Today’s installment of the Dirtyville/Kinkyville interview series features Heidi Champa, author of Today’s Special in the Dirtyville collection. She shares with us her thoughts on her story winning Filament Magazine’s Erotic Fiction of the year and her upcoming novella.

LUX ZAKARI: What initially prompted you to submit your story for the Dirtyville collection?

HEIDI CHAMPA: Well, basically, I’m just a big fan of Sommer Marsden, and when I saw her post the call, I couldn’t resist writing something up for her. My in-laws live in rural Maine and own a cafe, and it seemed the perfect setting for a small town story.

LZ: According to your blog, your story Cold Turkey won Filament Magazine’s Erotic Fiction of the Year—congratulations! Would you like to tell readers anything about that honor?

HC: When I wrote Cold Turkey, I really fell in love with it, and I was overwhelmed by the positive feedback I got for the story. When Suraya at Filament told me I had won their reader’s choice for Erotic Fiction of the Year, I was shocked. Filament puts out a tremendous magazine and the fiction selections are top notch. Having so many people vote for my story was a surprise, but I’m honored to be recognized like that. I am just so proud to be a part of such an amazing publication.

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

HC: I loved The Sweetshop Owner’s Daughter by Vida Bailey and Punishment Befitting the Crime by DL King. I just thought they were both so hot and got me going with so few words. Both collections are truly amazing!

LZ: Is there anything important you feel readers should know about your writing or you as a writer?

HC: I’m in love with what I do and I thank God every day that I get to create and put my thoughts out into the world. I am truly lucky.

LZ: What can readers expect from you next?

HC: I’m working on some longer length pieces right now, but I also have a bunch of short stories upcoming in anthologies like Alison’s Wonderland edited by the wonderful Alison Tyler, Skater Boys edited by Neil Plakcy and Orgasmic edited by Rachel Kramer Bussel. My first novella, White Out, is slated to be published by Amber Allure Press in August.

LZ: Can you tell readers a little about White Out?

HC:Here is the blurb about my new novella, White Out. I hope this little sample whets everyone’s appetite for more!

Where does an Environmental Scientist go when he’s heartbroken and looking to escape? Antarctica, of course. In White Out, that is exactly what Cameron Phelps does. Swearing off love, he heads to Antarctica ready to analyze ice cores and lick his wounds. He doesn’t count on meeting Ryan, an Antarctic ice driller and maintenance man who bowls him over (literally!) right from the first day. Can Cameron get over his fears and open up to new possibilities with Ryan? Or, are both their hearts as frozen as the ice all around them?

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

For details about Heidi Champa, visit heidichampa.blogspot.com.