Hazel Mills speaks on her book Bare Necessities

Read as Tamara Angela Grant, author of Promises Made, Promises Kept talks to erotica author Hazel Mills about her sensuous book, Bare Necessities.

Tamara:
Tell us about your latest book, Bare Necessities.

Hazel:
"Bare Necessities: Sensuous Tales of Passion" is my first solo project. It is a collection of short erotic stories that will be released April 1st from Xpress Yourself Publishing. The characters in each arousing story are sometimes driven to the extreme in order to achieve passion in their lives. The stories will give the reader a glimpse into more than just what goes on in the character's bedrooms but also a glimpse into their hearts.


Tamara:
How would you describe your writing style?

Hazel:
Good question. I guess I would have to say that my style is very real with no pretense. I want readers to be able to see themselves in my stories without having to filter through a lot of unnecessary fluff.

Tamara:
Where do you pull your inspiration for your writing?

Hazel:
Well, from several sources. First, I am a hopeless romantic. I look for romance and passion in everything so, writing about it seems to come naturally. Second, I am a people watcher. Whenever I'm out and about, I listen to the conversations of other people. (Laughing) I guess that's really called eaves dropping, right? But it's what I like to do. When I'm in a restaurant and I can't really hear their conversations, I watch their body language and make up my own version of what is really happening. As an only child, I was always making up stories and entertaining imaginary friends. Now, I can make up stories and get paid. (Laughing) What in the world could be better than that?

Tamara:
Tell us about your story Hopelessly Addicted in the Mocha Chocolate anthology.

Hazel:
"Hopelessly Addicted" is a story about a young woman who has had her whole world turned upside down by a man she can't have. We all know or have known a woman in this situation.

Tamara:
How do you balance your writing career with your personal life?

Hazel:
I have a VERY wonderfully supportive and loving husband. He understands that if I have spent the day writing, he'll have to cook or pick up dinner for the kids that night. He is my biggest cheerleader. I thank GOD for him everyday.

Tamara:
Anything else in the literary world that you would like to branch out into?

Hazel:
I think I would like to edit an anthology of erotica with both male and female contributors.

Tamara:
Your biggest literary influence?

Hazel:
J. California Cooper because her stories and characters come to life when I read them.

Tamara:
Something you've learned from a mistake or bad experience in the literary business?

Hazel:
So far, I haven't had a bad experience. Praise GOD!

10 things about Hazel

1. What do you like to eat for breakfast? French Toast or Pecan Pancakes, bacon and a tall glass of ice cold milk from Cracker Barrel.

2. Favorite Childhood memory? Sitting on a stool in the kitchen and watching my mama bake pound cakes on Saturday nights. Because I am an only child, there was never competition to get to lick the spoon.

3. Best line from a movie? "There's nothing I like better than a good piece of ass." Steel Magnolias

4. A song title that describes you? "Beautiful, Loved and Blessed" by Prince

5. What are some of your hobbies? Watching old black and white movies on TCM, I collect All God's Children figurines and sometimes I sew.

6. What did you want to be when you grew up? (Laughing) The Bionic Woman or a lawyer.

7. Last CD you bought? Mary J. Blige "Growing Pains"

8. Fill in the blank "I am becoming more of the woman I want to be."

9. Favorite Sport? Shopping! Oh damn, that's not a sport. Okay then, basketball.

10. Advice to new authors? Join a support group like ASA. The knowledge and encouragement you'll gain from experienced authors is INVALUABLE!

Tamara:
What's next for Hazel?

Hazel:
Right now, I'm turning one of the short stories Surrender, from "Bare Necessities" into a full length novel.

Websites and contact info for your readers:
http://www.hazelmillsstories.com/
www.myspace.com/hazelmillstories
http://www.xpressyourselfpublishing.org/

You can Email Hazel Mills at:
hazelmillsstories@gmail.com