INTERVIEW/ GIVEAWAY: V.S. Morgan

V.S. Morgan has lived all over the United States but now calls Minnesota home. She incorporates her travels and experiences into her stories whenever possible. V.S. dreamed of becoming an author from the tender age of eleven after snagging one of her mom’s Harlequins. She writes contemporary, suspense, and paranormal m/m with heart and heat. “The Gift” is her debut publication. She is a member of Romance Writers of America and the Rainbow Romance Writers and Kiss of Death chapters. When not writing, V.S. is playing with her dogs, practicing Kempo Karate, and reading lots of erotic romance.

Welcome, V.S.! Let’s start with the basics, when did you first start reading romance?

I read my first romance when I was eleven - I snuck one of my mom's Harlequin's. I was hooked after that!

I think we all started that way LOL! Do you recall how your interest in writing originated? Was there anyone that inspired you?

I was an only child until I was five and loved to tell stories to my stuffed animals and cat. When my little brother came along, I made up stories to entertain him. As soon as I learned to write, I loved creating little stories. My teachers and the authors I read (Judy Blume, Beverly Cleary, Walt Morey, and Scott O'Dell to name a few) inspired me. I grew up in a very small rural area, so reading and writing was a way to have big adventures. I was inspired to write m/m after readingMexican Heatby John Lanyon and Laura Baumbach.

Do you have a family?

I have a wonderful husband - we celebrate 17 years of marriage this week! I also have an eleven year old son who I adore.

What kind of support have you received from your family or friends to help you continue writing?

I’ve received a ton of support from my family and friends. They’ve read my work since my mycrazyfanfiction days, supported my taking online writing classes, and are always willing to listen to my news and cheer me on. They were really key in encouraging me to submit work for the first time.

I’ve also received amazing support from fellow writers. It’s amazing how many authors, some associated with Decadent Publishing, others not, who have stopped by my blog posts, encouraged others to friend/follow me and retweeted my promo tweets.

Decadent Publishing is also a wonderfully supportive publisher! A big example of this is their author’s group that allows DP writers to promote and encourage each other. It’s a wonderful way to make new writer friends and stay in touch with what everyone is working on.

How long did it take before your work got published?

I wrote fanfiction for about two years but considered it a hobby. About a year ago, I decided that I wanted to write and publish my own work. I took a variety of online writing classes from ed2go, RWA chapters, and Savvy Authors to refresh my skills and for topics such as epublishing.I focused my writing solely on class assignments during that time.

In January of this year, I wrote The Gift during a month long Anthology Open Call class via Savvy Authors. I submitted it to Decadent Publishing in early February and received a contract the following day! The Gift released in mid May.

I just read your debut release The Gift and really liked it! Can you give our viewers a peek into what it is about?

Glad your enjoyed it!

Wyatt and Rafael, former lovers and BDSM partners, are reunited via Madame Eve’s 1Night Stand service. The one night of play turns into so much more. Because Wyatt worked so hard raising his brothers and managing the family ranch, it was important to show Rafael treasuring his former sub. Here’s a bit from one of my favorite scenes:

He lowered his ass and rested his head on his folded arms. There was a rustling of cloth before the bed dipped beside him. First, Rafael applied a cooling salve to his butt and upper thighs. Wyatt gave a contented sigh. God, he loved the smell of aloe. Then Rafael straddled his thighs and began rubbing oil over his shoulders and back. The hairs of the Dom’s bare legs tickled as they brushed over his hypersensitive skin.

He moaned. Oh, God. Strong hands ferretted out knots that he hadn’t even known existed and Rafael’s erection prodded his ass, at times teasing along his crack. He tipped up, seeking more contact, but Rafael climbed off him. He groaned in disappointment, but fingers grazed his balls and kneaded his inner thighs. Oh God, more. I need him so much.

Rafael made his way down to his ankles. “Turn over.”

He flipped onto his back, and Rafael began rubbing his feet. His slick thumbs dug in deep, and Wyatt’s eyes rolled back in his head. Shit, so good. I haven’t had a massage since…ever. His heart constricted at the tender care, bringing to the surface just how much he truly loved this man.

“Oh, Sir.”

“Like that, do you?”

He hummed in agreement.

Finished massaging his feet, Rafael moved up his legs, bypassing his dick to rub his stomach and chest. It was all he could do not to writhe in pleasure. He fisted his hands at his sides.

Rafael leaned back, eyeing him, tapping his chin. “I appear to have missed a spot.”

Rafael smiled with an unholy gleam in his eyes at his whimpered response. God, only he could make Wyatt want to laugh and cry at the same time. How could Wyatt have thought any other would have worked tonight? Madame Eve had saved his hide big time. If only they had more than one night.

