Yesterday, I reviewed Carrie’s newest book, Scoundrel’s Kiss. I also had the pleasure of interviewing her recently and I hope you all enjoy the answers as much as I did!
1. I loved that Scoundrel’s Kiss was set outside the typical locations for a historical romance. Why did you choose to set it in medieval Spain?
It’s set in the Kingdom of Castile, which comprises part of modern-day Spain. Thinking back, I don’t remember exactly what first started me thinking about Spain as a setting, but I knew I wanted to feature two elements to this story: a warrior monk and an opium addict. That meant I needed to find a place where their love could blossom. Spain was not only a hotbed of religious and military activity in the 13th century, but it was also along Arab trade routes. The Arabs traded with the Chinese, which mean that opium was available for purchase in Spain. Ta-dah! I’d found my setting.
2. Ada is a far cry from the average blushing virgin heroine. Was it a difficult task for you to make an opium addict a sympathetic character?
Yes, Ada is…trying. It was difficult making her sympathetic, in that I disliked how Ada behaved toward the finale of my Robin Hood-themed debut, WHAT A SCOUNDREL WANTS. She makes her sister, Meg, make a really unfair choice, and her behavior is downright selfish. So I wasn’t in a sympathetic place when I sat down to write her love story. But then I remembered an old saying about villains: the villain is the hero of his own story. That jolted me into taking Ada’s side, so to speak, and learning where she was vulnerable, why she was hurting so desperately, and how I could help redeem her. In the end, I think her happily ever after is justly deserved, if only for how hard she works at earning it.
3. When it comes to writing, do you plot out your books carefully or does the story come to you as you go?
I start with the setting. Always. Then I research and brainstorm in tandem, trying to find my characters. What sort of people *could* have lived in this time and place? Are they native? Just passing through? There for the long haul? Bored and desperate to get out? Once I have the setting and the characters very firm in my mind, then I start writing and never look back. You could call me a prepared pantser!
4. Do you have a particular favorite time period in history?
I’ll always have a fondness for the American Old West. I did my master’s thesis on the lives and legends of Jesse James and Wild Bill Hickok, and how their stories helped shape American culture after the Civil War. Plus I was a sucker for western-set romances when I was a teenager, back when they were *everywhere*. I haven’t yet tried my hand at a western of my own, but I can’t help but think that I will someday. That period of history has been such a part of my life!
5. Are you planning on returning to any of the characters in Scoundrel’s Kiss for another book? What’s next for you?
I’d like to continue with Jacob’s story, and then to find a partner for Blanca, but that remains to be seen. Otherwise, my historical romance set in Napoleonic Austria will help launch Carina Press, Harlequin’s new all-digital venture, in June. In it, a widowed violin prodigy begins a steamy affair with the renowned composer she’s always idolized, only to learn that he stole the symphony he’s most famous for. In addition, I’m co-writing with Ann Aguirre under the name Ellen Connor (http://EllenConnor.com). We write hot-n-dirty apocalyptic paranormal romances, and our “Dark Age Dawning” trilogy will be coming soon from Penguin.
6. What do you suggest we read while waiting for your next book? Any favorites you’d like to share with us?
I love lush, beautiful writing, so my favorite romance authors are Candice Procter, Penelope Williamson, Laura Kinsale, and Patricia Gaffney. They all craft such amazing stories, not simply packed with emotion and fascinating characters, but with poetic language to describe every aspect of the hero and heroine’s lives. I read those books and knew that’s what I wanted to write. Those are the kinds of stories I love to read, so why not give them a try in my own style with my own unique voice? I’d unabashedly recommend any of their books to those who haven’t yet read them!
Thanks for stopping by, Carrie!
To win a copy of Scoundrel’s Kiss for your very own, just leave a comment. There is one up for grabs. Readers in the US and Canada will receive a signed copy, whereas international readers will receive an unsigned copy from the Book Depository. Make sure you leave a valid email address in the “email” field of the comment form to win. This contest will be open until January 26th. Good luck! The winner of this contest is Lana.
I want to read both of Carrie’s books now! Hopefully I will get a chance to soon!
.-= Marg´s last blog ..Teaser Tuesday: Shadowfae by Erica Hayes =-.
I really enjoyed reading this interview with Carrie Lofty and getting to know a little bit about her latest book and inspirations for writing. I love the setting of medieval Spain and the main characters sound very intriguing so I think I would really enjoy Scoundrel’s Kiss! Carrie, your next book, set in Napoleonic Austria sounds equally captivating, so you just might be making a new fan for life! I love historical romances set in far away lands.
I am looking forward to reading more of the Medieval Bookworm blog! Many thanks Meghan for the love and effort you put into it.
All the best,
Christine
.-= Christine Bode´s last blog ..Ann Vriend 2010: Canada, US, Australia, Europe =-.
Hi everyone!
First up, thanks to Medieval Bookworm for letting me stop by and chat about SCOUNDREL’S KISS. I’m so tickled!
I’ll be around while the book contest is running, so let me know if you have questions. Otherwise, thanks so much for your interest and for visiting today. I really appreciate the support.
All the best,
Carrie
Hi
Thank you for the interview with Carrie Lofty & thanks to Carrie for sharing. I really enjoyed learning more about SCOUNDREL’S KISS.
.-= RKCharron´s last blog ..Release Day Tuesday =-.
The story sounds different and very interesting.
Very interesting post! It sounds like Ada is a fascinating character, and I haven’t read many books set in this time period or place. Going to check and see if I can get a copy of this book. It sounds great, thanks!
Oops! forgot to leave my e-mail! I’d love a chance at the giveaway!
zibilee(at)figearo(dot)net
.-= zibilee´s last blog ..The Bone People by Keri Hulme =-.
It sounds like an interesting book. I would love to win it.
I enjoyed What a Scoundrel Wants and would love to read it’s companion book/sequel/Ava’s story – whatever you want to call it!
Would love to win a copy. Thanks!
Ooh, medieval Spain sounds delightful this time of year, but I have to confess, my ears really perked up when you said ‘Austria’. I’ve been dying to find romances set in Vienna – dare I hope?
.-= Lana´s last blog ..Sunday Notables =-.
Ah, Lana, sorry! It’s set in Salzburg, but it is about music. If you haven’t seen it, Carina Press is running a contest to name my book. You can vote in the poll and catch the link to chapter one here: http://carinapress.com/2010/01/help-us-title-carrie-loftys-book/
Carrie –
Ah well, can’t have everything. I’m really excited for it nonetheless – I’m a huge fan of artist/musician characters in my novels! Thanks for the link!
.-= Lana´s last blog ..Sunday Notables =-.
This looks great! Please enter me!
BethsBookReviewBlog AT gmail DOT com
Would love to be in the running for a copy. Am a overseas reader.
mystica123athotmaildotcom
I would love to win this book. It looks great!
justpeachy36@yahoo.com
.-= Debbie Lester´s last blog ..Friday Spotlight (3) =-.
I’d like to read all her books. Great review. jacksond@nhr3.net
Great interview! This book sounds so good. I really enjoy historical romance. Please enter me. Thanks!
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