An evening of pitch black unrestrained passion at Club Blind opens
her eyes to life’s possibilities. Now, if they don’t fight past their personal
demons, they might never truly discover what they need most. If they can open
their hearts, it might lead them directly to each other where they can discover
their truth. If not, they may forever stay in the blind.
Available at:
Welcome SJ to In A Dream Beyond. I’m thrilled
to have you here today. And I know you've brought fruit loops! Weee! Okay, okay, I'm a little calmer. Here goes the first question:
1.
What is a typical working day
like for you? When and where do you write?
Thank you so much for having me today, Elyzabeth! *tosses Fruit Loops
into the air*
I’m usually up by six and get right to work with a workout, other days I
eat first and start writing. It depends on how active the muse has been
overnight. It’s not long before I’m distracted by getting the kids ready for
school and that necessary evil day job, but I work from home. I try and sneak
back to my manuscript throughout the day. Oh and I write at my dining room
table.
2.
Does being a Project Management Professional help you find the time to write or
organize yourself better? In other words, does your Evil Day Job help your
writing skills in any way?
I like to think it does. I am very organized, but
staying organized takes time and I don’t have a lot of that. Sometimes staying
organized eats into my writing time and that can be frustrating. However, when
I need to remember details about my past main characters for my current book or
I need to grab a graphic quick to send to someone, I know exactly where to go
and that saves my time constantly.
3.
What is the hardest part about
writing for you?
I could say finding the time, but I’m getting better at that, especially
compared to where I was a year ago. The hardest part for me is confidence. I
struggle with that all the time. As a new writer, I’m still trying to find my
readers. Although, the ones I have really do keep me going.
4.
Correct me if I’m wrong… but you
only write contemporary romance. Why?
Because I haven’t written my paranormal and sci-fi stories yet which I
plan start doing in 2015. I have a passion for sci-fi and that series will be
written first, but there’s also a paranormal story I’ve wanted to write for a
long time. It has a bit of time travel too.
5. What
inspired you to write In the Blind?
I wanted to find a new way for couples to find
each other. I knew about love at first sight but what about love at first
touch? I didn’t know if it was possible. Once I found my characters, I had to
try.
6. Did
you have to do any research?
My stories contain Dominance and submission
which is thick with protocol. I like to get that right and I do my research.
Also, so far, I’ve set all my stories in Chicago. With each book, I’ve looked
at maps and regardless if I mention it in the story, I know in which
neighborhood different scenes take place.
7. Have
you ever been to one of those eat in the dark restaurants? If yes, tell us
about the experience…
No I haven’t, but it was definitely a starting
point for my inspiration. I’m certain I would be the messiest guest, lol.
8. If
you had to lose one of your senses, which one would it be and why?
That is so hard! I don’t think I could choose.
I’ve studied dance all my life. Losing the ability to see movement would break
my heart. Music is a huge inspiration to me, losing my hearing would be like
cutting off a life line. Touch. No way. I’m a romance writer, touch is a huge
part of the experience. I haven’t mentioned taste yet, but that can’t go
either. My FIL died last year from cancer and the medications he took stole his
sense of taste. It was really hard on him. I give up. I can’t choose.
Now, I will say, I think it’s hot to be
blindfolded. Temporary blindness in a safe, sane, and consensual environment
like Club Blind would be awesome.
9.
What do you personally love most about this
story?
I love the intimacy and the way my characters finally opened themselves up to the experience and found love.
Remember, Remember, November
Hot or Cold – dry heat
Indoors or Outdoors - outdoors
Favorite film – The Notebook
Favorite Plant or flower - Ranunculus
Favorite tune for this month – River and Roads
by The Head and the Heart
There’s no coffee or tea left…what do you do? –
freak out
Best thing about November is… - seeing my
family
About S.J:
S.J. Maylee fell in love with storytelling at a young age and
with it came a deep-seated desire for everyone to find their happily ever
after. She’s finding the happy endings for her characters one steamy story at a
time.
When she’s not reading or writing, you can find her caring
for her garden, laughing with her two young sons, or dancing to her husband’s
music. She’s a PMP (Project Management Professional), Nia instructor, and
coffee addict.
As a writer she has a tendency to break hearts, but she
always glues them back together.
Blog | Twitter | Facebook Page
| Google+ | Goodreads | Pinterest | Amazon Author
Page
GIVEAWAY:
SJ’s giving away one $20 Amazon gift card and two swag packs (book
covers, bookmark, pen, zipper pull, and handmade beaded keychain or purse charm
with book cover charm). TO ENTER:
answer the question on this blog post and then click on the rafflecopter. QUESTION: Many believe blindness can
increase your other senses. What do you think it would be like to be in a pitch
black club like Club Blind?
IN THE BLIND Excerpt:
The
door continued to open every few minutes. Finally, the woman in front of Jane
was taken away. She could see nothing past the door besides black. Until the
door closed, she continued gazing into the darkness. How would the loss of
sight change the experience? Would she feel more? What would he feel like?
Nerves shook through her limbs, and sweat tickled her palms.
The
door opened, and she
