Monthly Archives: September 2010
Interview with Janet Mullany
Janet Mullany was raised in England by half of an amateur string quartet and now lives near Washington, DC. Persecuted from an early age for reading too long in the bathroom, she still loves books and is an avid and eclectic reader. She never once thought of being a writer when she grew up, but has worked as an archaeologist, classical music radio announcer, arts administrator, and for a small press. She writes funny Regencies for Little Black Dress, historical erotic romance for Loose-Id, and this fall has simultaneous releases from HarperCollins and Harlequin that both put a paranormal spin on Jane Austen.
To learn more about Janet, visit her at:
**Janet is giving away a copy of BESPELLING JANE AUSTEN and JANE AND THE DAMNED. If you’d like to leave a comment, you’ll be added to our random drawing. Winners will be contacted via email, so be sure to provide your email if it’s not linked to your profile.**
We love stories about “the Call”, so how exciting was yours?
Stammering (on my end) and incompetent (also on my end) with a phone call that disconnected four times (wiring problem) ; then the editor very kindly offered to call me on my cell, not realizing that I’m a total idiot with a cell phone. My last call story, which was really more of a chat, was with the editor of JANE AND THE DAMNED, and mostly mutual happy squeals that we were working together again. She was the editor who bought THE RULES OF GENTILITY (HarperCollins, 2007).
Please tell us a little about yourself and your current release.
JANE AND THE DAMNED is a book about Jane Austen as a vampire during a French invasion and mostly takes place in the city of Bath in 1797. I had a lot of fun with my vampires, the Damned, who live openly in society and have their own standards of behavior and etiquette. There’s lots of biting and fighting and some romantic stuff but it’s not technically a romance. I’m someone who writes to entertain herself and if I sell it and entertain readers, that’s good. I’m originally from England but I’ve lived here for … a long time.
What should we expect to see from you in the future?
Right now I have a novella, LITTLE TO HEX HER, in the anthology BESPELLING JANE AUSTEN, an anthology headlined by Mary Balogh where we put our paranormal spins on our favorite Austen novels. I have another novel about Jane and the Damned, set in 1810 when she’s living at Chawton and seriously writing, sometime in 2011, no title as yet. In Spring of 2011, from Little Black Dress (UK), a Regency chicklit called MR. BISHOP AND THE ACTRESS (It’s an English joke. If you add “as the actress said to the bishop” to any innocent sentence, quite frequently it gives it an entirely different meaning. It’s rather like adding the words “in bed” to a fortune cookie.) And I have the first of two erotic contemporary novels coming from Harlequin Spice in August, 2011, TELL ME MORE.
Has publishing been everything you thought it would be?
It’s a bizarre, unpredictable, mysterious business. Now I don’t even try to understand it.
What is the biggest misconception you’ve come across about being a romance author?
That somehow my life bears some relation to what I write about. I write fiction. Sad to say, I don’t have a stable of handsome young men on call…
If you were a nail polish color, what would it be called and why?
Easily distracted red, which I think speaks for itself.
What would people be most surprised to learn about you?
That I don’t read much romance. Mac data recovery
What advice do you have for unpublished writers?
Finish the (expletive) book, send it out, start another, and read as much as you can, particularly outside the genre.
Any words for your readers?
Thank you!
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RD speed round:
One word you don’t use enough: parasol
One word you overuse: Actually, it’s actually. Oops.
Would you spend a day out with Mr. Darcy or Mr. Rochester? Mr. Darcy. Mr. R. would probably lock me in the attic.
Cocktails with any actor, who would it be? Laurence Olivier. I loved his autobiography. Pity he’s dead.
Favorite exotic cuisine: Vietnamese.
Favorite mixed drink: an English drink called a Pimm’s Cup. It’s based on gin and has lots of fruit in it. Yum.
A trip to the Pyramids or a trip to the Rainforest? Pyramids. I’ve been wanting to go for years.
One book you’d have with you on a deserted island? Collected Jane Austen.
What’s the most adventurous thing you’d ever do? Become much more politically active.
Brooding alpha hero or chivalrous sexy genius? Chivalrous sexy genius. Or even just a man who reads!
