Ashlynn Monroe has stopped by the bunny caves to chat with us about her latest novel and writing in general…

What is your most current work out?
Back in the Saddle available from Decadent Publishing.

Blurb: All Jesa wants is peace from her father and aunt meddling in her life. When she decides to use 1 Night Stand to find a date, she never imagines she’d be matched with the very type of man she’s trying to avoid.

David is a werewolf. As the oldest male in his family he must battle the inner violence that his wolf begs him to unleash. His sister’s meddling leads him and Jesa to a meeting that will rock their worlds, bringing them an emotional connection and ecstasy neither expected.

What inspired this story?
I love the concept of the 1 Night Stand series at Decadent Publishing. Two people meeting up just for one evening of passion. I wanted to write a story about forgiving yourself and finding that right person even when the odds are against you.

When you start writing, do you already have the story plotted out or do you let the characters dictate what will happen?
I usually have a good idea of what will happen, unfortunately the characters often have other plans. I transcribe what they do. After the first scene, it’s usually out of my hands. I don’t story board, but I do keep notes as the story progresses.

What inspired you to write in your genre? Is this the genre you started writing in or have you morphed to this one?
I write romance in a bunch of genres, steampunk, urban fantasy, paranormal, contemporary, and science fiction. I’ve always been partial to doing science fiction and paranormal erotica. I wrote my first (terrible) novel when I was thirteen and it’s was science fiction a cross between the blue lagoon and star wars. I really wish I’d kept it now, just for a good chuckle.

Do you have a favorite character you have written?
Passion from Passion’s Escape is my favorite. She’s tough but vulnerable.

Who was the toughest character for you to “get right” that you have written so far?
Oh my goodness, that has to be Cassia from my steampunk novella series from Knight Romance Publishing. The series is called Clockwork Hearts and the first book is Secrets.

Do you draw inspiration for your characters from real life? Any fun stories you could share?
I think all of my writing has some part of “real” life in it. I don’t write about people or events I know because that might freak out my loved ones, but sometimes I find a mannerism or phrase sneaking in from a real person. Places from my real world tend to be the settings I see in my head as I write.

What do you find the hardest part of writing?
Finding time, I have two young children, a full time day job, and a hubby who’s an OTR trucker. I always have a bunch of emails to answer when I get home each night and marketing to work on, not to mention the business of being mom. After all my hard work is done I finally squeeze in a bit of writing time.

Name one thing that your readers would be surprised to know about you.
I love video games. I’m especially fond of puzzle games and brainteasers.

Do you have a guilty pleasure?
I love to read in the bubble bath. That’s the only time I pick up a paper book, I’m hooked on my kindle. When they make a waterproof one, I’ll be in seventh heaven!

What do you need before you start writing? Anything that is just a must have or the creative juice don’t flow?
Nope, after years of squeezing in a moment of writing every chance I get, I can just dive right in.

Does music influence your writing? If so, do any of your stories have a theme song?
Some stories do, Passion’s Escape really fit with Puddle of Mudd’s song Spaceship and I listened to it constantly while I finished the novel.

If your story was optioned for a movie, who would play your characters?
I’d actually want some really hot unknown actors cast. I think it would make it extra special.

Where were you when you got your first contract? Who did you tell first?
It was a weekend morning and I went to check email at the computer. Everyone in the house was sleeping and the moment I saw it I cried and called my mother, sobbing. She thought something had happened to one of the kids. She wasn’t impressed that I terrified her, but she was very happy for me.

How old were you when you read your first romance book?
I was eleven when my sister gave me a YA romance but at twelve my grandmother gave me a garbage bag full of Harlequin I’ve been hooked ever since.

What author causes you to “go fan girl”/ squeal over/anticipate upcoming books?
Dara Joy, Sherilynn Kenyon, and Christine Feehan

If you still have one of those pesky non writing jobs what is it?
I work for a major cell phone company taking calls from their business customers.

What are you currently working on, and what else is in the wings?
Too much, I always have a dozen wips to juggle. Right now, I’m working on a YA paranormal series and my steampunk Clockwork Hearts Series. I’m also working on a science fiction romance. It’s my baby, this one is special and I’m loving it.

If you could co-write with another author who would it be?
That would be a very long list. There are so many great authors I respect I just can’t narrow it down to one.

How do you pick your characters names?
I use a name book.

Do you prefer the love at first sight approach or a steady growth throughout?
That totally depends on the story. I let the characters do what they please. I’m just a helpless transcriber of the “b” movies in my brain.

What is your reaction to people who say one of the following…”Oh you write romance, I thought you were a real writer”, “Romance isn’t a real writing career” or the ever popular “Oh, one of those books”.
Can it be a gesture…I’ve been lucky no one has ever said that to my face. People who know me have trouble believing I write “naughty” stories.

Where can readers find you?
http://www.facebook.com/ashlynn.monroe
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ashlynn-Monroe-Author/106518546052825
http://ashlynnmonroe.com/
http://twitter.com/#!/ashlynn_monroe

And for the silly side – What is your favorite type of chocolate?
White chocolate…yummers