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Author Interview: Maya Rodale

9/22/2014

Tell us about your book(s)!

I write smart and sassy romance novels. My latest is What A Wallflower Wants and it’s the final book in my wallflower series featuring three friends who MUST find husbands before the anniversary ball of their school OR ELSE. Prudence, the heroine of What a Wallflower Wants, has a dark reason or remaining unwed, but she finds an amazing hero in the most unlikely of places.

Who was your Greatest inspiration in helping you develop your writing career?

I am inspired to write books that I’d like to read. My main motivation in developing my writing career is that it 1) allows for naps and 2) doesn’t require pants and 3) I get to make stuff up where everything works out perfectly. Obviously, one has to make this gig work.

Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?

I totally imagined the heroines of my Wallflower series played by Tina Fey, Amy Poehler and Maya Rudolph. Other casting decisions and inspirational images are available on my Pinterest page.

Any tips on how to get through the dreaded writer’s block?

Sorry, pantsers, but I believe a great outline solves all problems. You can’t get stuck if you know what to write next.

What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews?

All reviews are awesome and welcome. I appreciate that someone took the time to read my book and share their thoughts with other readers.

How do you relax?

Relaxing. Lolz. Reading magazines on my couch is my happy place. Every once in a while I splurge on a massage or a haircut.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

Fuck perfect! Or, more politely “better is the enemy of done.” Or “screw it, just do it!” Basically, try to minimize the agony and maximize the things crossed off my to do list because it’ll probably all be okay in the end. Knock on wood.

What is your favorite book?

That’s an impossible question. IMPOSSIBLE. I can’t even! J

The food you couldn’t live without?

Ok, no this is an impossible question. But seriously—perhaps a good salad. If we’re talking indulgences, than I advise everyone not to stand between me and the French Fries and Prosecco.

One place you’ve never been, but ALWAYS wanted to go?

I’ve ALWAYS wanted to go to the Galapagos Islands and Australia. Now that I think about it, I’m not sure what I’m waiting for.

If you weren’t an author what would be your next choice of career?

I’d love to have a little shop and design products like stationary, notebooks and other little things for writers. Because shopping! And how fabulous would it be to hang out in a shop all day?

What is the most interesting trip you have ever taken?

Each trip is different and interesting in it’s own way—there’s the first time away from home alone, or a trip to an exotic location, or even conferences or a series of travel disasters can be interesting. To me that’s the fun of travel.

What was your most embarrassing moment?

I’m not telling! But I will say that Emma’s mixed up letter in The Wicked Wallflower was not totally fictional.

Lightning Round:

White wine or red? White and sparkling!

Coffee or tea? In my heart of hearts, coffee. In my real life per doctor’s orders, tea. Grrrr.

Cook dinner or order take-out/delivery? Both!

Outdoorsman or homebody? Probably a homebody, much to my husband’s despair.

City Life or Country Life? Both!

Do you prefer to live in hot weather or cold weather? HOT HOT HOT HOT HOT. Which is why I live in NYC where it is freezing half the year...Sigh.

Dog Lover or Cat Fan? I’m a diehard @LadyMissPenny fan. She is my dog, who is very catlike.

Pancakes or eggs? Bacon.

Sleep in or get up early? Early birds for the win!

Laptop or desktop for writing? A laptop so I can write anywhere and everywhere!

1 Comment

Author Interview: Lauren Willig

9/15/2014

5 Comments

Tell us about your book(s)!

I just had two books out this summer—two very different books—one after the other, so I keep forgetting which one I’m meant to be talking about!

THAT SUMMER is a stand alone novel, which goes back and forth between 2009, when my modern heroine inherits a house in England from an unknown great-aunt, and that same house in 1849, during the early days of the Pre-Raphaelite movement. As my modern heroine cleans out the house, she stumbles upon a lost Pre-Raphaelite painting hidden behind the false back of an old wardrobe. Who hid it there? And what happened to the artist who painted it? In her quest for the painting’s legacy, Julia stumbles upon a family scandal going back over a century—and learns a few things about herself as well.

The second of my two recent releases is THE MARK OF THE MIDNIGHT MANZANILLA, the eleventh (!!) book in my long-running Pink Carnation series. The Pink series has been described both as “Jane Austen meets James Bond” and “The Scarlet Pimpernel meets Bridget Jones”. Either way, they’re swashbuckling, tongue-in-cheek adventures following a group of flower-named spies during the Napoleonic wars as they thwart Napoleon and fall in love.

In THE MARK OF THE MIDNIGHT MANZANILLA, rumors about vampires are swirling through the ton, especially about the reclusive Duke of Belliston. Miss Sally Fitzhugh most emphatically doesn’t believe in vampires (except the metaphorical sort), so when a woman is found dead with fang marks on her throat and the finger of suspicion points at Lucien, Duke of Belliston, Sally teams up with Lucien to find the real killer. I had an insane amount of fun writing MIDNIGHT MANZANILLA—not only did I get to spoof vampire literature (which I’ve been longing to do for some time), but it’s my very first Halloween book, and I got to give Sally a stoat as a pet.

Because what fiction needs is more pet stoats….

Who was your Greatest inspiration in helping you develop your writing career?

