All about Wendi Zwaduk

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So you want to know about me...what's to know...ok really my friends tell me I'm an open book (pardon the pun). Ask me and I'll more than likely tell you. Could be how I managed to be known as part of the Crowned Heads of TMI. Or not.

I've had stories in my head since I can remember. What I did with those stories, now that's the tricky part. At first I thought I wanted to teach history. Too many dates and names I couldn't remember. Then I wanted to teach art. I'm pretty artistic. Got a BA in Art Ed. But stepping into the classroom wasn't all I'd envisioned. Those who teach, I salute you and realize I'm so not one of you.

But we're talking about writing. I started really writing romance about 6 years ago. I'd played around with the casual proposal for art shows and reports on student behavior in the classroom, as well as mountains of lesson plans. Detailed? Yes. Exciting? Only if you get into that sort of thing. I wanted more out of my life than a 37 minute lesson on Degas.

I started reading Blaze novels and thought, gee, they have to be hotter than this... men have girl mags, so why can't women have intelligent stories that aren't always clean? I wrote four novels (crazy I know since all were rejected), but I learned not only that rejection is a necessary evil, but that I could actually write something people wanted to read (just not those books). Next step? I started reviewing (I've sadly since stepped out of that jousting ring) and got to really see what's out there. What did I find? Those intelligent women's novels where they use "those" words. I was hooked and allowed my characters to run headlong into the areas they'd been itching to go to. I haven't looked back and they love me for it.

How Wendi Zwaduk got into Erotic Romance?

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I was asked to write an erotic piece for a lark.

Yup.

See if you can do this.

Sure I could do it. I have horny toad characters in my head. Give them an inch and they run a mile. First couple of stories weren't the best things I've ever written, but I learned. I read lots and lots (I bow down at the altar of Desiree Holt, Joey Hill, Ashley Ladd, Cheryl Dragon.) and allowed my work to meet the eyes of critique partners who are willing to tell me where things went off the rails.

I found out that there is a bit more to writing erotica than stick tab A into slot B. Well, sort of. There has to be the appropriate tabbing into slotting, but you get the idea. If its all tabbing and slotting, it's not really romantic. I want to know the characters are in love or at least like each other when they tab and slot. So I explored those areas (and yes, DH is the best research partner I could ask for.)

The Scoop!

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Right now...My novella "You'll Think of Me" releases from Total-E-Bound on November 22nd and I can't wait. Why? Cade is one of my favorite characters because he was such a challenge to write. I have another short coming out in early 2011 that follows my Lust Bite stories for TEB. It's called "Tangled Up" and is my first foray into MMF.

What am I working on? Hmm... Rhett from "You'll Think of Me" is begging for his story. He's a ladies man and let me tell you, he's gonna have more lady than he can handle and love it. Gypsy from "My Immortal" is dancing a blue streak around my head. She's got her heart set on Allan and won't stop until he's hers. He just doesn't know it.

And to round that out, I also have a ghost explorer who'd like me to tell his story as well. Let's just say ghosts aren't exactly what we think and it's kinda scary.

Where can you find me in the next few months? I show up here and there but can be found on Whipped Cream Reviews (www.whippedcream2.blogspot.com) writing short stories for Thrifty Thursday. I blog every weekday on my personal blog (www.wendizwaduk.blogspot.com) and am the featured blogger on Hitting the Hot Spot on the 11th of every month. This June I'll be in Cincinnati for the Lori Foster Reader and Author Get Together. Be sure to catch me there.

What Wendi Zwaduk likes to read...

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You can find me reading all kinds of stories. Who are my faves? Desiree Holt, Anne Rainey, Cheryl Dragon, Ashley Ladd, Joey Hill, Mychael Black, Allie Standifer, Kresley Cole, and Lora Leigh. I have "Scalded", "Ride of Her Life" and "Feral Cravings" open on my ereader at the moment.

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INTERVIEW

The Sensible Questions:

1.How have your life experiences affected your writing?

I tend to write what I see. I love to people watch and try to come up with my version of what's going on in their lives. Most of my stories have at least one animal in them because I have four of my own (pets not children...I'm so not a kid person) and more often than not, there is a race tangent in my stories. I love racing of all sorts and find that the characters love to watch vehicles go really fast around circles.

2.Which of your characters is your favourite, and why?

Grief. This is a hard one. I love all my characters. I'd like to say they are all my favourites, but I'll narrow it down a bit. I have three that are the closest to my heart. Cade from "You'll Think of Me" because he was so taciturn. He's not a bad guy, he's just not cuddly, touchy-feely. It was hard to see things from his point of view and not cheat the reader by making him seem colder than he is. I can just see him grimacing right now because he hates to be the center of attention.

