Marcia James, Author of Hot, Humorous Romances

THE JAMES GANG

Each month, I interview authors or publishing insiders who have "James" in their names. My January James Gang interviewee is Tease/Black Lyon Publishing author Kayleigh Jamison.

1. Let’s get the most important question asked first: Why James?

I honestly have no idea. The nature of my "day" job is such that I felt a pen name was necessary, and "Kayleigh Jamison" was the first thing that popped into my head. I'm a believer in intuition; it felt right, so I went with it. Perhaps it's because I was meant to be part of the James Gang.

2. What fiction genre(s) and/or sub-genre(s) do you write?

I primarily write erotic and sensual historical romance, and that's what I'm known for, but I have short stories that are paranormal (contemporary and historical) as well.

3. Tell us about your latest or upcoming release.

A Scandalous Arrangement was released over the summer, and it is an erotic Regency-set novella with BDSM themes.

"A well-bred lady and a rakish earl escape the ton and shed their inhibitions in A Scandalous Arrangement...

Sold into the service of a brothel madame to satisfy her brother's gambling debts, Lady Anna Boscawen finds herself catapulted into the scandalous, seedy underbelly of the ton when she is given a new name and her virginity is auctioned off to the highest bidder. Vere Fane, Earl of Westmorland is rich, powerful, and devilishly handsome, known throughout society for his carnal inclination and the pleasure and pain he inflicts upon the women he alternately ravages and worships. Bound together by unusual circumstances, Vere leads Anna through a whirlwind of emotions, teaching her to find the ultimate freedom - in submission."

4. Is there a core story and/or a theme(s) in your books?

That's a seriously tough question! There's nothing that I've done deliberately. If any of my readers see something, though, I'd love for them to tell me.

5. Do you have a favorite hero and/or heroine in your books and why?

Honestly, I don't. I love all of my characters. Each one is my favorite when I'm writing him or her.

6. What do you enjoy most about being an author?

Finally being able to get some of these stories out of my head! When I was a kid, I spent a lot of time living in my head, and as I grew, I began to think I was crazy because I could be completely entertained with nothing but my imagination. I had characters in my mind and I'd talk to them, and they'd talk back.

7. Do you have any awards, reviews or kudos you’d like to tell us about?

Nothing recent, actually. Lately the day job has been downright overwhelming, and my writing has been forced to take a back seat. I take comfort in knowing that it's temporary.

8. How do you promote your books and your author brand?

I find that in-person promotion works best, so I try to attend conventions, signings, book fairs, etc. as often as possible. I rely heavily on my good friend Stella Price, who is a whiz at setting up those types of things and invites me along.

9. What is your next project?

I have two works in progress at the moment, both Regency-set. One is a sequel to Reckless Liaisons, with the younger brother getting top billing. The other is going to be a collection of erotic BDSM Regency short stories, each featuring a different "bad boy" hero -- we've got a spy, a pirate, a highwayman...it should be lots of naughty fun.

10. Do you have a bit of wisdom you’d like to impart or a favorite quote?

Buy low, sell high? Just kidding.

Here's what I had written on my fridge through school: "The ambitions of today make for the realities of tomorrow."

Thanks, Kayleigh! Next month I'll interview Freya's Bower/LoveYouDivine author Jaime Samms.

N.J. Walters Interview