Mel Smith’s career began in elementary school: she has always had a burning passion for writing. For some, writing is freeing and the ultimate form of self expression. You can feel this in an excited author’s words. The Demon Esha Trilogy is a series of books that follow Rachel and her interactions with Esha, the Demon of Desire. Sure to keep you on the edge of your seat, these erotica novels are special because they invite you to explore yourself, and open your mind to new perspectives. Here we’ve asked Mel some questions about her trilogy and what keeps her motivated!
What is the hardest part of writing your books?
The hardest part is motivating myself to get started everyday. It’s super easy to just watch television or play on my phone. I have to just get up in the morning, make my coffee, and start writing. Sometimes I’ll hide the remote on myself. Once I get started I’m fine, but the initial drive is often hard to find. It’s easier when it’s nice outside. I like to sit in the sun and write.
What songs are most played on your Ipod?
Well, I don’t have an Ipod, but Alexa plays Courage by Pink on repeat a lot! Also a lot of Alanis lately, her beat and tone gets me in the writing mood first thing in the morning. Hard to Handle by The Black Crowes has become my theme song of sorts. When all else fails, I’m a Nickelback girl through and through.
Do you have critique partners or beta readers?
My biggest critic is my husband. He lets me read my book out loud to him, which helps tremendously as I edit. Reading to him helps me determine if the words flow smoothly and he lets me know if it sounds good. With book two, I am having an editor look at it as well, but I will continue to read my books to hubby!
What book are you reading now?
I am currently reading The Housekeeper by Natalie Barelli. Honestly, I don’t read enough, but I was struggling with writer’s block the other day so I started reading. It’s been nice to read someone else’s writing and I need to make that a priority moving forward.
How did you start your writing career?
I became obsessed with writing in fourth grade. My teacher encouraged creative writing and I was hooked instantly. I’d write stories about horses and shipwrecks and love. She always gave great feedback and pushed me to do better. I’d write solo, or sometimes with a partner, whichever the assignment was. She made writing come alive to me and I watched myself flourish under her teaching. Writing became a fabulous form of escape and I became friends with my characters, which is still true today.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Sexuality is not something that should be shamed. I think a lot of us grew up in the reality of other people. In a time where sexuality was never discussed, but hidden. I’m excited to be writing this book because I really want my readers to see that different sexual lifestyles are okay. I’m sure some people will read my book and be disgusted, (not sorry, Mom!) but my hope is that others will read it and at least be entertained, if not encouraged. Encouraged to keep living authentic lives. I think generally people think “swinging” is gross. There are so many misconceptions around it and I’m hoping this series will shine some light in otherwise dark and scary corners.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
I write a lot of sex scenes and I have to constantly change up the wording so they are not all the same. I’ve developed quite an array of words for body parts but it has been tricky to not sound repetitive.
How many books have you written and which is your favorite?
I have written two now. Demon Esha, and the second one which I just sent to my editor! I would have to say Demon Esha is my favorite just because of the thrill and sentiment behind actually getting published. It’s been a dream of mine since I was a child.
If you had to cast your main character from Hollywood today, who would you pick and why?
I would pick Minka Kelly to be Rachel. She is soft and innocent, yet sexy and spunky. I’ve seen her in sex scenes before and I think she’d be great at my scenes. She’d also look super sexy sitting at a bar in cowboy boots.
When did you begin writing?
I started writing stories, that I can remember, in fourth grade. I’m sure I must have when I was younger but it really started sticking with me in fourth grade. My teacher had such a passion for it, which rubbed off on me. I have written a collection of poems which maybe someday will be published. I also started writing a novel when I was fifteen that I would like to get published, but my belief system has changed so much since then that I’d have to go back and tweak it a bit. Writing has always been an excellent form of relaxation to me. Just the act of creating words on paper with ink, it’s very fun!
How long did it take you to complete your first book?
It took me a little over a year to write book one. Full time job as well as a full time mom of teenage girls, one of which graduated high school during book one’s construction. It’s odd, I can’t write great at home but take me out to a crowded bar and words flow freely. A lot of writing for me has been about my environment. Book one started with me sitting in the middle of a stream in my camping chair writing. Location is certainly important.
Tell us about your next release.
I am currently finishing up the second book in my Demon Esha Trilogy. In book two, Rachel comes into her own and embraces her demonic spirit. She struggles with loss and confusion and must decide if her past is worth completely changing her future for. She struggles with choosing a path and leans on Esha to help her, but will she push Esha away in the process?
Book two has been extremely difficult to write. I’m trying to stay within the same theme as book one, all the while keeping people hooked and looking forward to book three. My husband says I think about it too much and need to just write and not worry. We shall see how it comes out!
Did you have an author who inspired you to become a writer?
A lot of my writing when I was younger was short stories, meant for sitcoms. I don’t know if that means I was more inspired by television than books? If I had to pick an author who inspired me, I would say Janette Oke. I would read her books on the school bus every morning. Her books were fun because they were two in one. You flipped it over and started the next one. Her characters were sensational and you could feel yourself in the story. I try to do that with my writing. It is kind of funny that I spent so much time reading churchy books and now I’m writing erotica, but life is funny that way!
What is your favorite part of the writing process?
My absolute favorite part is when I sit down to write with really no idea what to write about, and the words just flow freely. I can’t even write fast enough to keep up with my own excitement! Ideas that I am sure I’m going to forget unless I get them down on paper. I write my stories out in notebooks before typing them up. If you were to look at my drafts, you can tell when I’m really in writing mode. You can barely read my font because I’m writing so fast. My books have twisted and changed in ways I never even thought about but just wrote. Sometimes I shake my head at my husband and tell him just how crazy it is to write. It’s magical.
Describe your latest book in four words.
Raw. Sensual. Emotional. Reflective.
Can you share a little about what is in the future for your writing?
I need to keep my readers engaged and excited for book three, without repeating the same stories over and over and while keeping the plot alive and thriving. It’s been challenging for sure, but I am very excited about it now that it’s complete and I can’t wait to get started on book three! I can’t wait until I can walk into a bookstore and purchase the complete trilogy!