Interview with Jeannie Lin, Part I
Jeannie Lin grew up fascinated with stories of Western epic fantasy and Eastern martial arts adventures. When her best friend introduced her to romance novels in middle school, the stage was set. Jeannie started writing her first romance while working as a high school science teacher in South Central Los Angeles. After four years of trying to break into publishing with an Asian-set historical, her 2009 Golden Heart® winning manuscript, Butterfly Swords, sold to Harlequin Mills & Boon.
Find out more about Jeannie Lin online at http://www.jeannielin.com
**Jeannie is giving away a copy of her current release BUTTERFLY SWORDS and the eBook THE TAMING OF MEI LIN. If you’d like to leave a comment, you’ll be added to our random drawing. Winners will be contacted via email, so be sure to provide your email if it’s not linked to your profile.**
I’m very excited to have Jeannie visit us at Romance Divas. Not only is she a friend, but a talented author and it’s been amazing to watch her career explode. I met her years ago at my local LARA chapter and this shy, delicate flower has transformed into a savvy promoter, social butterfly, and inspired many others who have written the book of their heart to continue to take chances. Jeannie is an author to keep an eye on and I certainly see great things from her in the future.
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You’re an author that has really proven that taking chances and writing what you love pays off. Not only did you win the Golden Heart for BUTTERFLY SWORDS but you also sold the same week to Harlequin during the RWA conference 2009. We love stories about “the Call”. Do you remember what you were doing or how you felt at that time?
I do remember because I was in the middle of a Pilates session and doing crunches with some diva buddies: Eden Bradley, Sandra Barkevich, MG Braden and Christina Cross. I think Vivienne was there too. When the phone rang, I jumped up to grab it and everyone got real quiet. I think I had a delayed reaction because I was very calm. I took notes about who I was supposed to meet that week and where I was supposed to go. When hung up and announced that I was going to be a Harlequin author, everyone ran up and hugged me. All the divas then marched me down to get my First Sale ribbon and I remember tearing up in the elevator when I finally realized it was going to happen. I wanted to run around and hug everyone in sight.
Your debut novel is getting serious buzz. Some believe you’re creating a new trend with this type of Asian historical. Is it added pressure knowing that this could draw attention to this genre where others have tried previously and were unsuccessful in gaining an audience?
Dear Author started raving about the book before anyone had seen anything. I remember Jane tweeting that she “hoped it didn’t suck” and I think she wrangled my editors into handing over a copy. When they told me this, I seriously hoped it didn’t suck either. I do feel normal author worries about whether the book will sell given that Asian historicals haven’t sold well in the past. So the buzz actually gives me hope.
The thing about the pressure is there’s not much for me to do now other than promote and pray. So I don’t feel pressure as much as I feel a huge sense of anticipation and antsyness. The book is printed up now, with all its good parts and bad, quirks and flaws. I can’t fix it anymore.
Did you ever imagine that your Tang Dynasty historicals would be so well received and embraced? What was it about this time period that inspired you to create such an amazing world?
When I think of how many people are stepping up to support Butterfly Swords, it makes me want to cry. These are people who know nothing about me and who are not my friends or my mom. That’s so wonderful, so absolutely wonderful.
What really inspired me to go to the Tang Dynasty were all those movies I saw in my childhood: Legend of the Condor Heroes, Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre. And there was this fantastic series about the Empress Wu of the Tang Dynasty and her daughter, Princess Tai Ping. Hours and hours of Hong Kong serials, burned into my brain. All that drama and angst! So perfect for romance.
What should we expect to see from you in the future?
I have more Tang Dynasty stories to tell. I’m playing right now with some of the paranormal elements of wuxia. It’s a series that involves Taoist sorcery and demons and jiangshi and it’s so much fun. One day, when I’m brave enough, I’ll finally write the women’s fiction that me and the Little Sis have been planning.
What is the biggest misconception you’ve come across about being a romance author?
That selling one book means I’m on the fast track to bestsellerdom and the rest is easy.
What would people be most surprised to learn about you?
I’m alpha dog fierce…despite the crying and the unbridled sentimentality.
