Saturday, August 14, 2021

INTERVIEW with MARLEE WRAY

 


I would first like to thank Marlee Wray for taking the time out for this interview!

I hope you enjoy this interview as much as I have!

Make sure to give Marlee a shout-out and FOLLOW her on all her social media!



BIO:

Whenever possible, Marlee takes the road less traveled, exploring new places and trying new things.  She currently lives in the U.S. and, when not writing, spends most of her time with family and friends, drinking coffee or cocktails, and, of course, reading.

Her favorite stories are the type she writes, erotic romances that feature tough Dominant men with hearts of gold, and the charismatic heroines they fall in love with.

The first Marlee Wray story was written in 2013, and it is available for free to newsletter subscribers.  The first published Marlee Wray story was Taking Her in Hand, which came out in 2017.

Within a year, she released 5 stories and became a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author.  Her latest series of Mafia romances has shattered her expectations.  You should totally read them!


When and how did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I started dreaming up stories as a child and began writing them down in middle school.  I'm not sure when I started thinking about having my stories published.  Probably in high school.


Did you have any influencing writers growing up?

Many, many writers.  And every book that I loved made me want to work harder to become a better writer, so a reader would feel about my books the way I feel reading great books.


Are any of your characters based on people in real life?

No, but I think the characters' personalities, motivations, and reactions are based in reality in some cases.  I tend to have very tough, smart, protective guys in my stories and that is definitely because I've known men like that.


Where do you draw your book inspirations from?

I wish I knew!  In the past couple of weeks, two aspiring authors have asked me for tips on how to tap into their muse.  That's not my particular challenge, so I haven't developed any strategies for writer's block.  (I actually have more ideas than I can handle, which causes me to jump around between projects and slows down completion of my stories.  I have strategies and tips for dealing with staying focused, but no one seems to ask me about that.)


Do you use have a basic outline when starting a new story or do you let the characters lead the way?

Characters lead the way.


When you are picturing the characters in your book, do you have a cheater photo for inspiration?

Early on, I picture them in my head.  I usually don't look for photos until it's time to start marketing.


Many people read as a form of escape and relaxation.  What is your favorite way to sit back and relax?

Books, movies, beach vacations and local happy hours.


Who's your favorite current author to read?

Emily Tilton.


What are your favorite books by others?

My Dom by Jane Henry and Maisy Archer, Her Troika by Trent Evans, Training Lady Townsend by Anabel Joseph, Safe in His Arms by Renee Rose.


Do the locations in the stories have any meaning to you?

The locations become meaningful as I write, but setting isn't something that draws me into the story initially. 


Do you write in single or multiple POV?

Multiple POV


What do you find to be your best research tool?

The internet.


Do you write under a pen name?  Also, do you write under more than one name?

Yes, and yes.


What genre do you write and why is this your preference?

BDSM/DD romances and romantic suspense with BDSM elements.

It's my preference because I love the conflicts that arise between the couple as they navigate life and an alternative lifestyle.  Often the guy is an experienced Dominant and the woman is exploring/discovering what it's like to fall in love with a dominant man.


What advice would you give to an aspiring writer?

Perseverance is the key to success. 

 



Connect w/ Marlee:

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