Aphrodisia Authors :: Blog

Okay, I’ll agree that not all writers process information the same way I do. Let me start off by explaining that I’m an engineer. Believe it or not, there are quite a few engineering-type erotica writers out there, or at least more than you’d probably expect. I’m not sure why that is; we all know the “insert tab A into slot B” type of writing isn’t what makes erotica great. Or even good. Good erotica has to have a story that tugs at your emotions while it’s tugging at other body parts. The one explanation I can offer is that you can only write so many technical papers before you have to cut loose and have some fun! That may or may not have anything to do with it.

So, what does an engineer do when her first Aphrodisia erotica comes out? Exactly what they tell you not to do. Every day or two, I hop over to B&N and Amazon and check my rankings.

I know, I know. Lots of writers do that. After all, you’ve poured your soul (or at least a bunch of sweat and tears) into this book, and it’ll be quite some time before you see any royalties. No matter how many great reviews you get, there’s a certain amount of nail biting that goes on.

But engineers don’t just go online and check rankings. We graph them! What could possibly be better than a graph?? Well, okay, a really hot vampire story is better. But a good graph runs a close second for those of us living half our lives in our left brains.

I realized right off the bat that some people might think I was wasting time graphing my online rankings. We all know the rankings don’t directly relate to sales. So I worked on finding a meaningful way to use the data. I’m checking my marketing ideas. If I find that the graphs both make a strong jump in the right direction, I’ll know I’ve hit on something.

Okay, at least that sounds reasonable. Doesn’t it?

So, what’s my point? Writers need feedback. Beleive it or not, writers love to hear from readers! We need some reassurance that our books aren’t sitting out there gathering dust. I’ve taken to sending emails to authors whose books I’ve really enjoyed. Granted, there’s at least one incredible writer out there who thinks I’m stalking him, but most of us really appreciate those emails. So next time you finish a book and think, “Man, that was great,” please send the poor, lonely author a note. She/he will keep that note forever in a file marked, “fan mail by book.” Especially if she/he is an engineer.

I hope you all enjoy the holidays! I’m off to hit the online bookstores…

Lydia

www.LydiaParks.com
Addicted and Sexy Beast VI from Aprhodisia

I can’t tell you all how excited I am to be here. (No, really!) I’ve been writing romance and erotica for eleven years, which I think makes me an overnight success. Some of you internet erotica junkies may even recognize my name. My first book from Aphrodisia, Addicted, is coming out in a few days. It’s two vampire novellas featuring those cuddly, sexy fiends so many of us enjoy reading and writing about. One of them is even a former lawman from the Old West. (Vonna – I used to break horses. Let me know if I can help with your research.) I’m still dancing around the room because of a 4 and ½ star rating from Romantic Times!

So I thought I’d introduce myself. I’m an engineer by day, and an erotica writer by night, weekend, and federal holiday. I grew up in New Orleans, which means I have voodoo and heavy metals (from the drinking water) in my blood. I’m also fortunate enough to be asked to talk about writing to groups now and then. I realize most writers are introverts; I’m not. I had a great time at my first Romance Writers of America national conference last year getting to know all those shy writers. What a wonderful group of people! I hope to get back to RWA national next year and meet some of my fellow Aphrodisiacs.

One thing I’ve discovered after a few years in the business is the definition of a writer. A writer is someone who can’t not write. The thing I believe many of us have in common, besides the fact that we hear voices, is that we’re persistent. In my case, I think I may even be compulsive. Fortunately, I’m not a psychologist, so I don’t know enough to be worried.

I’m looking forward to working with the wonderful authors in this group. After Addicted, I’ll make an appearance in Sexy Beast VI, which I know will be a blast. My hero in that story isn’t a vampire – something new for me. I hope you’ll find him worth drooling over. (I did!) I had fun drawing on my time in Alaska and Siberia for that story. Unlike Susan Lyons, I can’t wait for summer to end! It’s hot here in the Southwest. We have way too much sunshine.

Please feel free to visit my webpage (www.LydiaParks.com), sign up for my newsletter, and drop me a line when the mood strikes you. I love to keep in touch with readers! In the South, we’re taught that if you can’t say something nice, you shouldn’t say anything at all, but my skin’s pretty thick, so I appreciate all kinds of feedback. Without feedback, writers can’t improve.

Y’all take care now, y’ hear?