Arran and Sav from "Tangled Up" are my other two in the top three. Arran didn't pull punches. He told me flat out, I'm in love with her and him. Color me shocked. I had no intention of writing a MMF story but he was honest and said, this is who I am. I love honesty in people, especially when it might not be the popular answer. Sav, as Arran's partner, was equally honest, but tough to write because he isn't (or doesn't consider himself) bisexual. I really had to dig deep to help him tell his story the way it needed to be told. All three of these men ran me through an emotional ringer and I hope the stories show that.

3.What heat level do you enjoy writing most, and why?

I like the burning level. I want to see some slap and tickle. I want to see them push the boundaries. There are some levels of play that I can't relate to or that I understand, but can't fathom why (pain whores in particular). I want to read a story and end up turned on, not confused. I don't mind the stories where I have to think; those are some of the best. I want to know that the hero and heroine or hero or whatever combination (ménages are mighty nice) are devoted to each other and love each other. I love a good happily ever after and if it takes a little bondage and wax play, more power to them. Sign me up to read it!

4.What authors have influenced you most (not necessarily in the romance genre)?

The ladies who wrote the NASCAR novels for Harlequin influenced me because they showed me I could write about the sport I liked without watering it down to make it cutesy. I hate sport themed stories where the sport is pushed so far into the background that its there only to make a hot cover.

I'd also say that the work of Lora Leigh influenced me. I met her and got to know her. She's a riot, but she's also not afraid to tell younger authors, look I've been there, done this and I suggest you try this instead. The fact that she was willing to talk to me when in all honesty, I wasn't terribly far into my writing career, was darn impressive. Same for Lori Foster. She's willing to sit with a younger author and just talk. I learned so much from sitting and listening.

5.Which comes to you first when you write, the basic premise of the plot, or the characters?

I'll be honest here. It depends on the story. Really. When I started "Learning How to Bend" my critique partner challenged me to write the most erotic story I could come up with. No idea for the characters or the plot, just make it hot. Real good starting point, eh? I thought so, too. But I let my muses run with the idea. Before I knew it, I had the lead characters in my head and ready to tab and slot. There's a character from that story who wanted to keep going.

Nate isn't one to shrink into the background. He stood up and said, look, I want a story and this is the woman I want. I had no idea for the plot. I only knew Nate wanted Courteney and he wasn't taking no for an answer. For Arran and Sav, I had the characters first, plot second. Oh, and if their likenesses come onto the tv or computer screen (stay with me, I'm not tipping a few back), i.e. I'm flipping through a fansite for a favourite television show, the heroes tend to stand up and let me know I am looking at them. It's nice but a little irritating.

6.What is the biggest lesson that you've learned since you began writing?

Just because you think the story is perfect and great and the next big thing, doesn't mean it is. Really. I've had so many stories I thought were the beans - just perfect and ready to sub - then I sent that same story to the CP. Turns out the story I was certain was flawless has more than one plot hole and a character that poof! gone! disappears. Funny how that happens. You may wonder how I'd let something so major slip through my editor cap. Ah, I'm a bit too close to the story. My brain fills in those little gaps and I know what will happen. And really, those CP's are there to help you make the story stronger, not slam you because they can. Once you find the one CP (or more) that clicks with you, you're golden.

7.Describe your writing space.

This question makes me giggle. Why?

I write where ever I am. But describe the one place I spend the most time writing. Fine. I can't not have noise when I write. I know some people who need silence and peace. Not me. If the television isn't on (with either Law and Order or CSI: Miami or something from LOGO), I have the iPod in my ears (Oh and I'm eclectic - Oasis, Arctic Monkeys, Gary Allan, Hall & Oates, Lady Gaga, Korn, NIN, with a side of Billy Joel for kicks). I sit at my coffee table and have the laptop open in front of me. I sit on the floor, not because its better for the posture. No. I have two cats and two dogs who believe I have furniture for them to lounge on. It's not elegant and not normal, but that's my workspace. Unless I go to a race. Then my workspace is the table in the camper or the notebook on my lap.

<sub>Yes, that is my screen saver...le sigh

Coffee table...easy to spread things out on and the right level</sub>

<sub>"Who says you can't write at a race?"

Yes, I write in notebooks on my lap</sub>

The Naughty Questions:

How many toys do you have in your toy-box? (and we don't mean Barbie dolls!)

I buy batteries in bulk. You can never have enough and they aren't the only things needed for a good time.

What or who does your ideal man look like?

Tall, Dark, Handsome (Gerard Butler...**le sigh**) or Average height, sandy, with hazel eyes (Jon Togo or Brett Chukerman... or heck, both) DH works for me, too.

<sub>Jonathan Togo

Gerard Butler</sub>

<sub>Brett Chukerman

Jeremy Sisto</sub>

Are any of the sexy scenes in your books based on real life?

Now if I told you, I'd have to erase your brain. Let's say, it's a good starting point.

