Tell us about your book(s)!
I write mainly Regency Romances, it is a period of history that I love, ok, that I am obsessive about. I have epublished A Very Modern Lord, which is set in the present time. It made me laugh when I received a review, saying that it was a modern day Regency Romance. Perhaps, it wasn't that modern after all! I have two Regency Romances epublished at the moment, The Complicated Earl and The Unwilling Earl. They are stand alone books, the Unwilling Earl is a short story.
I am working on a series, An Inconvenient Ward, An Inconvenient Wife and hopefully An Inconvenient Companion. They are linked, but are also stand alone. I didn't set out to write a series, it just developed naturally as the first story progressed. The third book in the series has not been started yet and is a nod to my mother. She likes reading about the servants and working class, whereas I have ideas of grandeur, so stick with the aristocracy! As the second story has evolved, again it would be natural to go on and finish the story of the characters who have played a role in the first two books.
I love writing, I can sit for hours, just tapping away, letting the rest of the world pass me by, as I totally immerse myself.
Which actor/actress would I like to see playing one of my heros?
That is quite difficult because I think there are so many lovely actors out there! I would like Gerrard Butler perhaps, or someone interesting such as Benedict Cumberbatch. My favourite actor, although a little too old for a regency hero would be Tom Hanks, he would have to be fitted in somewhere!
With regards to actresses it would have to be someone who could play a character that was vulnerable and strong at the same time. I try to make my heroines capable, but not infallible, because I don't believe anyone is. I loved Amanda Root in Persuasion.
Any tips on how to get through the dreaded writer’s block?
I always say that a book takes me two years to write. That isn't exactly true, but it explains writers block and 'dry' periods. I simply walk away from the book. I usually have something buzzing around in my head and I start on something completely different, or return to a different part completed work. I've found that if I try to force it, it doesn't work. I am writing because I love it, so I have had to find a way that works for me.
What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews?
I've had both! The first bad review I'd had was an awful one. At the time that The Complicated Earl was ranking second in Amazon Kindle and the review was not really a review of the book, but an attack on me. I admit I went into shock a little. I went onto the kindle forum for advice and received some sound advice - never respond to either a good or bad review. I think reviews will always have an impact on me, good and bad, but I am more philosophical these days (or I try to be!) One thing I have learned is to have books proof read before publication! It is difficult at the start because there is a cost, but it is worth it. I have had some lovely reviews and some lovely emails through my website by people saying that they have really enjoyed the stories. Just as I don't like every book I read, my books aren't going to be liked by everyone. I hope that by accepting constructive criticism will improve my future books.
I write mainly Regency Romances, it is a period of history that I love, ok, that I am obsessive about. I have epublished A Very Modern Lord, which is set in the present time. It made me laugh when I received a review, saying that it was a modern day Regency Romance. Perhaps, it wasn't that modern after all! I have two Regency Romances epublished at the moment, The Complicated Earl and The Unwilling Earl. They are stand alone books, the Unwilling Earl is a short story.
I am working on a series, An Inconvenient Ward, An Inconvenient Wife and hopefully An Inconvenient Companion. They are linked, but are also stand alone. I didn't set out to write a series, it just developed naturally as the first story progressed. The third book in the series has not been started yet and is a nod to my mother. She likes reading about the servants and working class, whereas I have ideas of grandeur, so stick with the aristocracy! As the second story has evolved, again it would be natural to go on and finish the story of the characters who have played a role in the first two books.
I love writing, I can sit for hours, just tapping away, letting the rest of the world pass me by, as I totally immerse myself.
Which actor/actress would I like to see playing one of my heros?
That is quite difficult because I think there are so many lovely actors out there! I would like Gerrard Butler perhaps, or someone interesting such as Benedict Cumberbatch. My favourite actor, although a little too old for a regency hero would be Tom Hanks, he would have to be fitted in somewhere!
With regards to actresses it would have to be someone who could play a character that was vulnerable and strong at the same time. I try to make my heroines capable, but not infallible, because I don't believe anyone is. I loved Amanda Root in Persuasion.
