The amazing Blake Black isn't able to join us for a video interview but she was lovely enough to let us do a written interview with her! And we are very grateful for her taking the time.
Blake's debut book Shattered Rhythm (Burning Bridges Duet Book 1) released on July 7 2023 and has been a huge success. This duet shows how wonderful a writer Blake is and how she can easily capture the heart of thousands of readers with her characters and storylines.
So lets get to know her a little better:
At what point did you decide to become an author?
I read around 300 books a year and truly love reading. But at one point, I couldn't get into any book anymore because the idea of Liv and her guys was stuck in my head. Scenes would come to mind while I was walking or in the shower, it honestly got annoying and I thought, why not write them down to clear my head? Maybe that would help. Well, three months later, I published my first book.
What do you do when a new idea jumps out at you while you're still working on a book? Do you chase the squirrel in any way?
It happened with my first duet, it happened with the second, and now that I am writing my third, it is happening again. The characters of the next book that I am going to write are barging their way into my thoughts, and I have to literally hush them and push them away. I tell them it's not their time now and they have to wait their turn, but when a really good scene comes to mind, I write it down in my trusty Google Notes app, which is full of random word vomit.
What type of character is your favorite to write?
The cinnamon rolls. I love the cheesy, cute stuff.
Describe your writing process. Do you outline, plot and plan, or is your writing more organic?
If chaos were a person, it would be me. I always begin by fleshing out my characters. I want them to feel three-dimensional, and I need to know them before I truly start writing. I can't get into a book if I feel like I'm writing about strangers.
After that, anything is possible. I start writing random scenes that come to me, then I decide I need more structure and proceed chapter by chapter until I toss the plan out once again.
What are some books or authors that you would recommend to our readers? What are your go to books?
You guys, of course. :)
But personally, I tend to enjoy reading hurt/comfort, or sweet and fun stories with just enough suspense to keep them interesting.
I'm a huge fan of everything Willow Hadley writes.
Sinclair Kelly's latest, "He's So Slick," was amazing.
Albany Walker's Memphis from the "Tasting Madness Series" will forever be my number one book boyfriend. Luna May is hilariously funny, Elizabeth Dear keeps you on the edge of your seat, and Y.V. Larson made me cry like a baby with her "Always with You Duet." I absolutely adore the "Trail Magic" series by Chris Mor because it's so unique.
The "Needing Harmony" books by Jaliza A. Burwell are also favorites of mine. As you can see, I could go on forever.
What book first took you on a walk of the smutty wild side?
I can't remember what my first smutty book was. I think it was "Fifty Shades" (I know, cliché), but I remember that "Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac" by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti was my first Reverse Harem. I recall giving it five stars and noting in my review that while I wasn't sure if I was into Reverse Harem, I loved the story.
Three years later, I am a Reverse Harem author.
Tell us what you enjoy most about writing and also what you find the most challenging.
I love writing because it gives me so much. I take my readers on a rollercoaster of emotions, but I experience them too as I write. I often make myself cry, but I also swoon and feel butterflies from what my characters do. I appreciate that it gives me the same sensation as reading, allowing me to dive in a fictional world. But this time, I get to decide where the journey goes - if my characters allow me any say in it. For me, the most challenging part is starting a story. It feels overwhelming and too much at once to think about. But once the first 20k words are down, everything seems to fall into place.
How much of yourself - if any - do you put into your books?
A lot - probably too much. I try to give my FMCs distinct personalities, but especially with my second duet, Carolina turned out to be much more like me than I intended. What primarily shines through is my sense of humor and my love for cheesy lines.
Do you have any odd writing habits?
I need a tumbler filled with ice-cold water, some ice cubes, and a straw to start writing. I mostly suck on ice cubes while I do.
Share some advice for aspiring authors. What advice would you give to your younger self?
It's a lot, and it's overwhelming, but just do it. The author community is incredibly welcoming, and there are so many wonderful people eager to help. Groups for baby authors are especially supportive and welcoming at the beginning. I consider myself still a baby author, and I would be an anxious mess without my PAs holing my hand and telling me how the big author world works. A big shout-out to the Chaotic Creatives ladies for being amazing. Bottom line: Surround yourself with positive people and take the leap.
What is your favorite line from one of your books?
Honestly I can't choose, cause #whychoose...
"I claim you Liv, for me, for us. You're ours, whether you've accepted that or not, but right at this moment, you're just mine, and I want your full attention. Can you do that? Can you be a good girl for me?"
- Shattered Rhythm: Burning Bridges
Duet Book 1
"Give us all your pain, we'll help you carry it. Rage, cry, mourn- we're here for everything, but never leave us again. I can handle your trauma, but I can't handle you leaving me."
- Battered Moves: Burning Bridges Duet Book 2
What is your take on book boyfriends? Do they actually exist? Or do they set the bar for “real life men” impossibly high?
Some gestures of the characters in my books are inspired by things my significant other does for me. So I would say, set the bar high for real life men, girls - it's worth it.
What's your favorite type of smut to read?
Twin-sandwiches, praise and pleasure Doms
Finish this sentence: I want the smut I write to be.....
so good you have to stop reading for a bit... ;)
What pairings (couples) do you like writing the most?
I love the girl with all the guys but I wrote MM in my latest duet and I had so much fun doing it.
For you does writing smut differ from other parts of writing?
Yes, it is so much more fun. When I feel stuck in the plot I just go and write a smut scene, even if it happens much later in the book, just to get my mood up again.
Do you have a smut writing ritual? Do you need to set the mood?
I need to find the perfect song for it and listen to it on repeat until the scene is done.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I like to be in nature, drive my convertible, or indulge in some unnecessary online shopping.
Can you share any secrets of what is coming up in the Blake Black book world?
First book in the Memento Vivere Duet will be released on November 11th. This duet is sure to break your heart and put it back together again. Our FMC is curvy and sassy, but she's also broken and abused. The guys, who are all delicious, want to help her, but her walls might be too high for them to break through. It's going to be quite the ride, and I can't wait to hear what you all think!
Thank you so much for allowing us to have this interview with you Blake! I hope everyone takes the time to get to know you and your wonderful books!
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