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FAQs...
Now this is awkward and weird, but let's face it, that is me in two words.
So, I decided; as the Goodreads questions and the Smashwords interview contains quite a few interesting things, I'd copy it here for people who don't want to go to another website, when you are on my sexy one. No, I'm just kidding, but as someone who is utterly lazy, I've brought a few more of my hens into this little pen (my website that is), so they can all snuggle up together.
Prepare yourself to be bored, because here we go;
1. How do you deal with writer’s block?
I have thus far not experienced it at all. I have two notebooks cramped with story ideas and memo notes (those are a favourite of mine). That is also why my books are sort of planned to be released in a certain order. Each of my books have a hint (easter egg) of what the next will be about - since by the time of publishing I'm already halfway with the next book - and I also add something from the previously released book. Up to this point I'm still waiting for that day to come where I'll look at my blank pages and think, 'Well, let's make tea and eat another batch of granny's biscuits until this clears up'.
2. How do you get inspired to write?
Dreams mostly and the idea of escapism from reality draws me. Also, listening to what people are talking about, how they do it and why. I enjoy seeing how people react to certain comments and mostly I try seeing what makes people stop what they are doing, and then try recreating those reactions. I like to make use of things that happen to me while I'm writing a specific book.
For example; In Runners and The Stray (Unnatural (R)evolution) the idea of the waiter telling the two protagonists to procreate, was a comment given to me and my fiancé when we were in public. I remembered while writing that it was so unique to our South African way of being quite forward that it just fell into the story so beautifully, it needed to have a place in a quite important scene of the book.
So truly, South African people, my family and friends are my true inspiration. (And obviously, all the pets I've encountered are also very inspiring.)
3. What’s the best thing about being a writer?
You get to make the rules. I'm lucky enough to only be doing the writing at the moment as a 'job' and I do whatever I want, when I want to. Working with people in a corporate setting was never something I wanted to do. That's why I tried being a tree hugging researcher, who would be left alone in the field, to do my own thing...but that didn't work out and I took the chance becoming a writer (I might not be very good, but it is where my passion lies). So really, it is the freedom of finally doing what I've always loved, without feeling bad for working until dawn and sleeping until noon.
4. What’s your advice for aspiring writers?
Never aspire to be anything!
If you have put in the hours - sat your bum limp at the desk, writing your heart out and selling your soul - you are an AUTHOR! If you are self-published, a blogger, still working on your books; people nearly turn their noses up at you, if you don't call yourself 'aspiring'. But if you had done the hard work of dedicating yourself to living your dream, doing what you love or just doing it for the fun, you already done more than most people do their entire lives.
So throw away the aspire, because you already are amazing, just ask your limp behind!
1. What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
Wanting to bring a change to the world. Big or small. Whether it is to truly change something big or if it is to just lift up a person's spirit. I try taking on each day with enthusiasm, even though I am quite a pessimist most of the time.
2. What is your writing process?
Focussing on getting the basic storyline down on paper (I am extremely forgetful). So basically, I write everything down onto memo notes that usually clutter my walls and notebooks, before I start researching facts. I truly believe in giving my stories a more realistic feel, with facts that check out and that allows the reader to step into this world, where there's almost a familiarity.
3. Describe your desk
Cluster fudge!
I have a LCD screen on my desk that is linked to my PC and PS3 (it sometimes needs to stand on the desk). The keyboard and mouse of the PC are never in the same place, because I love memo notes, so they are all just scattered over the desk - attempting to take over. There is always a box of biscuit or a pack of sweeties nearby and an empty glass or cup. And if there is still space on the day, you might find a reference book (I love doing research from encyclopaedias based on my current book).
4. What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
Letting go of my 'hectic' life outside the book and getting immersed into the world I create. Falling in love with my characters and getting lost in their emotions. Also getting to the end of a book, realising I am done and soon people would hopefully love the book just as much as I do.
5. How do you approach cover design?
I try finding something special/unique to my story.
I prefer not making it specific to the erotica genre with the teasing pictures, because to me it takes away from the mystery of love sometimes. I feel an object or location creates the illusion of stepping into the world the author wants the reader in, even before the story starts. Or even making the reader want to find the object on the cover's relation with the story. Symbolism basically.
