- Will you tell us a little about yourself? Please include a picture if you wish.
I’m Lana K. Dempsey, Lana Kay to my relatives, said with a long drawl on the second half. Haha! I grew up in Austin, Texas, but spent a great deal of time on my grandparents dairy farm two hours outside of Austin. I volunteer here and there with rescue dogs, I like to shop at thrift stores, and enjoy live music on occasion. Most of my time is spent writing or reading. I love a good beer on the porch too. 😉
2. Why did you start to write? Have you always longed to write a book or was there a trigger?
As a youngster I was attracted the trappings. I liked pretty journals, nice pens, and the idea of having something to say worth writing down. I was a born story teller and made my mother listen to endless stories from as far back as I can remember. The first time I ever wrote down a full story I was twelve. I found a beautiful silk bond journal and just sat down and started writing. Being a writer is something I’ve always wanted.
3. What sort of books do you write? Why did you choose that particular genre?
I write sensual romance about hot cowboys with bit of the mystical. The stories always have a dash of hope thrown in the mix too. I’m a deep feeling, romantic person and tend to find the good in things. When I almost died and had to have emergency surgery I was cracking jokes as they rushed me into surgery. My boyfriend was laughing through his tears, even my stoic surgeon finally smiled. When I met Rebecca Schaefer, who writes as Sable Hunter, she saw something in me and encouraged me to self publish. It’s something I would have done eventually, but she got the ball rolling and I’m eternally grateful.
4. How autobiographical are your stories?
Not very. Writing about Texas and cowboys is easy because it’s what I know. The rest of it comes from thin air. I just start writing.
The only hints to my real life are very loose and at best could be called ‘inspired by’ rather than true story. That said, I’ve had people connect to the stories to such degree they’re convinced it’s about their lives. I assure them I would never stick a stick in that ant bed! Ha!
5. Have you a favorite setting for your stories? Why?
Texas of course, but really anywhere beautiful. I enjoy being able to see a horizon that isn’t full of buildings. Truly, anywhere within a ten foot radius of a hot cowboy is a great setting.
6. Do you ever fall for your characters?
If I don’t, then I’m in big trouble! If you aren’t passionate about your characters then how can you expect anyone else to be? The same goes for the the heroines, they’re going to women I relate to and want to call friend. You will too!
7. Do your characters ever surprise you?
Always. There is a moment in each story when things come together so neatly it can be as moving to me as it is for the reader. I’ve been known to cry when things fall in to place, it astounds me that much. I really don’t know how it happens. It’s as if another part of my mind has it all mapped out and the every day me is just waiting to see what happens next.
I used to feel self conscious about this, but then I read that Stephen King and Paul Simon both create in the same way. Later, I found out it’s a very common experience for writers and creators in general. So, I’ve stopped judging myself.
8. How do you get yourself in the mood for writing?
Writing is an odd thing. I like it, but sometimes I find myself putting it off. Then once I get going I don’t want to stop. Sometimes I’ll light a candle and pull out things that inspire me, but most of the time I just sit down and write come hell or high water. Mood smood.
9. What is the strangest place you have written in?
The waiting room of my doctor’s office. I got an inspiration and asked the desk for a sheet of paper. It was a my first sex scene, ever! It was hot too. I remember blushing as I wrote it wondering what the people around me would think if they know what I was scribbling away at in the corner.
I used to work in an office. I’d carry around bits of paper and write ideas as they came to me. One of my favorite bits popped into my head while I was making copies. I wrote the whole thing standing next to copier using a file cabinet for a desk. That was years ago, but I still love that piece.
10. Have you ever experienced ‘writer’s block’ and how did you cope with it?
Gosh. Almost daily for the first fifteen minutes after I sit down to write. One time I’d gotten really stressed and went many days without sleeping. I didn’t write much during that stretch. I didn’t clean much house either for that matter! Hahaha!
If I get really stuck I’ll pull out the old pen and paper and schedule an early morning writing session. If nothing else works, that tends to do the trick.
11. Describe your perfect first date.
I once had a guy pick three things for me to choose from to do on our first date. I thought that was just awesome. That way I got a choice, but didnt’ have to come up with the ideas.
I actually hate first dates. I get too nervous, so probably something laid back. A trip to a local sports event to break the ice, and then a casual meal out.
Don’t get me wrong. I love a fancy date too, but later, when we know we like each other and getting it on is no longer a question, but a part of the plan.
My husband and I love to check out historical bars. Downtown Austin has the Driskill Hotel. It has tons of atmosphere and history. In San Antonio there is the Menger Hotel and the Havana Hotel Bar, Ocho. Same thing, beautiful and enchanted. Quite literally in fact, all three buildings are said to be haunted. Sable Hunter would love it, she’s been known to ghost hunt. I think I’ll just hang at the bar and let her tell me about it afterwards! Hahaha!
12. If you could live anywhere in the world where would you choose and why?
I’ve not traveled enough to say for sure. I do love Texas. It would be hard for me to leave. I suppose if I was crazy rich I’d have an island somewhere too. I don’t like the cold, so that would come into play. Just as long as it’s not too cloudy. I need the sunshine.
Quickies….
1.Chocolate or ice-cream?
Chocolate
2.Favorite tipple.
A really nice champagne or prosecco.
3.Seaside or forest?
Both
4.Rain or sun?
Sun
5.Christmas or birthday?
Birthday, but someone else’s!
6.Elegant or comfortable clothes?
Comfortable, but quirky.
7.TV or cinema?
Cinema
8.Laptop or notebook for writing?
Laptop
9.Nail colour?
Blank
10.Dom, sub or switch?
Switch
11.Bondage or spanking?
Spanking
12.Leather or lace?
Lace
