A romance author and sex advice columnist who is guaranteed to make you laugh. Yes, there’s a lot to love about Victorian LIV ARNOLD…
Hello, Liv, welcome to MAXIM. Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m a romance author writing diverse books with humour and heart, and I give sex advice for women’s magazines and websites. I’m a supporter of mental health and turned to writing for anxiety therapy – medication and counselling didn’t improve my symptoms, so creativity drowns the overthinking by focusing on fictional characters and storylines. My novel Stepping Stone was in the celebrity 2022 Mother’s Day gift bags – I was so excited getting my book in the hands of big names.
Cool setting for your photo shoot.
Yes, the set was actually created at a studio on the Gold Coast. The Italian bedroom theme had plantation shutters and blinds to shoot shafts of natural sunlight through a window for a moody, stylish and sexy look.
When do you feel sexy?
I enjoy writing sex scenes in novels. When I started writing romance I thought, “How many ways can someone possibly have sex?” Boy, was I wrong. I love exploring different themes – my novel Etched in Stone had a theme of sex in public places, Stepping Stone has light BDSM and a sexual awakening and Law & Disorder uses props around the house.
What is your best asset?
When I meet someone, I introduce myself with a smile. I also hope I make people feel like they can be themselves.
What would people be most surprised to know about you?
I don’t know how to put a key on a keychain, swim, ride a bicycle, turn on a washing machine or use chopsticks. Oh, and my favourite stovetop burner is the one on the front left.
What have you learned about men over the years?
There’s not much awareness of men’s mental health. Compared to women, men are less likely to seek support and have a higher risk of suicide. Always check in on them, no matter how strong they appear. On a lighter note, man flu is very real.
What’s one thing men should always know about women?
Women want someone to make them very merry and take them around the world for one evening. No heavy breathers and “close talkers”. Men – make an effort. I watched a movie called Malibu Crush where two best friends pretend to be highly acclaimed film school students to declare their love for an ex-girlfriend. No-one’s done that for me before.
What do you look for in a man?
A hotdog with all the fillings, a majestic beast between the sheets and someone who can rise to the occasion.
Describe your ideal date.
A walk in the park while calling out inappropriate comments to passing strangers like, “I doubt the authorities would find the body” or “My uterus itches”.
What’s next for you?
My upcoming steamy romance novel, Stepping Stone, is released on July 11. As I’ve experienced anxiety most of my life, a percentage of my profits will go towards Anxiety and Depression Association of America. My main male character faces PTSD, anxiety and depression challenges. I got inspiration from a friend who served in the army in Afghanistan and it also features characters from the LGBTQ community.
Where would you like to be in five years?
To be the next Meredith Wild, J. Kenner and Cherry Adair. These New York Times bestselling authors write authentic characters with relatable issues, and I admire them so much. Their sex scenes have me reaching for the fan. ■
STEPPING STONE by Liv Arnold is out July 11
Status Update
NAME: Liv Arnold
HOME TOWN: Melbourne, Vic
BORN: April 30
FIVE-WORD SELF DESCRIPTION: “100% not a morning person.”
GIRL CRUSH: “Sophie Monk — hot and funny.”
LIFE MOTTO: “Choose not to be harmed and you won’t feel harmed. Don’t feel harmed and you haven’t been.” – Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor
INSTAGRAM & TWITTER: @liv_au
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