by Anna CampbellIt is with great pleasure I bring back another familiar face to the lair, Aussie historical romance star Sara Bennett. Sara's going to tell us about her latest series and also about what else has been happening in her world.
For more information about Sara and her books, check out her website: http://www.sara-bennett.com/index.html
Sara, welcome back to the lair. Your June release, LED ASTRAY BY A RAKE, kicks off a new five-book series called THE HUSBAND HUNTERS CLUB, set in the Victorian era. Can you tell us about this story?
Nice to be back, Anna. LED ASTRAY BY A RAKE is the first book in THE HUSBAND HUNTERS CLUB series, which is a fun series about five respectable young ladies from Miss Debenham’s Finishing School who form a club and make a pact to marry the men of their dreams rather than the men chosen for them by their families and the stuffy society they live in. These men may not be entirely suitable, and the girls swear to hunt them with all the feminine wiles in their possession. Love, they declare, will conquer all! Unfortunately that isn’t always the case, and there are lots of problems along the way. LED ASTRAY is about Miss Olivia Monteith and her chosen husband, Lord Dominic Lacey or, as he’s known in society, Wicked Nic. He seems to revel in his bad reputation, but Olivia knows he has a good heart and that they could be very happy together, if only she could persuade him to see past her respectable facade. When this fails, she decides to meet him on his own territory, at the Demimondaine Ball, and take the serious step of seducing him. I won’t give away the rest of the story, except to say that Nic has a dark secret in his past that Olivia may find it hard to forgive, even loving him as she does. (By the way, gorgeous Haddon Hall on the right was Sara's inspiration for Lacey Castle, the setting for this story).
Ooh, sounds delicious! What's coming up next from THE HUSBAND HUNTERS CLUB?
Marissa Rotherhild’s story is coming up next. She has her sights set on the Honorable George Kent, but when she arrives at his manor house for a weekend party, George isn’t there. Instead she meets his brother, Valentine, and falls in love. But Valentine is on a quest to find a lost rose and if Marissa wants his attention then she must help him, no matter how dangerous it may become.
Like Bandita Donna MacMeans, you set your books in the Victorian era. What's the appeal of this time for you?
The Victorian era is a long period, from 1837 to 1901, and you have lots of changes during that time. My new series is set in 1837, at the very beginning of the Victorian era, so everything seems new and exciting. A new queen on the throne, a new age of science and reason, the industrial revolution replacing the old ways. In this time of dramatic change, the girls of Miss Debenham’s Finishing School feel that they are making their own new beginnings and that they should be allowed to make their own decisions for the future.
You also write paranormal romance as Sara Mackenzie. What's coming up for your alter-ego?
I recently had a short story called THE LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER AND HIS WIFE published in THE MAMMOTH BOOK OF PARANORMAL ROMANCE. I am about to start work on a second story, this time for THE MAMMOTH BOOK OF PARANORMAL TIME TRAVEL. I also have a trilogy outstanding—and yes, my fans are always asking when I’m going to finish it. And I promise I will!
Do you ever get the urge to kick over the traces and write something outside the historical romance genre?
Funny you should ask that! I used to write mainstream historical, back in the dark ages, and recently one of those books has been bought by a German publisher.
This has encouraged me to think there may still be a place for these longer, character-filled books, set in the Australian past, and I’d like to write another one. It is just finding the time that’s difficult.
Congratulations on the German sale. What writers have been your biggest influences?
I read widely, and lately I’ve been reading lots of nonfiction. I suppose when I first started writing romance I read Johanna Lindsey and Katherine Woodiwiss, and I also loved the Angelique series by husband and wife team Sergeanne Golon. I wish I could get hold of some of the old French movies they made of the first few ANGELIQUE books, but they’ve never released them with English subtitles. I also read a lot of crime fiction and I like a spooky ghost story. I’ve just finished Sarah Waters' THE LITTLE STRANGER, which was brilliant. And I'm catching up with the Cynsters, with Stephanie Laurens' latest, yum.
Do you see any trends emerging in romance and in historical romance in particular?
Well, I’ve heard the historical is popular again! Seriously I don’t think it ever really went out of fashion, and there are so many periods of history and so many different kinds of historicals. I don’t know what the next big thing is. I just write what I write and hope everyone will enjoy it. I think that’s all a writer can do.