My greatest inspiration as an author is Elizabeth Peters/Barbara Michaels, who had a career that spanned multiple decades and genres. Her books were constant re-reads for me growing up. They featured strong heroines (who doesn’t admire Victorian archaeologist Amelia Peabody?), witty dialogue, and a pitch-perfect sense of comic timing. Much of what I learned about writing comedy, I learned from her Elizabeth Peters books, while my love of “house” books (books like my recent THAT SUMMER, in which a heroine inherits, house-sits, or otherwise inhabits an atmospheric old house) comes from the atmospheric gothics she wrote under the pen name Barbara Michaels.

There are plenty of other authors to whom I owe a debt: L.M. Montgomery, M.M. Kaye, Margaret Mitchell, Robin McKinley, Diana Gabaldon, Judith Merkle Riley, Julia Quinn. But the single biggest influence was undoubtedly Elizabeth Peters/Barbara Michaels.

Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?

Confession: I’m usually dreadful at this sort of thing. My actor recognition generally runs along the lines of, “You know, that guy from the BBC mini-series? No, not that guy. The other guy. Unless—wait. Maybe he wasn’t in that mini-series. Maybe he was in Inspector Lewis?” (Although the advent of IMDB did help clear up a few of those “not that guy, the other guy” discussions.)

However, totally contrary to form, I can tell you exactly who I want to see playing the leads—or, at least, the male leads—in my two latest books.

Gavin Thorne, the historical hero of That Summer, my Victorian-set stand alone novel, is Richard Armitage. Richard Armitage in the BBC mini-series of Gaskell’s North and South, that is. He’s Victorian, he’s brooding, and he’s just a little rough around the edges. No one broods quite like Richard Armitage.

Lucien, the hero of The Mark of the Midnight Manzanilla, is a very young Rufus Sewell. Think Rufus Sewell circa Cold Comfort Farm or Dangerous Beauty, with that curling dark hair and those incredibly compelling dark eyes, smoldering away. Lucien, Duke of Belliston, has spent the past decade abroad, vowing to return some day to avenge his murdered parents. His reclusiveness has given rise to the rumor among the ton that he is… a vampire. (Yes, people can be very silly.) Rufus Sewell has just the right sort of dark intensity for a vampire duke.

As for the heroines, I have no idea. If you have any suggestions, pop by my website or Facebook page and let me know!

Any tips on how to get through the dreaded writer’s block?

Caffeine, caffeine, and more caffeine, followed by caffeine, with a side of caffeine.

One of the hardest parts of being a writer is figuring out when writer’s block is just a case of laziness and when it’s a sign that there’s something deeply wrong with the direction you’re taking with the book. In the case of (a), the best thing to do is to force yourself to write through it. (See caffeine, caffeine, and more caffeine, above.) Eventually, you get caught up in the story again, and it starts to flow. But when it’s (b), something wrong with the plot, writing through it is often the worst possible path. It’s like trying to slog through a snowdrift to get to your cabin, when, in fact, if you’d stopped and consulted a map, you would know that your cabin is about three miles in the opposite direction. But by then you’re so blinded with all that metaphorical snow, you can’t see that you’ve gone the wrong way.

Usually, I spent a few days trying to write through. If I can’t—then I have to face up to the fact that I’m probably in a snowdrift, and it’s time to take a deep breath, brew a strong cup of tea, call my little sister for advice, possibly go shopping, and just generally rethink my characters and where they’re headed.

This happens at least three or four times a book…. (Especially the shopping.)

What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews?

It is a truth universally acknowledged among authors that good reviews are written by readers of taste and discernment while bad reviews must be the fault of the reviewer having enjoyed a very unsatisfactory breakfast/woken up on the wrong side of the bed/read someone else’s book.

Reviews are a mixed bag. I know authors who make a point of never reading reviews—and there is something to be said for that approach. Susan Elizabeth once famously said that every book is someone’s favorite and someone’s least favorite. People have conflicting tastes. Some people love mustard; other people hate it. That doesn’t mean that it’s necessarily good or bad. It just is what it is.

On the other hand, reviews, when done well, can tell you something about your own strengths and weaknesses. As authors, we’re always constantly working to improve our craft, whether we’re on our first book or our fiftieth, and a well-written negative review can, sometimes, be quite useful. As opposed to a poorly written negative review, which just makes you gnash your teeth and wish you’d listened to that useful advice about never reading reviews….

Above all, whether the review is good, bad, or in-between, whether it pops up in Kirkus or Amazon or on Cindy Lou Hoo’s blog, there is no room for the author in that review. By which I mean, even if the review accuses the author of being in touch with book-hating aliens from Planet Zog who have obviously dictated this irredeemable book through the author in a malicious attempt to ruin the reviewer’s reading experience—well, the author just needs to roll her eyes, take a swig of wine, and save the story for when she’s having a few drinks with close friends. I don’t believe it’s the author’s place to respond in any way to reviews, even to make factual corrections. (However much you may be itching to let the reviewer know that the aliens were really from Crushcon Five and not Planet Zog….) Reviews are for readers, not for authors.

And shouldn’t you be busy working on that next book?

How do you relax?

Relax? What is this word of which you speak? I have a toddler and three books due. Relaxation is doing only two things at once instead of three. While trying to keep the toddler from chewing on the laptop.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

There’s no way out but through.

What is your favorite book?

There are too many! If I have to pick just one…. L.M. Montgomery’s The Blue Castle.

