What is one of your favorite things about writing?
The excitement of plunging into the story on the first page.
When you’re brainstorming for a new story, what usually comes first for you, the plot or the characters?
The idea for a novel comes first but I can’t begin writing it until I have completed detailed profiles for the main characters.
When you’re writing, who is more in control, you or your characters?
My characters try to take control but I keep them in their places.
Can you write sex scenes at any time or do you have to be “in the mood?”
My characters don’t allow me to open the bedroom door wide they express their heartfelt love through words and actions.
What is the most difficult thing about writing?
Revising and editing, my novels usually go through several revisions and at least two edits
What do you like about writing series books?
Continuing the characters journey through life.
What is one of your favorite ways to learn about your characters?
Completing a very detailed character profile for the main characters.
What do you feel are some of the pros and cons of epublishing?
The advantage of having e-books published is that they are available for as long as one wishes. The disadvantage is the amount of time needed to publicise and sell them.
Where do you find inspiration for your stories?
It usually comes from something I read in non-fiction
Can you tell us something about your latest release?
My latest release, The Captain and The Countess, is set in England in Queen Anne Stuart’s reign, 1702 – 1714
Heart-rending pain lurked in the back of the wealthy Countess of Sinclair’s eyes?
Captain Howard’s life changed forever from the moment he met Kate, the intriguing Countess and resolved to banish her pain.
Although the air sizzled when widowed Kate, victim of an abusive marriage met Edward Howard, a captain in Queen Anne’s navy, she had no intention of ever marrying again.
However, when Kate becomes better acquainted with the Captain she realises he is the only man who understands her grief and can help her to untangle her past.
What are you working on now?
I have just finished revising and editing a novel set in the reign of Edward IInd and am submitting it to literary agents. Last week I began Tuesday’s Child a follow on novel from Sunday’s Child which has been published, and Monday’s Child which will be published in spring, 2016. Each novel is a traditional Regency romance by which I mean I don’t open the bedroom door wide
Do you have an excerpt from your latest release you would like to share?
Extract from: – The Captain and The Countess, Chapter One, London 1706
“Edward, the Right Honourable Captain Howard, dressed in blue and white, which some of the officers in Queen Anne’s navy favoured, turned. He gazed without blinking at the acclaimed beauty, whose sobriquet was “The Fatal Widow”.
The countess remained in the doorway, her cool blue eyes speculative.
Edward whistled low. Could her shocking reputation be no more than tittle-tattle? His artist’s eyes observed her. Rumour did not lie about her Saxon beauty.
Her ladyship was not a slave to fashion. She did not wear a wig, and her hair was not curled and stiffened with sugar water. Instead, her flaxen plaits were wound around the crown of her head to form a coronet. The style suited her. So did the latest Paris fashion, an outrageous wisp of a lace cap, which replaced the tall, fan-shaped fontage most ladies continued to wear perched on their heads.
Did the countess have the devil-may-care attitude gossips attributed to her? If she did, it explained why some respectable members of society shunned her. Indeed, if Lady Sinclair were not the granddaughter of his godmother’s deceased friend, she might not be received in this house.
The lady’s fair charms did not entirely explain what drew many gallants to her side. After all, there were several younger beauties present around whom the gentlemen did not flock so avidly.
He advanced toward the countess, conscious of the sound of his footsteps on the wooden floor, the muted noise of coaches and drays through the closed windows and, from the fireplace, the crackle of burning logs which relieved the chill of early spring.
The buzz of conversation resumed. Her ladyship scrutinised him. Did she approve of his appearance? A smile curved her heart-shaped mouth. He repressed his amusement. Edward suspected the widow’s rosy lips owed more to artifice than nature.
“How do you do, sir,” she said when he stood before her. “I think we have not met previously.” Her eyes assessed him dispassionately. “My name is Sinclair, Katherine Sinclair. I dislike formality. You may call me Kate.”
“Captain Howard at your service, Countess.” Shocked but amused by boldness more suited to a tavern wench than a great lady, Edward paid homage with a low bow before he spoke again. “Despite your permission, I am not presumptuous enough to call you Kate, yet I shall say that, had we already met, I would remember you.”
“You are gallant, sir, but you are young to have achieved so high a rank in Her Majesty’s navy.”
“An unexpected promotion earned in battle, which the navy did not subsequently commute.”
“You are to be congratulated on what I can only assume were acts of bravery.”
“Thank you, Countess.”
The depths of her ladyship’s sapphire cross and earrings blazed, matching his sudden fierce desire.
Kate, some four inches shorter than Edward, looked up at him.
He leaned forward. The customary greeting of a kiss on her lips lingered longer than etiquette dictated.
Her eyes widened before she permitted him to lead her across the room to the sopha on which his godmother sat with Mistress Martyn.
With a hint of amusement in her eyes, Kate regarded Mrs Radcliffe. “My apologies, madam, I suspect my visit is untimely.”
Her melodious voice sent shivers up and down his spine, nevertheless, Edward laughed. Had the countess guessed his godmother, who enjoyed match-making, wanted him to marry Mistress Martyn? No, he was being too fanciful. How could she have guessed?