Any tips on how to get through the dreaded writer’s block?
I always say that a book takes me two years to write. That isn't exactly true, but it explains writers block and 'dry' periods. I simply walk away from the book. I usually have something buzzing around in my head and I start on something completely different, or return to a different part completed work. I've found that if I try to force it, it doesn't work. I am writing because I love it, so I have had to find a way that works for me.
What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews?
I've had both! The first bad review I'd had was an awful one. At the time that The Complicated Earl was ranking second in Amazon Kindle and the review was not really a review of the book, but an attack on me. I admit I went into shock a little. I went onto the kindle forum for advice and received some sound advice - never respond to either a good or bad review. I think reviews will always have an impact on me, good and bad, but I am more philosophical these days (or I try to be!) One thing I have learned is to have books proof read before publication! It is difficult at the start because there is a cost, but it is worth it. I have had some lovely reviews and some lovely emails through my website by people saying that they have really enjoyed the stories. Just as I don't like every book I read, my books aren't going to be liked by everyone. I hope that by accepting constructive criticism will improve my future books.
How do you relax?
I love socialising with the girls, having a real good chat and laugh. I love having my wider family around and feeding everyone, Christmas is the highlight of my year! I also read, read, read!
What is your favorite motivational phrase?
There's so such thing as 'can't'. I don't know if that is an official phrase, but it was what I was brought up to believe. As a girl from a poor working class background, it has worked wonders. With my children I have always said 'As long as you have done your best, you should be proud of what you achieve.' We all have different strengths, but I believe in giving everything 110%.
What is your favorite book?
Too many, I love classics and modern alike. I suppose if my life depended on it, it would be Pride and Prejudice. Perhaps not original, but true.
What is your favourite author?
As I've mentioned above I love books, but I think I would opt for Georgette Heyer. I just love her humour, description and knowledge of the eras that she wrote about.
What is your favourite film?
You've got mail. Love it and it makes me cry every time I watch it. I like the Tom Hanks/Meg Ryan version and the old black and white Shop Around the Corner starring James Stewart and Margaret Sullivan. I think it is the falling in love through letters/emails that makes it especially romantic for me.
Which famous person would I like to meet, living or dead and why?
Could I not have a dinner party and invite a few???? I suppose I would go for Winston Churchill. He was such an interesting man. He could write, was a real historian and could paint fantastic pictures. I would question him on his difficult relationship with his mother, the way he kept on with dogged determination when everyone in Parliament thought he was mad, when he was warning them about Hitler. I would also love to know how he dealt with his failures, because he had huge ones, but he never seemed to lose faith. The relationship he had with his wife seemed lovely, they constantly wrote to each other when they were separated and it was obvious that he loved her deeply.
The most interesting trip I've taken?
Has to be this year to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. We took a cruise (which isn't that interesting!) One of the ports was St Petersburg, Russia. Believe me, the buildings, the splendour, the magnificent buildings that they have beat any other that I have seen in any other country I've ever been to. I learned all about the Russian Revolution whilst at school and it was with mixed feelings that I explored the palaces, seeing the splendour and the riches and knowing how it ended. A really fascinating, interesting place that I would love to visit again.
Most embarrassing moment?
There are lots, but I suppose one that sticks is when I was at work and had a bad reaction to some medication I'd taken. I was chairing a meeting, my first in a new company I was working for. I kept having to run out of the room to be sick and then return to try and chair, only to have to run out again! It had to go down as one of the most embarrassing times of my life!
Lightening Round
White wine or red?: Red every time!
Coffee or tea?: Tea, at least two large cups in a morning before I become human. Black tea, no sugar and a small dash of milk. Perfect.
If I'm writing take-away, because the day will have passed without me realising it. If I have time I love to cook dinner.
Vanilla or chocolate ice cream? Vanilla every time!
Pancakes or eggs? Neither - yuck! Although instead, use the batter and make Yorkshire Puddings - delicious!
Sleep in or get up early? I would say sleep in, but I have a husband who can't, so he brings me a cup of tea early - linking back to the making me a human!
