This month I was given the opportunity to chat with a wonderful author who took time out to chat with us.  So, without further delay, let’s hear from

Aleisha Browne

Did you always know that you wanted to be a writer?  How did you get started?
I've always had lots of fun writing since I was a little kid in primary school. Now that I look back, being creative was the most fun I ever had through all my schooling years. It had always been a secret ambition to be a writer and a published author but I've often used the excuse of "never having the time" to start writing. Until I made the promise to write a book and dedicate it to my muse of erotic literature… and I always, always keep my promises.

Tell us some of your favorites (i.e. foods, movies, books, authors, music, hobbies, and any others you would like to share.)
Foods – steak, eggs done any way imaginable, noodles, all desserts.
Movies – Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Star Wars.
Authors – Katherine Kerr, Brian Stableford, Margaret Atwood.
Music – chill-out, anything soothing and relaxing.
Hobbies – dancing, cooking.

When writing do you need absolute quiet in an office-like setting or can you write anywhere?
If ideas are raging through my head and I need to get them down on paper or on my laptop, then I can literally write anywhere and any time.

Writing romance, do you believe in happily ever after and have you found yours?
Yes, I believe in happily ever after but I also believe that it doesn't just happen, it must be continually worked on. And yes, I definitely have found mine – my muse and fiancé are to get married this year!

How do your story ideas come to you? Do they start with a character, a scene, or a setting?
There's no rule about how my story ideas come about, they are usually sparked and developed by a combination of the above and then I sort of think about how each element would work with the other before I start jotting down a possible storyline.

What do you think is the most unusual thing about you?
I would say that jumping off the corporate-climbing ladder and into the turbulent soup of uncertainty could be an unusual thing about me, although there are many many others who have forsaken a more stable position to following the calling of the arts. I suppose it is an unusual move amongst my family who have all pursued stable, professional careers.

You write in the fantasy/paranormal genre?  Is there another genre you would like to try?
I just love the no-boundaries aspect of writing in the fantasy/paranormal genre. I love the ideas of magic and supernatural phenomena. At the moment, this is something I'd like to stick to besides for trying out a related genre – speculative fiction.

Do you enjoy hearing from your readers and what is the best way to contact you?
Oh, I love any kind of feedback. The best way to contact me is by leaving a message in my guestbook at my website on http://www.geocities.com/aleisha.browne/index.html.

What was the best piece of advice that you received?  Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
The best piece of advice is that if you want to write, get on with it! Many everyday things take up your attention and time but if you are really serious about writing, then you should shut yourself away for x amount of time and just get onto writing.

What is your guilty pleasure?
Indulging in a chocolate massage at a day spa. Well, that is the safest thing to say in a public forum, even though I presume we're all readers and writers of erotic romance here.

When writing, do you plan the whole story out before you start writing or does it develop as you write?
I have a rough idea of the storyline at the beginning and I just get started. The little details develop as I go along.

Do you have a writing schedule that you follow daily?
No, not yet although I'd like to. Like I mentioned, everyday things get in the way at times. Self-discipline is the key.

How do you promote your work?
I have had lots of fantastic tips from my publisher, the publisher's promotions officer and several authors. I promote my work by joining groups with the common interest of erotic romance, participate in message boards and chatrooms, post excerpts, promos and news about my e-book and have a website with a blog and guestbook.

Is your family supportive of your writing and do they read your work?
My fiancé has read the first draft of my first e-book "Daughter of Man", so he has seen the full transformation it has undergone. He is very encouraging of my work and has shared the excitement with me of having my e-book being listed in the publisher's bestsellers list for February 2008.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?  Current or upcoming releases?
Well, just check out my website at http://www.geocities.com/aleisha.browne/index.html which gives a peek at the cover of "Daughter of Man" as well as its link to the publisher's website. There are other interesting links and events news on there.

I can't say anything certain yet about future works but will keep everyone posted!