With approximately a dozen titles to her name, Amber Quill Press author Paris Dixon is blazing hot and there are no indications she is cooling down anytime soon with about half a dozen more stories coming out within the next six months. Who is Paris Dixon? Where do her ideas come from? I had the honour of asking Paris these questions and more...

Welcome to The Road to Romance, Paris!

Thank you!

Who is Paris Dixon? What makes the "Southern Belle" tick?

A good and rather difficult question to lead things off, huh? I suppose Paris is simply a reasonably intelligent and (I pray) reasonably attractive small-town girl at heart. Although I grew up in Savannah, to me it's very much a quaint, almost sheltered community with a laid-back atmosphere, and that reflects in my personality. I never take anything too seriously, don't go in for the glitz and glamour of big-city living, and prefer "quiet" to "loud" any day of the week—unless we're talking about heavy metal music. LOL

Is Paris Dixon your real name?

Unfortunately, yes. And you have no idea what it's like to have such an unusual first name, especially when confronting cruel and obnoxious high school students who had popular names like "Tiffany" and "Heather"!

I have always wanted to travel to Georgia…what do you love most about Savannah, Georgia?

The historical atmosphere. As I mentioned, in many ways, Savannah remains unchanged since its inception. It still retains that lazy, Southern charm from the "olden days" of the late 1700s/early 1800s and much of that has to do with the many historical homes and tree-lined avenues still in existence. Although a part of me hates to say it, thanks goes to the Yankee General William Tecumseh Sherman for not burning this picturesque town like he did Atlanta. Because Sherman left the city intact, walking through downtown Savannah and its many squares separating the city is truly like a journey into time. As I type this, I'm sitting before my window overlooking one of the shady squares (I won't mention which one, for privacy reasons, as I'm sure you'll understand). Just viewing the moss-draped live oaks swaying over the sun-speckled park bench conjures up images of hooped-skirted belles and their handsome suitors lazing away a glorious afternoon while a well-appointed carriage awaits at the gate. Just casting your eyes around the city, it's indeed like reliving the past, no matter in which direction you look.

Does living in the South have a lot of impact on your writing? The settings, the characters, the romance between the hero and heroine?

Definitely. I rarely write about anything outside my comfort zone. My family's personal history is a terrific resource for generating ideas, and that alone could keep me writing "Southern tales" for years and years. (I'm unsure what that says about my scandalous family, but that's the bare truth!) Occasionally, for my historical romances, I will venture to write about a—gasp!—Yankee character, but I tend to stay south of the Mason-Dixon line, no affront to my Northern friends.

You have written many erotic fiction tales—paranormals, historicals and contemporary erotic tales to be precise. Which do you like the most?

I think I prefer the historicals, more than anything. The past has always fascinated me, as you have likely surmised, and being surrounded by such historical treasures in this city, influences me to no limit. Plus, without a plethora of firsthand accounts of "relationship details" at hand, my imagination can run wild regarding what our ancestors may or may not have done behind closed doors during their time in history.

What can you tell us about your latest release, Passion Kows No Bourdaries, an erotic paranormal tale?

Passion Knows No Boundaries is my favorite work to date. The story revolves around a sad love story that lasted in ghostly form for decades, but only through the actions of the modern-day characters can the ghosts actually find peace. I consider it a contemporary paranormal novella with an historical twist, which merges several genres I love to write. The novella, in many respects, is also the closest to my own personal history, although to the best of my knowledge, I have not confronted any lovemaking spirits. Anyway, I loved being able to (hopefully) provide a feel of the sprawling plantation house my ancestors did indeed own just outside Savannah many years before I was born. And like the lead character Clarice Nash, I did tour the home countless times as a child. I still do, actually, whenever I get the opportunity. The story reflects my interest in the paranormal, my belief in another dimension, if you will, as well as reincarnation and my love of researching the 19th century, which is what Clarice must do in order to solve the mystery of her home's haunting. So all in all, I suppose Clarice Nash is the character who reflects my personal life more than any other I've created. Now, if I could only live in that house! I also love the lead male character of Derek Ballantine, and his ancestor Esau, of course, for providing such—well—interesting stimulation.

