Kidnapped!: A Eloisa James and Captain Jack Sparrow Interview Exclusive
*balmy Caribbean day, picturesque view of a large black pirate ship and a bunch of hammocks hanging between palm trees on the island nearby. A group of pirate women in various stages of dress are sprawled on chaise lounges, sipping Bahama Mamas and Mai Tais*
Marnee: *inserting a paper umbrella behind her ear* When is Eloisa supposed to arrive?
Hellion: I’m not sure. *settling in deeper into her chair as Lance waves a palm frond above her; slurps on her pina colada as Dirk steps forward to refresh her glass with more tropical drink* I sent Jack to get her an hour ago. I would have thought he arrived back by now.
Terri: *spewing frozen drink, aghast* You did what? You sent Jack to escort Eloisa James?
Hellion: *looking curious* Why, was that a bad idea?
*meanwhile, across the island, in a secluded cove, Captain Jack Sparrow is rowing a boat with illicit cargo. He ignores the covert kicks from the struggling package and tosses said package over his shoulder as he wades his way to shore. Soon he drops his loot in a chair in the private hut and whisks off the pillowcase*
Jack: *grinning far too good-naturedly for a wicked rogue* ‘ello, luv, I know I promised the gels they’d get a little chat with you, but I know how they get. They ask all these ridiculous questions about writing and craft and what book is coming next, and they never remember to ask anything worthwhile.
Eloisa: *shaking her hair back into place, looking thoroughly disgruntled* Was this really necessary?
Jack: I never do anything that’s not necessary. Now would you like a drink before we get started? I would. Kidnapping is such dehydrating work. *cutting the ties to her arms and gesturing to a table of beverages; Eloisa signals for one of the pink ones—after all, she should be recompensed in some way* Now, *dropping into a chair beside her*, enough with the social niceties….
Eloisa: *choking on her drink*
Jack: Is there any particular reason why you haven’t written a pirate themed novel? I know those settings work very well for romance: close quarters, high action, the Captain is probably the only one who bathes the most anyway…and everyone loves a pirate. *grins roguishly again*
Eloisa: But Jack! Everyone knows that pirates are all in bed with each other. My heroes are high on testosterone – but not on other men. Say, what kind of eyeliner are you using these days? I’ve been using Laura Mercier, but I’m always up for advice.
Jack: *pouts* I’m just going to ignore that uncouth thing you just said, Eloisa. What is it about the Georgian era you enjoy so much? Why not Victorian, why not Shakespearian? It’s the coats, isn’t it? *tugs at the sleeves of his coat and fiddles with the gold buttons* Ladies do love a man who cuts a dashing figure, I admit.
Eloisa: The Georgian is naughtier. The Shakespearean is dirtier (the lack of baths, toothbrushes and privies), and the Victorians are too weird sexually. For me. So what kind of eyeliner did you say you’re wearing?
Jack: Lancome, actually. Easy glide formula, no splinters, and waterproof. On that subject, I sometimes read your books in the bath when Hellion can’t scrub my back (don’t tell her, I dropped the one about her precious Mayne, by purely accident of course, into the water)—and I notice you have a long list of characters—and all so very different—how do you keep them all straight?
Eloisa: I start a “Bible” with every book. I list everything from the main characters (and their appearance—so important to keep the women in your life apart, Jack!) to the addresses, servants, gentlemen “about town,” stores, etc. And I update it with each book. Or rather, my trusty research assistant does.
Jack: Hellion goes on and on about something else you do very well. I better ask it; she’ll kill me if I don’t. *pats down chest, pulls out a scrap of paper* Ah, here it is. Sometimes it feels like authors are varying the same archetype, but your characters truly do feel and behave like individuals. Do you discover your characters as you write, or do they seem to come fully formed out of whatever research you’ve done prior to starting the book?
Eloisa: They come out of research, to some extent. But really just out of my imagination – put together with whatever I’m reading lately. So the hero of When the Duke Returns, Simeon, is loosely based on a real Georgian laird who traveled all through Ethiopia, searching for the source of the Blue Nile. But he also come from Kipling’s Kim, which I was rereading, and Michael Chabon’s The Yiddish Policeman’s Union, which I read about three times while writing this novel (it’s fantastic!) and finally from my husband.
Jack: I’m going to surmise these were also not about pirates? Hmm. Fine. One of the other girls asks: Is there a book you haven’t written yet that you would like to write? What would it be? (Is there a pirate?) That last bit is me, of course.
Eloisa: Nope. If I want to write a book, I write it. That’s my biggest advice for unpubbed writers, by the way: if you want to write something, do it. Don’t just talk about it. Tell yourself you will write a rubbishing version of the wonderful book you had in your head. Five revisions later, it will likely be wonderful!
