Please help me welcoming multi-published, Regency author, Samantha Grace who is joining me to discuss historical writing and her journey to publication. She is also offering a fabulous giveaway. One lucy commenter will win her pick of Samantha’s already released books. The offer is open internationally. To win, all you have to do is leave your email address in your comment.
Ella: Samantha, thanks so much for being here today.
Samantha: Thanks for having me here today, Ella. It’s always a pleasure to hang out with other Regency authors.
Ella: Tell us a bit about yourself and what made you decide actually put pen to paper?
Samantha: A little about myself… I’m married to a great guy who makes me laugh every day. We have two kids, ages 15 and 10. I wear my writer’s hat two days a week and the other days I work as a hospice social worker.
There were several things that made me put pen to paper. I dreamed of becoming a writer since I was nine years old, but life led me on a different path for many years. Then one day I woke up with a midlife crisis. I wanted a different life, so I lost weight, got a tattoo, and started writing a bunch of imaginary boyfriends. I’m just kidding about the boyfriends. But I did hit a point where it dawned on me that I either started pursuing my dream or I was going to miss my chance.
Ella: What drew you to Regencies?
Samantha: I think Regency is the closest thing to fairytales, which I loved when I was a girl. I started reading Regencies in grad school to escape the stress. Maybe because they reminded me of being a girl, when I didn’t have as many responsibilities. I love how they transport me to a different time and place. When I’m writing Regency, it is a true escape because there isn’t much in the story that reminds me of every day life. No mention of changing the oil in the car, returning a video, or picking up a prescription at the pharmacy, all things on my to-do list at the moment.
Ella: What are you working on now?
Samantha: I’m very excited to be working on a new series about two gentlemen with a history of trying to outdo each other, dating back to their days at Eton. Their rivalry takes a serious turn, however, when they both set their sights on the same lady. Of course one will win the girl and the other will be left to pick up the pieces in his book. The fun part is this series builds on my Beau Monde Bachelor series, so there will be familiar characters popping in from time to time. The first book in the Rival Rogues series will be released in the early part of 2014 (Sourcebooks).
Ella: You have three books out, with a fourth to be released in May, tell us your inspiration or first thing that came to you about the books.
Samantha: The Beau Monde Bachelor series began as homage to Johanna Lindsey’s Mallory books. These were the first Regencies I read and I loved them. Family is very important to me, so it just made sense to write about brothers and sisters. My series is about two families, though: The Duke of Foxhaven’s clan and the Hillary’s brood. The families become connected in Miss Hillary Schools a Scoundrel, my debut book, when Foxhaven’s youngest son, an unapologetic rake, romances the only Hillary daughter. The next two books, Lady Amelia’s Mess and a Half and Miss Lavigne’s Little White Lie, are love stories for two of Miss Hillary’s brothers. Then this May, the series picks up with Luke Forest, the newly named Duke of Foxhaven, in Lady Vivian Defies a Duke.
Here’s a summary of my latest release, Miss Lavigne’s Little White Lie.
A SCOUNDREL DRIVES A HARD BARGAIN…
Spirited and determined to protect her young brother at any cost, Lisette Lavigne is desperate to flee New Orleans. There’s only one ship sailing to England, though, and the rakish Captain Daniel Hillary will only allow Lisette’s family aboard for a steep price…
BUT A LADY ALWAYS GETS THE UPPER HAND…
Daniel prides himself on running a tight ship, and he knows a lady will be nothing but trouble on a long voyage. Yet he can’t help but break his own ironclad rules when Lisette persuades him that being gentlemanly just this once is his wisest course of action…
And a little peek at one of my favorite scenes from the book:
Daniel is trying to teach Lisette to dance so she isn’t embarrassed when they attend the Governor’s Ball set in the fictional Caribbean city of Port Albis. What he doesn’t know is she plans to enlist the help of another gentleman at the ball to find a different ship to carry her and her family to England.
“Step back, side, together, shift weight. Now back, to the right—” Daniel tightened his grip on Lisette’s hand and tugged her to the right when she slid to the left.
Again.
“Right! Right! Damnation, woman. How do you not know your right from left?”
“Stop barking at me. I thought you meant your right.”
Daniel threw his hands in the air with a frustrated growl.
Lisette’s green eyes sparked with irritation as they stood toe to toe in the deserted ballroom. “You are the one going the wrong direction.”
