Erotica Writer Eden Baylee
Today I am having a heart-to-heart chat with Eden Baylee, writer of erotica and contemporary erotic romance. Before I ‘interrogate’ her with a number of questions which have been burning inside me ever since I finished reading her first collection of erotic novellas, Fall into Winter, let us take a look at her Amazon author profile: “Eden Baylee writes erotica, provocative stories incorporating all her favorite things: travel; culture; and sex. Sometimes there’s romance, sometimes not. Sometimes there’s a happy ending, sometimes not. What is consistent are the multi-dimensional characters who grow and change as the stories progress. Sex is the backdrop, but a very important element in their evolution. Eden left a long and distinguished career in banking to become a full-time writer. She lives in Toronto.”
Junying: Eden, welcome to my virtual world. First of all let me tell you that I absolutely love your work. Although I am not an expert in the genre of Erotica and have not read that many in my lifetime, I fell in love with your Fall into Winter, head over heels:) Can you please tell me how you began your writing and what attracted you to this particular genre?
Eden: Junying, I’d like to thank you for having me as your guest author. You have a lovely virtual home 
I’m thrilled that you enjoyed my book and appreciate your extremely kind words.
I’d say writing grew out of my love for reading. I read my first book of erotica —Story of O by Pauline Reage when I was eleven. It was a BDSM novel that introduced me to a whole new vocabulary. My first erotic story was for a high school English assignment. I would never have written it for any other teacher, but Mr. H was cool, and I had a slight crush on him.
I love erotica because it’s sensuality wrapped in words. When I read it, I feel aroused like listening to a great piece of music, eating a delicious dessert, or taking a hot shower.
Writing itself simply appeals to my love for wordplay. I enjoy satire, alliteration, puns, and I’m always playing several games of Scrabble at any one time.
Junying: That is beautifully put, Eden. While I was reading your book, I did find that you have such a mastery of words that they came alive in my mind, with vivid images and sexy sensual scenarios. I heard from one of your radio interviews that you went to Canada at a very young age and you could not speak any English. As you may know, I was from China and came to England as an adult. I am interested to learn what it was like to be uprooted as a child and to go and live in a completely different country. What was it like in Canada for an immigrant back then? And have you seen any changes over the years?
Eden: Ha, I was actually born in Canada, though in the part that has wanted to separate from it! I grew up in the French-speaking province of Quebec—Montreal to be specific. My parents emigrated from China. I couldn’t speak English because I never learned it at home when I was growing up. I was raised in part by my paternal grandfather who spoke a dialect of Chinese called Toisan, and that’s all I knew until I walked into my first day of school. To make matters worse, I was enrolled late. I never went to kindergarten, and I was almost seven by the time I started. In those days, we didn’t have play dates or much interaction outside of the family, so I didn’t know there were other languages.
By the time I began school, I was a sponge ready to soak up any new intellectual information. I caught up pretty quickly.
I am fortunate that I embraced different languages early in life. To this day, my mother does not speak English or French, and that’s very sad for me because I think she’s missed out on a lot. Language opens up a whole new world. Without it, immigrants like my parents have survived, of course, but to do so, they created, for lack of a better word, “ghettos,” and many never moved beyond them. It makes Canada a multi-cultural and diverse country which is wonderful, but it’s not always inclusive of each other.
I do think everyone should be able to speak the language of the country they live in—it’s one common factor that can unite people.
Junying: I totally agree with you there about the need to speak the language of the country we live in and shared language uniting people, and I apologize for my slight error regarding your country of origin 
Canada and China, they do sound similar, right:)?
I understand that you gave up a career in banking to devote to full-time writing. What, if any, brought you to make that life-altering decision?
Eden: I’ve never been able to write and work full-time successfully. About eleven years ago, I left my job the first time and moved to New York with the goal to write seriously and get published. The Internet was new to me, and the online market for erotica was starting up with companies like Ellora’s Cave opening its doors. The timing seemed perfect.
Long story short, I got cancer and it derailed my plan.
The illness took a year out of my life, and when I got better, I was alone and in debt. I returned to work thinking I’d stay just long enough to pay off my debts. Unfortunately, it took me another ten years to work up the courage to throw in the towel. I was always afraid that if I left again, I would somehow get sick again. It was a ridiculous notion, but it paralyzed me for a long time.
Now, things are different. I have a support network, a 3-year financial plan, and I’m a hell of a lot stronger mentally. If I get sick again, I’ll cross that bridge. Until then, I write.
Junying: Oh Eden, I’m so sorry to hear about that. Cancer of any kind is a terrible disease and I’m so glad that you have beaten it. Now my admiration for you has been elevated even higher, if that’s possible:). Apart from being a fabulous word champion, your fighting spirit, strength and courage no doubt will inspire those who know you and read this blog.
Now back to your book Fall into Winter. How did you come up with the stories? What inspired you to write this book?
Courtesy of Eden Baylee
Eden: Well, I knew I wanted to write short stories, but I didn’t know at the time it would be packaged as an anthology. I had originally written each story to be sold separately and pitched them to multiple publishers without success. When I decided on self-publishing, I wanted to give readers a taste for my style of writing, so it made sense to do it this way.