I can imagine your books being made for film due to the epic storytelling. If you could cast the characters for this BUTTERFLY SWORDS, who would you choose for the hero and heroine?
A huge costume drama with lots of gratuitous cinematography! Hee hee. I wrote up a blog that will post on Vauxhall Vixens later in October. My top choices are Ewan MacGregor and Marjorie Liu for Ryam and Ai Li. Maybe younger versions though. Russell Wong would make a killer Li Tao.
What is the most extreme thing you’ve ever done and what did it teach you about yourself?
I joined with a group of teachers who were trying to change the world and we wrangled together a small learning community at one of the toughest schools in the nation. Basically it was a school within a school. It took a lot of balls and smarts to do it, and some days it just tore your heart out. We made a lot of mistakes, but we also accomplished some great things. The students loved us for it, some teachers and administrators hated us for it. I learned that it takes a certain sort of person to seek that kind of challenge and risk.
If you were a nail polish color, what would it be called and why?
Ruby Dragon Red. Umm…cause I like dragons and it sounds cool? Ruby Dragon is my nickname over at the Ruby-Slippered Sisterhood.
What advice do you have for unpublished writers?
Keep writing forward. Everything is fixable.
Any words for your readers?
I hope you enjoy! The next book is even better. 
Reviewed! Poisoned Kisses by Stephanie Draven
Title: Poisoned Kisses
Author: Stephanie Draven
Publisher: Harlequin Nocturne
Publication date: October 1, 2010
Category: Paranormal Romance
Reviewed by: Jax Cassidy
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I’m new to the Harlequin Nocturne books and the few that I’ve read have been disappointing. However, Stephanie Draven’s debut novel POISONED KISSES is an exception. From page one, this book is action-packed and intense. The characters are deeply damaged and emotionally flawed…yet exceedingly sexy. Marco is the perfect brooding hero and Kyra is a kick-butt heroine that you’d want in your corner during a bar fight. Although I enjoyed the read, I felt it was weighted by the action and war in Rwanda storyline. I would have loved to see more of the relationship building and romance but I understood her motive and the importance of the action-driven storytelling. There was a purpose for these scenes and I understood why it was an integral part of the story.
Ms. Draven’s voice is smooth and engaging. The action sequences would make for a great television show and if you’re wanting a typical Harlequin romance, you won’t get it from this book. It’s high concept and high-octane with a splash of sexiness that will keep you entertained. I’m looking forward to reading more paranormals from Ms. Draven. I love her unique twist on Greek mythology and the creative characters she weaves.
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He can wear the face of anyone who has ever hurt him…
This former soldier-turned-gun-runner thinks his true identity is safe, but a mysterious woman is about to force him to face the tragic past he thought he left behind.
She can disguise herself as the only woman he’s ever loved…
It’s not easy to be a Daddy’s Girl when your father is Ares, Greek God of War. To thwart her father and all those who serve him, Kyra intends to assassinate a modern day hydra. To kill him, she needs to seduce him, but Marco Kaisaris isn’t the monster she thinks he is–and even if he doesn’t break her heart, he may still be the death of her.
Can they see past each other’s masks to find a love that’s more than skin deep?
Interview with Kelly L Stone
Kelly L. Stone started a successful writing career while working a full time job. Her women’s fiction novel, GRAVE SECRET (Mundania Press, Sept 2007), was called “powerful” and “well written” by RT Book Reviews. She is the author of the TIME TO WRITE series, a set of motivational books for aspiring authors. The third book in the series, LIVING WRITE: The Secret to Bringing Your Craft Into Your Daily Life (Adams Media) has just been released. Kelly lives with her family in Florida.
To learn more about Kelly, visit her website at:
**Kelly is giving away a copy of her current release LIVING WRITE to one luck winner. If you’d like to leave a comment, you’ll be added to our random drawing. Winner will be contacted via email, so be sure to provide your email if it’s not linked to your profile.**
I love your website and blog because you tap into the other part of a writer’s artistic brain. Your books are useful, inspiring, and gets your creative juices flowing, so what inspired you to write them?
