Interview with Beth D. Carter, Erotic Romance Author

 Beth Carter like to read books. Strike that. She loves to read books; stories that push buttons and take you into emotions that catch you off guard. This is why she writes Erotic Romance. She is able to think out of the box, push those buttons and take you away into a world of pure lust and bliss.

Beth followed her dream to be a writer. She has traveled to many places, settled in California with her family, quit her daytime job and now writes full time. With several books under her, Beth hopes someday to be in someone's list of "What writers inspired you.".

Beth visits with Steve and me this week, and she wants to giveaway an eBook to one lucky commenter! Let's give her a warm welcome!

Brenda & Steve: Beth, welcome to our blog! We’re so excited you could join us for a chat. When did you first decide to submit your work to be published? Tell us what or who encouraged you to take this big step.

Beth: Hi Brenda & Steve! Thanks so much for having me on your site!  I have always wanted to write, ever since I was a little girl. But I listened to people who said I had to have a “real” job. For many years I just thought up stories but didn’t do anything with them. The explosion of eBooks got my foot in the door and in 2009 I sent my first novel, Black Leather Pants, into four e-publishing houses. Siren Bookstrand accepted it!

Brenda & Steve: Please tell us a little about your new release In A Chord without giving too much of a spoiler away.

Beth: Its set in the musical punk rock world with a band called Endymion. The two founders, Keaton and Ash, are best friends and lovers. Keaton feels they are missing something vital in their music and between them. When Keaton hears Momo singing, he realizes she’s the important piece.

Brenda & Steve: Do you plan all your characters out before you start a story or do they develop as you write?

Beth: They mostly develop as I write, though I do have some of their history fleshed out. One thing I love about writing is how the characters take over their own stories.

Brenda & Steve: How much research do you do for your books? Have you found any cool tidbits in your research?

Beth: I’ve written a few historicals lately and I’ve poured over getting the facts right. My novel, The Scarlet Dove, is about a woman who longs to be a doctor in 1888. Women didn’t have equality rights at that time so it was an interesting journey for me to figure out Liza’s story.

Brenda & Steve: Research is very important to a writer. Steve and I have found very cool tidbits for our stories. What is your writing process? Do you outline, write by the seat of your pants (Pantser) or a combination of both?

Beth: I do a combination of both. I’m usually a Pantser, but I do write a few sentences on how the next chapter should be. Of course, as the story evolves, those change too, but it helps me think about what I need to accomplish within that chapter.

Brenda & Steve: Do you write full time? What did you do before you became a writer or still do?

Beth: As of right now, I’m a full time writer and stay at home mom. I have a five year old little boy named Hadrian. Before that I was a surgical tech who specialized in skin cancer. Practicing good sun habits is important to me because I’ve seen the horrible effects sun damage can do. So please wear SPF and never visit tanning beds.

Brenda & Steve: Do you have a ritual when it comes to writing? Example….get coffee, blanket, paper, pen, laptop and a comfy place.

Beth: I like sitting on the couch with my lap top, with my tea (I’m a tea person), and I usually have something on television as background chatter. I know, how can I concentrate, eh?  But the noise helps me focus. 

Brenda & Steve: Describe a typical writing day for you.

Beth: After dropping off Hadrian at school I have five hours to myself. I try to accomplish a lot in those five hours.  Either with working further through the story or rereading what I’ve written. I like to build the structure of the book before I go back and edit it, but sometimes I have no choice. And then there are days when I need to do laundry and home stuff.

Brenda & Steve: Wouldn't it be nice to have a clone to cook and do the chores! Please give us a sneak peek at your future books. What’s on the horizon?

Beth: I’m writing another historical set in San Francisco 1855. It was a violent time then, very exciting to have a little mystery. After that I haven’t any WIP. I may take a break from history and try my hand at a paranormal story. I haven’t done one of those yet!

Brenda & Steve: What is your favorite genre to read and who is your favorite author?

Beth: Right now I’m gravitating between historicals (Lisa Kleypas & Julia Quinn) and YA paranormal books. I like books on CD because I can do exercise while listening to them. I just bought a Nook, so I’ll also be downloading some of my favorite erotica authors!

Brenda & Steve: Is there anything else you would like to tell the readers we have not touched on?

Beth: My books are all different, with different genres and different pairings, which is great for my creativity but bad for readers to identify with my work. Personally, I like to think there is something for everyone. But as my editor says, when you hear the name Beth D. Carter what type of book do you think about? Like Lisa Kleypas, we all know what she writes.  Right now in my career I feel like I’m test driving every type of genre that I can, but perhaps soon I’ll settle into a pattern.

Brenda & Steve: Where can the readers learn more about you and find your books on the web?

Beth: Most of my books can be found on Amazon, at the publishers websites Loose Id or just visit my Web site to find all the links! I can also be found on my Blog, Twitter @BethDCarter, Facebook and Goodreads.

Readers I'm featuring a Giveaway to one lucky commenter – PDF version of In A Chord!  I’ll have a name drawn randomly, all you have to do is leave a comment!

In A Chord on Bookstrand.

      Keaton Gates and Ashland Lance are lovers and musicians in a band called Endymion. Keaton believes there is something missing, not only from the sound of their music, but also in their lives. When he hears Momo Willows singing Endymion’s signature song, he knows she’s the muse he’s been waiting for.


      At first, Ash Lance is jealous of the new girl in Keaton’s life until he meets her. Momo is unlike anyone he’s ever met, and they soon discover that they connect on many levels. But he’s reluctant to take her away from Keaton, just as Momo refuses to come between them.


      Keaton is quick to assure them he wants all three of them to learn to be in a ménage relationship, but as they learn how to live and love together, another threat is moving between them, threatening to take Momo away…forever.

Beth's BIO:

I am a full time writer and stay at home mom which means I watch a lot of Pixar films.  Over and over and over again. I hate washing dishes but I love cooking. I hate washing clothes but I love wearing them. I try to write characters who aren't cookie cutters, ones who are full of angst but where love redeems them. I push myself to write complicated situations that I have no idea how to resolve, forcing me to think outside the box. Music inspires me as do the boats and arguing seals in the marina where I live. I hate people who don't pick up their dog's crap in public places and I really hate people who are rude and condescending. I especially hate discrimination in all and every form. The perfect birthday presents are gift certificates to bookstores. And I love to hear from readers. I’m really easy to find on Facebook or Twitter.

Click here to watch a video of Beth's books.

Beth D. Carter Erotic Romance from ILLEGALRED on Vimeo