Aimée Duffy – The Interview | After The Final Chapters

I am delighted today to post an interview with Aimée Duffy. You will see Aimée has popped up a few times lately on the blog, between my review of Sinfully Summer and guest reviewing books from the Paranormal genre.

I hope you enjoy reading this one as much as I did.

Who is Aimee Duffy?

I’m not a fan of this question. Makes me feel like I’m at some kind of self-help meeting, standing up in front of strangers getting ready to confess every sin I’ve ever committed (because I get nervous and end up spilling it all). But I’m just me really. I work as a paralegal, write and other than having occasional quick wit I’m really very uninteresting.

Tell us a little about your books?

My books, if you start at The Monster of Fame and work your way along to What’s a Girl to Do?, are a journey of me shedding behind my embarrassment when writing the smexy stuff. Other than that, I like to keep it as fun as possible, throw in some emotion and hope to hook folks in.

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

For as long as I can remember. I’ve always created stories, and the writing part of English was my favourite.

Did you ever feel like giving up?

Yup, and not just in the past either. There are so many hurdles in this gig and when you trip over a few it’s hard to get back up. But I can’t not get up, it’s in my blood and bones now. I’m so screwed.

Where does the inspiration come from for your books?

Anywhere and everywhere but mostly my bonkers imagination. I’ve been inspired by TV shows. The Price of Fame series is set around a reality singing competition not unlike the XFactor or the Voice. Plus celeb gossip magazines spur some ideas. Like the relationship with Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattison. I watched Twilight, and wondered what an off-screen relationship would be like with characters who were supposed to be in love on screen. That’s when Isle of Sensuality was born.

Your next book is from the Erotic genre, did to require much research 😉 ?

*Blushes*. Okay, maybe I’m not over that bit lol. Not for book 1, though I may have to for book 2 since it ups the kinky. Though my friends happily chat away about their 50 esq sex lives so shouldn’t be too hard to find out what it’s all like so I can get it right ;o)

Do you get embarrassed at the thought of your family reading an erotic book that you have written?

I used to. Not so much anymore. In fact, my mum gets very embarrassed but she can’t put them down, and I just have to tease her about that!

What is your favourite Genre to read?

It’s a toss-up between paranormal and horror. Both can terrify me, but that’s good for the soul isn’t it?

Do you have one book above all others that you love?

Well, yes. Every time I read a new book I feel that way. I’m drawn to deep emotional stories that make me feel, which is why I always go back to romance. My favourite storyteller is also a good friend. Michelle Smart’s books are real, dark, gritty, sexy and emotive. I honestly haven’t read one I could put down before the end.

Now I know you love Paranormal as you Guest Review them for me, what is it about the Paranormal books that you love so much?

There’s more escapism in paranormal worlds. Contemporary romance is great for whisking a reader away, but with paranormal I get the dark, the gritty, that fear I hate and love so much, and still get the swept away feeling. Though I prefer the darker books, where I’m dragged down into realities I couldn’t possibly dream up on my own. Like with Lindsay J. Pryor’s Blackthorn, or Pamela Palmers’ Vampire City.

When was the last time you were insulted?

As a writer, I try not to take criticism as insults. Or bad reviews. People are entitled to their opinions and if they didn’t like my book I don’t get offended anymore. Or try really hard not to. Instead I look at the criticism objectively and see if there is anything I can take from it moving forward.

If you were invisible for a day would you use the powers for good or evil?

Definitely evil. I’d be off to the local rugby club for some peeping Tom action (all in the name of research of course). Then I’d probably go and haunt my teenage brother, knowing if he had the chance he’d do the same to me. I know, I’m a big kid.

If you could be a fly on the wall ANYWHERE where would it be?

Hmmm, I’ve no idea. Invisibility covered the rugby club. Plus I’m a strong believer in not knowing too much, so going to 10 Downing Street to her what the big guy’s got planned is out. I’d probably worry myself sick after.

You could be with any man you wanted just for a night – who is it?

Just one (on the man and the night)? That’s not a fair question. Okay, I’d sneak into Incy Black’s home, steal Ian Somerhalder, and get the hell out of dodge.

What is the best advice you were ever given?

This wasn’t given directly to me, but Incy Black is a lady I’d call a friend (apart from the Ian-napping) and she is just a fountain of good advice. As well as being funny, the quote below is also very true. Publishing isn’t always pretty, and criticism can feel this bad, but she’s right, you have to survive. There’s nothing else for it.
“Bite down hard, and assume the position – because as sure as water’s wet, you are going to get your arse spanked with a nail studded paddle, and yes, it is going to hurt. Expect criticism, sometimes kind, sometimes downright cruel. Survive by taking what you want from the thrashing then, with all the dignity you can muster, pro-offer the other cheek.”

Quickfire

Bacon or Sausage (keep it clean lol)
Sausage ;o)
Potatoes or Chips
Tatties
Beer or Wine
Beer. One glass of wine and I’m anybody’s!
Night owl or Early bird
Both, which explains the dark circles concealer struggles to cover.
City or Country
City
And finally..
Top or Bottom
Depends how knackered I am