Interview: Laura Stamps

I had the great pleasure if interviewing one of my favorite paranormal erotica novelist Laura Stamps. Not only is she an extremely talented writer, but she is so super nice!

Sex Magick

Noelle Wylie is a Rune Witch, and at thirty-five she’s got it all. This year she bought her dream home. Then she let Wynn, her darkly handsome, shapeshifter boyfriend move in. One evening Wynn gives Noelle a book on “sex magick.” Intrigued, she decides to give it a try. However, just as she experiences some of the best sex of her life she discovers Wynn has a hidden agenda. Uh-oh!

Bewitched at the Beach

In this erotica novella Wynn is offered a long weekend trip to Hilton Head Island by his vampire boss, Drayton Manigault (from “A Vampire’s Kiss”). Of course, Wynn and Noelle jump at the chance. However the corporate beach house where they spend this three-day sexfest may never be the same again! *lusty grin*

The Harvest Moon

After their neighbor, Savannah, has her a handfasting/wedding, Noelle and Wynn are left in charge of cleaning up Savannah’s house. Of course, all work and no play threatens to make Noelle a cranky girl. Horrors! Thankfully, Wynn isn’t about to let that happen, so he seduces her with edible bubble bath, light bondage, sex, sex, and more sex. Everything is coming up roses for those two until Noelle discovers she’s let the cat out of the bag. Kinda.

Make sure you stick around to the end. We’ll be giving away a copy of The Rune Witch Series to two lucky individuals!

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Literary Escapism: Every interview seems to start off with *tell us about yourself*, so instead I want to ask – Looking back through the year, of all your ups and downs (and I know there have been plenty! lol), what was your biggest highlight? What was the lowest?Finally, looking at where you are today, if you could would you change anything this past year?

Laura Stamps: Awesome question. And it only took me like two seconds to think of the answers. Am I easy or what? Wait! Don’t answer that. *falls over laughing*

A.) Okay, my biggest high was going into the Kindle Store this year. I’ve been wanting to get into ebook and Kindle FOREVER because I’ve been in paperback for 23 years, and I firmly believe ebook is the future. But I kept running into delays, first with my big ebook publisher (Forbidden Publications) going out of business in March 2009 before “The Rune Witch Series” could be published. And then with the publisher I signed with in February (Magicomm Media) not working out in 2010. So when I finally got into Kindle in May 2010 with Kittyfeather Press it was not only a sweet victory but also the manifestation of one of my long-time career goals (much like my “Pulitzer Prize” nomination in 2005). *happy dance, happy dance*

B.) My lowest point this year is one many people already know about since my life is an open book on the web (no pun intended, well…maybe *lol). That’s when I realized in March 2010 that my agent (now my ex-agent) had almost destroyed my 23-year career. So I dropped him and worked like an insane women for 124 days without any time off to fix his mess. I succeeded, but toward the end I felt like a walking coma. However, as you know, that didn’t put a damper on my sex life. Amazing how that always happens with me, isn’t it? Well, this slut does have her priorities… *sex-obsessed grin*

C.) GAWD, I hate to say this, but looking back my answer is: No, I wouldn’t change a thing. Even though it hurt like hell, and I went through like 8 months of sleepless nights. But the seriousness of the circumstances forced me onto career paths I needed to take. Painful as that was. And changed me as a person in ways I need to change. Painful as that was. *ouch, ouch, ouch*

Literary Escapism: Of your books currently out, it seems “trilogies” are your thing. However, with the short length of your stories, do you ever plan to revisit the characters in previous trilogies at all? For example, I really adored Noelle and Wynn, yet felt that their trilogy went by in a flash! Moreover, do you plan to write any longer books? Series?

Noelle and Wynn first appeared as secondary characters in “What Witches Want: Book Two of the Witchery Series.” You would love them in that one! And they continue as secondary characters in “Call of the Witches: Book Three of the Witchery Series” and in “A Vampire’s Kiss: Book One of the Manigault Vampires.” I do love trilogies. However “The Rune Witch Series” is my only novella series. I am a novelist, and I’m used to writing big novel-size books. “What Witches Want” is 256 pages in paperback, and “Call of the Witches is 278 pages in paperback. My novels are usually 28 chapters in length. I looooooove the long form of a novel. So writing the short novellas for “The Rune Witch Series” was a fun challenge. In fact “A Vampire’s Kiss” is verrry long. There are 40 chapters in it, and it’s well over 300 pages.

Literary Escapism: What is your A-List? (I call the A-List a group of authors that I must read, that when new releases come out I am rushing to purchase and devour them).