As for inspiration, I’m not one to deconstruct my work, and it’s hard for me to pinpoint what sparks any story or idea. Most of my best ideas come to me when I’m taking a shower. It’s usually when my very tall and handsome muse pays me a visit.
Junying: Ouch, I can just about picture that shower scene, but you forgot to mention if he was dark too . It seems to me that there is some truth in that romantic notion and as authors, we definitely need muses in our lives, preferably as sexy as your muse, Eden. You are one lucky lady!
After your book has been published, how do you market it? Which aspect of promotions do you enjoy most? and the least?
Eden: I’ve experimented with different media but will only continue with what works best for me. Interviews like this are fantastic for exposing authors and their work. I love Twitter and I blog regularly. These two things have taken up the most time, but they are my connection to readers and the author community, so I won’t give them up.
What I like least about promoting is the time it takes away from writing. My second book is taking longer to get out because I’m still in promo mode for Fall into Winter. It’s a balancing act. Each day, there is an opportunity to learn something new or to improve on how I do things.
Junying: I am totally with you, Eden, and I’m sure that many authors will share your view. As much as I enjoy all the social media out there, and I would not have dreamt of giving up an opportunity like this to talk to you, we need more time to write, most definitely!
What are you working on now? What can we, your fans and readers, expect from you in the next five years, talking about long-term plan?
Eden: Spring into Summer is my second book, and it is also an erotic anthology with four stories – two that take place in the spring, and…you guessed it, two in the summer. I hope to have it out by year-end. After that, I’m switching over to full-length novels—dark erotica.
Wow, five years is a long time because I live very much from day to day. I’ll just be thrilled if I can continue to produce good books, keep myself out of trouble, and earn a living from my writing. I don’t need millions, just a couple of million will do. Isn’t that what all authors make?
Junying: Ha, I thought authors dominate the Riches’ list – just look at J K Rowling and Stephen King:) That was the optimistic and slightly unrealistic part of me speaking, I hasten to add:)
I did pause a moment before asking you the question of five-year plan, so typical Chinese governmental official talk:). Like you, I take each day as they come, enjoying what we do and continuing to create stories and entertain our readers.
Thank you so much for spending time with me, Eden. I have no doubt that your writing career will go from strength to strength, and your books will reach many more readers, who will enjoy having their senses aroused and their lives enriched. I wish you all the success in the world, as you surely deserve it!
Eden: The pleasure was all mine, Junying! I’m so happy we had this opportunity to chat.
Fall into Winter is available in both paperbacks and digital form, please go to Amazon UK Kindle; Amazon USA; or Smashwords.
For more information on the author and her other writings, go to her website here: Eden Baylee.
Go on, have a treat to yourself and that special person in your life !
Junying,
Thanks again for taking the time to interview me. You made it easy to share, and it was truly my pleasure to spend time with you.
eden
xoxox
It was really nice having a chat with you and I’ve learnt quite a few things about you which I didn’t know before, and I hope other visitors to my blog will enjoy this conversation between us, and following your journey as a writer.
All the best and good luck with Spring into Summer. I certainly look forward to its publication
Eden must be very determined to wait all that time to start a serious writing career. I should read her book. Does she have many male readers ?
Hi John,
I know I have male readers, but it’s only because they’ve told me about it. Though I agree that erotica is a genre read mostly by women, there are men who enjoy reading it on their own, or with the women in their lives—it’s great foreplay.
Thanks for your kind comment.
eden
Fantastic interview Junying! I didn’t know about the illness – my admiration for Eden just tripled… quadrupled even! You’ve bounced back with great success. Sending love your way (Both of you
)
Andy
Andy, how sweet of you to come out to support Junying and me. Thank you for your comment here, greatly appreciated.
eden
John, good question – I actually meant to ask Eden about the ratio between her male and female readers. I’ve certainly got my female fans
Perhaps Eden can shed some light on her fan base.
Andy, thank you so much for your compliment and love – much appreciated. Yes, Eden is a true inspiration to us all, men or women!
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This was a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the lovely Eden in your interview. I’m also subscribing to your blog for more great content in the future and to learn more about your work. Take care!
Amberr,
Appreciate your comment and for supporting Junying as well.
eden
Amberr,
Really appreciate that you came by, commented and subscribed to my blogs. It’s lovely meeting you via Eden and I hope you enjoy spending time with me and my wonderful guests.
Hope to see you soon, and take care!
Eden is a truely remarkable person; not only has she overcome health problems, she has remained laser-focused on her goal of being a professional, full-time author, and has my utmost respect.
She is a brilliant supporter of new authors on the scene (including me!) and never ceases to support those around her. Eden, you are an inspiration
Aw, thank you so much Matthew for leaving a comment. Your kind words mean a lot.
eden
Oh Eden, I’m crying. I didn’t know you battled Cancer. As if I couldn’t love you any more than I already do, learning this just proved that I can love you more. You are such a strong woman, so talented, and one of the sweetest people I have come to meet. I hope one day I actually get to meet you in person, because I feel like I’ve known you for years.
