evening, Miss Leland.”

“Good evening, Andre. Is Mr. Adams here yet?”

“No, but Mr. Carlson arrived a few moments ago. I seated him at your usual spot.”

Susan wound her way through the richly adorned tables until she reached the far side of the large stage. “Hello, Steven.”

Steven Carlson stood, captured Susan’s hand in his, pressed a quick kiss to her fingertips and then waited while she accepted the chair Andre pulled out for her.

“Hi, Susie-Q. You look absolutely ravishing, as always.”

“Thank you. You’re pretty well turned out yourself, for someone who’s spent his entire day behind a desk, pushing a pencil over some stuffy legal papers.”

“It’s called a job, Susan,” Steven replied sarcastically. “You should try it some time.”

“I do work,” she insisted. “I volunteer three days a month at the home for the aged. And, I’m thinking about writing a book, a tawdry little novel about a woman who falls in love with an absolute cad. I’ll call him Steven.” Not expecting a response, she glanced toward the door and asked, “Any idea how long we’ll have to wait for Will this evening?”

Steven turned as she had, scanning the large dining room. “Knowing Will, it’s likely he’s just now leaving his friend’s apartment on the north side.”

She settled back into her chair. The revelation that the young man she’d known since their teenage years had been hiding a huge secret from her sat uncomfortably on her shoulders. “Is he doing all right since his family turned him out?”

“He’s doing fine. Justin is a good man and won’t let any harm come to Will.”

For as long as their illicit liaison lasts. Susan pursed her lips, holding in the first thought that came to mind.
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