A published author at New Concepts Publishing and Ellora's Cave, Myra Nour has had some wonderful success. With titles such as LOVE'S CAPTIVE, HEART OF THE DRAGON, MYSTIC VISIONS and SHIFTERS, some of her writing has been compared to that of Dara Joy. With books ranging from paranormals to time travel to futuristic, readers have come to expect the unexpected from this author.
I had many questions for Myra, from how she began writing, to how she met her gorgeous hubby, Simon, to her hopes and dreams for the future. I hope everyone enjoys getting to know Myra Nour a whole lot better.
Welcome to The Road to Romance Myra!
What things make you mad, happy and sad?
Mad - Hmm, I don't get mad too much. I guess when people do things on purpose to hurt someone, whether it's me, one of my family, or even someone I don't know. Happy - When my kids are happy and experiencing success, and just every day when I get to spend time with Simon. Sad - When people are mean, either by actions or words.
Is Myra Nour your real name?
Mary is my real first name, and Nour is my last name. I switched the letters of my name to compose Myra.
Why did you pick up a pen one day and begin writing? What inspired you to do so?
I had a dream back in 1978. It was the story Love's Captive, and it was like a video tape in my head. I saw the whole story, the characters, and even "heard" a lot of dialogue. I jotted part of it down that year, stuck it in a drawer, and didn't get serious about writing it until 1996.
Are all your stories erotic fiction?
No. I started with NCP before they created their erotic line. Love's Captive is a sensual rating. Demon Killer, included in the award winning Shifters, is a straight paranormal story - no romance, but with a touch of horror.
What's a day in your life like?
After I eat breakfast, I check my emails, then do 30 minutes on my stationary bike. By that time I'm awake and alert. I write for several hours. After lunch I usually print out what I've written and read it/make corrections. I write more, then I might do rewriting or editing. I usually stop by 4 or 5 pm and fix supper. If it is "gym day" (when I meet Simon 2 x a week), then I have to stop by 3pm. When I don't go to the gym, I walk two miles or do 30 minutes on the stationary bike.
Where/how did you meet Simon? How long have you been married?
In college - Louisiana Tech University. We graduated with our bachelor and master degrees at the same time. We've been married 22 years. October 2 nd was our anniversary.
Was he surprised when you began writing erotic fiction?
No. We discuss everything. I had been checking out Ellora's Cave. In fact, I wanted to write a story as quickly as I could and submit it. So, Simon helped with household chores more to give me more time. That's the kind of relationship we have, and typical of his encouragement of my writing career.
Can you give readers a brief look into your writing? Where do you get your ideas from?
I dream quite a few of my stories, or I may daydream an idea into a story. Sometimes I just see an object or event and a story develops out of that. Like, I went camping a few months ago and staring at the river and watching the antics of the neighboring campers gave me an idea for a short story series. I'm almost through with the first story for this series, which I will be submitting to NCP.
How long have you been writing?
I've been "piddling" with writing since 1978. I've written short stories and partial stories. Before Love's Captive was published, I got quite a few of the short stories published.
What was your first book published? Was it a long wait to get it published?
Love's Captive was the first. Yes, it was a while, because first I hired a local lady to edit it for me. That took a year because she became ill with Lupus. But by that time we were friends and I didn't want to hire someone else. After that, frankly I didn't know exactly what to do. I spent some time sending out queries to agents and tried Dorchester. At that time, they were the only publisher who accepted submissions without an agent, and the only publisher accepting futuristics.
I didn't know about ebook publishers, but I received information from 1 st books. I thought that was a neat idea, that at least I could see my book out in ebook form. I continued to look for other avenues of publishing. This led to discovering companies who were royalty paying ebook publishers, who seem to have better exposure, etc. I submitted Love's Captive to NCP and it was accepted. It was very exciting that soon after my book came out in ebook, NCP decided to go small press. So, the next year, Love's Captive came out in print.
So.I finished writing and editing Love's Captive in 1996-97. It was 1999 when it came out with 1 st books. But I consider myself truly published when it came out with NCP, which was 2001 in ebook format. That is a lot of years of fumbling around trying to figure everything out! :)
What author organizations do you belong to? How have they helped you with your writing?
I belong to Epic, RWA, and SARA - the local chapter for RWA. Epic helps a lot by sending out information on the online group about issues in ebook publishing. They also sponsor the EPPIE, in which Shifters won the Best in Anthology last year.
Honestly, RWA hasn't helped me any. I joined because I love the socialization in the local chapter. Writing can be a lonely business. We always have someone come and talk about some point in writing every month, but nothing I haven't heard before or already learned on my own.
I would recommend beginning writers join organizations though. I could have cut down on my learning curve a great deal by doing so. But I learned everything the hard way and on my own.
Do your characters become a huge part of your life as you are writing their stories?
Oh yes. You dream about them at night, they slip into your day dreams, and whisper in your ear while you are writing.
What are you working on right now? Can you give us a few details on your WIP?
I'm working on The Cat Maiden for EC, which is based on the Aesops' Fable. I have written it basically along the line of the fable. Two gods are arguing about the nature of a being, whether it can be changed or remain the same. Venus turns a cat into a woman to see if she will stay a cat or a woman.
I'm also almost finished with a short story for New Concepts Publishing. It will be the first in a series I've got planned. The series name is "River of Dreams", and the short story is "A Vampire's Kiss". Each story will be about getting a dream fulfilled by the River Goddess.
Have you ever had writer's block? If so, how did you overcome it?
