Friday, November 5, 2010

Emily May Just Be a Star!

by Anna Campbell

It is with great pleasure that I introduce one of my favorite people in Romancelandia - and a gal who's basically a neighbor in world terms! - Emily May.

Emily is a brilliantly talented writer from New Zealand. She writes romantic fantasy as Emily Gee - her debut novel THIEF WITHOUT A SHADOW was nominated for a RITA in 2008 which is where this very happy photo of the two of us was taken. And she writes breathtakingly good Regency historicals as Emily May which is the persona in which she visits us today.


She's here to tell us about her latest release, THE UNMASKING OF A LADY, which I read in one sitting last week. It's one of the best historicals I've read all year, just perfect!

Here's the blurb:

It's common knowledge that Miss Arabella Knightley spent her early years in London's slums. But what the Ton doesn't know is that Arabella has a secret: by day she is a lady, but at night she helps the poor--stealing jewels from those who court her for her money but disdain her for her past.

Adam St. Just--one of London's most eligible bachelors--is bored by polite society. Uncovering the altruistic thief's identity is an interesting diversion--but unbuttoning her proves to be even more diverting. There is far more to the infamous Miss Knightley than he had ever imagined...


You can find out more about Emily and read excerpts from her books on her website. She also blogs regularly with a number of Australia's best romance writers on Love Cats DownUnder.

So here's Emily!

Emily, welcome to the Bandit lair! Please, don’t trip over the cabana boys! They’re tired, poor things! We’ll get one of the gladiators to make you a margarita! Although, watch out, they have a very heavy hand with the tequila. It’s all that sword practice!

I had the great pleasure recently of reading your brilliant Regency historical romance, THE UNMASKING OF A LADY. It kept me glued in my place until I finished it! Can you tell us about this story?


Anna, thanks for inviting me, it’s wonderful to be here. I do love a good margarita (especially if it comes with a sexy gladiator!).

I’m glad you enjoyed reading THE UNMASKING OF A LADY – I had a lot of fun writing it! The heroine, Arabella Knightley, is an earl’s granddaughter and heiress who spent several years in London's slums when she was a child. Arabella has a secret: by day she’s a lady, but at night she helps the poor--stealing jewels from those who court her for her money but disdain her for her past. The hero, Adam St Just (one of London's most eligible bachelors), is bored by polite society; uncovering the altruistic thief's identity is an interesting diversion. But he discovers there’s far more to the infamous Miss Knightley than he ever imagined!

I loved the rich Regency detail in your story and you ventured quite a way off the beaten track in parts of THE UNMASKING OF A LADY. So we get the ballrooms of Mayfair but we also visit the slums of Whitechapel. Can you tell us a bit about your research?

To capture the flavour of the slums, I read a lot of excerpts from Charles Dickens. He had first-hand experience of London’s slums, not long after the Regency, and described them vividly! For example, this description of a kennel (gutter) from OLIVER TWIST: The kennel was stagnant and filthy. The very rats, which here and there lay putrefying in its rottenness, were hideous with famine. You can practically smell it!


You are a woman with an alter-ego, a bit like your heroine Bella in THE UNMASKING OF A LADY. By day, you write Regency historicals for Harlequin Mills and Boon as Emily May and by night, you write fantasy novels as Emily Gee. Is there a difference in your two incarnations? What do you get out of each genre?

The main difference is that with the fantasies I can make up everything (although I still research many things, e.g. weaponry), whereas with the Regencies I’m writing about an established world that is beloved by many people. I adore the Regency period and I do my absolute best to get the details right!

What’s coming up next?

I’ve just started a new Regency, about a penniless spinster who writes titillating tales in order to earn money. The hero (who’s recently returned from Waterloo) sets out to discover the anonymous author’s identity. What’s fun about this project is that I get to write some of those titillating tales myself!


How interesting! It's another hidden identity story (I love those too!). Can't wait to read it. Can you tell us about your writing journey?

It was long and slow, Anna. I didn’t sell until my sixth book (a fantasy novel). I subsequently sold the fifth and fourth books, but the first three will never see the light of day. All part of the apprenticeship!

Do you have any advice for unpublished writers?

Short, but simple: Don’t give up!

You’re an avid traveller! I was particularly fascinated by reading about your stint in Antarctica (wow!). Do you have any favorite destinations and have you found any of your travels have specifically inspired your stories?

There are so many places I’d like to go back to, Anna! Italy, Syria, and Egypt jump to mind first, along with Scandinavia, but I’d also love to go back to the American southwest—the scenery there is stunning! Bits and pieces of landscapes have certainly found their way into my fantasy novels, as well as details from European medieval towns. I think all experiences are useful for an author!

Thanks so much, Emily! Love your answers. Is there anything you'd like to ask the Bandits and Bandit Buddies to get the conversation started?

The heroine of THE UNMASKING OF A LADY could be called a female Robin Hood: she steals from the wealthy to give to the poor. What’s your opinion of Robin Hood? Was he a hero, or a villain? (And do you like his tights?) One lucky commenter will be chosen at random to receive a copy of THE UNMASKING OF A LADY!

Wow, that's great, Emily! OK, people, get commenting and may the best Bandit Buddy win. You'll LOVE this book!

169 comments:

Deanna said...

Hooray for Friday!!!

Anna Campbell said...

Wow, Deanna, that was faster than a rooster breaking into a hen house!

Donna MacMeans said...

You're a quick one, Daz!

