 Guest Debut Author Temple Rivers Posted by Jo Robertson May 29 2012, 11:59 pm Today we have special guest author Temple Rivers, the pseudonym for a romance author who wishes to remain anonymous. To protect the innocent, as they say, tee hee. Please welcome erotica debut author Temple Rivers, who is showcasing her first historical erotic novella, “Willing Seduction.”
Jo: Temple, tell us what prompted you to sashay into the world of erotica. Temple: Accident, pure accident! I had entered this short piece into one of Harlequin’s “Spice” contests. The novella got no action (pun intended), but I thought it might work on the electronic circuit, so I published it myself at Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing. Jo: How long is the novella and was it difficult for you to write a short? Temple: Definitely, hard! Writing short involves so much more revision than writing long. I appreciate Harlequin writers even more after finishing “Willing Seduction.” There’s so much detail you want to work into the story, but you don’t want to get too wordy. The novella started at exactly 15,000 words, which was a Harlequin requirement, and I added over 1000 more words to the story. Jo: Was writing “sexy” hard for you? Temple: O boy, was it ever, especially at the beginning. Now, just a little bit. I wanted the story to be very sexy, but not pornographic, if you know what I mean. There’s a fine line between erotica and porn, and I wanted to be sure to capture the heart of an erotic story. That said, I do not want my family and close friends to ever read this story! Or at least to know that I wrote it! Jo: Tell us a little bit about the story behind “Willing Seduction.” Temple: Colin Lindwood, Seventh Earl of Stanton, is a man who must marry to inherit his grandfather’s estates and money. Elizabeth is a widow who has discovered her husband left her penniless. One night at a stuffy gathering, Elizabeth takes a turn around the garden maze and stumbles on a couple in flagrante delicto. She begins spying on the couple, titilated by their raw sexuality, and is unaware that Stanton is spying on her! Eliza discovers the earl has a lot to teach her about sensuality and the awakening of her own body. Jo: Sounds, ahem, intriguing, and a whole lot naughty! Temple: I hope my readers find it fun and exciting! Jo: How did you arrive at the title for your novella? Temple: I’d orginally titled it “The Awakening,” but I did a title search and found that title was very overused. Since no one had used “Willing Seduction,” I chose that. Jo: Where can our readers find “Willing Seduction”? Temple: I’m so glad you asked! The novella is only available at Amazon as a download. Follow the link here: to purchase it. I’ve recently lowered the price from $3.19 to $1.99 so be sure to get the sale price! Jo: Thanks so much for being with us today, Temple. I confess that I wasn’t sure such a naughty story would appeal to our readers, but having read it, I can say that it’s very sexy, but also tasteful! Temple: Thanks, Jo! I had my cover designer find an image that was exactly that: sexy, but tasteful. And thanks for having me today. Readers, please ask me anything you’d like about writing — my experience, my process — I’m all ears! Jo: Check out Temple Rivers’ novella “Willing Seduction” and leave a comment to enter a drawing to win a $10 Amazon gift certificate. Now a question for our readers: Temple wants to know about the “hot factor” in your reading list. Do you like sweet and tender, sexy and sassy, sensual and dark, or just all-American clean? Also, what about novellas? Which do you prefer — a short read or a long one? TweetComments72 thoughts on “Guest Debut Author Temple Rivers” |
   
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Wow! Congrats on your erotic romance debut, Temple! Willing Seduction sounds like a fun read!
I happily read a wide range of “heat,” from inspirational to scorching
I like to mix it up a little, and what will grab me most is probably the characters and story, even more than the heat level. Some stories are well suited for hot though, especially ones like Eliza’s, about a physical awakening 
I do love a range of lengths too–short works well for when I don’t have much time, but I like longer works because they do tend to give you more of a chance to explore and enjoy the characters and see more of a development arc for growth and change.
It sounds like you write romance already, but this was your first foray into hotter? Do you think you’ll continue to write more as Temple?
Have you told anyone you know about your new pseudonym?
Congrats again–I’m sure you’ll enjoy many sales!!
Hey, Fedora, looks like the rooster’s coming your way!