Laptop or desktop for writing? I love my laptop for writing. I have Lupus and sometimes when the symptoms are particularly bad, I can find a comfortable spot and make sure the time isn't completely wasted by still being able to write.
All of Audrey's books can be found on Amazon, Kindle, and Smashwords. She is willing to giveaway copies of any of books her books to 3 random Lucky readers. All you have to do to enter for a chance to win is answer the question if you perfer Coffee or Tea and make sure to email her through her website at www.audreyharrison.co.uk. She will pick the winners by September 25. Good Luck!!
I love socialising with the girls, having a real good chat and laugh. I love having my wider family around and feeding everyone, Christmas is the highlight of my year! I also read, read, read!
What is your favorite motivational phrase?
There's so such thing as 'can't'. I don't know if that is an official phrase, but it was what I was brought up to believe. As a girl from a poor working class background, it has worked wonders. With my children I have always said 'As long as you have done your best, you should be proud of what you achieve.' We all have different strengths, but I believe in giving everything 110%.
What is your favorite book?
Too many, I love classics and modern alike. I suppose if my life depended on it, it would be Pride and Prejudice. Perhaps not original, but true.
What is your favourite author?
As I've mentioned above I love books, but I think I would opt for Georgette Heyer. I just love her humour, description and knowledge of the eras that she wrote about.
What is your favourite film?
You've got mail. Love it and it makes me cry every time I watch it. I like the Tom Hanks/Meg Ryan version and the old black and white Shop Around the Corner starring James Stewart and Margaret Sullivan. I think it is the falling in love through letters/emails that makes it especially romantic for me.
Which famous person would I like to meet, living or dead and why?
Could I not have a dinner party and invite a few???? I suppose I would go for Winston Churchill. He was such an interesting man. He could write, was a real historian and could paint fantastic pictures. I would question him on his difficult relationship with his mother, the way he kept on with dogged determination when everyone in Parliament thought he was mad, when he was warning them about Hitler. I would also love to know how he dealt with his failures, because he had huge ones, but he never seemed to lose faith. The relationship he had with his wife seemed lovely, they constantly wrote to each other when they were separated and it was obvious that he loved her deeply.
The most interesting trip I've taken?
Has to be this year to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. We took a cruise (which isn't that interesting!) One of the ports was St Petersburg, Russia. Believe me, the buildings, the splendour, the magnificent buildings that they have beat any other that I have seen in any other country I've ever been to. I learned all about the Russian Revolution whilst at school and it was with mixed feelings that I explored the palaces, seeing the splendour and the riches and knowing how it ended. A really fascinating, interesting place that I would love to visit again.
Most embarrassing moment?
There are lots, but I suppose one that sticks is when I was at work and had a bad reaction to some medication I'd taken. I was chairing a meeting, my first in a new company I was working for. I kept having to run out of the room to be sick and then return to try and chair, only to have to run out again! It had to go down as one of the most embarrassing times of my life!
Lightening Round
White wine or red?: Red every time!
Coffee or tea?: Tea, at least two large cups in a morning before I become human. Black tea, no sugar and a small dash of milk. Perfect.
If I'm writing take-away, because the day will have passed without me realising it. If I have time I love to cook dinner.
Vanilla or chocolate ice cream? Vanilla every time!
Pancakes or eggs? Neither - yuck! Although instead, use the batter and make Yorkshire Puddings - delicious!
Sleep in or get up early? I would say sleep in, but I have a husband who can't, so he brings me a cup of tea early - linking back to the making me a human!
Laptop or desktop for writing? I love my laptop for writing. I have Lupus and sometimes when the symptoms are particularly bad, I can find a comfortable spot and make sure the time isn't completely wasted by still being able to write.
All of Audrey's books can be found on Amazon, Kindle, and Smashwords. She is willing to giveaway copies of any of books her books to 3 random Lucky readers. All you have to do to enter for a chance to win is answer the question if you perfer Coffee or Tea and make sure to email her through her website at www.audreyharrison.co.uk. She will pick the winners by September 25. Good Luck!!
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