Yep, here it is. Now, remember, I had NOT read Holly's Inbox before sending the interview questions, so some of them are kind of odd. :) Not that that's unusual, by any means. LOL!
1. What made you decide on this route when it came to both the website & the book?
The idea for the site came when someone in our company disappeared one day without any notice. We had to trawl through their emails to find out what they were working on, as it turned out they hadn’t been working on anything apart from their personal life, which I’m ashamed to say I became engrossed in. The emails were full of office gossip, scandal, romance, and back stabbing; so this gave me the inspiration to set about building a website to deliver a ‘real time’ story. As emails come through you get so wrapped up in Holly’s life that you begin to feel you are sitting at her desk going through all the fun and disaster yourself.The website www.hollysinbox.com is of course up and running with the story right now.
2. Since I had no idea any of this was happening, is this a real person's stuff or did you come up with it as a "reality" and put it out that way?
A lot is real, but some is fiction, I’d love to know if you can spot which bits are fiction….
3. Are you planning on writing any further books? If so, would they be about the same thing or would you do anything different?
There is a follow up to this story, as Holly continues her fun… which I’m hoping will be available from Sourcebooks!!
4. What are your hobbies outside of writing?
I have a beautiful 2 year old daughter, and a gorgeous demanding wife and they both ensure I have no other interests.
5. Are you excited about your book crossing the pond & coming over to America?
Like you wouldn’t believe, dream come true YIPEEEE!
6. What is the strangest thing you've come across while reading others emails?
That a very single flirtatious woman at work was actually married, with four children
7. What is something you wish you could forget?
A pornographic image she had on another email, I think it burnt my eyes, oh and that film where that “comedian” plays most of the other characters.
8. What kind of music do you like to listen to?
Any that makes me want to dance
9. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go & why?
I would hire a convertible and travel around your country – I’ve always wanted to be in my own road movie.
10. If you had a million dollars (or pounds as the case may be) & had to spend it all in 24 hours or lose it, what would you spend it on & why?
I’d buy a really fast car – and fill the boot with all the rest of the cash and drive away so you couldn’t get it back off me.
11. If you knew you were going to die tomorrow, how would you spend your last day on earth?
I would try and shoot a few evil dictators first, and if I was still alive after that, I’d go back home and have a nice cup of tea, kiss my wife and child, oh and then die.
12. Do you like doing interviews?
:) It’s one of my first, and it’s been fun yeeeees. xx
13. What would you say has been the most rewarding aspect of this book?
Hearing it’s made people laugh, it really really gives me a buzz.
14. The least?
I guess sometimes I slip into my dream world and listen to the characters nattering, and so people close to me (mainly my wife) find it frustrating asking me the same question a zillion times while I look vacant.
15. And how is it writing as a woman?
I know as a writer trying to write from a male perspective is almost beyond me. How'd that work out for you? I’ve been trying to write all my life from a man’s perspective and failed miserably, I think as I’ve spent my whole life much much more interested in the opposite sex I’ve failed to notice much about my own kind at all, I make a terrible mate to go down the pub for a pint with, I try occasionally and find I laugh and grunt at all the wrong times.
And there you have it. My interview with Bill Surie, the guy behind Holly's Inbox. One lucky commenter (US & CANADA only...sorry!) will get a copy of the book! :) I hope you all enjoy. I really liked it. :D
Showing posts with label book giveaway. Show all posts
Showing posts with label book giveaway. Show all posts
Monday, June 1, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Welcome Sharon Lathan!!!
I reviewed her book Mr. & Mrs. Darcy: Two Shall Become One a week or so ago and really, really liked it. I emailed her, told her how much I loved it and asked her if I could interview her. Her answer? A resounding yes! So, without further ado, my interview w/ Sharon.
1. I know you've answered this on your blog and site, but I'd really like to delve more into why you decided to focus so much on the 2005 movie version of Pride and Prejudice. I love that version myself, but why that one? Why not any of the others or even the book?
You ask me on down the page if I am a visual person. The answer is yes. I am also an emotive person. Passionate and full of life. I love the art of cinema. I adore reading, obviously, but as I read I automatically create the scene in my head. The film rolls as I read with as much vivid detail as the writer conveys. I enjoy all types of movies, but those special ones that transport me in some way, that capture my heart, that lift my soul, that make me feel something amazing are the ones that stick with me. I watch them over and over, just as I will read a favorite book over and over, with the effect not diminishing but instead growing.
Joe Wright’s masterpiece struck me in that way. I can’t completely explain it and I know some folks disagree, but I would be lying if I claimed otherwise. The 1995 miniseries was lacking, to me. Doesn’t mean I hated it, doesn’t mean I ignored the novel, and it doesn’t mean I disdain Jane Austen’s brilliance. But it was the movie adaptation that birthed this gift for writing that I know has been lurking within all my life. Should I just ignore that? Should I have turned away and never given my artistic vision to the huge number of my fans just because some people hated the movie?
You are correct that I have answered this question hundreds of times, but I do not mind clarifying. Of course, I know that there is the camp who will never agree with me as I will never comprehend their negativity. I just do not see it as a ‘one or the other’ proposition. I can’t wrap my head around why changing the proposal from the afternoon to sunrise is a heinous breach of sacred ground. If such slavish devotion to literary works were the law declared from on high, then we would have no stage plays and less than half the movies ever made. Thank God there are Joe Wrights, and even Andrew Davieses (Is wet shirt Mr. Darcy in the novel?), who are unafraid to face the ridicule for their art.
2. When you started writing, I know it was on a fan site. How did you even find the site to get started? I'd love to do fan fiction for a lot of different things but wouldn't even know where to get started.
A simple Google search! For quite a few years I was part of an interactive forum called The One Ring that was for discussions regarding JRR Tolkien and Peter Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings.” It was marvelous fun, but also opened my eyes to the fun world of internet chatrooms.
Immediately after seeing P&P I just wanted to talk to people about it! I wasn’t looking for Jane Austen fan fiction (JAFF) as I did not know that existed. I typed in ‘Pride & Prejudice movie’ and the only website I found that was specifically created as a fan site for the new movie was the now defunct Longbourn Loungers. For well over a month I merely shared my feelings about the movie with other fans while also delving into the world of Jane Austen. I completely ignored the fan fiction pages as that was not primarily my interest at the time. I knew based on comments made on LL as well as other sites (like The Derbyshire Writer’s Guild at Pemberley.com) that most JAFF was of the What if? or modern or behind-the-scenes variety, and that held no appeal for me. I was already spinning sequel visions in my head as I have done all my life, but with the typical happily-ever-after tone that did not seem to mesh with the prevalent need to rehash the trauma of the book. Eventually I did start reading the stories on LL and other websites, becoming addicted to how folks approached and altered the P&P basics, but never finding what was in my head. The rest is history, as they say.
3. It's pretty obvious throughout the book that you personally have a strong faith in God. What made you decide to focus on some of the religious aspects, especially in regards to Mr. Darcy?
In one respect it came naturally out of my faith and convictions. I desired a content life for Darcy and Lizzy; a marriage of bliss, passion, understanding, and so on – attributes and goals that I personally believe are attainable within marriage. A marriage can have those things apart from the couple being Christian, but I know that marriage was initiated by God and thus if the Bible says it is possible then I believe it!
Nevertheless, I did not set out to write a ‘Christian novel’ and I do not think it fits that category. My decision to write Darcy as a man with a strong faith was more logical than out of a desire to preach. Religion, as helmed by The Church of England, was a serious part of life in the past. The movements of men like the Wesley Brothers, the convictions of men like William Wilberforce, and the influence of the Church on government are all a part of history that cannot be denied. Why not have the Darcy family be serious about religion and supporters of the Church? It was far more the norm than not and you see those moral believes all through Miss Austen’s books, her own faith and upbringing an influence on her writing.
