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Sunday, September 18, 2011

Interview with Erotic Romance Author Rynne Raines

I found Rynne's books a few years ago. Welcome to Eden was the first of a series involving BDSM, and an exciting read for me. I was hooked from the start! Following that came Pure Sin, the book that cemented my fangirl relationship with Rynne. I fell in love with Cade Sinclair's sensual domination, and Bianca's ability to keep him on his toes. By the end of the book they were good friends that I didn't want to leave. (I could have gone on for another oh....20 chapters or more....)

Last Friday, 9/16, Rynne released her latest novel, Legally Bound, and I am in the middle of gobbling it up. An erotic romance that makes me look deep inside myself to drag out my own feelings, and creates a strong need for me to read, no, devour a book in one sitting, is like chocolate to me. Not many authors make my 'purchase the day they release' list, but Rynne is right up at the top. But enough about me - who is Rynne Raines, and what makes her tick?



Click here to purchase a copy!


1. Tell us a little about Legally Bound

Evelyn Morgan has a secret. Donavan Carver wants to expose it. Bondage, debauchery, and a weekend at Eden lands one of them on their knees….

For years, Eve has craved sexual domination, but a kinky romp in the hay isn't worth destroying her prestigious legal reputation over. Even if that romp’s with her handsome rival and legendary Dominant, Donavan Carver. Desperate to protect her secret and keep the notorious playboy at bay, Eve clings to the lie she’s told for two years—she’s a Domme. Donavan doesn’t buy it.  Given an opportunity to put Donavan’s doubts to rest, Eve lures him into a bet he can’t win—one that will tether him to her leash. So what if she cheats to win? He’ll never find out. Or will he?

2. What was your inspiration for the story?

That's a tough question that I've never actually thought about. Usually a story idea just forms in my head and I roll with it, flush it out and see if it's a workable concept with workable characters. With this one, I wanted to go in the fun direction with explosive characters who played well off each other, which made for explosive sex scenes. Eve is probably the strongest female personality I've written to date and Donavan, the strongest male personality. I had fun playing with the love/hate relationship in contrast to my previous storylines.
3. Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp?

People are not always what they seem to be.
4. Who designed the cover?

Angela Anderson, and she did a fantastic job.
5. What was the hardest part of writing Legally Bound?

Ending it.
6. What are your current projects?

Right now, I'm closing in on finishing another BDSM themed romance. The working title is Political Ties but I'm pretty sure the title will change by the time it's ready to publish. Here's an unedited blurb for it.


Unedited Blurb:


Fiona McBride has lived the life of the proper politician's wife for nearly a decade. To finally be free of her overbearing and cruel husband is a blessing long overdue.


The divorce has not hardened her about relationships. In fact, quite the opposite. After years in a cold marriage, she's desperate for the physical touch of a man but not the passionate kiss-gentle caress type of touch. She needs it rough and messy. To be bound and gagged. And she needs it with no strings attached.


She never anticipated the opportunity for all those things to present itself with her ex-husband's political rival, Harrison Lancaster--The Councilman with the killer blue eyes, a voice as rich as silk, and the only man to ever make her feel naked when she was fully clothed.


Tempting? Oh yes. Dangerous? No question.


But she had been the bed partner of the proper politician before and no matter how great the vanilla sex might be with Harrison, she isn't willing to deny her true submissive nature a moment longer.


Little does Fiona know, she's not the only one who's been forced to hide their true sexual nature....

7. What led you to become a writer?
I've always enjoyed creating something solid that's conjured from my own mind. It started out as a hobby and transformed into more when I quit my job in the big city and moved to the country because that's where my better half's professional road took him. Without him, I wouldn't have the opportunity to spend so much time at the keyboard. I'm undoubtedly grateful for his support.

8. How long have you been writing?

Well, I started out writing at about age thirteen but it wasn't until I was around twenty-four that I starting seriously pursuing anything solid in this industry.
9. Describe your writing process.

