Tag: debut author

Interview with Collette Cameron, Historical Romance Author

Cover for HIGHLANDER'S HOPE by Collette CameronPlease welcome Collette Cameron to the blog today to celebrate her imminent debut release, HIGHLANDER’S HOPE. I met Collette online through The Beau Monde chapter and chat with her regularly on twitter and Facebook.

I got a chance to read an ARC of this novel and I know you’re in for a special treat! This isn’t your typical Regency fare waltzing through the ballrooms of London, but it’s also not your usual Scottish Highlander novel filled with raids across the border and kidnapped London misses either. No, this plot takes your expectations and sets them on end through a mix of common Regency and Highland elements but with twists that pleasantly surprise. The author’s sense of humor shines through in descriptions, especially regarding the secondary characters, and in the dialogue. Yvette and Ewan’s HEA is satisfying and the tension of suspense is kept taut throughout as the heroine is chased from America, to London, to Scotland while the hero must unravel a spy ring.

If you enjoy Regency Romance romps or Historical Romance with light suspense, give this one a try! I’ll be sure to add buy links as soon as it’s available!

Highlander’s Hope
by Collette Cameron

ISBN 9781619351974

Blurb:

She was the heiress determined to never marry.

Shipping heiress Yvette Stapleton is wary of fortune hunting men and their false declarations of love. She’d rather become a spinster than imprisoned in the bonds of marriage. At first, she doesn’t recognize the dangerously handsome man who rescues her from assailants on London’s docks, but her reaction to Lord Sethwick’s passionate kisses soon have her reconsidering her cynical views on matrimony.

He was the nobleman who vowed to make her his own.

Not a day has gone by that Ewan McTavish, Lord Sethwick and Laird of Craiglocky, hasn’t dreamed of the sensual beauty he danced with two years ago; he’s determined to win her heart. On a mission to stop a War Office traitor, he unwittingly draws Yvette into deadly international intrigue. To protect her, he exploits Scottish Canon law to declare her his lawful wife—without benefit of a ceremony. Yvette is furious upon discovering the irregular marriage is legally binding, though she never said, “I do.”

Amidst murder and betrayal, Ewan attempts to win Yvette’s forgiveness. But is it too late? Has his manipulation cost him her love?

Excerpt: London Inn Scene

Ewan jolted awake. “Merde.”

He had fallen asleep with Yvette in his arms. Shooting a worried glance at the window, he recognized the first golden blush of daybreak sweeping across the hazy sky.

Sucking in a strangled breath, he grasped the inexperienced hand fondling him. Blast it. The towel had come loose while he slept, of course.

“Yvette,” he whispered as she showered kisses across his bare chest and neck. Grasping her roaming hands, he ensnared her in his embrace, and raised his voice. “Yvette, wake up.”

He gave her a gentle shake. Dark lashes trembled, rising to reveal drowsy eyes. A smile lit her face when her gaze met his. She lifted her hand, caressing his face, her fingers lingering on his scar before she raised herself up and kissed the mark. Caught up in the powerful spell, he almost forgot himself. He fought the urge to throw reason to the wind and kiss her with all the desire he was holding in check. “Yvette. . .”

Ewan knew the moment she awoke. He felt her stiffen in his arms and heard her small cry of shocked dismay. She pressed at his chest with both hands. He released her and watched her scramble across the bed. She stopped in the middle, facing him. Her hair swirled around her, settling in shimmering waves about her hips.

Dawn’s glow lit the room. He could see her expressions. Shock—followed by confusion, then complete horror as she realized the full scope of her situation.

I hope you enjoyed that excerpt, but let’s find out a little bit more about Collette herself and her writing in the Regency Era.

1. What drew you to writing Historical Romances in general and specifically to setting stories during the Regency Era where English propriety clashes with Scottish brashness?

When I was 13, a friend gave me a Barbara Cartland Historical Romance to read. I fell in love with historicals, right then and there. I do enjoy other romance genres, but historicals appeal to the romantic and the historian in me. I’m a history buff and digging into the research for a historical is something I really enjoy.

Georgian, Regency, and Victorian are my favorite eras, (all those lords and ladies, you know) so when I decided to write a historical romance, I choose the Regency era. It was such a time of transition; strict propriety strove—ineffectively, I might add— to conceal an undercurrent of immorality and entitlement.

