Having chips, dip and some conversation with...

Eva Langlais

What is your most current work out?

Alien Mate released on May 14th is my most recent available work. It’s a sizzling, sci-fi romance replete with abduction and pleasurable probes available at Amira Press. (http://www.amirapress.com)

Tell us a little about Alien Mate what inspired you to write this story?

I’ve always loved stories and shows about aliens. The X Files were a huge favorite of mine back when they ran, as were the entire Star Trek series. Doing housework one day, my mind as usual wandered, and I was struck with the thought of what would I do if an alien suddenly appeared and told me he was my leader? Well, that quick jot of notes soon led to a quickly unfolding novella of spicy proportions. And before you ask, yes, he’s blue down there too.

When you start writing, do you already have the story plotted out or do you let the characters dictate what will happen?

I’d like to say I’m really organized with a linear plan about where I am going, but that would be a huge lie. I only ever seem to start with that opening scene and from there the story unfolds. As I go along though I will jot myself notes of scenes I’d like to include. For example in my most recent WIP about a witch, I knew I had to find a way to slide some vamps in, just because they’re fun. And of course I needed a scene where my wicked witch gets to showcase her jealous side. Cautionary note: don’t piss off a witch. LOL.

What inspired you to write in your genre?  Is this the genre you started writing in or have you morphed to this one?

Well, all my tales so far have been romance oriented, although I’ve noticed them noticeably veering towards the more erotic side, especially in my most recent work. Turns out I like the big naughty words LOL. That said though my genre has tended towards the fantasy romance with paranormal overtones or in the case of Alien Mate, extra terrestrial ones.

Do you have a favorite character you have written?

Wow that’s a common question and until recently I’ve been saying Muriel, the heroine from Lucifer’s Daughter, contracted with Liquid Silver Books. But as I keep expanding on my witch story, I’ve got to say, I’m finding myself more and more entranced and laughing out loud at just how evil Evangaline is. Turns out I have a wicked side that delights in insulting and scaring people. Not to mention Ryker, the shifter who can’t help himself where she is concerned, is just delicious.

Do you have a character that you look back on now and don't like?

No matter the character and their annoying traits, I can’t dislike any of them. Each was unique and flawed which made them seem so real to me, and each served a purpose whether it be hero or protagonist.

Do you draw inspiration for your characters from real life? Any fun stories you could share?

In The Hunter, I drew on my own children to properly portray the kids in that tale, course my kids don’t have the special abilities those two did, but they do whine in about the same pitch. I know I draw some of the alpha characteristics for my heroes from my hubby. He tends to laugh and shake his head when I go running up to him and outline a scenario and ask what his reaction would be. Yeah, for tough guys who support their wives!

Name one thing that your readers would be surprised to know about you.

I don’t like to socialize, seriously. I almost have panic attacks when I know we have a planned outing. I am a homebody and I like it that way. I kind of hoped that as a writer, I’d be able to become a hermit, but alas, that myth has been killed. But it’s not all bad. I’ve made some interesting new friends online. LOL - Socializing without leaving the house, its total genius.

Do you have a guilty pleasure?

A few actually. One is chips and dip. Once that bag crosses the threshold of my home, it is mine, my precious, and I don’t like to share to my children’s annoyance. But I am trying to reform, one small bowl, begrudgingly given at a time. I also love a handful of TV shows, Vampire Diaries sitting at the top of that list currently. Gotta love Damon and his eyes.

What do you need before you start writing?  Anything that is just a must have or the creative juice don't flow?

All I need to start is the first line, which never lasts the course. For example, I started Alien Mate with the line, ‘Greetings earthling, I am your leader.’ and from there the snowball charged down that hill. I do prefer some quiet too, with maybe just some eighties tunes in the background, but my four year old who doesn’t start school until the fall, tends to be rather distracting, as does the chorus for Dora The Explorer.

Does music influence your writing?  If so, do any of your stories have a theme song?

I love to listen to hits from the eighties when I work because I personally think all the greatest love songs came from that time. As to whether they influence me, I’d have to say yes and no. Most of the time they just keep me happy, but on one story, Lucifer’s Daughter, there was a song by Honeymoon Suite that totally inspired me, which was kind of distracting since I was driving at the time. My husband has suggested I get a Dictaphone, but that would take the fun away from chanting the lines I come up with over and over until I can get home to write them down.

If your story was optioned for a movie, who would play your characters?

Hmm, which story is the first problem, I love them all. But if we were to go with Alien Mate, I’d say Ian Somerhalder, what can I say? I love him from Vampire Diaries. For his female love interest, can I raise my hand? LOL. Actually her part would be harder to cast because in the book, she’s a girl with curves, something our media isn’t too keen on representing. Personally, I think curves are beautiful. 

Where were you when you got your first contract?  Who did you tell first?

I was sitting in my office chair at five thirty in the morning when I got the email with a contract offer for Take A Chance coming June 1^st from Champagne Books. Hubby who was getting ready for work was the first one I told, well once he could figure out what all the hopping up and down meant.

Then I told my parents, who were like, “What’s an e-book?” They still don’t quite get it but are enjoying telling people their daughter is a writer.

What are you currently working on?

Right now I’m working on a story about a wicked witch who can’t help lusting after a shifter. It’s shaping up to be a sizzling tale, and I hope to be finished with it in the next few weeks before I pass out from heat stroke. After that piece is done I am going to be working on a sequel to Lucifer’s Daughter that will delve into the ménage concept. I can’t wait to orchestrate that scene LOL. I’m also fleshing (editorial note – she did say fleshing, I wonder if she meant flushing but with a Freudian slip out came fleshing…) out a second short story to be a continuation of My Secretary, My Mistress coming soon with Cobblestone Press.

Where can readers find you?

The best place to find out what’s going on with me is my website http://www.evelanglais.com

All my current and upcoming books can be found there, as well as excerpts and smoking covers. You can also check and see on some of the projects I’m working on. Under my contacts tab, you can find links to my FaceBook fan page and other social networks. I do hope you’ll pop on by and say hi.

And for the silly side - What is your favorite type of chocolate?

Screw the chocolate; give me some sour cream and onion chips LOL.