| By Anna Campbell | 01.31.09 |
Hi, it’s Anna Campbell here. And I’m delighted to introduce an author who’s new to Avon if not new to discerning historical romance readers. Caroline Linden’s latest Regency historical release is A VIEW TO A KISS and you can find out all about it at Caroline’s website. www.carolinelinden.com
ANNA: Caroline, your newest book is the deliciously titled A VIEW TO A KISS which is out in February. Can you tell us something about this story?
CAROLINE: But of course! It’s about a very well-bred young lady and the mysterious, fascinating man she meets on a dark balcony, but can never seem to run into again…because he’s a spy, working undercover to protect a number of prominent politicians, including her father. One reviewer described it as a cross between Jane Austen and James Bond, but it’s also a twist on Romeo and Juliet. Harry Sinclair is smitten at first sight by the lovely Lady Mariah Dunmore, the only daughter of the earl of Doncaster. Harry’s problem is that he’s not only a commoner and way beneath Mariah’s notice, he’s also a spy–and when he first sees her, he’s in disguise as an elderly gentleman. But a chance meeting on a dark balcony offers him the chance to talk to her as himself without revealing himself, and by the time he slips away into the night, Mariah is utterly entranced. The only way Harry can see her after that is by climbing through her window at night, a secret courtship that makes Mariah even more determined to find him, any way she can…
ANNA: Sounds great! What draws you to the Regency period?
CAROLINE: Mr. Darcy. Do I have to explain more than that?
ANNA: Nah, I think I get it! What was your favorite book when you were 12?
CAROLINE: I think it was GONE WITH THE WIND, although no doubt at least two thirds of it went right over my head. But I adored the costumes in the movie and was sure that if I had been Scarlett, I would have shoved Ashley Wilkes off a balcony the moment Rhett Butler showed up. Because even then I knew he was baaaad.
ANNA: If you were an animal, what animal would you be and why?
CAROLINE: A cat, because I love to sleep in warm, cozy places, I love having my hair brushed, and I would really like to have someone feed me three times a day when all I’d have to do was yowl a little. (Perhaps you can guess that my cat is a spoiled little creature)
ANNA: Describe your ideal holiday location.
CAROLINE: There are waiters, and busboys, and pool boys, and babysitters, and a personal masseuse. Also, low-calorie desserts and a 24 hour open bar. And my husband and I have the place all to ourselves. And it is WARM.
ANNA: What’s your favorite part of the writing process?
CAROLINE: Finishing! No, no, wait: opening the big box of brand new, sweet-smelling books with my name on the cover in shiny gold letters. No, no, wait: signing books and getting to meet fans. No, no, wait: going to conferences and meeting awesome authors like Anna Campbell in the bar. No, no, wait: none of those have much to do with writing, do they? OK, the best part is that moment when the whole plot falls into place, when the characters finally show themselves (to me, at least), when I realize there is in fact enough story there for a whole book, and I know just what to write.
ANNA: Ha, I know just how you feel! Thanks so much, Caroline! And good luck with the book – I love stories based on class conflict and this one sounds like an absolute doozey!