Sara, is there anything you'd like to ask the Bandits and Buddies?
What kind of historical would you really like to read? Medieval, Regency, Tudor, Viking—what?
Sara has very generously offered one lucky commenter their choice of a signed book from her backlist of historical romances. What a great opportunity to catch up a wonderful story you might have missed out on. You can see her bookshelf here: http://www.sara-bennett.com/titles.html Good luck!
115 comments:
Hi Sara, thanks for visiting with us today! Your new series sounds really interesting. I love the premise - I have to admit, I was expecting the heroine to go for person A, but end up with person B. :X That just shows me.
Anyway, for historicals, I most like reading books set in the Regency, or Victorian eras. With TV I'm open to more, but for books I like those limits. Although, I think it'd be great to read a well written romance set in Classical times. (Don't know about the market for it though. Or the gobs or roman history/life to research.)
Congratulations on your upcoming release!
Hi, Sara. Your series sounds like a lot of fun. And I love the title Led Astray by a Rake.
Honestly, (and no offense to all you wonderful authors writing about England), I yearn for more American-set historicals. American History was one of my favorite subjects in school, so I gravitated toward reading fiction/romance in that area. Also, I like to see more historicals in non-conventional locales around the world.
Hi Sara,
Congrats on your upcoming release. Your new series sounds wonderful. I love regencies and medievals, especially those set during the Norman-Saxon conflict. I also enjoy Victorians, but haven't read many of them.
Congrats on the GR, Limecello.
Hi Sara, welcome to the lair and thanks to Anna for another great interview. Sara, your new series sounds like a lot of fun! I like the way you've poised your ladies on the cusp of change, determined to forge their own paths for happiness.
Sara, a lot of people have said that paranormal is the new historical. You write both, so can you comment on their similarities and differences? Do you find one easier than the other?
As for time periods, I'm open to almost any period, as long as it's a good story. I know that sounds cliched but in the hands of a skilled writer, any period can come alive.
Bring on the Romans, Joanie T!
Limecello, congrats on the Golden Rooster!
Hi Sara! Welcome to the lair! Grab a cabana boy. Here, have a margarita!
Lime, congratulations on the chook. He does seem to gravitate back to you!
Sara, can you give us a glimpse of your working day?
Congrats Limcello have fun with him
Thank you Anna and Sara for a wonderful interview.
Waving Hi to Sara I love your stories I have all of your historical books and have loved them all and I am so looking forward to the new series can't wait to read them I will be putting my order into Rendezvous this week sometime and Led Astray will be on it.
What kind of historical would you really like to read? Medieval, Regency, Tudor, Viking—what?
I love medieval romances but for me if the story gets me in and I feel close to the characters I read them but I gotta say I haven't read a Viking one for a long time.
Thanks again Ladies for a wonderful interview and congrats on the new series Sara
Have Fun
Helen
Hello Anna! Welcome Sara!
I have to agree with Trish...I'd love to see more American historicals written, but I'm open to reading any historical period. I remember reading a couple of Candice Proctor historicals set in Australia and I loved them. I'm also a fan of her sister, Penelope Williamson's American historicals. I'm a history buff so historical romances are the best of both worlds. :) Jen Congrats, Lime!
Oooh love the concept Sara. Finishing School brings to mind prim and proper ladies, but your heroines sound like they might have skipped a few lessons *wink*
Having devoured historicals in my teens, I've only started rereading them again this year - regencies. And am wondering why I stopped! But I love the idea of a viking historical. I've never read one (are they out there?), but I can imagine...
Hi limecello! Thanks for your comment. Funny you should mention the heroine going for person A and ending up with person B--that's my next book :0
Hi Trish, thanks for the comment. I have to agree with you about the American-set historicals. I love them but you just don't see them around as often. The same could be said for Australian historicals, I suppose. Why don't they get published anymore?
Hi Jane, ah, now the Norman-Saxon conflict is always a favorite with me. My first book for Avon, The Lily and the Sword, had a Norman hero and a Saxon heroine. Stories where the main characters are on opposing sides and fall in love are always lots of fun to write.
