1--What is the title of your latest release?
THE MUSE OF MAIDEN LANE (Belles of London, Book 4)
2--What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book?
A silver-haired Victorian equestrienne and a charismatic pre-Impressionist artist turn a scandalous bargain into a vibrant portrait of love.
3--How did you decide where your book was going to take place?
Muse is the fourth book in my Belles of London series, set primarily in London. The additional locations were determined early in the series. Stella’s family is from Derbyshire, and Teddy is obsessed with the paintings of J. M. W. Turner. When Teddy has a chance to let a house in Maiden Lane—the place of Turner’s birth—he doesn’t let the opportunity pass him by.
4--Would you hang out with your protagonist in real life?
Absolutely! Stella is an equestrienne like me, and we could have lots of fun talking horses. I’m also a huge fan of Impressionism, so would get along great with Teddy Hayes.
5--What are three words that describe your protagonist?
Skillful, daring, loyal.
6--What’s something you learned while writing this book?
I got to do a deep dive into early Impressionism, with particular emphasis on the painting studio of artist Charles Gleyre. Many young Impressionists studied there, including Claude Monet.
7--Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done?
I edit as I draft. And I keep editing, in multiple passes, all the way through.
8--What’s your favorite foodie indulgence?
I love a good French macaron—both eating them and baking them.
9--Describe your writing space/office!
I have a neck injury, so I usually write while propped up in bed. Lately, I’ve also been writing seated on the sofa in my family room, or in a chair in my living room. Since I use a laptop, my desk basically comes with me.
10--Who is an author you admire?
There are so many! If I had to pick one, it would be Jane Porter. In addition to being a gifted writer, she is truly one of the most gracious and generous authors out there. She inspires me so much.
11--Is there a book that changed your life?
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell, published in 1877. I first read it as a little girl. I was already an animal lover, but Beauty’s poignant narrative made me even more determined to advocate for them.
12--Tell us about when you got “the call.” (when you found out your book was going to be published)/Or, for indie authors, when you decided to self-publish.
It was very fast! For my Belles series, I spoke with my editor on the phone a few days after my agent submitted the first book in the series. I signed the contract a day or two after that.
13--What’s your favorite genre to read?
Historical Romance
14--What’s your favorite movie?
Jaws
15--What is your favorite season?
Autumn.
16--How do you like to celebrate your birthday?
With loads of cake and champagne. And probably a visit to the barn to see my horse!
17--What’s a recent tv show/movie/book/podcast you highly recommend?
It’s not brand new, but I think Happy Valley is the best series out there. It’s filled with competent women who get the job done!
18--What’s your favorite type of cuisine?
Italian.
19--What do you do when you have free time?
Spend time with my family and pets. Go the barn. Bake, read, and watch British detective shows on streaming.
20--What can readers expect from you next?
RULES FOR RUIN, the first book in my new Crinoline Academy series, is out in May from Berkley/Penguin Random House. I’ve been describing it as Great Expectations meets Peaky Blinders. It’s currently available for preorder. I can’t wait for everyone to read it!
Belles of London #4
A silver-haired equestrienne and a charismatic artist turn a scandalous bargain into a vibrant portrait of love.
Stella Hobhouse is a brilliant rider, stalwart friend, skilled sketch artist—and completely overlooked. Her outmodish gray hair makes her invisible to London society. Combined with her brother’s pious restrictions and her dwindling inheritance, Stella is on the verge of a lifetime marooned in Derbyshire as a spinster. Unless she does something drastic…like posing for a daring new style of portrait by the only man who’s ever really seen her.
Aspiring painter Edward “Teddy” Hayes knows true beauty when he sees it. He would never ask Stella to risk her reputation as an artist’s model but in the five years since a virulent bout of scarlet fever left him partially paralyzed, Teddy has learned to heed good fortune when he finds it. He’ll do anything to persuade his muse to pose for him, even if he must offer her a marriage of convenience.
After all, though Teddy has yearned to trace Stella’s luminous beauty on canvas since their chance meeting, her heart is what he truly aches to capture….
Romance Historical [Berkley, On Sale: November 19, 2024, Trade Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9780593639276 / eISBN: 9780593639283]
USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning proper Victorian romances. Her novels have received starred reviews in Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, and Booklist, and her articles have been featured on the Victorian Web, the Journal of Victorian Culture, and in syndication at BUST Magazine. In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes a retired Andalusian dressage horse, a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats.
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