Author Jeanette Grey on writing her erotic story "Adult Time"

Jeanette Grey is an erotic romance novelist known for her Art of Passion trilogy. Below, she discusses the inspiration for her Best Women's Erotica of the Year, Volume 6 short story "Adult Time," about parents escaping their duties for a little while to reconnect in the most intimate and racy of ways, along with her writing process and her favorite quote from her story.

About ten years! During a tough time in my life, I accidentally fell into fanfiction as an escape. The passionate, heat-filled stories I found there drove me to want to write my own. I quickly moved on from obsessing about other people’s characters to creating new ones that spoke to me, and I’ve never looked back.

What was the inspiration for your story, “Adult Time,” in Best Women’s Erotica of the Year, Volume 6?

“Adult Time” is pure fantasy, but it’s inspired by my own struggles to reconnect with my former life after becoming a parent. So many women have a tough time letting go of all the logistics of their lives to embrace pleasure for themselves. I really wanted to explore the idea of a deeply committed couple finding new ways to be together and renew their physical intimacy.

How does your story relate to the book’s outrageous theme?

It may seem mundane, but a new parent taking a day off and pretending to be utterly irresponsible is the ultimate adventure. The main character Ming has been stuck in a perfectly planned, tightly controlled state of mind for years. Shedding that and embracing a spontaneous, sexually charged day with her husband is a whole new kind of adventure for her.

What’s your favorite line or paragraph from your story?

“Stop thinking,” he growls, pulling me out of my spiral. His dark gaze burns into me, full of lust and need. “Just be here. With me. Now.”

What were the most enjoyable and most challenging parts of writing your story?

The most fun part was really showing this high-strung woman completely let go and give herself over to a man who reminds her what it is to be a sexual, free-spirited person. The toughest part was making it clear just how bogged down she’d been before setting off on this adventure without getting bogged down in the details of her life myself!

What are you working on next?

I’m between projects right now, but always looking for the right story idea to grab me and refuse to let me go.

About Jeanette Grey: RITA-finalist author Jeanette Grey (jeanettegrey.com) started out with degrees in physics and painting, which she dutifully applied to stunted careers in teaching, technical support, and advertising. Now she writes sexy, smart, heart-squeezing romance. When she’s not at her keyboard, she’s probably crafting, gaming, or chasing after her husband and toddler. Social media links: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.