Laura Stamps: Kathy Love’s paranormal erotica. Emma Holly’s erotica. Sunny’s “Mona Lisa” Series. Any cowboy erotica by Delilah Devlin. Lora Leigh’s “Bound Hearts” series. Charlene Teglia is hit or miss for me but I buy all her erotica to give it a shot. Right now I am reading her newest “Claimed by the Wolf.”

Literary Escapism: As an erotica novelist I imagine you pull real life experiences from the bedroom into your sex scenes? Or are there *off limit* things you and Wes do that you refuse to share?

Laura Stamps: No. I’m an exhibitionist. I LIVE to show all…on paper and in the flesh. Really, I do! *kinky grin*

Literary Escapism: Can you give us an idea of what’s in store for future books? Any little tidbits you can share with us to devour? /evilgrin

Laura Stamps: For my entire 23-year career as a fulltime author I have been on the treadmill of intense book deadlines. In fact, between 2008 – 2009 I finished 7 novels and novellas, and I ended up with wrist tendonitis (ouch!). My current goal is to write only two big books every year. I’m tired of pushing myself to meet all these book deadlines with my various publishers. One of the positive things that came from the horrible experience this year with my ex-agent and the shitty publisher he signed me with (the one I slapped with breach of contact in May) is I went back to two of my fav small press publishers (Trytium Publishing and Kittyfeather Press). In doing so, I now have what I’ve always wanted: I’m working on two big books every year. My “Manigault Vampires Series” and my “Memoir Series” are not trilogies; they are both unlimited series. So I plan to publish one big book from each of these series every year. At the moment I’m writing the first draft of “Truly Naughty: Book Four of the Memoir Series” and doing final edits on “A Vampires’ Kiss: Book One of the Manigault Vampires.” I just love it when a plan comes together, ya know? *wink*

Witches of DixieLiterary Escapism: If you could choose, living or dead, one person to have hot sex with (for the duration of a day) – who would it be?

Laura Stamps: Damn, that’s hard. First I would say the Chippendale’s stripper, Kevin Cornell. Yeah, that man is sooo tasty, and I have a weakness for male strippers with long gorgeous hair. But then Donovan of “Thunder from Down Under” gave one of my blog buddies a special pic of himself just for the SexWitch. *sigh* Then there are three hunky vamps I’m boinking on Twitter. One of them has become a close friend. He’s Pagan, 35, sweet as hell, works out, totally hunky in real life. What? You mean I can’t have 6 guys? Why not?!! This kinky slut has NEEEEEEEDS, ya know? *falls over laughing*

Fun Quickies!

Literary Escapism: Cats or Dogs?

Laura Stamps: Cats. I’ve been in feral cat rescue for 30+ years. In fact, when my PR person signed me up for Twitter my name (Laura Stamps) was taken, so she asked me what name I’d like to use instead. I told her on the web I’m also known as the “Naughty Pussycat” cause I always purr and lick the hunky guys (Duh!). Later we changed it to the “SexWitch” cause I’m called that as well.

Literary Escapism: Chocolate or Vanilla?

Laura Stamps: Chocolate…rich, dark, yummy. Oh, how I love to have it licked off my nipples or to lick it off Wes’s tool. Hey, you asked!

Literary Escapism: Favorite Color?

Laura Stamps: Pink!!! The hotter the better.

Literary Escapism: Paperback or eBook?

Laura Stamps: ebook

Literary Escapism: Sex on the beach or sex in a pool?

Laura Stamps: What? I have to choose? Ok, the pool cause there’s less sand. Yeah, been there done that too. *wink*

Literary Escapism: Long hair or short hair (on a man)

Laura Stamps: Long hair. DEFINITELY!! *total swoon*

Literary Escapism: What is your favorite sexual position? (“All” does not count! lol)

Laura Stamps: Damn, your no fun!! Ok, I’ve been experimenting this year and found a way of riding Wes for an hour or more that gives me many many Os before he’s ready to finish. Can you say: “Yee-haw!!” Good thing I work out every day and jog 6-8 miles every week. You’ve gotta have good thigh muscles to go the distance for over an hour in that position. Just ask me. Yum!

Literary Escapism: What is the most exciting place you have had sex?

Laura Stamps: GAWD, there have been so many. Hmmm…. I’ll say in the ocean on a day when the beach and water were crowded with people, just like Wynn and Noelle in “Bewitched at the Beach.” Did I mention I never write a sex scene unless I’ve taken it for a test drive myself? Well, it’s true. Do I have fun or what?!!!

Literary Escapism: How old are you?

Laura Stamps: I’m 53 going on 18. Damn, I love being a Cougar! You’d be amazed how many 20-something and 30-something guys come after me. And I love them all. *lick, lick* And they love the fact I model for the covers of my “Memoir Series” in my trashy lingerie. Now you know why I work out every week. For that and….well….to stay limber and for….um….the great thigh muscles I need to use and abuse Wes’s tool on a regular basis. Have I mentioned how much I love my life? Well, I do…! *sex-obsessed grin*

Literary Escapism: Where can your fans (and future fans) find you?

