Last fall, readers were invited into the incredible Alison Tyler‘s world with Dark Secret Love, the first book in her semi-autobiographical memoir series. The story continues with the release of The Delicious Torment—the evolving tale of spicy submission. As part of her blog tour, I picked up our conversation, focussing on characters and how we manage relationships of all sorts.
Do you think readers who are following the series will be surprised by the direction of The Delicious Torment?
That is a fabulous question. And I honestly don’t know. Readers shouldn’t be surprised at finding a ménage in my work. After all, I edited a collection called Three Way and I’ve written so many different stories about ménages (and more) that I’ve lost track: All McQueen’s Men; Four on the Floor; Matthew, Mark, Luke and John; Last Call; Sitting Pretty…. These are off the top of my head. I guess I’m fascinated by the concept of more.
How can a couple make a 24/7 relationship work in this complicated world?
As this story often comes back to writing, do you think Samantha and Jack’s relationship would be significantly different if she weren’t able to write down her fantasies?
This may be the first time I’ve really written about a writer. I like to pen stories about people who are in some artistic vocation, because I think there’s overlap. Painters, photographers, writers, and artists share (in my opinion) a drive to create that is similar even if the media used is different.
Sam definitely has a unique ability to spell out her fantasies because I gave her the skill of being a wordsmith. But I believe anyone could use this trick when spilling secret desires to a lover. You don’t need to be a master with words. You simply need to be honest about what you want and what you need. Pick up a pen and a piece of paper and write those words down!
Which character are your fans telling you they like the most?
I’m surprised by the people who like Alex more than Jack. And I love that all of my characters seem to have fans! I know at least one reader who longed for Connor and another who missed Nate. Of course, I’m pleased when readers like Samantha, as she is the closest character to me that I’ve ever put on paper.
When can we expect instalment #3? Do you have a few hints for us?
Book #3 is a love-letter to spankos. That’s the simplest way to describe this one. The entire book takes place in about a week and a half—if memory serves—and it’s kind of like a close-up view at a BDSM affair.
I am hoping that readers will enjoy the ride in a different way. I feel as if I’ve invited them into the room—right there, right in the bed with Jack, Sam, and Alex. Breathing with them. Running with them. Fucking with them. Experiencing the pain and pleasure, the highs and lows, the jealousy and confusion.
The three books that follow (4, 5, and 6) are actually very different than book #3. They have more plot and revelations. But I didn’t want to lose this super-focused portion of what daily life can look like in this type of unusual relationship.
Alison Tyler is the editor of more than 75 erotic anthologies (50 for Cleis Press). Her latest novels include Dark Secret Love and The Delicious Torment. Visit her blog at alisontyler.blogspot.com for snark, coffee, and double entendres. And follow her at twitter.com/alisontyler. (She’s the short, silver-streaked writer, not the tall, buxom porn star.)
