What do you find most interesting about BDSM fiction?
Well, for one thing it’s hot. I like to think I’m putting something out into the world which is hot and might encourage readers to have a bit more fun in their love lives and understand about safe, sane and consensual practises.
Are there certain turn-ons you’d like to explore in your books and turn-offs you’d rather not write about?
I dabbled in humiliation/in public for the first time in my latest book and that was fun, I might go there again. For turn-offs, I’m not really a fan of body fluids so you won’t see enemas, cum play or anything pee related in my books. However blood is the one bodily fluid I’m interested in, so some knife and bloodplay might come up in time…
How does BDSM correspond with a pirate setting?
I think there’s something inherently kinky about pirates – all that forced proximity, the fancy outfits and names, and all those ropes. It actually was very easy to make it a part of the story. When I was younger and exploring my own sexuality I often found myself drawn to pirate and superhero stories because people were always getting kidnapped and tied up. These books are me finally exploring those fantasies in a way.
Is there a difference between writing contemporary BDSM and incorporating BDSM into an adventure book?
I’ve only drafted a few chapters of a contemporary BDSM but I think the difference is lack of access to a few tools and lack of general knowledge about what BDSM is. In contemporary you can assume the characters will have heard of kink, they might have had experience with it before. I couldn’t assume my lead character would have ever heard of it – he grew up in privilege in a Governor’s house in the 1700s. So you have to have the characters explain it a bit more. I also had some fun with my lead character – Gideon – getting a bit flustered when he’s kidnapped by the bad guy and tied up, and then having to think to himself ‘no, not the time’.
In your books, a pirate captain and his first mate show ‘all sorts of unspeakable and salacious pleasures’ to a well bred but naive young man with a lot of forbidden desires. Is it more interesting for you to write from the point of view of an ‘innocent’ character than experienced ones? If so, why?
As this series was my first foray into BDSM romance it was important to me to use the POV of the innocent, with everything happening for the first time – Gideon’s POV is kind of a parallel to me writing it all for the first time. I’m definitely keen to write a more experienced character in the future, though!
What features do you consider most important for a Dominant?
For me I think the most important features of a Dominant are clear communication, respect and steaming hot in how they act. I’m not particularly fond of dub or non-con, and I like to show a BDSM relationship where there’s lots of consent, respect and communication. I also like the Dominant to have a good imagination.
Does Ezra, the first mate, fit in well with your own concept of what a dominant person should be?
Yes, although he also has some wounds that need to be healed over time. But Ezra is my main Dominant in the His Piratical Harem stories, so he’s my template for all the stuff I love most about Dominant characters. He sets firm boundaries, ensures his sub knows he can say no and he’s deviously creative with what he has planned.
What is the kinkiest scene you’ve ever written? Are there kinks you want to write about but haven’t yet?
I think the kinkiest scene I’ve ever written is in First Mate’s Pet – Gideon is tied to the mast and all his lovers take turns with the others watching. Or maybe it was Ezra and Gideon going to the leatherworks shop. Kinks I’d like to write about and plan to include – a Dominant submitting, edging (I’ve dabbled in this but want to really go there in a scene), knifeplay as previously mentioned and more impact play.
Katerina Ross 