My First Smut is a recurring feature where we talk about our formative smut experiences. These short confessionals may include such details as: What book did you read? How old were you? Were there other people involved? What made the experience special? What role does smut play in your life?
This week, romance author Paula Dombrowiak talks about that formative book whose title she can’t remember (trust us, we’ve all been there).
First romance novel you read:
It was in the late 1980’s and I tried in vain to google it but couldn’t find the title but it was about a female helicopter pilot who fought forest fires and her boyfriend didn’t like her dangerous job. If anyone knows the title, let me know. I would love you forever!
How old were you?
I was in Junior high, probably about 13 years old.
How’d you get your hands on the book?
I believe it was in the grocery store and I used my own money to buy it and smuggled it home, so my parents didn’t see.
What was the reading experience like?
I remember being completely enthralled with the story because it was so grown up and I couldn’t wait for the smutty parts.
What made the experience special?
Reading was a huge part of escaping and being able to become someone else. I would image I was the main female protagonist who was always beautiful and the men just fell head over heels for me. Of course at the time of reading this book, I was an awkward teen who desperately wanted to be thought of as beautiful and interesting. I read that book in one day and was ready for more.
What role does smut play in your life?
I love my smut, whether it be an all consuming fiery love affair full of passion and angst or the playful fun-loving type. Books are a way of escape and romance is the ultimate escape because we tend not to have the type of fantastical lives our favorite romance heroine’s get to live. I don’t discriminate when it comes to my smut and recently started reading some dark romance which is new to me. It takes a bit getting used to but I am enjoying discovering new romance sub-genres.
I grew up in Evanston, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, right on beautiful Lake Michigan. I used to think it was an ocean because you can’t see the other side until I got older and became aware of geography. The Chicago lakeshore is my favorite place in the whole world.
I moved to Arizona in 1997 because the Chicago winters wore me down and I needed a little sunshine in my life. I came to appreciate the diversity of Arizona, the desert, the mountains, and the lakes. Yes, there are lakes in Arizona and it even snows up in the high country.
I really am a music junkie to the core and love discovering new bands, just as much as I love writing. So why not combine the two? That was how Blood and Bone, my romance debut, was born. My favorite music is Classic Rock, Grunge, and Alternative although I’m pretty open to all kinds. I also love to read and mostly enjoy YA, Fantasy, Romance, and some Non-Fiction.
My wardrobe really does consist of band T-shirts and leggings that are perpetually covered in pet hair. Animals are my homies and I don’t eat my homies. Music is what inspires my storytelling.
Connect with Paula:
Twitter | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Smashwords
Thanks Paula! We look forward to reading Blood and Bone – watch this space for a review in January!
Have an early smut experience you’d like to share with us? If you’d like to see your story featured, send us an email or fill out our questionnaire and we’ll post it in an upcoming week.
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