Ask me again tomorrow and you’ll probably get a different answer.

The food you couldn’t live without?

Cheese and crackers. It’s breakfast, lunch, and occasionally dinner.

The BEST thing about you?

Probably not my fashion sense.

One place you've never been, but ALWAYS wanted to go?

India. I've even set a book there, but couldn't swing the time for the research trip I wanted.

One thing people would be surprised to learn about you?

I don’t know how to drive. Growing up in Manhattan, it was a non-issue. You just stick out your hand, and, voila!, a cab pulls up and takes you places. But as I go on book tour in places that aren’t Manhattan, I find that people are very, very surprised to encounter a non-driver.

Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?

Caroline of Ansbach, wife of George II. She’s always been a favorite of mine. The power behind the throne, she pretty much ran England. Not to mention being tutored by Leibniz, a friend of philosophers and authors. In short, just a fascinating person.

If you weren’t an author what would be your next choice of career?

It’s impossible to imagine not being an author. I’ve always written, through grade school, college, grad school, law school, piling up manuscripts under my bed. So it’s really an “and” rather than an “or”. I used to be a historian and an author…. And then I was a lawyer and an author. If I had to go back to having an “and” job, the odds are that it would probably be some sort of teaching. Although I’ve always rather fancied working in a bookstore.

What is the most interesting trip you have ever taken?

For pure, slapstick comedy, any book tour I go on with Tasha Alexander. For some reason, whenever we tour together, there is Weather Related Drama. Two years ago, we got caught in a freak snow-storm in between two library appearances (think THE LONG WINTER, author road trip version), while just this past weekend, we wound up traversing the dark corridors of a hotel with glow sticks because an epic thunderstorm had knocked out the power in Ann Arbor, where we were both appearing at the Kerrytown Bookfest.

What was your most embarrassing moment?

I was going to demur… and then I remembered a story I hadn't thought of for years. Back when I was a grad student at Harvard, three colleagues and I decided we wanted to see, um, the Britney Spears movie. But we were all teaching that year, and we didn't want to run into any of our students at the movie, because it’s always awkward to have your undergrads realize that you might be human. It absolutely kills what little authority you might have.

So we drove way, way out to a movie theatre in the wilds of the Boston suburbs. And then we got lost on the way back. Pre-iPhone lost. No map lost. So we did what any sensible people would do, and decided to stop at a Bertucci’s and get some pizza before trying to figure out just where we were and how to get home.

We walk through the door—and smack into the Intellectual History professor (who just happened to be the advisor of one of the other three). He exclaimed in surprise and introduced us all to his wife before asking, “What are you doing here?”

To which his startled student blurted out, “We were seeing the Britney Spears movie.” As we all made panicked throat-cutting gestures at her, she followed that up with, “Can you tell us where we are?”

His wife gave us the sort of look reserved for escaped inmates of places where they don’t study history. “Bertucci’s?” she said, very, very gently.

That “can you tell us where we are?” followed us all around the history department for a very long time….

Lightning Round:

White wine or red? Gin and tonic, please.

Coffee or tea? Tea in the morning and coffee in the afternoon.

Cook dinner or order take-out/delivery? Does putting cheese and crackers on a plate count as cooking?

Outdoorsman or homebody? Is that a chaise longue I see before me? Come, let me lounge on thee.

City Life or Country Life? Both. City on the weekdays, country on the weekends.

Do you prefer to live in hot weather or cold weather? I’ll take the temperate zone. Hello, autumn breezes!

Pancakes or eggs? Eggs. Preferably Benedict. With a side of mimosa.

Sleep in or get up early? Dream: sleeping in. Reality: toddler-as-alarm-clock.

Laptop or desktop for writing? Ancient red laptop that likes to break down at crucial moments. Just to keep the tension high….

5 Comments

Author Interview: Darcie Wilde

9/8/2014

2 Comments

Tell us about your book(s)!

LORD OF THE RAKES is my first steamy regency. I had an absolute blast writing it. Charlotte is a woman of independent means, but she's only just learned the fact. Now she's in London, determined to make up for lost time, and equally determined to never be under a man's control again. Philip Montcalm is not just any rake, but the king of them all. He's tired and he's jaded and he's considering leaving the country just to look for something new. Until he meets Charlotte...In some ways it's a reverse of the usual romance, because the sex comes first and the love follows afterwards, but it's my belief that even in the period this is frequently the way it goes and I wanted to explore that particular path to the HEA. The sequel, THE ACCIDENTAL ABDUCTION will be coming out this September.

Who was your Greatest inspiration in helping you develop your writing career?

I can't point to any one person. My inspiration always was and continues to be all those other books on the shelf. Good books, bad books, severely mediocre books. All those stories and all those idea...Ever since I was a kid, I just wanted to dive in and play too.

Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?

You know, as dearly as I'd love to see one of my books turned into a movie, I've never been any good at this game. Chris Helmsworth, however, would do a stellar job of playing Philip. We could pair him with Emma Watson as Charlotte.

Any tips on how to get through the dreaded writer’s block?

John Cleese gives a terrific talk on creativity (you can find it on YouTube), but it boils down to this: cut yourself some slack. Be aware that creativity is not an assembly line. Take a walk. Read something new, and unrelated. Work on something else. And turn your mind gently back to the problem, again, and again. The answer will come, or another question will. And as you practice your craft and continue to train your mind to it, it will get easier.