What other titles of yours are still available at Amber Quill Press?

Along with Passion Knows No Boundaries (an Amber Heat novella), I have several Amber Kisses (short erotic fiction) available at Amber Quill Press—Lechery For The Devil and Morning Ritual—and a full-length novel with Catherine Snodgrass under the pseudonym of Caitlyn Willows—White Lies.

Which of your books is your favorite?

As mentioned above, Passion Knows No Boundaries is my current favorite, based on the same reasons stated. Although to be honest, I find that whichever book is my latest release is also usually my favorite. Therefore, this answer would change every few months.

How long does it take for you to finish writing a story?

It depends. The shorter stories, like Lechery For The Devil and Morning Ritual, take about two weeks to complete, when I'm inspired. The novellas, like Passion Knows No Boundaries, usually run me about a month and a half to two months to complete, while the full-length novels take much longer, unless I'm working with a quick-witted partner, like Catherine Snodgrass. My next novella release, My Lover, Her Slayer, is taking a bit longer due to some extra historical research I'm having to conduct. It's also the first piece I've written in a historical location outside the Savannah area (London in 1888) so I'm starting from scratch, in many respects. But generally, those are the timelines.

Do you write under a strict daily schedule or do you just go with the flow?

I wish I could chain myself to the computer chair and force myself to write, but I can't. I usually just write when the inspiration hits me. But thankfully, that's often enough so my publisher doesn't have to nag me for pushing the limits of my deadlines. LOL

Why do you think erotic fiction is so popular among women today?

I think it's always been popular, but with the advent of electronic books and the internet, it's more accessible. Women are typically romantics at heart, and love a good old-fashioned romance between an attractive couple. The addition of steamier scenes is only a plus. It allows an escape from life's day to day hell—the kids, the chores, the day jobs, the mile-a-minute schedules modern women face week after week. To break away from reality for even a half-hour a day to read a sizzling romance does one's mental health a lot of good.

Do you think that there is a "too far" that authors can go in erotic fiction? (besides the obvious such as bestiality and pedophilia)

Apart from what you mentioned, no, I don't think there's a "too far." Although I do believe an author should only write what feels comfortable for them personally, or else it comes out sounding forced and unnatural. I also believe to include erotica just for the sake of shock value, where either it plays no important role in an overall story, or is forced into any particular section of a tale just to make it hotter, goes against the grain. I have my own personal preferences, my likes and dislikes, when it comes to erotica, and I include in my stories only what makes me comfortable. I also believe that a character will tell an author what is and is not going "too far"—authors should stay true to their characters and not put them into situations that completely contradict their personalities. After all, a prudish character, for instance, will not immediately jump into—nor enjoy—a bondage or S&M scene without very good reason and an extensive background into her complex personality. Doing so will make the story laughable and unbelievable, therefore, I tend to avoid this nonsense and listen to my characters' voices when detailing their fictional love lives.

Are there any other genres you would like to write someday?

I am currently toying with several ideas in the Dark Romantic Fantasy genre—ie. vampires. Whether I can do it or not remains to be seen, but that's the one genre I will happily tackle in the near future. Thankfully my publisher has already given me the "green light" with the various story proposals, so once my other commitments are fulfilled, I'll start plotting.

What characters do you hear the most about from your readers? Who seems to be the most memorable?

So far, the character of Derek Ballantine (from Passion Knows No Boundaries) seems to be striking a positive chord with both reviewers and readers alike. He is also one of my favorites—I love his sense of humor (quite dry and sarcastic) as well as his sinfully good looks and overall "gentlemanly" manner. He's pretty much my idea of the perfect male lead. Additionally, Dominick LaCroix (from White Lies) is another male who has received a bunch of "fan mail," if you will, and apart from Dominick's supernatural abilities (his sixth sense), he is much like Derek in many respects.

