Denysé Bridger is a master of short stories. She published seven since the start of the year. Her last one is 1-900-Surprise. Look out for some very interesting info about this extremely specific genre.

– Denysé, you are a specialist in short stories. Tell us about your last one?
– The last one was actually a challenge kind of story, I had a strict word count limit, and for me that made it truly interesting to attempt to tell a fully rounded story within a set number of words. In the end, the story became a very hot little erotic piece, but as reviewers noted, it has a beginning, a middle, and an ending that fits, so in that regard it was a success.
– How you decide to write in such format?
– I never consciously set out to write short stories. It’s always interesting to discover that an idea I think will be a novel instead tells itself in the course of 20,000 or so words, and sometimes the opposite happens. Recently I created what was meant to be the concept for a piece of flash fiction, falling between 1500-2000 words – after I began outlining and detailing the idea, it became the template for my first series. So, I am developing a set of stories to go with the characters who have stepped forth in my mind and introduced themselves to me.
– What was the biggest challenge during the write up process?
– Sometimes the biggest challenge is to discover precisely what the story is going to be about. I often have the characters well developed before I know what it is they are meant to do in the story. Occasionally, an entire story will present itself, then I have to find out about the people who are going to convey that vision to readers.
– How do you find your characters? Are they close to someone from your real life?
– I rarely base any character on a real person I know. There are times when I will “cast” a character in my mind to help me connect with them, so what happens is I will give that character the traits I “see” in the face I’ve chosen to represent the character. Inevitably, what and who I begin with changes, sometimes dramatically, by the time the story is told.
– How much time you need to finish a 50 pages story and to publish it?
– There have been times when I can write a 50 page story in a few days. Other times, it takes much longer. Much depends on if there is research to do, or if the story I began changes and I have to rethink it. Recently I’ve simply stopped writing, and it’s been many months since I wrote a new work. The past few weeks, for the first time in a long time, I am actively writing again. I think I was just suffering burn out from non-stop work for almost ten years. I’ve learned to work more slowly now, and to stop the near desperate rush to publish and produce new works.
– As Fate Decreesis based in ancient Greece. Was it tough to write in such times, when we know from history books that love was very different, compared to our days (dynasty marriages, homosexuality was something normal…etc)

– I read many, many books about mythology before I began writing
As Fate Decrees. The idea was one of those that came to me almost fully developed, then I needed to begin the process of learning my background, and evolving a solid story. Being based on Greek mythology, there was a great deal of flexibility, so it made the writing a lot of fun once I began crafting the novel. I see much I would have done differently if I was writing the story now, but readers have embraced the book as it is, and continue to ask for sequels.
– Who are you?
– Interesting question. I am a Canadian girl with an imagination that finds beauty and stories in everything I see, hear, and experience. I think the voice of my soul is expressed through written words, and in that voice is the real me. If I can touch others, and make them smile through the stories I create, that’s the real measure of personal success.
– What are your writing habits?
– I tend to write whenever I can find a few minutes, so it’s erratic most days. I’m a caregiver for an aging parent, so I have to fit in my personal time as I’m able. Ideally, I like to write mornings and evenings into the night, but it doesn’t always work that way.
– Are you satisfied by the sales of the books and do you plan another one?
– I’m always planning another book, I have several novels all outlined and ready to write when I am able to find the time to get them out of my head and onto the page. Sales can always be better, but if one focuses solely on the monetary compensation of writing, you will miss the real joy of it all in the end. And, if money is your sole reason to write, you won’t be in the business for long. There are few financial successes without a great deal of time and investment.
– What are you doing to promote by the best possible way your book?
– Promotions and marketing is an endless learning curve. What works for one book may not work for the next one, so each time it’s a new experience. I buy advertising space, do blog tours, actively participate in author events. All of the things that have become the normal course of business in recent years. There are no sure-fire ways to assure your book reaches any audience. Word of mouth is still any author’s greatest asset.
– You are writing a lot for the love, but do you find the meaning of this word in the real world?
– I try very hard to maintain an optimistic view of humanity, despite the lack of empathy many show. It’s my honest belief that if you don’t try to remain positive, you will ultimately become bitter and isolated. I’d rather hold only my hope for love, than believe in a world where it just doesn’t matter. When the end of a life comes, it is the love we’ve given and received that is the true measure of our wealth and success in this life. Idealistic, perhaps, but rather that than cynicism.
– Italy? Is it something lovely to you? Explain why you like so much this part of the planet?
– For me, Italy represents both the past and the future. It’s a country steeped in history, but one whose people are passionate, creative, beautiful souls. Old world respect and appreciation for the happiness of living is in evidence with so much of the culture. I feel a special connection with that energy, with the positive nature of it. The language is lyrical and pleasing to the ears, the spectacular landscapes are a pleasure for the eyes, the food is an incredible experience in taste… for me, this is the one place on the planet that is “alive” in all the best ways. I’m sure there are others, but Italy resonates for me and speaks to my heart, always.

Check out Denysé introducing video

Her web page

Here are some of Denysé’s best selection books:

As Fate Decrees
Stolen Rapture
Winner Take All
Champagne and Chocolate