Hello fellow readers.  Today, I am honored to be talking with Sascha Illyvich. Thank you very much for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer a few questions for our readers.

Almost six years now.  

I just had the pleasure of reading Endangered, and noticed it is your first time writing Vampires, werewolves ect.   Is this something that you have been wanting to write about? And did you find it easy or harder than the other books you have wrote?

I have wanted to break into this genre for quite some time.  Actually, this is my second vampire story; The Claiming by eXtasy books was first and was almost as fun to write as this one was.  As far as ease of writing, I’d say it was easier because I stuck to a basic formula; vampires do certain things and I’m allowed to bend some rules for my world.  

What do you do, when you are not writing, for relaxation?

Drink and smoke.  I mean, I enjoy fine wines and cigars.  And porno.

What are some of your favorite type of books to read?

I’m really getting into the Dark novels by Christine Feehan.  I just finished a Rebecca York novel dealing with werewolves and I’m halfway through Hot Blooded right now.  I read negotiation books and the Rich Dad, Poor Dad books as well in order to grow my wealth (or create it rather!) so I can keep writing the wonderful books Karenne seems to fancy!

Do you have any personal favorite authors?

“I hate my rhymes but hate everyone else’s more”

Do you have any new projects you are working on?

Yup.  I just finished the first half of “Sacrifice” for Venus Press’s Sons of Zeus line that deals with the various gods of Greek mythology.  I’m working on the second story in the Nights of Lust series, have two Fae stories contracted and am waiting for edits on Lisa’s Sway, my former Harlequin submission that went to Venus Press instead.  I got tired of being lazy!

Have you always wanted to write?

Yes.

Do you have a routine you use when you sit down to write a book?

Naturally, someone as sweet and innocent as you would ask that…(sigh) Yes.  I open up a bottle of whatever liquor is around, a bottle of wine or this wonderful chocolate stout and proceed to drink.  Then I crank up the latest Opeth or Slipknot album.  And write.  I think that routine started out as a joke, sort of like how we all kinda thought that Al Gore invented the Internet, but it turns out that he’s just a boring asshole. One look at him and we just knew he was uninteresting, but the Internet thing confirmed it.  Is that an analogy that works?

Have you ever had writer’s block?  Is there anything you do to help you get over it?

I leave the computer.  I pick up books and read.  I clean, busy my mind with other types of (legal) stimulation.  I leave the house.  I run.  

Which book of yours is your favorite and why?

Probably Endangered.  It’s been a hell of a fun book to write.   Livía and Joséf are just a pair of characters as you’ve no doubt read, and I look forward to your reviews for CURSED
in all its installments.  Isabella has been bitching at me for her story!

Is there a type of book that you have not done, and would like to do sometime?

Yes.  An interracial romance that doesn’t use the “n” word, have a weak plot about some stupid bitch who had to “fight” for what’s hers and some “thug” who learned how to make it.  It’ll be my big f*** you to the people who are uptight about race because this story will be so heartwarming you’ll actually think Bill Cosby wrote it.

Do you find it hard to balance your family and your writing?

No.  My writing comes first.  

Sascha what is your website address?

http://www.sensualsascha.net

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Yes.  Stay out of the game.  Quit writing.  Don’t even try it.  Seriously, this job sucks.  I get paid peanuts, can barely afford a decent single malt scotch and am expected to write like Pavlov’s dogs.  Only with more drooling.  Have you seen my mentor at RT?  (lots of giggles!)

But since most readers are going to ignore the above, my first and final piece of advice on the matter is the following:  Believe in yourself and treat your writing like a job.  It is.   But you’re doing it obviously because you love it, so respect yourself.  And respect your writing.  Those few things alone will carry you through all of the hard times as a writer, and make you soar during the good times.  

Thank You so much for talking with us today.  

Any time!

I suggest you take a moment and check out the review I had the honor of doing on Endangered to get a better idea about this wonderful story!