Golden Flogger Award nominee
Catherine Taylor
speaks out
about writing and BDSM
Why did you begin writing BDSM novels?
I had been writing about kinky sex for over thirty years in poetry and short stories, stuffing my artistic works away in my closet drawers and in later years, posting them anonymously on sites that catered for aspiring authors of sex. This was about my only outlet for my passion for BDSM and writing, feeling safer to keep it a hidden part of my life, rather than let the world know that there was a kink in the line. In 2012, I believe Fifty Shades of Grey had the effect of opening BDSM up for discussion, interest and popularity. For me, it was the kick in the pants that I needed to put my first book out there. It was liberating, exhilarating and a very proud moment for me, though it did raise a few eyebrows among people who knew me. “You do what?” Now, I happily talk about my particular interests in BDSM and my love of writing kinky books
Do you participate in D/s activities or merely write about them?
I am definitely a participator. My interest in BDSM began well over forty years ago, but as a very private and personal journey, shared only with my husband. It wasn’t until 2012, when I published my first book, did I find myself being asked questions about something that I considered private between hubby and me. I soon realized that people were seeking answers about their own sexuality and wanted to talk to someone who would understand. These days, I just shrug and say, “Yes, I’m kinky, what would you like to know?” In 2013, I had the amazing opportunity to attend and interact in my very first public play session and I had the best time of my life and the bruises to prove it.
What does being nominated for the Golden Flogger Award mean to you?
To be nominated for this award is a proud and humbling moment, and an absolute dream come true. To me, it means the recognition for my small contribution to the world of BDSM literature and the promotion of sexual liberty for consenting adults.
What is the hardest part of writing your novel?
The hardest part of writing MASTER was creating a realistic and factual setting for my character. The story of MASTER began when I received numerous requests from readers of my Line Trilogy for the story of a secondary character that had been introduced into the second book, A Line Crossed. They loved this powerful, sexy man with an enigmatic past. I loved him, too, and so I decided to attempt a story that depicted a history as exciting as my character. I wanted to make it suspenseful and original. Setting this story in Ukraine, required months of research, including email exchanges between myself and some wonderful Ukrainians to get facts exactly right. I read hundreds of publications about the Soviet Union, politics, espionage and mixed martial arts, all which are covered in this book. Further still, I had set this story in 1995 and had to be true to that time period.
Tell us a little about yourself and your writing works.
For the past fourteen years I have resided in New Zealand with my beloved Kiwi husband of thirty years. I am a mother of four and grandmother to two. My life has revolved around writing, theatre and film, with an equal passion for all of these. I have had an incredible life and been fortunate enough to pursue my passions, in acting on stage, writing for stage and film, directing my own short films and working on film sets, both as an actor and as film crew. Some twenty years of my life were spent doing social work. These days, I write full time and dream of producing my own feature film.
You can find out more about me and my books on my website www.catherinetaylor.co.nz