Get Lost in This Story…
The First in the new Ladies in Waiting Series…
Lady Cecily Francis is resigned to become the wife of Lord Drury, the man she suspects her sister is pining for. But upon her first scandalous encounter with the exotic Earl of Augustine--the American everyone is whispering about--Cecily is intrigued by the possibility of a more exciting life. If only she could contrive some way to marry the unconventional earl instead...
Around town he's known as Earl Savage. Although he inherited his title legitimately--and with it the responsibility for his three half-sisters--Augustine is half American and part Iroquois. He can't wait to settle his father's estate, marry his sisters off, and return to his native soil. Until charming Lady Cecily has him considering a prolonged stay in England...
Around town he's known as Earl Savage. Although he inherited his title legitimately--and with it the responsibility for his three half-sisters--Augustine is half American and part Iroquois. He can't wait to settle his father's estate, marry his sisters off, and return to his native soil. Until charming Lady Cecily has him considering a prolonged stay in England...
Welcome to Get Lost in a Story today, where I am excited to host my friend and fabulous historical romance author, Emma Wildes! Emma is kicking off a brand new series with One Whisper Away, which will be followed up with Twice Fallen in January. If you’ve not picked up one of her novels before, I highly recommend you do…the writing is lush, lyrical and quite quite lovely. Oh, and sensuous, too…can’t forget that!
Emma Wildes is the author of over thirty books, two time RT Reviewers Choice Nominee, Eppie winner for best historical erotic romance, a Passionate Plume winner in 2010, and the 1st place winner for best historical in the 2010 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. She lives in rural Indiana with her husband, three children, and a temperamental (but very handsome) feline named Mr. Poot.
So, let’s get to the Get Lost Interview!!!
Heather: What’s your favorite kind of story to get lost in?
Emma: I love almost everything. Mysteries, romances (of course), horror (scare me), historical fiction; a bit of futuristic…give me great characters and I’m yours forever. Really gritty literary stories are not my favorite, I must say. I freely confess the escape factor is what appeals to me.
Heather: What’s the first book you remember reading?
Emma: I’ve always been a reader so that’s a hard one to answer. I’ve devoured books ever since I could get my hands on them. My first foray into the romance world was when I was ten and read Zane Grey’s The Last Trail. It is such a glorious blend of action, history, and compelling romance…I pretended I was sick to stay home from school (because I knew I couldn’t possibly put it down!) and read the whole book in one sitting. Jonathan Zane is still one of my favorite heroes of all time. That book is sitting right now on the shelf in my office.
Heather: Do you write while listening to music? If so what kind?
Emma: Oh absolutely. I love classical, especially Baroque like Telleman and Scarlatti.
Heather: What’s the first thing you do when you finish writing a book?
Emma: I start another one. It’s like an addiction.
Heather: If you could interview one person (and it doesn’t have to be a writer) who would it be?
Emma: Probably Napoleon Bonaparte. I write Regency, so obviously I find that time in history interesting and I read dozens of books about him doing research, but a conversation with him would surely be fascinating.
Heather: What is your favorite tradition from your childhood that you would love to pass on or did pass on to your children?
Emma: My family is all from Swedish descent so on Christmas Eve we have a traditional Swedish dinner with potatis korv (potato sausage), limpa (bread), and various other dishes that my grandparents always served. My parents make the korv and send it to us each year.
Heather: Tea or Coffee? And how do you take it?
Emma: Coffee, cream, no sugar. Another Swedish throwback. My grandparents drank coffee with every meal.
Heather: Have you ever written a character who wasn’t meant to be a hero/heroine but he/she wouldn’t go away?
Emma: Yes, indeed. In His Sinful Secret, the third book in the Notorious Bachelors series, Lawrence (we don’t know if that is his first name, or last, but it is all he will reveal, even to me) was at first just a servant, and then a bit more, and finally ended up being quite the parallel-hero for Michael Hepburn. I didn’t see it coming at all.
Heather: What’s in your refrigerator right now?
Emma: Stilton cheese, rye bread. milk, pickles, flour tortillas, leftover chili, ribeye steaks (for tonight), hot sauce, chopped New Mexico green chiles (for the steak, delicious), and then the usual staples of eggs, other cheeses, etc.
Heather: What do you do to unwind and relax?
Emma: I love to cook. We also live on a lake and a glass of wine on the dock in the evening is lovely.
