What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write I Have Always Loved You, a Second Chance Regency Romance?
It’s my 77th birthday the day my new book (I Have Always Loved You, a Second Chance Regency Romance) launches. At my age, inevitably you think about “do-overs” and I thought it was time for a second-chance romance in a Regency. Jane Austen did one in Persuasion, but I don’t know of another. Or perhaps I just haven’t read it!
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of I Have Always Loved You, a Second Chance Regency Romance, what would they be?
This was fun! For Octavia, who loves Dorian from the moment she sees him, “Unchained Melody” by the Righteous Brothers (yes, I’m that old!) and “Your Song” by Elton John.
For Dorian, who comes to regret his choices, another Elton John (he seems to have a song for any occasion!) “Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word”, and Cher’s “If I Could Turn Back Time”.
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
I like reading Regencies but I’m really fussy about correct language (no terms that weren’t in use in the early 1800’s, and historical accuracy. The trouble is, I’m a linguist by training, so I notice those things.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
I like books that make me laugh, especially if they are also serious. I just finished Anxious People by Fredrick Backman, and I’ve got The Sellout by Paul Beatty and David Sedaris’ Calypso on my nightstand. Trouble is, when I start reading anything, my mind flies off at tangents. Ideas always occur to me and I start plotting!
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
I enjoyed writing the scene when Dorian’s ex-wife comes to find him when she hears he’s inherited the title. That made me smile! .
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
No, I’m boringly ordinary. I can write anywhere and have no particular requirements. Just a laptop and WiFi. I can’t write longhand because of arthritis and I need WiFi to look stuff up. I’ve been known to spend 10 minutes finding out when a particular word came into the language. I told you, language accuracy is important to me!
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
Bob Dylan’s “But I was so much older then, I’m younger than that now.” I first heard that line in his song back in the 60’s and it has become truer and truer the older I get.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
No one’s perfect and you have to be ready to forgive. You cannot live with simmering resentment. It ruins your life.
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