The stubborn tip of her chin made him grin in spite of himself. He liked a spirited lady and Lisette showed more courage than most when faced with his displeasure.
Daniel rolled his shoulders and took a deep breath. He’d conquered more difficult challenges than teaching a lady with no sense of direction to waltz. He could master Lisette too.
“I can’t be going the wrong way, my dear. I’m leading.”
“Hence, the problem.” With an exaggerated huff, she pulled herself up tall. “Shall we try again?”
“As you wish, madame. On three. One, two, three.” He and Lisette stepped forward at the same time, the toe of her slipper slamming into his shin.
“For the love of—” Daniel bit back a string of oaths and wrestled for control of his temper. It wouldn’t do to blister the ears of a defenseless young lady.
“Sacre bleu.” Lisette held her head with both hands. “Just stick me in a corner with the wallflowers. I’ll never learn to waltz.”
Her bottom lip trembled and her eyes grew misty. This was the closest he’d even seen her come to shedding a tear. It was just a dance. He saw no need for her to be so critical of herself.
“Of course you will learn, Lis. Come here.”
She hesitated a second before stepping into his outstretched arms. He hugged her, resting his chin atop her silky hair. She wrapped her arms around his waist and buried her face into his cravat. If they were onboard his ship, he wouldn’t be wearing the blasted thing, and he’d feel her cheek against his bare skin. His lower belly tightened with regret.
What a pair they would make in London, a gentleman who abhorred the privileges afforded him and a lady who couldn’t dance and bubbled forth French curses like a hot spring. He cared nothing for what the ton thought of him, but the fools would massacre his dear Lisette.
Daniel loosened his hold and kissed her cheek. He’d do everything he could to prepare her for her first encounter with the ravenous beasts, leaving no one a reason to find fault with her.
“I have an idea.” His hands spanned her waist and he lifted.
She gasped and clung to him. “What are you doing?”
“Kick off your slippers and place your feet atop mine.”
“I will not! Don’t be ridiculous.”
“We’re alone, luv. Besides, it’s only feet. I won’t even notice them while I’m gazing at your tempting lips.”
Bio:
Don’t let Regency romance author Samantha Grace’s sweet smile fool you. She has a wicked sense of humor, and she’s not above embarrassing her characters for a good laugh. Part-time hospice social worker, moonlighting author, and pilates nut, she enjoys a happy and hectic life with her real life hero and two kids in the Midwest.
Miss Lavigne’s Little White Lie, and all the books in the Beau Monde Bachelor series, can be found at Amazon, B&N, Wal-Mart, and many other stores where books are sold.
To learn more about Samantha’s stories, visit her website at www.samanthagraceauthor.com.. Plus, a free read, A Beau Monde Bachelor Christmas (electronic version only), is available to anyone who signs up for her newsletter through the website.
Samantha loves to hear from readers, so if you would like to connect with her, you can find her at the following places:
Hi Samantha and Ella! Great interview! I so agree that both writing and reading Regency romances are like modern day fairytales. As we all know, who doesn’t need an escape from every day life!!
Hi Samantha! Your new series sounds really interesting but 2014 is such a long time to wait. Love regency romances too. They are my fav books to read.
Thanks Ella for hosting Samantha today!
Thanks for sharing this bit about you. It is always so inspiring to hear about others who make the decision to jump into writing and follow there dreams. Keeps me motivated that we really can do this and make our dreams of being writers/authors come true. Congrats on your success!
Thank you, Toni. We absolutely can do it! After attending my first RWA Conference, it really hit home that the only way I could fail was if I quit. Happy writing & thank you for stopping by today. 🙂
Hi Ella & Samantha,
What a great way to start my Friday, thank for this interview, Ella, with a great author and friend Samantha Grace. It was a honorable and joy to read. I have always been fascinated by fairy-tale stories since I was a little girl, I still carry that part of myself with me today reading the variety of books that include Historical & Regency types. I love taking the time and immersing myself in a book that takes you to a different time & place. A magical wonder like no other. Thank you and Bless you both for the interview was a special one, indeed. 🙂
Thank you so much, April. I’m glad you stopped by.
Hi, April. It’s always lovely to hear from you. Thanks so much for stopping by and spreading a bit of sunshine. You always leave me with a big smile. 🙂
Samantha sounds like my kind of girl. Good for you making life changes while you’re young. The interview entertained and inspired me to keep at my dreams. No, I’m not up for getting a tattoo, but I’ll keep writing. Congrats on your success!
