Today’s interview features Cristal Ryder, author of Being Ariana. She talks about her new release, how life’s difficulties and upsets affected her as a writer and what readers can expect from her next.

LUX ZAKARI: Will you tell readers a bit about your new release, Being Ariana?

CRISTAL RYDER: I loved writing this story. It’s about discovery, learning to trust yourself and not be afraid to explore. I don’t want to give away any spoilers but Black Phantom is a place to let your inhibitions go and fulfill your fantasies. Come play at the Phantom!

LZ: How did you come up with the concept for the story?

CR: I knew Lyrical [Press] was looking for stories with BDSM focus, never having forayed into that arena before, I started thinking about it. I really don’t know where Ariana came from, it did start out as a shifter book with Ellie/Ariana being a witch. But after taking an online course (BSDM), the witch idea no longer worked. But I am saving it for another story ;)

LZ: Can you tell us a little about the BSDM online course you took? What did that entail?

CR: My editor at Lyrical Press told me they were looking for BDSM content and the idea intrigued me. A co-author and I were chatting about it and said she took a course that was very thorough. She connected with the presenter to see if he would run another online one and he said dyes. It covered so much, had some great in depth notes and he was accessible for questions. I still have the notes, refer back to them often and still keep in contact with the presenter. He is a very cool guy.

LZ: How did it result in the witch idea no longer working?

CR: Ah, the witch idea. After writing the first few pages, which I loved btw, and taking the course, I realized I was too ‘green’ to cover both at that time. I didn’t think I could do the witch plot justice in the time frame I had allowed myself to write the book. So Ellie/Ariana was not a witch but became just as complicated a character.

LZ: Do you feel as though you’ve grown as a writer since your previous release, No Fantasy Required?

CR: I think so. At least I hope so! It’s important to stretch and push yourself into areas that may seem a little uncomfortable. To me, that means you’re growing.

LZ: On your website, you say, “Everyone has moments in their life that test them and I’m no different.” Will you tell us about one of those moments and how it affected your writing?

CR: Gee, just one? My life turned upside down in 2003. When my 22-year marriage unexpectedly ended. Suddenly I was a single mom of young teenage boys, had a small farm with horses to manage, a job shift so I could be close to the boys and trying to keep it all together for them. Both families were dumbfounded and everything happened within a span of two months. My writing stalled — I even had a request from Harlequin Superromance that I didn’t do anything about. I had to put writing aside until my head was clear to move forward. That took a few years and I look at myself as being reborn actually. Hey, there’s the next title in the Ariana series, Being Reborn!

LZ: What can the world expect next from you?

CR: Oh, lots I hope. :) The sequel to Being Ariana has been contracted by Lyrical, titled Being Bound, and a fourth release with a different publisher has been contracted. It is titled Hot Fusion and I encourage you to check back on my website for details as they become available. I’m very excited about these two contracts and thankful that someone has faith in me :)

LZ: What is the premise to Hot Fusion?

CR: I really like this story for a few reasons. First, when I saw the call from Ellora’s Cave for their Oh Canada! line I decided to submit to it. Hot Fusion is set in a great town called Niagara On The Lake. It’s a wonderful place famous for its gastro delights in outstanding food and fine wine, which I try to take advantage of quite regularly, and where my chef son went to college for his training…hence the premise :)  I don’t think I can say too much about the story since it will be in edits shortly, but imagine Kara and Max creating their own Hot Fusion in this decadent setting.

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To purchase Being Ariana, visit http://www.lyricalpress.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_12&products_id=417&zenid=6ea23gmjqvp8jenka74blv5533.

For details on Cristal Ryder, visit www.cristalryder.com.