WWR: Many writers claim their love of reading led them to write because they couldn't always find the stories they wanted to read. What started you writing?
Shelley: I've always loved reading since I was a small child and decided one day I wanted to write. To me writing seemed a natural extension of reading plus I thought it would be cool to see my name on a book cover. At that stage I used to read a lot of category stories so my first submission was to Mills & Boon in London. Despite making a decision about writing, I procrastinated quite a bit about starting and didn't seriously pursue writing until my husband and I returned to New Zealand from traveling overseas. Gradually my reading tastes changed, and I found myself seeking out books that were different with magical creatures and elements. This was the stage when my writing changed and I started writing the stories I wanted to read-stories that are just a little different from the norm.
WWR: You write for several different publishers. Do you enjoy the different kinds of stories you write for each of them? Would you tell us about the differences in your books with each publisher?
Shelley: Writing for several publishers allows me to experiment with different genres and styles of writing. Like most Sagittarians I need a challenge otherwise I get bored. I write sensual books with a hint of suspense for Medallion Press while for Ellora's Cave I write hot and spicy, mainly paranormal and futuristic stories. For New Concepts Publishing most of my stories are part of anthologies. Although there might be a little overlap between publishers when it comes to genres my Medallion Press books are sensual, the Ellora's Cave books are erotic romance and my New Concepts books usually come between the two levels of sensuality.
WWR: What about the similarities in your books? Do you have certain themes you like to revisit?
Shelley: I tend to write alpha heroes and quirky heroines. All my books are romances, of course, and I've noticed many of my characters are looking for security and a place to call home.
WWR: The Shadow is your latest book, a contemporary romance from Medallion Press released this month (June 2006) where the heroine is a cat burglar. What was it like to write such a non-typical heroine? Tell us something about Kate that we might not find out about while reading The Shadow.
Shelley: Actually, I don't think of Kate as non-typical. True, her career choice is a little different from the norm, but she wants the same things from life that most of us do-security and love. She's very loyal and loves her father and his friends even though they drive her to distraction at times and when it comes to finding the truth regarding her daughter, she's determined and driven. It's time to put the past to rest.
Well, it's possible that Kate might have another book in her future...
WWR: The Shadow is in first person, not the usual third person that most romances are told from. Was this a deliberate choice or did the story just demand to be told so strictly from the heroine's point of view?
Shelley: The Shadow was another experiment. I wanted to write a story with a "chick lit" type of tone. Kate is such a strong character, and I think the story works really well told from her point of view.
WWR: The Shadow is also a departure from your sensual novels, such as Scarlet Woman, Sex Idol, and others. Would you tell us why you like to write a variety of styles? What kinds of things can a reader expect to find in common between your more sensual books and your more mainstream novels?
Shelley: I've always read a variety of genres and styles so it's probably natural that this seeped into my writing. I like the challenge that writing each style brings, but there are lots of things all my books have in common as well. You'll find an alpha hero, a quirky heroine, a bit of mystery and suspense and a touch of humor in most of my books.
WWR: You've published 12 books in the last two years (feel free to correct me if I'm wrong). What's it been like to be so prolific? Has your success caught you by surprise?
Shelley: I've actually just sold book number 21. I don't really think of myself as prolific, but I'm definitely driven and constantly challenging myself. I write most days because I can't not write. I'm not sure about being a success. It's always brilliant knowing that people enjoy reading my books or receiving an email from readers, but in truth I write for myself as much as I write for readers.
WWR: You've mentioned that you like traveling. Do you use your travels as inspiration for the settings in your books? Where's your favorite spot you've traveled to?
Shelley: Yes, definitely. Both my Medallion books, The Shadow and The Second Seduction are set in England where my husband and I spent six years. I've also set books in Australia, Egypt, Africa and future San Francisco. I'm currently working on two new books, which are both set in India. One is for Medallion Press and the other will be a much spicier read that hopefully my Ellora's Cave editor will like.
I'm enjoying reacquainting myself with India since this is one of my favorite destinations. India is so colorful and vibrant. It's full of history and has some wonderful monuments to explore such as the Taj Mahal. The beaches are beautiful, the shopping fun and the food-well, let's just say I was in vegetarian heaven.
WWR: What's in the future for your writing? What kinds of books can we expect to see from you a year down the road?
Shelley: I see more of the same in my future. As I mentioned I'm currently working on stories for both Medallion Press and Ellora's Cave. I'll be writing more contemporary stories for Medallion Press, and I have notes written up for several paranormal shifter stories for Ellora's Cave.
WWR: You've said your favorite type of book to write is paranormal. What is it about the paranormal romances that you like best when writing and reading? Do you have a favorite type of paranormal, like vampires or psychic phenomenon, or technology-based paranormal?
Shelley: As a reader I enjoy paranormal because they are a little bit different. There's a little magic involved and the heroes are usually alphas who know exactly what they want. As a writer I enjoy the world building aspect of paranormals-making up rules for my characters to live by. I enjoy writing stories about aliens coming to Earth and interacting with humans, such as Talking Dogs, Aliens and Purple People Eaters and also feline shape shifters (Scarlet Woman). LOL I think I'm a frustrated cat owner. My husband isn't very fond of cats. We have a dog, so I think my feline shifters are my way of having cats in my life.
WWR: Shelley, thanks for spending time with us and answering our questions!
Shelley: Thanks, Terescia! It was fun answering your questions.