6. When did you first start writing?
I remember I was 8 when I started writing songs and poems. It was only at about 16 though that I began scribbling down notes and plotlines (some complete) for romance novels. As I grew older and discovered erotica books later, I found a great love of the truthfulness in them compared to classical romance novels. But, it was at 19, that I truly began putting pen to paper to write erotic romance stories. After I began writing them down, the ideas just kept coming to my mind and I now sit with about 50 stories that all just need a bit of TLC, then I can hopefully publish them.
7. What motivated you to become an indie author?
My insatiable obsession with writing. I really don't care much for the money, even though it does aid the costs of editing, cover art, food, etc., but I just like to be able to share my secret desires. I also enjoy knowing that I am in control of it all, since I am a bit of a control freak, and this makes it a great option for me.
8. What do your fans mean to you?
EVERYTHING!
I've received a few awesome feedbacks from people who enjoy my work and it really does encourage an author. Being indie, does make it more of an arena with lions and tigers attacking you from all sides with criticism, compared to a mere single combat when you work with a publishing house, where the market is already set for your work.
But, fans really are the people who allow me, personally, to follow my dream in sharing all my stories and for that simple reason - excuse the cliché - I won't be able to do it without all their feedback (good and bad), encouragement and support.
I appreciate everyone who takes the time to read my books and I honestly love those dearly who give reviews, as that gives you a better of a chance in the endless struggle of finding your voice.
9. Acquiesce seems like just another 'Fifty'. What is the real inspiration behind it?
Well, like a dear friend once said; 'Fifty is just fan fiction that was nicely interpreted into a new story.' (But I do like the Fifty series and won't ever shoot down any author.)
Acquiesce (Book One of Sparks and Sparrows) is actually an idea I got inspiration for, from a 'Smallville' episode. Weird, but there was this particular episode about Lex having 'indiscretions' with a few women and he gave them earrings, as a sort of parting gift afterwards and the idea always stuck.
Only in Requisite (Book Two of Sparks and Sparrows) - exclusively published with Amazon - more of that would be revealed, since book one was focused on the relationship between Lenka and Malcom.
As for similarities with 'Fifty' it is just an inevitability. One of the biggest fantasies of most, (mine started with Cinderella) is to be swooped away by a person who can 'take care' of you and that is really all Sparks and Sparrows is about. Especially considering that most of it is based on my own life. Just giving my account of an age-old tale about finding your prince/princess and getting a happily ever after.
10. Your Historical Romance books seem a bit harsh. Have you ever thought of rewrites on them?
Not at all. I want them to show that the world was cruel (is still). I don't believe in censorship, because the world isn't all about falling in love and happily ever afters. With all my books I make it a mission to add some real issues; abuse, discrimination, etc. I want to keep the reality in the book, while still showing that there is always hope even if your journey might be a bumpy one.
11. About High Priestess of Pleasure, your first book, what about yourself did you add to the main character (Nafrini) and what personal experiences did you add to influence the character's story?
The main thing I felt I needed to add to Nafrini was uncertainty over what the future held, but not without courage and hope. As it was my first book, I felt it represented the uncertainty I experienced, while still giving myself to the world in the figurative sense, but having the courage to do so and hoping I would 'make it' in the end.
The same goes for the personal experience I had added. We all take on new challenges in life without knowing where it might lead, as the power is not in our hands and we become the slaves in our own worlds of doubt. By fighting your own demons and finding that you are capable of much more, you begin to see yourself as more worthy and that was what Nafrini found in her love for Khaldun.
12. Why did you decide to write Erotic Romance books specifically?
I love the genre immensely, as I hated reading a Romance novel that inevitable got to the 'and one thing lead to another...' scene that would leave you wondering what 'it' lead to.
Did they have sex? Did they just make-out? Or did they go to sleep?
No joke, I read a book once and to this day I still have no idea what the characters actually did, as the scene ended in the lounge. (In my mind many things could have happened and I want to know about them.)
