Sex, seduction and fantasy are a few themes that self-published author Jamie-Lee Richards frequently explores in the various publications she undertakes.

Whether it’s her book ‘Shhh…’, poetry or short stories, Richards tends to successfully transport readers to a well-curated world that people often get lost in once she puts pen to paper.

Here are 10 questions with poet and author J-L Richards:

1. When did you know that you had a talent for writing?

I knew I had a talent for writing in sixth form when I wrote a series of short stories and my friends loved them. I had started writing poetry a few years prior.

2. How has being a creative writer helped you?

Being a creative writer has helped me in my professional and educational journey. Writing reports of any kind comes easily to me as did the many essays I had to do as a humanities major.

3. What is your favourite genre to write about and why?

Though a bit taboo, I love writing erotica. I love creating passionate moments, taking people on a mental journey and stimulating their senses with my words. That aside, writing poetry is a more personal passion of mine.

4. How would you describe your style of writing?

I believe my writing style is contemporary, heavily descriptive and stylistic. It has been influenced by years of exposure to English Literature, so, I hope my writing connects with my readers mentally, physically and emotionally.

5. Where does your inspiration come from?

I take inspiration from almost anything and anywhere. A person’s laugh, how the sky looks, a passing emotion, anything. I find that my creativity can latch on to any small detail and that somehow becomes something new.

6. Tell us about ‘Shhh…’

‘Shhh…’ began as a series of short stories I wrote for my friends in my late teens. They loved them so much I continued to write more parts and eventually, I convinced myself to write a book. I was motivated by the positive feedback and I was eager to please my “audience”. Years later, I self-published in January 2020 using Kindle direct publishing. It remains untouched and is imperfect but I wanted to stay true to that bright-eyed teenager who wrote it. I hope to publish an edited version someday.

7. Do you have plans of making a name for yourself in the literary world?

I do have plans to someday make a name for myself in the literary world, especially on the local scene but I think I have a lot of work to do first. My writing has changed since I wrote ‘Shhh…’ all those years ago, even though I only published it a few years ago.

8. Are there any literary creatives who you look up to?

My very first inspiration was a spoken-word poet named Alysia Harris. I first encountered her work on HBO’s: Brave New Voices and I simply fell in love with how she would transform into her message. She became her work before my eyes and I hope to someday deliver poetry in that fully immersed way. My erotic inspirations are Sylvia Day, Zane and Eric Jerome Dickey. Worth mentioning is our own local writer, K Sean Harris, I’ve read almost all of his books and I have a small collection of his work.

9. Do you have any other publications on the horizon?

Presently, I’m focusing on honing my craft and solidifying who I am as a writer. So I don’t have anything for immediate release at the moment. However, in the coming years, I’m hoping to release an anthology, ‘Shhh… II’ and a surprise novel that’s a very different piece of work. In the meantime, the short stories will keep coming and I hope that keeps the interest of my readers.

10. Where can we find your work?

My book is available on Amazon in both print and for Kindle. I still write short stories and those are available for free on WordPress at www.thatgirliwant.Wordpress.com.