Why did you start writing and why historical romance?

“Writing is the only thing that, when I do it, I don’t feel I should be doing something else.” –Gloria Steinem

I’ve always had the desire to write, to create fantasy worlds and experiences beyond the everyday. I write historical romance because this is what I like to read. For me, lush settings inspired by the past allow for high drama, big emotions, and witty repartee not commonly found in the modern world.

Who are your favorite authors?

There are so many wonderful writers out there who inspire me. Lisa Kleypas, Kresley Cole, Laura Kinsale, and Loretta Chase number amongst my all-time favorites. My love of romance started early with Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery and Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë.

Why is there so much sex in your books?

Why not? ☺ Seriously though, the heat level of my books seems to be point of contention for some folks. I respect that heat level is a personal preference, and I would not recommend my books to those who object to explicit sex scenes. For me, sex—and I use to term to include sexual tension as well as all the behaviors leading up to and including the act itself—is part and parcel of the romantic fantasy. A well-written sex scene furthers character development and the courtship arc; it can cut straight to the core of intimacy of both body and mind. If you ask me, the world could use more lovemaking and less of other things … but I’ll save that soapbox for another day.

What’s your writing day like?

Chaotic. As a mom to a teenager with special needs, a wife, and a psychologist, I find most days a balancing act. The upside of this is that I’ve become a survivalist type of writer. I can write under the most non-ideal/ harrowing of circumstances. Be it the fifteen minute stretch between getting my kid on the school bus and getting myself ready for work or the hour before midnight, if I have a keyboard, I’ll be tapping away. The important thing for me is to write every single day.  

Why don’t you write faster?

See answer to previous question. Seriously though, I wish I could. I’m not a slow writer, but I do have time constraints. I also tend to write longer books, so that adds to the time each book requires. At present, my goal is to release a book every 6-8 months.  We’ll see how I do.

Any advice you’d give an aspiring writer?

I find this a tricky question, mostly because I don’t feel qualified to give anyone advice. If you’re a writer, there’s a reason for it. I say follow that instinct. My husband—who happens to be a writing professor, lucky me—tells his students, “Write with your heart and guts.” This is good advice, I think. Other things that I’ve found useful are reading a lot and having good critique partners and editors. Joining a local writing group can be a good way to connect with like-minded others.   

What are you working on now?

Pippa and the Prince of Secrets. It’s the second book of my Lady Charlotte’s Society of Angels series and stars Pippa (the daughter of Gavin and Percy Hunt from Her Wanton Wager) and Timothy Cullen (the Prince of Larks, first introduced in Never Say Never to an Earl). 

What’s going on with the Abigail Jones series?

Oh dear. I was afraid of this question because I don’t have an answer. Abby and Hux’s second book is on hiatus at the moment, but I plan to return to it in the future.