As for Robin Hood - as long as he stole from the evil bad guys, I'm all in favor of his antics. Now if he stole from good, kind, generous people I might object. Of course, I'm basing all this on the old Robin Hood movies. I haven't seen the new one. I understand it's a bit darker.

These sound like fabulous books, Emily. Can't wait to read.

Deanna said...

I loved the story of Robin Hood growing up as a child and I think I've watched most every movie version of it, including the Disney version where Robin Hood was a fox, though excluding the latest one starring Russell Crowe. Someone mentioned that the Russell Crowe version of Robin Hood was very gritty and I'm not sure I'm ready to deal with that yet. But I digress, to answer the question - yes, I do love a Robin Hood story.

I'm thrilled to discover you here, Emily. I do love finding out about new authors (one of the great benefits of these blogs). I love both romance and fantasy genres. I'm looking forward to checking them both out.

Thanks for visiting.

Deanna said...

Anna, the GR is on steroids today. :-)

Fedora said...

Wow, great to "meet" you, Emily! As for Robin Hood, I'm all for a little redistribution of wealth as long as no one gets hurt ;) Rich people can have belongings with meaning just as poor people can, so as long as it's just money, making things a little more even sounds good to me!

Congrats on the GR, Daz! How's he with a bow and arrow? ;)

Linda Henderson said...

I kind of look on him as a hero since he didn't keep his ill-gotten gains. Although as I tell my kids, stealing is stealing.

Kim in Baltimore said...

Aloha! Any friend of Anna is a friend of mine ... but Emily has clearly made her own way! The cover of THE UNMASKING OF A LADY is hot (even hotter than it is here in Hawaii).

I love Robin Hood and all his trappings (The Crusades, the Merry Men, and Maid Marion). Robin Hood - even as a myth - represents a way for society to correct itself.

My favorite Robin Hood is Cary Elwes in ROBIN HOOD: MEN IN TIGHTS (although I prefer him as Westley in THE PRINCESS BRIDE).

I am curious what the GR and the Cabana Boys would look like in tights ....

Helen said...

Woo Hoo Daz have fun with him

Hi Emily and thank you Anna for inviting Emily along today to meet us and firstly I have to say I love the sound of this book I will be getting a copy of this one it is right up my alley.

As for Robin Hood I love him (and the tights LOL) I love the premise of him stealing from the rich to give to the poor and it is one of my favourite movies I have it on DVD with Errol Flynn and can watch it anytime.

Have Fun
Helen

Anna Campbell said...

Donna, the book is fabulous. And I've got BEAUTY AND THE SCARRED HERO for my treat on Sunday! Can't wait.

Anna Campbell said...

Ooh, Deanna, a historical and a fantasy lover. You and Emily are made for each other!

Anna Campbell said...

Deanna, now that's a really SCARY picture! ;-)

Anna Campbell said...

Fedora, actually I have to say in general I'm not a huge fan of books featuring thieves. I've been robbed a couple of times myself. While not on the absolute poverty line when it happened so it wasn't a life or death matter, it's still AWFUL! You feel completely violated. I always know when I've got a great writer when she can convince me that I love a book based on themes that generally don't appeal to me. And seriously, I couldn't put this darn thing down! It's a fabulous read!

Anna Campbell said...

Linda, I think with RH, there's the implication that the sheriff and his mates stole the goodies in the first place so it was really just restoring them to their rightful owners. That I can live with!

Anna Campbell said...

Ooh, Kim, I love Men in Tights. It's so darn corny!!!! And CE has that wonderful deadpan way of playing the over the top humour. It's fabulous!

Anna Campbell said...

Ooh, Helen, you mentioned my favorite Robin Hood. I don't think anyone comes near Errol. And man, was that a great romance with him and Marion. Often with action stories like that, the romance gets swept under the carpet (the rushes?). But in RH, it's front and center. Great stuff! You'll love this book!

Anna Campbell said...

Emily, can you tell us about your stay in Antarctica? I'd love to go there one day! It must be like no other place on earth.

Fedora said...

See, I'm totally not into books about thieves who hold people up face-to-face or hurt people--I can't imagine the experience of that in reality, and the fear would completely override! I'm more into stories where it's either clever white-collar type stuff (a la The Thomas Crown Affair) or ones where no one is personally violated or made to feel so. I'm so sorry you've had that experience, Anna! :(

Anna Campbell said...

Oh, Fedora, now I feel I put a downer on people - and luckily the couple of times I've been robbed, I wasn't present. But it's still a really horrible feeling! This will make you laugh - the first time I was robbed, I was sharing a house with a couple of girls who were considerably tidier than I was. I had been home a couple of hours and had no idea someone had been in the house. Then tidy Debbie came home, opened one drawer and immediately knew we'd been ransacked! Gives you an idea of the state of my bedroom back then! b

Sharon Archer said...

Hi Emily! Hi Anna!

Waving from BlogCatland!

I'm definitely a Robin Hood fan - Errol Flynn, Kevin Costner, the television series! I'll be interested to see the latest incarnation of the character - I haven't seen the Russell Crowe version! Has it been on the movies over here... I'm not sure. If not I'll have to get the DVD! That way I can watch (and re-watch) at will!

I love the idea of a female Robin Hood so I'll be looking out for your latest book! I've loved your other books so I know this one won't disappoint!
:)
Sharon

Anna Campbell said...

Sharon, isn't Emily great? So glad you're a fan! And welcome to another Love Cat! For some reason, that always has such a groovy, man, 60s ring to me!

Fedora said...