What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews?

I do read my reviews. IMHO, they are a fact of life. You get good ones, you get bad ones. I've been ticked off a few times in the past, I expect I will be again in the future. It passes. A good one can completely make my day. But mostlly I just think they come with the job, or, at least, you hope they do, because if you're not getting reviewed you are definitely doing something wrong.

How do you relax?

Long walks, good food and watching baseball.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

The mortgage is due.

What is your favorite book?

What day is it? It could be WATERSHIP DOWN by Richard Adams, or FREDERICA by Georgette Heyer, or THE TOMBS OF AUTUAN by Ursula K. LeGuin, or JANE EYRE by Charlotte Bronte, depending.

The food you couldn’t live without?

Blueberry pancakes.

The BEST thing about you?

I have a tendancy to be the one who says "Hey, kids, we've got a barn, let's put on a show!" and the show actually gets put on.

One place you’ve never been, but ALWAYS wanted to go?

Paris.

One thing people would be surprised to learn about you?

I never read a Romance novel until after college. I'm a third generation science fiction geek; my grandfather wrote, my father introduced me to science fiction conventions, and I'm raising the 4th generation as we speak.

Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?

Jim Henson, because he was both so incredibly creative and filled with that sense of wonder.

If you weren’t an author what would be your next choice of career?

Is there something else to do? Hmmm...puppeteer. See above.

What is the most interesting trip you have ever taken?

That would either have to be the summer I spent in London or the time I spent in Florence. I love cities.

What was your most embarrassing moment?

Upon advice of my counsel, I decline to answer on the grounds that it might tend to incriminate me.

Lightning Round:

White wine or red? Neither. I'm a tetotaller.

Coffee or tea? Good coffee over bad tea and vice versa.

Cook dinner or order take-out/delivery? Cook.

Outdoorsman or homebody? Outdoorsperson.

City Life or Country Life? City.

Do you prefer to live in hot weather or cold weather? Cold.

Dog Lover or Cat Fan? Love dogs, own cats.

Pancakes or eggs? Who's cooking?

Sleep in or get up early? Up early.

Laptop or desktop for writing? Laptop.

GIVEAWAY

Ok, readers I'm giving away one copy of LORD OF THE RAKES to two LUCKY contestants. I'd like to know about your To Be Read piles. :) How Big are they and where is it i.e on a book shelf, kindle, nook, etc.

2 Comments

Author Interview: Sarah Mallory

9/1/2014

5 Comments

Tell us about your book(s)!

I began my writing life as Melinda Hammond, producing "sweet" Regency romances. These were published in hardback but are now all available as e-books, too – I', very pleased they are still available because I know many people still enjoy them. I have also written a couple of dual time books as Melinda Hammond, although I am currently concentrating more on my Sarah Mallory novels for Harlequin Historical – these are fast-paced romantic historical adventures with what is classed as a "warm" sensuality rating. I grew up reading adventure romances set in the past, by authors such as Sabatini and Dumas as well as my all-time favourite Georgette Heyer and my latest Sarah Mallory novel, NEVER TRUST A REBEL, is a Georgian romance with lots of adventure, a hero who is risking his life just coming back to England and a heroine who is every bit as brave and resourceful. I just love writing about the past!

Who was your Greatest inspiration in helping you develop your writing career?

It has to be Georgette Heyer. I read Jane Austen and the Brontes at school and loved them, but once I had discovered Heyer I was swept away into the witty, elegant world that she created. I devoured everything she wrote and when she died in 1974 I still wanted more – so the solution seemed to be to write my own! I did just that, in my first Regency romance, Fortune's Lady, was published in 1980.

Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?

Oh my, that's difficult. My heroes are always have a combination of characteristics from actors and actresses – I have to have a few pictures pinned up on my noticeboard while I am writing. I love dark, brooding heroes, but I do not believe I am the only writer whose characters often "appear" ready-made and when I envisaged Drew Castlemain, my hero for NEVER TRUST A REBEL, he had lighter hair – brown –lovely blue eyes and oodles of boyish charm. I suppose Dan Stevens (remember him in Downton Abbey?) would fit the bill – he was also in the TV mini-series of Sense & Sensibility in 1981, so he has a track record of playing historical heroes.

As for my heroine, Elyse, she is a brunette with a heart-shaped face with huge deep brown eyes. All of my heroines are beautiful, naturally (!) but sometimes their attraction is more of an inner charm, not immediately evident. Elyse is an accredited beauty – and rich, too. Drew has to see past those obvious attractions to the intelligent, spirited girl beneath, one who can capture and hold his attention for a lifetime. So, who could I see playing her? I'm not sure – perhaps the readers might have some suggestions.

Any tips on how to get through the dreaded writer’s block?

Don't beat yourself up about it. We all get days when the words won't come. Sometimes I move on and write a later scene, or perhaps go back and edit what I have written so far, or just read around the subject and maybe do a little more research, anything to keep focussed on the work in progress.

What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews?

To me (and lots of other authors, I am sure) my books are like my children, I love them and feel very protective, but not everyone is going to like my style or my stories. Good reviews are wonderful for the ego, bad ones can really be depressing, but it's important to keep them all in perspective. Having said that I am only human and I do like to bask in good reviews, and I try really hard to ignore the bad ones.

