The Next Big Thing

Have I ever extolled the many virtues of Kaylee Baldwin? Well, she's my critique partner and totally awesome. And she tagged me for a post called "The Next Big Thing" about your current WIP.

Where did the idea come from for the book?

I have always loved historical romances, but never considered myself one of those people who could pull it off -- until I wrote a half-historical, half-contemporary romance about a girl who travels back to 1909. Once I realized that, oh yeah, I am a historian and I can do this, I took a stab at Regency.

The inspiration actually came from a scene in a Georgette Heyer book -gah, can't remember the name, but I know it's one of my favorites. One of the love interests talks about always intending to offer for the heroine. She doesn't end up with him, but it got me thinking. How would a girl respond to a guy who's been charming and in her life, wooed her a time or two, but never made the big step until it was too late for him. Eventually the characters all evolved into a crazy different story!

What genre does your book fall under?

Regency Romance novella

What actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

I haven't even once considered it, which is weird for me. I usually have an idea in my head. Perhaps it's because A CONTEMPTIBLE AFFECTION is only a novella.

What is the one sentence synopsis of your book?

After Lord Dersingham spurned her last season, Iris Colburn swore she would never give him a second thought, but that's harder than she thought it would be.

Will your book be self-published or repped by an agency?

Since it's only a novella and I haven't found a publisher that accepts them that I want to go with, I've decided to plunge in and self-publish. Eek!

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

Several months, I can't remember exactly! Ha. And I keep saying it's only a novella (17k words). But I kept pushing it aside and coming back to it.

Opening sentence:

It does not signify, Lady Iris Colburn insisted, but her jaw remained clamped shut as she watched Dominick lead a tall girl with shining brunette locks out onto the floor for a country dance.

What else about your book might pique the reader's interest?

Iris is very much not your typical regency heroine. She's proud, not always likable, and she gets to (in her own Regency way) "rescue" Lord Dersingham a few times.

Add it to your Goodreads shelf!