Jack: Hellion will be delighted with that answer. (Not that I think she write anything rubbishy. Codswollop, sure, but not rubbish.) Oh, here’s another girl question. Are they raiding my clothing when I’m not in them? How odd. How do you deal with the pressure from fans to write your books? Or do you feel pressure from the fans? *scoffs* Honestly, that Marnee. I’ve explained this time and again. *sniffs* My fans are positively rabid. I can hardly leave the island as it is. I imagine it’s the same for you, am I right?
Eloisa: My fans are really nice! And since I write 2 a year, I don’t see that they have anything to complain about, and luckily for me, they agree. That said, I will have two books out back-to-back next June and July, so my fans have a reason to love me! i.e., because I may die of hard work, but they’ll get Villiers novel!
Jack: Good God, don’t bring up Villiers. He’s even bigger than Mayne on this ship at times. (Okay, so maybe I dropped Mayne’s precious book into the tub on purpose.) *flips over paper* Another one! They must really like you. You publish at least one book a year, and lately, two times a year. How are you able to write two books a year and still do all the things you need to do to be a professor? There is a lot of research required of professors, too, yes? Publish or perish?
Eloisa: Well, actually you don’t perish if you’re tenured, which I am.
Jack: Ah, once a pirate, always a pirate, I say.
Eloisa: But that doesn’t mean that I don’t publish because honestly, Jack, I’m a professor first. So I just finished an article for an anthology on Renaissance London even though a book is due because that’s my first job, and writing is my second. Think of it being like you, Jack: wearing eye-liner and swishing around is your first job, and pirating is your second!
Jack: *narrow eyed moue* They did warn me you were witty. Well, would you ever consider giving up being a professor to write full time? Because I sure as hell wouldn’t give up my pirate ship…that is, once I get it back, of course.
Eloisa: Nope. We’re birds of a feather there, Jack.
Jack: So, what’s your next book about? When the Duke Returns. Any pirates in it? *pursing lips thoughtfully* I mean, I saw a play once about a pirate who found out he was a duke….
Eloisa: You’d like my hero. Simeon has fought off alligators, and wild tribes, and a mountain king. He’s a stud. He’d throw you over board in two seconds.
Jack: *blowing on his nails* Like to see him try that. So the Desperate Duchesses series. They have been very wildly popular. Jemma and Elijah have a huge following. Any teasers for the fans out there who can’t wait to read more about these two?
Eloisa: Stop thinking that Elijah and Jemma will obviously end up together! When have I ever given you everything you wanted? Or – let’s put it this way – when has life ever given any of us what we absolutely wanted?
Jack: *jaw agape* I think I know what you’re saying. And definitely true, because if life did, I’d still have my ship. *swigs rum* Why is the rum gone? Damn, I need to go get more; and I suppose you should be returned back to the ship. *tilts head, sloe-eyed look* Unless you’d like to be my captive a little bit longer. You know, for some inspiration for that pirate book you might write someday….
Eloisa: Nope. *jumping to her feet and bolting to the door*
Jack: Wait! Wait! Eloisa… *running after* Did you say Laura Pellier? Mercier? Mabelline? I’m willing to expand my horizons…. *turns back to audience* Well, that went well. However, we can all agree that Eloisa was an extremely good sport—and an excellent interviewee (can definitely hold her rum.) What questions have you for the fair Eloisa James and her non-pirate and uber-popular (NYT’s bestsellers!) novels? And can someone find me some more rum? I think those hoochie-papa cabana boys have been hiding it again....
Talk loud and talk often: 5 commenters will receive a copy of Desperate Duchesses!
Books by the Crew
81 comments:
Welcome aboard Eloisa....What an honor....it feels rather like meeting the Queen!
Except that its so relaxing on this ship and the pirates can charm parrots from the trees.
Reading your books, the words and imagery always seem to flow so effortlessly without seams, as though created in a week long writing binge without coffee breaks.
As writing is a second career, I wonder how you fit it all in. Are you a globe trotting prof with a lap top who writes chapters while waiting for flight connections?
Does your husband get just a teeny bit jealous of all this success or is he just as successful in his own right and grateful to have free copies of all the books *g*
If you were ever in the mood, I would love to read you describing a Regency Ladies cricket match with the hero as an umpire, or some other sporting activity, perhaps punting at Oxford!
Still,I'm a second or even third helpings man, when the meal is this tasty. :D
Actually, I think she choked on your rum *g*
And I'm loving this idea of back to back books come summer. Don't worry, you won't die writing it, you love Villiers!
Since Q mentioned the hubby. Do you let him read your books before they are pub'd or does he have to wait too?
I'm really looking forward to this book. And can I say, you have an outstanding cover, I think it's the prettiest one so far (could have something to do with me liking pink)
Oooh, I can't wait for this book! I've been looking forward to it. And I too, want to know how you fit two demanding careers with a full family life.
