Authors Interviewing Characters: Paulette Stout

Love, Only Better centers on the intimate quest of my main character, twenty-eight-year-old Rebecca Sloane. When her ex storms out, his stinging bedroom insults linger. She begins the empowering task of connecting with her sexual self, but her magnetic connection with Kyle, a gorgeous new neighbor across the hall, complicates matters. Rebecca struggles to juggle her secret and blossoming relationship, wondering all the while whether she will ever be able to feel whole AND find love. 

For ladies conditioned to stay silent on bedroom matters, Rebecca is a brave role model who has found her voice. Let’s see what she has to say. 

Paulette: Thanks for coming today.

Rebecca: Sure thing.

Paulette: If any of my questions make you uncomfortable, please let me know.

Rebecca: (Laughs) I doubt you’ll be able to make me uncomfortable after what I’ve been through! 

Paulette: Yeah, maybe so. Let’s start at the beginning. 

Rebecca: The beginning when I felt like a broken freak or the beginning of my orgasm quest—oh, can I say orgasm?

Paulette: You just did.

Rebecca: (Laughs) It’s just a word that makes people squeamish. Masturbation, too. That’s a word people whisper, like it’s dirty or wrong. It’s really too bad.

Paulette: Why do you think that is?

Rebecca: I think women are trained to think of ourselves last, even in bed. So, focusing on our own pleasure is an odd concept. Like it’s selfish. But I was determined to give it a try.

Paulette: Is that what kept you going? Trying to find answers about your own pleasure? 

Rebecca: Absolutely. There was a huge disconnect for me. I figured if sex was supposed to be that amazing, then I needed to figure it out.

Paulette: Coming here you had to know I’d ask “the question.” 

Rebecca: Here it comes…

Paulette: How could you not know what an orgasm felt like? 

Rebecca: (Sighs) Really? I mean, why WOULD I know what an orgasm was? Let me ask you a question: when do we ever talk about what an orgasm is? How to get one? What it feels like when it’s happening? Do you talk about that with your friends? 

Paulette: No, not at all.

Rebecca: Right?!? So, my comment back would be, count yourself lucky to know. But don’t judge me for not knowing and wanting to find out. It’s one of life’s most powerful experiences, and I just wanted in. Why is that so wrong?

Paulette: It isn’t wrong at all. You’re just treading where few wander, talking about orgasms. 

Rebecca: Well, more people should be wandering there. It’s so frustrating. Naysayers have no idea how many women struggle with this stuff while thinking they’re alone. 

Paulette: How many, do you know?

Rebecca: It’s a huge majority. Only 33% of hetero women climax during sex. Thirty-three percent! That’s nothing. Seventy-five percent of hetero men climax every damn time. 

Paulette: For real?

Rebecca: Yeah, for real. That means my questioning was totally normal. Do you know what a huge relief it is? My whole life, I thought I was a broken freak of nature, and I wasn’t at all.

Paulette: So, how has this experience changed you? 

Rebecca: Well, first off, sex is amazing. (Laughs) I had no idea what I was missing. Plus, it’s awesome to have such a giving partner. My boyfriend, Kyle. He’s just, he’s… well. I love him to pieces.  

Paulette: Anything else?

Rebecca: I’m surprised how much my confidence has grown. I also feel at home in my skin, maybe for the first time ever. Even my dopey boss noticed the difference. Oh shoot—

Paulette: No worries, we’ll strike the dopey boss comment.

Rebecca: Thanks. (Laughs) I still work for her. Anyway, I definitely stand up for myself way more than before. I’m still a work in progress, but that gaping hole in my psyche when it comes to sex—that’s gone forever. 

—

Paulette Stout is the fearless author of Love, Only Better, a contemporary romance and bedroom rallying cry for women everywhere.

Born in Manhattan, Paulette is the gold-star wordsmith and owner of her content marketing agency, Media Goddess Inc., where she crafts content for her list of global clients. Prior to MGI, Paulette led content and design teams at several tech companies, and one educational publisher where her elimination of the Oxford comma caused a near riot.

Paulette’s prior career as a media buyer/planner in New York earned her three industry awards, including a MediaWeek All-Star. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Cornell University and her MBA in Marketing from the Lubin School of Business, Pace University.

You can usually find Paulette rearranging words into pleasing patterns while wearing grammar t-shirts. 

https://www.paulettestout.com/

LOVE, ONLY BETTER

For Rebecca, sex is a joke missing a punchline. No crashing waves. Only pangs of inadequacy. No way she’s dating anyone again. At least, until she can take “clueless in bed” off her dating resume.

When Kyle moves in across the hall, his blue eyes and black motorcycle are impossible to resist. It’s the worst time for her to meet someone this dreamy. If he learns her secret, he’ll think she’s a freak and bolt like the ones who came before him. 

It’s risky, though. To get past whatever’s blocking her in bed, Rebecca needs expert help. Sure, it’s unorthodox, but she’s desperate for answers. Rebecca doesn’t expect anyone to understand—least of all Kyle. If he learns her secret, he’ll think she’s a freak and bolt.

Just once, Rebecca wants to get the guy and everything that comes along with it. Will she forever be forced to choose between feeling whole and being loved?

PRAISE FOR LOVE, ONLY BETTER

“Stout excels at describing and dramatizing Rebecca’s issues, seizing a welcome opportunity to address common (but often avoided) issues surrounding female sexuality and intimacy… perfect for readers who enjoy angst-filled romance.” — BookLife Reviews

“I loved the feminism and the overdue mentions of women’s basic needs. I definitely recommend this book.”

“This book!!!! I loved it with all of my heart. It is a cute slow burn that is laugh out loud hilarious.”

“I loved this! As soon as I began reading it, I couldn’t put it down!! I really connected with the main character.”

“This book was good! The way that Kyle treats Rebecca is just *chefs kiss*”

“I really loved this book. Female sexual exploration should be a larger topic explored within popular culture.”

“If you’re looking for a book with its heart open, just waiting to draw you in, look no further.  I really recommend it!”

“The chemistry between Kyle and Rebecca had me on the edge of my seat. I definitely recommend this book.”

 

BUY HERE

 

Tags: featured, women writers

Category: Contemporary Women Writers, On Writing