Catherine's Book Cafe: Interview with Author Meka James

Interview with Author Meka James

Meka James is a writer of adult contemporary and erotic romance. A born and raised Georgia Peach, she still resides in the southern state with her hubby of 16 years and counting. Mom to four kids of the two legged variety, she also has four fur-babies of the canine variety. Leo the turtle and Spade the snake rounds out her wacky household. When not writing or reading, Meka can be found playing The Sims 3, sometimes Sims 4, and making up fun stories to go with the pixelated people whose world she controls.

Find her on: Amazon | Website | Goodreads

Social Media: Twitter | Facebook | Tumblr

11. When and how did your writing journey start?

~My writing journey started in a sorta unconventional way. I started writing for fun in 2011, making ‘illustrated’ stories of sorts based off a computer game that I play. One of the readers of my story loved it so much she convinced me to turn it into an actual book. That is how Fiendish was born. Sadly, she died before it was completed and the book is dedicated to her.

2. Tell me about your latest release, Anything Once. What inspired you to write this plot?

~I wrote Anything Once because two of my Squad members (my critique/support group) asked me to try my hand at writing an erotic romance after reading my second book, Not Broken. Apparently they felt I did a halfway decent job writing the sex scenes.

The plot came to me out of the blue as I was thinking of how I could write a story that revolved around the sex. The opening scene played out in my head (which is slightly different than the one in the book) and after that scene took shape, the rest of the story was born. I was excited to use a married couple because you don’t see them much in romance novels. And having an established relationship to build off of meant I could dedicate more time to the sex and less to the building up of the newbie relationship because typically I’m a slow burn kinda gal.

3. Anything Once treads through one of the sensitive issues couples face in their lives at some point of time. I must say, you did a great job handling it. Tell me something interesting that happened while writing this story.

~Thank you. In a new relationship, the sex can be exciting and hot, but in longer term ones, they can turn routine. Not always, but it happens. As far as something interesting that happened while writing it, um… I guess it would be the ‘research’ required surrounding Quinn and the porn. I mean I had to look up the same thing so I could accurately describe the sorts of things she might see on her browser.

4. So, a little birdie tells me a lot of background work has gone into writing the intimate scenes. Considering no scene was repeated again, how did you manage it? Where did the inspiration came from or who (*winks) inspired it?

~hahahaha if you’re asking if my “Research Assistant” and I act out all the scenes, sadly no. Sometimes, but not always. I have a pretty active imagination and I work hard to not repeat things. It’s not easy, but I do have some very forthcoming friends that are happy to share and give me ideas that they don’t mind being put in my books.

5. Tell me about your upcoming release with the Carina press. Tell us more about the plot.

~Being Neighborly is an erotic novella. It’s about two people that live across from each other in a Townhome community and put a new spin on getting to know your neighbor. There’s a little voyeurism, a few corny jokes, and sexy consent.

6. When you look back at your writing journey, what do you feel? Can you tell me about the challenges you overcame?

~Looking back? LOL well, I still feel like a newbie, even with four books out. I’ve yet to do the same thing twice. Have no plan of attack, and seem to be stumbling my way through. The biggest challenge I’ve overcome is I’m no longer doing it alone. Having a support group of people that are in the trenches with you makes a huge difference. When the block and self-doubt hit they are there to keep the light on.

7. What other projects are you working on?

~um, too many. Hahaha but for real I’m attempting to write two more shorts to go along with Being Neighborly, but featuring different couples in the same complex. I also have two May/December stories started, both featuring older women with younger men.

8. Your favorite part/dialogue/scene from one of your books:

~Oh man. Like how am I supposed to answer that? It’s like saying pick your favorite kid. Hahaha, um… I guess I’ll go with a scene from book two, Not Broken:

Malcolm and Calida had a lot to overcome due to her history and it was a bumpy road. They did have pockets, even in the middle of the serious that gave levity and showed the depth of their connection. This is from chapter 37 and it’s a conversation after their first sexual encounter.

“But you didn’t want—and I threw myself at you anyway.”

“Hold up. You think I’m leaving because I’m bothered by the fact you initiated sex?”

She nodded. “I did more than that, Mal. You told me no, and I kept trying. I...I was going to apologize when I called, but I chickened out. You didn’t seem mad or upset, but now you’re leaving me…”

“Because I’m not. Baby, let’s get one thing straight. I have zero problem with being your dick on demand. Believe that.”

Ginger’s eyes got wide before she started laughing. “Oh...oh my god,” she said, fanning her face as she tried to catch her breath. “I love that you can do that.”

“Do what?”

“Make me laugh.” She rested her head on my shoulder.

I reached up to caress her cheek. “I do too.”

We sat quiet for a little while. Ginger intertwined her fingers with mine.

I was the one to break the silence. “You cried. Afterwards. And they weren’t happy tears. That wasn’t exactly the reaction I expected after we were together for the first time, and words can’t describe how much that bothered me. Knowing I played a role in causing you that kind of pain, or distress, whatever. Then the next morning...hearing you had regrets...not exactly something you want to hear coming from the person you love.”

Ginger sat up to look at me before climbing back into my lap. She placed her hands on either side of my face and rested her forehead against mine. “I’m still learning to use my words.” She paused, and gave a small smile. “I’m sorry, Mal, for making you feel like that.” She readjusted herself on my lap.

I let out a long, low groan. “This is why I need to go. I am in physical pain with how much I want you right now. But...the next time we’re together, I want there to be no regrets. And the only tears you should have are because I rocked your world so much you are at a loss for words, so crying is the only option.”

Her head tilted. “Really? It’d be that good, huh?”

I smiled. “Without a doubt.”

9. What authors do you like to read? What book or books have had a strong influence on you or your writing?

~This question is always so hard for me. I don’t know that I have a “go-to” author currently. I read based on my mood. And I can’t say that there has been any book/books that are a direct influence of my writing. At least none that come to mind because I have a crap memory. I’m sure somethings have wormed their way in, but I couldn’t pinpoint them.

10. What's your family like?

~Crazy. Loud. Annoying at times like all families. But I adore them, even when my husband’s chewing drives me batty. hahaha

Rapid fire:

1. A random fun fact about yourself: I have 5 tattoos

2. Best surprise ever: Sir Titan The Mighty the ¼ I talk about in question 7

3. Pet peeves: loud chewing

4. An unforgettable moment in your writing journey: My first ‘fan’ mail

5. When I'm not writing, I'd like to: Play The Sims

6. Your hidden talent: Don’t have one

7. Dogs or Cats: Dogs, we have 3 ¼ (one is a 4lb. Yorkie LOL)

8. Spa retreat or camping: Spa! All day, every day.

9. What is the best piece of advice you’ve received? Don’t worry about what other folks are doing.