Today’s installment of the Dirtyville/Kinkyville interview series features Angell Brooks, author of Saturday Night in the Kinkyville collection. She talks about her involvement with the Project Smutway competition, staving off writer’s block and how to write a review for a sex toy.

LUX ZAKARI: What initially prompted you to submit your story, Saturday Night, for the Kinkyville collection?

ANGELL BROOKS: Sommer made the call, and I’ve wanted to work with Sommer for a long time. I actually wrote Saturday Night specifically for the Dirtyville call. But, as Sommer explained, she had so many submissions, she made her road trip two stops. And I’m so glad she did.

LZ: According to your blog, you’re involved in a competition called Project Smutway. Can you tell readers more about it?

AB: Project Smutway is the brainchild of Alison Tyler, who has been in the “smut” business for a very long time. (I don’t think she’s ever confirmed how long and we don’t ask). Alison is known for hosting contests on her blog, ones that make us think and examine our writing in new ways. So this is no different. It’s a writing competition that operates in the vein of a reality show. Alison, who loves trolling etsy for inspiration, will find a piece on there that inspires her and then ask us to dig in and be inspired ourselves. It started with fifteen writers competing. Each competition has the same parameters, and then the polls go up every two weeks. There’s a week to vote. In this “reality” show, the readers vote and the writer with the most votes receives a prize and immunity on the next challenge. At the end, she has hinted that she has some very special judges to crown the first winner. It’s tons of fun and I am in some amazing company.

LZ: How does one get involved with Project Smutway?

AB: Alison put out a call on her blog for any writers that wanted to be involved. This “season” is closed, but keep your eyes open.

LZ: What is one of your favorite stories in either the Dirtyville or Kinkyville collection and why?

AB: Wow—talk about a tough question. I loved each and every story in both of these anthologies. I know it sounds like a standard response, but it’s true. Each story brings something different to the table, and I love that none was the same. However, I really enjoyed Willsin Rowe’s Not of This Place. There was a certain poetry about it, an imagery that I can’t shake from my mind.

LZ: How do you stave off writer’s block?

AB: Oh. I’m not sure I do. But I always have a lot of works in progress, so if I find I’m stalling on something, I’ll put it down and try and tackle something else, or even begin another project all together. In the event that my mind totally and completely freezes up, I find watching an old favorite movie always helps to loosen my chains and relax.

LZ: What are some of your old favorite movies?

AB: Wow—well, Casablanca is definitely on my top five. They just don’t make men like Bogey anymore, do they? Musicals like West Side Story and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers are also in my list. I’m also big on cheesy “cult” faves like Rocky Horror and The Pirate Movie.

LZ: What can readers expect from you next?

AB: I’m currently editing a short that I’m going to submit for consideration to a few venues. Also, I have an idea for an anthology that I’m working up a proposal for. And of course, round two of Project Smutway. I also do sex toy/DVD/site reviews. I’ve started off with one company, but am currently looking to expand, so if any companies have anything they’d like me to review, please drop me a line either on my blog or e-mail me (can be found in my profile on my blog).

LZ: What tips do you have for those writing reviews for sex toys? Do you have a favorite toy you’d like to recommend?

AB: Be honest. You’re not doing anyone any favors if you just cater to the company’s ego. And keep an open mind. Something you only thought you might not like might turn out to be a bigger turn-on. And as for favorite toys? I have a few, but my current “American Express card” (as in never leave home for an overnight without it) is my Rock Chick.

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To purchase the Kinkyville collection, Dirtyville collection or both, visit dirtyvillecollection.blogspot.com.

For details on Angell Brooks, visit mizadventurez.blogspot.com.