LOL, Anna ;) Well, that would certainly be more my experience--my neatnik husband would be able to tell if his things had been messed with, whereas I'm just a bit of a mess already, so we've already got a lot of that pre-ransacked look going on already ;p

May we never have to test that theory out ;D

Anna Campbell said...

Fedora, they'd gone through all our underwear drawers - bleuch! One of the girls had about a month's worth of wages hidden in hers so they got away with a lot of cash. My underwear drawers clearly ALWAYS look like a thief's been riffling through them looking for a stash of moolah!

Emily May said...

Daz, you're really quick off the mark! And I agree -- hooray for Friday!

Like you, I haven't seen the Russell Crowe version. I must watch it. It does look grittier than the other versions!

If you find my books, I hope you enjoy them!

Emily May said...

I agree, Donna! If he stole from the bad guys, that makes him a hero. That's what Arabella does too -- only take from the bad guys. She chooses very carefully!

Emily May said...

Nice to meet you too, flchen1. Yeah, a little redistribution of wealth is all good -- as long as it's in the right direction!

Emily May said...

Linda, yes, stealing is stealing! But if you pass along the goods to people who really need them... Robin was a hero!

Emily May said...

Aloha, Kim in Hawaii! I passed through Hawaii on my way to San Francisco two years ago -- really enjoyed it! Ooh, The Princess Bride! Isn't that a fab movie!!

Emily May said...

Hi Helen, nice to meet you too! I agree, a man in tights is all good (as long as he has excellent legs!). I must have a look at the Errol Flynn version -- it's one I haven't seen. If you get hold of a copy of The Unmasking of a Lady, I hope you enjoy the book!

Emily May said...

Anna, I'm glad you enjoyed the book so much (especially since you've been robbed yourself! Rest assured that Arabella wouldn't rob you; you're 'good people'!)

Um, Antarctica ... it was utterly fantastic. Actually, surreal is probably a better description. 24-hour daylight, living on the sea ice in tents, whipping around on a skidoo to fetch water from the glaciers to melt for drinking water. It felt utterly outside of normal reality. Fabulously beautiful! (I was there five weeks as a field assistant for my university's geology expedition.)

Emily May said...

Hi Sharon, lovely to see you here! Like you, I'm a little behind in my RH viewing ... must chase up Errol Flynn and Russell Crowe!

The Unmasking of a Lady is out down here next month, so if you pick up a copy, I hope you like it! (It's my favourite so far -- lots of fun!)

Emily May said...

Anna, I know I shouldn't find anything funny in your burglary story, but the untidy underwear drawer made me laugh! (But I'm very sorry you had that experience; like you said, such a violation.) I'm sure Robin would never rob you -- he'd probably invite you to join his merry men!

Christine Wells said...

Lovely to see you here in the lair, Emily! You know how I adore your books. The writing, the characters, the plot--all superb! I was blown away by The Thief with No Shadow--as I believe I've told you repeatedly.LOL!

Anna, thanks for a great interview, and for luring Emily on as a guest.

Wow, Emily-- Antarctica? I didn't know that. You and Nicola Cornick are polar opposites! Snork! Have you read Nikki Gemmell's Shiver, set in Antarctica? It's amazingly evocative--or so I imagine!

Hmm... Robin Hood. If I could believe he never picked on someone who didn't deserve it, I would agree with the principle. But it's the same with any kind of vigilantism -- setting oneself up as judge and jury in matters like that can be dangerous!

Emily May said...

Hi Christine! How lovely to bump into you here! Nice lair you guys have got. Those gladiators...

Never heard of Shiver, but it sounds like a book I should read!

Yes, I agree about vigilantism -- very dangerous path to take -- but I still think Robin Hood was a hero!

JoGillespie said...

Robin Hood has always been one of my favourite romances! I think of Robin as the tortured kind of hero - losing his father, being persecuted by the sheriff, loving Marion but not being able to have her...and then Marion is a strong woman in a time when it was not so easy for a woman to be independent. And in the end, she got her hero. And the tights...of course, I always love a hero in tights, be they medieval or Regency ;-)

Anna Campbell said...

Emily, you haven't seen the EF RH? It was a staple of my childhood and I've seen it quite a few times since I've grown up - no comments from the peanut gallery, thank you! EF is actually really sexy in the part!

Anna Campbell said...

Wow, that Antarctic experience must have been amazing! As I said to you, it's definitely on my list! But then I look at people getting into zodiacs from rocking ships and I think, "I'd just fall in the water and die!" It's so sad to be a klutz.

Anna Campbell said...

Nah, Emily, even at the time, I found the untidy underwear drawer story hilarious. Debbie knew within about 30 seconds of arriving home that we'd been robbed. Me? Nah, same chaos as usual. What would I notice that was different? Snort! Mind you, I only lost a few bits of cheap jewellery. The OTHER Debbie who lost her wages really did pay the price of not going to the bank. They never caught the people.

Anna Campbell said...

Christine, you're only standing up for the sheriff and his mates because you've got a crush on my Richard! Not the Lionheart, woman! Armitage!

Anna Campbell said...

Jo, I like that Marion is a pretty strong character in most of the adaptations too.

Has anyone seen the British TV series of the 80s with the gorgeous Michael Praed? A seriously beautiful man!

Rachel Bailey said...

Helloooo Bandits! Such a great interview, Anna. I'm halfway through Beauty And The Scarred Hero and loving it, so I can't wait till The Unmasking Of A Lady hits the shelves downunder.