Heather: Which of your characters would you most/least to invite to dinner, and why?
Emma: I would love to have Lady Rothburg from Lessons from a Scarlet Lady to dinner. I’m not sure what I would fix for an infamous retired courtesan who wrote a notorious book about how to please your lover, but surely she would be fascinating! I’m thinking roast duck with port wine sauce, roasted potatoes, perhaps sautéed spinach with garlic, and for dessert, something very decadent, like flourless chocolate cake. After, decadence is her specialty, is it not?
Heather: How often to you get lost in a story?
Emma: If it is one I am writing, hopefully every single time. I often look back and think: Did I write that? I don’t remember some phrases and scenes, which tells me it is a sort of surreal experience, and that is good. I’m not me, I’m with the characters and they often go their own way and I have no control over their antics, but that’s the fun of it. If it is a book I am reading I want the same experience. The unexpected is a delightful journey. Who wants a boring, level road and bland scenery?
Heather’s GOTTA ASK – Emma’s GOTTA ANSWER J
Heather: I noticed on your website that you majored in geology in college, which I find fascinating, having a chemistry degree myself. I’m thinking we sciencey types make great historical romance authors! <grin> How has that background influenced your writing?
Emma: Well it certainly helps with learning about discipline and research. Just the facts, ma’am. <laugh> I loved geology, but writing fiction is a career that fits me better. I do strive for accurate historical detail and that is very important to me. We must be sisters in more than just historical romance!
GOT A QUESTION YOU’D LIKE TO ASK YOUR FANS?
Emma: I am curious…when you find a favorite author, do you want a consistent type of story from them or do you embrace it when they branch out into new directions? I have mixed feelings on this myself (keep in mind, I am also an avid reader), so I’d love to hear everyone weigh in!
WILL YOU HAVE A DRAWING FROM THOSE LEAVING COMMENTS?**
Emma: Yes, I will be giving away a signed copy of One Whisper Away to a random commenter.
Thanks so much for being with us today, Emma!
Emma: Thank you for having me here at Get Lost in the Story. I have really enjoyed it!
Best to all, Emma
One Whisper Away, May 3rd, Signet Eclipse
And look for: Twice Fallen, the 2nd book in the Ladies in Waiting series, January of 2012
**Note: Offer void where prohibited. If an Advanced Reading Copy (ARC) is available, the author may utilize that option for International participants. Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants.
Join us tomorrow when Angi hosts BJ Daniels!
Congrats on the new release and series, Emma. I do expect a certain formula from my favorite authors, but I do appreciate it when they branch out in new directions to keep the stories fresh.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the new release!
ReplyDeleteI trust my favorite author's choices. If they want to change genres or write in multiple genres I am usually okay with it. I would be upset if they abandoned the genre I love the most. I can appreciate that they want to branch out and try something new. Writing the same type of genre story might become tiresome.
Emma, thanks for joining us here today on Get Lost in a Story. I must say I hear you about escapism. And historicals do just that for me.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes for Lady Cecily and the exotic Earl of Augustine HEA!
Yet another GLIAS day where I wish I could win the prize. I will just have to pick up this new series myself :) I am going to have a great summer of reading!
ReplyDeleteWelcome Emma!
Great interview.
ReplyDeleteI like it when an author I love branches off. That said, I do love series... but I think it's hard for an author to stay fresh if they stick with the same kind of stories all the time. They're more likely to lose me that way than by trying something new.
Congratulations on the new release. I don't mind if an author tries a new direction as long as there's a HEA and the h/h remain the same. A few years ago, two different romance authors started a new series where they had one couple in books 1-3, then suddenly changed the pairing for the rest of the series. Author number one accomodated a few vocal readers who championed the change, while the other author claimed that she wanted to show that love doesn't solve everything. I never liked the sudden change.
ReplyDeleteI think the toughest thing about changing up your brand of storytelling is that it involves reader/fan expectations. I come from an advertising background and we are very much aware of something called "managing expectations."
ReplyDeleteI think expectations can be managed if you prepare your readers for the change, get them interested in new direction, but then, you must use the voice they have come to know and love in the new novels. Style does count!
Not sure what you're thinking about doing, but some sub-genre changes are difficult, like moving from historical to paranormal, but if you move to historical paranormal––not such an abrupt shift.
My three cents.
