Author Spotlight: Interview with Sarah Daltry

1. Quickly, give us the title and genre of your book and a 30-word or less tagline:

My book is The Quiver of a Kiss and it is an erotic/romantic retelling of the story of Helen of Troy and the fall of Troy, from Helen’s point of view.

2. Who is your intended audience and why should they read your book?

 

I suppose my intended audience is anyone who is interested in classical literature and history/mythology, but who is also open to interpretations of these things. I would also say the audience is going to be women and men who are interested in erotic romance. They should read my book because it is a retelling of the story but it is written through a contemporary and female-oriented lens.

3. How did you come up with the title of your book or series?

 

The title comes from a line from a poem by Sara Teasdale, which is also in the beginning of the book.

4. Tell us a little bit about your cover art. Who designed it? Why did you go with that particular image/artwork?

 

I designed the cover. I went with this photo as it showed lovers, who appeared to be on a beach, and the woman looks like I imagine Helen would have looked. The couple also has a bit of forbidden desire about them which I thought worked.

5. Who is your favorite character from your book and why?

 

Helen, although Odysseus was interesting to write. I am not a big fan of Homer and I always found Odysseus arrogant. I liked giving him a more heroic slant.

6. How about your least favorite character? What makes them less appealing to you?

 

Agamemnon. In mythology, he is just so unlikable. He is arrogant and misogynistic.

7. If you could change ONE thing about your novel, what would it be? Why?

 

I would have made it longer. I figured most readers of the genre don’t want overly long novels, but I am starting to question that.

8. Give us an interesting fun fact or a few about your book or series:

 

All of the stories, terms, and concepts are found in various forms of the Helen myth. In addition, I would like to tell Clytemnestra’s story because in learning about Helen, I learned a good deal about her as well.

9. What other books are similar to your own? What makes them alike?

 

I really don’t know any like this. There may be some, but most historical erotica seems to be set in the 17-19^thcenturies.

10. Do you have any unique talents or hobbies?

 

Not really. I am a nerdy gamer, which is surprising to a lot of people. I tend to enjoy some MMORPG action on a regular basis!

11. How can we contact you or find out more about your books?

 

Email me at sarah.daltry@gmail.com, find me on Facebook, Twitter, or Goodreads, or check out my blog at http://sarahdaltry.wordpress.com/. All of my work is available via Amazon and some of it is at B&N and the other major channels. The Amazon exclusive work will likely be made available elsewhere by July.

12. What can we expect from you in the future?

 

I have been working on a NA novel about Lily and Derek from my short story “Her Brother’s Best Friend,” but recently I started something new. It is a paranormal erotic romance about vampire brothers, but there is a Biblical/mythological slant.

13. What can readers who enjoy your book do to help make it successful?

 

Spread the word. Review it, tell friends and family, encourage others to check it out!

14. Do you have any tips for readers or advice for other writers trying to get published?

 

Tips, not really. I do everything myself so I am not the best person to ask! As for advice, I would say that it is important not to let things bother you. I have a hard time taking a lot of the negativity I face and I am trying to get used to it.

 

15. Is there anything else you’d like to say?

Sadly, no. Although now I am thinking of writing an MMORPG erotica story!

16. And now, before you go, how about a snippet from your book that is meant to intrigue and tantalize us:

 

My brothers are regaling Father with tales of their conquests. Castor, at eighteen, has bedded more women in Sparta than I knew lived within the city walls. They flock to him, fools for his looks and charm. I am sometimes led to blush when they talk of him as if they do not know I am around; I have heard intimate details of my brother that I would be happier not knowing. Pollux has not been lazy in the act of lovemaking, but his mind is always on battle. He is forever scheming, strategizing; he sees a future Sparta that is famed through the continent and he sees himself leading it. I am amazed at the way the two speak of their adventures in the same manner, as if women and warriors are one and the same, to be treated with the same pride or indifference depending on how well they have fulfilled their roles. My brothers forget my presence, as they always do. Father enjoys living vicariously through his sons, as age has limited his virility both in the bedroom and on the field. Although they are my twins, my brothers have been granted immeasurable freedoms of which I can only dream.

 

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Thank you Sarah for taking part in my Author Spotlight interview! I hope your writing continues to flourish and we hope to see more of you in the future.
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If you or an author/illustrator you know is interested in being interviewed, feel free to send me an email at jejoescienne@yahoo.com