Vanessa Kelly

Get Lost in This Story…

Spirited, stubborn, and entirely irresistible...

She is difficult, demanding, and at times, quite fierce. And Dr. John Blackmore can’t take his eyes off her. The Countess of Randolph is the most striking woman he has ever seen...and the most infuriating patient he has ever tended.

Mired in responsibility, Bathsheba doesn’t have time to convalesce in the country. She should be in London, hunting for a wealthy new lover to pay off her late husband’s vast debts, not dallying with a devastatingly handsome doctor.

But it is only a matter of time until the good doctor and the obstinate countess will have to contend with the sparks that fly between them. Once their bodies surrender, their hearts may follow...

I am thrilled to host fellow historical author, Vanessa Kelly, on the blog today. She’s smart, talented, funny and versatile…and you’re going to love her!

Vanessa Kelly writes Regency-set historical romance for Kensington Zebra. She also writes contemporary romance with her husband under the pen name of VK Sykes. You can visit her on the web at: http://www.vanessakellyauthor.com

Let’s get right to The Get Lost Interview…

Heather: What’s your favorite movie of all time?

Vanessa: Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King

Heather: What’s your favorite kind of story to get lost in?

Vanessa: I love historical or epic adventures that sweep you away to a different time and place. I also enjoy reading contemporary romances that draw you in with humor, heart, and passion.

Heather: What’s the first book you remember reading?

Vanessa: I loved a series of children’s books called The Happy Hollisters, which were mysteries featuring a large family of children – five, to be exact. Since there were five children in my family I probably identified with them. I also started the Nancy Drew books at an early age, too. Loved them!

Heather: What’s your favorite cartoon character?

Vanessa: Bugs Bunny. He’s such an anarchist.

Heather: What turns you off like nothing else?

Vanessa: Bad smells. They drive me crazy.

Heather: Where do you read and how often?

Vanessa: Mostly I read in bed at night.

Heather: What sound or noise do you love?

Vanessa: The sound of the ocean, or the breeze rustling through the leaves of a tree.

Heather: Do you write while listening to music? If so what kind?

Vanessa: I never listen to music when I write. I find it too distracting.

Heather: What was the first story you remember writing?

Vanessa: It was a first-person Western that I wrote when I was in college. What a bad idea that was!

Heather: Who’s your favorite villain?

Vanessa: Darth Vader. I like villains who redeem themselves.

Heather: What’s the first thing you do when you finish writing a book?

Vanessa: I have been known to burst into tears of gratitude and relief.

Heather: If you could interview one person (and it doesn’t have to be a writer) who would it be?

Vanessa: Fanny Burney. She was a British novelist during the Georgian and Regency eras, who also served for a time at the Court of King George III. She knew just about everybody in British society, led a really interesting life, and had a scathing wit and a wonderful memory. I think she would be really cool to talk to.

Heather: If you were given a chance to travel to the past where would you go and specifically why?

Vanessa: On the understanding that I could get back home whenever I wanted, I think I would pick ancient Rome. What a culture that would be to get a glimpse of!

Heather: What do you do to unwind and relax?

Vanessa: Read and watch TV, go for walks.

Heather: Which of your characters would you most/least to invite to dinner, and why?

Vanessa: I’d most like to invite the heroine of my current book, Bathsheba. She’s really got a sharp wit and does not tolerate fools. I think she’d be a lot of fun.

Heather: Do you read reviews of your books? If so, do you pay any attention to them, or let them influence your writing?

Vanessa: Unfortunately, I do. Even the bad ones! But, no. I don’t usually let them affect my writing. They tend to be all over the map, from raves to rants, so I don’t know how useful they would be anyway.

Heather: Tea or Coffee? And how do you take it?

Vanessa: Coffee. With soymilk!

Heather’s GOTTA ASK – Vanessa’s GOTTA ANSWER J

Heather: Wow! I saw on your website that you have a Masters degree in English literature, specializing in British female writers of the Regency! How has that experience best translating to the Regency fiction you create for us today?

Vanessa: Yes, I do have a Master’s degree. I also spent several years in a doctoral program in English Lit, which is where I did most of my work on British female writers of the Regency period. As you can imagine, I did gobs of research, quite a bit of which gave me plot ideas and background info for my books. So even though I never completed my PhD I don’t feel as if I wasted my time in grad school at all!

GOT A QUESTION YOU’D LIKE TO ASK YOUR FANS?

Vanessa: There are so many types of Regency romances out there these days, which is great for readers. Which kind do you prefer – light and sexy with lots of humor, or dark, tormented and sensual, or something more traditional?

WILL YOU HAVE A DRAWING FROM THOSE LEAVING COMMENTS?**

Vanessa: Yes, a copy of My Favorite Countess

Thanks so much for being with us today, Vanessa! Where can your fans learn more about you on the web?

Website: http://www.vanessakellyauthor.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VanessaKellyBooks

Blog: http://vanessakellyauthor.wordpress.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/VanessaKellyAut

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2728107.Vanessa_Kelly

**Note: Offer void where prohibited. Prizes will be mailed to North American addresses only. 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 next tomorrow when Angi hosts Emily March!