After so many books published, do you still have stories that are rejected?

Thankfully, no. Amber Quill Press has been an absolute Godsend. Not only does the Editorial Director accept anything I send to him, but he now contracts my work based only on a title and a single paragraph proposal. Now I can spend my time actually writing, as opposed to worrying whether such-and-such company will like my style and ideas, and whether I will have to deal with convincing an editor I can deliver when I say.

Are you ever nervous when a new book is released?

Yes, but now it's not so much a matter of "will the book sell enough to keep my publisher happy?" as opposed to "will the readers enjoy whatever setting and characters and storyline I produce?" Similar to the answer above, with Amber Quill Press, I don't have the typical worries most writers face, and I definitely count myself blessed. To find an editorial staff willing to work with me—and not attempt to change me or my style—is nothing short of a miracle.

What piece of advice (if any) or a quote from another author have you never forgotten?

As Phyllis Whitney said—"The best books are not written, they are rewritten!" This is so very true. I can't imagine sending a manuscript to an editor or agent without it being (as far as I know) as perfect as it can be. I have never sent a first-draft manuscript to anyone—more often than not, it's at least the 10th or 15th draft that satisfies me enough to deliver to my publisher. To have a "my editor will fix it" mentality is so shamefully lazy, in my opinion, and never would I embarrass myself with sending a work to my publisher that is below par. I'm filled with such chagrin when an editor discovers so much as a misplaced period, I can't stand it. Call me a perfectionist, but that's the way I feel. An auto mechanic would not (or hopefully not) return to a customer a car that doesn't run properly, and I, as an author, find it detestable when an author doesn't do his/her job and sends below-par manuscripts for publication, thus wasting everyone's precious time. "Buy a Thesaurus, a Dictionary, and a copy of Elements of Grammar," for pity's sake, is my second motto, and I live by it. The other alternative is unforgivable, and will do nothing but give an author a reputation of "sloppy/needs work" within the writing community.

What do you find the best thing about writing?

The ability to free my imagination for several hours at each sitting and escape from the typical day to day existence. I believe this is every writer's ultimate goal, and those who are able to do so, are having a ton of fun, especially when writing erotica :)

Was it hard to get your first story published?

Again, I'm probably the exception, but I found it relatively easy. Granted, I spent many years "pounding the pavement of New York" agencies and publishers only to be told time and time again contradictory nonsense about what does and doesn't sell. Those people, in all frankness, haven't a clue. But once I hooked up again with my old friend Catherine Snodgrass, who was already involved with Amber Quill Press and who convinced the Editorial Director to give my work a shot, I felt "at home." Their support and constant encouragement has gone a long way in reducing the fears that many authors face. I can't thank them, nor Catherine, enough.

Your site has a Southern theme to it (a home much like TARA on each page...is it TARA? *G*) Did you design it and do you maintain it yourself?...

Actually, I'm very thrilled with my website, although my webmaster is quickly growing to hate it. I don't know why, so you'll have to ask him. Talk about a perfectionist! Anyway, no…I don't know the first thing about website coding, so I rely solely on Trace Edward Zaber. He's the owner of By Thunder (http://bythunder.org). Not only does he rent me space for my website, but he also designs all of my graphics, all of my fabulous cover art (he's basically the sole cover artist for Amber Quill), and he also happens to be the Editorial Director for Amber Quill Press. A man with many hats, who I appreciate more and more each day, God love him!

What is it about the pre-Civil War era that fascinates you so much, do you think?

I think it's the mystery of it all—by that I mean the way people lived, and loved, during that era. Many written accounts from that period are available, but in each journal or diary I sense so much "hidden gossip between the lines." The self-censorship in Victorian times is more than a little unnerving, to say the least. Therefore, I enjoy "writing between those lines" and fantasise what it would have been like to have lived when (as I say in my bio) "dresses grew wider, tempers ran shorter, and the horrific institution of slavery was the norm." It was a brutal and hellish, yet oddly romantic, period in American history, and one that existed not so very long ago, which is almost shocking by today's politically correct standards. I find it interesting to see how society has changed in such a relatively short period of time, whereas I also find it interesting how human nature—or at least in the primitive sense—has changed very little.