Highlanders are the epic heroes. A bit too unrefined for the Haute Ton, but, oh, do they add a delicious element in a romance.

2. What’s the strangest bit of historical trivia you’ve picked up in your research?

I found a Scot’s Canon Law that “covered” irregular marriages—those not performed by the church. In essence, you could declare you were married, or exchange vows, in front of anyone, and you were legally married.

That law came in quite handy when I was writing HIGHLANDER’S HOPE.

These next few questions assume that time travel is possible.

3. What modern conveniences would you miss most? What would you miss least?

Bathrooms! My hubby teases me because I don’t even like to go camping unless there is hot running water and electricity so I can style my hair.

I do not know how the elite could stand not bathing. I see paintings of the most extraordinary fashions, and I’m appalled that such an exquisite outfit was donned by a stink-meister.

Telephones too, though not so much for communication, but for emergencies. You know when the coach breaks down or your horse goes lame? Just dial the 1800s version of AAA.

What else?

Refrigerators and clean water.

Water wasn’t safe to drink (which is why so many cooks had a drinking problem) and food was hard to keep from spoiling. During my research I discovered that many of the thick, rich sauces favored during those eras was actually a means used to cover the taste of half-spoiled meat and fish.

4. What would be the hardest for you to adapt to in the Regency Era?

Lack of good hygiene and availability of fresh fruits and vegetables.

5. Where would you fit into the society? Where would you like to visit most?

I’m a teacher so most likely, I’d be a governess or an instructor at a school for young girls. Though perfectly respectable, neither position was enviable. Most women who filled those roles did so because they had no other recourse. There were very few jobs available for decent women, which is why the prostitution rate was so ghastly high.

I’ve been to London and Paris, but I’d love to go back. Right now, I’m trying to figure out a way to finagle a visit to Scotland. I have a six-book saga about highlanders in the planning stages, so a trip for research is a must, don’t you think?

6. How long have you been writing? What advice would you go back and give yourself as a beginning novelist if you could? Would this advice differ from what you’d say to an aspiring author now?

In February 2011, I plopped myself in front of my computer, on a whim really, and decided to write a romance novel. It took me six months—I taught the whole while—and when it was done, I realized I had only really begun. Two major rewrites, including cutting 73,000 words, and two title changes occurred before it was ready to submit.

I didn’t have critique partners for my first novel. I do now, and they make a huge difference in the revising and polishing of my work. I also hadn’t read any books on the craft or attended any workshops. I wasted a lot of time learning stuff after my manuscript was finished.

I think it is extremely important that a writer stay true to their own voice and creativity. Learn from others, but make sure your writing reflects you as the artist.

7. Your blog prominently features blue roses and you have a wonderful explanation with some gorgeous pictures there, but how did your series become the Blue Rose Series? Did you consciously set out to include them and build around that idea, or did your character(s) make the suggestion?

When I first dove into the whole publishing thing, everyone kept saying you need an author platform. A what?

You need to create your branding? My what?

I came up with the blue rose for my branding because my favorite color is cobalt blue, and anyone that knows me, knows I’m nuts about flowers. There are only two rooms in my house that don’t have floral wallpaper. I’ve pictures of flowers on my walls, and yes, I do have scads of flowers in my yard.

My dishes actually have a blue rose pattern so it was a natural transference to my author branding.

Now, as far as the Blue Rose Trilogy, I named the trilogy before I started writing it. My reasoning was as a new author, I needed a way for readers to identify me. Each of the books has multiple references to blue roses in them.

I’m actually thinking about having a blue rose contest after Highlander’s Hope releases and asking readers where blue roses are mentioned in the book.

Oh, I also have a really fun Blue Rose Romance page on Pinterest, in case anyone would like to take a peek.

8. Between writing and teaching, you manage to find time for a number of hobbies: amateur photography, bird watching, gardening, interior decorating, rock-hunting, and salmon fishing on the Columbia River. Not to mention three adult children, and five miniature dachshunds. How do you balance it all?

You know that thing called sleep? I don’t get much of it.

It’s all about prioritizing. What’s most important right at this moment?

