Intimate Interviews

Spicy Talks with @EverleighAshcroft

Hello AfterDark Lovers,

Today, we're beyond excited to sit down with the amazing Everleigh Ashcroft, the coffee-fueled mastermind behind the Amazon bestseller Federal Affair! Get ready to dive into her sultry stories, adventurous hobbies, and the inspiration that drives her creativity. You're in for a treat, and we can't wait for you to join us on this thrilling journey!

Shall we begin?

We'd love to get to know you better. Can you tell us more about yourself?

I've been writing professionally for 11 years. I'm also a landscape and wildlife photographer.

What made you take up the pen and start writing?

I loved to read fan fiction and decided to try writing my own. After one fanfic, I realized I wanted to create non fanfic stories, and I proceeded to write my next eight romance novels. 

What inspires you as an author?

Other authors who are amazing at their craft inspire me to be a better author myself. 

What inspired you to write your first steamy scene? Could you tell us more about that experience? Was it a slow buildup to a not-so-innocent kiss, or did your characters jump right into the action?

In Federal Affair, my first novel, my characters jumped right in with a drunken affair. I knew I wanted to write steamy romance, and I enjoyed writing this first scene. I went on to write everything from enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, to strangers to lovers. Each scene is completely different and equally fun!

Was writing "after dark" material something that occurred naturally to you, or was it a craft that you practiced till you perfected?

I definitely needed the practice! My first book, Temptation, was a total flop. I had no idea how to properly write. By my third novel, Tongue Tied, I felt like I'd found my niche and I was in the groove. It definitely took practice and patience, but I feel like I've grown immensely as a writer and I'm very proud of my writing now. 

Do you have any challenges that you face during writing, especially spicy or mature topics? And how do you overcome them?

My biggest challenge is writer's block. I tend to overcome it by reading other romance authors' work and getting inspired that way. 

What is one thing about writing that no one told you about, or what is one piece of advice you would like to share with other writers especially when it comes to writing AfterDark material?

It's tough! If you want to write really good quality material, it takes practice, practice, practice. But it's so worth the effort. 

What's the most scandalous thing you've ever written? (could be posted or deleted material)

My upcoming novel, S🟪🟪🟪, is about a pornstar who finds love with her boss. It's extremely spicy and I can't wait for everyone to read it. Chapter 1 is up now!

Do you have a favorite novel from the titles you've written and why is it your chosen one?

The Acadia Killer is probably my favorite I've written so far. The suspense and romance are so much fun in this book, and I feel like my writing really peaked with this one. The runner up would have to be Licensed to Kill. 

Are you a panster, or plotter, or both? How does that work for you?

I come up with a plot before I ever start writing. I make a list on my phone of all the little suspenseful details I can think of to add to the story. I write up a description of the book and then I run with it. This method has worked really well for me. 

Is there a dirty secret or salacious tryst about one of your characters that only you know but are willing to share? 

I make sure to include all the salacious material for my readers, but I will say my favorite tryst so far has been in the upcoming novel, S🟪🟪🟪. The porn scenes are so much fun to write!

Do you have a mentor or someone you look up to when it comes to writing?

I really look up to Sierra Kincade as an author. Her work is amazing! 

Do you have any writing projects you're currently working on? Any future titles your readers should look forward to?

I have several in the works! My readers can check out previews of my upcoming works on my Wattpad account. 

If you were a character in your story, who would you be and why?

I would love to be Mackenzie Vega from The Acadia Killer. I modeled this character after myself. She's a photographer for the national parks, which is something I absolutely adore doing in my spare time. She meets a ruggedly handsome park ranger, and I won't spoil it, but things get wild! 

If you had the opportunity to live anywhere in the world for a year to write a book that took place in that same setting, where would you choose and why?

Probably Alaska. I went there to do photography in 2022 and fell in love with it. I plan to write a novel based in Alaska soon. 

Do you have a favorite author? (On or off Wattpad)

Sierra Kincade

What is the most captivating novel you've read? Bonus points if it has spice.

The Body Work Trilogy by Sierra Kincade

Do you have any hobbies?

Cooking, reading (of course!), photography, mountaineering, hiking, backpacking

What's your favorite movie or TV series?

Fire Country has my heart!

What's your favorite food or cuisine?

I'm high maintenance on this one! Lobster!

What would be your version of a perfect vacation?

A couple months traveling arctic and antarctic locations! I'm obsessed with penguins and polar bears and would love to see them in the wild!

If you could, what is one thing you would tell your younger self today?

Work harder! It's worth the time and effort!

Before we wrap it up, do you have any message for your readers and possible future readers?

Thank you all so much for your continued support. It means the world to me to hear that you all enjoy my work.