Writing Related:
Tell us about your book(s)!
REDEMPTION OF THE DUKE is the third book of my “Brides of Redemption” trilogy—but you don’t need to read the books in any order. All you need to know is that, in the past, something went wrong for three soldiers at war, and when they return to England, they want to help the families of their fellow soldiers who died. The tag line for the newest book is “A duke who needs to be tamed; a lady who refuses to be rescued.” Adam is determined to help Faith, who had to go into service as a lady’s companion when her brother died. She doesn’t want to be beholden to another man again, but he doesn’t give her a choice, and manipulates each situation to his benefit. He thinks he’s been redeemed, but she’s going to show him otherwise.
Any tips on how to get through the dreaded writer’s block?
I think writer’s block is a puzzle to figure out, rather than something that should paralyze a writer. If I’m having a problem writing, it means there’s something in the writing not working: the wrong POV, veering in a wrong direction, something. I’ve learned to trust my subconscious and just walk away from it for an hour or a day (at most). My brain keeps working on the problem and usually finds the answer. If that doesn’t work, I talk to my critique buddies. Sometimes just speaking of the problem out loud or sparking off others’ ideas is all I need to find the solution. But I’m never totally blocked. I can’t be—I’m on deadline!
Tell us about your book(s)!
REDEMPTION OF THE DUKE is the third book of my “Brides of Redemption” trilogy—but you don’t need to read the books in any order. All you need to know is that, in the past, something went wrong for three soldiers at war, and when they return to England, they want to help the families of their fellow soldiers who died. The tag line for the newest book is “A duke who needs to be tamed; a lady who refuses to be rescued.” Adam is determined to help Faith, who had to go into service as a lady’s companion when her brother died. She doesn’t want to be beholden to another man again, but he doesn’t give her a choice, and manipulates each situation to his benefit. He thinks he’s been redeemed, but she’s going to show him otherwise.
Any tips on how to get through the dreaded writer’s block?
I think writer’s block is a puzzle to figure out, rather than something that should paralyze a writer. If I’m having a problem writing, it means there’s something in the writing not working: the wrong POV, veering in a wrong direction, something. I’ve learned to trust my subconscious and just walk away from it for an hour or a day (at most). My brain keeps working on the problem and usually finds the answer. If that doesn’t work, I talk to my critique buddies. Sometimes just speaking of the problem out loud or sparking off others’ ideas is all I need to find the solution. But I’m never totally blocked. I can’t be—I’m on deadline!
Personal Questions:
How do you relax?
I love TV. Part of it is watching how other writers handle plot. But I also love competition reality shows (like Amazing Race, Survivor, Dancing with the Stars, and So You Think You Can Dance), so it’s not all writing research. ;) I also love to crochet, and I sing in my church choir. My husband and I go hiking or snowshoeing with our dogs. Anything outdoors really relaxes me, even just reading a book on my patio. Oh, did I mention reading? That’s a given! ;)
What is your favorite motivational phrase?
“A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.” –John A. Shedd
I like the idea that we have to take risks, or we’ll never know success.
What is your favorite book?
Oh, how to pick just one? I simply can’t. If I stick to historical romance, I have two. SHANNA, by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss, was the first historical romance I ever read. A friend brought it to a high school slumber party, and I read it all night, while everyone else slept. I was blown away by the combination of romance and history. She inspired me to make that my life’s work. My other favorite is LORD OF SCOUNDRELS by Loretta Chase. Loretta is a master of witty, intelligent dialogue and simmering sexual tension. I’ve reread both of these books dozens of times…
If you weren't a writer, what would be your next choice of career?
I actually majored in aerospace engineering before realizing that I loved writing too much to give it up.
What is your favorite movie?
Since I’m a historical romance writer, this will be no surprise, but I adored “Shakespeare in Love.” Afterward, I wrote my “His” trilogy in that Elizabethan era, since it was already a favorite time period for me. And I used to study a lot of Shakespeare, and still try to see Shakespeare in the Park every summer. But that movie—so funny and witty, tragic and moving. I’ve seen it a dozen times and still enjoy every moment.
Which famous person, living or dead, would you like to meet and why?
I would love to meet J.K. Rowling. I’m such a fan of her work, mostly for the Harry Potter series, but I also like the mystery she wrote as Robert Galbraith. Her creative genius just leaves me in awe. The sheer brilliance of Harry Potter’s world…I can’t even find the words to describe how much I admire what she’s created.
What is the most interesting trip you have ever taken?