Sara,
You picked my absolute favourite historical period- early Victorian. So many changes and so much excitement at that time. But it sure would be great to see more Australian historicals published,
Sue
Hi Christina! I think paranormals have a lot of scope. They can be historical or contemporary of total fantasy, so it's a huge area. I like paranormals with an historical element and some fantasy, and although I try, I really do, I can't manage to make my heroines as kick-ass as I should. They're not wimps, either, I hope. And to answer your question about what is easier to write, definitely historicals! They have boundaries and facts to consider, and into which you can set your story, and I'm a boundaries and facts sort of girl.
I like historicals in general but lean toward the regency and medieval, mostly because that is what you find. I read Jennifer Blake, she writes American historicals centered around Louisiana.
The Lily and the Sword was the first book I ever read by you Sara.
Hello there Anna, and it's wonderful to have been asked back. You've made me look great in your interview, so much thanks for that. Now, just let me put down my margarita...there, that's better.
My working day, hmm. Well, a normal working day would be getting up around seven and doing what needs to be done around the house, and then settling down to write around nine. I try to write all morning, finishing around one. Then I take a break for lunch and read for a while. I don't go back to the computer until the evening, when I catch up on emails and websites and, if the writing is going well, I do abit more. I used to spend a lot more time at the computer than I do now. I've had some problems with burnout and I don't want to revisit that dark nasty place again any time soon.
Hello Helen, lovely to hear from you. Happy Reading with your order from Rendezvous--I always find it difficult to know what to start with.
Viking romance is good. Especially when they sail in and kidnap the local princess and sail away with her, back to their cold land. Maybe I can feel another book coming on!
Hi Pink, thanks for your comment. Yes, I agree, historicals are my favorite, too, doesn't matter where they're set. Hmm, I must hunt out those Candice Proctor books and read them again...
Yes, Anita Joy, these young ladies are far from prim and proper. That's what I like about historicals; I think it's possible to suspend reality far more than with contemporaries. Just my thought on it.
Oh yes Sara please, I do love a viking story although as I said it is a long time since I have read one
Have Fun
Helen
I agree Sue, the Victorian era is vast, so much going on. I liked the idea of setting my books at the very beginning--a new queen on the throne, a new world, so why not throw off the rules of the past and make their own choices about husbands?
Hi Dianna! The Lily and the sword was the first book you read by me? Is it your favorite? Lots of people tell me that is their favorite.
The book looks nice :D
And, well I do love my medieval books. But when it comes to romance I adore the regency era.
Helen, I've read a few but not lately. I have a book called Hall of Sparrows about Vikings invading Britain and capturing a young woman. It's not strictly a romance, but there is a romance in it, and I've always loved it. I reread it often. Strange how sometimes you just fall in love with a book like that!
Hi Blode
My dvd of Pride and Prejudice is almost worn out.
Hi Sara,
I started out reading mediaevals when I got back into romances then quickly moved to Regencies. I like that time period and have read several late Victorian era that were great too. Sometimes the plot regardless of era is what catches me. Looking forward to reading this series!
I'll read almost any historical, but I'd love to see some about Britain in Roman and Anglo-Saxon times. Also, more about continental Europe from classical times through the renaissance would be fabulous! I don't know anywhere near enough about European history, and reading historical novels is an entertaining way to learn.
I like the Victorian era, but I'm kind of partial to the latter half of it for some reason. It's not to see more stories being set in that time period. It looks like my tbr pile just got a little taller! Your series sounds wonderful.
Margay
Hi Sara. Your new series sounds great!
Weren't the Angelique books wonderful! They gave me my love of historicals. I recently bought one of my favourite books in the series, Angelique in Love, as my original copy "disappeared". You can get dvds of the the first few movies with English subtitles, (or I think dubbed in English too)from Amazon. They are only region 1, but if you have a region free dvd player, they would work.
As for which historicals I like to read...anything that keeps me reading all night. :) I do have a soft spot for the Medieval and Georgian periods though.
Hi Sara and Anna
Great interview! The Husband Hunter's Club sounds like a hoot! And the first title and cover are fab!
I'm in awe of you being able to write in two such different genres, Sara. Do you find it therapeutic to get away from historicals into paranormal and visa versa? Maybe working in both helps keep you fresh?
Looking forward to reading your new series, Sara!
Thanks for having Sara to visit, Anna
:)
Sharon
Hi Sara. Your new series sounds great. I am a big historical fan. I have a great fondness for books set in the Regency era.
