Monday 12 November 2012

Katie Salidis and Willsin Rowe talk Submission Therapy

Today we have a big treat.  Writing partners Katie and Willsin Rowe have allowed me to interview them about their writing, their partnership and their latest release.

I've just read part 1 in the series and can I say it's HOT! Loved it! And Willsin, the clever dude, also was responsible for the gorgeous cover!

So without further ado - take it way folks!

 
Tell us about your new release.
WR: It’s called “Submission Therapy”. It delves into the life of a female billionaire (there’s that word again!) who is so tightly-wound that she’s in danger of collapsing in on herself. Having been through every therapist available over the years, she’s really teetering on the edge. Then her current psychiatrist, Dr. Benson, prescribes her some radical therapy, designed to help her learn to let go of control. To allow someone else to dominate her completely.
Where did you come up with the idea for this book?
KS: I think we all know a Natasha (or have worked for one). She is such a control freak, a hard-ass, micromanaging, witch with a B. This person in her professional life has it all, but to those who know her best, she is a wreck. I’ve known plenty of Natashas, and often thought of what might happen if she was put in her place. Would she learn a good lesson? And that is what sparked the idea. Learning a good lesson from letting go of control.
Why did you decide to write the book together? Is it the first time or are you experienced  * wink *?
WR: We actually have two previous books together, “Patience” and “Slowpoke”. They’re both fun erotic romance, though, whereas this series is sharper and has a darker tone to it.
KS: Oh yeah, we’ve got experience. We’ve been practicing this kind of thing for years. We started out as blogger buddies and have been beta reading for each other ever since. I think this was just natural progression. Willsin is my favorite sounding board, and when I am stuck he always has the answer!
What’s the best part of writing with a partner?
KS: Writer’s Block is almost non-existent when you have a partner. One of us always has the answer, or by chatting about it, we find that answer together!
WR: There’s an ongoing stream of moral and creative support. Plus we get the beta-reading done WHILE we’re writing!
The worst part?
WR: Working 12,000 miles apart means there can be timing issues. For the most part we’ve not had trouble, but on one occasion I actually did a couple of hours of writing and editing AT THE SAME TIME as Katie...which meant that I had to put the two documents up beside each other on screen so that I could make sure all edits from both of us were included!
KS: The worst part is the time/location difference (Willsin in Australia and me in west coast America). Working in two different hemispheres means that we are not always online when the other needs to chat or bounce around ideas.
How did you research for your story? Was it fun?
KS: I wish I could say I have practical research, but alas, no. I’ve enjoyed reading as much as I can though.
WR: Well, there was a lot of reading involved, as well as some practical work - all of that was fun! Plus for any story I write (because I’m a dude), I tend to act scenes out in my lounge room. Just to be sure I’m not bending anyone’s limbs off. I mostly wait until my family’s out, though!
Is this part of a series? Any plans for other stories based on these characters?
WR: Oh, yes. This is the first book in a three-part series. The series title is “Consummate Therapy”. The second book, “Occupational Therapy” is releasing on November 16th. The third book will be out on November 30th.
What was the hardest part about writing this book?
KS:  I couldn’t wrap my mind around Chloe for the longest time. Thankfully, Willsin had her in hand! 
WR: For me, with any erotic writing, the “excitement” factor can be a real problem. Male arousal has a very insistent internal voice! And this story excited me quite a bit. (Down, boy! Down!)
What was the easiest part?
WR: Just having a co-writer who sees the story arc in such a similar way to me. That observation is not restricted to this story alone, but it became more noticeable during this story than it had been before.
KS: The easiest part was outlining our scenes. We don’t do a hard outline, but the bouncing around our ideas made the story clear to both of us. We were immediately on the same page and raring to go!
Favorite Scene?
KS: I love when Natasha is being efficient with Dr. Benson. That attitude, that snark, oh I just love how much of a “B” Natasha is. It just makes you want to see her learn that lesson.
WR: I just love the banter when Natasha first arrives at Room 112 for her “radical therapy”. When she’s still so full of her own snarky self-importance and Master Sweet rapidly introduces her to her immediate future!
Where can readers find out more about your new release?
Katie Salidas:
Willsin Rowe:
What are you working on now?
WR: We’re putting the final touches on the second and third books in this series. Just dotting the T’s and crossing our eyes!
And now for the very very personal questions-
Favourite toy?
WR: My motorbike!
KS: My Kindle
What? No sex toys?
 
