We had the wonderful opportunity to pop in for a nice Q&A at Cocktails and Books. Please follow the link for the comments.
Q&A with Chris Almeida and Cecilia Aubrey
From your first stop on the tour, we learn a little about both of you and what your writing process is together as co-authors. Let's dive into your inspiration for the genre and story, COUNTERMEASURE.
Tell us a bit about your current release:
Countermeasure is the first novel of the series, which is self-published under our own label, Éire Publishing. In this first novel, Trevor Bauer, an NSA analyst is on the hunt for clues to his parent's disappearance. Following a lead throws him in the path of Cassandra James, an ex CIA officer turned security assurance agent, who is on the trail of an infiltrator who stole a formula she was safeguarding. Thinking Trevor is her thief, she confronts him. Their meeting sets them on a course that neither expects.
Where and/or how do you find the greatest inspiration?
Our greatest inspiration comes from events around us, people we admire, and our backgrounds.
What is your favorite genre and why?
Chris: Contemporary Romantic Suspense with an erotic touch. Although it is a far cry from the big paranormal market out there today, the erotic aspect of it is as hot and like a piece of chocolate to take you away if just for a little bit.
Cecilia: We do enjoy fact-checking and making the scenes and events reflect real and palpable situations but we also enjoy the Paranormal and Science Fiction/Fantasy where the world is your oyster and you can develop it any way you wish without thought as to whether or not your premise is TRULY feasible. You can create your own world, powers, creatures, characters, etc. without someone going, "Huh?"
What made you choose contemporary erotic romantic suspense as the subject of these books?
Our jump into erotic literature was a natural transition from the RP (Role Play) storylines we were used to writing. We did switch from Paranormal to Contemporary Romance when we began writing our own stories. While we appreciate the many Paranormal Romance stories out there, we wanted to tackle something different and felt comfortable with contemporary stories. We just added a little pinch of spice to it.
Is there anything that inspires you to do these? Other books, porn...*laughs*
Chris: Cecilia and a lot of imagination.
Cecilia: Well, Chris without a doubt, an overzealous imagination, and *grins* some of the "research" we have found...
Is there any other genre you'd like to write? And if so, why?
We most definitely intend to dabble in the paranormal later on for a change of pace and to get back to our roots. We currently have drafts on the shelf for an paranormal novel and a Sci-Fi romance dealing with time travel.
Which appears first when contemplating a new project: A character, the plot and/or the title?
It usually starts with one of us yelling, "Hey! I have an idea" or "Hey! I have a scene in my head" and the other yelling back, "Write it down!" Each idea brings in the plot and characters simultaneously. So pretty much everyone comes to the party at the same time... We never follow convention.
Interesting enough for the Countermeasure Series it started with the plot but the characters were not far behind. It was almost as if they came as a packaged deal. The original story grew from a dream Chris had but, in the recounting of it, Trevor and Cassandra were not far behind into becoming robust characters. Once we had the idea, we spent a couple of months on character development before writing our first line and once we did, they evolved just like real people do, with time.
What's the hardest part of a novel for you to write: Beginning, middle and/or end? Why?
Cecilia: Each has its smooth and rough patches.
Chris: Once we're in the grove, we know roughly where we are going and then chapters burst forth on their own accord. Also, if a chapter from anywhere in the story is screaming to be written, we never ignore the demand. For example, in Countermeasure, the last chapter was mostly written while we were still in the early stages of putting the beginning of the story down on paper. So for us there's really no beginning, middle or end. It all flows as one gigantic wave.
Has your own life influenced your novels? And if so, how?
To a certain extent, our backgrounds have. Between the two of us, our pedigree includes military brat, internet guru, code writer, web designer. Our mothers are from other countries, we are both well-travelled, and have friends and family living in different countries. It's a hodge podge of cultures that gives us the worldly factor for the novels.
Writing sex/romantic scenes can be a challenge for some authors. Do you find it difficult? If yes, how do you compensate? If no, where do you draw your inspiration?
Surprisingly, this is an area that we don't find difficult. We actually look forward to them. We draw inspiration from each other and from our characters. And we write each scene almost as a game of who can arouse the other the most. It's quite a fun time for both of us.
Do you have a method you use to write the sensual parts? Do you prefer the sex to be open and bold? Or left to the imagination?
Cecilia: No method really. It is part of the story bursting out and flows naturally. Whether it is sweet, open, bold, or left to the imagination, it is all up to the characters, the moment, and where they take it. Overall, we tend to border on the open and bold.
Chris: I always say that as a writer of erotic romance, if what you write doesn't turn you on then you are doing something wrong. If so, then go back and rewrite until what you write makes you squirm in your seat and creates a physical reaction. That's a good erotic scene.
Would you like to be part of your characters life?
Cecilia: I would love to visit and work with them. I think Cassandra and I would have a blast and Trevor, well, Trevor is a secret crush.
Chris: In a way, by being a geek in real life and having spent the last 17 years involved in technology, I am Trevor to some extent. Of course I would love to be able to experience the adventures and dangers he has and does. All with the woman of his dreams. It can't get any better than that.
Do you make them yourself? If yes, was it hard to learn how to create them?
Yes. Our characters were and are created by us. Based on what they whisper to us, we complete a full character sheet on them—-what they like, who they are, school, work, pet peeves, habits, features, deepest desires. Once completed we look for an picture to match them for inspiration and help give life to them in our minds.
If you could be anyone in the world who would it be? And why?
We are asked this question a lot. For me it would have to be Cassandra. Her independent but passionate nature intrigues me. I love that once she committed herself to Trevor she let loose and jumped in with both feet and never looked back. In some ways I already feel like her.
Chris has often expressed he would definitely be Trevor. His life since meeting Cassandra had gone from 0 to 100 in 5 seconds. The many adventures they get into while handling the recovery of data is what he considers a hell of a ride.
Which do you prefer a great hero or a great villain?
Definitely the hero and heroine. But a strong villain makes the story more interesting and makes for good conflict. There can't be a strong romance without a strong antagonist.
What is your favorite movie? And why?
Chris has whispered in my ear that he enjoys the Bourne Identity Trilogy because the plot and action sequences are out of this world. I have to say Mission Impossible Series for the same reasons. I love the whole suspense thriller aspect notched up by action sequences.
Thank you a lot for having us and we hope to come back for a visit soon!
Sláinte and Cheers to all!
Chris & Cecilia