Seldom, but when I do, I find it is usually because I'm bored with a particular section. I find that if I skip ahead and then come back, my block has cleared.
What do you find the biggest misconception that people have about erotic fiction?
That the stories have Little or no plot and character development, sometimes even lack romance. While I have read erotic stories that I question these elements too, there are many which do have all these elements. I cannot write a story which doesn't have strong plot and character development, and it must have a lovely romance.
You have written some time travels, paranormals and fantasy tales. Do you enjoy writing one more than the others?
I enjoy the futuristic with fantasy elements the best - which includes Love's Captive, Heart of the Dragon, and Dragon Fire.
Your stories, LOVE'S CAPTIVE & HEART OF THE DRAGON are connected, will there be any further stories that would be connected to these?
Yes. The next book which I plan to write in 2004, is "The Princess and the Barbarian". It will feature Serena's daughter and a hero who I would rather leave as a mystery for now.
I've had many fans also ask for Jarvic's story, so I will probably write it in 2005. It will take quite a woman to bring the charming playboy to his knees.
What other titles do you have available at New Concepts Publishing?
The only other one at this time is Shifters: Tales of the Paranormal.
Your latest release at Ellora's Cave is the first in a series called Future Lost . Where did you get the inspiration to write A MERMAID'S LONGING? What else can we expect from this series?
It was one of those stories that I dreamed. Each book in the series will follow a child of Marielle and Matt's - the hero and heroine of the first book. The 2 nd book will star their son, who goes to explore the ancient ruins across the great rift, and meets a very unusual woman. It's possible secondary characters could have their story written as well.
What other titles do you have available at Ellora's Cave?
Shifter's Desire: Vampire Fangs & Venom, and Dragon Fire included in the Mystic Visions anthology.
Any word on when your next story will be released?
For Ellora's Cave, I have "As You Wish" a genie story due out in March. For New Concepts Publishing, Love's Captive will be re-released as an erotic in March.
Did you design, and do you maintain your own website?
No. Dawn, a friend does it for me. She owns Novella Studios. http://www.myranour.com/index.html
Do you work outside of the home?
As of the first of this year, I stopped working part time. I worked all my life until 1999, when I went to part-time. This was a planned decision made between me and Simon so I could concentrate on writing more.
What do you like most about writing?
The flexibility of your work schedule, the fans, and seeing your book in print. Awesome.
Who are some of your favourite authors?
Stephen King is number one. Then Dara Joy, Kathleen Woodiwiss, Johanna Lindsay, Dean Koontz, Michael Crichton.
If you had to describe yourself, using only one word, what would it be?
Creative.
I really like using two words though, because then I could use the nicest compliment ever paid me - a friend said I was a Steel Magnolia. As this lady explained, "You came across as kind and gentle when I first met you. But then when I started working with you, I found you have a backbone of steel."
If Simon had to describe you, using only one word, what would it be? <g>
It would be a toss up between "nice" and "intelligent".
Do you find it difficult to balance your writing, family and time for you?
No. I no longer have kids at home and do not have to work, so I know I am very blessed. Simon and I do like to spend a lot of time together, so the only difficulty is when I'm under deadlines, the time with him suffers.
What would you say is the most wonderful thing about Simon?
Gee, only one?? His loving me enough to stay with me through some very tough times that would have run a lesser man off. :)
What are some of your hopes and dreams for the future?
I would like to get published by a big print publisher, because I'd like to see my novels on bookshelves one day. And some authors with the big boys actually make good money. If it doesn't happen I am content with what I've achieved, but that would be my big dream.
I have achieved all the other goals I have set for myself - having a loving husband & relationship, completing college with honors, and working in professions where I helped people.
Some fun...some intimate....
What is your idea of a romantic evening?
Dinner at a nice restaurant, with Simon and I dressed up. Then go dancing afterward and tear up the dance floor. After we come home, tear up the bedsheets. :)
If you and Simon were to take a trip to a deserted island, what three items would you NOT leave home without?
Hmm, what a question! Simon is really all I'd need.let's see. Sun tan lotion because I burn like the dickens. Probably a radio- Simon loves music. I do too, but I could live without it if he and I were secluded on a deserted island. I guess there would be food & water?? If there was only sand to sleep on.practical me, I'd have to take a roll up mattress, cause my back would give me heck.
What do you consider sexy in a man?
Personality wise - Intelligent, good sense of humor, Alpha male with sensitivity, romantic, considerate, respectful of his loved one, likes to talk with his partner, and has wonderful manners. Body wise - A cover model look - with muscular chest, that nice v-shaped body, ripped abs, bulky biceps, a round butt, and muscular thighs. A handsome face and beautiful smile and eyes. Did I cover it all? Afraid I'm very spoiled - Simon's fault. All the above describe how I compose my heroes in my novels, and are all inspired by my husband who really encompasses them all.
What is the sexiest thing you own?
An outfit from Fredericks of Hollywood. Faux black leather corset with holes strategically over the breasts. The matching thigh high hose has huge holes and are attached to the corset by garters. Very hot.
Your character, Eric, in HEART OF THE DRAGON (my fave <g>), what actor comes to mind when you think of him?
Yikes! Don't know. To me, he is a huge, Viking kind of guy and no one I can think of fits him in Hollywood. The only actors that I know of in that range are the hunky guys who played on "The 13 th Warrior", but none of them looks exactly like Eric.
Thank you Myra, for taking the time out of your schedule to spend time with The Road to Romance.
The Road to Romance wishes Myra Nour the best of luck, today, tomorrow and always.
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