Because I’m a substitute teacher, my teaching is more flexible. I also utilize my time really well. It helps that I’m a very organized and disciplined person. I don’ t spend as much time gardening, bird watching or fishing as I used to. My focus at present is launching my writing career.

9. Are you reader? What are some of your favorites?

I am a reader. I don’t know any authors that aren’t.

I don’t really have any favorites though. If a story appeals to me, I read it. I did name my daughter after Brianna in THE FLAME AND THE FLOWER by Kathleen Woodiwiss.

10. What is the most challenging part of being a writer?

I think the promo and marketing are what I find the most challenging. I’m not a natural at either, and both make me uncomfortable.

Also, developing a thick skin is a must. That comes with time, I think.

Not everyone is going to like my writing; I don’t like some books that I’ve read—yes, even some romances. I’ve not had any reviews yet, but I hope to respond with dignity and grace when poor reviews come in because, it’s inevitable, they will.

Photo of Collette Cameron, Author

About the Author

A life-long Oregonian, Collette Cameron was born and raised in a small town along the northern Oregon coast. Today she makes her home in a rural community, 30 minutes west of Portland. Her Victorian farmhouse sits on a one-acre certified wildlife habit, interspersed with a plethora of gardens: English, rose, butterfly, rock, water, and of course, vegetable.

A voracious reader of romance since her teens, she even named her daughter after a heroine in her favorite romance novel. An enthusiast of times gone by, and anything related to romance, she writes Historical Romance, with a dash of inspiration, a pinch of humor, and a liberal portion of suspense.

Having dabbled in interior decorating in her youth, Collette returned to school, graduating summa cum laude from Oregon State University, and went on to obtain her Master’s Degree in Teaching. She is member of Romance Writers of America, Rose City Romance Writers, The Beau Monde, and Love Faith and Hope, Inc., and a whole slew of other author/writer groups.

Some of Collette’s favorite things include unique blends of coffees and teas, trivia, Cadbury Milk Chocolate, inspirational quotes, and scented candles. Her Christian faith, husband, three adult children, and five miniature dachshunds round out her life quite nicely! When she’s not teaching or writing, she is a content and copy/line editor for an Ebook publisher, enjoys amateur photography, bird watching, gardening, interior decorating, rock-hunting, boating or fishing on the Columbia River, and reading of course.

To connect with Collette, please visit http://collettecameron.com/ or http://www.blueroseromance.com/. She can also be found on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+, Linkedin, Goodreads, Twitter, and the Soul Mate Publishing Author’s Blog.

Buy HIGHLANDER’S HOPE: Amazon

Interview with Regency Romance Author Valerie Bowman

Cover for Valerie Bowman's SECRETS OF A WEDDING NIGHTI originally met Valerie Bowman online through the Beau Monde’s RWA Chapter and Twitter. Then I got to meet her last Christmas while I was in Florida visiting family. Time just flew by as we sat in Starbucks chatting about writing and our experiences so far. It was great catching up with her at Nationals and watching the buzz and excitement grow as her release date approached.

So to celebrate her debut novel, SECRETS OF A WEDDING NIGHT, I’d like to welcome Valerie and thank her for taking the time to answer some questions. I hope you guys find her answers as interesting and informative as I did.

AND we’ll be doing a giveaway! One random commenter today will receive a copy of SECRETS OF A WEDDING NIGHT!

*** UPDATE: THE WINNER OF THE COPY OF
VALERIE BOWMAN’S
SECRETS OF A WEDDING NIGHT IS:
MAY!!
CONGRATS! ***

1. What drew you to writing Historical Romances in general and specifically to setting stories during the Regency Era?

VB: I’ve been a life-long fan of historical romance and a total anglophile so when I decided to write a novel, there just wasn’t any question. Every romantic story in my head was based in the Regency. Despite the Napoleonic wars, it was such a time of fun and revelry. To me, it’s the perfect backdrop to stories of love and romance.

2. What’s the strangest bit of historical trivia you’ve picked up in your research?

VB: I’m not sure if it’s the strangest but one of my favorites (and I intend to write a blog post about the details of this for www.DashingDuchesses.com soon) is the fact that the Prince Regent himself married a woman, Maria Fitzherbert, and everyone knew it and was strangely ok with it, but she was Catholic so it wasn’t technically legal and so when he married Princess Caroline no one batted an eye. I just find that so crazy.

