Author Interview with Shelley Bradley

Can you tell our readers a little about yourself?

The author of sizzling contemporary, erotic and historical romances, Shelley Bradley lives in the USA with her husband and daughter, juggling the many roles in her life: writer, mother, wife and all around laundress. In her “free” time, she is a reality TV junkie, enjoys reading, obsessively studying all things Harry Potter, doing step aerobics, and listening to an eclectic blend of music.

Shelley has won or placed in over a dozen writing contests, including Romance Writer of America's Golden Heart. With previous releases, Romantic Times has awarded her a Top Pick and a KISS Hero award. She's also received a Just Erotic Romance Gold Star award, a Road to Romance Reviewer's Choice award, a Love Romances Golden Rose award, as well as many Recommended Read designations.

A writing risk-taker, Shelley enjoys tackling writing challenges with every book, as well as writing emotionally-based relationships and hot love scenes from the heart.

What made you decide to become a writer?

What inspired me were all the stories in my head, the characters will tales to tell, demanding my time and attention. I'd read and read other writers' works, but wanted to create something for me. Something I'd want to read. That other people might want to read it too is just a bonus.

What does a typical writing day look like for you?

Typical day? Not sure there's any such thing. During the week, it's up by 4:45, write until 6. Then shower and head to work. I'm home by 5:30. Depending on what day it is, I may be headed off to the gym or taking my daughter to swim lessons. We manage to scrounge something for dinner. I can cook...I just don't love to. My dear and patient husband actually does far more of that than I do. After dinner, the rest of the family cleans up. Usually it's about 7:30. I answer email until 8:30ish, bathe my daughter and get her in bed. Then 9-10:30 is hardcore writing time. I can usually get 3-5 pages of ready-to-go pages done a day like that. Weekends...all bets are off. Some days, I hunker in my office and write all day. Other days, it's errands, etc. Some days, it's family fun. Sunday is usually laundry/grocery shopping/general catch up day. It's a hectic pace, but I've been doing it for so long, I don't think I'd know how to live if my life were less busy!

Can you tell our readers a little about what you're currently working on?

I'm working on a book called DANGEROUS AND DELICIOUS (Berkley Heat, October 2007) under the pseudonym of Shayla Black. Here's a blurb I wrote--not official by any means: This steamy little number is all about the sexual lessons an idealistic ingénue seeks to learn at the hands of a brash ex-Special Forces soldier...with the help of his infamous cousin of a chef, in order to win the man of her dreams. But she soon learns that her tutors have ideas of their own.

Is there something special you do to celebrate when one of your books is released?

No. I keep thinking I should come up with something. I've heard of people who have charm bracelets and add a new charm each time they release a new book. With my 12th book coming out August 29 th (NAUGHTY LITTLE SECRETS, Samhain Publishing), I'd have a pretty heavy bracelet at this point. I'm usually so busy spreading the word about a new release and writing on another book that I don't stop to think of a ritual. I'm open to ideas…

Here are some fun and a bit crazy getting-to-know-you questions…

Favorite food?

Mexican. Love spicy food! Italian runs a very close second.

Favorite color?

Red—blood red, raspberry—anything that's not too orange. It's bright and passionate and fiery.

Favorite movie?

Depends on my mood. I love all kinds of movies, but some I have to be in certain moods to watch, even my faves. But here are a few:

  • Bridget Jones' Diary
  • Dangerous Liaisons
  • French Kiss
  • Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
  • Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
  • JFK
  • Pride and Prejudice
  • Sense & Sensibility
  • Speed
  • Strictly Ballroom
  • The Hunt for Red October
  • Tomb Raider
  • While You Were Sleeping

TV Show?

I'm not much of a TV watcher. I enjoy occasional reality TV shows. Dancing with the Stars is a favorite. Dog: Bounty Hunter on A&E. Can't decide why I like it, since it's a little bit like watching a train wreck. I think because Dog's heart is in the right place. I also like HGTV, so you'll frequently see me sneaking in House Hunters or Designed to Sell. I also enjoy The History Channel and Discovery Times.

Favorite time of day?

Morning, when it seems like the day is ripe with all kinds of possibilities.

Favorite childhood memory?

Summers with my grandparents and cousins. It was an annual tradition, and we all love it. And my grandmother is a cutthroat card shark and Scrabble player to this day. We all still aspire to beat her. J

Do you have any strange habits or talents?

Multi-tasking. I'm frightfully good at it!

Is there any anything else that you'd like to share with our readers or advice you'd like to give to aspiring authors?

Read, read, read. But also be true to what's in your heart and mind. Your passion and conviction will shine through in your writing. Treat it like a business. If you want to succeed, writing has to be a priority for you. Practice, practice, practice. Don't get discouraged. Submit, submit, submit. You can't hear yes if you don't send it to anyone who might buy it.

- interviewed for Euro-Reviews