4. Outside of writing, what are some of your hobbies?
I don’t have too much time for hobbies these days! Even my reading has drastically declined. I still do manage to read for pleasure, goof off on Facebook and a couple other websites I enjoy, catch the occasional movie with my family, and keep up on my favorite TV shows. The DVR is on overdrive these days and I am WAY behind! My husband and I have to spend our alone times together – that is essential even after 23 years of marriage. My daughter is one of my best friends so we have our “girl’s days” when lunch and catching a sappy chick flick is the norm. And as a family we love to take our trailer out for our form of camping. Not too exciting, but it keeps me balanced.
5. Favorite authors?
So many! JRR Tolkien, Raymond Feist, David Eddings, JK Rowling, Stephenie Meyer, Robert Ludlum, Stephen King, Anne McCaffrey, Terry Brooks, Terry Pratchett, Terry Goodkind, CS Lewis, John Jakes, Orson Scott Card, James Michener, Diana Gabaldon, Philippa Gregory, Barbara Hambly. See a pattern here? Mostly fantasy/sci-fi and historical fiction with few romance novels! I am learning to appreciate the pure romance genre with my Casablanca sister authors getting me initiated.
6. Favorite food?
Can I just say all? We live in the Central Valley of California where Mexican food is the BEST! Sushi, Indian cuisine, good old-fashioned steak and baked potato (Angus beef country), chocolate anything, espressos (homemade by my DH), Chinese, and the list goes on……
7. Favorite vacation spot?
I love the mountains. I grew up in the Las Padres forest and although I never want to live in snow again – EVER – I do love the fresh air and beauty of rugged terrains. Our best family vacations were to Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho.
8. If you knew you only had 24 hours to live, what would you do and why?
Spend at least half that time talking to all my dearest friends and family. I would tell them how much they have meant to me and take the opportunity to share the Gospel one last time with great authority. Then I would quietly hang with my husband and two kids, comforting them because to me it will only be a second of glory staring at my Lord before they are right beside me once again.
9. If you had a million dollars and had 24 hours to spend it (and you had to spend it all), what would you do? Why?
Set up massive trust funds for my kids and husband, give a major chunk to my church, buy that spread in Montana that my husband dreams of and I refuse to even consider (see above comment re: snow), buy the Queen Anne that I want somewhere warm for when the Montana snow is killing me, give portions to my extended family, probably new cars all around with my dream Porsche Carrera topping the list, book several trips and cruises with an extended survey of England a priority, gather up all the incredible friends I have made via my writing for a long girlie bash somewhere tropical, buy a mega-plush fifth-wheel to travel around the country in leisure, and if that doesn’t deplete it I would donate the remainder to charity.
10. What is your writing style like? Are you a plotter or a pantser? Do you find yourself having conversations with your characters in your head? :)
Totally a panster, although I just learned the meaning of that word in recent months. From the beginning I was taking it one day at a time, literally, traveling with the Darcys through life and allowing my instinct and research to guide me. When I do have an ultimate plan or result in mind (and I frequently do) I keep it loose, letting inspiration lead me along to how I want it to end. I mostly write very chronologically, although that has altered somewhat now that I am no longer writing web-based chapters.
The characters never talk TO me, but they do talk amongst themselves in my head! Whole conversations and scenes have played out in my dreams or while I am doing something mundane like vacuuming.
11. One of the things I really liked about the book was the "visual" aspect to it. Do you find yourself to be a visual person? Or are you a verbal or tactile kind of person?
As I said above, I am very visual. Even in my nursing career I learn and remember if I can get my hands on it and do it. I love reading a novel where the descriptions are clear. I want to know what they are seeing, what the air feels like, what smells there are, etc. Anything that adds to the impression of the scene. Of course, one can get carried away with detailed descriptiveness, so I have to rein it in at times. But I very much wanted the reader to experience what Lizzy and Darcy are experiencing, and to fully do that one has to ‘see’ the surroundings as clearly as possible.
12. What can we look forward to in the next book?
“Loving Mr. Darcy ~ Journeys Beyond Pemberley” begins immediately where “Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy” ends. Journeys and history are the theme as first the Darcys travel to Hertfordshire with the Bennets and Bingleys interacting. The Season in London is the next stop with additional characters being introduced, both familiar from Austen’s novel and uniquely my own creation. Then it is back to Pemberley for several summertime events. Lastly the Darcys embark on a solitary vacation through the Midlands of Derbyshire, coming full circle for a return to their estate.
13. How many books are you planning on when it comes to this series?
Hey, I’m a panster remember? I have no plans! LOL! I can tell you what I have so far. In January of 2010 “The Darcys at Year’s End” will be released, culminating as the name implies with the completion of one year of marital bliss – and a new addition to the family. The material I have already written, plus what is in my head waiting to emerge, will make for 2 more books after the third. Additionally I have completed over half of a companion novel that focuses on the adventures and romances of Georgiana Darcy set against the backdrop of post-Napoleonic France. Further thoughts yet to be written but enthusiastically endorsed by my publisher are two novels, one centering on Kitty Bennet and another on a character who is introduced in “Loving Mr. Darcy.” Time and book sales will tell!
14. Who is/are your favorite actor(s)?
I am a huge fan of Matthew Macfadyen as a result of seeing him in P&P. He is a remarkable actor who sadly prefers to stay across the pond! Kevin Spacey, Mel Gibson, Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy, Johnny Depp, Gerard Butler, Anthony Hopkins, Viggo Mortensen, and just about a hundred others.
15. Actresses?
Meryl Streep, Judi Dench, Anne Hathaway, Amy Adams, Keira Knightley….I just can’t think! Too many names!
16. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go & why?
There are so many places, but first on the agenda would be England. I have to see all the places I have written about and make sure I got it right!
17. I know you work as a neonatal nurse. What is your favorite part of your job?
The babies, without a doubt. I love working with kids. My first job as an RN was in pediatrics, but when I transferred ‘temporarily’ into the NICU I never looked back. It is incredibly rewarding and challenging. Next I love the high adrenaline of the ICU setting. I am one of those people who flourish under pressure, love being a decision maker, and have the gift of rapid response.
18. If you could meet anyone famous, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
JRR Tolkien. I have no idea what I would say other than to thank him for the amazing world he created that has brought me decades of pleasure. And I would like to meet Jane Austen to clear up the who-is-the-best Darcy debate once and for all!
19. What are your thoughts when it comes to fans? Do you prefer to keep some distance between them and you or do you find yourself being pretty open? I'm asking because I'm curious. :)
I love my fans! The best part of this whole writing experience has been the incredible people I have ‘met,’ many of whom are now dear friends that I know I shall have for life. I never tire of hearing how my story has pleased someone. That is partially why I write, to bring entertainment and some degree of joy to others. Connecting with folks from all over the world is phenomenal.
But of course that openness can come with a price. I have been hurt and disappointed a few times due to my expectations of returned sentiments. Luckily that has been rare and I do hope I never have to change my approach to fans.
20. What is your advice to aspiring writers? What is one thing you learned that you wish you could've done differently?
I sincerely do not think I would do anything differently. I have made a few errors in judgment that were not pleasant, but the learning experience is worth it in the end. My biggest advice is to stay true to yourself. Know your vision and do not let anyone tell you it must be otherwise. Honest, well meaning critique and assistance is valuable and not what I am referring to. But it is your heart on the line, your dream, your talent. Too many people resent that and will do their best to break you. Stay focused and be tenacious. This business is very tough, but the rewards are priceless.
These two aren't questions, but I ask them of every author I interview. I'm a member of the DIK Island and we had to choose the six books and six heroes of books we couldn't survive on a Desert Island without. Guess who one of mine is? Since you wrote about him, I don't have to say anything else. LOL!
Gee, who? Yeah, I would take him along too, as long as he looked like Matthew Macfadyen and not that other British guy. Can I play? Mr. Darcy is just for fun; for survival I would add Aragorn from Lord of the Rings, Edward from the Twilight books, Belgarath the Sorcerer from David Eddings’ Belgariad and Mallorean series, and my own Dr. Darcy for medical expertise and comic relief.