Re: Robin Hood, I'm with Christine - if we could be sure of his methods, then I'm supportive, but setting up as judge and jury is a dangerous thing. That said, I loved the TV series (though I preferred Guy of Gisbourne to Robin... ;)

hrdwrkdmom aka Dianna said...

I am with the general consensus, I love Robin Hood, or at least the concept. Let's even things out a little. I am fairly certain I would be on the receiving end of Robin's bounty.

Musk said...

Love the idea of a female Robin Hood who helps the poor & unfortunates. This sounds like something I would enjoy & the cover is gorgeous too.

Anonymous said...

well done Saz he is back downunder ... he hasn't come for the warm as we have almost gone back to winter

Hi Emily... your book sounds really good.... I like Robin Hood.... I maybe showing my age here but I can remember in my younger days there used to be a series on the TV in the UK with Richard Greene as RH.....

Anna Campbell said...

Rachel, I know a lot of people won't agree with me, but I thought Robin H in the TV series was just wet. Guy of G was much oomphier! Thanks for swinging by! Looking forward to diving into Beauty and the Scarred Hero on Sunday!

Anna Campbell said...

Dianna, I'm sure neither of would be sheriff gals!!!! Actually I have to say the idea of camping out in the greenwood with Robin might be a bit wet and chilly in all that English weather. Maybe I WOULD be a sheriff gal!

Anna Campbell said...

Musk, it's a lovely cover, isn't it? I really, REALLY enjoyed this book - yeah, I know, I keep raving but seriously, it's that good!

Anna Campbell said...

Barb, the only thing I remember about the old Richard Green TV series was the theme song. Robin Hood, Robin Hood, riding through the Glen. Sort of makes you sorry for Glen, doesn't it? LOL! And you're right about the temps being unseasonal!

Maureen said...

Congratulations on your new book Emily! I always liked the idea of Robinhood and it definitely works in fiction but reality might be something different.

Laurie G said...

I still liked Kevin Kostner as Robin Hood Prince of Thieves.

Your lady Robin Hood...I'd love to meet her!

I like the idea of stealing from the very rich and giving to the poor. A nice balance of life's advantages. NO VIOLENCE!

Susan Gee Heino said...

Hi, "Cousin" Emily! Your books are awesome and I can't wait to get the latest and dive in. I love the idea of your do-gooding heroine with a past. And even better than Dickens--I know yours will have a happy ending!

Robin Hood will forever be Errol Flynn in my mind and as long as those pesky details of reality don't creep in, I love that fantasy! Tights and all.

sheila said...

I watched him when I was a kid- was there a TV show?? The little hat and feather were a bit much. But his idea of taking from the rich for the poor was great.

Deb said...

Great interview, Anna and Emily. I am so excited about your visit, Emily. I have been wanting to read your books since late last winter when I read a review of Beauty and the Scarred Hero. (Karyn G. at the Romanorum) Sadly, your books aren't readily available in the States, so I may have to go through the Book Depository. I am determined to get your books!! :)

Romantically, Robin Hood is a sigh-worthy hero, especially Errol Flynn in that role. Realistically, it's hard to think of RH as such because, even with good intentions, he's still stealing.

Terri Garey said...

EMILY!! I wondered where you'd gone, and here you are writing historicals, my fave!

You know I adored THIEF WITH NO SHADOW and THE LAURENTINE SPY, so I can't wait to pop over to Amazon and buy the new one!

Lovely to 'see' you again, but watch out for these girls... they're very naughty!

Minna said...

Anna, I remember Michael Praed and Jason Connery from the series. It was my favorite when I was a kid. But I found that at least to me it's one of those series you should never watch again years later. It's just not the same anymore then.

ROBINHOOD Intro Theme (Hoodedman)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8jmZ77-bvw

Anonymous said...

Hi Anna .... wasn't it to the tune of the William Tell overture ????... it was a long time ago LOL

Anna Sugden said...

Welcome to the Lair, Emily. Great to have you here!

Love the sound of The Unmasking of a Lady.It's definitely on my to buy list for the next order from the Amazon pigeon!

Yes - probably not surprisingly, as I'm a Brit - I love the Robin Hood story. I love the concept of the story because it has a bit of everything. While I don't like thieves in reality - too many bad experiences - there is still something about those who steal for good (like that fab TV show Leverage - which our own Beth got me addicted to!) and to right wrongs.

My fave Robin Hood has to be Errol - happy sigh! Though I must admit to enjoying the Kevin Costner movie. Don't think much of the new TV series - the acting is awful!

And oh wow on going to Antarctica! I keep looking at the cruise and then having to turn it down because it costs too much ... but I'd love to see the penguins.

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Anna! Welcome back to the Lair, Emily!

Ah, Robin Hood. LOVE him in all his nefarious incarnations. Hell, I even liked him with an American accent, (Kostner did give a lusty performance if nothing else.)

Recently, Russel Crowe's interpretation of how Robin turned to a life of force crime was splendid...and very romantic!

Sigh

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Oooh, Robin Hood! Love the Robin Hood stories. :>

Grins.

Hey Emily! Welcome to the Lair!! So glad to have you with us.

Kirsten said...

Robin Hood was one of my fav stories as a kid. I had a strong sense of right and wrong and he was the Hero that stood up for those in need.

Trish Milburn said...

Welcome, Emily! All of your books sound fabulous.

Okay, in real life I'm definitely not a proponent of stealing (even from the rich, who many times worked really hard to get rich in the first place), but I do love a good Robin Hood story. I think because in those tales, the rich people are almost always painted with the evil brush. They don't deserve their riches, may have even taken them from the poor and starving in the first place.