Laura Stamps: My email addy: laurastamps AT mindspring DOT com. The AWESOME website for all my books & series at http://www.avampskiss.blogspot.com/. My ebooks in the Kindle Store. The really cool new site for my naughty blog. I’m on Twitter as SexWitch, plus My “Laura Stamps” Page at Facebook, so follow me.

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Laura Stamps is an award-winning paranormal erotica novelist, whose daily blog is wickedly naughty. Her work has been published in over a thousand magazines, literary journals, and anthologies worldwide. The recipient of a Pulitzer Prize nomination and seven Pushcart Award nominations, she is the author of more than 52 books. A Wiccan Faery Witch, empath, and psychic, Laura enjoys writing novels about contemporary pagans living in the Deep South. Because she portrays pagans realistically, her novels are full of real spells, chants, and rituals. You’ll also find romance and HOT sex in her books. Why? Because she’s totally oversexed and loves it! Currently, Laura lives in Columbia, South Carolina, with her yummy husband Wes (oh, how she loves his long blonde hair! *lusty grin*) in an antebellum-style house. Beyond her backyard lies a state forest, which just happens to be full of faeries.

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Manigault VampiresWant to purchase Laura’s novels?

The Witchery Series

  1. The Witches of Dixie at Amazon or the Book Depository
  2. What Witches Want at Amazon or the Book Depository
  3. Call of the Witches at Amazon or the Book Depository

The Manigault Vampires

  1. A Vampire’s Kiss at Amazon
  2. A Vampire’s Embrace at Amazon
  3. A Vampire’s Desire at Amazon

The Rune Witch Series

  1. Sex Magick at Amazon
  2. Bewitched at the Beach at Amazon
  3. The Harvest Moon at Amazon

The Memoir

  1. Being Naughty at Amazon
  2. Still Naughty at Amazon
  3. Always Naughty

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Thank you Laura for visiting Literary Escapism.

Contest Time! Since I adore Laura’s work and I believe you all should too, I am giving away The Rune Witch Series trilogy to TWO lucky individuals.  All you have to do is: Leave me a comment regarding my review of The Rune Witch Series. OR Ask Laura a Question.

As always, there’s more ways of getting your name in the hat (remember, these aren’t mandatory to enter, just extra entries):

  • +1 for each place you post about today’s contest on your blog, social network, or anywhere you can. Digg it, stumble it, twit it, share it with the world. Wherever you share it, make sure you add a link to it along with your answer.
  • +1 to any review you comment on, however, comments must be meaningful. Just give me the title of the review and I’ll be able to figure it out from there.
  • +1 If you are a follower of Literary Escapism on Facebook and/or Twitter
  • +10 Purchase any of Laura’s novels (listed above) or any novel through LE’s Amazon store or the Book Depository sometime during this contest and send a copy of the receipt VIA email for your purchase to: jackie AT literaryescapism DOT com. Each purchase is worth ten entries.

There is one thing I am adding to my contests now…the winner must post a review of the novel someplace. Whether it is on their own blog, Amazon, GoodReads, LibraryThing or wherever, it doesn’t matter. Just help get the word out.

The contest will stay open until October 12th, at which time I’ll determine the winner with help from the Research Randomizer and the List Randomizer.

I have not been contacting winners, so you will need to check back to see if you’ve won.

13 Comments

  1. I am sooo looking forward to reading the series now! I bought Laura’s “Witchery Series” a few months ago and fell in love with her and her characters. I can understand your dislike of the word “darlin'” since I’m not a fan of it, either. But, I love the sound of everything else in the book series and cannot wait to sink my teeth in!

  2. Being from the South myself, I love stories that are set in my neck of the woods. I’m looking forward to adding Laura to my list of ‘must try’ authors. :)

    I read your review of The Rune Witch series Jackie and all three novellas sound yummy. I don’t think the ‘darlin’ would bother me over much – again, being from the South – I hear it fairly regularly from some of the more – antiquated gentlemen. :)

    Please enter me for the giveaway.

    Michelle
    kweenmg at yahoo dot com

  3. I’m not usually much of a novella fan but you have sold me on these books! I love that Laura is so open and vivacious, so I’m imagining that her books capture that same fun attitude. Not sure how I missed the review over the summer, darn kiddie monsters, but I’m glad that I had the chance to go back now.

    And that cover for Sex Magick is delightful! Do you design these covers yourself? Either way, those abs look good!

