Jennifer Bene
Golden Flogger Award Nominee
Why did you begin writing BDSM novels?
I loved to read it and when I started writing books it just kept… coming up? Ha! This actually leads into your next question so I’ll hop down and answer that one to elaborate on why I write BDSM novels.

Do you participate in D/s activities or merely write about them?
I’ve been active in the lifestyle for over 10 years, I’ve got a Dom, I advocate in my local community, and I also write a series called ‘Ask Me Anything’ on my blog that encourages those interested in the lifestyle, or those who are in it and have questions, to submit them and I do my best to answer. I’m a masochist and a submissive and I know that it’s an aspect of my life that will never go away. It’s what turns ME on and so naturally it flowed into my books. My kinks obviously influence the fantasies in my head that turn into books (like Reunited and Lethal Sin which have been nominated for a Golden Flogger!) and so do my real life experiences with my Dom. One of my favorite things is when a reader recognizes my experience in the lifestyle while reading and takes the time to message me! ^_^

What does being nominated for the Golden Flogger Award mean to you?
I’m absolutely THRILLED to be nominated! As a member of the BDSM community and an author it makes me feel like readers have seen the genuine love I have for BDSM. Whomever took the time to nominate me, I greatly appreciate it. It’s such a gift, and I have to admit I squealed with joy when I got the email!

Do you conduct any advocacy work in this lifestyle or is it strictly fiction base for you? If so, what?
I mentioned before that I write the ‘Ask Me Anything’ posts, and several of those have been picked up and linked to on lifestyle sites, FB groups, Reddit, and shared between people who want answers to their questions. I write it because as members of the community, we should always be learning. There is no perfect mastery in BDSM (even for the Masters) and to think that we know everything makes us foolish. So, I read, and I go to community events and classes, and I learn right alongside everyone else… and then I try to share that. I share my experiences, my views, and I hope that it results in a safer, more educated community of wonderful kinky people.

Where would you like to see the BDSM genre head? How will it get there?
I would really like to see more of a respect for the challenge and potential dangers of implement use. I cringe hard when I read about someone misusing an implement, or a “brand new Dom” picking up a toy for the first time and just magically knowing how to use it properly. Not only does it negatively affect the book, but it could potentially influence a reader to *try* it… and that’s not cool. Our community is all about safety first, and I’d love to see that in books more often.

What is the hardest part of writing your novel?
Finding the TIME! I have a day job, I’m a single mom, I have an ill family member who I do my best to see every week to support, and I have friends and a Dom too! Everyone wants a piece of my time, but writing + social media responsibilities result in a lot more sleepless nights than I’d like. But, I love it, and even when I’m exhausted and stressed, I know I wouldn’t give up writing for anything. It’s been a life long dream and there are days I still can’t believe I’m doing it. Why would I give that up for sleep?

Contact Jennifer at her website for more information.