Interview by Lynne Jamneck http://www.lynne-jamneck.blogspot.com/

Alison Dubois is a second generation, Dutch-American, author of many erotic stories published in various Alyson anthologies, including the soon to be released Ultimate Lesbian Erotica 2007.

A Pacific Northwest native, she is currently touring and promoting her book, She Kissed Me, across America. 

What inspired you to collect the various photographs for She Kissed Me?

I wanted to reflect the community as much as possible, transcending as many barriers like age, ethnicities, class and income levels. I believe we are a very diverse community and as such, wanted this work to emphasize that fact.

Were there specific photographers that you wanted to include even before you started compiling the book?

Before I started the book? No. But once things got going, I was very excited and happy that Tee Corinne, Joyce Culver and Jane Easton Hamilton all chose to contribute. I have been a fan of Tee's work for eons!

How did your love of photography come about?

Wanting to "capture" the moment, per se, was a driving force. Seeing in my mind what I wanted, then trying to actualize the concept.

What has been the response to 'She Kissed Me' so far?

Fabulous. Women that have seen the book have been wonderfully supportive, affirming. Most of the bookstores have also been pretty receptive for signings. The biggest problem has been in getting the word out to let people know that the book exists, is available. 

Not having had a big budget to put the book together, what type of obstacles did you face while working on the project?

You name it! Several commercial publishers were interested, then pulled out once they realized I wouldn't provide "glitzy/glam oriented" photos. They told me in no uncertain terms that people don't want to see "ugly and or plain subjects." Needless to say, I disagreed with their perspective.

It has taken me a lot longer to produce than I had hoped, and having to do 90% of everything myself has made it time consuming, expensive and difficult.
In this last year I have been thankful and grateful that Rylee has stepped up to be so helpful. Some of my other friends occasionally have pitched in. With such a colossal undertaking, every little bit helps.

Was there ever a time when you just wanted to give it up?

Hell, yeah! Too many times to tell, really. Everything from getting people to participate to funding the project had me questioning myself. And just feeling frustrated at the lack of progress at times and things coming together. Now of course I'm glad I stayed with it. I feel like this project should be supported by the community because I believe it's an important piece of work. I also feel that if people knew about it they would be supportive.

Why the choice of having 'kissing' as a theme?

I think because from an early age I was intrigued by women being affectionate with one another, especially when exchanging kisses.
It occurred to me that if I found it appealing that perhaps others would too. Then I started examining the actual data on kissing within the community and found that there was a tremendous void. Hence the project was born.

You're a published author yourself; are you currently working on any new projects?

Always. I just got another story picked up by Alyson. Creating is the life's blood of a writer. I am mulling over the possibility of doing a sequel.  

What are some of your favorite books of 2006 so far?

Laurell K. Hamilton's work… I guess the dark side intrigues me. J I think Tracey Stevens & Katherine Wunder's book, Lesbian Sex Tips is also a vital piece of work but not sure if it was released this year or last.

What's the biggest challenge for you personally about being a writer?

Some of it is the day to day stuff, i.e. getting the work out there, getting it seen and received publicly while also working full time and trying to maintain some semblance of a relationship. It's a balancing act. But also the hope that the public will embrace my concepts/work. Community support is so important.

Tell us something about Alison Dubois no-one else knows...

No one else knows??? Hmm. Perhaps how difficult this has been for me to mix it up publicly, as I really am a pretty shy and introspective person.

What do you consider your best and worst attributes?

My best trait, perseverance, being grounded, KNOWING what I want and going for it. Worst, getting overwhelmed, wanting to crawl away in some hole in some remote place away from everybody, everything. Oops, did I just say that???
 
What advice would you give to aspiring writers trying to get their break in publishing?

Stay with it, no matter what. Believe in yourself, your work foremost. If you do, eventually it'll happen, come together.

If there is one book you'd like to see on the market right now, what would it be?

That's a tough one. I think maybe I'd like to see my colleague Rylee Brown get her book out there, Deny Not The Weeping Of The Moon, or my sister, Cindy Hellman finish her book, 36 Hours Till Midnight. I'm surrounded by writers!!!!

A happy writer is...

A working artist.