Interview with Inka Loreen Minden

How did you start writing erotica?

Originally I wanted to write young adult literature. But whenever my protagonists clicked I realized the tension between them was getting too strong to just stick to kissing. I enjoyed building up these stories and that is how I started writing erotica.

What’s your favourite published work of yours and why?

”Hearts of Stone” is one of the books that is most special to me. It has been published in German and will be available in English in 2015. I was the first German author to write a fantasy romance novel with gargoyles and the success it had made me very proud.

What erotic authors do you enjoy reading?

From the international erotica authors I like Megan Hart’s writing very much. The German author Katelyn Faith is very talented.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

People often ask questions about my inspiration and I don’t have a proper answer to it. It seems like my muse has a sadistic tendency because it keeps revealing new ideas which I then have to put to paper immediately – otherwise I would forget most of them. In my early years I used to write several books simultaneously which was kind of confusing at some point. But I learned to write my new ideas down but focus on one project at a time, before I start working on the next.

Do you have any unusual writing rituals?

When I’m writing everything that surrounds me needs to be completely quiet . And because I mostly write all day long, chocolate and chewing gum speed up my brain again when I get tired.

Where’s your favorite place to write?

My favorite place to write is with my laptop on the couch. I have a nice view out of the window into the green to relax my eyes from time to time.

Who is your favorite character from one of your stories and why?

This would probably be Ash from Hearts of Stone. He’s a fallen angel who turned into a demon. He touches my heart because he experienced such a heavy burden of destiny which made him turn into the typical bad boy. But inside he has a good heart which he’s able to show throughout the plot.

Do your nearest and dearest know what you do, and if so, what was their reaction when they found out?

Of course my family and friends know what kind of stories I write. My husband supported me from day one and has been a big support ever since. The only one who doesn’t is my son. He’s 11 and thinks I’m writing cheesy love stories.

What was your ideal career when you were a child?

Becoming a writer was my childhood dream. I’m very happy about the fact that I can make a living of it today.

How do you get yourself in the mood to write?

I’ve been in the writing business for quite a while and I have developed a kind of routine. When I get up the first thing I do is turn on the computer. After breakfast it’s usually 7:30 AM when I start writing. This is what I do 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The only exception is when we go on vacation and my family makes me leave my computer at home. Once I’m back in front of the desk after these little time outs it is a bit harder to get back into the routine. You need to be very disciplined to sit down anyway and get back to work but as soon as I get started the writing mood comes back, too.

What’s the best writing tip you’ve ever been given?

The best writing tip I’ve ever been given was about the first paragraph of a book: You have to write the entrance to a book as exciting as possible to get the reader hooked and wanting to read on.

If you get writer’s block when you’re writing, how do you get around it?

Luckily I’ve never had writer’s block, but rather the problem of having more ideas on my mind than time to write them down!

If you could bring one of your characters to life, which one would it be and why?

This would probably be Nick – he’s a genie in a bottle in one of my young adult’s books and he could fulfil my every wish if he was real.

Which author, erotic or otherwise would you love to meet and why?

Stephen King was the grand idol of my childhood and if I could pick an author I would choose to meet him! I read all of his books when I was young.

What’s your favorite genre within erotica and why?

Definitely gay romance – one man is hot, two men are hotter! Love stories between men are very intense as you can evoke strong emotions and conflicts. Writing but also reading gay romance stories is very exiting.

What are you working on at the moment?

I have a lot of new books coming out in Germany in the beginning of next year. In the English speaking market my two next big projects are a young adult title called: Daniel Taylor and the Dark Legacy and a gargoyle romance called Hearts of Stone. I’m getting new requests by my readers every day, and I’m hoping to catch up with those in the near future and also to be able to fulfil my own ideas!

What’s the biggest writing challenge you’ve ever taken on? Did you succeed?

I’ve never taken part in a challenge yet. It’s not very common in Germany. I have my own speed in writing and I don’t like to write under pressure. I’m sure it’s a good thing for others though as it might be easier to get motivated in a group.

What’s your biggest writing achievement? Why?

Hearts of Stone has more than 650 pages and is my thickest book so far. It was a big challenge to write because at the beginning there are two parallel plots. At some point those storylines interweave and the main characters suddenly interact. It was hard to pay attention to all kinds of different elements. I’m very proud that it was so successful here in Germany.

HEARTS OF STONE: GUARDIAN WINGS 

by INKA LOREEN MINDEN

PUBLISHER: Bastei Entertainment
PUBLICATION DATE: Feb. 16, 2015
PRICE: $4.99
PAGES: 387
ISBN: 9783732507917
ASIN: B00MZV92Q0

Two forlorn souls, not allowed to love... a heart-melting love story about a witch and a gargoyle.

His clan took everything from him and forced Vincent to live in the shadows. Shunned by his own kind, his only light in this darkness is a witch, Noir LeMar. Vincent is her secret guardian. He wants to touch her just once, but he has been cursed by his clan – anything that he touches will die. Demons have wiped out Noir LeMar’s family. Since then, she’s been fighting a lonely battle. She does not know that she has a protector, who watches her day and night, while she tries to find her parents’ killers. To save Noir’s life, Vincent has to give up his cover. Although they are attracted to each other, both know they can never fall in love and feel passion. The consequences would be devastating. Can their passion survive the threat of death?

For fans of erotic romance novels set in a mysterious environment.

Available at Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Inka Loreen Minden is a German author of erotic and paranormal romances and young adult books. She has so many pseudonyms that people call her “the multi-named woman.” Inka lives in Munich and shares her home with her husband and son. She has written more than 26 books—historical, contemporary, and paranormal—and her titles appear regularly on the German online bestseller charts.

Author Website: http://www.inka-loreen-minden.de/

Author Twitter: https://twitter.com/inkaloreen

Publisher Website: http://www.bastei-entertainment.com/