Demon Esha is the beginning of a three book series following the protagonist Rachel on her life-changing journey. “It’s letting yourself feel every feeling. It’s fulfillment and satisfaction mixed with yearning for more…” The Demon Esha Trilogy is all about Rachel finding and accepting herself, working through shame and her preconceived notions about sexuality. The author, Mel Smith, has crafted a unique erotica novel that fans say they couldn’t put down; it’s “steamy from beginning to end.” Have you been looking for something new and exciting? Look no further! We’re happy to have this opportunity to ask Mel Smith some questions about her debut book, what’s in store for the future of this trilogy, and to learn some more about the author herself.
How many books have you written and which is your favorite?
While I dappled in poetry and wrote a novel in high school, this is my first published book. This book is my favorite because it touches on what some consider a sensitive topic. It is also my favorite because it is something I’ve always dreamt of doing and finally did!
What part of the book did you have the hardest time writing?
I felt like I sort of plateaued or had a little bit of writer’s block around chapter three. I can’t tell you how many times I erased and rewrote some of the religious talk. I felt like it was important background information but I didn’t want to bore my readers with the topic either. I’m not sure I would change it if I could go back, but it is definitely my least favorite chapter.
What part of the book was the most fun to write?
My favorite part to write was in chapter seven when Rachel goes chasing after James. Satan intervenes and he is just so smooth and classy. Rachel resists his advice at first and then slowly starts listening to him. Their interaction was fun to write and I could picture the whole encounter perfectly. She was so angry and irritated and he remains so calm and collected as he swoops in and saves her from a huge mistake.
Which of the characters do you relate to the most and why?
Oh Rachel! That girl is my twin, I am sure of it! Her life is somewhat like a roller coaster but she loves it. She can go from being confident and strong to crumbling with emotions in the blink of an eye. Luckily she has Esha to help steady her storm. To the outside world, Rachel appears to be a good mom and loving wife, which she is, but not many people know about her inner layers. She is quiet and doesn’t have any real close friends. She lives her dreams though, and is so happy when Esha joins her and becomes her confidant.
I feel like Rachel and I are kindred spirits. We both have struggled with the same simplistic realities and have always questioned life deeply. I am sure if Rachel were real, she would be my regular partner-in-crime and best friend.
If you’re planning a sequel, can you share a tiny bit about your plans for it?
Demon Esha is the first book in a trilogy. It is the background book for Rachel and Esha’s experiences that continue unfolding in the next two books. The second book focuses more intensely on Rachel’s personal life, including her origin.
What is a significant way the book has changed since the first draft?
When I started writing this book, I knew I wanted it to be a trilogy but I had no idea of the twists and turns it would take. Esha “crossing over” was not something I had included in the first draft but as I wrote it, I thought it added another level of intrigue that actually turns out to be rather important in the next book.
What perspectives or beliefs have you challenged with this work?
Writing is a lot harder than people realize. It is incredibly time consuming and leaves you feeling so raw and exposed. I suppose it is my subject matter, but I have really struggled with wondering if I should write some of the things that I have written. I had to look past my sometimes guarded mindset and grasp hold of the fact that my writing is good, that my story is good, that I am not going to burst into flames for having the audacity to write about something so taboo. Once I realized all of that is true, writing flowed much better, but it is something I do have to remind myself of periodically.
What inspired the idea for your book?
I started writing this book while sunbathing in a cold brook in late springtime. I do mean in, not near. I had my chair set up in the water and notebook out. My mind was wandering and I was thinking about demons and how society has always taught us how they are bad and dangerous. I started thinking about how amazing it would be to befriend one; how maybe they weren’t all bad. I thought about how fun it would be to have a demon mentor. That is how Rachel and Esha came to be.
How would you describe your book’s ideal reader?
My book’s ideal reader is open-minded and sexually adventurous, at least in theory. They may not act out their own private desires but they at least have them. They are courageous and fun-loving, always interested in a naughty, entertaining story or two.
How much research did you need to do for your book?
I did a bit of research about different demons before settling on the demon of Desire. A lot of this book, specifically the religious undertones came from my own personal experiences growing up. Most of my research was about the publishing aspect as I had no idea how to go about doing any of that.
How important was professional editing to your book’s development?
I chose to write and edit my book myself. I was being stubborn and frugal and my book has a certain tone that I didn’t want to get lost with an editor. I’m sure there are grammatical errors, though hopefully not too many! I wrote my book on paper first, then typed it, then printed it and hand-edited it twice before reading it out loud to my husband. Reading it to him really helped me with the flow and I often made more changes as I read. Would I like a traditional editor next time? I certainly would but we’ll see.
What was your hardest scene to write and why?
The hardest part for me to write was in chapter five when Satan is trying to explain the different levels of Hell. I kind of thought the imagery with the Salt and Pepper groups was a little confusing, but I was trying to get the readers to visualize the situation. I couldn’t really figure out a better way to write it and I didn’t want to delete the scene, so I just left it like it was.
What characters in your book are most similar to you or to people you know?
Rachel reminds me of myself and James is a lot like my own husband, except my husband definitely does not draw or sketch. Esha is in a league of her own and I have no one to compare her to in real life.
How long did it take you to write this book?
All together, I’d say this book took me about a year to write. I would write sporadically. My own life was very busy at the time with my daughter graduating high school and all that goes along with that. I had to be in the right frame of mind. I wrote all summer after she graduated and sent my book to the publisher at the end of August. The whole process took a lot longer than I thought it would but I learned so much from it and it will be interesting to see how long the rest of the books take as this is my primary focus now.
How did you come up with the title for your book?
I wanted a simple, crisp title for the book. I wanted something that would catch people’s interest and lure them in. I really like the format of the title on the cover page. I wanted “Demon” in fading out letters and “Esha” in big, bright, yellow letters. I love it. Esha means desire so it was very fitting. I first started calling it Demon Esha just because that is what came to mind, but it stuck and I think it’s perfect.
Would you and your main character get along?
Rachel and I would be best friends. Oh how I long to have a friend like her! We have so much in common and I can just imagine her coming over for coffee every morning and us vacationing together. I think Rachel, Esha, and I would make quite the trio!
If you could meet your characters, what would you say to them?
I would tell Esha how much I admire her spirit and charisma. I would ask her to teach me her ways and show me to how to be more assertive. I would probably flirt with her! Rachel and I would have an instant connection. I would tell her how much I understand her insecurities and desires. I would encourage her to keep being true to herself and I would beg her to share Esha with me! I would tell James he’s the luckiest man alive. I would also ask him to draw me naked, just like the Titanic girl.
Find the author
Becoming Esha: Demon Esha Trilogy
In this steamy second book of the Demon Esha Trilogy, Rachel’s entire outlook on life changes in the blink of an eye leaving her feeling alone and shattered. As she searches for answers, she risks losing the relationships she’s made along the way. Esha tries to coax and guide her but Rachel is different now. Will Rachel melt under the impending pressure, or will she allow herself to grow and change and be forged into someone better? Will she push her handsome husband away in the process of finding herself? Buckle up as this sultry ride with Rachel and Esha is a bumpy one!
