What is your book about?
Borderland Bride is set in Northumbria in 14th Century England at a time when the borderland’s were very dangerous. Isabel, a stranger to the area, comes under attack and loses her voice and hearing. When she’s rescued by a knight, Jake, and taken back to his brother’s home, a relationship develops between them. But Isabel has a big secret and Jake struggles with trust so they both have to make some difficult choices.
How did you come up with the idea for your book?
I wanted to write a story where communication was an issue. I loved the idea of a relationship forming without the use of words. Realising I didn’t know enough of another language to use that as a barrier, I ensured my poor heroine lost both her voice and hearing.
What makes your book different than others in your genre?
My use of language is different. I know my native English tongue differs slightly but I hope that brings a sense of realism, particularly when it comes to dialogue. I love writing dialogue and I think that comes across. I’m lucky in that I’ve been able to visit places featured in my books (castles etc) and I hope to bring a sense of realism into my stories by blending my experiences into my tales.
How long did it take you to write your book?
Generally I take about three months. I write full time so I put in anything between 4-6 hours of writing a day. I’m lucky to have an incredibly efficient editor who ensures editing doesn’t take too long.
What are some writing goals for the future?
I’d like to perhaps expand into a different historical era or even write some contemporary romances. I am in the process of writing a fantasy romance but it is still set in a medievally sort of world, so its not too far removed from my previous stuff.
If you were stranded on an island which book would you bring with you?
How to Survive on a Desert Island – I’m making the gross assumption this book exists! Failing that, North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell.
What makes a good romance book?
The characterisation is essential. I love it when a book makes your stomach churn with fear, apprehension, excitement… If you don’t care for the characters then that won’t happen. In romance, you need to want them to get together and I love that little stomach flip you get when it finally happens.
GUEST POST-Samantha Holt
The pros and cons of being a Medieval Romantic writer
Pros
1. You walk around in a rosy haze making the world seem wonderful.
2. You’re creative! This means you can write wherever you want. The bath is my favourite.
3. You fall in love with a new man each time you write a new book.
4. You get to think naughty thoughts and not feel ashamed about it.
5. Watching romantic films is considered research.
6. You get to explore castles as research.
7. After hours of writing medieval dialogue, husband responds very well to being called ‘My Lord.’
8. You expand your cooking knowledge when researching medieval recipes.
9. You learn new things about chosen period and therefore sound amazingly well-educated.
10. You get to write about men in loose linen shirts
Cons
1. You walk around in a rosy haze. Family don’t like this apparently.
2. You brain prefers that you write in bed. At 2am in the morning.
3. You fall in love with a FICTIONAL man. Husband doesn’t like this much either.
4. You spend so much time thinking naughty thoughts that you forget how to actually do the real thing.
5. All your royalties get spent on tissues when watching said romantic films.
6. You have to explore castles as research – do you know how many steps those things have?
7. You forget how to talk normally after writing dialogue and the postman is never impressed. I thank thee for thy missive, good Sir.
8. You learn useless things that will never impress anyone. Cobwebs were considered to cure warts in medieval times – try using that as a conversation starter.
9. Family refuses to eat medieval culinary delights thus rendering knowledge useless. Why will they not eat a recipe delightfully named ‘Garbage’?
10. You have to write about men wearing hose. Hose are not sexy.
Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00C825F1W
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/borderland-bride-samantha-holt/1115054338?ean=2940016428765
Jupiter Gardens Press:
http://jupitergardenspress.com/shop/borderlands-bride-the-borderland-legacy-book-1/
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