Name Frank Noir

Age 56

Where are you from

I was born in Denmark and moved to Berlin, Germany ten years ago. I’m married – with no children – and work as a web developer

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?

My first full-length novel, “Naked Circus”, was released March 1. I’m currently working on my next story, which may end up as a novel – or maybe a slightly shorter format. We’ll see.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I remember writing as soon as I learned how to read. At some point my father bought a typewriter, and I would borrow it when he was at work, writing short stories, poems and such. When I hit puberty, I found that I enjoyed writing down my sexual fantasies. And as I grew up, I enjoyed refining my craft, writing proper erotic short stories good enough to share with the public.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I’m not sure how to answer this. Seeing my words typewritten on the page, reading my first piece of reader feedback or my first Amazon review, seeing my work published in physical form – all of these experiences were exciting, but I probably saw myself as a writer ever since I started.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

My first book, “Lusting after Michiko” was my first attempt at writing something longer than my ordinary short stories. I deliberately constructed a plot that would lead to as many sex scenes as possible (including a surreal dream sequence) – and then combined the elements of urban alienation, a faceless stalker, an exotic female lead, and some dominant/submissive overtones.

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?

The best negative criticism I ever got was that “the sex was over-described”. Yes, I thought – that’s the effect I’m after: I want the erotic scenes to be vividly graphic and over-the-top – I want the reader to wallow in sensory overload. Lately I’ve deliberately toned down the narrative – telling the rest of the story in a basic, minimalist fashion. If my books were movies, the narrative would be in black and white and only the sex scenes in full color.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

I like teasing the reader with my titles. When looking at my books or individual short stories, the reader already knows they’re about sex. So when I give a story an ambiguous title like “The Secretary” or “The Bath Attendant”, the reader will already start guessing who those characters are and what’s going to happen to them.
My latest book takes place in a circus, so I wanted the word “circus” in the title. And I felt that the word “naked” was a nice way of implying that there is some sex going on – without actually giving away any of the plot.

Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

I used to say that my stories were merely entertainment – inspiration for the reader’s own private fantasies. But as I became friends with several erotic authors I became aware that there was a huge debate going on: Should erotica aim to inspire responsible behaviour and set up role models? Or should it be allowed to happily flaunt every twisted depravity our sexual imagination is capable of?
I strongly believe in the latter. It is even explicitly stated in my book “Orgasm Offender” – that even our most depraved fantasies are part of who we are – and whatever pleasure we derive from indulging in those fantasies is nothing to be ashamed of. It is one of those safety valves that any civilized society desperately needs.

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic and are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

I can only write what turns me on personally – and so, every story of mine is a kind of window to my fantasy life. But I almost never draw on my own real life experiences. One exception is my short story “My Naked Neighbour” (in “Tales of Lust – Vol. 2), which is based on a female neighbour across the street who didn’t seem to mind walking around naked in front of her window. However, the story goes far beyond my actual experience, dealing instead with what could have happened.

Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most? a mentor?

Reading the great philosophers (like Nietzsche) always challenge the way I think. And some books on psychology (mainly mindfulness-based therapy) have taught me a lot about how the mind works.

Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest and who  is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

I rarely discover new authors. I very much like the work of Julian Barnes. I admire his ability to tackle existential and emotional themes in an engaging and likeable way.

Fiona: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

My readers.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

I’d love to. But at present, I don’t make nearly enough money off my books. I still need my day job.

Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

There are always minor characters that could have been more developed. On the other hand, all elaboration will always slow down the pace.

Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

I started writing as soon as I learned to read. And as I began to read serious literature, I began emulating my favourite authors.

Fiona: Can you share a little of your current work with us?

There is an excerpt from “Naked Circus” here: http://franknoir.com/masturbation-monday-excerpt-from-naked-circus/

Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Ironically, the sex scenes (although they are basically the main focus of my books). There are only so many ways in which to describe the sexual act. And when writing yet another sex scene for my current work in progress, I sometimes fear I’m repeating myself.  There may be something obsessive about insisting on so many explicit sex scenes in every book. But on the other hand, that may be part of my style.

Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?

I travel a lot around Europe, but no book-related trips so far.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

I usually design them myself, but bought a design on Fiverr for the latest one.

Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?

 

Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

“Naked Circus” was my first attempt at NaNoWriMo. Which for me was also the first time I consistently tracked my progress. I learned that I’m quite a slow writer – and that to bring a sparsely written story to 50,000 words, you need quite a bit of plot.

Fiona: If any of your books was made into a film who would you like to play the lead

My books are explicitly pornographic, and I’m not really up to date with the currently available talent in to porn industry (though Nacho Vidal or Rocco Siffredi would probably make excellent male leads). But I’d like it to be produced by the very classy French company Marc Dorcel. They’d be sure to cast the most gorgeous women. And the British Harmony Pictures are great at creating moods and atmosphere. Perhaps a co-production …

Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?

Read a lot – and write all the time. A writing session that results in only a few paragraphs – or none at all – is still better than not writing.
And learn how to deal with criticism. Some criticism may destroy you – but is really irrelevant. Some may seem unreasonably harsh – but in reality makes useful points. Learning to distinguish between useful and useless criticism is a never-ending struggle – but an incredibly important one.

Fiona: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

It’s okay. Your sexual fantasies are okay, no matter how kinky. And if my books can help you derive pleasure from my fantasies, I have achieved my goal.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

Malcom Lowry: “Under the Volcano”

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

No. But I know I started reading at a very early age.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

I’m acutely aware of the absurdity of life – and surreal humour can make me laugh out loud. Unfortunately, I also struggle with anxiety and depressive thought patterns and often cry from an overpowering sense of futility.

Fiona: Is there one person pass or present you would meet and why?

I always like to talk to creative people – especially musicians – and have been lucky enough to meet quite a few. From the past, I’ve been fascinated by the Marquis de Sade for years, and would be curious to find out what he was really like.

Fiona: What do you want written on your head stone and why ?

I don’t want a headstone. I’d rather have people remember my life than my death.

Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies ?

Playing and composing music, traveling, and reading.

Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?

I’m a big fan of British crime series – “Broadchurch” and “Sherlock” are among my favourites. And the wife and I are currently re-watching “Mad Men”, which may possibly be the best tv series ever written.
Among my favourite films are a number of Terry Gilliam films (“Brazil” in particular), “Fight Club” and “Pulp Fiction” (the dialogue in the latter is to die for).

Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music

I love to sample new food when traveling, but will always return to Chinese crispy duck pancakes. I don’t really have a favourite colour, but I tend to wear all black all the time. I’m a huge music fan, and my tastes are too numerous to mention. But I’ll always line up for a LCD Soundsystem or TV On The Radio gig.

Fiona: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done?

I was a moderately successful musician at one point – and I would have loved to continue in that field.

Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? If so what is it?

http://franknoir.com

 

All my books can be found on my website:
http://franknoir.com/ebooks/

 

And my Amazon page:

https://www.amazon.com/Frank-Noir/e/B00HZTI01K

 

Unfortunately, as I write under a pen name and am very concerned about privacy, I can’t offer you a photo of myself at the moment.
Feel free to use a photo of any of my books or whatever you find fitting. Perhaps browse my Pinterest page for inspiration:
https://de.pinterest.com/franknoir/sexy/