Thanks so much, Bridget, for this opportunity to share of myself and talk about my series! It has been great. Remember to pop over to my wonderful website at http://www.darcysaga.net/ for load of fun, education, and information on the Darcy Saga.
Sharon's publisher is putting up one copy of the book for grabs. Just comment & I will choose a winner on Weds. Go forth & comment!!!!
PS. Thank you, Sharon! And to clarify, I can only send the book to anyone in the US or Canada. I'm sorry!!!! :(
1. I know you've answered this on your blog and site, but I'd really like to delve more into why you decided to focus so much on the 2005 movie version of Pride and Prejudice. I love that version myself, but why that one? Why not any of the others or even the book?
You ask me on down the page if I am a visual person. The answer is yes. I am also an emotive person. Passionate and full of life. I love the art of cinema. I adore reading, obviously, but as I read I automatically create the scene in my head. The film rolls as I read with as much vivid detail as the writer conveys. I enjoy all types of movies, but those special ones that transport me in some way, that capture my heart, that lift my soul, that make me feel something amazing are the ones that stick with me. I watch them over and over, just as I will read a favorite book over and over, with the effect not diminishing but instead growing.
Joe Wright’s masterpiece struck me in that way. I can’t completely explain it and I know some folks disagree, but I would be lying if I claimed otherwise. The 1995 miniseries was lacking, to me. Doesn’t mean I hated it, doesn’t mean I ignored the novel, and it doesn’t mean I disdain Jane Austen’s brilliance. But it was the movie adaptation that birthed this gift for writing that I know has been lurking within all my life. Should I just ignore that? Should I have turned away and never given my artistic vision to the huge number of my fans just because some people hated the movie?
You are correct that I have answered this question hundreds of times, but I do not mind clarifying. Of course, I know that there is the camp who will never agree with me as I will never comprehend their negativity. I just do not see it as a ‘one or the other’ proposition. I can’t wrap my head around why changing the proposal from the afternoon to sunrise is a heinous breach of sacred ground. If such slavish devotion to literary works were the law declared from on high, then we would have no stage plays and less than half the movies ever made. Thank God there are Joe Wrights, and even Andrew Davieses (Is wet shirt Mr. Darcy in the novel?), who are unafraid to face the ridicule for their art.
2. When you started writing, I know it was on a fan site. How did you even find the site to get started? I'd love to do fan fiction for a lot of different things but wouldn't even know where to get started.
A simple Google search! For quite a few years I was part of an interactive forum called The One Ring that was for discussions regarding JRR Tolkien and Peter Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings.” It was marvelous fun, but also opened my eyes to the fun world of internet chatrooms.
Immediately after seeing P&P I just wanted to talk to people about it! I wasn’t looking for Jane Austen fan fiction (JAFF) as I did not know that existed. I typed in ‘Pride & Prejudice movie’ and the only website I found that was specifically created as a fan site for the new movie was the now defunct Longbourn Loungers. For well over a month I merely shared my feelings about the movie with other fans while also delving into the world of Jane Austen. I completely ignored the fan fiction pages as that was not primarily my interest at the time. I knew based on comments made on LL as well as other sites (like The Derbyshire Writer’s Guild at Pemberley.com) that most JAFF was of the What if? or modern or behind-the-scenes variety, and that held no appeal for me. I was already spinning sequel visions in my head as I have done all my life, but with the typical happily-ever-after tone that did not seem to mesh with the prevalent need to rehash the trauma of the book. Eventually I did start reading the stories on LL and other websites, becoming addicted to how folks approached and altered the P&P basics, but never finding what was in my head. The rest is history, as they say.
3. It's pretty obvious throughout the book that you personally have a strong faith in God. What made you decide to focus on some of the religious aspects, especially in regards to Mr. Darcy?
In one respect it came naturally out of my faith and convictions. I desired a content life for Darcy and Lizzy; a marriage of bliss, passion, understanding, and so on – attributes and goals that I personally believe are attainable within marriage. A marriage can have those things apart from the couple being Christian, but I know that marriage was initiated by God and thus if the Bible says it is possible then I believe it!
Nevertheless, I did not set out to write a ‘Christian novel’ and I do not think it fits that category. My decision to write Darcy as a man with a strong faith was more logical than out of a desire to preach. Religion, as helmed by The Church of England, was a serious part of life in the past. The movements of men like the Wesley Brothers, the convictions of men like William Wilberforce, and the influence of the Church on government are all a part of history that cannot be denied. Why not have the Darcy family be serious about religion and supporters of the Church? It was far more the norm than not and you see those moral believes all through Miss Austen’s books, her own faith and upbringing an influence on her writing.
4. Outside of writing, what are some of your hobbies?
I don’t have too much time for hobbies these days! Even my reading has drastically declined. I still do manage to read for pleasure, goof off on Facebook and a couple other websites I enjoy, catch the occasional movie with my family, and keep up on my favorite TV shows. The DVR is on overdrive these days and I am WAY behind! My husband and I have to spend our alone times together – that is essential even after 23 years of marriage. My daughter is one of my best friends so we have our “girl’s days” when lunch and catching a sappy chick flick is the norm. And as a family we love to take our trailer out for our form of camping. Not too exciting, but it keeps me balanced.
5. Favorite authors?
So many! JRR Tolkien, Raymond Feist, David Eddings, JK Rowling, Stephenie Meyer, Robert Ludlum, Stephen King, Anne McCaffrey, Terry Brooks, Terry Pratchett, Terry Goodkind, CS Lewis, John Jakes, Orson Scott Card, James Michener, Diana Gabaldon, Philippa Gregory, Barbara Hambly. See a pattern here? Mostly fantasy/sci-fi and historical fiction with few romance novels! I am learning to appreciate the pure romance genre with my Casablanca sister authors getting me initiated.
6. Favorite food?
Can I just say all? We live in the Central Valley of California where Mexican food is the BEST! Sushi, Indian cuisine, good old-fashioned steak and baked potato (Angus beef country), chocolate anything, espressos (homemade by my DH), Chinese, and the list goes on……
7. Favorite vacation spot?
I love the mountains. I grew up in the Las Padres forest and although I never want to live in snow again – EVER – I do love the fresh air and beauty of rugged terrains. Our best family vacations were to Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho.
8. If you knew you only had 24 hours to live, what would you do and why?
Spend at least half that time talking to all my dearest friends and family. I would tell them how much they have meant to me and take the opportunity to share the Gospel one last time with great authority. Then I would quietly hang with my husband and two kids, comforting them because to me it will only be a second of glory staring at my Lord before they are right beside me once again.
9. If you had a million dollars and had 24 hours to spend it (and you had to spend it all), what would you do? Why?
Set up massive trust funds for my kids and husband, give a major chunk to my church, buy that spread in Montana that my husband dreams of and I refuse to even consider (see above comment re: snow), buy the Queen Anne that I want somewhere warm for when the Montana snow is killing me, give portions to my extended family, probably new cars all around with my dream Porsche Carrera topping the list, book several trips and cruises with an extended survey of England a priority, gather up all the incredible friends I have made via my writing for a long girlie bash somewhere tropical, buy a mega-plush fifth-wheel to travel around the country in leisure, and if that doesn’t deplete it I would donate the remainder to charity.
10. What is your writing style like? Are you a plotter or a pantser? Do you find yourself having conversations with your characters in your head? :)
Totally a panster, although I just learned the meaning of that word in recent months. From the beginning I was taking it one day at a time, literally, traveling with the Darcys through life and allowing my instinct and research to guide me. When I do have an ultimate plan or result in mind (and I frequently do) I keep it loose, letting inspiration lead me along to how I want it to end. I mostly write very chronologically, although that has altered somewhat now that I am no longer writing web-based chapters.
The characters never talk TO me, but they do talk amongst themselves in my head! Whole conversations and scenes have played out in my dreams or while I am doing something mundane like vacuuming.
11. One of the things I really liked about the book was the "visual" aspect to it. Do you find yourself to be a visual person? Or are you a verbal or tactile kind of person?
