Q: While writing the books how much did Blake and Erica take over your mind? Like did you ever feel that you were living their lives?- Adriana
A: When I first began writing, living inside my characters’ world was such an odd and thrilling experience. I’ve grown used to it by now, but at the beginning, I was amazed how lost I could get in the story I was writing. Being able to do that with Blake and Erica’s story and others is one of my favorite things about being a writer.
Q: Is there anything you would change if you started the series over?- Lindsey
A: Hardwired was the first book I ever wrote, so I’m the most insecure about that book of the five I’ve now written. That said, I couldn’t say that I would specifically change any one part of it. When I spend months writing a book, I always come to a point prior to publishing when I come to terms with “letting it go.” I put it out into the world, and some people will love it, some people will hate it. I’ve learned that dwelling on how I could have done it differently is a waste of energy I could spend writing new stories.
Q: What things did you consider when creating Blake (and Erica)?-Linda
A: Tech culture is weird. Erica often refers to it as another world, because it is. I wanted to grasp the quirks of a programmer/hacker and keep Blake’s character fun and clever, while also being able to show his intensity when faced with deeper issues and his love for Erica. With Erica, I really wanted to portray someone who was a little bit damaged, but not weak or inferior. It was important for me to write a heroine who was strong and resilient despite the challenges that life throws at her.
Q: What made Daniel want to kill Mark? Was he tired of covering for him or was he truly upset for Erica?- Marcie
A: I honestly believe it was a combination of both. I do think he loves Erica and harbors regret for the decisions he’s made that have hurt her. That said, his ruthlessness is also deeply engrained in his character, so as Blake aptly said, he wouldn’t have made that decision without calculating every cost and benefit of the action.
Q: When you introduced Daniel in Hardwired, did you know that his character would have this much impact on Erica's life and what things he would do to/ for her?-Linda
A: Daniel is a complicated character, and when I introduced him in the first book, I didn’t grasp then how dark he could be. To be honest, he is my favorite character to write in the series, and while he’s not always in the forefront, the role he plays in Erica’s life has become a major theme in her story, which wasn’t in the plan when I first start writing.
Q: In Hardline, Blake really let his freak flag fly. Did you find the BDSM scenes in this harder to write? A lot of people commented that Blake's dom side was surprising. Was there a point where you wondered how your fans would react to that?-Linda
A: I didn’t find the sex scenes harder to write, but working to resolve the very intense power play between Erica and Blake in this book was definitely a challenge. My husband would tell you I’m fiercely independent, so I did struggle with her concessions as I know a lot of readers did. I did enjoy delving deeper into their relationship and testing them in ways that would strengthen their relationship over the long-term. In terms of Blake’s proclivities, I think the first two books hint strongly at his Dom tendencies, which Erica is determined to uncover despite her fears. Coming right out of the gate with them in this book might have shocked some people initially. I’ve never been that concerned about taking my readers by surprise, though.
Q: Erica tells Blake she doesn't want him working with Sophia, and we don't really know what's going on in Blake's head. Is it really the fact that they were close in the past and he feels like he owes her loyalty? With the limits he's pushing with Erica, how is it that he doesn't see that this is a hard limit for her?-Linda
A: Blake isn’t always the most empathetic person. He has a lot on his plate, and he is used to people orbiting around his world and his choices. His view of Sophia as a non-threat is narrow, but it’s definitely skewed by his past with her. He does still see her as a victim and as someone who needs his help. I think the intense power play in this book was enough to make him finally look at his relationship with Sophia differently for Erica’s sake and for the sake of their future.
Q: We see a little into Blake's POV in the beginning of this, and I know people were dying for the glimpse. Did you find it harder to get into his head now that you've spent so much time in Erica's head? Do you think that you might venture there again in the future?-Linda
A: I really enjoy writing from the male POV, so no, it wasn’t difficult to write the Prologue. I strongly considered rotating POVs between him and Erica for this book. Ultimately, I chose to stick with Erica’s POV, but we’ll definitely get another glimpse into Blake’s head in Hard Love.
Q: Where u in tears writing the twist that happened to Erica when she received the devastating news from Dr?-Danielle
A: This was definitely an emotional scene to write. Blake and Erica have been through so much, and this is just one more trauma to add to the pile. Taking them through this incredibly difficult time was a true test of their love, though. I felt her pain, but I also felt their strength in this moment.
Q: Cameron and Maya are so different and more "down to earth" than Blake and Erica. Did you find this easier or harder to write? Are they based on anyone you know?-Linda
A: I would say in a lot of ways Cameron and Maya were easier to write. Their characters both felt very real to me from the start, so much that I stopped writing the Hacker Series to pen this first story in the Bridge Series. While Cameron and Maya aren’t exact replicas of anyone, On My Knees is loosely based on the premise of how my life could have been if I’d made a different choice many years ago when my husband asked me to marry him. I often thought of that one moment and how dark my life could have become if I hadn’t said “yes.” I wanted to see if I could find a way to bring those two characters back together over distance, time, and a lot of emotional challenges. I love Blake and Erica, but Maya and Cameron will always have a special place in my heart. <3
Q: We see a glimpse of Cameron's family, and assume future books will follow them more closely (his brother and sister). Was there a point where you wondered if they should be in this book more, or was it intentional to just give us a taste of their lives?-Megan
A: I only wanted to give readers a taste of their lives because I plan to give both Darren and Olivia their own stories. We’ll definitely see more of Cameron’s parents and siblings in Into the Fire and Bridge #3, and we’ll get to see more of Cameron and Maya too from the Bridge siblings’ points of view. They have a little bit of story left :)
.... and because you all know SAS'N needed to ask a couple of questions as well
Q: What sets this series apart from the FSOG series, also how would you say it’s similar since it’s compared to FSOG so often?
A: Other than both series being part of the same genre of romance with a focus on a BDSM relationship, I don’t feel that they are especially similar. I read FSOG once, three years ago, and when I started writing my first book many months later I remember wanting to write a heroine who could hold a little more power in her relationship. The concept of exploring power play in and outside of the bedroom drove my early interest in writing the series.
Q: Are you happy with where the characters took you or would they have you change anything?
A: At some point, the characters do whatever they’re going to do. I can’t say I would do anything differently, because then it wouldn’t be true to them. The story is theirs. I’m just the person who writes it down.
Q: I'm sad to say that I haven't read your books (sorry), but if you had to convince me to read them what would you say?
A: I’m not much of a salesperson, so I’d say read the book jacket and reviews and maybe check out the first chapter to see if you think it’s a story you’d enjoy. I’m grateful that so many readers have and can experience Blake and Erica’s journey with me.
Q: How much of your own personal surroundings are incorporated in your books?
A: I borrow heavily from my own life experiences, past and present, when writing any book. Still, the story always comes out pure fiction somehow.
Q: If there was one motto that said everything about you, what would it be?
A: Work really freaking hard and never, ever give up.
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