Interview With Mira O’Hart

1. How did you get into writing? What draws you to writing erotica?

I’ve always loved writing and language. It appeals to me that there are so many options in how to express something. I began writing this novel as a teen. It didn’t have its current form then; it was a compilation of short stories in my journal. It was a way of expressing thoughts and feelings that I didn’t have another way to express.

2. Do you identify as kinky in your personal life?

Currently I identify as a Sadomasochist. I’m drawn to multiple aspects of BDSM and have enjoyed scenes as a top and bottom and had a long term BDSM relationship.

3. If so, how does this affect your writing?

I think the fact that I have ‘played’ and felt and used the implements that I write about makes my work more authentic than a writer who has never had these experiences. For instance, someone who has never enjoyed a single-tail may assume they cause only pain, whereas I know they can bring immense pleasure in the right hands and when that person is finished with you- you’re thrilled to be a pile of goo at their feet. It’s this sensation I want to put across when aaron first meets his Master.

4. What do you feel are the things that make great works of erotica?

I think for the reader to find the scene ‘hot’ the writer has to first find it hot. My work tends to have a lot of M/m with BDSM elements but not a lot of explicit sex or graphic depictions. Why? Because the chaining and beating and groveling are what does it for me. There are only two actual ‘sex’ scenes in the book, because, for me, sex is not the focus.

5. Do you feel that erotica must always come across as ethical? Why or why not?

No. Readers need to exert their own judgement there. Some fantasies can be dark. In consensual BDSM scenes we negotiate them out and keep everyone safe. In a fictional world with fictional characters a writer can be free to take the reader on a more extreme ride. Is this the same as what we would actually want done to us? Perhaps not, but it’s great creative fuel for a fun consensual scene later. 

6. What projects are you currently working on?

I am currently working on book two of the series. When I need a break, I have another less developed piece that I play with. It may become a novel someday.

7. Besides being a writer, what would you like our readers to know what about you?

 I don’t fit well in any box. I’m a wiccan, I’m homoflexible, I am kind and loving and I’m a conservative. It’s terrifying to say that in today’s world, because you instantly get hated. I love animals. I have two cats I adore. I can’t wait for Covid to be over so that I can travel again or take in a museum or Broadway show. I’m fortunate to have a great family and friends, and I am still hoping to find a long- term lifestyle relationship (fingers crossed). 

8. Where can our readers find you online?

I’m on Fetlife frequently; I use Mira O’Hart as my profile name.

9. What would you say is your overall mission regarding your work?

To give life and expression to my characters. It was so fulfilling to publish book one. It’s an amazing feeling that people around the world are reading my words. This was my dream for decades as my characters took their first breaths in the pages of my diary.

10. Any closing words?

I’d like to try to explain the world/setting a bit. In my fictional world: The United States are still operating under the Articles of Confederation – ie. The States never unified, slavery remained legal in some States and not in others, but it’s not a North/South thing. With today’s racial tensions, I had some fears that people might misconstrue it as a racially motivated work. It is not. In book two I might get to play around more with how differently some States developed. Technology is quite different (think 1940’s or so). Not everyone has cars, or phones. No computers, no cell phones. TV’s are very new and expensive. Also, slave names are intentionally lower case, like we do in the scene. The exception is Sugar, because she doesn’t even listen to me.

Mira O’Hart credits her life long love of words, books and language to her Mom, who read to her every day. “Bookie” was one of her first words and publishing her own novel became a goal by age 10. Mira studied Journalism and Psychology at Penn State and later returned for a Master’s Degree in Education. Her varied career has included journalism, community mental health and school counseling.

Her passions include reading, writing, animals and travel. Italy and Greece are two of her favorite places visited so far. Her love of the written word has inspired her to study ancient languages including Latin, Egyptian Hieroglyphs and Summarian. She lives in North Eastern Pa with her cats, Tilly and Chloe.