◦How would you describe your books to new readers?
I write Regency era romances with a progressive and modern feel to them. My characters talk in rhythms of modern American English, which I think makes the books more enjoyable for readers who are used to that same internal voice in their heads when they read, and the conflicts they face are those which people might encounter during any time period—guilt over a parent’s death, fear of falling in love, a willingness to do anything to protect a child. My heroes are alpha but wounded, and my heroines are strong, independent, and outgoing women who all have the Regency era equivalent to careers and interests outside of society events and capturing a husband. But while my books are progressive, they are still firmly grounded in history, with all the wonderful facets of the era that make historicals so much fun to write and read.
◦Who are some of your favorite Go-To authors?
Anna Bradley, Kelly Bowen, Lisa Kleypas, Suzanne Enoch…too many to list! But I also love discovering new authors.
Definitely more plotter than pantser! I always start with a 20 page outline of the plot so that I don’t write myself into a corner with the conflict, run out of conflict after 50 pages, or write 95K words, only to be nowhere near the resolution. But each scene is pantsed, which keeps that feeling of spontaneity. Sometimes the characters will decide to take the plot into a completely new direction. When that happens, I let them, but then I also go back and update my long outline so that at least one of us knows where the story is headed! LOL!
◦What are some must-have foods or drinks you need on hand when you are finishing up your books?
Coffee!! My books are written by Starbucks and Folgers. ☺ But once I get near the end, I often switch to a glass of wine. Sipping wine from a glass forces me to slow down and not rush the last scene. It also makes for a pleasant way to celebrate when the first draft is finally done.
◦What are you working on next?
I’m currently finishing edits for book 5 in the Capturing the Carlisles series, WHAT A LORD WANTS. Evelyn Winslow finally gets her own romance—and her marquess. The book is about the double life being led by Dominick Mercer, Marquess of Ellsworth, who is England’s most respected peer by day and notorious Italian painter Domenico Vincenzo by night. When Evelyn accidentally stumbles into his studio and is mistaken for his new model, the adventure is simply too great for her to deny herself. But soon she’s discovered, and the only man who can save her reputation is the same one who ruined it. Its release is scheduled for March.