That massage was so loving *sigh*. What was your inspiration behind The Gift?

I was taking an online writing class taught by Dr. Charley Ferrer around her book BDSM for Writers.

When she mentioned a few times that sexual submissives aren’t doormats – they are independent in their everyday life and often leaders, my mind went to the most macho and independent of American heroes, the cowboy. That was how Wyatt was created.

I also wanted to write a reunion story where the split between the heroes had been caused by life getting in the way.

What was your favorite thing about writing The Gift?

It was a real joy to write. I particularly liked bringing out the heart and heat for these two great characters.

Are there special requisites that need to be met in order for something to be considered a 1 Night Stand book/story?

All H/H must meet up via Madame’s Eve’s 1Night Stand services for a one night stand date. It’s a short story line, so word count is 7-13k. There is a fact sheet that Decadent provides to follow so that the stories are consistent, however DP encourages everyone to be very creative with their stories. If you look at the line, you’ll see contemporary, paranormal, time travel, and sci fi stories. It’s so fun to see what 1NS authors come up with!

What type of research did you do for this book? Were you surprised or shocked by anything you learned?

I'd been interested in writing a BDSM story after enjoying books by Joey W. Hill, Cherise Sinclair, and Claire Thompson. For research I read non-fiction books such as SM101 by Jay Wiseand BDSM for Writers by Dr. Charley Ferrer in addition to taking her class as I mentioned above. I wasn't really surprised or shocked by anything but I came away with some solidunderstandings 1)Even the kinkiest of people are still people – they have ambitions, flaws, loves, etc. 2) BDSM doesn't have to be hardcore - couples can have their own levels of play.

Why do you write erotic romance? Is there a genre you'd like to try or one you'd stay away from?

I write erotic romance because I like to show my characters being free and open with their sexuality. I also like to write m/m which places me the erotic category.

I'd love to write a romantic suspense/mystery or scifi. I'm pretty sure I'm never going to write an inspirational romance. Congrats to those who do, just not my thing.

What’s next for you? Are there any projects that you’re currently working on?

I'm writing a new GLBT 1Night Stand about a former Navy SEAL and time travel. My working title isOperation Getting Lucky. Also, a secondary character is yelling for his own story, so I'm going to write that m/f 1NS soon after. (He was very insistent he wasn’t gay. yeesh!) Then I want to focus on some longer works.

FUN QUESTIONS

What is your favorite animal and why?

I am a HUGE animal lover. We have a variety of pets (dogs, hamster, turtle, fish) and I would love to volunteer at a zoo, but I'd have to say I love dogs the best. They are great to snuggle andare so loving. I have two shih tzus.

Describe your ideal dinner date.

Quiet romantic dinner at a nice Italian restaurant and then going out dancing.

What is your favorite movie and TV show?

I’m a BIG movie buff but I’ll narrow my list.

Favorite movies - The Empire Strikes Back, The LOTR trilogy, and I loved the Avengers

Favorite TV shows - Firefly (damn you Fox!), The Big Bang Theory, NCIS

Firefly!!!! LOVED IT! What is a book that you're an evangelist for?

I don't have one currently, but I had my coworkers and familiy all reading The Hunger Games soon after the book released.

The Hunger Games is an absolutely sensational series. Who are some must-read authors for you?

J.R. Ward, Josh Lanyon, Cherise Sinclair, Joey W. Hill, Cassandra Carr, and Tara Lain

J.R. Ward is on our must-read list here at RR. Joey W. Hill is one of our favs too. What’s on your nightstand or top of your TBR pile?

Besides my research books, I've got Tara Lain's Beach Balls on my TBR pile. I can't wait until JR Ward's “Lover at Last” releases. I heart Blay and Qhuinn.

Ohhh, I'm so excited for that one! Thanks so much for visiting with us V.S.! If our readers wanted to learn more about you were can they find you?

Thanks for having me!

Website: http://www.vsmorgan@yahoo.com

Facebook: V.S. Morgan

Twitter: @vsmorgan1

At 22, rancher Wyatt Malone sacrificed almost everything, including the Dom he served and loved, to raise his younger brothers. Now, with the ranch running well, his grown up siblings surprise him with a trip to a Caribbean paradise and a date from Madame Evangeline's 1Night Stand. Taking his courage in hand, he fills out an application that bares his soul for a single night of surrender to a nearly forgotten passion.

Rafael is a Dom without a sub. His desires exceed the available men in the dungeon he frequents and memories of rejected love keep him aloof. Can the submission of a Montana cowboy free him or will the date be nothing more

than another meaningless scene?

See my review HERE

V.S. has offered up a digital copy of The Gift for one lucky person.

This giveaway is INTERNATIONAL.

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