Oh, I forgot to tell Temple about the tradition of the Golden Rooster. The first commenter of the day gets the virtual rooster for the day in whatever capacity the winner wants to use him. He entertains children, cleans house, or roots around for Tim Tams, an Aussie cookie delight.
Mostly he’s a PITA, but we love him.
I was curious about that rooster. Can the winner use him in ANY WAY?
Congrats on the rooster, Fedora!
Thanks for the compliment, Fedora! My romantic suspense books are pretty steamy, so I was halfway there when I wrote “Willing Seduction.” I’m not sure I’ll continue with the erotic shorts, although WS is selling well.
No, I haven’t told anyone about the erotic novella except my cover designer. I told her if the story leaks, I’ll know who to put the hit out on .
The physical awakening is a marvelous trope, isn’t it, Fedora. It reminds me of “The Awakening” by Kate Chopin, which we used to assign to our AP students. Of course, that book was not as “naught” as Temple’s.
Congrats on your debut release, Temple. I don’t read many sweet and tender romances. I prefer books with heats level that are sexy and sensual. I usually prefer longer novels, but I also enjoy novellas that you can read in one sitting.
Thanks for swinging by, Jane. I don’t read many inspirational books either. I prefer some level of heat in my books. I’m don’t usually read short stories or novellas either, but I’m going to start!
I like my stories like that too, Jane. However, if it’s a writer I admire, I’ll try something that’s more sweet.
Hi Jo! Hi Temple! Hey, Temple, huge congratulations on your debut release. Actually many of the Banditas and Bandita Buddies are very naughty and like it hot. I think that wicked Tawny is to blame! I love the sound of your novella – it sounds really delicious!
I’ve heard that rumor about the Banditas, Anna. Looks like I’m in the right place .
And I love Tawny’s spicey Blaze stories!
What? Us? The Banditas naughty? Bite your tongue, Anna, tee hee.
I did laugh at the ‘protect the innocent’ remark.
As to the HOT FACTOR – that depends upon my mood really. I do enjoy a varied & tasty menu.
I think neither the author or the character is very innocent in “Willing Seduction.”
I wish I were more varied in my reading like you, Mary. I tend to stay in one genre because my reading time is so limited. I wish I were more adventurous, but I think Nancy’s debut novel in November will push me into that fantasy/mage genre. I’m really looking foward to it!
Hi Temple
This one sounds very good I like all types of romance stories depending on the mood I am in and I like them long and short depending on what I feel like reading and the time I have LOL
Congrats on the release
Have Fun
Helen
Thanks, Helen. Thanks for stopping by. It’s good to have a wide variety of interest in books. You’ll never run out of them!
Hi, Helen. What’s in your reading queue now?
Jo
The list is sooo long LOL I have all genres of romance on the e reader as well as about 900 books I still have to read it is so scary some days I stress trying to decide what to read next LOL I am reading a historical romance at the moment and I think next up will be a catergory then a romanctic suspense I think LOL
Have Fun
Helen
Helen, you’re too cute about angsting and stressing over which book to read next. I don’t have nearly as many books as you do on my kindles!
I usually read my free books first and if I don’t like them within about 10% of the book, I’ll just delete it. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, I always say.
Sometimes I like a short read, if I am short on time and still want the satisfaction of a whole story, for the most part though I don’t want to let the characters go even with a full length novel.
I think I am a moody reader, sometimes I like the heat and sometimes I don’t.
I like that “moody reader” term, Dianna. I used to read only shorts and short stories when I was in school, but now I like having more time with the characters too, especially if they’re memorable.
If it’s a scary thriller or mystery and I’m reading into the wee hours of the morning, I like shorter, too, Dianna.
How intriguing to have a visit from a mystery author. I usually do read longer stories but sometimes it is nice to have a short story that you can quickly read and enjoy. All different types of stories appeal to me but I do like characters who have had some tough times and learned from their mistakes.
Jo and I are being very sneaky today, Maureen. I feel like a spy.
Yes, I agree. I like an imperfect hero or heroine, especially the hero, who can grown from his experiences.
I think that’s one of the reasons I like FX’s “Justified” so much. Not just the eye candy of Timothy Olyphant, but how flawedd Raylan is.