My books usually start out as a question. For instance, I always wanted to be a writer but I couldn’t figure out how to find the time to write. Then I read some books on the psychology of achievement and learned that many successful people get up early in the morning and do their own *thing* for a few hours before the day begins. That gave me the idea to get up at 3:30 in the morning and write for a few hours before work. After I did that for a couple of years, I started getting published—my literary novel was bought by a small press, my essays were published in bestselling anthologies, and I landed assignments in national magazines like Family Circle, Cat Fancy, and others. People started asking me where I found time to write; that was the question, and the answer was TIME TO WRITE which was published in January of 2008. After that, I started to wonder how people with limited writing time could maximize their creativity so that they got the most bang for their buck during their scheduled writing time. That gave me the idea for THINKING WRITE which is about how to use the power of your subconscious mind for writing and creativity purposes. Last, LIVING WRITE started with the question of how can people capitalize on small steps in order to achieve big writing goals.
You also write romances, do you find it’s easier or more difficult to write than your non-fiction?
It’s been a learning curve for both. Now, after 3 non-fiction books under my belt, the entire writing process is quicker for me because I have so much practice—for example, TIME TO WRITE took me 6 months to write, LIVING WRITE only took three. I have less experience writing fiction, so it’s a tad more difficult for me right now because I’m still on that learning curve. However, I don’t think any writing is *easy*. I think all writers at all levels struggle to continually improve their craft.
We love stories about “the Call”, do you remember what you were doing or how you felt at that time?
I was actually at work when I got the call from my agent that she wanted to represent me. Several months later when she sold the proposal for TIME TO WRITE, I got this tingly sense of anticipation early in the day and actually stayed up late that night, in the kitchen, literally standing by the phone (I did not know in advance that she would be calling that night.) When the phone rang, I knew it was her calling to tell me she’d made the sale. Those were two of the best days of my life so far.
Please tell us a little bit about yourself and your current release.
In addition to being a writer, I’m a licensed mental health counselor. I was born and raised in the south and can’t imagine living anywhere else. I am an animal welfare advocate and a lot of my early published work is about issues affecting animals. LIVING WRITE is about how to capitalize on small steps to achieve your big writing dreams. The official release date is Sept 18th. Like THINKING WRITE, it also comes with a CD with 4 guided meditations for writers.
What should we expect to see from you in the future?
I’m working on a paranormal romance series right now, and probably more writing books!
If you weren’t a writer what career path would you choose?
I always wanted to be an archeologist and do something exciting like discover long lost ancient cities.
What are you reading right now?
Shadow Game by Christine Feehan
What is the biggest misconception you’ve come across about being a romance author?
That it’s not as difficult to write as other genres. Not so. I read a quote once that said, “Easy reading is hard writing.” I’m sorry I can’t remember who said it, but that is true for all writing.
What would people be most surprised to learn about you?
I was on Romper Room when I was 4.
Now for a fun round of ‘getting to know you’.
Man in uniform, or a hands-on man? Uniform
Whipped cream or ice cream? Ice cream (my Achilles heel)
Naughty or nice? Mostly nice although naughty can be conjured up when necessary. :)
Spontaneous or planned? Probably more *planned* than I wish I were J
Coffee or tea? Definitely coffee
Cosmopolitan or beer? Cosmo
Tropical island or mountain cabin? Since I live on the beach, I’ll go with mountain cabin
Sexy stilettos or flip flops? Flip flops—that beach thing again
Holey Jeans or casual khakis? jeans
If you were a nail polish color, what would it be called and why? I’m not really sure, although something to do with chocolate springs to mind.
What advice do you have for unpublished writers?
Write on a schedule. Set a time every day or week that you will write and then stick to that schedule no matter what. That is the key to getting the book out of your head and on to the page.
Any words for your readers?
Thank you for your support! I get so many great emails from people telling me how much the TIME TO WRITE series has helped them finally start writing the book of their dreams despite how busy their day to day lives are; those emails make my day!
Lucky Winners
Congratulations to all those who left comments for the random drawings!
Please contact romancedivas @ gmail.com (<—-email without the spaces) to claim your prize if I haven’t contacted you already.