P.S. It was so lovely meeting you in NJ!!
I have already read it *smirks* and it was fabulous. The hero has a distinguishing characteristc that is MOST unlikely for romance heroes. Without giving it away, Eloisa,I absolutely love how you've used awkward sex in your books. Unfortunately, all too realistic, LOL. Have you ever gotten editorial flak for that since things don't always go smoothly?
I know you're writing schedule is unique, too. Do you still spend most of the summer writing and the rest of the year not writing? Or am I as mixed up as Jack is over eyeliner?
Hey guys! Is it too early for a rum rummer? And seriously, somebody needs to trim Jack's dreadlocks. ewww.
Tiff--wait till you see the next cover! Its soooo pretty and feminine. I LOVE it.
Oh my goodness, that is one fabulously fun blog!!! I love it!!
Eloisa, here's my question for you . . .
Did you find it difficult writing this book where both the hero and the heroine are virgins? I would think it would be easier to write a virgin heroine than a virgin hero.
Hi JC Coi!
Ditto re meeting you!
Eloisa
Hi there, Quantum and Tiffany!
Ah, me hubby. Or Alessandro, as he prefers to be called. He's OK with it--in fact, vastly celebratory of my career, most of the time (what man in his right mind wouldn't be, seeing as it funds our trips to Italy)? The only thing he doesn't like is being called Mr. Eloisa...so beware of that!
The sad truth is that not only does he not read the books before hand, he doesn't read them after either! I know... he's terrible. But I should say in his defense that English is not his first language (he's Italian), and I watched him painfully slog through Potent Pleasures and then part of Desperate Duchesses, and then I gave him a free pass.
And as to how I do it, I honestly don't know. I'm so far behind today that it's not at all funny. I do work really hard. I haven't watched TV other than an occasional cooking show in a donkey's age, as my grandma used to say. And my down time is reading romance, most of the time, which is part of my job, since I write a column for B&N.
Eloisa
Hi Maggie,
I generally spend the summers writing crazily, and I'm supposed to spend the rest of the year just being a Shakespeare prof, but it never seems to work out that way. Book due January 1 (GROOOOANNNN..)
And nope, I've had 3 editors in my career and none of them has ever said a word about my sex. Mostly they tell me to be more descriptive about what my heroine feels -- I tend to revert to dramatic form (all talk). I think that's because I teach drama during the day.
Eloisa
aha...I am caught up and will check in later. And I meant to say, Hi to JK Coi, not JC!
Eloisa
And hi Buffie!
I actually like writing virgin heroes. But I'm not going to say all that much about it because I actually wrote a whole blog on that very subject. Please, everyone interested in virginal men, pop on over to Running with Quills on November 25th and let's talk virgins!
Eloisa
Hi Eloisa!!
I admire your fortitude with our Jack. He can be a wily one. :)
Are you a plotter or a pantser or somewhere in the middle?
And you recommended the Yiddish Policeman's Union at dinner at the NJ RWA Conference (ps, it was wonderful meeting you there!) and it's currently on my TBR stack. :) I'll get to it before When the Duke Returns if Simeon was shaped by it.
I've heard that the book is going to be made into a movie as well. The Coen Brothers are set to produce, I believe.
Hi Eloisa!
I like the idea of the Bible for each book.
What is this about not assuming Jemma and Elijah end up together? They HAVE to end up together! Well, come to think of it, as long as Elijah gets a nice woman who loves him and treats him well I guess I don't care that much. I love you Elijah! ;-)
Laura
Hi Eloisa! Welcome aboard! I'm off to work for the day but will check back later. No questions. Just a shout out to say how fabulous I think you are (as I've said before) and how I can't wait to read When the Duke Returns!
Another thing I've mentioned before, but bears repeating, is that I think you write troubled married couples better than anyone else out there! I just love that theme. It's kind of a little twist on the "Marriage of Convenience" scenario (another of my favorite storylines).
Thank you for providing such an awesome world for me to jump into when the one I'm currently in gets to be a bit too much! :)
Eloisa,
I agree with Irisheyes--you're fabulous! Really love your books, and love your dual careers.
Laura
Eloisa, you're absolutely fabulous! I can't believe you almost graced the decks of our ship (I swear, Hellion, when I get my hands on Capt'n Jack...)
Hi Eloisa! Wow, two books next summer! That's wonderful for us (even if it means no sleep for you *g*)
So I have a question about your dual careers. Do you find it difficult to swap back and forth between academic and fiction writing? I do research at a University, and sometimes the swap between writing text books during the day and fiction at night gets sticky. I've definitely added a quotation mark and 'she said,' at the end of a sentence on statistics before! Do you ever have that problem? Have any tricks? Or does it get easier with time? I'm in awe by your ability to manage both careers so well! (and by the way, if you're in the English Department, shouldn't publishing novels count? I vote that you at least get a couple points for that!)
