Multi-published, award-winning author Calista Fox (aka Ava McKnight) began her professional fiction-writing career in 2005, following an exciting career in PR, where she specialized in writing speeches and Congressional testimonies. Today she writes sizzling hot, award-winning novels. Find out what went on between the sheets of one of her latest novels, Backseat Mistress.

What went Between the Sheets of this book? Either what was happening in your life when you wrote it, or what was happening with the book as you wrote it.

I took a very different approach with this story in terms of the subject matter, the characters' reactions to their environments and the way I wrote it, in general. I was in the mood to write something unorthodox, with a lot of conflict that created a number of "OMG, what have I done and how do I fix it?" moments. Sometimes, you're just in the mood to throw all the chips in the air and see where they fall!

Where did you find the idea to write this novel?

I absolutely love the movies Pretty Woman and Arthur, and I watched them back-to-back one Saturday afternoon and thought, this is a great combination for a book--a heroine out of the hero's reach because of her sketchy profession, and a hero out of the heroine's reach because of a corporate-arranged marriage. The immense conflict inherent to the situation notwithstanding, the obstacles in their way make for some powerful and emotional scenes. Making the story darker and edgier (not to mention a whole lot steamier!) fit the premise of the book. I didn't want to gloss over the gritty parts--particularly the reality and consequences of the decisions Tara and Ryan have made in their lives.

How long did it take to develop your characters for this book?

A long time! I did several rewrites on the opening chapters because, of course, I didn't want the characters (even the secondary ones) to be perfect and flawless--or oblivious to the realities of their situations. Tara and Ryan have many redeeming qualities, to be sure, but I wanted them to be very real. These are people who have made choices based on survival and necessity, and the majority of the time, their decisions are quantifiable as cause and effect. But as they evolve, they can look back and see how maybe they turned a few wrong corners and need to make amends. I love redemption stories, and this one is rife with revelations and atonement.

Why this story at this time?

Quite simply, it felt right. The storyline and the characters fell into place so perfectly, I felt compelled to write this book, even though it's a completely different type of romance. I love the dark side of it and the depth of the characters. I also love that nothing about the plot is easy to iron out. There are some serious landmines to navigate, and I like how my characters opened their eyes and realized they had two choices: give up or fight for what they want.

What are your thoughts on First Person verses Third Person? Which is your preference?

I love first person, to be honest, but it has to be the right story. Some stories I simply can't write (or read) in first person. This one is in first person, both from the heroine's and the hero's perspectives. I had to strategically tackle that uncommon approach so there's no disruption to the reader, and I think the way it's laid out has a great flow with a lot of emotional impact. Plus, I truly loved writing a hero in first person. That was a new experience for me and I feel I delved much deeper into the alpha male's head than I do when writing in third person.

What is your re-writing and editing process? Do you let anyone read your work in progress before it goes to your editor?

I am incredibly fortunate to have amazing editors! I have wonderful critique partners, too, but for this story, I needed the professional advice of my editor, Briana St. James, to help me address some of the touchier subjects in the book, and of course work with the fact that I have two different POVs in first person. Her expertise and insight was invaluable to the process, and I felt so much more comfortable taking a few risks because of her!

What are you working on now?

There is a sequel to Backseat Mistress in the works, featuring the secondary characters, Katie, Del and Candace. Another unorthodox romance, but definitely an explosive one!

I'm also finishing the next two stories in the Body Scenes series, which has received great reviews! I have several big surprises in store for the fans of this series!

What advice do you have for aspiring writers?

I used to believe you had to write what someone told you to write. Fit the mold, chase the trends, that sort of thing. That idea no longer holds weight with the advent of digital publishing. So my best advice is to write what's in your heart, not what something "thinks"e; you should write. A book written from the heart is worth its weight in gold!

Anything special you want to tell the readers about yourself?

I love when someone feels compelled to send me an email regarding one of my stories. I treasure them--so please don't hesitate to write! Calista@calistafox.com Also, visit my blog for great recipes, excerpts, news and contests. www.keepingitsimpleandsexy.blogspot.com And, of course, my website has all my titles and current info! www.calistafox.com Follow me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/calistafox and I'm just getting rolling with Twitter at www.twitter.com/calistafoxbooks.

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