Sorceress in the City
by Alena Cerulean
Released: Aug 31, 2023
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Why this book and why now?
I’ve been fascinated with urban fantasy and erotic mind control stories for a long time. Even though I’ve been writing for years, I’d never dared to write my own erotica. The desire to take a stab at it took root because I got frustrated by how much of the erotic mind control stories seem to be men dominating women or vice versa. The urge to create my own story filled only with women (so many bad ones!) and all sorts of magical beings overwhelmed me earlier this year.
What is a significant way your book has changed since either the first draft or the way you thought it would turn out when you first had the inspiration?
I originally planned to release the story in installments, as short stories in a series. I spoke with another author who convinced me to try writing it as a novella instead. I didn’t realize how helpful that would be for me as I got deeper into it. I also originally toyed with calling Monica a wizardess instead of a sorceress, because another author already had a “Sorceress for Hire” series (and that was my first working title). I eventually decided calling her a wizardess and the title “Wizardess for Hire” didn’t work well, so I ran through different potential titles until I settled on “Sorceress in the City.”
Would you and your main character(s) get along?
I think Monica would be a “small doses” person for me. Even she admits she’s a bit of a hot mess, and her relationship with her best friend Kelly would probably be a close approximation to what our “friendship” would look like.
Do your character names have special significance or meaning?
No significance. I just thought “Monica Devlin” sounded very noir and fit perfectly with the setting I was going for in my story.
What TV show would your main character(s) most likely binge watch and why?
Right now, it would have to be “Ahsoka.” There’s so much lesbian potential with the characters that I’ll be disappointed if we don’t get some pairing in there. Sabine Wren is the kind of two-legged disaster that Monica (and I) can’t resist.
One of your main characters is planning a romantic night. Tell us about it.
Monica would go for one of the nicer Chinese restaurants in her city. If the date goes well, then after dinner, she’d probably take her date to her favorite speakeasy Avalon for drinks. From there, it’s a stop by the Full Moon Cookie Shop to grab some fresh baked cookies and take them home to eat while drinking a bottle of red wine.
Publishing a book is a huge accomplishment and it’s time to party! Choose a celebratory beverage for one of your main characters to toast the release of your new book.
Oh, this one is easy, because Monica reveals early in the first chapter that her favorite drink is a Dark and Stormy. She gets that from me. I just love the burn of the ginger beer. As much as the rum does add something to it, I think the ginger beer and squeeze of lime juice are what make it something I and Monica love.
What song does your character put on to start your book launch party?
“Kill of the Night” by Gin Wigmore. There’s a wonderful rebellion to Gin Wigmore’s music, and after a few drinks, Monica and I would happily blast her music and shout out the lyrics.