How do you relax?

Walking the dog, visiting the theatre, watching something not too taxing on TV.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

Don't get it right, get it written – i.e. just get on with it!

What is your favorite book?

It varies, I have a shelf full!

The food you couldn’t live without?

Spicy foods – chilli, curries etc.

The BEST thing about you?

Being able to write (and get published) the stories I want to read :-)

One place you’ve never been, but ALWAYS wanted to go?

The past – a good book can take me there for a short time.

Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?

There are so many great people in the past, but I think I would really like to meet Captain Thomas Coram, who established the foundling hospital in the mid 18th century. He was a shipwright and sailor who came back to England to retire after working in America. He managed to enlist the help of the rich and famous of the time such as Hogarth and Handel and the hospital took in the first foundlings in 1741. Coram seems like one of those genuinely good, compassionate people and he looks so benevolent in his portraits, I would love to talk to him.

If you weren’t an author what would be your next choice of career?

If I'd known then what I know now…. If I'd had the confidence when I was younger I think I would have liked to train as an archaeologist – I love studying old buildings or towns etc and working out just what changes have been made. At the time the idea of having to learn ancient Greek and Latin was just too daunting!

What is the most interesting trip you have ever taken?

Northern Spain, following the route of the British Army's retreat to Corunna in 1809 – our trip was taken as the same time of the year, January, so we were able to appreciate the appalling weather conditions, as well as the difficulties of marching through the mountains.

What was your most embarrassing moment?

Too many to mention.

Lightning Round:

White wine or red? Red

Coffee or tea? Tea

Cook dinner or order take-out/delivery? Cook dinner

Outdoorsman or homebody? Homebody

City Life or Country Life? Country life

Do you prefer to live in hot weather or cold weather? A mixture (England is great for that)

Dog Lover or Cat Fan? Dog lover

Pancakes or eggs? Eggs

Sleep in or get up early? Get up early

Laptop or desktop for writing? Desk top (or old-fashioned pencil and paper)

COMPETITION – To win an e-copy of NEVER TRUST A REBEL. Which actress (present day or one of the old-time greats) do you think could play my heroine Elyse?

5 Comments

Author Interview: Valerie Bowman

8/24/2014

15 Comments

Tell us about your book(s)!

Right now I'm working on my new Playful Brides series! Every book in the series is based on a famous romp play. The Unexpected Duchess, the first book in the series, came out in May and is based on Cyrano de Bergerac. The second book, The Accidental Countess, will be out in October and is based on The Importance of Being Earnest, and the third book, The Unlikely Lady, will be out next spring and is based on Much Ado About Nothing. It's been so fun to write and I'm happy to report that The Unexpected Duchess is a 2014 Kirkus Prize nominee for fiction!

Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?

For the Unexpected Duchess, I picture Lucy and Derek as Kate Beckinsale and Henry Cavill. Both stunningly good-looking people, no? I think those two should be cast opposite each other sometime. Hollywood needs to get on that.

Any tips on how to get through the dreaded writer’s block?

This can be a controversial topic when a group of writers talk about it, but I have to say I don't believe in writer's block. I think your muse tends to show up when you sit in your chair to write. I do believe that anyone doing any job can go through rough periods in their lives that make it difficult to work and that's unfortunate. But just like you couldn't miss an office job for most personal reasons, when you're a working writer with contracts to fulfill, you don't necessarily have the luxury of taking time off. When I'm going through a hard time, I give myself a bit of room to think about things, and I try to be kind to myself, but ultimately I just get back to work.

What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews?

If I had a dime for every time I've been told (by other writers, family, and friends) not to read my reviews, I'd be rich! But I admit, I do read them. It's part of the fun and I have a pretty thick skin. While my reviews are overwhelmingly positive, I have gotten a few nuggets of good advice from some of the bad ones. The thing about reviews is, they're just one reader's personal opinion and everyone is entitled to her opinion. It's that simple. I'm enormously grateful to the people who take time out of their busy lives to review my books, either positively or negatively.

How do you relax?

I don't do it often but I love to go to the spa and get a massage and a pedicure. Toss a strawberry cupcake and a nap on the end of that day, and I'm in heaven!

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

"Fall down seven times, stand up eight." This is a Japanese proverb I came across several years ago when I first started writing. It's perfect for writers who have to handle a lot of rejection but it's also solid advice for all of life's setbacks. I absolutely adore this phrase. It's posted in my office.

What is your favorite book?

It might be cliche for a Regency romance author to name one of Jane Austen's books but it's Emma. Emma is one of my favorite characters of all time.

If you weren't a writer, what would be your next choice of career?

I'm actually a technical editor at a software company by day and it's a career I've always greatly enjoyed. But if I had to pick a completely different one, I'd love to be a professional organizer. There's nothing I like better than throwing or giving away the old and cleaning up and organizing the new.

Who is your favorite author?

Jane Austen, Georgette Heyer, and Lisa Kleypas (You didn't think I could name just one, did you?)

Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?

Any gentlewoman living during the Regency. I have so many questions to ask her! I often wonder if I had only five minutes which such a person, what would I ask first.

Lighting Round:

White wine or red? Beer

Coffee or tea? Coffee! I am obsessed with my new Keurig.

Cook dinner or order take-out/delivery? Take-out. I can barely spell the word 'cook'.