That's another tough question for me because, in the end, I never really understand how I get from point A to point B. I guess I get an idea, flush it out in my head, create characters that I think will work, and then start writing. I don't usually mind map or write a skeleton of my storylines, though I've tried. It just doesn't work for me. Also, I tend to edit while I'm writing which I hear is a big no-no. It just seems to happen that way.
10. What's your work schedule like when you're writing? Describe a typical day in the life of Rynne Raines.

A typical day would be waking up, dishes, laundry, running the vacuum...God, now doesn't that sound exciting? LOL After the household is under control, I sit down, check my emails, and then open whatever story I'm working on. Some days, I stare at the last paragraph I've written the day before, for hours. Sometimes it comes easier and I actually put some words down. Those are good days. :)
11. Do you tend to self-edit while writing? And if so, does that interfere with your creativity?

Oh yes. I self-edit constantly. It's a nasty habit, I know. I suppose it does interfere with my creativity but it's the only process I've been able to finish anything solid with. Every writer has their own way of doing things. I'm not the type who can write a first draft quickly then draft a second and make it better. I'm not quite sure why. My internal editor is quite the anal bitch.
12. Do you have any favorite mood-setting music for writing?

I don't actually. I write in silence. When I have music on, I tend to sing along and I can seem to write and sing at the same time. :P
13. What advice do you have for aspiring writers?

Try not to let the work eat you alive. Like anything, this is a job. Yes, it doesn't exactly fit into the 9-5 category but in the end, whether you're published or not published, whether the reviews are good or bad, these stories you are putting out do not define you as a whole. Don't ever base your entire self-worth on the story you're writing and hope that everyone in the world is going to love it. That's just unrealistic and if you do it, you're in for heartache. Also, do not ever let the opinion of others stop you from following your dream to write. If you think you have what it takes to write and that's what you want to do, then do it. On a more technical note of advice: Write your story. Make it as clean and concise as you possibly can before sending it in. Know your market. Hmm, that's all I've got...lol.
14. What advice do you have for busting a slump?

You know...I hit slumps quite a few times in a week and I never know what the thing is that gets me out of it. When I can't write the first emotion I experience is anger, then maybe irritation, frustration, a lot of self-doubt. I walk away from the writing, let it stew but never stop thinking about it. Then eventually I hit rock bottom, have a good cry in the corner. The days following a breakdown tend to be brighter. For whatever reason. I have no idea. If you do hit a slump, trust me, the ability to write WILL return. Timelines are different for every writer. Just hang in there!
15. Are there any authors that you would name as influences?

To be quite honest, I don't read a lot in the genre I write. Does that sound horrible? I find it very difficult to read a specific genre while trying to write in that genre without my own writing voice being influenced. The first real romance novel I ever read was a Historical Romance by Nicole Jordon. She's a talented writer with real characters and I will assume, I took some inspiration and influence from her.
16. Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

Ideas sometimes come from gabbing with a friend or my sister then I take those little tidbits home with me and mull them over in my head. As for research, I use the web. Keeping on the lookout for new and different sex toys is always a treat...lol.
17. Do you hear from your readers? What do they say?

Actually, I've just recently started hearing from more of my readers. I get the odd piece of fan mail and the feedback has always been very positive. If my readers want anything from me, it's usually longer stories, which I take as a compliment.
18. What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?

Vivid and realistic characters. That's the biggest one for me. Even if you have a great storyline, if the characters aren't jumping off the page, trust me, no one gives a shit about how good the storyline is...lol. Also, be clean and concise. Never just write to hear your own voice. Every sentence should lead into the next and play a part in advancing the plot or character development. I've read books, even by well known authors, that I've thought were over-the-top wordy. Don't ramble, please!
19. Are you involved in the BDSM lifestyle? If so, what is your role?

I wouldn't say that I'm "in" the lifestyle. I don't live a D/s relationship though it's always intrigued me. If I were living the lifestyle, I suppose I would be a kinky/submissive.
20. What are your personal kinks/fetishes?

