Fiction Scribe

Thanks to Dorothy of Virtual Book Tours, I was able to fulfill a dream I’ve had since starting the author interviews - interviewing an erotica writer.

PG Forte is currently on virtual tour for her book Waiting for the Big One. She decided to stop at Fiction Scribe, and I’m certainly glad she did!

Enjoy.

Hello and welcome to Fiction Scribe. Tell us a little about yourself.

Hello. Thanks for the welcome, it’s great to be here.

Let’s see a bit about myself, huh? Hmm. Well, I’m originally from Jersey, grew up within sight of the GW Bridge. Didn’t move at all as a kid but, boy, have I made up for it since then. I’ve lived in Manhattan, the Jersey shore, Florida and all over California–North, South and Central Coast.

I’m happily married with two amazing kids and a bunch of pets (only four right now, down from a high of twenty–not counting the fish). And I’ve just finished writing my twelfth book and second series.

How did you get into writing? Did you always want to be a writer?

I’ve always made up stories–always–even before I was old enough to write them down. But, actually, I thought I’d end up as an artist. The idea of writing entire books was too daunting for a long time.

You’re currently touring around blogland for your book “Waiting for the Big One�. Tell us a bit about the book.

Waiting for the Big One was my first erotic romance. It was also my first non-paranormal, first non-suspense, first novella. So a big departure in a lot of ways.

It’s a very lighthearted story and it was the most fun of anything I’ve written–thanks in part to the main character, Gabby. This is the story of Gabby’s search for true love (which, of course, is waiting right under her nose) and her relationships with two very hunky guys.

You write erotic paranormal and fantasy romance. Exactly where does “Waiting for the Big One� fall under these categories?

It doesn’t really. Of course, there is a great deal of discussion of Astrology in this book–I don’t count that as paranormal, but I guess some people might. I think of this book as being strictly erotic contemporary romance, but, then again, I’m not good at staying within the confines of any one category. I like to color outside the lines.

What is it about erotica that you like? Have you always written erotica?

You know, now that I think about it, I’ve always written stories that were pretty sexy, even as a teenager, so it wasn’t a real stretch to start writing erotic romance. The very first book I wrote started out as a mystery and ended up a romance. Or, as I like to put it, I chose sex over violence.

To be honest, I don’t really see that much difference between my erotic romance and my romantic suspense–other than the element of danger is largely missing and I’m placing a little more emphasis on the characters physical relationship.

What I like most about erotic romance is the fact that it makes people feel good. The world needs light, happy, life-affirming stories right now and so I figure I’m providing a public service. You know–make love not war.

Is there anything about it you dislike?

Sure. The fact that it’s so easy to do it badly. It’s hard work to do it right! Unpleasant people having unsatisfying sex is not erotic. Also, staying fresh can be a real challenge. You have to find a way to balance the sex and the romance so that you’re not boring your readers–or yourself!

Have you encountered any negative reactions from people when they find out you’re an erotica writer? Positive?

Living in Berkeley, I’ve actually had more negative reactions due to the fact that I write romance. There are a lot of intellectual snobs who don’t consider any kind of popular fiction to be ‘real’ novels. So, to some people, writing erotica is actually a step up.

Of course, there have been some people–such as my sister in law’s co-workers–who classify what I write as ’smut’. I personally think they should try reading something before they pass that kind of judgment on it, but, hey, I don’t mind being controversial. It probably helps that I don’t think it’s actually possible for any of us to write anything that will appeal to absolutely everyone anyway.

I find all of the authors I interview have a lot in their lives that seems to make writing a near impossibility sometimes. How did you and how do you have time to write?

Sometimes it is impossible. I’ve been lucky. My family has been very supportive. The dishes and the laundry have suffered, my kids both learned to cook (really not a bad thing), I don’t watch TV anymore and most of the time I used to spend reading I now spend writing.

Are there any authors who inspired/inspire you in your writing?

Probably every author I’ve ever read. Either they leave me thinking, “wow, I wish I could write like that.” Or, “hell, even I could do better!”

Do you have a muse? If so, who or what is it?

Well, if I do have a muse it’s a tiny voice that whispers intriguing opening lines in my ear when I’m doing something mundane like drinking coffee in a sidewalk cafe or driving through LA traffic.

Do you have any guilty pleasures when it comes to writing?

That’s impossible to answer since I don’t ‘do’ guilt. But I’ll try.

I guess one of my more secret pleasures with writing is to insert into my books inside jokes that I know only a few people will get.

There have also been a couple of people whom I’ve had a grudge against that I’ve written into a book and I’ve either had terrible things happen to them or I’ve let other characters say terrible things about them.

But that’s a very private form of revenge. I’m the only person who has any clue who they are–and I’m not telling!

What are your dreams for your writing?

So many people have told me that my books would make great movies or TV mini-series that I think I’d really like to see that.

Other than that, I just want to be able to keep doing what I’m doing. Of course, a little more money would be nice too!

Do you have any advice for writers in general?

Write from the heart, believe in yourself and don’t give up. It’s a tough business but you can’t think about that when you’re writing–there’ll be time enough to stress about that once your book is done! Your job is to write the best book you can–not the best book in the world, just the best book in you.

Thank you for your time.

Thank you! It’s been great.