These next few questions assume that time travel is possible. And I know you were recently photographed by the New York Times as part of the Beau Monde’s soiree at the RWA National Conference in Regency garb, so I know you’d be able to handle dressing the part. So, if you could go back to Regency England…

3. What modern conveniences would you miss most? What would you miss least?

VB: Oh, what a fun question! Without a moment’s hesitation I have to say I’d miss air conditioning the most. I grew up in Illinois in a home without it, but now that I live in Florida, I’m strangely addicted to it.

4. What would be the hardest for you to adapt to in the Regency Era?

VB: The hardest thing to take would be assuming without question that men have all the knowledge, power, and rights and that women are weak and need to be taken care of. I’m pretty sure they’d kick me out of Regency England. Hopefully not before I asked a lot of questions and learned a lot though. : )

5. Where would you fit into the society? Where would you like to visit most?

VB: Wouldn’t we all like to be duchesses? But given my family name, Bowman, I’d probably be working class. And life was absolutely awful for those poor people. That’s why all the stories are about the nobility. No one wants to write about the scullery maid who spent twelve hours a day scrubbing kitchen utensils in the basement and cleaning out chamber pots. I’d most like to visit Bath (I’ve been there, but to see it during the Regency would be such a treat).

6. How long have you been writing? What advice would you go back and give yourself as a beginning novelist if you could? Would this advice differ from what you’d say to an aspiring author now?

VB: I’ve been writing since June 3, 2007. Yes. I remember the exact day. : ) If I could go back, I’d tell myself to come up with a better “hook” for that first novel and the second one, frankly. It wasn’t until I’d written two that I realized that just writing the same old story about a girl falling in love with her brother’s best friend wasn’t going to get the attention of agents and editors. I’d definitely give an aspiring author now that same advice. I’d also add to write to the market. I’ve had so many friends who are writing American Civil War historicals or other time periods that don’t tend to sell well. It’s difficult enough to break into publishing but if you’re writing a story that’s not popular in the marketplace, you’re upping the odds against yourself just that much. Of course that assumes that your goal is to be published by certain houses and that you’d rather be well-published than write the book of your heart. If those things aren’t true, then ignore that advice completely. : )

7. Which character (Lily or Devon) or which situation came to you first that made you realize you had to write Secrets of a Wedding Night?

VB: The truth is, what came to me first was the title itself. I’m pretty sure I thought of it in the middle of the night. Isn’t that always when the best ideas strike? I came up with the title and THEN I worried about the plot later. I just thought it was such an intriguing title. Soon after I realized SECRETS OF A WEDDING NIGHT was going to be the title of a very scandalous pamphlet that was selling like hotcakes about the <em>ton</em>.

8. You recently became engaged (betrothed?) and are planning a wedding of your own, any secrets to share with us? Just kidding, what describes your perfect Romance Hero?

VB: Ha! I’ll never tell. (wink) My perfect hero is TDH (tall, dark, handsome), uber smart, compassionate, and a bit humorous. And he’s almost always tortured by his past. But aren’t they all? : )

9. Are you reader? What are some of your favorites?

Perhaps not surprisingly, I’m a huge fan of historical romance. All of Judith McNaught‘s historicals, anything written by Lisa Kleypas, Julia Quinn and Suzanne Enoch are some of my favorites but the list is too long, really. My all-time favorite romance novel, however, is McNaught’s Once and Always. Just absolute perfection as far as I’m concerned.

10. What is the most challenging part of being a writer?

The most challenging part is to make myself better, every word, every book, every story. I listen to workshops, read craft books, and study other authors’ techniques every chance I get. But I always know that my work is right for me because I can honestly say that if I won the lottery—and I mean the BIG one—I would still wake up every single morning and write romance novels. And that is a true gift, to know what your calling is in life. I’m so lucky to have found mine.

