Interview with Debut Author Ella Quinn

I’m so excited to have my good friend, author Ella Quinn here today, answering questions about her life as a writer and her debut Regency novel, The Seduction of Lady Phoebe.

Welcome, Ella.  What can you tell us about your new release?

The Seduction of Lady Phoebe is on pre-order. It’s about a lady who is afraid to love and the man who is determined to marry her.

What was your inspiration for this story?

I had a video playing in my mind of an angry woman in Regency dress, pacing.

I am a fanatic about my character names. Are your character names special in any way?

I think they are, particularly if writing an historical. The name was an indication of their social status and/ or profession. So far, all my main characters have introduced themselves to me with appropriate names. I do use two books with historical names for my secondary characters. One has more latitude with servant’s names than one does with a character that is part of the ton, for example. Many people in the country name girls after flowers. Whereas that wasn’t common for a lady’s name until later in the century.

What was your process for writing this book?  Is this different or the same as other books you’ve written?

I’d say my writing method has evolved. My first book I wrote from beginning to end. The second one, I wrote while editing the first, so I had to re-read the previous chapter before I could start again. The third one, I started to write from beginning to end, but had to rearrange it, so some parts got written out of order. Since the fifth book, I write mostly from beginning to end, but frequently write scenes out of order.

Do you have plans for a sequel to this book?

Oh, yes. In fact the first four books of the series are done, and I’m writing the fifth. I plan to have one more to finish this series. I already have the first two books of the next series written.

Who is your favorite romance hero or heroine and why?

I don’t think I have just one, but if I had to pick, it would be Dominic, the Marquis of Vidal from Georgette Heyer’s The Devil’s Cub. A very close second is Hugo Darracott from The Unknown Ajax.

What qualities do they possess that make them memorable?

They are both strong and go after what they want.

Who was the first romance author and book you read?

I can’t remember, but the one that had the most impact on me was Georgette Heyer.

Who has been the greatest influence on your writing?

I think Georgette Heyer has. I love her humor and dialogue.

If you could have one wish granted just for you (not world peace, LOL), what would you wish for?

A publishing contract with a six figure advance.

What is the most exciting/daredevil thing you’ve ever done?

That’s hard. It would be a toss up between scuba diving and taking off on my own driving tour from South Florida to Michigan, through Canada then back down again when I was eighteen. The interstate was not completed at the time.

Now, Lightning Round:

What is your favorite amusement park ride? The round-up

 Tea or coffee? Tea.

French manicure or color (and if color, what color)? French, but only on my toes. I can’t stand any polish on my fingernails.

Beach or mountains? Both. I love water sports and skiing.

Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate

Boxers, briefs or commando? Commando

Blond, brunette or redhead? (preferred men’s hair color) Brunette

Would you rather skydive or scuba dive? Hahaha. When we meet I’ll tell you about my attempts to jump out of a plane. Let’s just say that I’ve not been the one to stop me. Scuba diving I was successful at learning.

Would you rather vacation in Hawaii, Vegas or London? I already live on a tropical island. London.

What’s the one thing you would never do? Cheat on my husband.

Fantastic answers, Ella!  I can hardly wait to meet you! (Hopefully at RWA!)

THE SEDUCTION OF LADY PHOEBE ~ September 2013

LADY PHOEBE STANHOPE, famous for her quick wits, fast horses, and punishing right hook, is afraid of nothing but falling in love. Fleeing a matchmaking attempt with the only man she despises, Phoebe meets a handsome blue-eyed stranger who sends her senses skittering. By the time Phoebe discovers the seductive stranger is the same arrogant troll she sent packing eight years ago, she is halfway to falling in love with him.

LORD MARCUS FINLEY last saw Phoebe striding regally away, as he lay on the floor with a bruised jaw and a rapidly swelling eye. Recently returned from the West Indies, Marcus is determined to earn Phoebe’s love, preferably before she discovers who he is. Determined to have Phoebe for his own, Marcus begins his campaign to gain her forgiveness and seduce her into marriage.

Can Phoebe learn to trust her own heart and Marcus? Or is she destined to remain alone?

Pre-order The Seduction of Lady Phoebe here!

Ella, thank you so much for coming by today!  And best of luck with Lady Phoebe!