Author Interview & Giveaway with Denysé Bridger on NOW! Do not miss it!

Win your copy of Denysé Bridger's "Favola" a re-telling of the Italian fairytale "Bella Venezia", published by XoXo Publishing, simply by joining Denysé, NOW on the Naughty Nights Press Blog as she gives us some insight into who she is and how she came to be the incredibly talented author she is today and commenting on her interview!


***By simply tweeting, posting on your blog, fan page or even your fb home page about the contest, then commenting at the end of the interview, with a link to where you shared it, you are entered to win. It is SO EASY!***

You MUST repost somewhere to win though so do not forget those links!

One lucky winner, randomly drawn on Wednesday January 12, at 10 p.m GMT-500, will receive an e-book copy of Denysé's story!

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Ok, Lets get started...

Hi Denysé! Thank you so much for taking some time to answer a few questions! It is an honour and a pleasure to have you here at Naughty Nights Press.


Thank you, Gina, for giving me the opportunity to chat with your readers here!! Love you, lady!!! HUGE hugs and kisses...


1. Tell us a little about yourself.

I'm Canadian by birth – Italian by passion. I've spent most of my life exploring the vagaries of the heart, and watching how people love and are loved in return – it makes for the most honest research in the world. I like to bake, read, dream, walk in the park, listen to romantic Italian music… My philosophy for life is pretty simple: "Age is for those who watch life, passion is for those who live it…" I feel intensely, cry easily, love passionately… I don't think there's any other way TO live if you want it to be an experience not an ordeal.

2. When did you realize you wanted to be an author?

I don't know if there was ever a conscious moment when I thought I'd like to be an author – I've always written in one fashion or another, for as long as I can remember, so this was probably the logical progression of that desire to create and craft words, to entertain people with stories that made them "feel" emotion, whether it is escape, passion, anger, hope, fear… all of them are things that touch us, the common threads that bind us all into the human race.


3. What was the first fiction you ever wrote?
Was it for publication? What reaction did you get?

The first fiction I wrote as an adult that I took seriously was a fan fiction for my favourite television series. I had never heard of fan fiction at that point, so imagine my surprise when I was asked by a friend if she could publish it? That was the beginning of a 25 year relationship with fan fiction, and I'd still love to indulge occasionally, but I don't have time now because I'm too busy creating my own worlds.

The remarkable thing about this first story was that I sent it to the actor I wrote it for, and less than two weeks later he called me from the set of the show and told me he'd read it on a break – said it was better than the script they were shooting that week, and to continue writing because it was obvious that I had a gift for it... I was so overwhelmed and thrilled, needless to say – and I kept at it!!



4. What author or book, if any, influenced your writing? Why?

If I had to say any one book influenced me it would have to be GONE WITH THE WIND, which set a standard in my mind for just how sweeping and epic a love story can be. I don't know if I could ever create something quite that grand, but it's inspiring to read it and escape into another era through the timeless story it tells.

Influences of a more immediate kind would have to be the wonderful Lucy Monroe, who never ceases to support my efforts and believe in me – she is not only an exceptional author, but a truly exceptional friend and person. She's generous, insightful, and loving, and she inspires me to keep moving forward...


5. What is your most & least favourite part of writing?

I love the creation stage of a new book – when the ideas are coming together and the tale is so new the first page hasn't been written yet – it's all so exciting to see the birth of a new book. I don't think there is a least favourite part of the process because I love all of it – edits, rewrites, etc. IF there is a least favourite aspect of it all, I'd have to say proof-reading because I hate reading my own work, and have a difficult time forcing myself to do this part of the job.


6. Do you have a ritual to get you ready to write? Something special you do to psyche you up?

I used to have to find the mood to write, but nowadays, I can sit down anywhere and just start in. No prep, other than a few minutes to think about what I want to write. Then I just do it. It's a job, a creative work that I love, but a job, and that's how I approach it.


7. After writing for hours at a time how do you relax?

Usually I pick up a book – at the moment I am devouring J.R. Ward's "Black Dagger Brotherhood" novels and they sweep me away every time I pick one up. I also love to listen to music and that can be the most rejuvenating thing in the world – beautiful romantic Italian music, especially!! Sometimes I walk in the local park, too, it's gorgeous, an archaeological site almost 300 years old.