Last fall, my daughter did a semester abroad in London. I was lucky enough to be able to visit her for a week for a research trip. We rented a car, just the two of us, and—driving on the wrong side of the road!—explored the beauty of England, from the Peak District (where they filmed Jane Austen movies) to the Yorkshire Dales up north. We stayed in B&Bs, saw gorgeous mansions like Chatsworth and Kensington Palace, and incredible ruins like Fountains Abbey and Middleham Castle. A week was just not enough.
Lightning Round:
White wine or red? Sorry, I don’t drink wine!
Coffee or tea? And I don’t drink these either (yes, I’m boring…I like ice water)
Cook dinner or order take-out/delivery? As a busy writer, I would prefer take-out, but I like to cook, too. (although usually my husband does)
Vanilla or chocolate ice-cream? Chocolate all the way!
Pancakes or eggs? Eggs! Now if you’d said French Toast…
Sleep in or get up early? Get up early so I can make my daily page goal.
Laptop or desktop for writing? Laptop. I like to be able to set it aside and spread out my index cards when I’m plotting.
GIVEAWAY
Gayle has offered to give away a free copy of the first book in her series, RETURN OF THE VISCOUNT to one LUCKY commenter. All you have to do to enter is answer the question; "So you've heard my favorite book. What's yours and why?" Good LUCK Everybody!!!
How do you relax?
I love TV. Part of it is watching how other writers handle plot. But I also love competition reality shows (like Amazing Race, Survivor, Dancing with the Stars, and So You Think You Can Dance), so it’s not all writing research. ;) I also love to crochet, and I sing in my church choir. My husband and I go hiking or snowshoeing with our dogs. Anything outdoors really relaxes me, even just reading a book on my patio. Oh, did I mention reading? That’s a given! ;)
What is your favorite motivational phrase?
“A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.” –John A. Shedd
I like the idea that we have to take risks, or we’ll never know success.
What is your favorite book?
Oh, how to pick just one? I simply can’t. If I stick to historical romance, I have two. SHANNA, by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss, was the first historical romance I ever read. A friend brought it to a high school slumber party, and I read it all night, while everyone else slept. I was blown away by the combination of romance and history. She inspired me to make that my life’s work. My other favorite is LORD OF SCOUNDRELS by Loretta Chase. Loretta is a master of witty, intelligent dialogue and simmering sexual tension. I’ve reread both of these books dozens of times…
If you weren't a writer, what would be your next choice of career?
I actually majored in aerospace engineering before realizing that I loved writing too much to give it up.
What is your favorite movie?
Since I’m a historical romance writer, this will be no surprise, but I adored “Shakespeare in Love.” Afterward, I wrote my “His” trilogy in that Elizabethan era, since it was already a favorite time period for me. And I used to study a lot of Shakespeare, and still try to see Shakespeare in the Park every summer. But that movie—so funny and witty, tragic and moving. I’ve seen it a dozen times and still enjoy every moment.
Which famous person, living or dead, would you like to meet and why?
I would love to meet J.K. Rowling. I’m such a fan of her work, mostly for the Harry Potter series, but I also like the mystery she wrote as Robert Galbraith. Her creative genius just leaves me in awe. The sheer brilliance of Harry Potter’s world…I can’t even find the words to describe how much I admire what she’s created.
What is the most interesting trip you have ever taken?
Last fall, my daughter did a semester abroad in London. I was lucky enough to be able to visit her for a week for a research trip. We rented a car, just the two of us, and—driving on the wrong side of the road!—explored the beauty of England, from the Peak District (where they filmed Jane Austen movies) to the Yorkshire Dales up north. We stayed in B&Bs, saw gorgeous mansions like Chatsworth and Kensington Palace, and incredible ruins like Fountains Abbey and Middleham Castle. A week was just not enough.
Lightning Round:
White wine or red? Sorry, I don’t drink wine!
Coffee or tea? And I don’t drink these either (yes, I’m boring…I like ice water)
Cook dinner or order take-out/delivery? As a busy writer, I would prefer take-out, but I like to cook, too. (although usually my husband does)
Vanilla or chocolate ice-cream? Chocolate all the way!
Pancakes or eggs? Eggs! Now if you’d said French Toast…
Sleep in or get up early? Get up early so I can make my daily page goal.
Laptop or desktop for writing? Laptop. I like to be able to set it aside and spread out my index cards when I’m plotting.
GIVEAWAY
Gayle has offered to give away a free copy of the first book in her series, RETURN OF THE VISCOUNT to one LUCKY commenter. All you have to do to enter is answer the question; "So you've heard my favorite book. What's yours and why?" Good LUCK Everybody!!!
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