Hi Emma! So glad to have you here at GLIAS. I agree, we must be sisters in more than just historical romance...besides our love of things scientific, I also gleaned a love for Stilton from your answers...LOVE it :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your release...what gorgeous covers! I will certainly be picking them up, as I've so enjoyed your other books
It is so lovely to be here (and yes, Stilton might be an acquired taste, but a good one!)
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate the insights. You are all fabulous. I think it is hard as an author to stay fresh and new and yet not throw curve balls...so far I've loved every answer. This type of forum is invaluable. Keep those opinions coming. I know I am not the only author out there listening!
Welcome to GLIAS Emma !
ReplyDelete"In His Sinful Secret, the third book in the Notorious Bachelors series, Lawrence (we don’t know if that is his first name, or last, but it is all he will reveal, even to me) was at first just a servant, and then a bit more, and finally ended up being quite the parallel-hero for Michael Hepburn. I didn’t see it coming at all."
LOVE THIS !! My husband thinks I'm crazywhen this happens to me. In .38 Caliber Cover-Up...I have a character known only as The Medic. No name (even to me). I met the man in person last fall and just knew that was him.
~~Angi
I adored One Whisper Away. My beloved is reading it now.
ReplyDeleteOnce I find an author I love I'll read anything and everything. Mostly, I love stories that are character driven.
Ms Em, you consistantly astound me with the depth and reality of your charcters. I always fall in love with them, which is why I suspect I will always love everything you write!
~
Morgan
I will admit to being a little hesitant, especially if the author has only written Historical/Paranormal etc. But if it's a favorite author.... I'm definitely going to give it a try :-)
ReplyDeleteI LOVED One Whisper Away.
ReplyDeleteI'd say it's my favorite, but I always say that after reading an Emma Wildes book. :-)
I'm in the category of, once I find an author I like, I'll read anything they write regardless of the genre. Unless it's too scary then I skim. :-)
First can I just say that I love your books. They are so good.
ReplyDeleteNormally I will read almost anything a favorite author writes unless it happens to be a genre I don't like. If it is a genre I normally don't read than it depends on the story if I'll pick it up or not.
iqb99@yahoo.com
Typically, I read an author because I love their voice. I prefer it if the stories are varied. I like unusual settings.
ReplyDeleteYour latest release sounds fascinating. I would love to read it. Please count me in on the drawing. Thanks for a great interview, ladies :)
The Medic...ooh, Angi, love that. Another must read.
ReplyDeleteI think I read as much as I write...and I know others who do the same.
Thank you for the kind words about One Whisper, btw, for those that commented...so gracious. I appreciate it so much!
I love it when my favorite authors branch out and try other genres or story lines. I have one author who writes series (which I love because you can see what old characters are up to). I swear every series has at least one book about a couple with the woman having the man's child and he knew nothing about it. I hate when they repeat like that, even if the characters and settings are different, it is the same emotional story.
ReplyDeleteLove your books and cannot wait to read One Whisper Away!
Congratulations on your release. I am looking forward to reading it.
ReplyDeleteGreat interview! Congrats on your new release, it looks great.
ReplyDeleteI like it when my favorite authors branch out in new directions. If it's an author I really love I'll read anything by them.
Congrats on the new book and best of luck with this series. When I find an author I like, I will generally try all of their books because I like a variety of different book genres. For example, I read all of Hannah Howell's series and love Lynsay Sands' books, both her PNR vampire series and her historicals.
ReplyDeleteOne Whisper Away sounds yummy & I hv it in my wishlist; but I sure would love to win a copy here :)
ReplyDeleteWhen I find an author I like I do look out for all their books but only within the genres (or sub genres) that I like.
Your books sound great! I'm OK if the branching out that an author does is going from one historical genre to another. For example, both Julie Garwood and Catherine Coulter wrote Highlands stories, Regency and Victorian era books. I'm not so much into the contemporaries though.
ReplyDeleteThanks to everyone for their comments and opinions and most of all, thanks to Heather for inviting me!
ReplyDeleteYou do realize it is Wicked Wednesday now...that means you get to be naughty Just how much is entirely up to you...
Best to all,
Emma
Congrats on your new release! I know I am late posting but just found this blog. Your book sounds really good and I will be looking for it. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations kmannrn! You are our winner!
ReplyDeletePlease e-mail your name/address to GetLostInAStory@gmail.com so we can forward it to Emma!
ReplyDelete