What kind of clothing do you like to wear in order to feel sexy?

I have these jeans, Levi's that are so threadbare it's not funny, but they are so soft and cling in the perfect spots. Pair those with my knee high black boots and a white tank top and I feel like I can turn heads where ever I go.

What kind of clothing do you think makes men look sexy?

Threadbare, raggedy blue jeans, unbuttoned and hanging low on the hips.

What is the most outrageously naughty thing you've ever done?

Grief. If I told that I could be arrested. Sheesh. Wait... unless highway head is legal. Hmm... let me get back to you on that. Don't want to break any laws.

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Releases

Wendi Zwaduk's Releases

Learning How to Bend

• Genre: Contemporary /Light Bondage /Ménage á Trois & Multiple Partners
• Rating: Total-e-Burning
• e-Book: Short Story
• ISBN: 978-0-85715-130-8
• Total-E-Bound

Their marriage is about to fall apart, but not if she can help it and he's willing to bend.

Abby Donovan imagined nothing could change her simple life as a librarian. Her loving husband Seth, a mechanic in the Air National Guard, is scheduled to return from a short deployment in Iraq. Before he gets home, a letter arrives. It seems Seth is asking for a divorce. She must decide whether to walk away without a fight or to wait and confront him with the thing he's always dreamed of - a ménage á trois. But all is not as it seems.

Seth Donovan wanted an idyllic life to go along with his career in the military. Then he sees the atrocities of war firsthand. A conversation with a colleague ends up as fodder for the rumour mill and so much more. Seth never wanted a divorce. He wants his wife. Will she accept him despite the rumours and advances from another man? Or can their relationship withstand the turmoil of war?

Must Be Doing Something Right

• Genre: Contemporary, Bondage
• Rating: Total-e-Burning
• e-Book: Short Story
• ISBN: 978-0-85715-167-4
• Total-E-Bound

If she can open her heart, she'll find he's her naughtiest dream come true. Being mischievous with him is exactly what she needs.

Nate Waterford knows exactly who he wants in his bed and his heart, but he's on guard. When women find out his profession, they see dollar signs. He's been hurt by gold diggers and he's not about to fall in love - until he sees Courteney. She's his fantasy come to life and once he gets her in his arms, he'll be damned before he considers letting her go. Unless she tells him to go to hell first...

Despite her success as a fledgling romance author, Courteney Bennett's had her share of bad relationships. She's attracted to her best guy friend, Nate, and she's not ready to throw a friendship away for one night of passion - even if his idea of desire puts the hottest scenes in her erotica stories to shame.

Is her heart a fair price to pay for an evening to remember or will it be the biggest mistake of her life?

What the reviewers are saying

"Wendi Zwaduk kept this story flowing nicely. The highlight for me was when Nate and Court truly realized what they were missing. This is a short story that I am proud to say, has made it to my "re-read" list. If you want a great book to heat up your Summer then pick up Must Be Doing Something Right by Wendi Zwaduk and let the story flow through you." -Dark Diva Reviews

"With characters full of feeling and depth, this short story packs a punch...Wendi Zwaduk does a wonderful job of painting a world for the reader to get lost in. With characters that everyone can relate to this is a book that should not be missed." -Whipped Cream Reviews

My Immortal

• Genre: Paranormal/ Vampirel
• Rating: Total-e-Burning
• e-Book: Novel
• ISBN: 978-0-85715-275-6
• Total-E-Bound

What's a girl to do when she finds out the man of her dreams is a 340-year-old vampire? Run like hell or offer her heart.

Being a vampire hasn't been easy for Storm Richardson. He's not programmed to kill or harm, unless he needs to feed. When he meets Stephanie 'Stevie' Persing, he knows he's found his mate. But if he crosses the line between work and play, he risks losing the only person who matters-”her.

Stevie's been in love with Storm since the moment she laid eyes on him. He's brooding, intense, and her one weakness. But is her heart too steep a price to pay for his love, especially when she discovers his deepest secrets?

What the reviewers are saying

"Wendi Zwaduk has penned a thrilling little novel that is sure to grab your attention from the very start. My Immortal has all the right elements for an action packed short story. The plot is well developed and the characters' motivations are clear....The fact that Ms. Zwaduk didn't follow my preconceived notion of "vampire finds mate" type storyline simply made me as a reader and reviewer look deeper into this fresh perspective. I honestly enjoyed My Immortal and plan to check out the other offerings by Ms. Zwaduk to see what else she has in store to keep us seasoned readers on our toes." -Whipped Cream Reviews

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Wendi Zwaduk's Backlist

_{Please Note - Some of the following links will take you to other publishers websites. Total-e-bound is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.}

Right Where I Need to Be

• Genre Contemporary

  ISBN 978-1601546968

• Publisher The Wild Rose Press
• View Book

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