About the Author

Valerie Bowman writes Regency-set historical romance novels with a focus on sharp dialogue, engaging storylines, and heroines who take matters into their own hands! Publishers Weekly calls SECRETS OF A WEDDING NIGHT, an “enchanting, engaging debut that will have readers seeking future installments” and Romantic Times Book Reviews says, “This fast-paced, charming debut, sparkling with witty dialogue and engaging characters, marks Bowman for stardom.” Booklist gave it a starred review!

Valerie lives in Jacksonville, FL with her rascally dog, Roo. You can find Valerie on the web at www.ValerieBowmanBooks.com and on Facebook and on Twitter.

About SECRETS OF A WEDDING NIGHT

HOW TO STOP A WEDDING

Young, widowed, and penniless, Lily Andrews, the Countess of Merrill, has strong opinions on marriage. When she spots a certain engagement announcement in The Times, she decides to take action. She will not allow another hapless girl to fall prey to a man—particularly the scoundrel who broke her heart five years ago. Anonymously she writes and distributes a pamphlet entitled “Secrets of a Wedding Night,” knowing it will find its way into his intended’s innocent hands…

HOW TO SEDUCE A WIDOW

Devon Morgan, the Marquis of Colton, desires a good wife and mother to his son—someone completely unlike Lily Andrews, the heartless beauty who led him on a merry chase five years ago only to reject him. When Devon’s new fiancée cries off after reading a certain scandalous pamphlet, he vows to track down the author and make her pay. But when he learns it’s his former fiancée Lily, he issues a challenge: write a retraction—or prepare to be seduced—to find out how wonderful a wedding night can be…

“Secrets of a Wedding Night is the most charming and clever debut I’ve read in years!”

—New York Times bestselling author Lisa Kleypas

Publication Date: Sep 25, 2012
St. Martin’s Press
ISBN-10: 1250008956
ISBN-13: 978-1250008954
Genre: Historical Romance, Regency Romance
Length: Novel

Buy SECRETS OF A WEDDING NIGHT: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Books a Million

Your Turn: What would you include in such a pamphlet? What do you wish someone had told you to expect on your wedding night or if you’d like share a secret about your wedding night or your hopes for that night (PG-13 please!).

Don’t forget, one random commenter today will get a copy of SECRETS OF A WEDDING NIGHT.

Interview with Historical Erotic Romance Author: Sorcha Mowbray

*** UPDATE: THE WINNER OF THE EBOOK
COPY OF LOVE REVEALED IS:
TONI NOEL!!
CONGRATS! ***

Cover for LOVE REVEALED, by Sorcha MowbrayPlease welcome Sorcha Mowbray to the blog today! We’re celebrating her debut LOVE REVEALED which releases on February 3rd from Decadent Publishing .

Now, some of you MAY be wondering why I’m interviewing an erotic romance author here on my tame little blog. I’ll be honest, I don’t usually read erotic romance and I don’t think I could write it without dying of embarrassment. However, it’s a popular genre and when I first read this story, I was completely sucked in by it. The sex is hot, but the story is hotter. I was so excited for Sorcha when this story sold because now other people get to share the experience. There is nothing better for a reader than to share a good book or story. So here I am, passing along this one because even though it’s not my typical fare. It’s that good. And notice there on the cover… it’s just the first of a series!

All commenters (must be 18+ to win!) on this post today will be entered to win a copy of LOVE REVEALED.

Love Revealed
by Sorcha Mowbray

Blurb: Lady Katherine Drummond played by the rules of society, even after they turned on her. Shunned by her peers, she keeps up appearances by day but allows her true self out in the privacy of The Market. It is there in the arms of one man that she truly comes alive. So much so, she signed a contract to be his for six months. Despite never having seen his face and knowing him only as Sir, she fears losing her heart to him.

Lord Raymond Tarkenton, the Earl of Heathington, despises being one of the most sought after bachelors of the Ton. He could never ask a woman of his circle to submit to his sexual needs, and a mistress would never be an option. For now, one masked woman at The Market holds his undivided attention. When he realizes that his masked lover and Lady Katherine Drummond are one and the same, he must find a way to convince her that they are bound together by more than the straps at her wrist and the contract they signed. He must reveal himself and his love to her.

Gotta have it? Buy it from Decadent Publishing on Feb 3rd!

So, without further ado, let’s put Sorcha in the hot seat and grill her with some questions!