As I said above, I am very visual. Even in my nursing career I learn and remember if I can get my hands on it and do it. I love reading a novel where the descriptions are clear. I want to know what they are seeing, what the air feels like, what smells there are, etc. Anything that adds to the impression of the scene. Of course, one can get carried away with detailed descriptiveness, so I have to rein it in at times. But I very much wanted the reader to experience what Lizzy and Darcy are experiencing, and to fully do that one has to ‘see’ the surroundings as clearly as possible.
12. What can we look forward to in the next book?
“Loving Mr. Darcy ~ Journeys Beyond Pemberley” begins immediately where “Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy” ends. Journeys and history are the theme as first the Darcys travel to Hertfordshire with the Bennets and Bingleys interacting. The Season in London is the next stop with additional characters being introduced, both familiar from Austen’s novel and uniquely my own creation. Then it is back to Pemberley for several summertime events. Lastly the Darcys embark on a solitary vacation through the Midlands of Derbyshire, coming full circle for a return to their estate.
13. How many books are you planning on when it comes to this series?
Hey, I’m a panster remember? I have no plans! LOL! I can tell you what I have so far. In January of 2010 “The Darcys at Year’s End” will be released, culminating as the name implies with the completion of one year of marital bliss – and a new addition to the family. The material I have already written, plus what is in my head waiting to emerge, will make for 2 more books after the third. Additionally I have completed over half of a companion novel that focuses on the adventures and romances of Georgiana Darcy set against the backdrop of post-Napoleonic France. Further thoughts yet to be written but enthusiastically endorsed by my publisher are two novels, one centering on Kitty Bennet and another on a character who is introduced in “Loving Mr. Darcy.” Time and book sales will tell!
14. Who is/are your favorite actor(s)?
I am a huge fan of Matthew Macfadyen as a result of seeing him in P&P. He is a remarkable actor who sadly prefers to stay across the pond! Kevin Spacey, Mel Gibson, Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy, Johnny Depp, Gerard Butler, Anthony Hopkins, Viggo Mortensen, and just about a hundred others.
15. Actresses?
Meryl Streep, Judi Dench, Anne Hathaway, Amy Adams, Keira Knightley….I just can’t think! Too many names!
16. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go & why?
There are so many places, but first on the agenda would be England. I have to see all the places I have written about and make sure I got it right!
17. I know you work as a neonatal nurse. What is your favorite part of your job?
The babies, without a doubt. I love working with kids. My first job as an RN was in pediatrics, but when I transferred ‘temporarily’ into the NICU I never looked back. It is incredibly rewarding and challenging. Next I love the high adrenaline of the ICU setting. I am one of those people who flourish under pressure, love being a decision maker, and have the gift of rapid response.
18. If you could meet anyone famous, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
JRR Tolkien. I have no idea what I would say other than to thank him for the amazing world he created that has brought me decades of pleasure. And I would like to meet Jane Austen to clear up the who-is-the-best Darcy debate once and for all!
19. What are your thoughts when it comes to fans? Do you prefer to keep some distance between them and you or do you find yourself being pretty open? I'm asking because I'm curious. :)
I love my fans! The best part of this whole writing experience has been the incredible people I have ‘met,’ many of whom are now dear friends that I know I shall have for life. I never tire of hearing how my story has pleased someone. That is partially why I write, to bring entertainment and some degree of joy to others. Connecting with folks from all over the world is phenomenal.
But of course that openness can come with a price. I have been hurt and disappointed a few times due to my expectations of returned sentiments. Luckily that has been rare and I do hope I never have to change my approach to fans.
20. What is your advice to aspiring writers? What is one thing you learned that you wish you could've done differently?
I sincerely do not think I would do anything differently. I have made a few errors in judgment that were not pleasant, but the learning experience is worth it in the end. My biggest advice is to stay true to yourself. Know your vision and do not let anyone tell you it must be otherwise. Honest, well meaning critique and assistance is valuable and not what I am referring to. But it is your heart on the line, your dream, your talent. Too many people resent that and will do their best to break you. Stay focused and be tenacious. This business is very tough, but the rewards are priceless.
These two aren't questions, but I ask them of every author I interview. I'm a member of the DIK Island and we had to choose the six books and six heroes of books we couldn't survive on a Desert Island without. Guess who one of mine is? Since you wrote about him, I don't have to say anything else. LOL!
Gee, who? Yeah, I would take him along too, as long as he looked like Matthew Macfadyen and not that other British guy. Can I play? Mr. Darcy is just for fun; for survival I would add Aragorn from Lord of the Rings, Edward from the Twilight books, Belgarath the Sorcerer from David Eddings’ Belgariad and Mallorean series, and my own Dr. Darcy for medical expertise and comic relief.
Thanks so much, Bridget, for this opportunity to share of myself and talk about my series! It has been great. Remember to pop over to my wonderful website at http://www.darcysaga.net/ for load of fun, education, and information on the Darcy Saga.
Sharon's publisher is putting up one copy of the book for grabs. Just comment & I will choose a winner on Weds. Go forth & comment!!!!
PS. Thank you, Sharon! And to clarify, I can only send the book to anyone in the US or Canada. I'm sorry!!!! :(
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
And The Winners Are!
Okay, so I'm a smidge early, but I'm tired and need to go to bed. So, without further ado, the two "winners" of Katie Allen's books. And remember, these are e-books, so if your system is not compatible, let me know.
Eva-Breaking the Silence
Tracy-Raw Footage
Please email me @ good . bad . books @ gmail . com (no spaces, obviously). Thanks to all of you who commented and especially huge thanks to Katie for being so gracious and fun to interview!
Eva-Breaking the Silence
Tracy-Raw Footage
Please email me @ good . bad . books @ gmail . com (no spaces, obviously). Thanks to all of you who commented and especially huge thanks to Katie for being so gracious and fun to interview!
2 Hours & Counting
It's almost time to name the "winners" of the Katie Allen books. I doubt I'll get anymore views, but just wanted to let y'all know. :)
Hey, All!
You have until midnight PST tonight to comment on Katie's entry. Just remember she's giving away TWO books! *happy dance* Thank you to all of you who've commented. :)
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Interview With Katie Allen...And Books To Give Away!!!!
Back in January I had the pleasure of reading Breaking the Silence by Katie Allen. After reviewing it for the blog, I've reread it a couple of times, finding new things about it that I love. The other night I decided to write Katie and tell her how much I enjoyed reading her book. After a few emails back and forth, I asked her if I could interview her and do a book give away on this here blog and she agreed!
So...here are the questions and answers. I've always believed in pimping authors and books I believe in and this time is no exception. :) Enjoy!
Question 1: How did you come up with the idea for Breaking the Silence. I know, authors hate that question, but I'd really like to know. :)
Answer: I don’t mind this question at all! In fact, I love talking about the ideas that spark my book plots. This was a combination of two things, really. After I moved to Colorado, I found a great path for long dog walks. I’ve always made up stories in my head when I exercise (unless the exercise is something like Krav Maga or gymnastics, where I have to concentrate so I don’t get punched in the head (former) or fall on my head (latter)), so I started creating a whole tale about the owner of this gorgeous house that backed up to the path. In my imagination, he was beautiful but isolated and shy, and the idea for Will was born.
I then promptly forgot this story idea until a few years later, when I read one of those “What kind of relationship do you have?” articles (I don’t remember where—probably in a three-year-old Elle while waiting in the dentist’s waiting room). The article proposed that how a couple sleeps together (literally sleeps—get your minds out of the gutter, folks! ) says a lot about the relationship. Spooning means one thing, back-to-back means another, etc. The article went on to say that couples that sleep facing each other, wrapped in each other’s arms, are probably too attached. Their relationship is intense to the point of being unhealthy.
This article made me wonder—can two people love each other too much? Is it wrong that I find the idea of these two sleeping people, intertwined with their faces just inches apart, kind of romantic? There’s an intensity about love that borders on obsession that I find sexy (I know—I’m a freak). The idea of this overwhelming love merged with that image of the reclusive house owner on the dog-walk path, and the idea for Breaking the Silence was born.
