Questions and Answers What are you currently working on? I am presently writing the second book in the Elsa's Erotic Escapades series; the first, Disciples of Pleasure, is with the editor as we speak. Who (Fact or Fiction) would you most like to meet, and what would you ask them? I would enjoy most to meet Mary Shelly. I would ask her if the theme for Frankenstein had been one she'd contemplated for a long time, or if the idea had come as suddenly as history relates. Is there a book or story you wish you had written? Fanny Hill comes to mind. It is not only erotic, but gives an appreciative view of human sexuality while making sharp commentary on frivolous social mores. On a contemporary note, I am impressed by the film, Rob Roy. The romance and devotion between Rob Roy and his wife were the main theme of the story, and very sexy. Generally, films make marriage out to be a stale or humorous arrangement without passion. What was your first professional sale? How did it feel when you received the acceptance? Disciples of Pleasure is my first professional sale. I was astonished the publisher enjoyed the sensual tale! Who is you favourite author? I am not certain I have one favorite, but I enjoy von Goethe very much. If you could give one piece of advice to a would-be author, what would it be? Write only what gives joy. Satisfaction with your work is the one measure of success no one can ever take away. Are you for or against e-books? I am happy the Elsa series will be available in ebooks. It is my first publication, so I can not complain. However, I do hope this will lead to even more conventional success. But I am sure for many people the ebook formats offer much convenience, and so it is a great invention. Are you a music fan? If so, what? I love classic rock-n-roll! The Rolling Stones and Deep Purple are two favorite groups. My favorite song is Rainbow Eyes by Richie Blackmore and Ronnie James Dio. Do you have a favourite place to write? In the sun room of our home. It is bright there, so the computer screen is not so hard on my eyes for this. What influences the names of people and places in your work? Most of the people in my stories are purely creations, and locations too. Disciples of Pleasure began as a story for my husband on our honeymoon. He enjoyed it so well it turned into a saga. In putting these stories down to the keyboard, I have set the heroine's homeland in area with which I am familiar with since arriving in the United States. But as the original stories transcended earthly confines, so has the written novel. What book are you reading at the moment? I am re-reading von Goethe's Faust, and recently started reading a horror book by author Shirley Jackson, titled The Haunting of Hill House. It is a very frightening story! Do You Always know a Story's Ending When You Begin Writing? No. That is one of the best things as I like surprises. Who or what has been a major influence on your writing and why? Making enjoyment for my husband, of course. And the simple joy of writing. Plug away - what do you have coming out? My erotica novel, Disciples of Pleasure, Book 1 of Elsa's Erotic Escapades, will be coming out in ebook formats in early 2003, and hopefully in paperback soon afterward. I am about to finish two novellas backgrounded on the story in Disciples, as well. These erotic novellas are called Teasers by the publisher, and will be available directly from their website. As with Disciples of Pleasure, the Teasers are part of the Amourotica literary line available from Zumaya Publications/eXtasy Books. The second of the Elsa series is in the making! Many Thanks, Desiree! Relevant Links Desiree Erotique Main Bibliography Desiree Erotique's Website Zumaya Publications eXtasy Books