Just Erotic Romance Reviews

The first book I read of Marilyn's was the "Fall Of Troy" and it was definitely money well spent. I fell in love with that book. It was everything that romantica readers search for in a romance. In addition to a great story, the main character Angie is a plus-size woman. I was blown away by the concept of a full-figure woman in an erotic romance. The hero, Troy, was a handsome, together type of man and not one you would think of with a plus-size heroine. The love scenes were hot, sizzling, and passionate. So you can imagine, when I was asked to do an interview for the Just Erotic Romance Reviews Newsletter, I wanted to ask Marilyn Lee, the Goddess of Love. When Ms. Lee agreed I was thrilled to say the least. Today is the day I get to go into the world of erotic romance author Marilyn Lee and find out what you the reader's are dying to know about her and how she spends her typical day.

Hi Marilyn, thank you for granting us access into your world for just a little bit. Let’s start with telling all of the Just Erotic Romance Reviews readers about yourself?

I live in Pennsylvania, the Keystone state, I am single, and no kids (unless you count my vampires who demand almost as much of my time as any child. I work full-time and write in my spare time.

I heard you have a newcomer to your family (puppy).

Yeah. He's a Shepard mix so I named him Vladimir. He reminded me of the white German Shepard dog in BL2 that Aleksei gave to Serge roughly 20 years ago. The dog has vampire blood and has the vitality of a dog roughly 2 years old.

When did you start writing?

That’s a difficult question to answer because as far back as I can remember; I’ve been weaving stories in my head. I can recall being shocked when I learned that not everyone had all these characters inside their head. But I think I began trying to write for publication when I was in my early teens. At nineteen, I sold my first short story and then had everything I submitted after that rejected for years.

What was the first book you wrote?

Hmm. The first book I wrote or the first book that was published? If it’s the first I wrote, I can’t really remember, but I know it was awful and I cringe when I think that I actually had the nerve to think someone might actually want to publish it.

If it’s the first book that was published in my current writing phase, that would be Dream Lover. It’s a contemporary romance published by Renaissance E-Books where the heroine walks in on the hero in the nude on the first page of the story. It was my first attempt at romantica and I haven’t looked back since.

How long did it take to get your first book accepted by a publisher?

Actually Dream Lover was accepted by the first publisher I submitted it to, but we had difference and I withdrew Dream Lover and submitted it to Renaissance E-Books, where it’s been since. Although it’s been out for several years, it’s still selling for me.

Have you written any other types of books, and if so what kind?

I’ve written several other books where I suppressed by urge to write hot and the books did not develop any following or do particularly well for me.

What made you decide to write erotica?

Well I’ve always liked spicy romances. I recall reading a book by Susan Johnson. I think it was called Sin. I loved the graphic love scenes, but I don’t enjoy historical romances. So I thought wouldn’t it be nice to have that level of sensuality in a contemporary romance? So I tried my hand at Dream Lover. A Thing Called Love followed and I was on my way.

Marilyn, could you let our readers know, what kind of schedule you have as a writer in the course of a day?

I don’t have a schedule. I write when the writing is flowing. Most of my writing is done on the way to and from work, at night, and on Saturdays. I generally write very little on Sundays. I find that I am more creative at night than during the day. When it’s time to go to bed, that’s when the creative juices really kick it and for some reason it’s then I end up going to work with just a few hours sleep.

I understand you have a full-figure femme fatal series, could you tell us about?

So far I have two books in the series, The Fall of Troy and Full Bodied Charmer. Both are contemporary romances featuring full-figured women who end up with the gorgeous hunk. When I approached my publisher Ellora’s Cave about the possibility of doing a book featuring a BBW, neither of us was sure how it would be received. But it was well received and readers began asking for another BBW book, so I wrote Full Bodied Charmer, staring the hero from The Fall of Troy’s best friend Rick and the full-figured gal he unexpectedly falls in love with. Readers have been asking me to do yet another book connected to the series featuring the heroine’s best friend from Full Bodied Charmer. Although I would like to write that book, I currently have several commitments ahead of it. However, I have written other books featuring BBW, including my latest book, Bloodlust IV-Nocturnal Heat, which features a full-figured woman. I also have another book planned called Teacher’s Pet which will have yet another plus sized heroine.

What made you decide to write about the full-figure woman in an erotic setting?

Well since I turned my attention to romantica, I’ve been exploring all kinds of genres. Not being a size six myself, I wanted to show that BBW could be just as sexually exciting as their smaller counterparts. And if the number of requests I get to do a follow up to Full Bodied Charmer are any indications, readers are more than ready to read about plus-sized women in sexy, erotic settings.

Who are some of the authors that have most influenced you work?

Hmm. Well when I read for pleasure, I tend to read such writers as Betty Neels, M C Beaton, Tony Hillerman, Sandra Kitt, Jo Dereske, and a few others. I don’t know if any of these writers have really influenced me as none of them write in the genre I do, but I admire a writer that can keep me coming back for more book after book, particularly in the case of Betty Neels and M C Beaton.

What type of music do you listen to, and does it play a role in your writing? What is your favorite love song?

I love oldies…Motown in particular and the British invasion type music. But when I’m writing, I listen to country music. It gets me in the mood to write sad scenes. You know when the hero and heroine have broken up and all seems lost. I don’t know if I have a favorite love song. If I had to pick just one I think it would have to be Come Live With Me by Ray Charles. I love his voice and I love the lyrics of the song. Every time I hear him sing it, I get chills.

Do you have a favorite character and why?