1. What drew you to writing Historical Romances in general and specifically to setting stories during the Victorian Era?

I have always been a lover of history (I totally blame my dad!) so when I started reading it was historical novels and then historical romance. For a VERY long time, it was the only kind of romance I would read. Needless to say, when I started writing it was natural that I wrote historical romance. Geek alert! I was also a history minor in college, so I love doing research!

2. What’s the strangest bit of historical trivia you’ve picked up in your research?

I think for me it was the Victorian fascination with tattoos. Winston Churchill’s mother had a snake tattooed on her wrist! It was shocking to think of aristocratic Victorians being tattooed.

These next few questions assume that time travel is possible. So, if you could go back to Victorian England:

3. What modern conveniences would you miss most? What would you miss least?

My computer/Kindle Fire/Smart Phone. I would be in serious withdrawal in the beginning. I find it hard to make a decision without one of them at my disposal. Kind of sad, I know. I think I would miss TV the least. I just don’t watch that much to begin with, and as long as I had books I’d be A-OK.

4. What would be the hardest for you to adapt to in the Victorian Era?

CORSETS! I have one that I love to put on and wear on occasion, but every freaking day? Yikes! I’d end up going without and get labeled a slattern or some other horrible moniker. Add to that the long dresses. I suppose as long as I was rich when I went back so I wasn’t actually trying to work in a corset and long skirts I’d survive. But, if I had to work like that? Forget it. Pants for women would happen a heck of a lot sooner than they did. LOL!

5. Where would you fit into the society? Where would you like to visit most?

I’d probably be middle class, though I would like to think I’d be the bluestocking aristocrat who carved her own path. I have always loved England. I think I would totally want to go there since America would likely be too rough and tumble for me. I can rough it with the best for a couple of days, but in the end I am totally a city girl.

6. What describes your perfect Romance Hero and do you find this varies across genres?

Alpha. I want a strong, decisive man who knows his mind and can act on it despite what others might think. Sort of a benevolent dictator type. He listens to everyone then makes what he believes to be the best decision for everyone. Now, don’t get me wrong I fully expect he will have to learn to defer to the lady in his life on occasion or all hell will break loose. LOL! No, this is a constant for me no matter the genre…even in real life. 😉

7. What advice would you go back and give yourself as a beginning writer if you could?

Don’t get distracted by other things! If I hadn’t set writing aside for five or six years I would have been published before now. I have a hard time focusing on something if I am not experiencing success, and at the time writing wasn’t really about getting published. Then it was…then it wasn’t. If I had been more consistent in working at it and approaching it as a business from the beginning I would have gotten to this point quicker.

8. Which comes first, the characters or situations that makes you realize you had to write this story?

Most times it is a scenario that occurs to me, but often the scenario includes at least a concept of the characters involved because I like character driven stories. I want to invest in the person on the page, not just drop H/h into a random scenario. Sometimes as I develop the character the story changes because I discover something I didn’t know about the character or they react totally differently to a situation than I thought they would.

9. What are some of your favorite reads?

I love the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon, I totally love the Mallory’s by Johanna Lindsey. On the sexy side I loved The Irish Devil by Diane Whiteside, Simply Sexual by Kate Pearce, and A Touch of Sin by Susan Johnson.

10. What’s made your life easier and what have you found the most challenging as a writer?

Easier? Ha! Nothing about writing makes life easier. It is a labor of love. I give up time spent with friends and family in order to pursue a dream. There ain’t nothing easy about that. My real challenges come from balancing it all. I have a demanding day job, a husband, and now a second career. Anymore challenge and I’ll give up!

Sorcha Mowbray - scorching the sheets one page at a time.Sorcha Mowbray is a mild mannered office worker by day… okay, so she is actually a mouthy, opinionated, take charge kind of gal who bosses everyone around; but she definitely works in an office. At night she writes romance so hot she sets the sheets on fire! Just ask her slightly singed husband.

She is a long time lover of historical romance, having grown up reading Johanna Lindsey and Judith McNaught. Then she discovered Thea Devine and Susan Johnson. Holy cow! Heroes and heroines could do THAT? From there, things devolved into trying her hand at writing a little smexy. Needless to say, she liked it and she hopes you do too!

