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Heroine Questionnaire: Miranda Neville

Miranda Neville is one of my favorite romance authors, and not just because she wore a really fabulous fascinator to the Avon Author party last summer. Her writing is incredibly witty (I laughed a few times editing this blog) and heroines are utterly unique. Her heroes aren’t bad either, wink, wink Her latest book Confessions from an Arranged Marriage is scandalous and fabulous.

Check out excerpts and deleted scenes at www.mirandaneville.com

What’s a heroine-eque quality you wish you possessed?

Apart from being too thin with a mouth too wide for fashion? Having the courage of your convictions. I am too easily swayed. When I do (or don’t do) things I regret it’s often because I’m anxious to please someone and let myself be persuaded, sometimes against my better judgment. I admire a heroine who damns the torpedoes and goes full speed ahead. On the other hand, a little caution and modesty can also be a good thing ….

 Who’s a heroine you admire (either real or fictional)? 

I’m a huge admirer of women like Hillary Clinton, Madeleine Albright, and Condaleeza Rice, who have made great contributions to the world despite the challenges women face. But all of us in the western world have it relatively easy. I’m going to pick Aung San Sui Kyi, the Burmese dissident leader who spent 15 years under house arrest for standing up against one of the world’s most brutal regimes. Her father was the leader of the Burmese independence movement until he was assassinated. What’s fascinating is that his wife and daughter were the ones who carried on his work. His son moved to California and became a US citizen. Not that I judge him for that, but I admire the sister for not taking the easy way out and sticking to her determination to help her country, facing privation and danger of death to do so.

In romance I think Loretta Chase writes the best heroines. They are always strong and prepared to tackle their own problems with humor and grace.

What’s an important life lesson you’ve learned from romance novels? 

Romances celebrate the best human qualities: kindness, tolerance, loyalty, determination in overcoming obstacles. And while in real life we may not achieve a hot duke and an HEA, we can all aspire to something like it. Have faith and exercise those better qualities and life will be better.

Tell us about the heroine of your new book!

Minerva Montrose, the heroine of Confessions from an Arranged Marriage is definitely a “damn the torpedoes” type. She spent her youth preparing herself for life on the world stage – which as a woman she can best do by marrying a man of influence. She plans to marry an up-and-coming politician and help him become Prime Minister. Actually she’s a bit of a Lady Macbeth, only without the murder and violence. Who she gets, by accident, is Lord Blakeney. Blake is the heir to a powerful political duke, but he’s a jock with no interest in the family business.

While Minerva enjoys the process of politics, she’s serious about improving the country. Writing the book I was determined she wouldn’t have to give up her ambition. Falling in love changes and improves both Minerva and Blake, as it should, but they also both get what they want.

Discuss: What are some your favorite things about arranged marriage/marriage of convenience plots? Any favorite novels that feature this kind of relationship? 

50 Shades of Politics

While our government schemes to limit women’s access to contraception, millions of people are reading a trilogy of erotic novels that graphically depict a breathtaking amount of sex. Even more shocking, it’s a mind-blowing amount of protected sex.

It doesn’t matter when (morning, noon, night, later in the night) or where (bed, foyer table, “red room of pain”), or what props are involved (no comment, my mom is reading this), but Christian Grey always uses a condom.

When it comes time for the heroine to get a health check and a prescription for the Pill, gazillionaire Grey has a doctor come to his mansion. I’m sure many of us would love the luxury of a house call from the nice female doctor but would settle for affordable, accessible access to birth control from our doctor’s office.

What’s the common denominator between this war on women, war on contraception, and this hugely popular erotic novel?

Read the rest at MariasFarmCountryKitchen.com

Real men read–and write!–romance

There is only one thing to say about this hysterical video of a certain rogue reading a very original work of romantic fiction: Enjoy. Or try not to spit out your coffee on the keyboard from laughing so hard. You’re welcome.

Mother’s Day Booksigning

[image error]So this is super cool: I’m teaming up with my fellow romance author Sarah Maclean for a booksigning. Even cooler: we’ll be joined by YA authors Melissa Walker and Micol Ostow. Yes, Mother’s Day weekend just got awesome. Here are some Things One Must Know:

1. Signed books make great gifts.

1.5 You should get your mom a great gift for Mother’s Day. Like, say, a signed book. Or four.

2. We’ll be signing at Barnes & Noble in Saucon Valley, PA.

3. Our signing is from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Do join us for your afternoon tea or coffee break.

4. You’re never too old for YA.

5. You might be too young for Grown Up romance novels. But we will not be carding.

Serious, Important Question Du Jour: How old were you when you started reading romance novels? 

Cinco De Maya!