Do you mean one of my own? Hmm. That’s a hard question to answer. Some characters I like more than others, but a favorite? I don’t know. If I had to choose, I think maybe I would choose Mikhel Dumont from the original Bloodlust. Although I like all my vamps, if not for Mikhel, there would be no Bloodlust series. When I was looking around for a vampire character I could write about, Mikhel jumped out at me and helped me create the whole Bloodlust universe.

Tell us about your upcoming book Nocturnal Heat-Bloodlust 4?

Well, it was released early so it’s now available from Ellora’s Cave. I have to say that it was my most difficult book to write to date. As the title suggests, it’s the fourth book in my Bloodlust erotic vampire romance series. It centers on Aleksei, the oldest of Palea Dumont’s lost sons. It follows him and his twin as they both find their bloodlusts (a vampire’s perfect mate). Along the way, Aleksei has to battle a much older vampire to save the lives of his siblings while guarding a deadly secret he has kept for years. Many of the loose ends from previous books in the series are tied up. So far reader reaction has been extremely favorable. And I am now formulating plans for the fifth book in the series, Bloodlust V-Midnight Shadows.

What other future projects are you working on?

Hmm. I’m working on many other books, including Road To Rapture (a paranormal romance which will be part of the Venus Is Burning anthology with Jaid Black and Marly Chance), Teacher’s Pet (contemporary romance), Soul Mates (contemporary interracial romance), Primal Lust (vampire romance), Moonlight Whispers (paranormal romances featuring my new werewolf-vampire hybrids), Turn About-The Daughters of Takira (paranormal romance), Bloodlust V-Midnight Shadows, The Quest III-Return To Volter, and a few others that have yet to be named.

Where would you like to see your career in five years?

Well…I’ll be very happy if I’m still able to write books that I enjoy writing and have readers who still enjoy my stories. That’s all I ask of writing.

Marilyn, do you get to watch many movies, and if so what are you favorite?

I don’t watch movies that much, but I’m afraid I’m a TV addict. I love forensic shows, cop shows, police chase videos, and sci-fi. My current sci-fi favorite is Stargate SG-1. I have nearly every episode tape and love to have it in the background as I write.

With all the summer holiday’s coming and going, can you give the readers a quick Recipe?

I wish I could, but I never cook if I can avoid it. My best advise is to let someone else do the cooking, which is what I do every chance I get. ;-)

Wish time: if you could drive any car, what car would it be and why?

It would be a fancy SUV. Doesn’t matter which one. I just like them. Unfortunately, the last time I went to the car show I had a reality check. I had no problem getting into any of them, but I nearly fell out of every single one when it was time to get out. So I think that at 5’ 3 l/2, I’m a little on the short side for the big SUV’s I’d love to drive.

What is your favorite vacation spot and why?

I like historic places. Although I had not yet been, I would love to go to Mexico to visit the pyramids. I’ve always been fascinated with the Micas and Incas and would love to visit a place where they lived.

What is your ideal dream man?

He would need to be kind, considerate, like to cook, and be understanding of my need to write. Those all I’d ask for.

Can you describe to us your idea of a dream date?

Okay. That’s easy. After a candle light dinner in front a big picture window with the waves gently breaking on the water or a beautiful tropical sunset, I’d love to cuddle in front of a fire place talking and sharing our dreams and hopes for the future. And then I’d love to spend the entire night making love.

Does a penis size matter to you as a woman or an author?

Okay, this might make me sound fickle, but as a woman a larger penis turns me on quicker than a smaller or averaged size one. Having said that, I do realize that size isn’t everything. That a man of average size can be just as good or even a better or more skillful lover than a man with a large penis. As an author, I find that the majority of my readers seem to prefer heroes that have larger penises.

Favorite food?

Too many to mention, but I do love spaghetti and Chinese Food.

Favorite perfume?

My allergies make wearing perfume uncomfortable, but I used to love Pleasures. Strangely enough, I can still tolerate and thoroughly enjoy cologne on men.

If someone wanted to become a writer, what advice would you give them?

Never give up. No matter how many times you are rejected, do not give up. Persevere and believe in yourself.

What are your hobbies?

I love playing video games, roller-skating, walking, and reading. I have a collection of pulp novels from the 30’s and 40’s I have yet to read.

I know you have a yahoo group, and you always keep in touch with your members with contests, polls, excerpts, and why is this time with your fans so important to you?

Because without them I would be writing just for myself. Even if I had nothing published, I would continue to write because it’s a big part of who I am, but when a reader takes the time to write to me or communicate with me in some way, I feel as if all the time I’ve spent alone writing has been worth it. So I really appreciate the time I get to spend with readers. It’s very special and important to me. They let me into their world when they read my books and in turn I’m happy to let those who are so inclined into my world.

What sound or noise do you love?

I love the sound of a waterfall. I think it’s the raw power that so enchants me.

What sound or noise do you hate?

Chirping birds that wake me in the morning before I’m ready to rise. ;-) Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against birds, but I can do without their incessant chirping first thing in the morning.

What is your favorite cuss word?

I won’t have one. Although my characters do, I do never use what my mother would call “foul language.”

If heaven exists and God meets you at the gate what will his first words be to you?

I would hope it would be Welcome. ;-)

I would like to thank Marilyn Lee for allowing me this opportunity to interview her for Just Erotic Romance Review Newsletter. If you would like to contact Marilyn you can send an email to Mlee2057@aol.com or visit her website at:
http://members.aol.com/Mlee2057/MLee.htm

To purchase Marilyn’s books visit…
Ellora’s Cave www.ellorascave.com
Renaissance E-Books www.renebooks.com
Liquid Silver Books www.liquidsilver.com

Back to Interviews 2003