“You are most welcome, Lady Sinclair. Please take a seat and partake of a glass of cherry ratafia.” Frances said.
“Perhaps, milady prefers red viana,” Edward suggested.
“Captain, you read my mind. Sweet wine is not to my taste.”
In response to the lady’s provocative smile, heat seared his cheeks.
Kate smoothed the gleaming folds of her turquoise blue silk gown. The lady knew how to dress to make the utmost of her natural beauty. Her gown and petticoat, not to mention sleeves and under-sleeves, as well as her bodice and stays, relied for effect on simple design and fine fabrics. He approved of her ensemble, the elegance of which did not depend on either a riot of colours or a multitude of bows and other trimmings. Later, he would sketch her from memory.
Kate inclined her head to his godmother. “Will you not warn your godson I am unsound, wild, and a bad influence on the young?”
Edward gazed into Kate’s eyes. Before his demise, had her husband banished her to a manor deep in the country? If it were true, why had he done so?
Kate’s eyebrows slanted down at the inner corners. She stared back at him. He laughed, raised her hands to his lips, and kissed each in turn. “I look forward to furthering my acquaintance with you.”
“High-handed.” Kate gurgled with laughter. “Captain, please release me.”
What did he care if she were some nine years his elder? He wanted to get to know her better. Edward bowed. “Your slightest wish is my command.”
What three words would the hero of your story use to describe his love interest?
Beauty, intelligence and mystery.
What three words would the heroine of your story use to describe her love interest?
Honourable, intelligent, kind.
If the main characters in your latest release were invited to a masquerade party, what costumes would they wear?
The hero, a naval captain, would choose dress as Sir Francis Drake, the heroine would choose a gown worn by her ancestor, a lady Charles II admired.
What makes the hero of The Captain and The Countess hot?
He is calm and considerate but the heroine is aware of the passion behind his façade.
Would you give us a sneak peek at one of your upcoming releases?
I am writing Tuesday’s Child, a follow on novel from Sunday’s Child published by MuseItUpPublishing and Monday’s Child which will be published in spring, 2016.
“Dominic looked up at a pair of turquoise coloured eyes fringed with thick lashes. The petite lady could not be more than five feet two. A fairy woman, he thought, as he looked at her dainty figure.
The ‘fairy woman’ who had seemed unable to move when she saw her child prostrate on the grass, fluttered her small hands. Beautiful ones with long fingers graced by oval nails and white-half moons. They struck an unfamiliar chord in Dominic’s heart, one which he did not care to examine.
As though freed from a spell after Dominic turned Arthur over and helped him to sit, the child’s mother knelt. Heedless of her fashionable gown, she clasped her son in her arms and murmured endearments.
‘Lady Castleton, I presume,’ Dominic said, as he admired her flawless complexion, straight nose and pretty mouth. He shook himself. Demn it, at thirty years of age he should not be like a callow youth stirred by a lady he had just met. Why was he so drawn to her? She was not beautiful enough to ever become the toast of the town bur she had some indefinable quality that pleased him.
‘I beg your pardon, sir,’ she said, most of her attention obviously on her son.
‘I presume you are Lady Castleton,’ he repeated.
‘Yes, I am.’ She turned her head toward the maidservant. ‘Do dry your eyes and blow your nose, Jane, then go and lay out Arthur’s nightgown. Order a hot posset and prepare a bath.’ She kissed the top of Arthur’s golden curls. ‘My precious boy, thank God you are safe, but you have been very naughty. Your grandfather did not give you permission to swim in the lake and-’
Arthur wriggled free from his mother’s arms. ‘I am sorry, Mamma.’
‘Yes, I am sure you are. You must promise me that in future you will do as you are told.’
‘I promise.’
With amusement, Dominic had noticed Arthur cross his fingers behind his back. He made no comment for, as a child, he had employed the same deceit. As a clergyman he should reprimand the boy, as a gentleman guilty of many boyhood misdemeanours he refrained.
‘Can you stand, Arthur? Can you walk back to the house? Should I summon a footman to carry you?’ his anxious mother asked.
‘I’m not a baby. Course I can walk.’
Arthur stood, a little unsteady at first.
In spite of the sun, Dominic shivered. ‘With your permisssion, my lady.’ He stood and pulled off his sodden riding coat, conscious of water dripping from his hair over his forehead and down the back of his neck.
Lady Castleton stood and clasped Arthur’s hand, then she looked at Dominic as though she saw him for the first time.
Not in the habit of fanciful conjectures, the notion that she was fey entered his mind and heightened his impression of a delicate fairy.
* * *
Overwhelmed by the stranger, who had saved Arthur from certain death by drowning, Henrietta scrutinised the wet black curls that flopped over his forehead, the strong features of his face , oval in shape with dimples on either side of a well-formed mouth, eyes as green as pale jade and a sun-tinged complexion. To judge by the quality of his clothes he was a gentleman. Without his sodden riding jacket, the rest of his wet clothes clung to him emphasising his tall powerful figure.
Arthur clutched her hand. “Mamma, I am cold.”
