~ Q & A ~
My first inclination is to tell readers that they can read the first two titles as stand-aloneʼs (being that I accidentally read book #2 first). However, after having now read both, I find that thereʼs such an interconnectedness between the two, with elaborations on the backstories of events and characters, as well as giving further in depth knowledge on character personalities. With how well these two feed off one another, Iʼm wondering if you didnʼt write them both simultaneously? If so, what was that like? Any struggles, or was it easier to do it this way?
Actually, I did not write them simultaneously. I wrote Wedding of the Season first, then Scandal of the Year. The two stories do intertwine. Scandal of the Year takes place after Wedding of the Season, but it has flashbacks over about a twelve-year period, and those flashbacks weave into the events before and during Wedding of the Season. It was unbelievably difficult because I had to keep the timing and sequencing consistent throughout. To make it more complicated, the third book, Trouble at the Wedding, takes place simultaneously with Scandal of the Year, with the hero of Trouble appearing in Scandal while in the midst of his own story. Yes, I think I’m a creative masochist.
I have no idea how you do it, but I would love to know how it is that you can write with such amazing historical vernacular that the reader feels as though they been transported back to a moment in time. Can you please share with us how and where in the world you did your research?! How long did it take to write a single book?
It takes me 6-12 months to write a book, depending on what my deadline is, what research I need to do, and how much I fritter around before I buckle down. As to my historical “voice”, I really try to use dialog that sounds like a conversation people would actually have. I have often read books and thought, “But people don’t talk this way in real life. I don’t ever want anyone to say that about my characters. I want the reader to feel like she is there, with them, in the room, listening. That’s what I always strive for. Most of my research for the series was just reading works of the period. Books by E.M. Forster and Edith Wharton, plays by Oscar Wilde. Also, I did a lot of research on English divorce law, since my heroine in Scandal of the Year had sought a divorce from her husband. For that, I found some great books, and I read newspaper accounts of famous divorce cases of the period. Divorce back then was very, very complicated.
Because of the ease, flow, and consistency within, and between, the story lines and story arcs, I have to know… pantser or plotster? :)
Panster. Pantster. Pantster. I can’t plot ahead and whenever I try, I get everything messed up. I write very much be sheer instinct. I don’t recommend my process to anyone. It’s scary and frustrating to fly blind. But it’s the way I have to do it.
Does this time period hold a particular interest for you? In other words, why the turn of the twentieth century on the cusp of womanʼs rights?
I love the turn of the 20th century. Love it. So many exciting things were going on. All the inventions—cars, airplanes, telephones, radio, electricity—were so new and people didn’t take them for granted the way we do now. Also, everything was in flux—morals, law, science, art, politics. The aristocracy was dying. The middle class was rising. Women were chaining themselves to railings to fight for the vote. It was an amazing, exciting time.
Am I allowed to ask whoʼs next in this series and when weʼll get to meet them? *rubs hands together* Is it Paul?? Iʼd love to pre-order already! LOL!
I hadn’t thought to do Paul’s story, actually. But my editor would like me to, and I’ve had readers asking me to, so I might. Before Paul though, is Trouble at the Wedding, which features the Duke of Scarborough, who walks through the pages of Scandal of the Year while in the midst of his own story. I’m going to leave readers in suspense on that for a while, but anyone who wants the latest info can always check my website and sign up for my newsletter. And enter my contests! I give away books as prizes, so it’s always worthwhile to enter.
Is there anything in the makings beyond book three?
Like I said, I might do Paul’s story. But nothing is decided yet. We’ll just have to see
Are there any authors or readings you take note of to help guide you with shaping your thoughts on your own historical romance writings?
Anything I can read in the Edwardian period helps me. And I’ve watched Downtown Abbey like five times now. I love that show. If you like British period drama, I highly recommend it, because it’s a romance reader’s dream. The clothes! The house! The servants! Maggie Smith! What’s not to love?
Thank you for your time in answering some of my inquiring-minds-want-to-knowʼ questions, Laura. I completely commend you on such a fantastic, well written, and deliciously romantic series! Iʼll be anxiously awaiting the release of the next installment!
Thanks, Tanya, and thanks to everyone at Among The Muses.