Hmmm... this post actually made me think of something I'd like to read. Not just a period, but a location. 1600s Japan. Maybe around 1650 or so. That would be some interesting reading, I think.
And, at my last cruise through the nonfiction section of the local megabooks, the shelves were completely devoid of anything related to Japan. Lots of stuff on China (surprise surprise) but nothing on Japan.
Japanese culture is really weird to me. I suppose that might be what makes it interesting.
Hi Sara, I was so thrilled to hear your historical is set in the Victorian age, I wish more were! And A hero that goes by the name 'Wicked Nic' what's not to like?
For Historicals, I love Victorian, but like I said, not easy to find. Regency is fine, but I also love the westerns. Medieval are at the bottom of the list, but I enjoy an occasional one. Just read one set in ancient Rome, enjoyed it a lot, wish there were more of that era too! Also wish there were more historical paranormal! LOL!
Your book sounds just wonderful for a nice, cozy read on the deck, I will certainly keep my eye out, cheers!
Sara, welcome to the Lair.
Led Astray by a Duke sounds great...and a bit exciting..
I love all historicals and believe as Christine said that a good story can be set in any and all time periods.
And the Romans thank you Christine
:-)
Great interview! Vikings and Romantic Westerns
Limecello, congratulations on bringing home the rooster!
Sara, welcome. I like pretty much any historical period. I'm a history geek and always have been. I gravitate toward medievals first in the current market but read across periods. I would love to see the Tudor era and the American Revolution make a comeback, as the Victorian period has.
Anna, great interview!
Welcome back to the Lair, Sara! It's always a pleasure to have you visit us.
I'm thinking I'll be adding your Husband Hunters Club to my TBR pile! I love a good bad-boy-turned-good story.
As for time periods, I'm partial with any time period, but would love to see more American set stroies. It really is a fascinating tale of exploration, exploitation, growth and change.
Congrats on your upcoming release.
I have to admit that I haven't read many historicals but I do love family sagas like North and South.
Hi Sara,
Loved the info about your new book. It's on my BTB list and I can't wait to get my hands on it. I am a big fan of the Regency period followed closely by Victorian. Additionally, I like books set in the American Revolution era and the American Antebellum South but those books are not as prevalent as the once were.
Hi, Sara, welcome to the Lair. I love historicals, mainstream and romance, and the late Victorian era particularly fascinates me.
I'd like to see more interest in the early decades of the Twentieth Century, before World War I. There're lots of exciting stories to tell during that time, I think.
Hi Sara! Led Astray looks fantastic; I can't wait to read it and he books to follow!
I like most historical genres, but right now I'm mainly hooked on the Regency era. There was a time when I wouldn't read historical if it wasn't set in Tudor times - especially during the reign on Henry XIII. But I don't generally stick to one historical period intentially, since they're all so much fun! I must say, though, that I've never been huge on Viking stories. That's one area I'm not overly fond of.
My favorites are Viking and Victorian era(I espesially like the Moreland Family Series by Candace Camp).
Aikakone - Keltainen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYjMTeUKWXI
MAARIT Tuuli & Taivas (Wind & Sky)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDf5NDRRUoU
KEVÄT JA MINÄ - TOMMI LÄNTINEN
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FV8cRMmMAFY
Neiti Kevät
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwIgXd6avWY
Pave Maijanen - Lähtisitkö
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLlNe6vyokI
Tomas Ledin - Sommaren är kort
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVdGOz_ptDg
I absolutely love historical romances. I read all kinds of time periods and locales. My favorites are Regency, Medieval, Viking, and the Old American West(gotta love a cowboy!).
Cheryl
Lime is back!! Congrats on bringing the GR back to the Midwest.
Hi Sara - Welcome to the lair. Your new series sounds great! I love stories about young ladies bending the rules imposed by society. It gives them a courageous element that's admirable.
I guess that's what I like about paranormals as well. Of course, we get to make the rules there that will be tested.
I'd like to see the return of medievals and some good civil war stories. The romance bookshelves used to run rampant with these. not so much anymore. Why is that?
Hi Sara--being a historical author myself, this question is rather interesting (I've read all the comments and taken notes LOL) Personally, I love all periods but am excited about a return to the wild west. I love a man in a Stetson too!