Be sure to visit Sorcha’s website (18+ please!), “like” her facebook page, and follow her on twitter @sorchamowbray. She’s also got more dates for her blog tour listed under EVENTS on her website.

YOUR TURN: Sorcha says, “I just want to say thank you to Kristen for having me visit today. Those were hard questions! I’d love to give one commenter a copy of LOVE REVEALED, so say hello, tell me I’m crazy (cause I am), or tell Kristen how awesome her Regency Primer Series is, just say something!”

Remember, all commenters today have a chance to win an ebook of LOVE REVEALED (must be 18+ to win!).

Interview with Victorian & Steampunk Author, Jillian Stone

The cover image of An Affair With Mr Kennedy by Jillian StoneTo help kick off my new interview venture and to celebrate her debut release, Jillian Stone has graciously agreed to answer some questions. She will also be giving away a signed copy of AN AFFAIR WITH MR. KENNEDY (The Gentlemen of Scotland Yard)amazon tracking pixel to one commenter today.

***UPDATE: THE WINNER OF THE SIGNED ARC IS:
ALDEN ASH!!
CONGRATS!***

In addition, all commenters on this post will be entered in a special giveaway promotion: Jewelry inspired by the romantic notion of recapturing lost time as the French title ‘Le Temps Perdu’, specifically a Steampunk watch necklace from the Time Travel Collection by Yolanda Pang.

Let’s cyber travel over to Poetic Designs and see for ourselves just how whimsical this watch necklace is!

A Steampunk watch necklace from the Time Travel Collection by Yolanda Pang
The promotion for AN AFFAIR WITH MR. KENNEDY (The Gentlemen of Scotland Yard) begins here at my blog and Jillian will post the winner of the watch necklace on February 22 at Get Lost in a Story. Comment on any of her blogs or interviews and you are entered to win. Each time you visit a different blog and leave a comment your name gets entered again! For a schedule of her interviews and blogs go to contact/press on her website. Good luck everyone!

1. What drew you to writing Historical Romance in general and specifically to setting stories during the Victorian Era? Your other series is steampunk, what inspired you to write in two sub-genres that are so closely related but also so wildly different?

Regency seemed like a crowded field, and I didn’t want to write about the aristocracy. I also didn’t want to write a mostly character driven plot. I began to notice that a few romance writers were writing in the Victorian period. I was particularly drawn to the Amanda Quick novels, which were historical romance but also incorporated mystery, suspense and occult elements.

Then I got to thinking about Scotland Yard detectives. It seemed to me that Yard men were always portrayed as bumbling inspectors, five moves behind Sherlock Holmes. So I thought, what if there was an elite group of detectives? I began to do some research and found out that there was a division of Scotland Yard created in the 1882 called Special Branch. I added a dash (as in dashing) of James Bond Steampunk and that was the start of The Gentlemen of Scotland Yard. The heroines in each book are fascinating, progressive Victorian women. There is an Impressionist painter, an industrialist and a ballerina/jewel thief/spy!

Phaeton Black, my paranormal investigator started out as an exploration into writing historical paranormal with Steampunk elements. As it turns out I really enjoy writing paranormal, it works my imagination in interesting ways. There is something freeing about using pure imagination!

2. What’s the strangest bit of historical trivia you’ve picked up in your research?

As you know the Victorian era spans 75 years. I write in the late Victorian era, circa 1887–1897. I guess one of the most interesting things I uncovered early in my research was how obsessed the British middle class was with sex. They may have covered their piano legs out of modesty, but they liked nothing more than to talk about sex, categorize it, condemn it and in the case of prostitution, patronize it. In 1887, venereal disease in the military was down from nearly 50% to 29% The Lancet medical journal in 1887 estimated that there were approximately 80,000 prostitutes working in London. This is out of a total population of 2,360,000 or 3%. Women working the streets were a common sight, particularly around the theater districts like Leicester Square and Covent Garden. I love using this kind of research (and a black fog) to create atmosphere/world-build.

These next few questions assume that time travel is possible. So, if you could go back to Victorian England:

3. What modern conveniences would you miss most?

Just about all of them! What would you miss least? My Oral-B battery-powered toothbrush.

