Interview & Giveaway: Author Anitra Lynn McLeod

A couple of weeks ago I contacted Anitra Lynn McLeod about her newest release Dark Harvest. I wanted to know if she would be interested in a review or interview - and she promptly responded with yes. :) And I am so glad she did. Wicked Harvest and Dark Harvest were my first foray into the world of erotic romance - and I am pleased to say, I was very happy there. :)

Today I am happy to introduce you to author Anitra Lynn McLeod.
She is the author of Wicked Harvest and Dark Harvest, the first and second books in her Onic Empire series - as well as a contributing author in the anthology Sexy Beast VII.

Wicked Harvest is up for the National Readers' Choice Award for best first book and best erotic.
http://www.okrwa.com/NRCA/nrca_finalists09.htm

Hello Anitra and welcome to MBB.

Thank you so much for this opportunity. I had a blast doing the interview and hope I wasn't too spazzy for you.

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I love reading, writing, and white-water rafting--pretty much in that order! Some random weirdness about me: I am addicted to ChapStick, I have never owned a cell phone, and I have a 1993 Subaru with 75,000 miles on it and I bought it used with 22,000 miles. I'd rather walk than drive, I'd rather cook than clean, and I can't think of anything sexier than a man with a sense of humor. :)

2. You've said you write erotic futuristic historical fantasy - what does that mean to you?

LOL! I think it means I'm certifiable! Actually that came about when my editor asked me how I would classify my work. I stumbled around in an email trying to define it and that's what I came up with. He laughed and said I had created my own unique niche! I think what I do is similar to what some people call steampunk, but I like the term cast-iron digital. It's a blending of those four elements. In the Onic Empire series the setting feels almost historic but for the fantasy elements. The Diolans don't have elevators but they do have space flight. And of course the erotic component is built into a culture that ritualizes sex. :) I'm not sure if I've actually answered that question or forever muddied the waters. :)

3. What inspired The Onic series?

Oh, people are gonna hate me for this, but the inspiration came from a romance cliche: Males are always experienced while the females are always virgins. Now, I'm not saying all romances have this, in fact most modern works don't, but the old romances, the ones I grew up with, were like this. It bothered me because where were all these men getting this experience? Was there like one whore who did all these guys? Anyway, years later when I was thinking about it, I thought well what if I made losing your virginity a rite or ritual? Like everyone lost it at the same age in the same way . . . and Virgin Harvest was born. The title was changed to Wicked Harvest because I was told I couldn't have Virgin on the cover with a hot male chest. Which sorta confirms what I just said--men are always experienced! :)

4. Do you have a particular writing space and routine?

My desk is a massive oak monstrosity that takes up an entire corner of the office. I'm surrounded by my reference books, my world "bible" (where I keep all the details of my world straight), and a special spot beside my chair for my dog. My routine is loose as in I don't have a strict time but I do write every day. If I don't I get bitchy.

5. What genres do you enjoy reading and do you have favorite authors?

I'm a reading ho; I will read anything, anywhere, anytime! ;) Westerns, romances, mysteries, reference books, even dictionaries. The only thing I don't like to read are bills. I hate those things; however, I need electricity to work so I have to not only read the bills, but pay them. I would list favorite authors but that would be a looooooooong list.

6. Can we expect more in The Onic series?

Yes. Sinful Harvest will release in February of 2011. As soon as I have a cover and a blurb I'll post them on my webpage.

Anitra Lynn McLeod
Unique worlds, unforgettable romance
www.AnitraMcLeod.com

7. What are you currently working on?

This list of questions.

Oh, you mean novels! I'm working on a new series for Samhain. It's called the Fringe series (no relation to the FOX show) and it will be a blend of historical and futuristic. The novels will be sensual rather than erotic but still extremely hot. The first novel, tentatively titled THIEF, will release in December, so now you know what to ask Santa for. :)

Ms. McLeod has generously provided a copy of Wicked Harvest and Dark Harvest to one lucky commenter. Just leave a comment or question for Ms. McLeod along with an email addy so I can contact you. Giveaway is open to all followers of this blog with a US mailing address.

I will choose a winner on Tuesday May 11, 2010.

I would like to thank Anitra Lynn McLeod for her time and generosity and wish her all the best with the NRCA. :)

M