Getting personal with Shannon Leigh-the angel

Okay, let's face it. We all have more than one side to us and we tend to spend more time expressing ourselves in one way or another. I thought I'd share a little bit about myself on a more personal level. Here goes...

Since I tend to be more shy until I get comfortable with people, I'd say I spend more time being an angel. I'm typically quiet, and easily get embarrassed. Despite the fact that I write erotic romance, my face typically turns a lovely shade of scarlet when asked, "what do you write?" It seems to be worse when asked by a guy than a woman. I suspect it has to do with the old stereotypes of how women are supposed to be quiet and demure, and under no circumstances are they to think about, talk about or--heaven forbid--enjoy sex.
While I'm not old by any means (39 is not old! Unless you ask my kids)I guess I still let myself be governed by that stereotype, at times.

I had someone tell me one time, "you try to look all innocent to others, but I know the real you". He didn't mean it as a compliment. It was an insult and I took it to heart (I won't get in to that story). Anyway, I've thought about that more and more through the years and I've come to the conclusion that he was right, but not in the way he thought. I don't share the sexier side of Shannon Leigh with everyone. The side that can write erotic romances and create characters that readers love. I only share that side of her with the special people in my life who earn that trust and can appreciate the sultry side of me that peeks out every now and then. Unfortunately, he missed out on that opportunity. I look at that insult now as his loss, not mine.

So how do we break out of that stigmatism? How do women finally let down their hair and become the sexual diva's we all have inside? I think that's a journey we each have to take in our own way. For me, writing has really tapped into my inner goddess. My stories allow me to create women who are free, who are strong and don't take any crap from anyone, who are confident in themselves both in public and behind closed doors. Having a supportive people in my life-my husband, my friends, and my wonderful readers-have helped me become the woman I am. A woman I can be proud of. A woman who can be sweet and innocent and a seductress at the same time.

So what about this other side of Shannon Leigh? The saucy siren, the daring deva? Well you'll just have to hop on over to the Whipped Cream Blog and find out.