What inspired you to become an author?
—I literally just woke up one day with this idea in
my head. I plowed through it in less than a week. The book was terrible. I feel
bad for my editor. But it’s in good shape now and it turned into a four-part
Sci-Fi series that’s doing pretty well called Doomsday Diaries.
Do you have a specific writing style?
—I really prefer writing in the first-person. I want
my readers to walk in my protagonists shoes for the duration of the story. I
want to challenge them and take them for a ride. I try to create a compelling
escape from the everyday routine. I want readers to live my stories, to feel them.
Do you write in different genres?
—I’m all over the place. I do Sci-Fi, erotica,
romance, action, political rants, short stories, essays. When I get worked up
over political issues, stay away from me until I’m done writing. I’m usually
disgusted by some current event or something.
When I’m doing an erotica like Sugar
Baby, my wife better hide because I’m gonna jump her bones all day long
until the story is finished. But I think she likes that.
If yes which is your favorite genre to write?
—Erotica is by far the most fun. The best part is
when I read a review that says that the reader is “in love with the author and
wants him to come to her room, ooh-rah.” Cool.
What books are in your to read pile?
I’ve been binging on philosophy. Anything Socrates
or Plato. I’m also reading a lot of history lately. My favorite is military
history. Other than that, I’ve been meaning to read more Albert Camus and I
really need to get to The Iliad and The Odyssey. Oh yeah, and the second
installment by Cristiane Serruya, Trust:
Betrayed. My wife and I just love her.
Can you share a little of your current work with us?
—I’m all about short stories lately. When life gets
too busy you have to prioritize. It’s impossible for me to get involved in a
lengthy book at the moment, but that doesn’t stop my imagination from working.
When I write something short, I have to make up for it with intensity. Besides,
it’s not how long it is. It’s how well you work it. Right ladies?
I just finished a short story called Voluntary, and I’m finishing up another
one called The Girl from Reading Center.
They’re both short and sweet, but packed with emotion. Don’t tell my wife, but
those two are based on wonderful girls who got a piece of my heart long ago (not
at the same time).
Is there anything you find particularly challenging
in your writing?
—The beginning is always the hardest. That opening
scene. Creating the main character. But once I’ve got it, it just flows from my
fingertips. My favorite part about writing is watching characters like Kyle,
Brittney and Marissa come to life. Once that happens the story writes itself.
Who is your favorite author and what is it that
really strikes you about their work?
—I always liked Bret Easton Ellis. His ability to
capture the essence of youth is unmatched. He writes from the heart. And he’s
not afraid to write about the dirty side of life. Of course, I could always
relate to his stories, which helps.
Do you have to travel much to do research for your
books?
—Most of my stories are set in places I’ve already
been to. I traveled across the US after high school, and I’ve lived in New
York, Florida, North Carolina, and now Texas. While I was in the Marine Corps I
traveled to Ireland, Scotland, Qatar, Kuwait, and of course, the lovely land of
Iraq. I’ve been to Canada and the Caribbean too. It’s a good thing, because I
have a two year old son, and a second little guy who’s due in August. I don’t
think I’ll be hopping on a plane with the family anytime soon.
Who designed the cover of your latest book?
—I design all of my covers (so far). I’m sure
someone with more professional experience could do a better job, but it’s
important to me that my stories are accurately represented by the cover design.
Besides, it’s faster and more affordable. It’s beneficial to have some
experience with programs like Photoshop or Gimp.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
—I could probably write a lengthy novel on this
topic. The most important thing for new writers in my opinion is to keep writing.
But there’s much more to being a writer than that. It’s just as important to
READ as it is to write. Read everything you can. Pay attention to style and
grammar. Read different genres. Learn as much as you can to expand your
knowledge base. Take classes. Watch documentaries. Learn and understand what
makes characters interesting and how to design a compelling plot. It seems
overwhelming at first, but if you’re passionate about writing this won’t stop
you.
Also, try not to get caught up in the struggles of
marketing. I meet writers with all different levels of success and experience
who tailor their stories to the demands of the market. The chances of becoming
the next Stephen King are pretty slim. You’re better off playing the lotto.
Would you rather write what you want to write and have some fans out there that
absolutely LOVE your story? Or do you want to be a sellout and tailor your
writing style to increase sales? I’m currently reading a book about Nine Inch
Nails. When Trent Reznor was emerging in the music industry, his representation
tried to strong-arm him into tailoring his music for a general audience and
ultimately increase profits. He refused. He was too passionate about his work
to sellout. Look at him now. That’s what a really good artist is to me. If you
want to write about sex or violence or bitch about the government, that’s your
prerogative. You might not top any charts, but I guarantee you will connect
with some readers out there, and that is what makes being an author rewarding. Write
from your heart.
Do you have a song or playlist (book soundtrack) that
you think represents this book?
—I love to incorporate music into my stories. When I
write I’m immersing myself in this fantasy world that I’m creating. It’s just
as much of an escape for me to write my stories as it is for readers to read
them. Music enhances this fantasy. It makes it more real. In Sugar Baby, Kyle and Britt have more
seasoned musical tastes. They want something relaxing. More specifically, Kyle
enjoys soothing classical music. He’s a combat veteran who’s lived a fairly
chaotic life. He wants to enjoy music that will mellow him out. Marissa, on the
other hand, is still in party-mode. She’s enjoying youth and wants to let off
some steam after spending hours studying for school. Their two worlds collide
when Kyle takes Marissa to a jazz club, and again when Marissa takes Kyle to a
Goth club. It’s awkward, but they’re learning about each other. Later in the
story, Kyle and Marissa meet in a very passionate scene, and they find that
there is some music that they both really enjoy. It brings them closer
together. Sneaker Pimps and Mazzy Star were key in creating the feeling I was
looking for in that part of the story.
Sugar Baby
Aaron B. Powell
Aaron B. Powell
Genre: Erotica
ISBN: 1482030489
ASIN: B00B50G62A
Number of pages: 180
Word Count: 35,674
Book Description:
Sugar Baby – A young man or woman who receives financial compensation and/or gifts in exchange for companionship, often including favors of the sexual nature.
Sugar Daddy/Sugar Mommy – A wealthy, often older man or women, who provides financial compensation and/or gifts to a Sugar Baby in exchange for companionship.
"Sugar Baby is told in quick, sizzling scenes that can be savored chapter by chapter or in one delightful sitting. Powell engages the reader with a bouquet of sensory inputs; Marissa with her vanilla scent that "tastes like peaches," Brittney's satisfied grunts and moans, and a plethora of psychedelic colors, and sensations at the hotel. Powell also creates layered characters who aren't just there for great sex but who also have dreams of their own." --Clarion Review
About the Author
Aaron Powell served as a marine during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington in 2003 with a bachelor of arts in criminal justice and a psychology minor. He also completed a second bachelor of arts in business administration at Ashford University, where he graduated with distinction in 2011. Aaron Powell is the author of the Doomsday Diaries series, C-Town, Benjamin, Hurry Up and Wait, Sugar Baby, and Scream, “Aye, Sir!” He enjoys reading—particularly military history and nonfiction—and writing, and is an active marksman. Aaron and his wife and sons live near Austin, Texas.
Author site: http://www.aaronbpowell.com/
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