Interview - Adrianne Brennan

"Blood of the Dark Moon" is the first novel by new author Adrianne Brennan published by Aphrodite Apples, an publisher specializing in all sorts of erotic literature.

Adrianne's erotica was released on Halloween 2007 and has received consistently favorable reviews. I know Adrianne from the local club scene and asked her if she would be interested in answering a few questions about herself and her writing. We agreed to meet at Jaho Coffee and Tea near the waterfront in Salem, MA.

After a bracing walk into arctic winds screaming in from the ocean, I grabbed a coffee as much to warm my hands as to drink it. As my hands thawed, a deliciously willowy redhead came in the entrance to the coffee shop. Her chai in hands, she caught my eye and tossed her full length leather trenchcoat on top of mine.

My hands warmed up by the coffee and the rest of me warmed by her eyes, we got into the questions.

Brontosproximo: So, Adrianne, vampire erotica? The genre is kind of done to death. How is "Blood of the Dark Moon" different from all the other offerings?

Adrianne: Excellent question. For starters, I think that the book will appeal to those who are looking for more than just the usual bodice rippers. There are various elements in my story taken from real life pagan and occult topics, and I stray away from the stereotypical approach to writing about secret societies. I think you'll find that while the book is indeed fantastical that there is an element of realism which may appeal to others.

Instead of your usual mysterious, all-powerful superheroes most vampires are made out to be, we have vampires who are scholars, magicians, and are even geeks. They struggle with some of the same problems we do on top of the new ones which being a vampire has given to them. I think that I have more the "Spiderman" approach to heroes, actually.

Brontosproximo: Interesting. The occult order added an interesting layer to the book. There seems to be a lot more story to be told, can we expect a sequel?

Adrianne: You can definitely expect a sequel! "Shadows of the Dark Moon," in fact, where I explore the occult intrigue and hierarchical issues quite a bit further.

Adrianne: I'm also working on a number of short stories featuring some of the minor characters.

Brontosproximo: Your characters are particularly distinct. Where's the inspiration come from?

Adrianne: A little bit of everything. It's often suggested to writers that they write about what they do. I do just that--I write based on dreams which I've had plus my own personal experiences. The rest is my overly vivid imagination. *lol*

Brontosproximo: Speaking of vivid imagination, I have to say that the erotic scenes were nothing like I've ever read. Is that because they are actual experiences you've had?

Adrianne: laughs I don't like to kiss and tell. I think I'll leave the response up to the readers' imaginations. It's safer that way!

Brontosproximo: While I was reading it, I was pleasantly surprised by the breadth of mood in the book. Of course the erotica was hot, but there's drama and even a humorous scene or two. I did laugh out loud at the bit about how your main character was told about the problem with shadows. That's not a spoiler is it?

Adrianne: Nope, not quite a spoiler! And yes, I like write with a dose of humor.

Brontosproximo: I heard that some Boston folks were buying copies of your book for soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan to download? Is that correct?

Adrianne: That's the rumor! I haven't heard any updates on that as of yet, but I think it's a wonderful idea. It's easier for them to download electronic books than to get something shipped to them that could be lost or damaged. The ebook format is more portable too.

Brontosproximo: So any advice for a new author who might want to get started writing erotica?

Adrianne: Yes. Write, and keep writing--and don't give up. Also, get constructive critique whenever you can so you can become a better writer--and someday, submit a finished work to an epublisher or print publisher. When it comes down to it, you never know who you might meet today or tomorrow in the industry, and being open about being a writer is not a bad idea.

Two excerpts of "Blood of the Dark Moon" are available: a tame excerpt and not so tame.