Trish Milburn said...

Kim, I'm LOL at the image of the GR in tights. I think he would be highly annoyed. :)

Trish Milburn said...

Anna, I know what you mean. I had a car stolen once, and it was the most surreal feeling walking to where I parked it and finding only a pile of glass where they'd broken the window to get in. I don't understand how people can steal from others. It's beyond my comprehension.

jo robertson said...

Hi, Emily, a hearty welcome to both your personas!

I love the Robin Hood story, have loved it since I was a child, so I always see every movie about this charismatic character that comes out. The idea that someone, male or female, would steal from those who have too much and distribute it among those who have nothing tickles my sense of rightness.

Hmmm, we probably need a Robin Hood for the bank bailouts here in the states!

Louisa Cornell said...

Wow, Daz ! Good on you for nabbing our own Forest Bandit!

Hello, Emily !! I LOVED Beauty and the Scarred Hero ! I haven't read any of your fantasy novels, but I will be remedying that oversight quickly! And I will be pimping them to my fantasy fanatic friends as well.

Robin Hood is one of the most interesting characters in English history and myth. I just finished a book on the history of highway robbery in England (great book!) and while the author concentrated on the Georgian era when the highwayman was something of a romantic hero, he did trace the highwayman's roots back to one Robin Hood. It appears he did indeed steal from the rich and at times he did help the poor. But as with so many legends there is a gray area in there. But for me, if he helped even one poor family to make it he is a hero.

I do know that in the time period in which he is said to exist people did many things just to survive. The idea of children being hanged for stealing bread when they were starving has never sat well with me.

I have seen the Russell Crowe version and yes it is a great deal grittier than any previous Robin Hood films. Probably closer to the truth, BUT for me I love a little (Okay a lot) of romance in my legends. So I think I prefer the Kevin Costner, Cary Elwes and Errol Flynn versions. (Nobody can beat Errol Flynn in tights, ladies!) And Men in Tights is one of my comfort movies. Never fails to make me smile!

Louisa Cornell said...

And La Campbell, I have only one thing to say on you not realizing you had been ransacked. SNORT !!!!!!!

Christie Kelley said...

Welcome Emily! Your books sound great!

Now, on to Robin Hood. Who doesn't like a good set of legs in tights? I think he was a hero to the people who needed his help. I'm sure if he'd been stealing from me, I'd consider him a villain.

I do like the idea of a female Robin Hood.

catslady said...

I love the idea of Robin Hood. We could use a few of them in this day and age lol. My favorite was Sean Connery in Robin and Marian.

Emily May said...

Hi Jo -- lovely to see you here! Yeah, I know, there is something very appealing about the RH story, isn't there? And you're right, Marion is a strong heroine!

Emily May said...

Anna, ooh, yes, the Michael Praed adaptation! Loved it! And I must hunt down the Errol Flynn version of RH -- clearly I've missed something fabulous!

Emily May said...

Hello Rachel! I'm glad you're enjoying B&SH. You're a Guy of Gisborne fan, huh? I must see the series with Richard Armitage as Guy -- he'd be amazing in that role!

Emily May said...

Diana, yes, love the concept -- let's even things out a little!

Emily May said...

Hi Musk, glad you like the cover -- and the idea of a female Robin Hood!

Emily May said...

Hi Barb -- I just had a look on Wikipedia for a Richard Greene/Robin Hood. There are so many adaptations! It's a very popular story!

Emily May said...

Maureen, yes, I agree -- great in fiction, maybe not so great in real life?

Cybercliper said...

I love Robin Hood and his story was part of my childhood but Robin wasn't the character that fascinated me - Friar Tuck was. For some reason Tuck is the one I wanted to know more about. Always been a sucker for the strong, silent type I guess. And since I have always been a big fan of the underdog, I like a story where cunning and wits win out against might and right!

Emily May said...

Laurie, yes, NO VIOLENCE!

Emily May said...

Hello "Cousin" Susan -- lovely to see you here! Yeah, you're right about the happy ending ... how could I write a book without one?!

Another plug for Errol. Clearly I have to watch that movie!

Emily May said...

Sheila, yeah, the hat and the feather (and the tights) take a bit of getting used to. It takes a strong man to carry that look off well!

Emily May said...

Deb, I hope you manage to find a copy! (It's available at the moment through amazon.com and eharlequin.com -- there are links on my site www.emily-may.com.)

Hero/thief ... yes there some dissonance there. In fiction, it works; in reality, maybe not!

Emily May said...

Terri!! It's lovely to see you here!! Yeah, I've been writing both fantasy and historicals -- I just LOVE the regency period. (I blame Georgette Heyer for that!)

Emily May said...

Minna, yes! Michael Praed and Jason Connery! I used to watch that as a kid -- loved it! Not so sure about watching it now, though ... as you say, I don't think it's the sort of series that would age well!

Emily May said...

Anna Sugden, yes, the whole righting wrongs concept is a great one, isn't it?

Do go to Antarctica if you get the chance. We saw Adelie penguins (cute) and Emperor penguins (utterly amazing--they're really large!).

Emily May said...

Hi Suzanne, thanks for the welcome! I love that phrase you used 'nefarious incarnations' -- it's great! I must, must watch the Russell Crowe movie!

Emily May said...

Hi Jeanne, thanks, it's lovely to be here! Yeah, what's not to like about Robin Hood?!

Emily May said...

Kirsten, yes, that's what I like about Robin Hood too. He stood up for those in need!

