Interview: Anne Rice, author of 'Beauty's Kingdom'
HEA's Jessie Potts chats with Anne Rice about the new Beauty's Kingdom (out today!) in her Sleeping Beauty series and also asks her some fun questions.
About the book (courtesy of Viking):
Mega-bestselling author Anne Rice, writing as A.N. Roquelaure, returns to the mysterious kingdom of Queen Eleanor in this new chapter of her Sleeping Beauty series. When the great queen is reported dead, Beauty and Laurent return to the kingdom they left 20 years before. Beauty agrees to take the throne, but she insists that all erotic servitude be voluntary. Countless eager princes, princesses, lords, ladies and commoners journey to Beauty's realm, where she and her husband usher in a new era of desire, longing and ecstasy. Provocative and stirring, Rice's imaginative retelling of the Sleeping Beauty myth will be adored by her longtime fans and new readers of erotica just discovering the novels.
Jessie's thoughts on Beauty's Kingdom …
When The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty came out in 1983, readers were drawn to this darkly erotic and vivid world of submission and slavery. I read the trilogy myself when I was young and … probably not supposed to read that mature of a book series, but it interested me. Years later, when I re-read the series as an adult, I understood the draw to Beauty's world, but at the same time was a bit troubled about how old Beauty was and how everything was extremely non-consensual. When I heard that Beauty's Kingdom was coming out, I was curious as to what other part of the story needed to be told, but I really enjoyed reading Beauty's Kingdom. The language is very similar to that in the first three books, but Beauty made the changes I wished were in the first book. The slaves had to volunteer (and be of age!). This ultimately changed the entire tone of the book for me. Instead of the secret terrifying trysts between the slaves, there was recreation time and, oh my, the lead pony? No longer did I feel guilt reading about the stables, but rather contentedness that all the ponies wanted, really wanted, and volunteered to be there.
There will be some readers who may be disappointed with the change of tone in the story, and of course, the language won't be for everyone. I personally loved the volunteering and all of Beauty's ideas. This is a highly erotic book, like every-page erotic. Come into Beauty's Kingdom with the knowledge that there are slaves, ponies, puppies, kittens and a whole lot of open loving between everyone … oh, and whips, paddles, turntables and harnesses.
Jessie: Hello, Anne, and welcome to HEA! There are so many fans of your Sleeping Beauty series. What made you decide to return to it?
Anne: Times have changed, and I felt strongly I had more to say, more to write, more fiction to create here.
Jessie: What can readers expect from Beauty and her Prince in this installment?
Anne: Well, they can expect a more dramatic book, with a slightly stronger plot; but like the earlier books, it is written for pleasure. It is a book that believes sex is good and can be fun — without literal darkness or hurt or violence.
Do we get to see Beauty take on a more dominant role as she strives to create new laws?
Anne: Yes, Beauty takes a more dominant role as Queen, but Beauty sees her role as the protector of the slaves of the Kingdom, more than anything else. Beauty loved being a slave. She knows what the slaves want from their masters and mistresses. She's pretty hard on those who don't deliver what the slaves want and feel they need.
What was your favorite scene to write in Beauty's Kingdom?
Anne: Actually, my favorite scenes are those involving a character named Prince Dmitri. He was just a minor player in the earlier books, but he returns to Beauty's Kingdom wanting to be part of the new reign. And he has much to bring to the quality of life in the Queen's village.
Jessie: What character would be fun to cross over from one of your other series into Beauty's series?
Anne: Wow, I can't think of that! The Beauty series is so special, so unlike anything else I've ever written. I do think Lestat would have an awfully good time in Beauty's Kingdom if he had a chance to go there.
Jessie: What are you currently working on?
Anne: I'm currently working on several projects, but most importantly, a new novel with the Vampire Lestat.
Jessie: Who is your favorite character to write in any of your books?
Anne: Lestat is my favorite character. Always has been. I do have others I love dearly, but Lestat is my favorite.
Now for some rapid-fire questions …
Salty or sweet? Sweet. Chocolate is the best thing in the world.
Favorite writing snack? Hershey's Milk Chocolate and Diet Coke.
If Beauty loved candy, which kind would it be? Beauty would love chocolate-covered strawberries.
Last book you read? Gone With the Wind. Just finishing it for the second time.
Find out more about Anne and her books at annerice.com.