Vanilla or chocolate ice-cream? Strawberry

Pancakes or eggs? Pancakes

Sleep in or get up early? Sleep in. I don't get morning people. Though I'm often up early, it's just that I never went to sleep. ; )

Laptop or desktop for writing? Laptop all the way.

GIVEAWAY

I'd love to know from everyone, what's your favorite romance novel of all time and why? One commenter will win a copy of The Unexpected Duchess (print, U.S.-only, e-wherever available.)

15 Comments

Author Interview: Madeline Hunter

8/18/2014

2 Comments

Tell us about your book(s)!

The Accidental Duchess is a combination of a coming of age story and the story of a rebellious heroine who finds herself married to the last man she expected, who is also a man she blames for the death of her first true love. Both humorous and poignant, it is the last book in my Fairbourne Quartet.

Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?

Oh, this is always hard because I do not picture famous people as my characters.

Any tips on how to get through the dreaded writer’s block?

My own experience is writer's block is procrastination that has gotten out of hand. It happens to me. When I get over it, normally it is by sitting down and starting to write ANYTHING. That reminds me that writing is a joy and not a pain.

What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews?

I think that reviews are for readers, and readers can take them or leave them as they choose. When reviewers think their role is to teach the writer how to write---that is when I think they get off point.

How do you relax?

Besides reading, I confess that I watch television, most things like HGTV about real estate. I do follow a few series too. I also like to take walks.

What is your favorite motivational phrase? The more you do, the more you can do.

What is your favorite book? I don't really have just one. I guess, however, that Dorothy Dunnet's Nicolo Rising has a special place in my memory, because though it I found my love of fiction again after years of being away from it.

If you weren't a writer, what would be your next choice of career?

I have already had that career, as an art historian and college teacher. Next in line would be librarian. Do you see a pattern here?

Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?

The Duke of Wellington. When I read biographies of him, I get very conflicted impressions of what he was really like.

If you could trade lives with anyone, who would it be and why?

Bill Gates, because I think I have much better ideas for how to spend his billions in the public good than he does.

What is the most interesting trip you have ever taken?

I have traveled a lot, and while I love Europe, I would have to say my most interesting trip was to Asia (Singapore, Hong Kong, and Thailand.) The cultures are radically different from ours. Second most interesting trip would be the time I visited Hungary right after the Soviet block broke up.

What was your most embarrassing moment?

Maybe the time I wrote my agent an email, and accidentally sent it to about a thousand members of a writing loop.

Lighting Round:

White wine or red? Red

Coffee or tea? Coffee

Cook dinner or order take-out/delivery? take-out

Vanilla or chocolate ice-cream? Butter pecan. ooops. Okay, vanilla

Pancakes or eggs? Eggs

Sleep in or get up early? Sleep in, but that almost never happens anymore. I have fond memories, though!

GIVEAWAY

Madeline has GENEROUSLY offered to giveaway two signed copies of The Accidental Duchess to 2 LUCKY readers. All you have to do to enter the drawing is answer the question; If you could design a cover for an historical romance, what kinds of things would you have on it? GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!

2 Comments

Author Interview: Alexandra Hawkins

8/11/2014

28 Comments

Tell us about your book(s)!

I’m mostly known for my Lords of Vice series. However, very few people are aware that I sold my first historical in 1999 to Kensington. I debuted in February 2000 under the pseudonym, Barbara Pierce. Between my two pen names, I’ve written sixteen Regency Historicals.

My upcoming novella, Once Upon a Christmas Scandal is one of four novellas featured in St. Martin’s Press’s Christmas Brides anthology that will be available on September 30. It’s a thrill to share the spotlight with fellow historical authors: Suzanne Enoch, Elizabeth Essex, and Valerie Bowman.

Readers familiar with my Lords of Vice books might recognize the heroine in my novella. Lady Ellen Courtland is Lord Vainwright’s sister. He was the hero in After Dark with a Scoundrel. Even though this story is connected to the Lords of Vice series, it can be read as a standalone.

Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?

Zoey Deutch and Matt Bomer would be great choices for Lady Ellen and Lord Swainsbury.

Any tips on how to get through the dreaded writer’s block?

When I feel like I’ve hit a brick wall with a scene, I go around it. I jump ahead to a scene that I can write.

What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews?

It’s just part of the business. Most books receive a mix of positive and negative reviews.

How do you relax?

No surprise—I love to read when I have a quiet moment. I also like to cook, workout, watch movies with the family, and play games (board and video).

What is your Favorite moativational phrase?

Be constructive, not destructive.

Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?

Oscar Wilde. I discovered his plays when I was a teenager, and I’ve always enjoyed his wit.

If you didn't choose writing as a profession, what would be your next choice of professions?

I probably would have pursued a career in healthcare.

Lighting Round:

White wine or red? Red.

Coffee or tea? Tea

Cook dinner or order take-out/delivery? Cook dinner—Unless I’m close to my deadline, then it’s definitely take-out/delivery.

Vanilla or chocolate ice-cream? Chocolate.

Pancakes or eggs? Eggs.

Sleep in or get up early? Sleep in—I’m not a morning person.

Laptop or desktop for writing? Laptop.

GIVEAWAY

Alexandra has decided to offer two copies from her Lords of Vice series. There are seven books in the series. I'll let the two winners choose their prizes. Since the anthology has a Christmas theme, all you have to do to enter the giveaway is answer the question: What's your favorite Christmas-themed book or movie?