Oops, I kind of rambled on there—sorry. Do you regret asking that question yet?
Question 2: Did you model Will after anyone in particular or did he just pop up in your head fully formed? LOVED him, by the way.
Answer: Thank you! I have to admit that, of all my heroes, I love Will the best (although Ky from One-Two Punch is a close second). I started Breaking the Silence with an idea of a gorgeous, hermit-like house owner, but Will pretty much just introduced himself to me in my head all put together. I am still startled by the way my characters direct my writing—I don’t feel like I have very much control, which is very annoying since it is coming from my brain, so I should be able to order all my imaginary characters around. When I write, the story just kind of dumps itself out of me onto the laptop screen, and I’m just the typist.
Question 3: *SPOILER FOR BREAKING THE SILENCE!!!!!!* And this is a spoiler so I'll warn the readers. What made you decide to have Evan attempt to rape Jenny and then kill him off (nice twist to the usual)? This is a hot button for a lot of readers and I'd love to know how you approached it.
Answer: I don’t plot, but I usually have a vague idea of how everything will play out. This scene wasn’t part of my initial idea for the story. I was more focused on Will’s journey, finding love and building connections with people for the first time in his life. The story got a little stuck, though. I didn’t want it to be one-sided, with Jenny giving and giving selflessly, because that imbalance tends to stunt a relationship. Jenny’s recovery lets Will be the nurturer for once. After I came up with the idea for the attempted-rape scene, the rest of the book flowed from there. When I wrote that scene, I cried really hard (like bawled), and I felt so guilty, as if I had done something horrible to Jenny.
Question 4: When did you start writing? When did you start writing to get published?
Answer: I was a Creative Writing major in college, and I’d always assumed I would be a published author some day. Then a decade passed by, during which I never really wrote anything. About three years ago, I had this wild revelation that, if I wanted to be published, I actually had to write something. Yes, this does seem rather obvious, but it took me a while to grasp this simple fact. I’d been reading books published by Ellora’s Cave for six months or so before this, and submitting via e-mail seemed a lot less intimidating than print (again, I know that makes no sense, but there it is), so I wrote my first book specifically for EC. That was Seeing Blind, which just came out in paperback, by the way (I’m on Amazon. For some reason, that just blows my mind).
Question 5: What do you like to do when you're not writing?
Answer: Ooh, lots of stuff! I do gymnastics (yes, I’m the oldest student Coach Dave has) and Krav Maga (a form of self-defense training). I own a sweetheart of an Appaloosa named Mr. Toby Polkadots, and I mainly do dressage (although I’m planning to teach Tobes to jump). I also like to (big breath) dance, travel, scuba dive, surf, read, shoot (just at paper), watch immature movies and walk the dog past the neighborhood fire station when they’re washing the truck. For my day job, I’m a mechanical engineer (I design heating/cooling and plumbing systems for buildings), although I’m soon going to give writing full-time a shot, which is both exciting and completely terrifying.
Question 6: I loved Christian. I thought he was a well-written gay character. Do you have a story in mind for him (say yes!)?
Answer: Thank you! Actually, not only do I have a story in mind, but I have it partially written. It was intended to be a short story, but I super-suck at anything less than 50,000 words, so I gave up on the whole “short” part of that “short story” idea. If you hadn’t guessed, I’m a babbler. As soon as I finish Hammer’s (from One-Two Punch) book, I’ll pick Christian’s up again. I’m excited about it—he gets his very own hot, sexy cop.
Question 7: What's your favorite color?
Answer: Green
Question 8: Food?
Answer: In the summer, it’s ice cream, and in the winter, it’s cookies. Warm, melty, chocolate-chip cookies…mmm…
Question 9: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Answer: I want to go everywhere! A year and a half ago, I decided that I needed to quit talking about traveling and just do it. I plan to go somewhere new every year. Um, I totally didn’t answer your question, did I? I think I would go to New Zealand, since that is next on my travel list.
Question 10: If you had a million dollars and only had 24 hours to spend it, what would you do?
Answer: Right now, I would invest it (that’s totally a boring, MBA-ish answer, isn’t it?). Can I give it a chunk of it away to family members (some of the sisters are having a tough time—like so many people are right now) or does it need to be on something for me? If it has to be the latter, I’d buy a big, beautiful piece of land. Someday, I’d like to build an off-the-grid home. And own a cow.
Question 11: Who are you favorite authors?
Answer: I love Jordan Castillo Price, Kelley Armstrong, Ellen Emerson White, James Buchanan, Jacob (of http://www.televisionwithoutpity.com/ fame).
Question 12: Who is your favorite actor?
Answer: The entire cast of Friday Night Lights.
Fave Books:
The Lady by Anne McCaffrey
Sunshine by Robin McKinley
The Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live It by John Seymour
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
The Road Home by Ellen Emerson White
Out of Bounds by Mandy Dickenson Fave
Heroes:
Howl from Diana Wynne Jones’ Howl’s Moving Castle
Clay from Kelley Armstrong’s Women of the Otherworld series
The Duke of Jerveaux from Laura Kinsale’s Flowers from the Storm
The hit man in the movie The Professional (or do they need to be book heroes?)
Roly from Patricia Veryan’s The Dedicated Villian
Jayne Cobb from the TV series Firefly (What? He wasn’t a hero, you say? Sorry, I was blinded by Adam Baldwin’s arms. Um…and his chest.)
Again I want to thank Katie for joining us! She will stop by to answer any questions you may have. She has also been generous enough to offer an e-book copy of Breaking the Silence and her latest release Raw Footage. If you'd like to be considered, just leave a comment! I will draw a winner on Weds.
So...here are the questions and answers. I've always believed in pimping authors and books I believe in and this time is no exception. :) Enjoy!
My Interview w/ Katie Allen...
Question 1: How did you come up with the idea for Breaking the Silence. I know, authors hate that question, but I'd really like to know. :)
Answer: I don’t mind this question at all! In fact, I love talking about the ideas that spark my book plots. This was a combination of two things, really. After I moved to Colorado, I found a great path for long dog walks. I’ve always made up stories in my head when I exercise (unless the exercise is something like Krav Maga or gymnastics, where I have to concentrate so I don’t get punched in the head (former) or fall on my head (latter)), so I started creating a whole tale about the owner of this gorgeous house that backed up to the path. In my imagination, he was beautiful but isolated and shy, and the idea for Will was born.
I then promptly forgot this story idea until a few years later, when I read one of those “What kind of relationship do you have?” articles (I don’t remember where—probably in a three-year-old Elle while waiting in the dentist’s waiting room). The article proposed that how a couple sleeps together (literally sleeps—get your minds out of the gutter, folks! ) says a lot about the relationship. Spooning means one thing, back-to-back means another, etc. The article went on to say that couples that sleep facing each other, wrapped in each other’s arms, are probably too attached. Their relationship is intense to the point of being unhealthy.
This article made me wonder—can two people love each other too much? Is it wrong that I find the idea of these two sleeping people, intertwined with their faces just inches apart, kind of romantic? There’s an intensity about love that borders on obsession that I find sexy (I know—I’m a freak). The idea of this overwhelming love merged with that image of the reclusive house owner on the dog-walk path, and the idea for Breaking the Silence was born.
Oops, I kind of rambled on there—sorry. Do you regret asking that question yet?
Question 2: Did you model Will after anyone in particular or did he just pop up in your head fully formed? LOVED him, by the way.
Answer: Thank you! I have to admit that, of all my heroes, I love Will the best (although Ky from One-Two Punch is a close second). I started Breaking the Silence with an idea of a gorgeous, hermit-like house owner, but Will pretty much just introduced himself to me in my head all put together. I am still startled by the way my characters direct my writing—I don’t feel like I have very much control, which is very annoying since it is coming from my brain, so I should be able to order all my imaginary characters around. When I write, the story just kind of dumps itself out of me onto the laptop screen, and I’m just the typist.