I'm relatively new to historicals, but I don't seem to have a real preference for the era or location. That said, I do really love historicals that take place in
Egypt!
Hi Sara!! :) Happy to see you out and about. I'm so happy to see you have a new book as I've really enjoyed your last several! I re-read "Rules of Passion" and "Lessons in Seduction" all the time. Great characters and wonderful story!!
I <3 reading historicals, ecspecially regency or gothic romances.
Looking forward to the new book!!
Lime, your words about classical romance will be music to our JT. I wish her Romans could find a home. I want to read them - I grew up on gladiator movies! Nothing like a good sword and sandal epic!
Trish, I love English and Scottish-set historicals but that doesn't mean that's ALL I want to read. It was great to read a Loretta Chase last year set in Italy, although the characters were English, of course.
Jane, I love a good medieval too. My first American-style historical was a medieval, Kathleen Woodiwiss's The Wolf and the Dove.
Christine, what a great question. I'd love to hear what Sara thinks as she writes in both genres.
Helen, one day I'd love to write a Viking romance. I've got the setting (the far north of Scotland) and everything. Perhaps it could be an ancestor of Kylemore's!
Jen, those Candice Proctor books are great, aren't they? I love her incarnation as C.S. Harris too with the delicious Viscount Devlin as a detective in Regency London.
Anita, Viking historicals are usually good fun. The men are such barbarians so it's fun watching the heroine tame them. Well, perhaps 'tame' is the wrong word. But it's usually a battle royal. Glad you've come back to historicals. There's some great stuff out there in the genre.
Sara, the beauty of people on different sides of a conflict - English Civil War stories are similar - is that it gives the stories such high stakes, doesn't it? And nobody is wrong. I hate it when either the hero or heroine is WRONG and the other one is RIGHT. Means there has to be a loser.
Sue, I know you'll want to hit me, but I don't find Australian history particularly romantic. Ouch! You hit me! I'm shallow - I like the glamour and the glitz!
Dianna, I sometimes wonder whether people don't buy different settings just because they can't find them. I know I like to find out about new and exotic places. A couple of my all time favourite romances are set in Egypt, for example. Mr. Impossible and As You Desire.
Ouch to the burnout, Sara. I think we all need to remember that we're not machines. Glad you've got a better schedule going now. I'm spending far too much time at the computer at the moment - curse you, Facebook! Um, no, that was meant to be working, working, working. LOL.
Blodeuedd, I think everyone loves a good Regency! Mr Darcy sure started something!
Actually, Desserts, I think you're right - it all comes down to story in the end.
Barbara, I learnt so much history reading historical romance. I read some great books set in the Italian renaissance or Tsarist Russia, for example. Wonderful to get that zing of the exotic to go along with the stories. And India is a great setting for a romance! I remember my M.M. Kayes with great fondness.
Hi Margay! I love Laura Lee Guhrke's stories set in the late Victorian era. And I'd love to see more stories set in the Edwardian era. There's all sorts of cute modern things you can play with in the early 20th century like cars and telephones.
Cheryl, I only read a couple of the Angelique books. What's funny is that they were considered adults only entertainment back when they came out. How times have moved on! I remember I loved the alchemist hero!
Great blog, Sara. Your new series sounds yummy and fun.
I'm a big sucker for anything Regency--sexy, traditional, paranormal... Darcy in a dress would probably be okay by me.
But I also have a secret, closet passion for the American Old West. They're harder to find these days, but a tasty hot cowboy or a die-for-you-ma'am sheriff sure hits the spot sometimes. I love the clothes, the tinny old saloon piano, the clink of spurs, the slap of leather, the barely civilized lifestyle--yeah, old west is cool!
Susan Gee Heino
Waving madly to Sharon right on the other side of Australia! Go west, young woman! Oh, that's right, you did.
Crystal, great to meet another Regency fan!
P226, I find Japanese culture fascinating too. Do you remember when Shogun took the world by storm? That was actually written by an Aussie! Although it was fairly grim, from memory. People committing ritual disembowelments all over the place. I tell you, hard to keep the place clean when that goes on!
Drew, the Victorian period is actually getting more popular. I'd say in terms of book settings, it's probably number two after the Regency now. What do you think, Sara? And try Bandita Donna's Victorians - you'll love them!