28 Comments

Author Interview: Sherry Thomas

8/4/2014

4 Comments

Tell us about your book(s)!

Well, I am very excited about my new duology, THE HIDDEN BLADE and MY BEAUTIFUL ENEMY. The two had originally been written as a wuxia (martial arts) semi-epic, spanning twenty years. But then I decided there was no way to sell such a story and instead split it up. The second book MY BEAUTIFUL ENEMY, which comes out from Berkley tomorrow, is a historical romance. The first, THE HIDDEN BLADE, is a middle-grade/young adult historical action/adventure.

They follow the same two people, Leighton and Ying-ying/Catherine. In THE HIDDEN BLADE, we meet them as children, Leighton on the run from his malicious uncle, and Ying-ying living a double life, a sweet, obedient girl in appearance, but secretly training to be a deadly martial artist. They do not know it yet, but their lives are about to intersect in ways they cannot imagine…

In MY BEAUTIFUL ENEMY, Leighton and Ying-ying, now grown up, meet, fall in love, and go through all the trials and tribulations that true love must be tested by.

You can definitely read and enjoy MY BEAUTIFUL ENEMY on its own, but I think the two together is a much richer experience. And THE HIDDEN BLADE is on sale now for $0.99. So no excuse not to! J

Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?

I almost never see my characters as actors—I don’t see them at all, facially. But for this duology I researched some half-Asian actresses to see just how wide a range of looks they come in. And I think Kristin Kreuk really has that delicate beauty that I see for Catherine.

Any tips on how to get through the dreaded writer’s block?

I don’t get writer’s block. My problem is that I can write 50,000 words of crap and not realize it until someone takes the trouble to tell me.

What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews?

Reviews are for readers to find books they might enjoy. Whether good reviews or bad reviews, people have found books that way. As an author I don’t dwell on either good/bad reviews. Both serve as publicity for my books and I’m grateful always to anyone who takes the time to read my books and then the additional time to review them.

How do you relax?

Casual games.

What is your favorite movie?

Possibly THE MATRIX.

Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?

The Dalai Lama. He is the best.

What is the most interesting trip you have ever taken?

My husband and I just returned from the Southwest Coast of England and WOW is all I have to say.

Lighting Round:

White wine or red? Hmm, white wine spritzer or sangria? I can’t choose.

Coffee or tea? Tea.

Cook dinner or order take-out/delivery? Cook.

Vanilla or chocolate ice-cream? Mexican vanilla ice cream by Amy’s in Austin

Pancakes or eggs? Eggs.

Sleep in or get up early? Would like to get up early but don’t always manage.

Laptop or desktop for writing? Laptop.

GIVEAWAY

Sherry has GENEROUSLY selected to do a contest for you Lucky readers. All you have to do is answer the following question. The heroine of MY BEAUTIFUL ENEMY is a martial arts expert. What are some of the most interesting talents/abilities you've read in historical romance heroines? GOOD LUCK!!

4 Comments

Author Interview: Christina Brooke

7/28/2014

3 Comments

Who was your Greatest inspiration in helping you develop your writing career?

There are so many authors I admire but it’s hard to go past the amazing Nora Roberts. I cannot pretend my writing career resembles hers even remotely, but Nora's is the voice in my head when I feel like the words aren’t coming. “You can’t fix a blank page”. And on the other hand, Susan Elizabeth Phillips is an inspiration to me because I don’t think anybody writes better relationships than SEP.

Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?

Michael Fassbender or Viggo Mortensen for Xavier and Naomi Watts for Lizzie.

Any tips on how to get through the dreaded writer’s block?

Different things work at different times because I think writer’s block comes from different root causes and has different levels of severity. There are days I have sat doggedly at the computer for five hours before the writing has begun to flow (usually just before I have to leave the house to pick up children!) There are days when I need to pre-write freehand or diagram the story on a white board or merely think about it from a different perspective.

I listen to old RWA workshops a lot and as people are telling me the elements of story and craft, my subconscious is busy applying that to my own story. People who have studied creativity maintain that inspiration comes from, firstly, working very, very hard on brainstorming a problem, secondly, walking away to rest the conscious mind and let the subconscious work, then, thirdly, returning to the problem the following day or after a good few hours have passed. You often find sudden insights and inspiration when you follow this practice. (Incidentally, this is why we *always* think of the perfect comeback to an insult hours after the fact.) Try writing first thing in the morning before everyone else is up, before your critical brain has the chance to take over. Your subconscious will have been working on the book while you sleep.

Other times, it’s a problem with the story. You’ve gone wrong somewhere and you need to stop and work out how you’re going to fix that wrong turn before you can continue. Some people say just bash through the first draft and that works for some people but not for everyone. Writer’s block (if you want to call it that but I think just giving it the name makes it scarier than it needs to be) might even come from trying to deny yourself the process that works best for you.

Sometimes the problem stems from emotional trauma. Some writers might welcome writing as an escape or a way to express pain. But if you’re not one of those writers, and there’s no reason why you should be, then as far as I know, there’ s no simple fix for that except for time. Above all, be kind to yourself.

What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews?

I’m grateful that people are reading my books! They’re entitled to their opinions. I must admit, I don’t often read reviews any more unless my editor sends them to me.

