We 
had an in-depth interview with Jodi Ellen Malpas, writer of erotic novels. Jodi was born and raised in the Midlands town of Northampton, England, where she lives with her two boys and a beagle. She is a self-professed daydreamer, a mojito addict, famous for her obsession with Converse, and has a terrible weak spot for Alpha males. Writing powerful love stories and creating addictive characters has become her passion – a passion she now shares with her devoted readers. www.jodiellenmalpas.co.uk
For those who don’t know you: who is Jodi Ellen Malpas?
I’m a hopeless romantic who spends most of her time fantasizing and dreaming up addictive tales of love and lust. I’m 37, but in my head, I’m still 21. I have a passion for fashion, I’m fiercely independent, and there’s a little bit of me in each female character I write.
Your books are very popular and published in many countries. How did you make your breakthrough?
Without doubt, it was through social media. When I self-published my debut novel This Man, I didn’t even have a Facebook page, no Twitter account, and I’d never heard of Instagram. Basically, I was clueless! But through social media, women all over the world shared their love of my story and it spread like crazy.
Is it strange to hold a book in your hands that is written in a language you can’t read, for example in Dutch? What is the first thing you think of when you think of the Netherlands?
It’s very strange. I know that sometimes certain words or sentences do not translate to mean what I intend, so small changes need to be made here and there. I often wonder how different from the original story a translation is. I really wish I’d paid more attention to my foreign language classes at school! When I think of the Netherlands, the first thing I think of is Amsterdam, of course. I’d always wanted to visit and was lucky to have that opportunity a few years ago when my Dutch publisher invited me over. I loved it!
Are you writing full-time or do you also have another job?
I write full-time, and I love it.
Where do you find the inspiration for your books?
Everywhere. Which is why I always carry a journal, or make notes on my phone if I haven’t a journal to-hand. I find it really hard to zone-out from my imagination. Writing relaxes me, and when I’m not writing, I’m thinking about writing.
You write erotic novels where the background of the main characters is important. Is it difficult to find a good balance in providing backstory in your novels?
It’s very important for the reader to be invested in the characters. Giving a background is essential in helping achieve that, which is why I try to do it.
Writing erotic scenes seems easier than it really is. How do you succeed in getting these scenes down on paper well enough?
I find it harder the more I write, but only because I have to make each scene individual. There’s only so many ways two people can be intimate! But, overall, I find it quite easy to write, focusing on emotions more these days.
What is your favorite place to write? What needs to be there, and what could you do without?
I can write anywhere. My favorite place is on the couch with my laptop and my beagle, Prince Loui, curled up beside me.
What kind of books/magazines do you enjoy reading? Do you read the same genre you write in, or something completely different, like thrillers?
I read almost everything. When it comes to magazines, I love fashion mags – seeing who’s wearing what, the latest trends, that kind of thing.
What makes a book a good book, in your opinion? Can you name one that is the ultimate book to you?
This is a matter of opinion, really. It’s all relative, but for me, it has to be the feelings. I love nothing more than a book that has your heart pounding and flipping the pages like a mad person, because you are that invested, and the story is that gripping. I also love books that broaden my knowledge and spike my interest in different subject matters. Dan Brown always achieves this when I read his books.
Personal questions:
What is your best way to relax? Writing.
What is your favorite food and what’s absolutely on your “do not like” list? Favorite: Anything seafood. Hate: Peanut butter.
Are you a morning person or an evening person? Morning.
What is your favorite holiday destination? Are you thinking of new subjects for a new book, despite being on holiday? Anywhere hot and bright. And I’m always thinking of new stories to tell.
What makes you happy? Alpha men.
