Mel Smith’s journey into the world of writing ignited in her elementary school years, fueled by an enduring passion. For many, writing serves as an avenue for self-expression, and you can sense this fervor in an author’s words. The Demon Esha Trilogy follows Rachel’s encounters with Esha, the Demon of Desire, promising an enthralling experience. These erotica novels stand out by encouraging self-discovery and broadening perspectives. In this interview, we look into Mel’s trilogy and her motivations.
What inspired you to write this book?
Inspiration for this book stemmed from my need to write down my own thoughts. It quickly spun into this fictional story depicting Rachel’s friendship with the demon of desire, but the original reason for writing this book was to help shed light on an otherwise confused subject. Polyamory is very misunderstood. I know there are some minds out there that will never change regardless of information, but I hope this book helps other people realize relationships are relationships. Differences are okay. Relationships are hard and can be tricky no matter what box you check or status you claim. There are certainly benefits to monogamy and there are also benefits to nonmonogamy and there shouldn’t be shame or ridicule on either side. This book has been a fun endeavor as I’ve tried to creatively engage my readers in a variety of situations. To me, Rachel is a woman trying to figure herself out, which is all any of are doing.
Can you tell me about the book?
Everyone has that one friend, or wishes they did, who completely understands and supports them. That one friend who accepts you for your flaws and always encourages and pushes you be the person you want to be. Esha is this friend for Rachel. Together they fumble their way through Rachel’s steamy, erotic, albeit sometimes mundane life. Esha coaxes Rachel from her shell a bit and helps her realize the beauty in her own soul. Rachel and her husband James engage in a polyamorous lifestyle where you never really know what is going to happen around the next bend in the road. They love each other completely and have a beautiful life and family, but also extend their desires to include dating other couples and engaging in extramarital play. This book delves into Rachel’s thoughts, actions, doubts and joy surrounding such a lifestyle.
I wanted to write this trilogy to both entertain the lifestyle community as well as hopefully show people who may not be in the lifestyle that it is not as taboo as some may think. People tend to be afraid of things they don’t understand and the polyamorous lifestyle is often misunderstood. It is not just everyone having wild and crazy sex with strangers as some may think, it’s quite the opposite. It’s about relationships and the effort and the work it truly takes to live authentically. I thought this book was a unique, fun, although at times raw way to explore this somewhat sensitive topic. It tackles religious indifferences that surround this topic, questioning what and why we automatically believe things we were taught as children. Demon Esha is a very introspective book as it follows Rachel’s journey. Book two is being edited right now and picks up right where book one left off!
What did you learn when writing the book?
Writing is very hard work! I’ve always enjoyed creative writing. I grew up writing short stories and poems regularly, but writing a novel with plans of it becoming a trilogy is much more complex than I realized at first. Making yourself write every day, even when you really don’t feel like it, is the hardest part for me. I’ve learned to focus on the big picture, to look ahead into the future and set goals for my own personal success. Sometimes it’s so hard to stay motivated, but I’m very passionate about my writing and it’s been a great experience so far. I’ve learned it’s ok and even good to be vulnerable.
This book covers a controversial topic and I’ve had to realize that it will not be accepted well by some people but that’s okay. I’ve learned to take pride in my work; to proudly say “I’m an author!” I was told as a young girl that writing was not a real job, and I’m telling you right now that person was wrong. I’ve always had the dream of going into a bookstore and seeing my book on the shelf. Dreaming is necessary, good, and I’m proud of myself for finally accomplishing my dreams!
What surprised you the most?
I’ve always been a shy person. I realize now shy isn’t the right description. Really, I just lacked confidence. I was always too concerned with what other people were thinking or saying about me, always quiet. Writing this book has helped me gain so much confidence. I wasn’t expecting that. I think it’s a combination of where I’m at in my life right now and finally seeing my work in print but I must say, it’s amazing! Writing is powerful!
The thing that has surprised me the most through all of this is I’ve discovered my favorite part of the process is when I read my book out loud to my husband. At first it felt a bit awkward but now it’s the part I look forward to the most. When I read out loud it helps me gauge the flow of my words and he is honest about telling me if it’s good or not. His feedback has become an essential part in the process. I never expected to enjoy reading to him so much!
What does the title mean?
Esha is the demon of desire. This book is about her relationship with my main character, Rachel, as she journeys through her polyamorous lifestyle. Esha is a constant friend for Rachel. She teaches her how to be more adventurous and daring, how to really accept her own life and choices fully.
Was the character inspired by a real person? If so, who?
Esha is a completely fictional character both in my book and in real life. Rachel however, is a reflection of my own self, different, yet similar. When my almost twenty year old daughter read my book, (against my warning her not to,) and was mortified, I calmly told her it was fiction based on some aspects of nonfiction and I wouldn’t specify which situations were real or imagined.
What do you think happened to the characters after the book ended?
I can’t really answer this question. You’ll have to read book two! 🙂
Do you miss the characters?
YES! If I go days without writing, I will miss them. When I lay in bed at night and listen to my husband snoring, more often than not I’m thinking about Rachel and James and what to write about next. I should start bringing my notebook to bed at night but then I’d never sleep. Sometimes I find myself in situations and I think “What would Esha say?” That’s when I smile to myself and know I’m writing good. I hope other people can relate to my characters. I love them!
