You know what they say about curiosity and the cat…but if you still want to know, read below.

Shayla Black (aka Shelley Bradley) is the author of 20+ sizzling contemporary, erotic, paranormal, and historical romances for multiple print and electronic publishers. She lives in Texas with her husband, munchkin, and one very spoiled cat. In her “free” time, she enjoys reality TV, reading and listening to an eclectic blend of music.

Shayla has won or placed in over a dozen writing contests, including Passionate Ink’s Passionate Plume, Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence, and the National Reader’s Choice Awards. Romantic Times has awarded her Top Picks, a KISS Hero Award and a nomination for Best Erotic Romance of 2007. Her next release, TEMPT ME WITH DARKNESS, a paranormal/urban fantasy romance with Pocket, will be the first of the Doomsday Brethren series, available August 26.

A writing risk-taker, Shayla enjoys tackling writing challenges with every book.

If you want to learn more about Shayla, check out the interview she did with Joyfully Reviewed!

Have something to say? Write Shayla at shayla@shaylablack.com or visit her on MySpace.

Click to read a book store’s interview with Shelley/Shayla or Love Romances and More’s interview with Shelley/Shayla

Some of Shayla’s favorite things…

Favorite movies

• Bridget Jones’ Diary - Dreamy Colin Firth, Hugh Grant as the bad guy, all wrapped in a warped British comedy. Need I say more?
• Dangerous Liaisons - John Malkovich is deliciously bad to both Michelle Pfeiffer and Uma Thurman. Little do they know, Glenn Close is pulling the puppet strings. Oh, and Keanu Reeves in knee breeches is worth a chuckle.
• French Kiss - The dialogue alone makes this as sweet as pure chocolate.
• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone - The one that started it all. Harry makes the mother in me want to adopt and protect him from Draco, Fluffy and that evil Voldemort dude.
• Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - Moodier sets, kids growing up, a more complex plot… Do I detect the makings of a love triangle? Oh, and I still want to help poor Harry.
• JFK - Compelling and thought-provoking.
• Pride and Prejudice (A & E/BBC version) - More of the Dreamy Colin Firth. So well staged and acted, this convincing production will have you falling in love again with a classic.
• Sense and Sensibility - Dang it, I cry just about every time Emma Thompson does when I watch the end of this wonderful movie. And Alan Rickman…don’t get me started on that intriguing voice.
• Speed - Keanu Reeves in this role is just too much fun to resist. So is Dennis Hopper for that matter.
• Strictly Ballroom - Fun, off-beat Australian film about the crazy world of competition ballroom dancing and people who take themselves way too seriously.
• The Hunt for Red October - Alec Baldwin in his prime! Oh, and there’s a fabulous plot, lots of good dialogue and action. Come to think of it, Clancy in his prime, too.
• Tomb Raider - One of my very guilty pleasures. I confess, I just can’t resist the cheesy Illuminati plot.
• While You Were Sleeping - Sandra Bullock in a cute, unpretentious comedy about what happens when the love at first sight instinct is wrong…but leads you to Mr. Right. This one always makes me smile.

Favorite TV Shows:

• American Idol - Fox. Some of these people are so bad, they’re great.
• Moonlight - CBS. Paranormal/vampire romance with lots of twists and turns for little screen. Love it! To say that I’m pissed that it’s cancelled is an understatement.
• Heroes - NBC. They’re ordinary people with extraordinary abilities. Can they save the world? Great ensemble cast!
• Dancing with the Stars - ABC. I’m a dance fiend, and I LOVE watching B-list celebs become great dancers and household names (again) during each season!
• House Hunters - HGTV. A sometimes stilted look at the things people claim to want in a house.
• Survivor - CBS. It’s hokey, I know. And we’ve all seen the same challenges and heard the tired intro music before. Still, there’s something compelling about watching people backstab each other for a million bucks.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: I prefer print books. When will your new e-books be coming out in print?

A: If there’s no information about a print book next to the listing on my website, then I don’t have a print date for the book. Unfortunately, I can’t give you a specific answer as to when a print book might be available. The sole discretion to print an eBook rests with the publisher, and their decision to do so is based on eBook sales. As soon as I receive new information, I will update my site. In the meantime, you’re always welcome to contact the publisher directly via their website. They like hearing from readers.



Q: Why the long wait for Luc’s book, DELICIOUS?

A: The delay in publication is two-fold. First, I currently have multiple books under contract with multiple publishers. I elected to carve out 2008 to focus on my Doomsday Brethren series and get the first 3 into readers’ hands before doing anything else. I will begin writing Luc early in 2009. The other delay simply comes from the process a print publisher goes through. I’ll turn this book in during the spring of 2009, but Berkley then has to begin their process, which means it’s usually another 10-15 months before a book hits shelves. I promise this book is important to me too!



Q: Will you read and critique my manuscript and/or help me market it?

A: Unfortunately, deadlines prevent me from reading all the work of even my close friends and those I’ve chosen to mentor. I wish you the best of luck in pursuing publication, but I’m unable to assist you at this time.



Q: How can I find your out of print titles?

A: Your best bets are sites like www.hardtofindbooks.com and www.half.com. Be aware that some titles, such as THE LADY AND THE DRAGON are available in eBook currently and will be available as a print book in September 2009. BOUND AND DETERMINED and STRIP SEARCH will become available readily again (I believe in both a print and eBook format) in spring and fall 2009, respectively.



Q: Will Wicked Ties and Decadent ever be made into eBooks?

The answer to this question is much like that of the first question—that decision lies solely with the publisher. Again, you’re always welcome to contact the publisher via their website.



Q: Will you ever write historical romances again?

It’s not in my plan currently, but I’ll never say never…



Q: I watched the book video for Decadent and I love that song. Who sings it?

A: I don’t know who sings it, but a man named Dan Gautreau is the composer. I love the song too!