Thanks to The Husband, I have my own holiday, which I strongly believe is something every girl should have. The big day in question is May 5th and it’s not Cinco De MayO it’s Cinco De MayA. Naturally.

We celebrate it with a dinner at our favorite Mexican restaurant, along with a few friends and my naughty social acquaintaince, Margarita On The Rocks. (let’s just say she’s not invited out very often.) Do you know what is no longer invited at all? Sombreros.

Here’s why: On the First Annual  Cinco De Maya, the husband arrived home at the end of the work day with a giant sombrero that I was required to wear. This Fancy Lady recoiled at the thought of parading through the streets of Manhattan while wearing it. There would be no festive hat wear on any holiday of mine (except for fascinators, of course).

So The Husband, brave man that he is, wore the hat to the restaurant. And then our friend Margarita showed up and before long we were all taking turns wearing the hat. And now we celebrate Cinco De Maya every year, huzzah!

Serious Question: Would you be brave enough to stroll through Manhattan wearing a sombrero (sans tequila)? 

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Me wearing the infamous sombrero (!!!) and some guy.

Must Reads: Inspirations for The Tattooed Duke

There were a few books that were quite influential in the creation of the characters of The Tattooed Duke. Most of these I first read for pleasure, and then again for research. For further reading on matters of science and scandal, girl reporters, naughty housemaids and great adventures, check out these books:

 The Brother Gardeners by Andrea Wulf. I discovered this book on a table at Barnes & Noble (ah, bookstore browsing serendipity! Remember that?) and immediately bought it for my mother, who loves gardening and history. She insisted I read it if only for the story of Joseph Banks (a major inspiration for Wycliff). It’s a really funny, illuminating and riveting book about the plant trade in the 18th century, particularly between England and America.

The Age of Wonder: How the Romantic Generation Discovered the Beauty and Terror of Science by Richard Holmes.  This book features a collection of short biographies on some Romantic Era scientists. Lud, is this one wonderful! I had no idea about the drama, big personalities, family dynamics, love stories, rivalries, scandals and eureka moments behind things like plant exploration, hot air balloons, laughing gas, African explorations and the moon.

Rules of an Engagement  by Susan Enoch. The novel is set on a boat sailing through the Tahitian Islands and features a ship captain responsible for a boatload of people including the heroine and her plant-hunting father.  In the end, this hero also gets some tattoos.

Off the Map: Tales of Endurance and Exploration by Fergus Fleming. I knew I wanted my hero to be an explorer and to be on a quest. I wasn’t sure what that quest would be, so I picked up this collection of historic adventures. It was here I learned about the race to Timbuktu, spurred by the French Government’s promised reward. The winner taught himself arabic, adopted a disguise and set off alone!

Nellie Bly:: Daredevil, Reporter, Feminist by Brooke Kroeger. Biographies of Nelly were few and far between–I had to order a used print copy off Amazon–but she had quite the life! She was born rich, became poor and managed to gain some college education…and then became rich and then poor again. Most of all, she had gumption. She was a famous newspaper reporter–her stories included a week undercover in an insane asylum and going around the world in 80 days. She married well, and went on to have a second career is business. Her life is fascinating and full of ups and downs. I highly recommend her!

Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded by Samuel Richardson and Shamela by Henry Fielding. In one scene, thee characters read selections from these novels. These are Real Books Every English Major Must Read. And one ought to. Pamela is the story of a poor housemaid who manages to reform the debaucherous (and a bit rapey) Lord B with the power of her virtue. It is often cited as one of the first romance novels and it was a massive bestseller when it was first published in 1740. I must note that in today’s terms, she’d probably be classified as “too stupid to live.” I’ve always wanted to slap her, as the housekeeper Mrs. Buxby voices my sentiments. Shamela is the hysterical satire of Pamela.

Heroine Questionnaire: Kate Noble

The supremely talented and totally lovely Kate Noble is visiting today! She has a new book out, If I Fall along with a ebook special, The Dress of the Season (No wardrobe or ereader is complete without it!). I’m just delighted that she’s taken a moment to answer the Heroine Questionnaire.

What is an essential quality in a heroine?

Spirit. She has to have an internal buoyancy and drive. This spirit may get her into trouble, but it will ultimately separate her from the pack, no matter how deep inside her this spirit may be buried.

What’s a heroine-esque quality you wish you possessed?

Ingenuity. I can’t tell you how often I’ve looked at something, be it a plot, a publicity idea, or the latest thing from Apple, and thought, “man, I wish I thought of that.”

Who is a heroine you admire (either real or fictional)?

 Hillary Clinton. She runs the free world from her Blackberry!

 Note from Maya: for your daily does of hysterical laughter, check out Texts From Hillary Clinton. 

What’s an important life lesson you’ve learned from romance novels?