Joan, have you noticed the Romans are getting some lurve? Great stuff, huh?
Anna
A Viking story with Kylemore's ancestors way to go, many years ago I read a couple of books about the convicts sent to Australia and I really enjoyed them I can't remember the name of the books or author.
My mother read all of the Angelique series and loved them and I too love a romance set during American Civil War.
Have Fun
Helen
Amy, sounds like you're pining for some new settings for historicals!
Nancy, I was a Tudor nut in my teens but I must say these days, it's not a period that appeals to me as a setting for a romance. Maybe the Elizabethan era. But earlier, all that religious nuttery makes it a bit hard to like!
Hey Lime! He's back with you, congrats!
Sara, your books sound wonderful and the premise for the new stuff is very intriguing!
I'm popping out of the writing cave to say hi and welcome to the Lair! :> Now back to the cave...
Suz, I know you love American settings. I think they're great - I don't know why I don't see more of them.
Llehn, have you seen the British North and South featuring the gorgeous Richard Armitage? Hubba hubba!
Karen, at one stage the bookstores were full of books set in America. When I first started reading big, juicy romance novels, it was all Shirly Busbee and Kathleen Woodiwiss and Rosemary Rogers. All with American settings.
Jo, I agree with you about the early 20th century - I've just been saying how much I love books set in the Edwardian years.
Hey, Lynz! Great to see you here. Actually I've noticed Henry 8th is BIG in historical fiction if not in historical romance. Those Philippa Gregory books have taken over the world.
Minna, clearly your favorite periods have to start with a 'V'. Have you tried something set in the VEGENCY?
Oh, and of course when in England they lived Victorian era, we were ruled by Russia. I have read a few of those kind of historicals, but they were written by Finnish authors, in Finnish.
The couple of Viking books I've read were written by Sandra Hill and Maggie Shayne. But Sandra's book was time travel book and Maggie's book was about a Viking who "slept" for over 900 years.
How about France under the Sun King Louis XIV? You've got a highly mannered society (think Versailles), scandal and intrigue (courtiers, mistresses, poisonings), and sweeping political drama (wars, religious strife). You've got the end of the old order, e.g., gallantry and adventure (3 Musketeers) and the beginning of the modern age (science, technology, world view). And you've got rich, rich historical detail on which to premise any story, any kind of voice, you might want.
Libby McCord
Cheryl, you and Suz should talk about loving a cowboy! I think you'd have plenty of material to be going on with!
Donna, I'm puzzled by the disappearance of the American historical too. You do still see a few medievals.
Hi Lisa! Great to see you back again. It's always interesting to talk settings, isn't it? I wonder if the Jane Austen craze is to blame. The other settings and the prevalence of Regency England seem to coincide with the sudden surge of interest in JA adaptations on film and TV. It's like people love Darcy and just want to hang out with him alone, even though there are plenty of heroes in other places who are lovely too. Well, maybe saying a Viking is lovely is pushing it just a leetle! By the way, I remember reading a wonderful Betina Krahn Viking book a few years ago that had me riveted.
Becke, those two I mentioned are fab, aren't they? I'm so glad we've lured you over into enjoying historicals!
Hi Rachie! Great to meet another fan of Sara's! I bet Sara will say the same ;-)
Hey, Susan, when's your book out? I can't wait to read it! Laughed at the idea of a cross-dressing Darcy. Um, I'm not sure that would work for me. But having said that, I remember really liking a cross-dressing Anne Stuart hero in a historical (admittedly the second string hero) and a cross-dressing hero in a Georgette Heyer. Although he was the second string guy too. Hmm, maybe there's a pattern being built up here. A pattern for a lovely dress with figured silk and panniers!
Helen, way back, pre-pubbed, I wrote a book set in 1890 in Australia. It was quite a lot of fun to do although the result is completely unreadable. And I spent ages writing a family saga set in 1860 that I never finished. Actually that was fun too. Hmm, may have to reconsider my statement about Aussie history not being romantic!
Jeanne, congratulations for all the fabulous buzz you're getting for your June release DARK AND DEADLY! Now get into your cave and write us another one!