  4. Great Interview Post.. I have never heard of this author nor her series books before. Although I read mostly paranormal romance and Uf’s I have been dying to read an erotica. My local bookstore really doesn’t carry in the store eroticas so when I find one that interests me I find out that I have to oder it and I sorta give up. The ones they do carry are from a series and it’s like the newest #3 or #4 and I like starting from the begining. Are there more books to come with the Rune Witch series?
    I am sorry, I am just a reader not a blogger. I just read at the bottom that the winner has to post a review so I can’t win. But I didn’t want to delete my response. The best I can do is talk about the books in digests and groups. I can’t figure out how to make my blog work so I’m in limbo until I can figure it out. I am a follower and newsletter subscriber. Have a good day,
    Stephmartin71(at)yahoo(dot)com

  5. I’ve been on the fence about reading Laura Stamps’ books (I’m already addicted to way too many authors!), but this review has convinced me. I just downloaded a sample for my kindle. :-)

  6. I have not read any of Laura’s books but I have her on my to be read list… I will be checking her out really really really soon…

  7. I’ve never read much erotica but I would like a chance at winning these. I wanted to know if Laura experiences any negative responses to her chosen genre?

  8. This is a series I was interested in before reading your review but now I want to read it even more!! Please enter me for a chance to win.

  9. I have the first in the Rune Witch Series. I haven’t had the chance to read it but I would love to get the rest.

    Twitter follower (beckerjo)

    Thanks

  10. Wow, sorry, ladies! I’ve been so slammed the last few days I haven’t had a chance to come by and read these fab comments. Damn, you all definitely know how to make this slut’s day!

    (SandyG)
    Thanks! I’m glad I could fix it too. It was a close call for a while, but my fans helped me through. I couldn’t have survived a disaster that HUGE without their love and support. I am one lucky chick!! Have I mentioned in the last 10 minutes what awesome fans and readers I have? Well, I do, and I love them all dearly. In fact if you’re on my mailing list you know I skipped the September issue of my monthly newsletter and sent out a Love Letter to my fans instead, thanking them for sticking by me and helping me through this disaster, which was the worst of my 23-year career. Yeah, they ROCK!! ;)

    (Kristen)
    Thanks, gf!! Awesome to see you here. *hugs*

    (Michelle)
    Fab to meet you! I wanted to set all my series in the Deep South. It’s a wonderful place and a unique culture. Plus, not much has been written about Pagans in the South, so it was fun to show people what we’re really like. Which is very different from all the negative press we receive. You’ll get a kick out of this. This is the question I receive the most from readers: “Is it really that HOT down there?” YES, IT IS! lol

    (Anna)
    I was a professional artist before I switched careers at 30 and became a writer. So the covers of “The Witchery Series” (paperback version) are all my paintings. Yes, I am involved to differing degrees in the cover pic selection. Some publishers give me lots of say-so in cover selection, and some don’t. As I said, “The Rune Witch Series” went through 3 publishers before it was published. The first publisher allowed me to work with the cover designer very closely, and we designed a great cover for “Sex Magick.” But that publisher went out of biz before we could move on to “Bewitched at the Beach.” The second publisher let me choose the pics that you love for the covers. Then rejected them later. However I adored all of them (like who doesn’t love drooling over half naked men, ya know? Duh!). So when that publisher went out of biz I snapped up those pics and Kittyfeather published them. Great move, because those have been extremely popular covers since the day that series came out.

    (Stephmartin71)
    Wonderful to meet you! Thanks for your comment. *hugs*

    (CarrieE)
    Awesome! Hope you enjoy the Kindle sample of “Sex Magick.” ;)

    (Kelly)
    Thanks! I’m totally flattered I’m on your TBR list. WOOT!

    (Kia Charles)
    Oh, yeah. I’ve had to deal with lots of censorship and discrimination. There are always those who think romantic erotica is porn. Not. In fact I was tossed off the NYT biz blogs in May when one of the posters sneered at what I do and called it soft porn. He ended up apologizing, and we had a lively biz discussion that was picked up across the web. But in the end the NYT freaked and banned me from posting. He, of course, was allowed to continue posting. But, hey, you’ve gotta have a tough hide to survive in the book biz. Even more so in erotica. If you don’t you’ll never make it. And if you are a Pagan author in the Bible Belt, and if you are a women in this country who publicly says she likes sex, then there will be even more discrimination. But, hey, I write good books, and I live my life the way I choose. I network with those who are cool with that, and ignore those who aren’t. It’s all you can do. At the end of the day you are responsible for your own happiness. So do what makes you happy and make no excuses for it. Totally works for this slutty novelist. *kinky wink*

    (Melanie & Crystal)
    Awesome! Thanks for dropping by!

    (JoAnna)
    I’m totally flattered you have “Sex Magick.” Hope you enjoy it!! *hugs*

Comments are closed.