Thank you, Sandy! No tattoo, huh? Well, the good news is tattoos are optional. 😉 Happy writing and may all your dreams come true.
wonderful excerpt – great interview. Going to tweet it.
Thank you, Victoria! 🙂
I think Regency is the closest thing to fairytales – I love that line – what a wonderful way to look at it.
Thank you, Daryl! I’m so glad you stopped by today. 🙂
Hi, Samantha & Ella. I read and write Regencies for exactly the same reason. I get enough reality in my own life. I don’t need it in books. I loved the excerpt and can’t wait to read the book. Best of luck with it!
Ally, isn’t that the truth? Enough reality, already! LOL. Thank you and best of luck to you, too. 🙂
Hi, Nancy! Thanks so much for stopping by today. Ahh, escapism, the cheapest vacation on earth. 😉
Hi, Linda! 2014 is a long time away, right? Such is the curse of traditional publishing. Everything moves a little slower. But on the positive side, I have lots of time to write and Sourcebooks gives me amazing covers. 🙂
Today I’m wearing my social worker hat and I have an appointment to get to now, but I’ll be back to respond to everyone a little later. Thanks to everyone who has shown up so far. 🙂
As a new historical romance reader (& a 20 + years librarian), Grace is on my to read list. Great post!
Hi, Maria! Welcome to the world of historical romance. It’s funny how excited I get when I meet another reader of the genre, but it’s true. 🙂
I adore Samantha Grace’s work! I love that you speak of balancing your career as a writer with full-time work; that inspires me! : )
Aw, thanks, Christi! I love your work too. 🙂
Hi Samantha, I’m so glad that you chose to write “Regency” romance. They’re my escape too, to another time and place, where people lived, laughed and loved. I adore reading about the glittering balls, the house parties, the carriage/rides to Hyde Park, and all the other day to day goings on. 😉
Diane,
I love the balls, house parties, Hyde Park, and all those other lovely things too. Oh, and Vauxhall. Such fun! 🙂
I adore how something as innocent as placing her feet on his…was utterly steamy. Beautiful scene and could truly see the two dancing. Or, um…trying to.
Off of romance a moment. You’re other career is to be quite commended. It’s a very emotionally draining though rewarding hat to wear.
A huge thank you to you and those other angels who make such dark times…survivable
Bobbi
Thank you, Bobbi. That’s sweet of you to recognize the emotional nature of my other job. And you are so right about how rewarding it is. I’ve been blessed to work in hospice, and my life has been better because of the people I wouldn’t have met otherwise, and I’ve learned great life lessons. 🙂
Kudos to you on persuing your dream! Way to go!!
Thank you, Sheri! It has been one of the funnest times of my life. 🙂
2014…I might be eaten by a bear by then. That’s just cruel. Good thing you have other books coming out sooner. Liza2write at yahoo dot com.
Liza, I thought you were going to be good.
Liza,
Perhaps you shouldn’t wear your salmon suit for the next year. Just to be on the safe side. 😉 Thanks for the laugh!
Great interview, The Rival Rogues series sounds great, I’ll look forward to it!
cerianh at rocketmail dot com
Thank you, Cerian! I’ve been having a blast writing the first book in the Rival Rogues series, and I look forward to sharing it with everyone! 🙂
Hi, Samantha! I really love your stories! I fall in love with your heroes so easily! Thank you for writing such wonderful stories!
Thank you, Marie! That is so sweet. It is my absolute pleasure to write stories, and I’m ecstatic that there are people who like to read them. It really is a dream come true. 🙂
You’ve written some great stories yourself, lady.
Great interview. Love the except, Samantha! *whew*
Thank you, jbrayweber! 🙂
Wonderful interview, Ella and Samantha. And I really loved that excerpt. It was rather endearing to me. I feel like I need to read more about these two immediately. 🙂
Thank you, Melissa! I hope you enjoy the story. I really enjoyed writing these characters a lot. 🙂
Great interview by two of my favorite people and two of my favorite authors! I LOVE the Beau Monde Bachelors series. I was just pimping your books at our local library fundraiser today, Samantha!
Aw, thank you, Louisa! I really appreciate you pimping my book. Did you get a gold tooth for the occasion? 😉 But joking aside, I’m so grateful to everyone who loves my stories and shares them with others.
My pleasure, Sandy. Great excerpt.