Minna, those Viking books of Sandra's are huge fun. I remember one where his manly bit was turned blue by a Saxon witch. Yes, I'm listening to the cabana boys yelp in horror. And the Maggie Shayne one was great.
Libby, I love books set in France. My very first attempt at a historical was set during the 100 Years War. I love the idea of a book set at Versailles. I've read some serious historical fiction set then but actual romances, not so much. As you say, the potential is enormous for adventure and passion and glamour.
Phew! Caught up! What a great discussion we're having this morning!
Hi, Anna & Sara,
My favorites are Victorians and
Regencies! Although I will read
any romance that happens to find
itself in my hot, little hands!
p226, it seems anything "Japan"
is hard to find. My granddaughter
will major in Japanese Studies in
college. She had to do a major
search before she found a school
that offered a full program!
Pat Cochran
Pat, thanks for saying you enjoyed the interview. How interesting about your daughter having trouble finding a college that offered a good Japanese program. I'd really love to visit Japan one day.
Hi Desserts,
I think you're right. The story and the characters are what draw you in.
And I do like a knight in armor!
Hi Sara,
Sorry to come along so late! I have to say I love the fact that you're such a versatile writer. I think the early Victoria era is a great setting for a series of romances. But then I love different periods and places. I read a number of books set in Tsarist Russia years ago that were a real treat. I'd love to read some set in Europe and the Mediterranean in earlier periods too.
Looking forward to seeing your latest.
Annie
Barbara, I love researching when I'm writing a book. I always seem to have far too much research for the book I'm writing and you can't overwhelm your readers with too much information. I try to get the facts right--nothing more embarrassing than being picked up on a mistake!
Thanks Margay, I tided up my tbr pile the other day, so now instead of being beside the bed it takes up two shelves in my bookcase. As long as I can resist buying more everything should be okay...
Thank you Cheryl, I didn't realise the Angelique movies were available like that. I know where I'm going next! I love collecting favorite dvds as much as I love collecting my favorite books.
Hi Sharon, and thanks for your comments. Hope you enjoy the book. I think writing different genres helps keep you fresh, yes. Even writing a short story in between books helps. Sometimes writing becomes a chore instead of something you love, so any way of reminding yourself why you really do it is worthwhile.
Hi Crystal, the Regency era was wonderful, wasn't it? I don't think it will ever lose its appeal.
Hi Drew, no Japan doesn't seem to be a destination for romance readers, does it? Although the Japanese like reading romance comics; I know quite a few authors have had their books turned into comics. That really would be something!
Mmm, sorry p226, I just answered your comment but called you Drew. Must still be half asleep!
Now this is for Drew! Glad you like the Victorian era. There are a few out there, sometimes they're masquarading as Regencies. And a few people have mentioned the Roman period, so maybe we'll see some books out there soon with togas on the front!
Thanks Joan. Actually Led Astray By A Rake was my title, a first for me. I didn't think they'd like it, but they did.
Amy S, I love a good Western. Hope they come back soon.
Nancy, nice to meet another history geek! You're right, there are so many periods of history yet to be covered. Whenever I see something a bit different I like to pick it up.
Hi Suzanne, yes there's something about a bad boy turned good I just love. Maybe it's the triumph of love that does it.
Hi Llehn, my paranormals are contemporary with some historical detail, so you might like them.
Thank you Karen H! I know what you mean about the American South, I've always loved romance books set there. Some of Tami Hoag's contemporaries were in the South, and I enjoyed them very much.
Hi Jo, thanks for your lovely comment! Yes, pre WW1 is very interesting, I notice there are a lot of mainstream books lately set around the wars. Maybe romance will follow?
Hi Lynz, thank you! Interesting how everyone, or nearly everyone, has a favorite historical period, something that seems to appeal. And they usually have one they dislike. I wonder why that is? I am fond of the period of the Wars of the Roses, Richard III and all that, but there's not much of that around these days.
Minna, I haven't read this series, I'll have to look it up.
Hi Cheryl, and I do love those cowboys! Some of Johanna Lindsey's early books were westerns and I still get them out and reread them for a guilty pleasure.
Thanks Donna! I wish I know why fashions in reading change. I think Regencies will be around for a while longer, but Victorians are popular too, which is nice for us. I've read my share of Civil War books, but you're right, they're not around any more. I suppose with Twilight so popular the Paranormal will remain number one in popularity for a long while to come.
