1--What is the title of your latest release?
THE HEART’S CHOICE, Book One of the Cotton Cops Mysteries series.
2--What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book?
Amid the tensions of a murder enquiry and the Lancashire cotton famine, the story explores the simmering, restrained passion between two very different people who fall in love in spite of themselves. Will they attain their happily-ever-after or will the greed of a jealous cousin endanger the heroine’s life and keep them apart?
3--How did you decide where your book was going to take place?
I chose Bolton, a cotton mill town in Lancashire for two reasons. Firstly, I was born there and many of my ancestors worked in cotton mills during the Industrial Revolution. It’s an area and a historical era I know well. Secondly, I wanted to set a Victorian murder mystery story far away from London. BTW, “Cotton Cops Mysteries” is a play on the word “Cops”. A cotton cop is a spindle wound with cotton, and, of course, “cop” is slang for a policeman.
4--Would you hang out with your protagonists in real life?
Edouard Deschanel is a handsome and successful tradesman. Plus, he’s French. What’s not to like!! Maggie Chadwick is the darling of the music hall crowd, a talented singer with true Lancashire grit.
5--What are three words that describe your protagonists?
Edouard - Successful entrepreneur, honorable
Maggie - talented, and a courageous survivor of domestic abuse
6--What’s something you learned while writing this book?
This is my first foray into murder-mystery/romantic suspense. I normally write historical romance from the point of view of two lovers, and it was difficult to insert the detective’s pov into the story.
7--Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done?
I’m a pantser, so I usually edit as I go.
8--What’s your favorite foodie indulgence?
chicken. If that’s not indulgent enough, then dark chocolate.
9--Describe your writing space/office!
I’ve been downsized from a spacious office to a desk off my rarely used dining room. It’s right next to the sliding doors out to the deck, so I can get outside for fresh air quite readily. My desk can be raised and lowered so I can write sitting down or standing up.
10--Who is an author you admire?
Kimberley Cates
11--Is there a book that changed your life?
A Tale of Two Cities
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.
My main motivation for beginning my self-publishing journey was jealousy of my famous cousin who is a NY Times Bestselling author of historical romance. After several rejection letters from traditional publishers who insisted there was no market for medieval romance, I decided I had nothing to lose by uploading to the new kindle device. 70 books later, I’m still at it after my first four books sold like hotcakes on Kindle. Self-publishing is becoming more and more of an uphill battle in terms of attracting readers, advertising, etc., so I’m thrilled to now be publishing through Oliver Heber Books.
13--What’s your favorite genre to read?
historical romance
14--What’s your favorite movie?
Splendor In the Grass, or perhaps Mary Poppins
15--What is your favorite season?
Spring
16--How do you like to celebrate your birthday?
Out to dinner with my husband
17--What’s a recent tv show/movie/book/podcast you highly recommend?
Sharpe - the TV series based on Bernard Cornwell’s books
18--What’s your favorite type of cuisine?
Basic, old-fashioned food, shepherd’s pie
19--What do you do when you have free time?
Jigsaws, cryptic crosswords, family tree research
20--What can readers expect from you next?
MUSIC HALL QUEEN, the second book in the Cotton Cops Mysteries series.
In 19th century England, an era of sweeping change and industrial marvels, the lives of two unlikely souls intertwine in a tale of love, societal expectations, personal growth—and murder. Set against the backdrop of Lancashire's booming cotton industry, this is the story of Roger Sandiford, a ruthless, self-made industrialist, and Beatrice Parker, the daughter of a vicar.
The future of Roger’s once thriving mill is threatened by the cotton famine caused by the American Civil War. Adding to his woes is the discovery of the body of a young boy in his mill. Sergeant Halliwell of the local police force leads the investigation into the boy’s death.
Bea is obliged to leave her native Dorset when her father inherits a barony in Lancashire. Initially, she cannot cope with the cultural shock of life in a dirty northern town, but she soon comes to admire the grit and determination of the working people of Lancashire.
Her life is complicated by a cousin who wants to marry her and refuses to take no for an answer. The cousin eventually turns out to be more than just a persistent suitor.
The story explores the simmering, restrained passion between two very different people who fall in love in spite of themselves. Will they attain their happily-ever-after or will the greed of a jealous cousin endanger Bea’s life and keep them apart?
Romance | Mystery Historical [Oliver-Heber Books, On Sale: May 20, 2025, e-Book , / ]
Anna Markland is a Canadian author with a keen interest in genealogy. She writes medieval romance about family honour, ancestry and roots. Her novels are intimate love stories full of passion and adventure. Following a successful career in teaching, Anna transformed her love of writing and history into engaging works of fiction. Prior to becoming a fiction author, she published numerous family histories. One of the things she enjoys most about writing historical romance is the in-depth research required to provide the reader with an authentic medieval experience.
No comments posted.
© 2003-2025 off-the-edge.net
all rights reserved Privacy Policy