Welcome, Gabbi. Tell us about what you write.

I write BDSM dark erotic romances.  Definitely a walk on the wild side.

 When did your writing journey begin?  

My very first venture into writing was when I was about twelve years old.  Unsurprisingly, it was a romance.  I started taking writing seriously about eight years ago and now I spend all my spare time at the keyboard either writing or editing.

 What was your inspiration for Amber Eyes? 

I had an image in my mind – a woman in a BDSM club.  Soon I found myself asking questions – who was she?  Why was she alone?  Did she come there often?  As I delved into her backstory in my mind, I found a story coming to life.  By the time I was finished, I had three books totaling over a quarter of a million words.

 Do you find inspiration in your own life for your writing? 

Uh… Great question.  This book was written before my foray into the BDSM lifestyle.  The book did undergo a rewrite as I ventured into the lifestyle and learned more.  Might there be some of me in the story?  To be sure.  Does my family know?  Oh heck no.

BUY Amber Eyes online: Amazon US, Amazon CA, Barnes and Noble, Google Play, KOBO IBooks, Publisher

Tell us about your experience with the publishing process. 

I was fortunate to hook up with The Wild Rose Press, and this is my third book with them.  For me, traditionally publishing this book worked perfectly.

Any new projects on the horizon?

I am currently editing book two in the In Their Eyes trilogy and I’m hoping the publisher will pick it up in the new year.

Words of advice for fellow writers in the trenches: 

I would say keep working at it.  I take classes, talk to other writers, and keep trying to up my game.  Also, if you’re able to join a community of other writers, all the better.

 What was the most interesting part of the story to write/research?

I’ll leave it up to the reader to find out, but there was one scene involving a whip…

Now for an excerpt…

“Gage?” Rielle’s voice was quiet but questioning.

He pushed himself from the bed and padded to the bathroom.

She held up his phone. “It was ringing when I came in, but stopped.”

As he scrolled quickly, a cold dread enveloped him. A missed call from Jenna Lee at four a.m. on a Sunday could only portend bad news. Probably a break-in at the school, although in that case she’d probably have waited until daybreak.

“I’ll check my messages.”

“Of course.” Rielle was quick to assure, to offer unspoken support. “I’m going to have a quick shower.”

He heard her, but his mind whirled. Listening to Jenna’s message didn’t help as she implored him to call, stating it was an emergency.

Emergency.

His gut clenched. He and Jenna had lingo, an understanding. This word was to be used in the direst of circumstances. His unsteady hands hit the button.

It was answered on the first ring.

“Gage, thank God. You need to come down to the Mission City Detachment right away.”

“What’s going on, Jenna?”

“They won’t tell me, but Katie Rhodes has been arrested.”

He swallowed down a wave of panic. He barely knew Katie, as she was in the ninth grade, but an image of the diminutive girl with long dark brown hair and brown eyes flashed in his mind. Unremarkable except for her small stature. He doubted she topped five feet.

“Did they say why she was arrested?”

SPEED ROUND!

Oxford comma, yes or no?  Yes.  Or my editor will kill me.

Coffee or tea or wine? Hot Chocolate

What does your desk look like? An unmitigated disaster

What is your writing vice or must-haves? A laptop, a special ink pen, and a black tea latte from Starbucks

Describe a perfect writing day. Early morning writing sprint, administrative tasks including marketing, lunch, then more sprinting.

Where is your favorite place you've visited (or wish to visit)?  I would love to visit Scotland.

Beach, lake, or mountains? A lovely cabin by the lake.

What are you known for? Championing others

Morning rooster, night owl, or midday lark? Morning rooster – I belong to a coffee group that meets at 5:00am.

What comes first, character or plot (or other)? Character

How many hours a day (or week) do you write? I try for at least an hour each morning and a good chunk of weekend days.

Favorite childhood book? Are You There, God?  It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume

Favorite book of all time? Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

You’re on a desert island, besides essentials, what do you bring? A pen, a notebook, and my dog.