Emily May said...

Yeah, Trish, the evil brush certainly helps, doesn't it?!

Re your car story: snap! I totally know that feeling. My first thought was that I'd somehow managed to mislay a whole car. Don't know why they picked mine -- it was the oldest one on the street. Sigh.

Emily May said...

Yes, Jo R, it tickles my sense of rightness too!

Tawny said...

Hi Emily and welcome to the Lair :-) I LOVE Robin Hood. Its one of my favorite stories and I consider him a hero. I think it's fabulous that your heroine, Arabella, is a Robin Hood type figure. I love the twist, since strong empowered heroines are so wonderful to read.

Emily May said...

Hi Louisa, I'm glad you enjoyed B&SH! The fantasy novels are a bit darker than the regencies (one of the reasons why I use a different name). That highway robbery book sounds fascinating -- must look it up!

Emily May said...

Christie, yes, who doesn't like a good set of legs in tights?! I know, I think of Robin Hood as a hero, but I'm sure the people he stole from didn't think so!

Emily May said...

Catslady, yes, we could use a few! I haven't seen the Sean Connery version -- must chase it down (I'm a sucker for Sean Connery!).

Emily May said...

Oooh, a Friar Tuck fan! Cyberclipper, I confess that I like a strong, silent hero too. My favourite character in King Arthur (yes, even more favourite than Clive Owen -- which is hard to imagine) was one of the warriors, a strong, silent type who hardly ever spoke. Sadly, he died...

Emily May said...

Hi Tawny, glad you like the idea of a female Robin Hood! Strong heroines are always great to read, aren't they?

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Louisa: I have seen the Russell Crowe version and yes it is a great deal grittier than any previous Robin Hood films. Probably closer to the truth, BUT for me I love a little (Okay a lot) of romance in my legends.

I suspect, have not confirmed it, that this movie might be a build up for a sequel!

Pissenlit said...

Hiya Emily! I quite enjoyed Thief With No Shadow and The Laurentine Spy! I had no idea you wrote under two names, though...now, I'll have to check out your other books! :D

I love Robin Hood and Robin Hood-type stories(I even liked that old Rocket Robin Hood cartoon)! I haven't seen the recent Russell Crowe version but then again, I'm not a huge fan of Crowe. Like many others here, The Adventures of Robin Hood starring Errol Flynn is my absolute favourite. *happy sigh*

Anna Campbell said...

Maureen, I think you're right about the Robin Hood stories being great as just that - STORIES! They obviously connect to something in people or they wouldn't have survived or become so popular worldwide.

Anna Campbell said...

Laurie, I'm not sure many of us would make great thieves. I think we're all a bit too wimpy at heart! ;-)

Anna Campbell said...

Oh, Susan, lovely to meet another Errol fan! He was SUCH a handsome man, wasn't he? I remember visiting Tasmania about 20 years ago and they still talk about his wild exploits as a kid. His dad was an academic at the University of Hobart. Apparently Errol was his parents' despair! LOL!

Anna Campbell said...

Sheila, I think you must be thinking of the Richard Greene Robin Hood with the great theme song. And poor old Glen getting spiflicated!

Anna Campbell said...

Deb, I think you sum up my mixed feelings about RH - and my love for Errol as the character! It's the old two wrongs don't make a right thing, isn't it? Seriously, try and track down Emily's books. You'll love them! I use the Book Depository all the time - they're really reliable.

Anna Campbell said...

Hey, Miss Terri! ALWAYS a pleasure to see you! And you're already Emily's fan girl? Even better!

Anna Campbell said...

Minna, I recently got the first series out on DVD and while the stories didn't hold up too well, man, was Michael Praed handsome! Seriously romance novel material!

Anna Campbell said...

Barb, that was actually William Tell (clearly I had a misspent youth). Robin Hood, Robin Hood, riding through the glen. Robin Hood, Robin Hood, with his merry men! William Tell also starred Richard Greene, I think. Clearly he had the monopoly on men in tights back then. Hmm, that didn't come out quite right!

Anna Campbell said...

Ooh, VA, if we ever turn into rich old ladies, can we do the Antarctica cruise together? My mum's heart surgeon did it a few years ago and it sounded just amazing. They did the Galapagos Islands and Easter Island and Patagonia and then went down to Antarctica.

Anna Campbell said...

Suzanne, I heard the new Robin Hood was actually pretty good. And Cate B was a great Maid Marian. Must put it on my DVD list!

Anna Campbell said...

Jeanne, thanks so much for swinging by. I'm so excited to host Emily - you know how I love to pimp books I love!

Anna Campbell said...

Kirsten, I loved RH without reservation when I was younger too. I even wrote a play for my primary school class which featured the immortal lyrics - Robin Hood, Robin Hood, Robin Hood, the fighter for good! Robin Hood, Robin Hood, Robin Hood does good where he should! Hmm, who would think I'd grow up to write for a living? Snork!

Anna Campbell said...

Trish, I agree with you about RH being in a special category as a thief. And of course, there's also the evil colonialist blood sucker element to the RH plot with the Normans and the Saxons. That adds an extra layer of injustice.

Anna Campbell said...

Trish, I think his claws might make hole in his stockings! ;-)

Anna Campbell said...

Trish, it IS quite a surreal moment, isn't it? That's a perfect way of putting it. I had all my luggage stolen on my first European trip and I kept waiting for those suitcases to miraculously reappear. Stood there for a good five minutes thinking it really hadn't happened! Sorry to hear about your car!!!!