I also think that the world still sees Erotic Romance (especially in South Africa) as a taboo genre or as it just being porn. There might be a lot of great authors known in this genre, but many people you meet on a day-to-day basis, draw their noses up at the mention of it. I am still sometimes reluctant to say I write Erotic Romance, as I'm afraid of how people would react. But while I still want to explore other genres, Erotica/Erotic Romance is where my heart lies, as I want people to see that it is not less worthy than any other genre. (PS. I think the haters are just jealous they don't get to do the research.)
13. Acquiesce (Book One of Sparks and Sparrows) has a lot of sex in, causing it to border the stereotype that Erotic Romance is porn. You are fighting to prove that it is not, so isn't this contradicting that goal?
I had a purpose with 'Sparks and Sparrows' to make the sex redundant, not pornographic. I wanted to give the readers enough sex scenes as I, as a reader, sometimes feel they lack in Erotic Romance books. Sex is beautiful and how you perceive it is just a person's personal view. I never intended it to be as redundant as it is, but when taking the characters and the story as a whole in consideration; sex was what brought them together, sex was what made them see where their problems festered and sex was what helped them find their freedom from their personal demons. As it developed, it became love and thus once again it shows how love and sex in a romantic relationship, are the core elements of helping a relationship stay strong and help it grow.
Also, as most people I know - myself included - like to read only a chapter an evening, the idea was for a developing love story to take place, while not causing you to feel that there is a lack of sex scenes in what is a honest take on how this specific relationship would need to grow.
Without spoilers, this book requires this overload of sex, because; Malcom needs sex to process things, so this is fitting with such a character. While Lenka on the other hand needs to learn that sex is not just about giving and that she doesn't need to fear it as much as she has.
All in all, I think with these books (and all my others), you either see it as porn or as a beautiful love story, based on how comfortable you personally are about sexuality and sexual expression. I, for one, stand with the opinion that Erotic Romance isn't porn, when it has a purpose to show love in its most honest and purest form.
Exclusive Interviews
Amazeballs Book Addicts
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1. Why don't you want to use your real name? Are you ashamed?
My real name is Rochelle de Beer, no shame, as I have it on all my bios.
Chevoque just sounds and looks so much sexier. And with my surname (de Beer) people who are English associate it with beer, when it is actually a reference to a bear...or so I'm told, which isn't such a good thing either - hairy and scary or maybe sweet. But the point is, when people use pickup lines like, 'Your surname has one of my favourite things, you must be worth a taste' then you start realising your surname sucks a bit.
I also like the name, as it was an option my dear mum was looking at to name me, but she read an Erotic Romance novel (no joke), while pregnant with me and the main character or author was Rochelle, so a last minute change took place.
2. Where did you get the inspiration for Gold Collar?
I remember after watching Pompeii (2014), I really liked it, finding it odd that others hadn't, but anyway, I can't exactly remember what about it made me come up with Gold Collar, as there aren't any comparisons. Also a year before watching it, I watched (freaked out over) Spartacus (Starz Series) and there is generally just something about the Ancient World that has me fascinated.
I suppose I would've came to an Ancient Rome genre book somewhere in my writing career, but Pompeii had me so enthralled that I began writing Gold Collar that very evening.
3. Where can I find the Easter Egg solutions?
On my blog post...it is updated as we go. (The 'Easter Eggs' in my books...)
4. Your first language is Afrikaans, but you primarily write in English. How has it influence you and would you write Afrikaans novels?
~I think with mum's side of the family being mostly English, I got a unique experience growing up with both languages being part of my life. But the fact that in South Africa we have such a diverse community, the school system requires two languages, home and second, so I believe having the opportunity to 'must' do another language allowed me and definitely others, to learn a second language, that benefits you in the outside world. I've come across many people who only know one language and it is only then that you start realising how important being bilingual is.
~Writing Afrikaans has never been a strong suit for me. I always excelled in English in school, but my Afrikaans was like my math...I just kinda made it. But my father had also asked if I ever considered writing something in my home language and though I have tried, with poems and one idea for a novel, Afrikaans is a language I like to compare to Old English, with words that make very little sense to me most times and it just has too many rules I don't like. But maybe one day.
Other questions may be submitted via the Connect page and will be added to this page, if appropriate. (If using the message opt, please add the subject title as Question(s) and ask as much as you like.)
See you on the other side!
Chevoque
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