4. What would be the hardest for you to adapt to in the Victorian Era?

Women had very few legal and property rights. We couldn’t vote.We were admitted to university but could not earn a degree. I would be a placard carrying suffragist. Would you prefer to live in your steampunk universe compared to either current day or Victorian times? Absolutely! I would become an inventor of steam and clockwork powered machines of convenience!

5. Where would you fit into Victorian society?

I hope I would be tolerated as a bohemian/suffragist/artist/writer. Where would you like to visit most? Explore London from West to East end. Any historical figures you’d like to meet? William Melville, Director of Special Branch, Scotland Yard. Many of the writers and artists working in London and Paris, particularly the impressionist painters.

6. What describes your perfect Romance Hero?

I love to write different kinds of men, but one of my favorites is a brilliant, reserved alpha, who also happens to be a passionate lover. And of course we want to know…Who’s your favorite so far? Zak Kennedy or Phaeton Black? My favorite hero is always the one I am writing. So right now, Phineas “Finn” Gunn is my favorite. In some ways he is my most complex hero to date.

7. If you could, what advice would you go back and give yourself when you were just starting out as a writer?

Enjoy every moment of the process. Write stories you are passionate about.

8. You’ve been a storyteller for years, but took a side trip through an award-winning career in advertising and art direction. How long have these stories been bouncing around in your brain? Which character or situation came to you first that made you realize you had to write these stories?

Five years ago I decided to give novel writing a shot. I gave myself three years to write and market a manuscript. At the end of that period, I would reevaluate. So I spent a year on a medieval trilogy. Right in the middle of book two, I landed on this idea for a romantic suspense novel set in late Victorian London about a Scotland Yard agent––Mr. Kennedy. Both the character and the story wouldn’t let go!

9. Are you a reader? What are some of your favorites?

I used to be more of a reader, now I’m more of a writer! When not reading research, I read across just about all the sub-genres: historical, paranormal, some steampunk, urban fantasy and erotica, but I’m pretty selective. A few favorite authors: Gabaldon, Feehan, Kleypas. This past year I read Flowers from the Storm by Laura Kinsale––blew me away.

10. Your Victorian Romantic Suspense novel An Affair with Mr. Kennedy (releasing Jan 31, 2012) won the 2010 Golden Heart and sold to Pocket Books and your sexy, paranormal investigator novel, The Seduction of Phaeton Black (releasing April 3, 2012), won the 2010 Romance Through The Ages Erotica category before selling to Kensington Brava. What advice regarding time management and work/life balancing can you share? What’s been the hardest to overcome and what’s made this wild ride manageable?

I have no advice on this subject as I am still trying to figure out how to write novels to deadlines, work on book promotion and have a life. Invite me back at the end of this year when I have completed the PHAETON BLACK books for Kensington, maybe I will have a few handy tips!

About the Author

Author Photo of Jillian StoneJillian Stone was born a storyteller. A skill that got her into considerable trouble as a youth until she solved the problem by becoming an advertising creative. And the career did seem to suit her as she won many national ad awards including the Clio and the New York Art Director’s Club Gold. What more could she ask for? Create her own worlds? Become goddess of her own universe? Yes! So, she began to write fiction. Her Victorian Romantic Suspense novel AN AFFAIR WITH MR. KENNEDY won the 2010 Golden Heart and sold to Pocket Books. Her sexy, supernatural Steampunk novel, THE SEDUCTION OF PHAETON BLACK, won the 2010 Romance Through The Ages Erotica category and sold to Kensington Brava. Jillian lives in California and is currently working on the next adventure for both series.

Visit Jillian at her website or “like” her Facebook page.

Buy from: Powell’s | Amazon (Kindle) | B & N (Nook)| Indiebound

Your Turn: Jillian loves creating spyware, circa 1887 for the Scotland Yard detectives that is slightly futuristic, like a dry cell battery torch (flashlight) or a gun silencer. These devices were in the process of being invented so a prototype gadget was possible!

What is your favorite spyware gadget from a spy novel or movie?

All commenters today have a chance to win a signed ARC of An Affair with Mr. Kennedy and will be entered in Jillian’s blog tour ‘Le Temps Perdu’ Steampunk watch necklace giveaway.