Tawny Weber Contest
Winner: Beth Andrews
Miranda Neville Contest
Winner: Jennifer Brodie
RG Alexander Contest
Winner: Dawn
Vonna Harper
Winner: Joye
Vanessa Kelly Contest
Winner: Cories
Spotlight On, Tawny Weber
Tawny Webber is usually found dreaming up stories in her California home, surrounded by dogs, cats and kids. When she’s not writing hot, spicy stories for Harlequin Blaze, she’s shopping for the perfect pair of boots or drooling over Johnny Depp pictures (when her husband isn’t looking, of course). In September 2010, her eighth Blaze, RIDING THE WAVES hits the bookshelves. Come by and visit her on the web at www.tawnyweber.com
Most people may not know that you have a connection with Romance Divas. You’ve been a member for many years and have also graciously donated time to help our Mentor Program. We’ve seen your rise to success and becoming one of the staple authors for Harlequin. How was this journey and was it everything you thought it would be?
I love the Divas. You have such a fabulous community there! OMG I love the term rise to success And while I’m definitely still working on that journey, I do love where I’m at. Writing for Harlequin has always been my dream and it really is as great as I’d hoped. The Harlequin team (editors, art dept, eHQ, all of it) are so nice and all seem focused on the same goal, helping authors build their careers and put out great books.
You’ve written almost a dozen (Harlequin) Blazes, how has your journey been with this publisher? Any advice for authors trying to break into category romances?
Harlequin –and Blaze especially—Rocks I consider my editor one of the best in the business. She’s not only given me opportunities to push my own writing boundaries (just yesterday I agreed to do an Online Read for November. 10k. OMG talk about focusing on character and pace, huh? I’m so excited) but she knows my writing strengths and pushes those, but also knows my weaker areas and in each book, pushes me to face and overcome them. Yep, she’s my dream editor for sure LOL.
Category romance is a fabulous place to write. But writing category isn’t just writing a shorter single title story – and I think as long as a writer understands that distinction, they’ll have an easier time trying to break in. My standard advice is to read the books. Read the lines that appeal to you and see where you might fit. Not just for a single book idea, but where you can imagine yourself writing dozens of stories. I might have a great single dark paranormal idea, and try for Nocturne, but if it sold, I’d be up a creek because I’m really not a dark para type of writer. Blaze, for me, was perfect because the focus is on strong heroines, everyday heroes (hot, sexy, incredible and hunky, still. But not necessarily fantasy heroes, although a few of them do find their way into some of the Blazes) and a sexy hook. Not sex, but a sexy hook. It’s a fine line, but the sexy hook is what carries the entire story. It’s what provides the impetus to conflict, feeds the conflict and eventually resolves the conflict.
Harlequin provides so many opportunities and options for writers to join them. eHarlequin’s forums and community, various contests and an easy submission process.
We love stories about “the Call”, do you remember what you were doing or how you felt?
LOL – oh yeah. I’ll never forget that moment. It was Memorial Day and I was asleep. Because it was a holiday, my husband was home. I slept through the ringing, but he came in, nudged me and said “Get up, the caller ID says Harlequin.” I blame my sleep-fogged state for a pathetic lack of screaming, dancing or insane glee over the news that I’d sold. I just calmly got the details, thanked the editor and hung up. I hadn’t written down any details since the hubby was hugging me the whole time (whether he was excited for me or just keeping me from falling back onto the pillows, I’m still not sure) Then I think I went into shock I tried to call friends and share the news, but tell ya what, most people party on Memorial Day. So after a dozen unconnected calls, I started seriously wondering if it’d really happened. I emailed the editor to confirm, and refused to announce the news until after I’d gotten a reply so I knew it was real. I think that was her first clue that I’m a smidge neurotic.
I’ve heard the Blaze line is changing directions and will become less erotic but still hot. The stories will be focusing more on the hero and heroine’s relationship, etc. Are you able to elaborate on this?
Blaze is, first and foremost, a romance. Sexy romance. Hot, wildly erotic and intense romance. But the romance has to be front and center. So if the characters are having sex (and they should be… quite often ) that scene is there because it moves their relationship forward.
