Q & A with author Sabrina York

Thanks for being here today, Sabrina. Would you please share a short bio about yourself?

Her Royal Hotness, Sabrina York, writes naked erotic fiction for fans who like it hot, hard and balls-to-the-wall, and erotic romance and fantasy for readers who prefer a slow burn to passion. An award winning author in multiple genres, Sabrina loves writing hot, humorous stories in all kinds of settings from contemporary to fantasy to downright horror.

Do you consider yourself a shy and/or introverted person?  

People who know me would laugh out loud if they heard me say that yes, I’m shy. But it’s the truth. Years ago, as a painfully timid college student, I took an acting class and learned to play the role of an unabashedly confident person. Shakespeare said, “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.” I took that advice to heart. As time passed, I found it easier and easier to pretend I was an extrovert. Now it seems normal and I have no problems grabbing a microphone and blabbing in front of a crowd. But deep inside—if I stop to think about it—I’m scared to death.

So I don’t think about it.

In what ways has being shy or introverted hindered your writing career?

I believe that in many ways, my reluctance to be ‘famous,’ or even ‘noticed,’ stopped me from taking the chances I should have taken throughout my career. I often second guessed submissions and queries. One area I felt very comfortable in was entering contests, because there was feedback without it being as personal. I started winning contests and it became even easier. Addictive. When my friends started referring to me as the ‘contest ho’ and editors and agents began questioning how I won so many awards and never sold, I realized it was time to toss my caution to the winds and make some serious moves.

In what ways has being shy or introverted helped your writing career?

My characters carry with them an element of my shyness, which makes them warmer and more human. They all have self doubts that they miraculously overcome within the narrative. If I hadn’t experienced the same, my stories simply would not be as authentic and warm as they are.

What’s the hardest part of this business for you?

For a shy writer, creating steamy erotic love stories can be a challenge. While I am composing, I have to forget that there is a world of readers out there soaking in my words. The fact of the matter is, I am an erotic writer. I didn’t plan to be or try to be…it’s just where my fingers go. And I’m good at it. Ignoring other people’s opinions of my work—or what I think they might be thinking—is tough. But it has to be done. Fortunately I have a wonderful editor and amazing critique partners who keep me inspired.

Tell me about a time that you had to step outside your comfort zone either in your writing career or in your personal life?

I live outside my comfort zone. Every day. Because my comfort zone is a hole in the ground with a nice palm-leaf cover. 

What’s one tip you could share with shy and introverted people that’s helped you?

Remember that you have something rare and precious. Your way with words, your thoughts, your ideas. No one else has that miraculous element that makes you you. Someone out there is waiting to read what you write, waiting to enjoy the talents you have to offer. Put your shyness aside. For the good of all. And share it. When you think of your writing as a service you offer the universe, reticence has no place.

Would you please share a short blurb of your book and where my readers can buy it?

My first novel, Adam’s Obsession comes out April 4^th from Ellora’s Cave. It tells the story of hopelessly shy and utterly repressed (sound familiar?) Katherine Hart who is so reserved, she only indulges in her risqué sexual fantasies online. Her virtual lover, Savage, is willing to meet her every need, especially once he discovers her naughty little secret—that, more than anything, she craves a masterful man. Fortunately, Savage is just that. And then some.

When Adam Trillo (aka Savage) discovers that the incredibly erotic woman he’s been tangling with online is actually his adorably demure co-worker, he is determined to seduce her IRL—in real life. He longs to release the wild Kat he knows lurks just below the surface. Using a beguiling mix of domination and persuasive charm, he draws her, relentlessly into his web until she is helpless to deny their mutual passion. Most especially when she’s tied to the bed…

Where can my readers find you on the web?

You can check out an excerpt for Adam’s Obsession, and my other coming books, at www.SabrinaYork.com. While you’re there, read about how you can sign up for my HotSheet and enter to win an exquisite tiara from Her Royal Hotness. You know you want it!