Tell us about your new release
My new novella, Venetian Love Knots, is a story about a girl, Allison, who travels to Venice to be in her best friend’s wedding. Her ex-boyfriend, Cole, will be there too, which makes her nervous. Along the way she meets a handsome Italian gentleman who makes her heart beat a little faster.
Allison falls into the arms of both men, but she’s uncertain which man to choose. The story involves a ménage and some BDSM, specifically some delicious rope bondage and spanking.
Oh that's my kind of story!
How about telling us a little about your road to publication.
I actually wrote this story for a special call and it got lost in cyberspace when it was first submitted. Later I re-wrote it with no parameters about word count or anything else, telling the story on my terms. When I finally submitted it again a year later, it was accepted.
Obviously it was meant to be! Great story!
Where did you come up with the idea for Venetian Love Knots?
Hmm. I had the idea for the story of a girl who doesn’t understand her darker desires. Allison needs her bad boy, Cole because he allows her to be the bad girl that is deep inside of her. But their relationship is fraught with problems. She’s torn between her passion for him and what she feels is “right.” That internal struggle was the jumping off point for me to write this story.
I think a lot of us can relate to Allison's needs :-)
How did you research for your story? Was it fun?
I wish I could say I went to Venice to research this story. In fact, if I could do that, I’d write a sequel tomorrow! About ten years ago I had the opportunity to visit Venice, and it was one of the best vacations of my life. With all its unique charm and history, Venice sings to my heart. A city built on water…what could be more romantic?
*Sigh*. I've always wanted to visit Venice...
Is this part of a series? Any plans for other stories based on these characters?
For the moment it’s a single title, though I don’t think I’m finished telling Cole’s story.
By all means keep telling it! He sounds hot!
What was the hardest part about writing this book?
The re-writes. Originally some of the twists in the book were more unexpected. The first version read more like a mainstream fiction book than a romance novel. I’m new to this genre so I had to learn some of the “rules” as I edited it for this market.
I think all writing is "rewriting". A necessary evil :-)
What was the easiest part?
Writing about Venice was a complete joy, and I knew these characters intimately. They all remind me of people I’ve known.
Favorite Scene?
My favorite scene is probably the one where Allison and Cole go up to his room after the wedding. He convinces her to do some things that are out of her comfort zone. I love the dynamics and the power exchange between them. This couple doesn’t have a traditional BDSM relationship. They’re more like people who have kinky tendencies, but who aren’t actively getting involved with kink on the internet or going to dungeons on Friday nights. To me, it reflects what more people might experience “in real life.”
I don't think there is any such thing as a "typical" BDSM relationship....so it sounds like you got it right to me :-)
Where can readers find out more about your new release?
Click here to find read more at the TEB website
What are you working on now?
Oooh! Right now I’m working on a FILTHY BDSM novel that involves a wickedly creative Dom and a debutante divorcee. It’s a wild ride, and super fun to write.
Oh yes! Sounds wonderful. Hurry up!
And now for the personal questions-
Favourite toy? (Well, it is erotic romance after all!)
Oh my. I do appreciate a good flogger. (Me too :-))
Favourite food? Macaroni and cheese.
Favourite author? Jack London
Favourite season? Autumn, without a doubt.
Which two people, famous or not – who would you be up for a ménage with?
Haha! I don’t think I could ever do a ménage. I’m too lazy, it sounds like a lot of work...
*Snort* I'd be getting them to do all the work LOL
Bio: A former psychologist, Normandie has always been fascinated by human behavior. She loves writing quirky characters that are all too human. “I’m interested in the kind of relationships people have in real life. So I write about my characters’ messy, unpredictable, and inexplicable journeys to love.”
If there were another 5 hours in the day, Normandie would spend more time needle-pointing and playing with photography. Instead, she’s a Pinterest addict and sports junkie who’s crazy for Twitter and the color pink.
In Venice, Allison Fox will find love in the arms of two men. Her past collides with her future in a battle for her heart. Which one will win?
Travelling to Venice to be the maid of honour in her best friend’s wedding sounds like a great vacation, and a romantic way to spend Valentine’s Day. But when Allison Fox discovers who the best man is, she is torn between duty and self-preservation.
It has taken Allison four years to put her tumultuous relationship with the rodeo cowboy behind her after a violent incident ripped them apart. Now Allison must find a way to face her past and find closure with her old flame. But will she be able to put the past behind her?
Cole is the Texas cowboy who has never got over his love for Allison. But when he declares his love for her after all this time, is she strong enough to walk away from the intense passion they share?
For years Nico, a handsome Italian, was committed to nothing but his work. Nico never expected he would meet an American beauty who would awaken in him a desire to love again. Once he finds her, Nico vows to never let Allison go.
It will be a Valentine’s Day to remember, but who will win Allison’s heart?
Buy Link:
http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=2003
Personal links:
Follow Normandie Here:
Twitter - @NormandieA
Pinterest "http://pinterest.com/NormandieA
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Normandie-Alleman/192377744242197
Website www.normandiealleman.com
4 comments:
Hi Normandie,
Congratulations on your new release. I'm going to Venice in July so your book is a definite for my TBR list. Looking forward to the filthy BDSM as well ;)
Cheers
Donna
I also love the cover.
It sounds like this story took the long way around to publication. But I'm glad you stuck with it and re-wrote it on your own terms. I guess everything really does happen for a reason.
Congratulations, Normandie.
Thanks so much for hosting me today, Maggie. The interview was so fun to do. It's been fun getting to know you better.
Donna, I'm so envious your are going to Venice! You will have such a blast.
HK, it was an odd journey getting this book published, and I think it's been an odd journey for me becoming a writer. If you told me 4 years ago that I'd be doing this, I'd have thought you were nuts! Lol.
Thanks for the cover luv. It's lovelier than I could have dreamed.
You're welcome Normandie! It was a pleasure getting to know more about you :-) I'm looking forward to reading your book!
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