8. Where do you write?

My office is set up in my bedroom, so mostly I am tucked away and out of the way! I've been known to pull out a notebook and pen and write chapters anywhere... in restaurants waiting for people, I started a vampire novel one day in the hospital waiting room while I was there for blood work – how apropos, huh? LOL


9. Does your environment have an impact on what or how you write?

Not really – sometimes I find if there's a storm outside, I tend to write a little more intense imagery, or use the background in my mind to shape the mood of a scene... my immediate environment is a bloody mess, so I really hope that doesn't influence me too much... my desk is what I can organized chaos, and I'm the only one who can find anything in the immediately vicinity!


10. What is your opinion of writer's groups? Do you find them helpful? And how did you find yours if you have one?

I have never had a critique partner, nor have I ever been part of a writer's group, so I really have no opinion as to how useful groups are. I have two trusted proofreaders who are also excellent editors who aren't afraid to tell me when they see things that need fixing; otherwise I'm pretty much on my own and always have been.


11. What are some of your pet peeves in life?

Dishonesty is a HUGE one for me, I really don't like people who lie to me, on any level. I'm essentially open and approachable to virtually everyone, so I resent like hell when people think it's necessary to go behind my back, or ask someone else what they should be asking me. The other thing that ranks in the major peeve department is the total lack of respect that dominates so many mindsets these days. Assuming instead of asking, not accepting that everyone is unique and as such should be accorded courtesy and respect. Manipulating people does no one any credit.


12. What is your advice to aspiring writers?

Persevere, because it's the only thing that will insure your success. If you believe in what you're doing, and what you have to say, you had better be prepared to jump through a lot of hoops to get your message out to readers. You also have to realize that you're not granting any publisher a privilege when you submit your book to them, this is a business and if they deem your book worth publishing, they are doing YOU the service. Being a diva isn't going to endear you to anyone, and no one is so perfect they are the most important person in the world of publishing. Check your ego at the door and do your job to the best of your ability, and you will be welcomed everywhere.


13. What can you tell us about your last book released?

The last release was actually a reworked fairytale from Italy. Last January I spotted a call for erotic fairytales, and a friend of mine who knows my passion for Italy and all things Italian suggested a story called "Bella Venezia" – it has elements of Rapunzel, Ali Baba, Sleeping Beauty – so many great angles to play. XoXo Publishing™ has published it, and the cover is actually my own real-life prince. This one was great too in that a fabulous Italian singer who's currently rocking the charts over there allowed me to use a part of his song "Favola" as my book trailer soundtrack. Emanuele Dabbono is a great guy, and he approved the trailer himself. So, all in all, turning these elements into a very sexy romance was great fun!

Available now: http://xoxopublishing.com/shop-online/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=13&products_id=101

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xPiAM-ELis

I have a few more stories coming out soon, too – a tattoo themed piece, a historical western erotic romance, even a children's story in a Christmas anthology. Plus, I'm working on a Valentine/Chocolate story with my partner in Rome, so all in all, there is LOTS of stuff coming soon!!


14. Is there anything else you would like to add that we might have missed here today?

I co-own a wonderful online magazine called Sensual Treats, it's devoted to all things romantic and passionate... we publish quarterly, and the magazine is always FREE... we include interviews with top-flight authors, resort features, fiction, ads for some fabulous books, and regular columns. Plus, there are things on the website for everyone, too... this is a project that I really love, and it's been a huge success, we're 2 years old in June!

The other thing I'd like to say is how much I appreciate everyone who takes the time to read my books, and connect with me via my pages and sites. Each letter and note is very, very much appreciated – without your support and interest, there is little point to the creating of stories and books, so all of your comments, and suggestions are read and valued.


You can find Denysé Bridger almost anytime on her links below:

WEBSITE: http://www.denysebridger.com
BLOG: http://fantasy-pages.blogspot.com
Sensual Treats Magazine: http://www.sensualtreats.webs.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/denysebridger
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/denysebridger
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/denyse.bridger
Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Romance-and-Fantasy/458701180391
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B003LUHE96



Thank you for your insights and inspiration Denysé. I am sure I speak for all of your fans and readers when I say it has definitely been a pleasure getting to know more about you.

I want to thank you again for giving us your time and the opportunity to interview you. I for one am a richer person for it. Muah!

Yours Faithfully,

~ Lady Gina Kincade, The Mistress
Author of Erotic and Erotic Paranormal Romance

Mistress Journals Erotic Stories Forum, Founder and Administrator
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