Question 3: *SPOILER FOR BREAKING THE SILENCE!!!!!!* And this is a spoiler so I'll warn the readers. What made you decide to have Evan attempt to rape Jenny and then kill him off (nice twist to the usual)? This is a hot button for a lot of readers and I'd love to know how you approached it.
Answer: I don’t plot, but I usually have a vague idea of how everything will play out. This scene wasn’t part of my initial idea for the story. I was more focused on Will’s journey, finding love and building connections with people for the first time in his life. The story got a little stuck, though. I didn’t want it to be one-sided, with Jenny giving and giving selflessly, because that imbalance tends to stunt a relationship. Jenny’s recovery lets Will be the nurturer for once. After I came up with the idea for the attempted-rape scene, the rest of the book flowed from there. When I wrote that scene, I cried really hard (like bawled), and I felt so guilty, as if I had done something horrible to Jenny.
Question 4: When did you start writing? When did you start writing to get published?
Answer: I was a Creative Writing major in college, and I’d always assumed I would be a published author some day. Then a decade passed by, during which I never really wrote anything. About three years ago, I had this wild revelation that, if I wanted to be published, I actually had to write something. Yes, this does seem rather obvious, but it took me a while to grasp this simple fact. I’d been reading books published by Ellora’s Cave for six months or so before this, and submitting via e-mail seemed a lot less intimidating than print (again, I know that makes no sense, but there it is), so I wrote my first book specifically for EC. That was Seeing Blind, which just came out in paperback, by the way (I’m on Amazon. For some reason, that just blows my mind).
Question 5: What do you like to do when you're not writing?
Answer: Ooh, lots of stuff! I do gymnastics (yes, I’m the oldest student Coach Dave has) and Krav Maga (a form of self-defense training). I own a sweetheart of an Appaloosa named Mr. Toby Polkadots, and I mainly do dressage (although I’m planning to teach Tobes to jump). I also like to (big breath) dance, travel, scuba dive, surf, read, shoot (just at paper), watch immature movies and walk the dog past the neighborhood fire station when they’re washing the truck. For my day job, I’m a mechanical engineer (I design heating/cooling and plumbing systems for buildings), although I’m soon going to give writing full-time a shot, which is both exciting and completely terrifying.
Question 6: I loved Christian. I thought he was a well-written gay character. Do you have a story in mind for him (say yes!)?
Answer: Thank you! Actually, not only do I have a story in mind, but I have it partially written. It was intended to be a short story, but I super-suck at anything less than 50,000 words, so I gave up on the whole “short” part of that “short story” idea. If you hadn’t guessed, I’m a babbler. As soon as I finish Hammer’s (from One-Two Punch) book, I’ll pick Christian’s up again. I’m excited about it—he gets his very own hot, sexy cop.
Question 7: What's your favorite color?
Answer: Green
Question 8: Food?
Answer: In the summer, it’s ice cream, and in the winter, it’s cookies. Warm, melty, chocolate-chip cookies…mmm…
Question 9: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Answer: I want to go everywhere! A year and a half ago, I decided that I needed to quit talking about traveling and just do it. I plan to go somewhere new every year. Um, I totally didn’t answer your question, did I? I think I would go to New Zealand, since that is next on my travel list.
Question 10: If you had a million dollars and only had 24 hours to spend it, what would you do?
Answer: Right now, I would invest it (that’s totally a boring, MBA-ish answer, isn’t it?). Can I give it a chunk of it away to family members (some of the sisters are having a tough time—like so many people are right now) or does it need to be on something for me? If it has to be the latter, I’d buy a big, beautiful piece of land. Someday, I’d like to build an off-the-grid home. And own a cow.
Question 11: Who are you favorite authors?
Answer: I love Jordan Castillo Price, Kelley Armstrong, Ellen Emerson White, James Buchanan, Jacob (of http://www.televisionwithoutpity.com/ fame).
Question 12: Who is your favorite actor?
Answer: The entire cast of Friday Night Lights.
And since I'm a member of the DIK island, I can't not ask you these two questions. Please list your 6 favorite books of all time (that you couldn't be stuck on a desert island without) and your 6 all-time favorite heroes. :)
Fave Books:
The Lady by Anne McCaffrey
Sunshine by Robin McKinley
The Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live It by John Seymour
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
The Road Home by Ellen Emerson White
Out of Bounds by Mandy Dickenson Fave
Heroes:
Howl from Diana Wynne Jones’ Howl’s Moving Castle
Clay from Kelley Armstrong’s Women of the Otherworld series
The Duke of Jerveaux from Laura Kinsale’s Flowers from the Storm
The hit man in the movie The Professional (or do they need to be book heroes?)
Roly from Patricia Veryan’s The Dedicated Villian
Jayne Cobb from the TV series Firefly (What? He wasn’t a hero, you say? Sorry, I was blinded by Adam Baldwin’s arms. Um…and his chest.)
Again I want to thank Katie for joining us! She will stop by to answer any questions you may have. She has also been generous enough to offer an e-book copy of Breaking the Silence and her latest release Raw Footage. If you'd like to be considered, just leave a comment! I will draw a winner on Weds.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Please Welcome...Delilah Marvelle!
First, I wanted to welcome Delilah to my blog. I met her about a month ago at the book signing in Beaverton. She was so sweet and so supportive, especially when she found out I'm writing too. I picked up her book, read it, enjoyed it and asked her if she would submit to an interview. I also did a mini-review of Mistress of Pleasure after I read the book.
Here is the lovely interview. I hope you enjoy! She will be giving away a signed copy to one lucky commenter! :)
Question 1: Why don't you start out by introducing yourself? Tell me about who you are! :)
My name is Delilah Marvelle. And I write humorous historical romances unfit for polite society. How is that for an introduction? LOL
Question 2: How long have you been writing & when did you begin to write seriously?
I've been writing all my life. But didn't get serious about it until about 11 years ago. All 11 of those years were spent seriously pursueing getting a contract. I wrote over 40 manuscripts (ranging from short story to 800 page sagas....) and received over 200 rejections, one from my own editor.
Question 3: What made you decide to write an entire series based upon this infamous school that was created by Maybelle's grandmother?
I love to research. Love, love, love to research. And I always find my best ideas while digging my way through history. I stumbled upon Ninon de L'Enclos in an out of print history book on courtesans. She was a 17th century courtesan in France and led an amazing life. Albeit a tragic one, too. She was seperated from her son after giving birth to him. He was raised by his artistcratic father with no knowledge that his mother was courtesan Ninon de L'Enclos. Then one day, he met her. And fell madly in love with her. Though she was growing older, the men grew all the more passionate toward her. Because of her presence, knowledge, philosophies and the way she treated men. Obviously, Ninon refused her son every time he tried to bed her. He became so obssessed that Ninon knew she needed to tell him the truth. That he was in fact her son. Her son was so distraught and disturbed that he left her home and committed suicide by falling onto the blade of his sword. Other stories included slightly more amusing ones. Like how one man begged her to take him. She waved him off and said, "When I am eighty." The besotted fool took her to mean it quite literally. And so on her eightieth birthday, showed up at the door looking for sex. She was so amused, she did in fact bed him. Of course, the greatest of stories surrounding her had to do with how she opened up her bedroom to aristocratic men, not for sex, but to hold "classes" about sex, philosophy and love. I thought the idea for the time was brilliant. And I thought to myself, why not create a real school? I knew the idea almost bordered on the absurd and so I decided to make it a more tongue and cheek series, rather than a serious form of literature.
Question 4: What possessed you to write a story such as the first one (Mistress of Pleasure)?
It's definitely different in the world of historical romance. I am so pleased to hear that you think Mistress of Pleasure is different from the world of historical romance!! Because that is exactly what I had set out to do. Write something different. After getting rejected so many, many times, I finally stopped writing for the industry and simply wrote for myself. I have a naughty sense of humor (ask anyone who knows me) and having read an obscene amount of historical romances throughout the years, I noticed that although sex was present, it really didn't have a "real" presence. Meaning sex was something that was only addressed during sexual tension or during the act itself. And the rest was washed away because of story and the time period. To me, works like Tom Jones inspired me to take a historical romance by the throat. I LOOOVED the book. And given its bold naughtiness and when it was written, I decided to push the quill so to speak. For society is never as it seems. Prim and proper existed in history, of course, but that isn't ALL that existed. So I decided to focus on all things naughty and told myself not to hold back. I more or less set out to write an adult joke book, with a bit of literary flare. In nod to Tom Jones and in nod to naughty historical figures such as Ninon de L'Enclos.