Anna Campbell said...

Jo, I think in days when people who are basically responsible for so much ruin and misery still leave with golden handshakes, a new Robin Hood really is an appealing idea!

Anna Campbell said...

Oh, Louisa, we need to get together for a Robin Hood marathon!!! Errol and Cary, here we come! Actually speaking of Cary, the first time I saw him was in a really beautiful but heartbreakingly sad film called Lady Jane. I think it was also Helena Bonham-Carter's debut too. It's really romantic and beautifully done - about Lady Jane Grey, the Nine Days Queen. He was just lovely in that!!!

Anna Campbell said...

Louisa, I should be ashamed to tell that story but it just cracks me up. Help, I've been robbed! Someone's tidied my underwear drawer!

Anna Campbell said...

Christie, I must say I find the idea of a female Robin Hood really intriguing too!

Anna Campbell said...

Ooh, Catslady, I'd forgotten that movie. Sean Connery was a lovely RH - older, world-weary, but still with that fire. Yum!

Anna Campbell said...

Em, the EF RH is one of those old classics I think EVERYBODY should see. Everything is just right, the music, the casting, Errol in tights, and Olivia de Havilland is lovely as Marion. A really gutsy lady.

Anna Campbell said...

Cybercliper, Friar Tuck, huh? How cool! I must say I always had a thing for Will Scarlet. Not sure why. I think it's the name!

Anna Campbell said...

Emily, I think if you scratch most Regency authors, you'll find a Georgette Heyer fan (and a non-itchy author). I grew up with her almost as part of the wallpaper. But when I read her as an adult, I realized how amazing she is!

Anna Campbell said...

Oh, and I highly recommend the Book Depository! They post anywhere in the world without charging postage or packing and they've got Em's books. http://bookdepository.com/

Anna Campbell said...

Emily, I remember reading an amazing article (hmm, amazing seems to be the adjective du jour!) by Helen Garner about a trip to Antarctica and she said something that surprised her was that it stank of penguin poo. Very strong and fishy. Did you notice that?

Anna Campbell said...

Emily, isn't it odd how you always think you just misplaced it. I had an iron stolen from a garage when I lived in Brisbane. I remember standing there looking at the ironing board sans iron and thinking, obviously, I must have put it somewhere. Uh, nuh! Mind you, it was completely clapped out. Whoever took it didn't get a great bargain!

Anna Campbell said...

Tawny, this is a really great read. Highly recommended!

Anna Campbell said...

Yeah, Louisa, I'm with Em on how interesting the robbery book sounds!

Anna Campbell said...

I haven't seen King Arthur. I must. That's such a sad story too! I did a whole semester of Arthurian lit when I was in uni - read all of Morte d'Arthur in the original 15th century English. Strangely, once you got used to it, it was like reading a great fantasy novel today. And those characters are fabulous. No wonder they still keep their hold on our imaginations. A bit like RH!

Anna Campbell said...

Karyn, so glad to see you here! Love the review! Emily, have you seen it? It's great!
http://karynsromanorum.blogspot.com/2010/03/book-review-beauty-and-scarred-hero.html

Anna Campbell said...

Pissenlit, actually I know Russell has his ups and downs in real life but I think he's an amazing actor. Really charismatic! How fabulous that you already love Emily's alter-ego! Check out her Regencies, they're great!

Anna Campbell said...

Oh, and meant to say I'd forgotten Rocket Robin Hood! Gosh, that goes back into the dim, dark, distant!

Barbara E. said...

Even though stealing is wrong, if there are extenuating circumstances such as there are in the Robin Hood story, then yes, I think he's a hero, not a villain. He was trying to help people against a tyrant, and that's heroic. And yes, I love those tights on a great pair of legs.

Anna Campbell said...

Barbara, I think all of us agree on the tights on a nice pair of legs! Mind you, I'm a ballet fan - clearly I like men in tights! ;-)

Nancy said...

Emily, welcome! These books sound like great fun. So do your fantasy novels, and I'll be checking them out.

Anna Campbell said...

Nancy, I think Em is a writer who would really appeal to you! Thanks for swinging by.

Minna said...

I remember this one Xena-type Robin Hood series. I think they had filmed it in one of the Baltic countries (the actors weren't Baltic, anyway). The forest in that series certainly didn't look like Sherwood.


Disney's Robin Hood - The Phony King Of England
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37bbj8HbM5I

Emily May said...

Thanks, Karyn! I'm glad you enjoyed B&SH so much. Yeah, good luck getting a man into tights ... not something most of them would willingly do! I must MUST watch the RH with Richard Armitage in black leather!

Emily May said...

Pissenlit -- yet another plug for Errol as RH. Clearly, I have to track this movie down asap!

Glad to hear you enjoyed the fantasy novels! The regencies are a little different, not as dark, some humour -- and only good sex!

Anna Campbell said...

It's amazing how many versions of RH there are, isn't it, Minna?

chey said...

I think of Robin Hood as a hero!

Anonymous said...

I think Robin Hood was a hero because he gave to the poor!

Your book sound fabulous and I would love to read it!

Anna Campbell said...

Yay, Chey! Hey, I like saying that!

Anna Campbell said...

Virginia, good luck in the draw. It's a fab book!

Kate Carlisle said...

Welcome to the Lair, Emily! And many thanks to Anna for bringing you over! Hope the margaritas are tasty enough for you! I'm in need of a refill myself... ;-)

Your books sound wonderful! I'm ordering your newest one right now. I love Robin Hood and almost any variation on that theme because the hero or heroine always has the best motivations for doing what they do. That usually means they're committed to righting some horrible wrong. And that's okay with me.