You collaborate on some books with Catherine Snodgrass, another Amber Quill Press author, under the pseudonym of Caitlyn Willows. What can you tell us about the current release from the two of you.

First, let me mention that Cathy Snodgrass is a hoot and a half, and one crazy broad to work with! And I say that in all due reverence, since she knows how much I love her and her wackiness! The fantastic part of our collaborations is that we work so damned well together—where she might lack as an author, I excel; where I might lack as an author, she kicks major butt. We each have our strengths, yet our overall style of writing is so vastly similar that I sometimes feel she and I were sisters in a previous lifetime sharing a brain. The works just come together! Our newest collaboration is scheduled for November 2003, and is entitled Déjà Vu. As is with our previous release White Lies, this book is more than simply one endless "romp in the hay," but is a full-fledged romantic suspense novel and erotica novel combined. Not only does the book include a steamy romance between our two major characters, but is also a tale of political intrigue, murder and mayhem, which we find quite fun to write. I just hope Déjà Vu will satisfy the fans of White Lies, which is quite similar in overall tone and content.

What have you learned from Catherine Snodgrass with regards to writing?

That I should go with my gut and not look back! As an author, Cathy has the gift of knowing exactly how to tell a story and in what order to structure it for the greatest emotional impact. For that lesson alone I cannot thank her enough!

Do you find it more difficult or easier to collaborate with another author, as opposed to writing on your own?

I actually enjoy both scenarios equally. Catherine's ideas simply spark my imagination to no end, but I also enjoy writing on my own when an idea strikes me, as Cathy does with her own pieces. Of course, when I write alone I have to work doubly hard to "catch" all of those things that Cathy might catch had she collaborated, but that's the challenge of being an author. We constantly learn and incorporate into our work all that we've learned, and have fun (hopefully) when we do it.

What are some of your pet peeves?

Sorry, no offence to anyone at all, but my number one pet peeve at this time is "Ken and Barbie-doll Book Covers." I'm relatively new to the internet and e-publishers, but what is with this trend? Who on God's green earth is turned on by the plastic people depicted on the majority of e-book erotica covers? I'm not, and I know a lot of my fans are thankful I have no such uninspiring covers on my books. Perhaps if we all lived in a futuristic, plastic society, and performed as robots with flat, plastic hair and obnoxious plastic bosoms and plastic clothing it would be another matter. But come on! I may be alone in this, but I think it's simply a silly trend that I wish would stop yesterday, since I believe it gives all electronic erotica releases a cheap, almost juvenile and cartoonish, image. How can anyone outside the industry who is looking for a good read possibly find plastic people appealing? Or take this work seriously? As you can probably surmise, this irks me to no end, and thankfully, I have no such problems with my own covers…I kiss the computer daily, thanking my cover artist for not resorting to this lunacy.

My other pet peeves include rap-music (if you can actually label lyrics without melody as "music"), bad food, blatant prejudice, and censorship, which probably negates all I said above about silly plastic people covers. LOL

What can you tell us about your family, home life?

My recorded family history goes back multi-generations, to the 1700s, although information on the actual individuals is rare. Still, it's more than fun researching and digging through Mom's attic for any insight as to their personalities. My home life is basically quiet, which is the way I prefer. No kids, which means no soccer matches and tennis lessons and cheerleader practices every five minutes—no husband, which means no one to answer to, which is more than important to an author. Seriously, I live and enjoy a relatively quiet existence, which I more than appreciate.

What do you do when you are not writing?

Many things…I collect antiques, mainly 19th century, which is hardly a surprise to anyone who has read this interview up to this point. I also enjoy researching history, again, no surprise to anyone. I also teach several "adult continuing education courses" on writing, and fill the rest of my time cooking, gambling for fun with friends (I love poker!), and dating, if I'm in the mood to deal with today's men.