I love all kinds of romance books. but,perfer longer reads.
Hi, Gail. Thanks for stopping by.
It’s really fun to stay with those memorable characters for a long time.
emple wants to know about the “hot factor” in your reading list. Do you like sweet and tender, sexy and sassy, sensual and dark, or just all-American clean?
In the past I used to be the all-goodie-two-shoes kinda gal. However, as time went on, I began reading dark and sensual books – not the gross-out type – just dark and tortured souls (the guys that is) who were sorted out by an ordinary kind of chick.
Also, what about novellas? Which do you prefer — a short read or a long one?
I like a mix of the short and the long. It depends what my attention span is like.
Hi, Mozette. I’m LOL at your goodie-two-shoes reference. What made you change from vanilla stories to darker ones?
I got bored of the same old stories doing the same old things; you know, different authors taking the same roads, telling us the same stories but in their own words. Strange how that can happen.
So, the dark, tortured souls came about and I loved them. These stories were so different and the guys had baggage… just like I did… and they were hot! Hotter than the usual characters in the other stories (who began to look like the honest, blond-haired, farm-boys who’d never do their mother any wrong). That was the attraction; and I began writing books and stories that way as well… with men and women who were tortured both.
Interesting take, Mozette. They say there are no new stories, just new ways to tell them, but I agree that some books seem to be interchangeable like moving cogs in a wheel.
I usually like dark and dangerous, too, but this novella is really a love story about a man awakening his lover to sensuality.
Dark and tortured are interesting to me too. They seem so much more realistic and I like seeing them overcome or at least learning to live with their dark secrets.
What recent dark and tortured hero have you enjoyed, Mozette?
I read ‘Acheron’ by Serrilyn Kenyon last June, but the first half was so horribly slow I almost put it down! However, as the second half came around, I sped through it.
And the other books I’ve read that were great are ‘The Midnight Breed’ series… all the guys in that one are dark, brooding and very, very hot!
I’m reading a hot, hot book down about a vampire and a woman who’s lost her memory. No titles or author names, but I’m afraid it’s going to be a lot of the author telling me how hot the vampire is. I think I’m going to be disappointed in it, but I’ll give it a few more chapters to be fair.
Romance in a long format is my favorite as I become immersed within the pages and heat and sizzle is always welcome.
I agree with you, Ellie, especially if the long book is filled with interesting characters and an intriguing plot.
Hi, Ellie. Speaking of “heat and sizzle,” did anyone watch “Hemingway and Gellhorn” on HBO this week. Clive Owen plays a very convincing Hemingway and there’s an incredibly steamy sex scene between him and Gellhorn, played by Nicole Kidman.
Oh. My. Goodness. Very hot!
Enjoyed this post since heat levels are always important. medium with compelling characters and as lengthy as possible.
Hi, Anne. You must love Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series. It’s very long.
What’s the latest “long” book you’ve been reading, Anne?
Temple, welcome to the Lair and congrats on your debut! I tend to gravitate toward hotter books, but I read all levels of sensuality.
I read mostly novel-length, but I have a selection of novellas on my iPad. Sometimes I don’t have time to read an entire book and am happy to have a shorter option. I also like shorts that fill in bits about characters in series I’m reading.
Hi, Nancy. I’ve heard a lot of writers are writing those bridge books to give readers something short to read while they’re working on the next book in a series.
Hot is always good!
What’s the hot factor on your first mage book, Nancy?
Welcome to the Lair, Temple. Congrats on your new novella.
As for what I like to read, it depends on the mood I’m in. I read widely — from short to long fiction, dark, light, funny, mysterious, just as long as it’s a good story with engaging characters.
Hi, Trish. Thanks for swinging by. I think the story and the characters are what keep us reading, too.
That’s an eclectic range of reading tastes, Trish, and I’m sure it’s why you’re such a strong writer!
Big yawn! Sorry I’m late to the party, folks! I overslept because I had Miss Emma yesterday until late. She’s a pistol!
Thanks again for being our guest today, Temple. I see you’ve already gotten a jump on me!
I’m really enjoying all this secrecy and intrigue. Do you think you’ll ever “come out” as an erotic writer?