Hi Lisa, if only we knew what period would be popular next we could get ahead start on writing one!
Treethyme, Egypt is one of my favs too. I enjoyed Loretta Chase's book very much--although the name escapes me just now! I have a terrible memory.
Hi RachieG, and thank you, I'm flattered you reread my books! You mentioned Gothic books--I'd forgotten how much I loved the Gothic story. The dark, faintly sinister hero and the frightened but brave heroine, creeping around a dark mansion looking for clues. All those Victoria Holts, sigh.
What Anna, you don't find Australian glitzy and romantic? What about the gold rush era? I suppose there are some dark areas, but I like to delve into those places. Depends what you're into, but I bet I could change your mind.
Hi Susan, Yep those Sheriffs always hit the spot, LOL. And Mr. Darcy is probably my number one favorite. Or maybe Rochester from Jane Eyre. Mmm what a choice.
Jeanne, good luck with your writing. I need to get started soon, too. Thanks for the good wishes!
Hi Pat, I'm glad you're a Victorian fan too.
Hi Annie! It was lovely to meet up with you at the ARRC, it seems ages ago now. I love Tzarist Russia too, a great setting for romance, all that snow and furs and angst. Good luck with your writing!
Anna, I just want to thank you again for giving me the opportunity to do an encore performance at your wonderful, friendly site. Best wishes to everyone here, and happy reading, whatever your favorite time period or genre might be!
Annie, I know you and I love books set in Russia. We talk about them! I remember sighing my way through some wonderful Constance Heaven books when I was a teen.
Sara, was that your title? It's a beauty!
Yes, Anna, I thought of Led Astray! Usually my titles are scorned but this time they loved it, so maybe I'm improving. I'm always surprised at the ones they like but I have to trust them to know their stuff.
Hi Sara! I didn't know you were in the Paranormal Mammoth book! I shall find yours in there! I'm looking forward to the TT one too!
Dearly loved your Medieval books! I was teary eyed with those! I love Medieval and not so many of those so I'd love to read more of those from you. I'd like to see more of the paranormal themes within the Medieval time period (like they do the Regency Vamps, etc)
Hi Sara,
Your new series sounds great!
Caffey, the paranormal Mammoth book looks fab, doesn't it? I love short stories and novellas - sometimes I just don't have time to settle down with a whole book and something shorter is just right.
Hi Chey! Doesn't Sara's new series sound great? Love the idea of the girls striking out to find their own destinies!
Hi Caffey, thanks. I like my readers to have a tear or two in their eyes! One of my paranormals is about a medieval knight, Passions of the Ghost. It was a nice way to write about a medieval hero in a contemporary settting.
Thanks Chey, I'm working on Book #2 now. One more week til deadline, gulp.
Congrats limecello on nabbing the rooster!
Hi Sara, thanks for being here today! Sorry I am posting so late but we are taring up our kitchen floor right now, because we had a water leak from the icemaker.
To answer your question about historical I love to read a little of everything. I love the Regency, Medieval, Westerns, and Victorian. I love to switch around. When it comes to historicals I love em all! Your new series sound like a fantastic read.
Shoot! It has been a long and hectic day and I missed Sara Bennett, one of my very favorite historical authors! I LOVE your books, Sara!
I am pretty much a Regency girl all the way although I will read anything in the historical romance genre. As long as there is a great story and characters I really care about I will read it and read it again!
Can't wait to read the latest installment in the Husband Hunters series!
Ack, Virginia, to the leak. It's amazing how much mess an itty bitty leak can make, isn't it? Hope everything's fine now.
Louisa, hope you're late because you've been writing up a storm! What I like about the historical periods is that each offers something different to the reader. The charm and wit and elegance of the Regency is a real plus!
Hi Virginia and Louisa and thanks for saying hello. Glad to hear you love historicals, too.
I enjoy all of the historical time periods! It just depends on my mood. Lately I 've been reading a lot of historicals: Susan Enoch, Sabrina Jeffries, Madeline Hunter, Julia London, Victoria Alexander, Karen Hawkins, Claudia Dain, Nicole Jordan, Lisa Kleypas, Rexanne Becnel and your book A Seduction in Scarlet. LOVED IT!
THANKS!
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