Moons Grove Press
gave me the chance to get to know some wonderful writers. They now feel like friends and extended family.
One of these is Fhionna Mac, a fellow femdom and a beautiful spirit. I feel lucky that she approached us with her project — a true-life story, fictionalized to protect kinksters and charm readers. When I read the sample she sent, I was hooked. This was a different kind of BDSM story. It was about an educated woman who sought out the world of kink because she knew she belonged there, and then became a figure of adoration to those she dominated. The elegantly detailed BDSM scenes are bizarre, ecstatic, and loving. YUM.
Over the months, getting to know about her life, her travels, her fascinating erotic journey in Scotland, where she first managed to find the magic and joy of BDSM, I can understand why she has a devoted following.
Her new book, BitterSweet, is not just based on the true life of a non-professional femdom (which in itself is exciting!), her imagination is flowing, playful, and sometimes diabolical! If you ever fantasized about serving a powerful woman who was driven to be a kinky dom, you will devour this book and fulfill her wish. Win-win!
After 30 years in the BDSM lifestyle, what moved you to write BitterSweet now?
FM: To be honest, I’ve had plans in place to write it for quite a while but I finally collated my notes for the story, based on wonderful memories and encounters, and finished it this year. It also feels like the right time because all things fetish are becoming much more mainstream. I’ve learned so much about the writing and publishing process and it’s been tremendous fun.
According to your biography, you attended your first fetish function with some trepidation! What drove you to attend the event — and how did you feel after you went? Do you think that engaging with BDSM Community events helped your own evolution as a femdom?
FM: I knew from a very young age that I felt a bit different to my friends at school. In primary school, when we were starting to talk about boys, (about age 10), they’d say things like ‘oh, I wish Mark or Johnny would notice me’ and I’d think things like I wish I could tie Orlando’s calipers together and play with his nipples (which I did get to do, in the end). So when I plucked up the courage in my late teens to buy Forum Magazine, which was dedicated to kinky stories and personal adds, I felt like a whole world had opened up. I bought it avidly every few months and it mentioned clubs for people who liked wearing latex and leather and who had fetishes but I felt like I had to do a bit more reading about it all before I sought out such a place.
When I got to an event in London I was amazed! From what I’d read, I knew I fitted into a Dominant role but had no idea what that meant really. I was shy and only had one outfit which consisted of a PVC corset and skirt and I stuck out like a sore thumb. I wasn’t deterred, though, and I knew I’d go to an event again but maybe closer to home in Scotland.
I found somewhere and my confidence grew really quickly. Very quickly, in fact. I taught myself how to use floggers really well and found that men wanted to vie for my attention! It was a powerful feeling.
What was it like to operate your own fetish club? In real life, what challenges did you face?
FM: It was hard work but so much fun too. I loved every second of it from helping to carry the huge pieces of dungeon equipment, loading vans etc, to running the main dungeon room during the night, making sure people were safe and played consensually and not under the influence of lots of alcohol.
There were normal things to do like getting insurance, hiring trustworthy staff etc but the main hurdle was finding a venue. There were lots of knock backs when they found out what type of event was running but in the end Violate ran for just over 16 successful years (under mine, my partner, 2 friends and my slave’s management) most of it in the same great venue in Glasgow but also in Edinburgh in the first few years.
You know my readers want to know about the sexy stuff! This book packs a lot of delicious Mistress/slave eroticism. What are the author’s favorite erotic scene(s) or interactions in the book?
FM: Oh there are so many! I love the scenes that include inflicting pain but I’d have to say my favourites are when subs and slaves are being tested in some way. It might not always include pain but it is always done with love and consideration (as well as consent, of course).
Some of my favourite steamy bits are when Fhionna is watching two subs being intimate with each other for her pleasure. So exciting! These are mostly scenes that include male-male action but there are occasions where female-male sub and female-female pleasures are depicted or alluded to.
What do you think readers will get from reading your book? I’m sure some of the scenes between Fhionna and Dog or with Aeneus will grab their erotic attention, but what other themes or experiences do you think will?
FM: I’m hoping that as well as the erotic(a) there are also parts where it might make people think about the nurturing side of Dominance. At the end of the day, anyone can use a flogger or cane but not everyone knows how to be the best Dom (or sub/slave, for that matter) that they can possibly be.
Fhionna is really experienced but hopefully, those who read the book, no matter what level they’re at, will notice there’s more to it than just hitting and being bossy (or a submissive doormat). There’s definitely passion and love there too. Devotion is very much a two-way street.
Your personality and upbeat nature ring through the book and love and strictness go smoothly hand in hand. What do you think other dominatrices can learn from your journey?
FM: That’s very kind. Thank you. The main thing, I think, is not to take yourself too seriously. All good relationships, based on BDSM or otherwise, are fun and hopefully filled with laughter, as well as honesty and loyalty to each other, no matter if it’s a couple or a Poly family. I see, all too often, doms who think they deserve respect just because they call themselves by a title, etc., and I really don’t think that’s the answer to a fulfilling relationship. For me, it’s about being completely honest with yourself about what you want and need but it’s also about listening to your sub/slave and taking into account their passions as well as your own. It’s certainly a ‘top heavy’ relationship but you’re both in it to be happy.
Is there anything else you’d like to say about your work?
FM: I’ve loved writing this book and I really hope it resonates, on some level, with those who choose to read it. Most of all I hope it’s devoured and enjoyed.
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