Really, Blaze romances are emotional journeys that include a whole lot of great sex.
Please tell us a little about your current release. How did you come up with the concept?
RIDING THE WAVES is out now. It’s a forbidden fantasy story, featuring an uptight, undersexed astrophysicist heroine who decides to live out her sexy beach vacation fantasy and have a fling with a very sexy boy toy who she thinks is a surf instructor at the resort. She cuts the fling short when she realizes that she’s falling for a guy who she’s sure would have nothing to do with the ‘real her’. Back home, she gets a big surprise. Her hot, sexy boy toy is actually acclaimed astrophysicist and her new partner. She ends up learning that the ‘real her’ is actually a lot stronger, sexier and more complex, than she’d given herself credit for.
As for the concept, I started out knowing I was writing a forbidden fantasy, so I spent some time mulling what fantasies would be fun to explore. The younger man boy toy really appealed to me (maybe it was all the Robert Pattinson craziness that was going on at the time LOL). From there, I asked myself what kind of heroine would be least likely to give in to that fantasy, and Drucilla was born
What should we expect to see from you in the future?
Lots of books, I hope 
I have the Online Read on eHarlequin in November that ties in with the MUST HAVE BEEN THE MISTLETOE Christmas anthology in December. My story in the anthology is called BABE IN TOYLAND – only my heroines toys are of the adult nature (yet, still misfits LOL).
Next year, I have a military hero featured in BREAKING THE RULES, which is out in February, a 24 Hour blackout reunion story titled JUST FOR THE NIGHT. Later, in December 2011 and January 2012, I have connected stories about a family of con artists that I’m hoping will spark a series. Nothing like naughty characters
If you weren’t a writer what would career path would you choose?
I’m a Reiki Master and a tarot reader, as well as a certified hypnotherapist. I’d be doing something in that arena if I wasn’t writing.
What are you reading right now?
Happier by Tal Ben-Shahar because I focus on non-fiction when I’m on deadline. As soon as I turn this book in, though, I have Kristin Higgin’s ALL I EVER WANTED waiting for me.
What is the biggest misconception you’ve come across about being a romance author?
That I make tons of money. And that I’m desperate for story ideas – because I swear, as soon as someone hears I write, they just have to tell me all about their idea for a great book and how they’d let me have a cut of the money if I want to write it for them.
What would people be most surprised to learn about you?
Hmm, good question. Maybe that I’m really a quiet introvert in real life?
This month, RD will have a little fun with our authors. We’re starting a ‘getting to know you round’.
Man in uniform, or man in business suit? Uniform!
Thigh highs or au naturale? In bed? Thigh highs, of course.
Tattoos or piercings? Oh, tough choice. I’ll go with piercings since they are easier to change.
Whipped cream or ice cream? Whipped, all the way.
Naughty or nice? My books? Naughty. Me? Nice.
Coffee or tea? Tea, iced.
Cosmopolitan or beer? Cosmo if there aren’t any margaritas around.
Tropical island or mountain cabin? Sand, surf and sun!!! Tropical, for sure.
Sexy stilettos or flip flops? Again in bed? Stilettos for all occasions.
Holey Jeans or casual khakis? Holey jeans. Stilettos just don’t look right with khakis
If you were a nail polish color, what would it be called and why?
Tawny Sunset. It’d be multi-toned, changing with the turn of a hand, and look better at night.
What advice do you have for unpublished writers?
Set a career goal for yourself, one that you love. And never give up until you achieve it!
Any words for your readers?
Readers rock! I love you all!!!
Interviewed by Jax CassidyAuthor of the Month, Miranda Neville
Miranda Neville is the author of historical romances set in Regency England. She grew up in England and spent her youth devouring historical novels. After studying history at Oxford University, she spent several years writing catalogues of rare books and original letters and manuscripts for Sotheby’s auction house in London and New York. Later she worked as a journalist and small business owner before discovering the delights of writing fiction. Always a sucker for happy endings, a few years ago she decided to try her hand at romance. How hard could it be? Several manuscripts under-the-bed (or deep in the hard drive) later, HarperCollins bought Never Resist Temptation, published in 2009 by Avon Books. The Wild Marquis appeared in March 2010 to be followed later this month by The Dangerous Viscount. She now lives in beautiful rural Vermont with her daughter, a college student and confirmed drama queen.
