The Next Big Thing Bloghop–and DISCIPLINING THE DUCHESS!

I recently learned about the “Next Big Thing” Bloghop from my erotica-writer pal Tasha L. Harrison. (Click here to learn more about Tasha and her work!)

The Next Big Thing works like an author chain letter and is basically a way for readers to discover authors new to them. You should check out Tasha–she writes great erotica and romance. At the end of my post I’ll include links to the sites of three other authors you might enjoy getting to know, and they’ll post their “Next Big Things” next week.

But first I’m going to talk about my “Next Big Thing”, Disciplining the Duchess, which is out NEXT WEEK. I’m also revealing the cover for the first time.

1: What is the working title of your book?

I went extremely literal this time and called the book Disciplining the Duchess, because that’s what it’s about!

2: Where did the idea come from for the book?

I’ve wanted to write a book about spanking and domestic discipline for some time, and the Regency era seemed like a great setting for that type of thing. Plus I’ve always loved the trope of the stodgy, stern duke paired with the misfit heroine, and I wanted to write my own romantic version of that.

3. What genre does your book come under?

It’s definitely spanking as opposed to BDSM. “Historical spanking with a flavor of domestic discipline” would probably be the best way to describe it.

4: Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

Actually, the people on the cover seemed so perfect to me so it’s hard for me to picture anyone else in my head. But maybe the real-life couple of Sasha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher? He could definitely do that stern duke look and I love her bubbly-ness as the duchess in need of discipline.

5: What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

The Duke of Courtland never expected to marry a lady like Miss Harmony Barrett, but now that he has, it’s time to bring her up to his exacting standards–by any means necessary! (Heh heh) To read a longer blurb, click the cover above!

6: Is your book self-published, published by an independent publisher, or represented by an agency?

This will be published under my usual Scarlet Rose Press imprint.

7: How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

I always mean to keep track of when I start and finish books but I never do. I think I started this over the summer, so about six months? But I do take breaks between writing and editing…so I was probably only directly working on this for two or three months.

8: What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

Honestly, most of the domestic discipline books I read are non-fiction/how-to type things that are so fun and dirty to read. I like Cara Bristol‘s contemporary DD books and I also enjoyed some historical ones from Renee Rose. I haven’t read any specific Regency-era ones but I’m sure they’re out there. I’ve been focused too hard on my own!

9: Who or what inspired you to write this book?

I’ve always loved the Regency and Victorian eras, mainly because of the conflict between all the outward “properness” and all the roiling sexy wildness they had to keep pushed down inside. Of course, it manifested itself in all kinds of crazy orgies, perversions, brothels, and infidelity during those times. It’s fun to play with the inhibitions and fantasies of how the people of those times really felt inside. The duke and Miss Harmony certainly have some very sexy scenes.

10: What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

This book is about a domestic discipline and spanking relationship but it IS an Annabel Joseph book–it does go much deeper than that, with thoughts about being ourselves, accepting each other, and finding our place in the world. There are sweet scenes and rough ones, and lots of subplots to keep the action moving. I hope you’ll check it out when it’s released next week! Watch my blog, Twitter and/or Facebook so you don’t miss out!

Thanks for joining me for this Next Big Thing blog, and be sure to join me Sunday for the final snippet from Disciplining the Duchess before it’s released!

Below you will find authors who will be joining me by blogging next Wednesday. Be sure to bookmark or follow them for updates on WIPs and upcoming releases! Happy reading!

Renee Regent — Who’s gearing up to get her first romantic suspense book out there. Love her blog! http://reneeregent.com/

Linzy Antoinette — Another new author who’s going to put out some smoking books. Keep an eye on this one. http://www.linzyantoinette.com/