That relationships can be based on mutual respect, support, love, friendship, and really, really good sex. And you don’t have to settle for anything less.

Tell us about the heroine of your new book!

In my latest, If I Fall, Sarah Forrester certainly has the essential quality described above: spirit. Having recently had her heart broken by the end of her engagement to a duke, it takes all of her will and courage to reinvent herself and go back out in society as the Golden Lady, the most sought after young woman of the ton, the life of every party. It’s all a façade, and the only person who can see through it is her childhood friend, Lieutenant Jackson Fletcher. And as a childhood friend, Jack knows all Sarah’s secrets, such as what famous spy she used to have a crush on. And Jack is willing to use what he knows, if it will help bring Sarah back to the loving happy girl he once knew.

Sarah is wonderful because even though she thinks she is trying to protect her vulnerable heart with the Golden Lady, she is so very ready to fall in love. Once Jackson gets past that hard shell, she is warmth and love. And she is willing to sacrifice so much for his when he finds the way to her heart.

Have y’all read Kate Noble? She’s awesome! 

FAQ: What do you think of 50 Shades Of Grey?

I am often asked this question by non-romance readers who know that I write “naughty novels” and are seeking an Expert Opinion On Smutty Books. Fun fact: Apparently, I am an Expert On Smutty Books.

 My Expert Opinion before I read the 50 Shades Of Grey trilogy: It amused me that suddenly America was shocked, simply shocked, that women were reading erotic novels when, in fact, we’ve all been reading sexy novels for years. I mean, it felt like mainstream media suddenly discovered that, say, dogs bark or cats meow. You know, file that under Obvious.

My Expert Opinion halfway through the books strictly for research purposes I swear: Shut up, I’m reading.

My Expert Opinion after reading the books: The books were not as kinky as I expected. In fact, I might have told my husband they were too tame. Ok, I might have grumbled this. (His response? Tweeting about it.) But then again, I make my living writing this stuff and I read romance novels regularly so my expectations for graphically depicted sex in novels are high. Also, I live in New York City. This book just had lots and lots of it. While the characters did do some naughty stuff you won’t find in a typical Regency novel (makes one wonder when certain, ahem, props were invented), it was all done in the context of a loving relationship. Seriously.

Oh, and there was character development! And subplots! And—gasp—contraceptive use!!!

I’ll confess: I skimmed a bit (No, not those bits!) because the dialogue was a bit repetitive and the heroine thought Oh Shit! with an annoying frequency. However, for writers there’s something to be learned here about tortured heroes, pacing and sex scenes. For everyone else…enjoy. Including the naughty bits. There’s more where that came from.

The Trilogy Project

The challenge: read the three best selling trilogies of the moment and figure out what makes them work.

 The reason: Out of school English Lit Major seeks analytical challenge/homework. Also, there may be a trilogy in my future. Also, this snoop wants to see what all the fuss is about.

The books:

The Hunger Games (in spite of my terror of violence and books where an HEA is not guaranteed)
Twilight (in spite of my deep and abiding disinterest in vampires and anything paranormal)
Fifty Shades of Grey

(Hehe)

 The inevitable truth: I’ll probably blog about my deep English Major observations. Also, I will read these books “as research” but find myself swept away and up at all hours reading them instead of exercising, eating, sleeping, writing, etc (Ok, this has already happened).

Before I start blogging about all my insights and observations…have you read any of these books? If so, which ones and what did ya think?

 

 

 

 

 

Romance on the radio

Curious about the romance genre or about my strong opinions on the matter? Check out this radio interview.

A wonderful thing happened on my recent visit to North Carolina: I was invited to talk about romance on a radio show hosted by D.G. Martin.

First confession: I was happily surprised that a radio show wanted to talk about romance. Outside of our little romance community, our bestselling genre doesn’t get much attention (Unless it’s about Fifty Shades of Grey or erotica). But I think it’s so smart of media outlets to focus on such a popular genre that appeals to such a large, diverse audience (and one that I suspect has a lot of purchasing power. But I digress.)

Second confession: I was nervous to be interviewed about romance by a man, just because romance is such a girl thing. Horribly stereotypical of me, I know. In my prior experience, many an interviewer simply doesn’t have time to read the book so the questions are general, often drawing on stereotypes. I was afraid of those questions.

 But D.G. Martin proved me wrong and I had the most amazing time talking to him. For one thing, he actually read The Tattooed Duke so his questions were really insightful. He was also genuinely enthusiastic to know more about the genre and asked a ton of really fantastic questions. Our interview was 40 minutes and it flew by.

 In the end, I felt like I was reminded why romance novels are such smart books and why I love the genre so much. Well done, DG!

Have a listen!