What advice would you give any aspiring authors?

Write what feels comfortable. There's a reason industry people say "write what you know." If not, believability problems will creep into a manuscript. Therefore, writing what you know, material with which you are comfortable, is a good way to avoid this typical problem most new authors face. Also, never take at face value the drivel tossed out at every turn by the New York bigwigs who "think" they actually have a clue as to what is and what is not selling or in demand. Just write what you enjoy and you're sure to find a market for your work. It might not be the all-important NY market, but you're almost guaranteed to find an electronic market hungry for the material NY people think is unwanted.

What are your goals for the next 3-5 years?

To continue working on various novels and stories. I have no dreams of grandeur when it comes to my work—no aspirations to become a household name. I just want to have fun writing the manuscripts I write, and if any of them pull in a few dollars to keep my bills paid, then all the better.

What titles does Caitlyn Willows have coming out for the rest of 2003?

Catherine Snodgrass and myself writing as Caitlyn Willows (apart from Cathy's solo ventures using the same pen name) have several titles coming soon: Déjà Vu, which I mentioned earlier, as well as Treasure Hunters, which are both romantic suspense/erotica tales. Also, at least 3 more potential collaborations have been planned between Catherine Snodgrass and myself. Only time will tell whether these come to fruition, but there's a good chance they will since I adore working with her.

What titles do you have scheduled to come out over the next six months or so?

I have several "Paris Dixon" titles scheduled for release. Hot For Teacher is an Amber Kiss (short contemporary erotica story) scheduled for November. My Lover, Her Slayer is an Amber Heat novella to be released in the near future, which is a dark historical erotic tale revolving around the infamous Jack the Ripper murders. Savannah Steam is another release, which is basically a paperback version of all of my "Savannah-based" short tales, which up to this point, have been available only in e-format. And Amber Quill Press is being VERY patient in regards to the full-fledged novel Cry Merci, a sordid tale of murder, intrigue, and sexual experimentation on a Savannah plantation (what a surprise, right?) just prior to the Civil War. The novel, if all goes to plan, will be available sometime in the middle of 2004. Of course, several additional Amber Kisses will likely pop up in the meantime, as the mood strikes.

Some fun...some intimate.....

What is your dream man like? What qualities do you look for in a man?

As mentioned earlier, I guess Derek Ballantine, my leading male character in Passion Knows No Boundaries, is as close as I can get to describing him. Dark, handsome, a well-toned body, with a strong sense of humor and a sensitive, almost old-fashioned soul and mannerisms wrapped up in a hot package.

What is your idea of a romantic evening?

Perhaps good food, good conversation, but always a ton of laughter. As long as the latter is present, the rest matters little.

Have you ever dreamed of a hero from one of your books? Which one?

Dare I say Derek Ballantine yet again? I suppose Derek is a conglomeration of all my other leading male characters. I know I have a tendency to write the same "type" of leading man—dark, tall, handsome, with a muscular yet lean physique, a hairy chest, sometimes facial hair, and of course, having nice "equipment" where necessary. LOL

What would you say is the sexiest thing you own?

My spatula…and I refuse to explain why.

If you were going to a deserted island with a gorgeous man, what 5 items would you take with you?

I have only 3 items, off the top of my head. The spatula, of course, as well as a stick of butter and a great big smile.

Thank you Paris for taking the time out of your busy schedule to allow readers the chance to know more about you. We are honoured to have you here at The Road to Romance.

Thanks to you, also, for providing me with this wonderful opportunity.

Where can readers contact you?

They can email me at parisdixon@hotmail.com.

Readers can find Paris Dixon titles, as well as the Caitlyn Willows titles at Amber Quill Press.

If readers are interested in learning more about Paris' writing partner, Catherine Snodgrass, aka Caitlyn Willows, the URL for her website is...

http://www.catherinesnodgrass.com

The Road to Romance wishes you the best of luck today, tomorrow and always.