04/23/2009
by Angela Wilson
Jaci Burton has a storytelling style that fits a variety of genres. The versatile author - known for her fantastic erotic stories with fast-moving, suspenseful plots - sits down to talk about her latest books with Book Addict Editor Angela Wilson.
Jaci, you have rocked the erotica and romance genres for a while with some fantastic suspense and paranormal titles. How did you get started? Why these genres?
I started writing a lot of different genres, just getting a feel for what worked for me. I enjoy the thrill and fast action of suspense, and paranormal allows me to create my own world which is a lot of fun.
You are one of the authors who got in on the erotica genre at the right time - when Ellora’s Cave took off in extraordinary ways. What was it like to be part of this movement that eventually made this genre a cross-over into mass market?
It’s such fun to write very passionate romance. It’s very freeing to explore a couple’s sexuality without boundaries. I’ve been very lucky to be able to have no restrictions in what I write and how I write it. Every publisher I’ve written for, whether e-publisher or mainstream publisher, has allowed me an enormous amount of freedom with my characters and their sexuality, and I’m very grateful for that. It’s allowed me to learn a lot about my characters, and in turn for them to learn about each other.
Did you ever think the erotica genre would explode like it did?
I had no idea, but I’m very grateful it did.
In all of your books, you have some seriously steamy scenes. Do you ever find yourself blushing when you read what you wrote? What does your husband think about it?
I’m way too old to blush. And my husband has always been my biggest cheerleader. I wouldn’t be doing this if it hadn’t been for him.
You used to have a high-stress job in business. How do your experiences there play a role in your writing?
Having come from the corporate world allowed me to see the business side of writing. Because while I do tap into my creative side while writing, I also see what I do as a business, from the financial to the marketing side of things. It’s helped me in so many ways because sometimes you have to strip emotion away from what you do and realize that this is, in fact, a business, and we are releasing a product that the consumer is either going to love or hate. Too often writers hold onto their creation like a favorite child, and it’s hard to accept feedback or criticism when you treat your product with that much emotion. Having a business head allows me to take a step back and let go of my work when it’s finished. Then it’s up to the consumer to either embrace or reject what I’ve created. If what I’ve created is well accepted, it’s wonderful. If it isn’t, then I need to figure out why and do better the next time.
What does it feel like to be able to give up the stress and sit in your PJs to write - with the loving support of your family? Do you think you would be where you are today without their support?
I would never be able to do what I do now without the love and support of my family, specifically my husband. He’s behind my career 100% and I think it’s so important for writers to have that family support.
Tell us about your latest in the Wild Riders series.
Riding On Instinct is the third book in my Wild Riders series about Harley riding bad boys who work undercover fo the government. Spencer King’s job is to work undercover as bodyguard for federal agent Shadoe Grayson, who must pose as a stripper at a New Orleans nightclub in order to expose a rogue agent who may be selling out to foreign drug lords. It’s a very sexy and emotional book about two people who are not only determined to do their jobs at all costs, but who come to realize that the scars of their pasts maybe aren’t as unique as they thought.
You have another book in the Demon Hunters series out in June from Bantam Dell called Take By Sin. Give us the scoop on this sexy story.
Taken By Sin is the fourth book in my Demon Hunters series. On the run from his own people, Dalton hides Isabelle in a place he feels safe, hoping he can save her not only from the Realm of Light as well as the Sons of Darkness, but also from herself. It’s a very dark versus light kind of book, with a lot of twists and turns and secrets revealed. It was a very fun book to write, but also quite different from the first three Demon Hunter books in a lot of ways.
How did you get the idea for the Demon Hunters series?
I was watching a special on the making of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, the movie with Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. And the special dealt with how tough Angelina Jolie was and how she did a lot of her own stunts in the movie. And the idea came to me about this kickass action movie heroine, and what would happen if she was taken out of her element and thrust into a different kind of world. The idea just spiraled from there and I created the demon world and everything in it. Funny how that happens sometimes.
Of all the stories you’ve written, is there one or two that you simply love as both as a writer and a reader?
Every time a book releases, that is the one I love the most. Until the next one comes out. I fall in love with every story as I write it and can’t wait for reader reaction, hoping they love my characters as much as I do. I couldn’t possibly choose a favorite.
Who is your favorite fictional hero?
Roarke, from JD Robb’s In Death series. *sigh *
Find out more about Jaci at her Web site www.JaciBurton.com
Posted by Lillie on 04/23/2009, 07:10 AM
Hi Jaci! I finished Hunting The Demon last night (awesome book!) and was planning to hold off on reading The Darkest Touch for another few weeks but now I can’t! I must find out how Dalton ended up with Isabelle! I’m going to run out of demons before the next book is released. This series is seriously addicting. Will there be more after Taken By Sin?
Posted by MarnieColette on 04/23/2009, 08:24 AM
Jaci - I am can’t wait to read Riding on Instinct - I totally agree with you on the Roarke thing.
Posted by Becky Ward on 04/23/2009, 10:06 AM
Hi Jaci! I can’t wait for Riding on Instinct to come out. I have just started on your Demon Hunter series.
Posted by Lea on 04/23/2009, 11:48 AM
*Waving Madly At Jaci*:
Terrific interview Jaci! Every time I read one of your interviews I learn something new. For instance, I had no idea what the impetus was for your Demon Hunter series, and I never would have guessed that Angelina Jolie gave you the idea. You are so creative!
Riding on Instinct was awesome. I loved Spencer and Shadoe’s story.
Best Regards
L
Posted by Blanche on 04/23/2009, 12:56 PM
Hi Jaci!!!
I have a sticky note on the side of my computer with June/Taken By Sin written on it…......can’t wait for this next book!!
As you know I am a huge fan and love love love your Wild Riders….all 3 books are awesome!!
Posted by Caffey on 04/23/2009, 06:19 PM
Hi Jaci! Beautiful pic of you! It goes for me too with each book of yours that comes out that its my favorite because I find that each are so their own stories and their own way that there’s nothing to compare that too! I can’t help falling for each of the Wild Riders! I thought the next Demon book was soon, so I’m glad its just a month or so away! Great to read your interview here!
Posted by Jaci Burton on 04/24/2009, 04:15 AM
Hey everyone! Thanks for stopping by!
Lillie - Right now Taken By Sin is my last Demon Hunter book under contract with Bantam Dell. But we’ll see how that goes and hope my publisher wants to do more. :-)
Marnie - Thank you! Hope you enjoy Riding On Instinct!
Becky - Riding On Instinct released in early April so you should be able to find it at your local bookstore on online. And thanks for reading my Demon Hunter series!
Lea - Yeah, strange where those ideas come from isn’t it? *g*
Blanche - Thanks for marking down the date! And thank you for loving my Wild Riders!
Caffey - Those Wild Riders are addictive ya know ;-)
Thanks for having me here Angela! I really appreciate it :-)
Posted by Angela Wilson on 04/24/2009, 04:47 AM
Jaci -
It was SO great to host you at Book Addict! Keep us posted on what happens with the Demon Hunters series.
Angela