Question 5: What do you like to do for fun outside of writing?
I love to cook, read, collect research books, run, kickboxing, spending time with my family and painting. I am a Jill of all trades, so to speak.
Question 6: How do you go about writing the love scenes? Are you a pantser or do you plan them out?
I am the ultimate panster. My love scenes appear in response to what my characters want. I never know when they're going to "do" it. And therein is all the fun. When I think they will be getting it on, I find that they both turn their noses. And when I think that they should be turning their noses, they dive right in. When it comes to writing my love scenes, I find that a few things HAVE to be in place. I can't have anyone in the house, for one. Because I verbalize as I write. Meaning you can hear me talk the characters through their love scenes. And because I have kids, obviously I can't have them around, LOL. There are times I know exactly the way these characters will be making love to each other and other times I sit there and wonder if it'll ever happen. Oh, and I do research. Detailed research. My husband is a proud supporter of that, to be sure.
Question 7: What sort of advise do you have for new writers or people who've been writing for a long time without success?
Never, ever, ever, ever, EVER give up. The moment you do, your dream is lost. I have a wise friend who once said, "We all have a magic number over our heads. We just don't know what our number is." So while some people's magic number is number 1, 2 or 3 (lucky bastards), there are those, like myself that it was submission number two hundred and something. So while you are waiting for your number to be called out, hone your writing and hone your skills. That way, when you do get that call, you'll be not only ready, but willing.
Question 8: Who are your writing idols?
My writing idols would have to be Edith Wharton, Jane Austen and the Bronte sisters.
Question 9: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go & why?
London. Because it is the place I am drawn to, the place I write about and a place that sets me into my writing world with no effort whatsoever.
Question 10: If you knew you only had one day left on this earth, how would you spend it?
I would spend it with my husband and kids on a tropical beach. So that my toes are warm and my heart is happy and at peace.
Question 11: I met you at the signing in Beaverton. Do you like doing signings? What's your favorite way to be in contact with your fans? Least favorite?
I love doing signings! You meet people you normally wouldn't meet (like how fortunate I was to meet you!) and you're surrounded by books. My favorite way to be in contact with my fans would be through my newsletter. I have so much fun pulling together newsletters for my fans. I am a visual person and so my newsletters are very playful and visual. I hate newsletters that are only words. They don't make me feel anything. Least favorite? I suppose there wouldn't be a least favorite. Because as long as I am in contact with my fans, I have to say that I am a very happy gal.
Question 12: What is your favorite color?
My favorite color is pale powder blue. Like the color you see on the walls of a Georgian room. Something about that color makes me all giddy and happy.
Question 13: What are your thoughts on sex in romance books? Do you like them hot? Sizzling? Tepid?
I am of the belief that the romance cannot come full circle without a good love scene. Because that is real life. We didn't all magically appear. Yes, even our parents had sex. The bottom line is, what do two people do are crazy about each other end up doing? Well, they have sex! I love the one line in the Guru in which the hero says, "The universe isn't being run by a big perve." Meaning sex is natural. Sex is good. Now mind you, everyone has a different comfort level when it comes to their idea of "making love." That I will not argue. As long as I feel the author has captured the passion between the two characters, hot and heavy sex is not necessarily a must. I will admit, however, that I do love a good hot sex scene. But not for the sake of hot sex. It's all about how hot the characters are that in turn makes me want them to have hot sex. I have been disappointed quite a few times by hot, hot characters who then close the door on my face and don't let me watch. I can't help but feel neglected. I like to watch, LOL. Because in turn, I learn.
Question 14: What is the best thing a fan has ever done for/to you?
I have to say the best thing a fan has ever done is drive in from another state just to get me to sign their book at a booksigning event. That just blew my mind.
Question 15: Actually, not a question, but can you tell us about your book and your plans for the series? Any tidbits?? :)
I always have tid bits!! Waggling brows here. Mistress of Pleasure is only book 1 of a 5 books series. A series that follows all the men who had originally enrolled in the school. A series in which all the books take place at the exact same time. Although writing 5 books that all take place at the same time has turned into a challenge, I believe I intend to make it my trademark. For I am enjoying puzzle piecing things together and my characters like to play along. So in each book there will be certain scenes that will appear throughout, but from a flipped point of view. There will also be things happening in some books that won't be explained until we get into another character's point of view. Of course, none of these books have to be read in any particular order. Because it all takes place at the same time anyway.Lord of Pleasure, which features Alexander Baxendale, the earl of Hawksford, is book 2, which will be out August 4th. Readers get to meet Hawksford and his five sisters and mother. All of them rebel rousers just like Hawksford himself. Which is creating problems for him. Aside from my favorite characters being Lady Chartwell (the heroine) and Lord Hawksford (the hero), I absolutely adore Hawksford's five sisters. Especially twelve year old Mary.She is my version of an 1830 Goth girl. Forever obsessed with death. Needless to say, poor Hawskford is seriously outnumbered by women. Even the cat is female. Book 3 is Moment of Pleasure, Jonathan Darcy Dearborn, the Marquis of Caldwell's story. And because something naughty happens in book 2, which affects poor Caldwell greatly, I won't give away any more than that. Book 4 is One Night of Pleasure, which is Lord Banfield's story. He is Adnonis who never had to work very hard at anything. Not even sex. Every woman has always thrown herself at his feet and has always met his needs. Then he finds hismelf in an arranged marriage, for he is a practical man who doesn't believe in romance or love. Only his wife won't let him anywhere near her. Which is why he enrolls in the school. Because he is at his wit's end. For book 5, I save the best for last. Yet to be titled, it is Lord Brayton's story. A 35 year old retired assassin. Who is still a virgin. And for very good reasons. Again, I always love taking the tried and true and turning it on its head. The men that we always read about in historical romances are always so bloody experienced. I mean to write about an alpha man who is alpha in every way except for the bedroom way. Which means, he's going to end up with an alpha heroine who will show him a thing or two.
Here is the lovely interview. I hope you enjoy! She will be giving away a signed copy to one lucky commenter! :)
Question 1: Why don't you start out by introducing yourself? Tell me about who you are! :)
My name is Delilah Marvelle. And I write humorous historical romances unfit for polite society. How is that for an introduction? LOL
Question 2: How long have you been writing & when did you begin to write seriously?
I've been writing all my life. But didn't get serious about it until about 11 years ago. All 11 of those years were spent seriously pursueing getting a contract. I wrote over 40 manuscripts (ranging from short story to 800 page sagas....) and received over 200 rejections, one from my own editor.
Question 3: What made you decide to write an entire series based upon this infamous school that was created by Maybelle's grandmother?
I love to research. Love, love, love to research. And I always find my best ideas while digging my way through history. I stumbled upon Ninon de L'Enclos in an out of print history book on courtesans. She was a 17th century courtesan in France and led an amazing life. Albeit a tragic one, too. She was seperated from her son after giving birth to him. He was raised by his artistcratic father with no knowledge that his mother was courtesan Ninon de L'Enclos. Then one day, he met her. And fell madly in love with her. Though she was growing older, the men grew all the more passionate toward her. Because of her presence, knowledge, philosophies and the way she treated men. Obviously, Ninon refused her son every time he tried to bed her. He became so obssessed that Ninon knew she needed to tell him the truth. That he was in fact her son. Her son was so distraught and disturbed that he left her home and committed suicide by falling onto the blade of his sword. Other stories included slightly more amusing ones. Like how one man begged her to take him. She waved him off and said, "When I am eighty." The besotted fool took her to mean it quite literally. And so on her eightieth birthday, showed up at the door looking for sex. She was so amused, she did in fact bed him. Of course, the greatest of stories surrounding her had to do with how she opened up her bedroom to aristocratic men, not for sex, but to hold "classes" about sex, philosophy and love. I thought the idea for the time was brilliant. And I thought to myself, why not create a real school? I knew the idea almost bordered on the absurd and so I decided to make it a more tongue and cheek series, rather than a serious form of literature.