And hopefully you already know that I can’t wait to read and support Spring into Summer.
Junying, thank you for opening up your lovely site to debut Ms. Baylee. It truly is a pleasure to know you both. And, I’d love the opportunity to feature you and your work on my site, if you are ever interested
Oh my, Lisa….please stop crying or that man in the coffee shop behind you is going to wonder what’s wrong!
Thank you for your extremely kind comment. Cancer was crappy, but not really a battle for me as much as an opportunity to take stock in my life and change direction. Despite that, it still took me a long time to finally leave my job. Fear was a strong motivator that kept me in a situation for much longer than I wanted to be, but from it, I learned a great lesson firsthand—FDR’s quote “There’s nothing to fear but fear itself.”
Sounds corny, but I truly believe we manifest fears because we don’t know the alternatives. I’d say that every time I’ve jumped into the unknown – I’ve yet to be disappointed.
We will certainly meet one day —- I can’t wait to laugh with you in person!
eden
xoxox
Lisa, truly grateful to your kind words and bless your heart.
Yes, it would be a honor and my great pleasure to be featured on your brilliant website – I love your posts and know you to be a huge support to many fellow indie writers, just as wonderful Eden does.
Likewise, my virtual home is always open to you, and if you ever feel that there is anything you’d like to share here, just give me a shout. I’m sure my readers would love to get to know you and the excellent work you’ve been doing.
‘Rumour’ has it that you might be coming our way to England sometime, so if you do, make sure we’ll enjoy some cream tea together – Eden and I have agreed that we shall do exactly that one day
Eden, you are absolutely right about fears. I too jumped into the unknown last year with writing, a divorce and now am hoping a new change in career by the end of next year. Each time I make myself sample something different, I am so grateful that I did.
And as for the man behind me, I’m convinced he really does have a frog in his throat! ha
Juyning, thank you for the offer to be featured as well! I’m gonna take you up on that in the near future when my book comes out (eeep!). I’ll email you my author questionnaire in the meantime
And yes, I’m hoping to make it to England end of next summer! I would love to meet you! 
Lisa, that’s a deal! It does not matter where you’re next time when you’re on this side of the ocean, I’ll come and meet with you. Of course, if I can tempt you over to Birmingham, it would be even better – you may get to sample some of my home-cooked Sichuan spicy food
Good luck with your book & happy writing/blogging!
You’re a brave woman, Lisa. I can read between the lines (don’t you love that pun?) of your incredible writing. I think there is a lot of you in your stories, and it makes for amazing reads.
I agree change is good and enables us to grow in so many ways.
eden
xoxox
I wish my muse was tall, dark and handsome. Where do I get one of those?
A very lovely, touching and fun interview!
Hello Miss Foxy Lisa!
My muse is always male, tall, handsome, not sure about dark, but definitely gorgeous and knows how to please me. He’s like your Hugh Jackman.
Thanks for commenting at Junying’s site sweetie!
eden
xoxox
Hi Junying and Eden. Two of my favorite women and writers in the same place. I’m sorry for taking so long to comment. Thailand has been experiencing heavy flooding almost everywhere- even the dry region where I live. It’s play havoc with the celluar system , my internet.
What a great interview and perfect questions. Each time I learn more about Eden my admiration grows. Eden. You are one of the most wonderful people I’ve gotten to know and I really do look up to you and the way you lead your life and all the help you offer to anyone who ask. You are amazing!
Junying. I have your book, The Same Moon, and I look at the cover and it is perfect. I am nearly finished some read obligations and look forward to sitting down and enjoying your writing! Both of you Asian beauties have done good things with your lives and I’m glad I know you both!
Dannie, thank you so much for joining us here and leaving lovely comments. You’ve been a great support to fellow authors like me.
I hope you’ll enjoy reading The Same Moon. I have started your book In Search of a Soul, but still have some way to go, due to the fact that I’m a five-book-reader at any given time. However, after I finish it, I’d love to have you back here and tell us about Thailand, Texas, and your books, if you’re interested. With Eden, this is my very first author feature, and because of her good reputation and popularity, the response has been phenomenal. I am keen to horn my interviewing skills and promote many more wonderful authors here.
Sorry to hear about the flooding in Thailand and your internet disconnection. Hope it’s not causing too much damage or affecting the people over there.
Dannie, you handsome devil! I was beginning to worry about you. Knowing your daring nature, I thought you’d been attached by a dragon lizard or some other exotic creature in Thailand. I hope the flooding has subsided. Rainy season must be terrible for technology.
As always, you are a gentleman. Thank you for your sweet words, eden
Dannie, OMG, I just realized I wrote “attached” by a dragon lizard instead of “attacked!”
Well…I suppose you’d be attached to it if it decided to come after you.
eden
Yes, I was actually picturing Dannie with a dragon attached to him and it was quite an awesome sight
. Well, I guess at least he’d be safe from the attack 
!
Junying
Eden,
Great interview; very revealing. I had no idea you conquered cancer, or that you are a fellow former financial professional. Congrats on surviving both.
Ha! David…thanks for your comment here, and you gave me a great laugh! Appreciate it, eden
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