There are some writers whose work rises to the top. Like cream. Sophia Valenti is one of these. Of her story "On the Mend" in Pleasure Bound, Lisabet Sarai writes: I am not talking about a lack of consent here. "Mercy isn't in Marc's vocabulary—and for that I'm thankful" begins Ms. Valenti's story. That sums it up. Some people crave a level of pain beyond what I'd seek. For some, real fear is truly arousing. The thing is, she can write a dark story like "On the Mend" and then she can pen a deliciously divine piece like "The Cougar on Cobble Hill." And she's not even a gemini! Plus, she loves coffee as much (oh, could it be more?) than I do! But I don't know whether or not she takes it black.
Here is an Interview with Ms. Sophia Valenti. Please pour yourself a cup of joe and join in!
1) Which fairy tale character would you most like to do and why?
The prince from “Beauty and the Beast,” because he has a lot more character than the standard fairy-tale prince. And besides, I like a man who has a little animal in him.
2) If your fairy godmother or fairy godfather (I’m an equal opportunity fairy employer) waved a magic wand over your head and granted you three wishes, what would you be wearing during your wishing?
A little black dress, seamed stockings, peep-toe heels and red lipstick. Something to take me from late-afternoon wishing to a night out on the town.
3) What would you wish for?
A bottomless coffee pot.
4) Do you own fairy wings? A little red riding hood? Glass slippers? If yes, please describe. Or send photos!
Alas, no wings. But I do indeed have a little red cashmere hoodie. I live in it during the winter. As for glass slippers—do clear Lucite platform shoes count?
5) What question would you most like to ask another author in the line-up?
I'd like to know what inspired Kristina Lloyd to create her kinky vampire spin on “Sleeping Beauty.“ Her narrator is such a fascinating mix of sensitive submissive and predatory hunter.
6) What would you like to tell readers about your story in Alison’s Wonderland?
In “The Cougar of Cobble Hill,” I mirrored the tale of “The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe.” I wanted to tackle the modern-day concept of a cougar. There's so much negative baggage attached to the term, but I wanted to use this piece to present an older woman who was entering a new stage in her life where she was looking for deep personal satisfaction—and not solely in the bedroom. She's not a lonely, predatory creature. Her tale is more about seeing all of the wonderful possibilities that life presents and being bold enough to go after her heart's desire. That, to me, has all the makings of a happy ending.
7) What fairy tale would you love to tackle in the future?
“The Princess and the Pea.” Hmm, now I'm getting all sorts of ideas about what she keeps stashed under her mattresses—and she's a very pervy princess.
Sophia Valenti is an editor, writer and lifelong New Yorker. She enjoys uncovering sexy secrets and attending sordid soirees, and then writing all about them. If she's not reading or writing, she probably drinking coffee. Her fiction has appeared in Best Lesbian Erotica 2010, Pleasure Bound, Playing with Fire and Afternoon Delight. Visit her at sophiavalenti.blogspot.com.Comment for a chance to win this necklace, you sexy cougar, you!
XXX,
Alison
