1--What is the title of your latest release?
DUCHESS OF SIN - it’s the second in my Daughters of Erin trilogy, about the beautiful, rebellious Anna Blacknall, and the handsome, mysterious, dangerous Duke of Adair!
2--What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book?
Blonde and beautiful Lady Anna Blacknall is in the mood for mischief. Entering Dublin's most notorious den of vice, she finds herself in the arms of a mysterious, emerald-eyed Irishman. And although he is masked, his tender kiss is hauntingly familiar.
Conlan McTeer, Duke of Adair, has come to Dublin to fight for a free Ireland. But he's suddenly reunited with the young Englishwoman who had once claimed his heart, and his passion turns from politics to pleasure. When their sizzling encounter brings danger to Anna's door, she must decide where her loyalties lie and quickly. For someone will do whatever it takes to destroy Conlan and anyone he dares to love.
3--How did you decide where your book was going to take place?
I’ve always wanted to do stories set in Ireland; it just took a while for the right characters to appear to me! The Daughters of Erin books, set in and around the upheaval and drama of 1798, are based a bit on some old family stories (though my ancestors were not dukes!). I also found the story had something of a “Poldark” atmosphere, with a small, tight-knit community, lots of lurking danger, and very romantic scenery
4--Would you hang out with your heroine in real life?
Definitely!! She’s so much fun, so brave, and willing to take risks. I tend to be shyer and more cautious, so she could show me new places…
5--What are three words that describe your hero?
Hmm, I would say handsome (of course!), daring, and yet caring and kind-hearted. He just doesn’t always like to show it!
6--What’s something you learned while writing this book?
I learned so much about the aftermath of the 1798 rebellion in Ireland, and how life was for people at every level of society there! Dublin is still so full of beautiful Georgian buildings and parks; it was wonderful to learn what happened there when those places were new(ish). I also got to listen to lots of Irish music for inspiration! I also loved writing the three books about three sisters, exploring family dynamics and how three people from the same family can be so very different.
7--Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done?
I usually wait to edit very heavily until after I read The End. Otherwise, I tend to stop and obsess with every sentence, and I don’t get far! Once I get to know the characters better and spend time in their world, it’s easier to see what I need to fix or change
8--What’s your favorite foodie indulgence?
Chocolate, definitely! I am such a chocolate addict, the darker, the better. But I also have a weakness for French fries
9--Describe your writing space/office!
Truthfully - messy! I bought a beautiful antique desk a few years ago, thinking it would help me stay organized, but it only lasts for about a day after cleaning. Then it becomes just as covered in papers, books, and teacups as before. But I try! It IS a very cozy, comfy space
10--Who is an author you admire?
I love the books of the recently late Hilary Mantel, she pulls a reader into her world so quickly and fully! I was very sad to hear I wouldn’t have any new books to read from her. And I still love so many of the authors who drew me into historical fiction when I was a kid, like Victoria Holt, Georgette Heyer, Laura Kinsale, Anya Seton
11--Is there a book that changed your life?
That’s a tough one! Probably “Jane Eyre.” I found a copy on my grandmother’s bookshelf when I was about 10 and liked the cover (a Gothic castle and forest), so I started reading it knowing nothing of the plot. I read it all night and was shocked - SHOCKED! - about the twist in the middle. I’d always been a big reader, but I loved how it pulled me into a whole new world and surprised me at so many turns. I wanted to create something like that, too.
12--Tell us about when you got “the call.” (when you found out your book was going to be published)
It was long ago, but I remember it so well! This was in ancient times, before cell phones, and an editor had called and left a message on my voicemail. But she was leaving that day for a conference and would be gone a week. A WEEK! The days crawled past until I could talk to her again and find out she wanted to buy my manuscript. Longest week ever!
13--What’s your favorite genre to read?
I will read almost anything that looks good! (I’m not big on true crime, just because I am such a wimp and an insomniac!). I love mysteries, romances, historical fiction, and non-fiction. I do read mostly research books when I’m working on a WIP of my own, novels are my reward for finishing.
14--What’s your favorite movie?
I love so many! During Covid, I re-watched so many old favorites, like “A Room with a View,” The Thin Man series, “Cold Comfort Farm” and almost any Austen adaptation
15--What is your favorite season?
Luckily, it’s right now! I love the “Anne of Green Gables” quote about living in a world with Octobers, the colors, and the crisp air (and Halloween!) are so much fun to me. I used to hate the cold of winter, but now I think of it as a chance to be cozy by the fire with tea and a book. And the flowers of summer are amazing. I am not so fond of spring, but only because of allergies!
16--How do you like to celebrate your birthday?
With a nice family dinner at a favorite restaurant, and a chocolate cake! That’s really the way I like to celebrate everything…
17--What’s a recent tv show/movie/book/podcast you highly recommend?
I really loved watching “Vikings Valhalla” on Netflix, even though it’s not “my” period! (maybe that’s why I enjoyed it so much—I couldn’t nitpick the history the way I do with 16th-century stories, LOL!). Lots of action, handsome actors, pretty scenery, and so much fun.
18--What’s your favorite type of cuisine?
That is hard to answer! I’m not a very picky eater and find something to enjoy in lots of dishes, but I always like Italian. And classic French bistro food, with plenty of good bread!
19--What do you do when you have free time?
Free time? What is this word? LOL. I do love to spend time outdoors, I live in a beautiful mountain region with lots of great hikes and walking paths, gardening, a bit of embroidery (cross-stitch, mostly, and some very clumsy knitting), taking my dogs to training classes (though they’re really in it for the treats)
20--What can readers expect from you next?
The third in the Daughters of Erin series, LADY OF SEDUCTION, will be out in January! I loved this story, too, as Caroline is a bookworm and homebody (like myself!) who must learn adventure with a villain-turned-hero (their story starts in Duchess of Sin). And if readers enjoy a gaslit, fog-bound Victorian setting (with a light touch of ghosts!), I have a brand-new mystery series out now, Flora Flowerdew and the Mystery of the Duke’s Diamonds.
Daughters of Erin #2
Blonde and beautiful Lady Anna Blacknall is in the mood for mischief. Entering Dublin's most notorious den of vice, she finds herself in the arms of a mysterious, emerald-eyed Irishman. And although he is masked, his tender kiss is hauntingly familiar.
Conlan McTeer, Duke of Adair, has come to Dublin to fight for a free Ireland. But he's suddenly reunited with the young Englishwoman who had once claimed his heart, and his passion turns from politics to pleasure. When their sizzling encounter brings danger to Anna's door, she must decide where her loyalties lie-and quickly. For someone will do whatever it takes to destroy Conlan . . . and anyone he dares to love.
Romance Historical [Oliver-Heber Books, On Sale: October 18, 2022, e-Book, ISBN: 9781648393129 / ]
Amanda McCabe lives in Oklahoma with two very spoiled cats, surrounded by large collections of books and antiques. When not reading or writing romances, she loves doing needlework, taking dancing lessons, and digging through antique stores in search of new treasures.
No comments posted.
© 2003-2024 off-the-edge.net
all rights reserved Privacy Policy