How do you relax?
By reading, of course!

What is your favorite motivational phrase?
One that my agent sent me on a card years ago: “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.” Which makes no actual sense but I think we all know the sentiment!

One place you’ve never been, but ALWAYS wanted to go?
Egypt. I’m a huge fan of Elizabeth Peters’ Amelia Peabody mysteries and I’d love to see all the places she writes about.

If you weren’t an author what would be your next choice of career?
I think I’d like to be an editor. It would have to be something to do with books.

Lightning Round:

White wine or red? Red

Coffee or tea? Coffee

Cook dinner or order take-out/delivery? Cook

Outdoorsman or homebody? Homebody

City Life or Country Life? City Life

Do you prefer to live in hot weather or cold weather? Hot!!

Dog Lover or Cat Fan? Dog Lover

Pancakes or eggs? Pancakes

Sleep in or get up early? Get up early

Laptop or desktop for writing? Laptop with wireless keyboard

3 Comments

Author Interview: Julie Ann Long

7/21/2014

3 Comments

Tell us about your book(s)!

I write the Pennyroyal Green series of historical romances, about the Redmond and Eversea families, who have been feuding since William the Conqueror landed, and are allegedly bound by a curse: a Redmond and Eversea are destined to fall in love once per generation, with disastrous results. As the series open, the simmering feud has reached a sort of boil, because Lyon Redmond, the Redmond family heir has disappeared, allegedly because Olivia Eversea broke his heart. The series follows the Redmonds and Everseas as they have adventures and misadventures, fall madly and passinoately in love, and Lyon and Olivia's story is a thread that runs through all the books.

The latest is BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND IAN EVERSEA, and Ian Eversea meets his match in Tansy Danforth! (Ian Eversea is the Eversea who was ushered out a window, naked, at gunpoint, by the Duke of Falconbridge in WHAT I DID FOR A DUKE.) Next up is IT STARTED WITH A SCANDAL, which picks up the story of Lord Lavay, first introduced in I KISSED AN EARL.

If I can make a reader laugh, cry and sigh in the span of a single book, then I feel like I've done my job!

Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?

Tom Hiddleston for Ian Eversea, perhaps. Emma Stone for Tansy? If you've read it, i'd love to hear your suggestions!

Any tips on how to get through the dreaded writer’s block?

Thank heavens I haven't experienced this! Occasionally, if I'm stuck on a plot point, I'll pick the brains of a few key friends. I love writing and it seems to mostly love me back, so far.

What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews?

One I release a book into the wild (ha!) I can't control how readers feel about or react to it, and I try not to stress too much about things I can't control. I focus on the on all the good lovely things readers say and write to me, and as always, I move onto the next thing. You simply can't please everyone all the time, and you'll make yourself crazy trying. I always do my very best work, put my heart into it, and hope for the best.

How do you relax?

What is this word “relax?” Kidding. I love to work and create things, actually. When I'm not working, I like to hang out with friends, laugh really hard, go out for amazing food, walk around beautiful places (whether it's the woods, the beach, or the city), listen to amazing music, and, of course, read.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

This too shall pass. :)

What is your favorite book?

Oy, I have a million favorite books! I will name only a few, off the top of my head: POSESSION, A.S. Byatt, THE ONCE AND FUTURE KING, T.H. White, all the “Little House” books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, THE THORN BIRDS, Colleen McCullough...way, way, too many to list!

Who is your favorite author?

I have a million favorite authors! Here are a few: Alexander McCall Smith is my go-to comfort read. A.S. Bayatt. Marian Keyes. Nick Hornby. Donna Leon. Kerry Kennedy. Loretta Chase.

If you could trade lives with anyone, who would it be and why?

I like my life. I might not always be content, but I do like a challenging project, and I am definitely a work in progress. :)

If you didn't choose writing as a profession, what would be your next choice of professions?

Rock star! Or teacher. I do love imparting information.

What was your most embarrassing moment?

Way, way too many to list. It would be impossible to rank them all. I once spilled coffee down the front of me in an elevator with the CEO of the billion dollar company I used to work for, for one. (Quite a few of my moments involve spilling things, come to think of it).

Lighting Round:

White wine or red? Artisan ale! Or a cocktail.

Coffee or tea? Green tea!

Cook dinner or order take-out/delivery? Both! But I'm actually not a bad cook. Depends upon whether I'm on deadline.

Vanilla or chocolate ice-cream? Chocolate.

Pancakes or eggs? Eggs!

Sleep in or get up early? Depends on how late I was up the night before...

Laptop or desktop for writing? Laptop. I'm deeply in love with my Macbook Air.

GIVEAWAY:

Julie has agreed giveaway a copy of her book to a lucky reader. All you have to do to enter is answer the questions; Have you read the Pennyroyal Green series? Which is your favorite book in the series? If you haven't yet read it, what are some of your favorite book series? GOOD LUCK!!! ;-)

3 Comments

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Author Interview: Maya Rodale

Author Interview: Lauren Willig

Author Interview: Darcie Wilde

Author Interview: Sarah Mallory

Author Interview: Valerie Bowman

Author Interview: Madeline Hunter

Author Interview: Alexandra Hawkins

Author Interview: Sherry Thomas

Author Interview: Christina Brooke

Author Interview: Julie Ann Long

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