More information about Miranda may be found at www.mirandaneville.com.
**Miranda will be giving away 1 copy of her latest release here on the RD blog and 1 copy during her workshop on the Romance Divas FORUM. Please comment to be eligible for the random drawing. Winner will be contacted via email so please provide this info if it is not attached to your user link. **
We love stories about “the Call”, what were you doing at the time and how did you feel when it happened?
I always feel my call story is rather undramatic. My agent called one morning to say a couple of editors had turned down my book. Later that afternoon I was sitting at my desk, feeling depressed and trying to write, when she called again with the news that Avon had made an offer. I was kind of numb at first, then of course I called everyone and screamed and drank champagne.
Please tell us a little about your current release.
THE DANGEROUS VISCOUNT is the second in my Burgundy Club series. Sebastian Iverley is not your typical hero. To be blunt, he’s a bit of a nerd, Regency style, and he has always avoided women until he falls for Diana Fanshawe, a beautiful widow. When he learns Diana has been using him to attract his hated cousin, the nerd swears revenge. With the help of his fellow club members (lots of opportunity for male banter) he gets an extreme makeover. Sebastian cleans up well, turns into a real hottie and the sparks fly. I loved writing this couple: Diana is much less sophisticated than she thinks, while Sebastian is much less clueless than he appears.
Do you think you’ll branch out and write other genres other than historicals?
I haven’t any plan to do so, but never say never.
What should we expect to see from you in the future?
I’ve just finished the third Burgundy Club book, to be published next summer, and there’s one more for me to write.
If you weren’t a writer what would career path would you choose?
I have to laugh! Being a writer has been almost an afterthought careerwise. I came to fiction relatively late. But writing historical romance is my best job yet. Now I’ve always wished I could be an opera singer, but I never had the necessary talent (like a basic ability to sing in tune!)
What is the biggest misconception you’ve come across about being a romance author? I find people are interested in what I do and curious to know more about the business of romance writing, about which they know absolutely nothing. I am often asked if I have to write to a formula, if there is a set of rules that we all have to follow. You know, there are days that the Muse isn’t cooperating and computer screen frighteningly blank when a formula would be nice (“I’m on page 42 so it’s time for the first kiss”)
If you were a lipstick color, what would it be called and why? Oh boy! That’s a difficult question. OK, here goes: Crimson Rose Twist – deeply romantic with a touch of sarcasm.
What are you reading right now?
A medieval historical by my CP, getting it ready to send to her agent. She isn’t published yet but it won’t be long! For entertainment I’m reading Katharine Ashe’s Swept Away by a Kiss, a really fun high-drama Regency.
What would people be most surprised to learn about you?
I’d rather eat fruit than chocolate. And yes, I know this fact could get me thrown out of the romance writers’ guild.
What advice do you have for unpublished writers? Finish your book. The one novel that is absolutely never going to sell is an unfinished one. And when you’ve finished it, start the next. Every book you write will be better than the last. One day you may be pleased your first manuscript didn’t sell (I am). Or you may be pleased when it does sell and you have the follow up book already written.
Any words for your readers?
Thank you reading my books. And please feel free to tell me what you like or don’t like (particularly the former!) or ask me any questions. All writers know a huge amount about their characters that never get into the book. I love chatting about them. Send me an email: miranda (at) mirandaneville.com
AOTM WORKSHOP: DATES: SEPTEMBER 21-23
TOPIC: Motivation and Voice: Character Autobiographies
Ever got to page 75 and wondered who the heck these people are? Get your characters ready to drive your plot. Establish their motivation and conflict from page 1. Develop a distinct voice for each of them. Avoid Back Story Dump. Learn how to write your characters’ autobiographies and do all this, plus clean your bathroom and achieve World Peace.
**Workshop is featured in our FORUM. Required registration. Become a member and participate for free.**