Question 4: What possessed you to write a story such as the first one (Mistress of Pleasure)?
It's definitely different in the world of historical romance. I am so pleased to hear that you think Mistress of Pleasure is different from the world of historical romance!! Because that is exactly what I had set out to do. Write something different. After getting rejected so many, many times, I finally stopped writing for the industry and simply wrote for myself. I have a naughty sense of humor (ask anyone who knows me) and having read an obscene amount of historical romances throughout the years, I noticed that although sex was present, it really didn't have a "real" presence. Meaning sex was something that was only addressed during sexual tension or during the act itself. And the rest was washed away because of story and the time period. To me, works like Tom Jones inspired me to take a historical romance by the throat. I LOOOVED the book. And given its bold naughtiness and when it was written, I decided to push the quill so to speak. For society is never as it seems. Prim and proper existed in history, of course, but that isn't ALL that existed. So I decided to focus on all things naughty and told myself not to hold back. I more or less set out to write an adult joke book, with a bit of literary flare. In nod to Tom Jones and in nod to naughty historical figures such as Ninon de L'Enclos.
Question 5: What do you like to do for fun outside of writing?
I love to cook, read, collect research books, run, kickboxing, spending time with my family and painting. I am a Jill of all trades, so to speak.
Question 6: How do you go about writing the love scenes? Are you a pantser or do you plan them out?
I am the ultimate panster. My love scenes appear in response to what my characters want. I never know when they're going to "do" it. And therein is all the fun. When I think they will be getting it on, I find that they both turn their noses. And when I think that they should be turning their noses, they dive right in. When it comes to writing my love scenes, I find that a few things HAVE to be in place. I can't have anyone in the house, for one. Because I verbalize as I write. Meaning you can hear me talk the characters through their love scenes. And because I have kids, obviously I can't have them around, LOL. There are times I know exactly the way these characters will be making love to each other and other times I sit there and wonder if it'll ever happen. Oh, and I do research. Detailed research. My husband is a proud supporter of that, to be sure.
Question 7: What sort of advise do you have for new writers or people who've been writing for a long time without success?
Never, ever, ever, ever, EVER give up. The moment you do, your dream is lost. I have a wise friend who once said, "We all have a magic number over our heads. We just don't know what our number is." So while some people's magic number is number 1, 2 or 3 (lucky bastards), there are those, like myself that it was submission number two hundred and something. So while you are waiting for your number to be called out, hone your writing and hone your skills. That way, when you do get that call, you'll be not only ready, but willing.
Question 8: Who are your writing idols?
My writing idols would have to be Edith Wharton, Jane Austen and the Bronte sisters.
Question 9: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go & why?
London. Because it is the place I am drawn to, the place I write about and a place that sets me into my writing world with no effort whatsoever.
Question 10: If you knew you only had one day left on this earth, how would you spend it?
I would spend it with my husband and kids on a tropical beach. So that my toes are warm and my heart is happy and at peace.
Question 11: I met you at the signing in Beaverton. Do you like doing signings? What's your favorite way to be in contact with your fans? Least favorite?
I love doing signings! You meet people you normally wouldn't meet (like how fortunate I was to meet you!) and you're surrounded by books. My favorite way to be in contact with my fans would be through my newsletter. I have so much fun pulling together newsletters for my fans. I am a visual person and so my newsletters are very playful and visual. I hate newsletters that are only words. They don't make me feel anything. Least favorite? I suppose there wouldn't be a least favorite. Because as long as I am in contact with my fans, I have to say that I am a very happy gal.
Question 12: What is your favorite color?
My favorite color is pale powder blue. Like the color you see on the walls of a Georgian room. Something about that color makes me all giddy and happy.
Question 13: What are your thoughts on sex in romance books? Do you like them hot? Sizzling? Tepid?
I am of the belief that the romance cannot come full circle without a good love scene. Because that is real life. We didn't all magically appear. Yes, even our parents had sex. The bottom line is, what do two people do are crazy about each other end up doing? Well, they have sex! I love the one line in the Guru in which the hero says, "The universe isn't being run by a big perve." Meaning sex is natural. Sex is good. Now mind you, everyone has a different comfort level when it comes to their idea of "making love." That I will not argue. As long as I feel the author has captured the passion between the two characters, hot and heavy sex is not necessarily a must. I will admit, however, that I do love a good hot sex scene. But not for the sake of hot sex. It's all about how hot the characters are that in turn makes me want them to have hot sex. I have been disappointed quite a few times by hot, hot characters who then close the door on my face and don't let me watch. I can't help but feel neglected. I like to watch, LOL. Because in turn, I learn.
Question 14: What is the best thing a fan has ever done for/to you?
I have to say the best thing a fan has ever done is drive in from another state just to get me to sign their book at a booksigning event. That just blew my mind.
Question 15: Actually, not a question, but can you tell us about your book and your plans for the series? Any tidbits?? :)
I always have tid bits!! Waggling brows here. Mistress of Pleasure is only book 1 of a 5 books series. A series that follows all the men who had originally enrolled in the school. A series in which all the books take place at the exact same time. Although writing 5 books that all take place at the same time has turned into a challenge, I believe I intend to make it my trademark. For I am enjoying puzzle piecing things together and my characters like to play along. So in each book there will be certain scenes that will appear throughout, but from a flipped point of view. There will also be things happening in some books that won't be explained until we get into another character's point of view. Of course, none of these books have to be read in any particular order. Because it all takes place at the same time anyway.Lord of Pleasure, which features Alexander Baxendale, the earl of Hawksford, is book 2, which will be out August 4th. Readers get to meet Hawksford and his five sisters and mother. All of them rebel rousers just like Hawksford himself. Which is creating problems for him. Aside from my favorite characters being Lady Chartwell (the heroine) and Lord Hawksford (the hero), I absolutely adore Hawksford's five sisters. Especially twelve year old Mary.She is my version of an 1830 Goth girl. Forever obsessed with death. Needless to say, poor Hawskford is seriously outnumbered by women. Even the cat is female. Book 3 is Moment of Pleasure, Jonathan Darcy Dearborn, the Marquis of Caldwell's story. And because something naughty happens in book 2, which affects poor Caldwell greatly, I won't give away any more than that. Book 4 is One Night of Pleasure, which is Lord Banfield's story. He is Adnonis who never had to work very hard at anything. Not even sex. Every woman has always thrown herself at his feet and has always met his needs. Then he finds hismelf in an arranged marriage, for he is a practical man who doesn't believe in romance or love. Only his wife won't let him anywhere near her. Which is why he enrolls in the school. Because he is at his wit's end. For book 5, I save the best for last. Yet to be titled, it is Lord Brayton's story. A 35 year old retired assassin. Who is still a virgin. And for very good reasons. Again, I always love taking the tried and true and turning it on its head. The men that we always read about in historical romances are always so bloody experienced. I mean to write about an alpha man who is alpha in every way except for the bedroom way. Which means, he's going to end up with an alpha heroine who will show him a thing or two.
Delilah's Top 6 DIK Books:
The Children by Edith Wharton
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Whitney My Love by Judith McNaught
Emma by Jane Austen
The Complete Grimm's Fairy Tales by the Grimms BrothersArabian Nights
Delilah's Heroes:
My husband (for he is my ultimate hero)
Rhett Butler
Casanova
Percy Blakeney
Sydney Carton
Mr. Darcy (but of course)
So, here ends my lovely interview! I hope you all enjoyed & that you have questions. Please comment & I'll put your name in the virtual hat. Name will be drawn probably sometime Friday. Depends on what happens. :)
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