Favourite food?
KS:  Right now, I’d have to say Hummus.
WR: Only one? But there are so many! Okay, I guess I’ll say Indian.
Favourite position?
WR: Ohhh, cowgirl all the way. I love being a solid foundation to grind on...plus the view is awesome!  (You go girl!)
KS: Up against the wall, in the shower. Mmmm, that’s so hot! (Mmm...totally agree!)
If you could have anyone, famous or not - who do you want to get hot and heavy with in a ménage?
KS: Ian Sommerhalder, Eric Bana, Alex O'Loughlin, the list goes on and on. I have a thing for dark haired hotties!
WR: That’s a tough one. I mean, when both Megan Gale and Scarlett Johansson became available at the same time back in late 2010, that certainly got my interest! But I think I’d probably opt for Sara Ramirez, Lily Serna (Aussie maths whiz) and Maria Tutaia (New Zealand netball player). Clearly I, too, have a thing for dark haired hotties!
Go the dark haired hotties! 
Bios
Katie Salidas is a Super Woman! Endowed with special powers and abilities, beyond those of mortal women, She can get the munchkins off to gymnastics, cheerleading, Girl Scouts, and swim lessons.  She can put hot food on the table for dinner while assisting with homework, baths, and bedtime… And, She still finds the time to keep the hubby happy (nudge nudge wink wink). She can do all of this and still have time to write.
 And if you can believe all of those lies, there is some beautiful swamp land in Florida for sale…
Katie Salidas resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mother, wife, and author, she does try to do it all, often causing sleep deprivation and many nights passed out at the computer. Writing books is her passion, and she hopes that her passion will bring you hours of entertainment.  
             Willsin Rowe falls in love with a scent, a playful expression or an act of casual intimacy more easily than with physical beauty. When confronted by any combination of those elements he is a lost cause. He has done many things over and over, done even more things only once, and half-done more things than he cares to admit. He loves to sing and doesn’t let his voice get in the way. He is intelligent but not sensible. He is passionate but fearful. He is not scruffy enough or stylish enough to be cool.
 Thanks so much for being my guests today Katie and Willsin. I for one will be getting the next instalment as soon as it comes out! I can't wait to see what Master Sweets has in mind for Natasha :-)
  

9 comments:

Willsin Rowe said...

Woohoo! Thanks for having us here, Maggie. You ask the tough questions...I like that in a woman!

Heehee...and as my security code word, I got "andpood". Heehee...

Maggie Nash said...

Hahaha...is blogger trying to tell you something Willsin? LOL

Lisabet Sarai said...

Great interview, Katie and Willsin! I think you may be the first M/F writing duo I've encountered in the romance world. I've often wished I had a male perspective when I'm writing. I have some male crit partners, but that's really not the same thing - it's more after the fact.

Good luck with the book and the series!

Katie Salidas said...

Maggie, thanks so much for having us along today!

Maggie Nash said...

You're welcome Katie!

Shelley Munro said...

I always find it interesting to learn how two writers work together. Love the premise of your book.

Willsin Rowe said...

Hey, thank you for dropping by and commenting, Lisabet. Yes, the M/F combo is working for us...but then again, I have a stronger-than-average female side to my brain, and I believe Katie has a reasonable dose of boy-brain, too. Enough that we have enough middle ground to dance around on. Cheek to cheek, of course...

Willsin Rowe said...

Hello, Shelley! Thank you for coming by and of course for commenting. And also thanks for the props about the book!

Maggie Nash said...

Hi Shelley! Thanks for dropping by!