Currently on tour for her newest release, A Bride by Moonlight, I got the chance to interview her.
Welcome, Liz!
Tell us about A Bride by Moonlight, and what inspired you to write it.
I think Assistant Police commissioner Napier inspired me to write it—as a reappearing secondary character, he had begun to push himself rather aggressively into my consciousness. He has a way of doing that, you see. So I realized he was going to have to have his own story—before he hijacked someone else’s entirely.
I see on your website that you write a lot of series books, is A Bride by Moonlight part of a series or a stand alone?
Napier has been seen occasionally in what is loosely called the St. James series, but we never really learned anything about his past. He has thus far been just this dark, shadowy presence. In A Bride by Moonlight, I finally explain what makes Napier tick.
What was the most challenging part of writing this book? The most enjoyable part?
The most challenging part—and, frankly, the most enjoyable part—was to bring Elizabeth Colburne’s true character to the forefront, and to show how her past—a childhood of loss and loneliness—had scarred her, hardened her, and driven her to seek revenge. Lisette, as she is called by her friends, has also appeared in some of the St. James series books, though readers might not have recognized her. (Wink, wink.)
You have been highly successful in the historical romance genre, have you ever considered writing in any other romance sub-genres?
I did once write a contemporary story and I enjoyed the process greatly. But I rarely think of venturing beyond what I’m currently writing.
What is the most challenging part of your writing career? The most enjoyable?
My career is really focused just on the writing, and that day-to-day grind requires a good measure of self-discipline. I don’t do anything, really, in the way of promotion or much beyond just the writing, so it isn’t a very multifaceted process. You just have to make yourself put your rear in the chair. The most enjoyable part is the final proofread, once the manuscript has been typeset. By then, you’ve been away from it a little while, so you see it with fresh eyes.
The cover art for your books are breathtaking. I think One Little Sin might be a favorite of mine. Do you have a favorite?
Wow. That’s a tough question. I have definitely been blessed by the Cover Gods, although I’ve had a couple of dogs, certainly. I always plead for dark, rich jewel tones because that’s what I like to look at. I guess my favorite cover of all time would be Wicked All Day, though I really, really loved One Little Sin. And the cover for this book, A Bride By Moonlight, ranks right up there. And as gorgeous as the Moonlight cover is, the stepback is even more so. The prettiest I’ve ever had—and I find more often than not that the stepback art falls flat for me. Not this time!
Can you share what you're working on next?
Yes, I'm just putting the finishing touches on my next book, In Love With A Wicked Man, which will be out later this year!
Thank you for the opportunity to chat.
You are so welcome, Liz. Great interview!
A lifelong Anglophile, Liz Carlyle cut her teeth reading gothic novels under the bedcovers by flashlight. She is the author of over twenty historical romances, including several New York Times bestsellers. Liz travels incessantly, ever in search of the perfect setting for her next book. Along with her genuine romance-hero husband and four very fine felines, she makes her home in North Carolina.
Website | Twitter | Facebook
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I think Assistant Police commissioner Napier inspired me to write it—as a reappearing secondary character, he had begun to push himself rather aggressively into my consciousness. He has a way of doing that, you see. So I realized he was going to have to have his own story—before he hijacked someone else’s entirely.
I see on your website that you write a lot of series books, is A Bride by Moonlight part of a series or a stand alone?
Napier has been seen occasionally in what is loosely called the St. James series, but we never really learned anything about his past. He has thus far been just this dark, shadowy presence. In A Bride by Moonlight, I finally explain what makes Napier tick.
What was the most challenging part of writing this book? The most enjoyable part?
The most challenging part—and, frankly, the most enjoyable part—was to bring Elizabeth Colburne’s true character to the forefront, and to show how her past—a childhood of loss and loneliness—had scarred her, hardened her, and driven her to seek revenge. Lisette, as she is called by her friends, has also appeared in some of the St. James series books, though readers might not have recognized her. (Wink, wink.)
You have been highly successful in the historical romance genre, have you ever considered writing in any other romance sub-genres?
I did once write a contemporary story and I enjoyed the process greatly. But I rarely think of venturing beyond what I’m currently writing.
What is the most challenging part of your writing career? The most enjoyable?
My career is really focused just on the writing, and that day-to-day grind requires a good measure of self-discipline. I don’t do anything, really, in the way of promotion or much beyond just the writing, so it isn’t a very multifaceted process. You just have to make yourself put your rear in the chair. The most enjoyable part is the final proofread, once the manuscript has been typeset. By then, you’ve been away from it a little while, so you see it with fresh eyes.
The cover art for your books are breathtaking. I think One Little Sin might be a favorite of mine. Do you have a favorite?
Wow. That’s a tough question. I have definitely been blessed by the Cover Gods, although I’ve had a couple of dogs, certainly. I always plead for dark, rich jewel tones because that’s what I like to look at. I guess my favorite cover of all time would be Wicked All Day, though I really, really loved One Little Sin. And the cover for this book, A Bride By Moonlight, ranks right up there. And as gorgeous as the Moonlight cover is, the stepback is even more so. The prettiest I’ve ever had—and I find more often than not that the stepback art falls flat for me. Not this time!
Can you share what you're working on next?
Yes, I'm just putting the finishing touches on my next book, In Love With A Wicked Man, which will be out later this year!
Thank you for the opportunity to chat.
You are so welcome, Liz. Great interview!
A BRIDE BY MOONLIGHT
Historical Romance
Avon Books
February 2013
ISBN: 9780062100283
Number of Pages: 432
Royden Napier, Baron Saint-Bryce, is tall, dark, and ruthless—and on the hunt for a dangerous beauty . . . On the eve of her escape to the Continent, bold, beautiful Lisette Colburne accepts a proposal she dare not refuse: masquerade as the future bride of the steely-eyed Royden Napier and help him solve his most dangerous case. Soon Lisette is in even greater danger—of losing her heart to the one man with the power to destroy her . . .
Estranged from his aristocratic family, the enigmatic Napier has forged a reputation as Scotland Yard's most relentless police commissioner. He's vowed to bring Lisette to justice—but with every forbidden kiss and every tantalizing touch, he finds himself becoming less convinced of her guilt . . . and more certain he must have her. But when danger touches Lisette, can he save her?
Website | Twitter | Facebook
Enter your email address below, using the Rafflecopter widget, for a chance to win a print copy of A Bride by Moonlight!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
2 comments:
What a great interview! I'm a huge Liz Carlyle fan. And I love the advice to always remember to get your rear in the chair. : ) I need that good reminder, sometimes.
Such a Great Interview! Very help in motivating me, Thank You!
I look forward to reading your work!
melodyprat(at)indtale.com
Post a Comment