Congrats, Daz! Hope you were able to channel the GR's wild energy into something useful, like housework. :-)

Anna Campbell said...

Kate, laughing grimly. I've TRIED to get the GR doing housework. He laughed in my face and just ate another Tim Tam!

Hey, cool we've got you buying Em's book. You won't be sorry, my friend!

Pissenlit said...

Anna - It's just that I don't tend to like Russell Crowe movies...however, I totally loved Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World...but that might've had something to do with all the pretty ships and Paul Bettany as Maturin. :D

As for Rocket Robin Hood, the most memorable part was the theme song. It was pretty cool. Okay, I confess...I can still sing it in its entirety...LOL.

Anna Campbell said...

Ooh, Pissenlit, I've forgotten Rocket Robin Hood's theme. I wonder if it was as good as the song I wrote for the school play. That was a doozey! The Rolling Stones wanted to record it - and Celine Dion! I haven't seen Master and Commander. I should - I love Peter Weir's films and all that historical derring do is right up my (sea) alley.

Emily May said...

Barbara E, I agree with you twice! Yes to extenuating circumstances, and yes to tights on a great pair of legs!

Emily May said...

Hi Nancy, thanks for the welcome. I hope you enjoy the books!

Emily May said...

Penguin poo ... have to say that I didn't notice any smell! But we weren't at a penguin colony -- we trundled out to the ice edge from our expedition base camp and were lucky to find both a handful of Adelies and and a couple of Emperors there.

Emily May said...

Yes, Anna (and Karyn) I have seen the review! I've linked to it from my website, because a good review is always a nice thing to have! Thanks, Karyn!

Emily May said...

Me too, Chey!

Emily May said...

Virginia, ditto what I said to Chey: me too!

If you read it, I hope you enjoy it!

Emily May said...

Hi Kate -- and thanks for the welcome! The margaritas are VERY tasty! I hope you enjoy The Unmasking of a Lady ... a regency take on the Robin Hood story.

Emily May said...

Pissenlit, I tend not to like Russell Crowe movies either! (That's why I avoided the RH movie when it came out -- but I'm going to watch it, now, since so many people have commented favourably about it!)

Sheree said...

Great interview!

Robin Hood... love the tights but can't decide if he's a hero or some financial terrorist. Still, having a female Robin Hood is a good thing as no one would expect a woman to do the robbery.

ironss[at]gmail.com

Emily May said...

A financial terrorist, Sheree? That's a new description for RH! Sounds very 21st century ;)

Anna Campbell said...

Oh, I think Helen Garner's ship went to a penguin colony. It's a wonderful article - it's reprinted in a collection of her essays called The Feel of Steel. Worth a read!

Anna Campbell said...

Sheree, a financial terrorist? I LOVE it! What a great description! Do you think he has weapons of Mass Consumption?

Margay Leah Justice said...

I LOVED the series with Michael Praed! I thought he was the best Robin Hood ever - he really brought a special romanticism and heroism to the role.
Margay

Emily May said...

Yeah, I loved that series too, Margay -- used to watch it religiously! I can still remember the theme song...

Anna Campbell said...

Margay, he was just so dashing, wasn't he? I remember having a crush on him when I first watched the series and watching it again recently, I remembered why! I must base a hero on his looks some day. He's the perfect brooding rake!

Anna Campbell said...

Em, the theme song was with Clannad, wasn't it? Robin, the hooded one (cue mystic chords). I must say Robin Hood stories tend to attract great music!

Margay Leah Justice said...

Emily, I remember taping it on a portable vcr back when the technology was still so new, that' how fanatical I was about the series.

Anna, he is so totally dreamy. I've been thinking a lot lately about trying to get the original series on dvd so I can watch him again. And if you do base someone on his looks, don't forget to share with us!

Margay

Anna Campbell said...

I promise, Margay!

Anna Campbell said...

Hey, everyone and Emily, you've been a ton of fun today! Thanks for hanging around the lair with vim and vigor!

Don't forget to check back in a day or so to see who won the signed copy of Emily's wonderful THE UNMASKING OF A LADY!

Emily May said...

Thanks so much for your warm welcome and your comments everyone -- I've really enjoyed visiting!

Anonymous said...

Great interview. Love the sound of your books under both pen names.
Robin Hood and like characters present a dilemma. You can understand their generosity and good works. However a thief is a thief. As long as those who are robbed are the "bad guys" whose wealth is based on ill gotten gains, it can seem justified. Robbing someone of something sentimentally important to them or of necessity to live is another story.

librarypat AT comcast DOT net

Anna Campbell said...

Hey, Library Pat! Great to see you! Yeah, it is a bit of a cleft stick, the whole robbing for good reasons thing, isn't it? Thanks for saying you like the interview!

Carol L. said...

Hi Anna and Emily,
You're a new to me Author Emily and I'm loving your books. :) On to my TRL for sure.
I love Robin Hood, Errol Flynn and Kevin Costner especially. I can understand and make the exception if he's robbing the bad guys to feed and take care of the poor.
Carol L.
Lucky4750@AOL.COM

Emily May said...

Hi librarypat -- glad you enjoyed the interview. Yes, it is a dilemma, but if the bad guys truly are bad then I see it as them getting their comeuppance!

Emily May said...

Hi Carol L -- glad you like the sound of the books! Yes, I agree, for RH I'm prepared to make an exception!