Is your name really Mary Hausen?
No, of course not. For various reasons I like to keep my private life private but I can say that I have affiliations to the name I've chosen.

 Why don't you want people to know about your writing?
    Are you ashamed that you write romance?
Actually I'm proud of my writing. I'm proud of the fact that I have managed to not only finish a book but also to find a publisher for it. I enjoy reading romance and I enjoy writing it even more. Unfortunately, writing doesn't yet pay for the day to day bills and I'm not sure that my employer would be as understanding as my readers and friends.

 But it's not just romance is it? It's erotica.
Actually my first book is Romantica. The word is a trademarked term to describe the books published by Ellora's Cave. As my first book is appearing with them, I can call that one book Romantica. But yes, I write erotica. Sometimes it's nice to know what happens behind the curtains and of course it makes me horny as hell. That's good for my marriage.

 So you're married?
Yes, happily and with children. And that's as much as I would like to say about my private life.

 Back to writing erotica, what is the difference between erotica and pornography?
The audience? Seriously though, pornography tends to centre on men and is written to fulfil male needs. It tends to go straight to the point and there are very few emotions. In erotica, women are the targeted market and the books tend to show a strong emotional development between the two main characters. More like a romance with extras..

 Why do you think erotica/romance books continue to sell so well?
Reading is a form of escapism. Romance books make us happy. I'm sure that scientists will one day discover that they tickle that same feel-good place in the brain as chocolate. Only books have no calories and we can still carry them around in our purses.

 How did you start writing?
As most authors will say, I can't remember. I've always dabbled. The turning point probably came with Lord of the Rings in 2000. I joined a group of lasses on the net and started to turn out Fan Fiction. I've never looked back since.

 Tell us about your first book.
Even Sex Faeries get the Blues began as a birthday present for a dear friend on the net. Her on-line name is Viv and that was the beginning of Viv the Virgin. I received so much positive feedback for the short story, I realised that Muriel, Viv and co deserved a little more. A second chapter followed and before I knew it, I'd written a whole book. And it hasn't stopped there. Muriel and her friends seem to have taken over my life.

 So we can expect to hear more from the Sex Faeries?
Oh yes. Right at this moment, I am writing the adventures of Fiona the Fire Faery. She has a penchant for strong men in uniform. Right now she's trying to save the life of Aaron, a young man who really needs to find out what's important in life.