Author Interview–> Annabel Fanning ~ Author in the Spotlight
Hey Book Lovers,
I am so happy to have with me, Annabel Fanning, the author of SHE.
About the Book:Logan has loved Gemima for years.
Gemima doesn’t know.
After her deadpan relationship implodes, Logan seizes his chance to rock her world.
Set in picturesque Paris, SHE is an erotic tale about falling madly in love. Combining sex, passion, and romance, these two high-flying professionals will leave you saying, “Oh, la la!”
Welcome to Njkinny’s World of Books & Stuff, Annabel!
Let’s grab our coffee and start the Interview!
Q1. Firstly, tell us something about yourself.
I’m sort of international in terms of my parents’ mixed-nationalities and where I’ve lived, but I think of myself as British. I spent my childhood in an idyllic Scottish country town. Now I live in Perth, Western Australia.
The idea for SHE came to me at the beginning of this year. I was working on a website as a freelance editor and I saw several posts about writers required for short erotic stories. My curiosity was sparked!!
I wrote the first two pages of SHE and something clicked within me. I knew I wanted to (had to) keep writing it and a plot formed in my mind soon after.
Because this was my first piece of erotic writing I had anticipated that SHE would be a short story, but once these characters got going they could not keep their hands off of each other . Very soon I surpassed the 100k mark and I had so much I still wanted to write, and so decided to cut SHE in Parts 1 & 2.
The idea for SHE came to me at the beginning of this year. I was working on a website as a freelance editor and I saw several posts about writers required for short erotic stories. My curiosity was sparked!!
I wrote the first two pages of SHE and something clicked within me. I knew I wanted to (had to) keep writing it and a plot formed in my mind soon after.
Because this was my first piece of erotic writing I had anticipated that SHE would be a short story, but once these characters got going they could not keep their hands off of each other . Very soon I surpassed the 100k mark and I had so much I still wanted to write, and so decided to cut SHE in Parts 1 & 2.
I published SHE part 1 a few weeks ago (have you got your copy yet?) Part 2 will follow next year.
Q2. Tell us something about your newest release that is NOT in the blurb.
It’s a funny read! Thanks of Gemima’s internal monologues you get to read about how she operates – those quirky thoughts/musings that we all have, but in her case she tends to blurt them out at inappropriate times. Embarrassing for her, funny for us.
Q3. When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Probably at some point while I was writing my first novel back in 2008. I really enjoyed the flow and the ease of words from me to the page and I thought: Yup, I can see myself doing this for a long time.
Q4. Describe your writing space.
Quiet, still, tranquil. I don’t like noise or distractions. My mind is very silent too. Just me and the characters.
Q5. What is the hardest part about writing for you?
It’s only hard when I’m distracted – when my attention and focus are split. Then I feel a little torn and I can get frustrated. Other than that, it’s a breeze.
Q6. What is the most surprising thing you discovered while writing your book(s)?
How much patience I have. Outside of writing I think of myself as a very impatient person, but within writing my patience is endless. I write chronologically, so if I have an idea for the end of a book (or series) I wait to write it until I’ve written all the in between story first. I’m surprised I have the patience to do that, haha.
Q7. How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
I’ve written 7 full length novels, half a novella, and several children’s stories. Each has given me something of value, and for that reason I find it hard to pick a favourite.
Q8. Are you a plotter or a pantser?
I usually have an idea in my mind about where the story is going, but I don’t write it down. I like the spontaneity of sitting down to write and not knowing what the next line will be but trusting that the next line will come – and it always does. That’s a thrill for me, and that’s why I fell in love with writing back in ’08.
Q9. If you had to do your journey to getting published all over again, what would you do differently?
I would believe in myself more, and allow others to have their opinions without allowing those opinions to tear me down. I would stay in my own “space” more and follow my instincts rather than the “norm”.
Q10. What is one thing your readers would be most surprised to learn about you?
Hmm…maybe that Annabel Fanning is my pen name?
Q11. Are you working on anything at the present you would like to tell us about?
Presently I’m working on SHE #2, which will be out next year. It picks up where #1 left off – Gemima and Logan are enjoying their weekend away, and once back in Paris hilarity ensues when Gemima meets Logan’s parents.
Q12. How do you come up with the titles to your books?
SHE is named after the Charles Aznavour song. Charles is a Parisian, and SHE is set in Paris, so it’s a nice full circle.
Q13. What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever done in the name of research?
I read up on cervical orgasms. Hahaha!
Q14. Do you use a pen name? If so, how did you come up with it?
Yes, Annabel Fanning is my pen name – I wanted to give myself the freedom to express myself without having to explain myself to family and some friends. At this point in my life it was the most comfortable option to take. The name just came to me – I liked and stuck with it.
Q15. What was the scariest moment of your life?
I had a crisis of confidence when I was in LA when I was 19 – I hit a bad slump, felt like I’d lost my identity and lost my passions in life. It was rebirth really. Not long after that I started writing my first novel and that helped me immensely!
Q16. Tell us about the absolute BEST fan letter you have received.
For my first two novels (YA) I received brilliant emails telling me about how inspired they were by what I had written – that my characters gave them confidence, and lifted their spirits – that was amazing to read! Then with SHE I really loved hearing from one reader that she couldn’t get Logan out of her head – that she’d reread it several times – so awesome!
Q17. Do you write in multiple genres or just one? If just one, do you ever consider straying outside your genre?
I’ve written in many genres. SHE is the first time writing erotica, which is why I decided to give it a go – something new. Before SHE I’d written historical, metaphysical, YA, and children’s.
Q18. What advice would you give a new writer just starting out?
Always put your gut instincts ahead of what others tell you, no matter how “impressive” these other people may be – listen to yourself first. Oh…and have fun! 🙂
Thanks for talking to us, Annabel. Njkinny’s World of Books & Stuff wishes you all the best and we look forward to reading more about you in the future.
Follow the Author on:
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/AnnabelFanning
Twitter: www.twitter.com/annabelfanning
Buy SHE from:
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle Ebook
Amazon IN: Paperback | Kindle Ebook
This post contains affiliate links. Any purchases you make using these links earn me a small commission without costing you anything. So, reward my efforts and help me in the upkeep costs of this blog. Read more here. Please shop using these links. Thanks!
Share this post on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest. Use hashtags #BookReviewByNjkinny , #NjkinnyRecommends and #NjkinnysBlog