Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.
Hiya! I’m Alethea Faust, and I’m a queer writer of kinky, queer, erotic fantasy! There’s a few things I include in all my books – risk-aware consensual kink, hard BDSM, non-toxic masculinity, kind and emotionally mature adults, and a lot of butt stuff. My debut novel Initiation is the first in my epic Sex Wizards series that is set in a sex-positive, magical world. The series contains a kink-based magic system as well as a ensemble cast of pansexual, polyamorous, fantasy race, nonbinary, gender non-conforming and intersex characters.
But when I’m not tying sexy plot threads together, I can be found roaming the wilds of Colorado with my mustang and my adventure-loving Pomeranian. I’ve also been known to perform at renaissance festivals and have even competed in light armor jousting as well as the mounted medieval games!
When you are writing a book, which is harder? The first book in the series or the others after it?
Definitely the later books in the series. In part, because my current Sex Wizards series takes a turn into epic fantasy in the later half, which means bigger plots, bigger character arcs, and (because it’s Sex Wizards) a whole new level of spice. But in other things I’ve written, it feels like book 1 is for getting to know the characters, while the rest of the series is throwing them into new situations to see how they react. And I find that I’m way more surprised by my characters as the series goes on!
When writing a series how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I’m not a fast writer. I have to think long and hard (pun absolutely intended) before setting a book on any one course. It gives me time to make sure the story is where I want it to be, the characters have the depth they should, and the plot has all the gut punches and soft caresses it needs to be engaging for me to write, and hopefully just as engaging for others to read! I’m currently coming up on the end of writing a six-book series and I can say that the later half of this series is nothing like the beginning half. It’s been an absolute delight to write, and I hope that readers find it just as fun to read.
Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?
Take breaks! Do other creative things! Do things that make you happy and recharge those writing batteries! Everyone needs multiple outlets, and while writing is a big creative outlet for me, I also have to occasionally take a step back to clear my head in a different way. When I do, I can usually return to my manuscript with fresh eyes and a new idea, and writing becomes fun again instead of a slog.
On a typical day, how much time do you spend writing?
I’m a chaotic creature, so I don’t have a set schedule. I do try to write at least 1,000 words every time I sit down. Sometimes it happens, sometimes it doesn’t, but I try not to beat myself up on those days when I end up short of my goal.
Do you have a favorite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them so special.
I have two who are very special to me. Dominai and Olbric of my Sex Wizards series are based in equal parts off of me and my partner, Geo. I am Olbric’s impulsiveness and determination, as well as Dom’s anxiety and empathy, while Geo is Olbric’s wit and humor and Dom’s kindness and willingness to learn.
What is your definition of success?
Mine is simple – I want to be able to sustain myself doing something that I love. We all live in a capitalist hellscape, and if I can get through it doing one of the things I enjoy, I consider that a success.
Do you have anything you want to share that didn’t fit on one of these questions?
As someone who is dyslexic, I chose a really difficult career path to pursue. So, if you see a typo in a book, try to ignore them? We’re doing our best!
What are your social links?
https://www.facebook.com/aletheafaust/
https://www.instagram.com/aletheafaust/
What are your buy links? (Provide links to your Amazon/iBook’s/Koko/etc Author Home Page if you have quite a few. Also include audible links if applicable.)
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Alethea-Faust/author/B09JBF53KM
Signed copies at www.aletheafaust.com
Want tickets to Writers on the River #2024?
They are available starting November 6th at Writersontheriver.com
$75 VIP Plus – 11-12 Lunch with the Authors , 12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included. *Limited Quantity expected to sell out first day*
$50 VIP -12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included. *Expected to sell out first day*
$25 Early Access – 12-1 VIP house, 1-4 General Admission time. You also get a filled VIP bag but NO admission to the after party. *Expected to sell out opening day*
$10 General Admission – 1-4 General Admission time. You can purchase a bag but it is not filled with VIP swag. There is no admission to the after party included.
$35 After party – 7-11 After Party with food and cash bar. Dj with a photobooth is also included in the fun.