Wow, you don't hold back with the questions, eh? lmao. Okay, here we go. I like dominant men, smart ones who know what they're doing, not just the overbearing type. Force fantasies and role-play are up there on the list. I like the idea of being controlled in sexual situations, the tug of war for power is a serious turn on. Also, I love toys and bondage.
21. Give us one of your own dirty little fantasies.

Hmm...I love the final sex scene in Legally Bound. That would be an ultimate fantasy of mine. If you want to know it, you'll have to read the book! LOL
22. Do you use BDSM to enhance romance, or is it just for enhancing sex scenes?

That's an interesting question that I've never considered. Now that you ask, I'm not entirely sure. I think the best writing comes from something someone is passionate about. I use BDSM because it's what turns me on, therefore, I find the reactions and emotions in the stories to be more genuine which makes for a better story. If I had to guess, I would probably say I use it for enhancing the sex scenes mostly. The struggle for power increases sexual tension and I like that.
23. What made you choose the erotic romance genre, using BDSM themes?

I wrote my first erotic romance because it was a sought after product for the specific publisher. It wasn't until my third release that I went the way of BDSM, and I guess Welcome To Eden derived from fantasies I had in my head. It wasn't until after that one that I decided to stay on this road. After Eden, I felt like a found a niche where I could stay for a while and be happy being there.
24. How do you research BDSM elements?

Believe it or not, for Pure Sin-the second in my Eden series, I heard from a girlfriend about this 3d internet game called Second Life. She told me there were loads of BDSM type clubs inside this interface and that it would be a great place to ask questions and find out a little more about real people who dabbled in kink. That was my first research quest. I met a lot of interesting and informative people there. I also made some fantastic friends. Other than that, I surf the web for info.
25. Favorite snacks in PJ's?

Potato Chips.
26. Sweet & chocolatey, or salty & crunchy?

Salty and crunchy.
27. What are you reading right now?

Blood Sin, by Marie Treanor.
28. What are your favorite films?

Shawshank Redemption. Scent of a Woman. Bull Durham.
29. Give us 3 interesting facts about yourself.

Damn, I don't even know if there are three "interesting" facts about me. I love low whispers and warm rain. I got married last December to my long time love of seven years in the Riviera Maya of Mexico. More often than not, I prefer talking to my dog over talking to other human beings. LOL

30. What are your hobbies?

Camping, fishing (I'm a catch and release type of girl), and cooking.
31. Of all the books that you've written, which is your favorite?

Without a doubt, it has to be Legally Bound. I've never been so completely invested in a set of characters or plot the way I was with this one. I've had a hard time moving past it and writing something new.
32. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Ha! I wanted to be a painter. Surprisingly enough, my artistic ability does not stretch to drawing OR painting!
33. What brings you peace and helps you calm your mind?

Without question, good friends.
34. Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Thank you so much for sticking with me over the last few years. It's been an honor to share what's inside my head with all of you and I hope you'll stick by me in future endeavors.
Cassie, you've been an amazing host. I appreciate the chance to grace the pages of your blog. I hope to do it again, with a new release, in the near future.
And thank you, Rynne, for a wonderful interview! Best of luck with Legally Bound, and all of your future endeavors!

3 comments:

  1. Thanks so much for having me on your blog, Cassie. It was an amazing treat.

    Rynne xxx

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  2. This book is wickedly wonderful! I highly recommend this story for those who enjoy the spiciest of Erotica. One of the things I love most about Rynne Raines is her ability to keep a true romance alive while incorporating scorching hot BDSM in her stories. She is incredibly proficient at writing well balanced Erotica with characters you absolutely identify and fall in love with. Do yourself a favor and check out her work, you won't be disappointed : )


    P.S. Great interview Cassie! I loved hearing the answers to those interesting and creative questions : )

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  3. Great interview! I'm absolutely loving Legally Bound... and Political Ties sounds fabulous! Now, I'd write more, but I must go finish the book so I can find that final sex scene *WEG*

    ReplyDelete