Saturday 15 September 2012

A Little Mini-Madness - DeLeetra Staley


Today I have the pleasure of introducing another erotica author, DeLeetra Staley, and her book A Little Mini-Madness. Here's a synopsis:
Meet Quintessa Nevaeh James. A strong, independent, take charge woman with one flaw, she has a habit of thinking out loud. Quint also has an addiction to shoes that might be reason she has no man, she's never meet a man she loved more than her heels. Quint works for TGP(Thoroughly Groomed Personnel), one of the top temp agency's in New York. She is career oriented and thinks she only needs a man for the basics, which all revolve around the bedroom. Love is for suckers as far as Quint is concerned.

In walks Alejandro Sin'Jin Galliani, a successful businessman, in desperate need of a temporary personal assistant. With his domineering, alpha male personality Quint can tell that Alejandro is a man accustomed to getting what he wants, and he wants Quint. But this time Alejandro may have bitten off more than he can chew, while Quint is wondering if there is more to this arrangement then him needing a top notch PA?

Take everyday humor and the odd things that can happen when two people fall in love, then top it off with three nosey friends, a diva Siamese cat and a witch of a boss and A Little Mini-Madness will have you wondering why everyday isn't a shoe shopping day.

What made you decide to take the leap and publish?


Well, truthfully I did not decide to publish my editor/publisher Katie M. Whitworth called me one day and said I’m going to publish your book. I enjoyed editing this story and other people should read it. I thought she was insane because she is not a publisher. Then she explained self publishing and then just like that we had published A Little Mini-Madness the first book in the TGP series.

Wow, I've never had an editor do that! A few friends that gave me gentle pushes (shoves). Did you consider traditional publishing? What was your experience with it?

I did consider traditional publishing as a matter of fact once my editor had finished editing my horrible grammar/punctuation I submitted my book. I bought the Writers Market handbook and did all my research on publisher’s that allowed you to submit without an agent, what each publisher required, etc. I read everything that had anything to do with “how to get published” and I sent the book off several times. Each time I got a rejection and I would put the book aside and then I would submit again. The experience is humbling, because you believe your book is great, but you still have to sell yourself to the publisher.

I hear you there. I have a pile of rejection letters somewhere...oh, yeah, next to the fireplace. What was the hardest part about publishing your own book? What steps would you delegate or hire out in future?

Publishing for me was the easy part because I had wonderful help from Katie who did all the uploading and formats. She’s very computer savvy so all I had to do was write and promote. I think the hardest part of this process has been the promoting and marketing it is a full time job. I think that is the only thing I would delegate to someone else.

I wish I had someone to take that part, too. Your cover art is adorable. Where did you get that?

Once again I have to thank Katie M. Whitworth of Triquetra Studios. Once we got the ball rolling we needed a cover and all I wanted was the TGP logo on the cover which I drew myself and Katie said let’s do a cover that is kind of cartoony and fun. (I love cartoons I think that is about 80% of what I watch) So, Katie says how about a shoe on the front because the main character has a shoe fetish. I said sounds good we could put the logo on the shoe. I get an email and it is a cover with Fe-La-La (main character has a diva Siamese cat) the shoe and logo and I absolutely loved it. Katie created the cover and like magic we were ready to go.

I think I need a Katie. Your book is humorous as well as erotic. Do you find that niche one that is under tapped?

Truthfully, I am not sure I just combined two things I enjoy sex and humor. Seriously, who doesn’t want to read a book that makes you laugh out loud and turns you on, makes you sweat in a good way. I wanted a story that was realistic and funny, but steamy. I wanted the story to include all the weird friends we all have and that one pet that we love and want to strangle. I wrote about what I knew and what I desired.

And that is what we are all told to write about! How are you finding your audience? What media platforms are most beneficial to you?

I promote everywhere that allows me to do so and that is the truth. Facebook, Goodreads, Pinterest, word of mouth, blogs, book review sites and word of mouth all are great ways to get the word out. Each one has its benefit, but you have to work them yourself. You have to be willing to put yourself out there and you have to ask because no one is going to just hand you anything. Your audience isn’t going to just come to you…you have to go to them.

Ebook or Paperback? Which is more popular with your readers? Which do you prefer as a reader?

Wow, this is a never ending debate. I think in my case paperback has been the most popular. I think that is because most of everyone I encounter has a Nook and my book is only available in Kindle format. (Keep your fingers crossed we are working on making this happen.) I personally prefer paper; there is just something about having a book in my hand that is like going on vacation to an exotic island.

You don't have an author page or blog. Do you find this beneficial or a hinderance? Do you find people look for you outside Facebook and Goodreads?

I have not found it to be a hindrance and at this point I don’t think it would be beneficial either simply because I am not sure what I would put on the page. I have written and published one book, so I think I will hold off on the author page until I have the TGP series complete. So far I have not had too many requests for information about me and to be honest I have the hardest time writing about myself.

You aren't alone there. And yet, you wrote this lovely Bio. I love people who write bios.

I was born and raised in South Carolina, yes I am a down south lady or southern belle. I was born August 10, 1980 (32 years old and proud) and I am a Leo (can you tell hahaha). I am very close to my family and I cherish all my friends. I have always wanted my name on a book this is my dream come true. I have been blessed beyond measure and I could not have asked for anything more. I work two jobs, in my little bit of spare time I write, find time to be a good friend/sister/daughter and sleep is overrated. I love to laugh and I enjoy my life like tomorrow is not promised. I am that person who has and does the happy dance in public. I’m not perfect but my flaws are my perfection. I love cats and reading is my favorite pastime.