Should she remove his short linen gown and pantalets or wait to undress him in the nursery to undress?
Her son swayed.
‘Allow me,’ the gentleman said, stooped and picked up Arthur.
Henrietta frowned, surprised because the child nestled like a fledgling in a safe nest. After a few minutes seated on his adored grandfather’s lap, the boy struggled to escape her father-in-law’s gentle but firm hold on him.
Where were her wits? The only things she knew about the stranger were that he had not hesitated to brave the lake to rescue Arthur after which he brought her son’s limp figure back to life by thumping him on the back. She also knew he was handsome, very handsome! In fact his good looks spelt danger for unwary females. Her cheeks burned. The thought betrayed her beloved *Edgar whom she missed every day of her life. For the second time she asked herself where her wits were as they neared the mansion. “Other than being my good angel, I do not know who you are, sir?”
“My name is Dominic Markham. I am the rector of St Marys.’
Do you have a favourite character or characters you feel especially close to?
When I’m writing a novel I feel incredibly close to the heroes and heroines but, at the moment, I admire Yvonne, the heroine of a medieval novel set in the reign of Edward II. She has a very strong personality which overcomes loss and tragedy. I also admire Nicholas, who aspires to be a perfect knight. Although he loves Yvonne he does not break his wedding vows and until the resolution as the end of the novel is always in the background to help Yvonne whenever he can.
Would you share one of the most romantic lines from one of your books?
Extract from Tangled Love: – Early 18thc. Historical Fiction.
“Overcome by his love for her, he clasped her hand. ‘Sweetheart, you are safe; as God is my witness if you condescend to marry me, I will protect you for the rest of my life.
What are a few of your favorite book covers that have been done for your books?
I particularly like the book covers of Far Beyond Rubies and The Captain and The Countess.
If you could meet one of your characters, which one would it be?
Confident Captain Howard a gentleman mature for his age.
Do you prefer writing your heroes, your heroines or do you like writing both equally?
I like writing them both equally.
If you were a shape shifter and could become any one item owned by your latest romance hero (or heroine), what would it be?
I would become Captain Howard’s ruby ring.
If you could step into one of your books, which one would it be?
Far Above Rubies.
Would you share a favorite quote from your latest hero, heroine or villain?
Thirty-two year-old Kate, Countess of Sinclair, inclined her head to twenty-four year-old Captain Howard’s godmother. “Will you not warn your godson I am unsound, wild, and a bad influence on the young?”
Would you tell us about yourself?
I was born in Sidcup, Kent, in South East England. As a child, when not making up stories, my head was ‘always in a book.’
While working in a travel agency, I met my Hindu husband. He encouraged me to continue my education at Westminster College in London. In 1961 I and my husband, now a barrister, moved to his birthplace, Kenya, where I lived from 1961 until 1982. After an attempted coup d’état, I and four of my children lived in an ashram in France.
Back in England, I wrote historical fiction and joined the Romantic Novelists’ Association, Historical Novel Society and Watford Writers.
To research, I read non-fiction, visits museums and other places of historical interest.
My bookshelves are so crammed with historical non-fiction, which I use to research my novels, that if I buy a new book I have to consider getting rid of one.
What are your favorite genres to read and write?
I enjoy historical fiction and historical nonfiction, fantasy fiction, cosy detective stories, autobiographies and much more. I write traditional historical romances, enriched with historical detail, and characters who act according to the era in which they lived. They are not 21st people dressed in costume. However, I’ve also written a novel for young adults, set in the 1980’s and a fantasy fiction novel, both of which need to be revised.
Where can we visit you online?
http://rosemarymorris.blogspot.com
When you’re not writing, what do you like to do?
I enjoy time with my family and friends, classical Indian literature, reading, vegetarian cooking, growing organic fruit, herbs and vegetables and creative crafts.
How long have you been writing?
For as long as I can remember.
To you what makes a great romance hero?
A hero who, in spite of his faults, is kind to children, old people and animals and, of course, romantic.
To you what makes a great romance heroine?
A spirited heroine who, no matter what her problems are, is always read to help others and has a kind heart.
Do you have any particular writing habits? (Listening to music, best time of day to write, etc.?
I am most creative first thing in the morning. I like to write in silence but in the late afternoon or early evening when I am dealing with ‘writerly’ matters I often switch on the t.v.
Where would you go on your dream vacation?
To five star hotel with views of The Cornish or Devonshire coast and a health suite.
Name three fictional characters (not your own) that you find hot. They can be from books, movies, or TV.
Rhett Butler in Gone With The Wind by Margaret Mitchell. Ash in The Far Pavilions by M.M. Kaye. The Duke of Avon in These Old Shades by Georgette Heyer.
If you could be any kind of shapeshifter, what kind would you be?
White witch – a good witch.
What is your favorite season?
Spring with the promise of another rewarding year.
What book are you currently reading?
Empire of the Moghul. Raiders from the North by Alex Rutherford.
What is the last movie you watched?
Testament of Youth.
What is your favorite comfort food?
Dark chocolate.
Do you have any pets?
No.
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