Writing erotic romance as both Claista Fox and Ava McKnight, the Arizona author has twenty-seven books in either electronic or print format. Night Owl Reviews said of her work, “She took a story of personal growth and wove it into a beautifully erotic tale.” Ms. Fox began her career in public relations where she wrote congressional testimonies. Her successful foray into fiction has brought her excellent reviews and awards including Romance Reviews Today's Best Book of 2008 in the erotic novella category.
Ms. Fox has been included in several best selling anthologies, was selected by publisher Red Sage Publishing Inc. to launch their e-publishing venture and will be yet another award winning author representing the romance genre at the Tucson Festival of Books March 12-13.
Her most recent release, Satisfying Sophie written as Ava McKnight and published by Ellora’s Cave, earned five “teacups” and a Recommended Read from HEA Reviews calling it “an emotion-packed novella” and suggesting, “If you’re ready for a sexy, contemporary romance that will satisfy you on many levels, you must experience this book.”
Satisfying Sophie
Sophie has never had an orgasm. Too much guilt and a horrific teenage tragedy have left her self-conscious about her body. But her two roommates and best friends, Sam and Jordan, find Sophie beyond desirable. Together, they set a steamy seduction into play that awakens Sophie-s passion-and her love for Sam.Both men are more than willing to help satisfy her sexually. To finally free herself from the pains of the past and accept love in her life, Sophie must reveal her darkest secret to Sam. And hope he returns her love, even knowing her deepest flaws.
Q. You write under Calista Fox and Ava McKnight. Why use two pen names?
It’s not for the purpose of confusing readers! At the time I sold my first story, I had not stricken the clause in my contract that granted me the ability to take the Calista Fox name to another publisher. Rookie mistake. Therefore, the next story I wrote, for a different publisher, had to be written under a second pen name. I quickly rectified the situation, but thought perhaps it was an inadvertent strategic move. I planned to have my print titles published under Calista and my e-books published under Ava. That rationale lasted less than two years, because my print publisher asked me to launch their e-book venture in 2007, and my e-book publisher sent my first Ava novel to print right around that time.
Since the writing styles are a bit different, I’ve kept both names.
Q. As an international traveler, what inspiration have you found out in the world which has ended up in your stories?
I find inspiration in the diversity of settings and local customs. The personality of a city or region greatly influences my storyline and characters. I’ve particularly enjoyed writing stories set in Savannah, GA, and the UK. London and Scotland make excellent backdrops for books, because they’re rich in history and have fascinating landmarks. Manhattan and San Francisco are also locales that inspire new story ideas. Immersing myself in different cultures and customs helps to create more interesting characters and allows me to vary settings from book to book. I enjoy people-watching and picking up personality traits and mannerisms that are specific to the city my characters inhabit.
Q. You write erotica in contemporary and paranormal genres. What is it, do you think, that makes otherworldly characters so stimulating? What do you look to bring out in contemporary heroes to get our blood pumping?
Erotic romance appeals to me because of the intensity of emotion the characters feel, and not just on a physical level. Emotional intimacy is such a beautiful thing and so necessary in our lives. Adding a paranormal element to the story naturally infuses a deeper sense of feeling and sensuality, since paranormal characters can have more primal instincts and more powerful emotions, especially when the characters or their world are constantly in jeopardy.
Regardless of whether or not a hero in my book is a vampire, a werewolf or a human, I tend to stick with alpha male types. Not only do readers respond well to aggressive, somewhat arrogant heroes, they’re fun to write about because they have a bit of work to do on themselves in order to win over the heroine, especially a strong one. They falter, but they’ve always got their eye on the prize, and that keeps them exciting. I always try to give them interesting flaws, and of course, they’re ultra-hot!
Q. Your booklist is very extensive. What do you have brewing for the future?
I’ve spent the past year writing e-books, because that’s a very devoted audience, and I also enjoy writing for my current publishers. For 2011, I’m diving back into print books and some bigger projects. I’m working on an urban fantasy series that will hopefully be completed by the end of the year. In the meantime, I have a number of new releases in the publishing queue for the rest of 2011.
Q. You panel discussion at the Festival is entitled, Sex is Not Enough. What do you bring to this discussion?
I’m a firm believer that sex is not enough in any book. Despite the fact that I write erotic romance, I never lose sight of the emotional aspect of a sensual story. Physical attraction is a fairly easy thing to create between characters. Taking that attraction to a higher level with powerful characterization is what I find challenging and stimulating. I’ve had great responses from readers and reviewers when it comes to the emotional intensity of my stories and the inner struggles of my characters.
There has to be more to the romance than sizzling chemistry. Although that will draw the characters to each other, it’s not a sustainable story element. When two characters come together physically, it’s imperative they have a deeper connection. That’s not to say that all of my stories have happy endings for the hero and the heroine—I’ve written a couple that don’t end in a lasting relationship, yet those books have still been met favorably with readers because of the emotional connection the characters shared. Circumstances might keep them apart, but they truly feel something for each other that goes beyond lust.
The heat level might vary from sub-genre to sub-genre in romantic fiction, but the characters still have to share something magical that makes their experience together memorable or forges an unbreakable bond. That is always my goal when I tell a love story.
Ms. Fox's panel discussion, Sex is Not Enough, will be held in Koffler Room 218 on March 13 at 2:30
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