I’m off to eat my breakfast of cake and Pepsi! I know I should be flogged for that, but I feel a great need for treats after having Emma all day yesterday.
Good excuse, huh?
Congratulations on your new release, Temple! And what a fabulous cover! Your “cover conspirator” really deserves some serious points for that.
As for your questions, I read a wide variety of heat levels from sweet to sexy; although that being said, too much sex in a story disrupts the story arc for me. I find that some authors tend to use an overabundance of sex scenes to make up for a lack of character and plot development. I don’t mind any level of heat as long as the scenes are relevant to the story and both are equally well written. Ditto in regards to length; I’m happy with any length of story as long as the writing is well done.
Thanks, EC. I think the cover artist did a great job.
It’s true that some romance books, especially long ones stick sensual scenes in that take away from the story arc. I hate that too. It’s like, okay, I’m on page 120, so I have to have another sex scene.
That’s true, EC and Temple. But I think in erotica the readers are actually looking for those sensual scenes, don’t you?
I like Temple’s story because there’s a plausible story arc that parallels the sexual awakening of the heroine.
Aw, shucks! Thanks, Jo. (blush, blush)
As long as I enjoy the characters and there is a story (what I think is the difference between most erotic and erotica) than I will read almost anything. I love variety. Normally I tend to stay away from the inspirationals that get preach (not all do) and erotica that has no plot. Everything else I enjoy.
I don’t like preachy stuff either, catslady. Can you recommend some inspirationals that are not preachy? I’d love to try one.
okay that was that preach or get preachy lol.
Hehehe, I knew what you meant, Catslady. I like uplifting and moving stories, but I don’t want to be doctrinalized (is that a word LOL?).
Hi Temple – Welcome to the lair!
I used to say that I never read erotica, not that I thought it was evil or anything – I just had a full TBR stack of everything else. Then I noticed the list of the top 50 eroticas in the July RT and when I scanned the list – whoa – guess I’ve read erotica after all! LOL . Must say I feel so much more continental saying that
i think it’s telling that I hadn’t realized that I was reading erotica. I thought it was just a hot, good book. So if the story’s well told – I’m good with it regardless of the sensuality level.
Novellas? Based on my TBR pile, I must prefer the longer books. I have a few anthologies which you’d think I’d read in a snap. Nope. There’s not enough space in a novella to develop the sort of story that I like it seems. Oh well.
I almost never get anthologies either, Donna. I just get frustrated when the story ends and I want more of it.
That’s why I was curious to see how this novella would do.
That’s too funny, Donna! I get pretty annoyed with books that are clearly designed to tittilate and have no story what-so-ever, so a story that’s so stupid it insults my intelligence.
That said, I’ve read some pretty good, sound erotica, but like you, I just consider it very hot romance.
Congratulations on the book! The book sounds good. I read a range of books. I prefer long novellas.
Thanks for swinging by, bn100! If you get my novella, I hope you enjoy it.
Welcome, Temple! When it comes to heat, I really have no preference, other than that the sexuality be well motivated & believable. Sex for sex’s sake doesn’t really appeal, but I love a good, hot read if the sex matters emotionally. I’m looking forward to checking out your new release!
Thanks, Susan. I hope you like the novella when you read it. I’ve tried to make it romantic as well as hot, hot, hot!
Welcome to the lair, Temple and congrats on your release! Sounds like a fantastic read *g*
I love all types of stories, from sweet to super sexy!
Thanks, Beth. It was hard to write such a short piece and develop characters properly. I hope you enjoy it!
I really love the sexy longer reads. Then I switch it up and go for the sweeter, tamer stories. Love the darker stories, too.
When I’m crunched for time I’ll go for the shorter stories.
Thanks for swinging by, Leni. I think I’m going to be reading a lot more short stories and anthologies since I’ve written this novella. I need to see how my story stacks up against others.
Thanks to Temple for guesting today. And thanks to all those who stopped by and left a comment. Be sure to check out the blog tomorrow night to see who won the $10 Amazon gift card she’s gifting one lucky commenter!
I read a variety of heat levels. It has to fit the story.
As to the length of a story, it depends on how much time I have to read.