Eloisa! Thank you again for agreeing to interview, even if naughty Jack tried to steal you. He's like that. You're lucky he didn't tie you up to the b... *coughs* Never mind.
Being I scored a pre-copy of WTDR, I have to say how much I loved it! This series just keeps getting better and better. (I adored DD because the heroine reminds me of myself, quite a bit, in a LOT of things: fathers, relatives who embarrass you, kids...) But I think WTDR is my favorite. Okay, I say that with every book. It's true though!
I can say that I stole the copy of When the Duke Returns from Capt'n Jack (who apparently stole it from Hellion- to which I gave it back to Hellion in yoga class one night and she looked at me like I was the crazy ninja pirate that I am) and it was one of Eloisa's best!
Hm. Here's a question- how do you always seem to outwrite your last book with your newest one? Everything always seems fresh and new. The imagery is always captivating, even if it's a book within the same series.
PS. I can't wait for Villiers book *swoon*
And that early copy of WTDR never seemed to make it to MY cabin! I'm quite miffed about that. *taps toe*
Thanks so much for gracing The Revenge with your presence, Eloisa. It's like we're almost respectable fer a day!
I love your books, have since the first. With this series the first couple of books were great ensemble pieces then I believe the last couple of focused more on the H/H. Is this just how the stories played out or did you plan it that way? And since I know your series brew in that lovely head of yours for quite some time before you start writing, do you already know what your next series will be?
Damn that courier anyway! He should be flogged! I mean, how long does it take to run a simple book to the cabin next door! A plague on his loincloths! You can't hire good help around here!
Ummm...ummm...I'm ashamed to say I haven't read, my apologies. I'm getting all choked up, I haven't read much lately. I mean Mayne *fans self* was the last. That's not to say I don't have them, because I totally do. They're sitting on my bookshelf in the immediate TBR pile. Really they are. It's not like I haven't been busy, you know writing. And, no, Jack, I haven't written about pirates.
Eloisa, love the bible idea. And Villiers *squee*!
I think it is amazing how you give your characters little quirks to make them unique.
Renee
Maybe as long as it takes to get pictures developed.....
**Eloisa: Stop thinking that Elijah and Jemma will obviously end up together**
So are you telling us that Elijah going to die. oooooooo how are you going to kill him.
Sandy - You and I both know you've been on the board long enough to know she's never going to answer that. LOL! But kudos for trying.
O Booooo. A girl can dream....right?
Eloisa -- I be sure to check out your blog next week on virgin heros. I'm interested to know about your writing process with them. Thanks!
PS -- Can't wait to read this book. I have heard so many wonderful things about it!
Hi Marnee!
I'm a pantser. All the way. Here's my thought: if I don't let what happens, happen, then I might miss something really creative. In When the Duke Returns, for example, something goes really really wrong with the water closets (toilets) in the duke's house. That is not the sort of thing that you could plan -- it has to come out of daily life. alas.
The Coen B are doing the Yiddish PM Union? wow. That is a really weird pairing.
Eloisa
Hi everybody!
(This is a joint response) Laura, I looooove Elijah too. He's very dear. And breaks my heart. ahem.
And Irish Eyes, thanks! I am fascinated by bad marriages, I have to say. I'll give a shout-out here for a writer who seems to be right up my alley that way--Sherry Thomas. She's new and really great.
Haleigh, I know exactly what you mean! I don't have the quote problem as much as finding myself writing along, creating say a wild pig-woman, stolen right out of the Ben Jonson play I'm writing an academic article about, and I have to rein myself in and remember that secondary characters are just that -- secondary -- and where did my hero and heroine go, anyway?
Eloisa
Hi Hellion, Sin and Terrio!
Hellion... my check is in the mail. Seriously -- I'm so glad you like When the Duke Returns!!
And Sin, same there. As for your very sweet comment about the books getting better... jeez. I love the idea, though I'm not sure if it's true. They do get harder every one, though. Which is sooo unfair. You'd think I'd be able to phone them in by now, but now, it seems as if every book there's something, some part of writing, that I suddenly realize I need to do better. argh.
And Terrio, it was deliberate to pull in the focus a bit after the first two novels. My editor felt that readers would really respond to a bit more time with the hero/heroine. And it seems to be working...hope so!
Eloisa
Dear ReneeLynn,
No NEEd for apologies! If you could see my tbr pile, you would blanche. The most exciting thing on it right now?
SUSAN ELIZABETH PHILLIPS'S NEW BOOK!
that's right! I stole it from my publishers' office last week. But I don't know why I bothered, because I'm so swamped the only thing I can read is the back of cereal boxes.
Eloisa
send SEP book right over.....
Eloisa,
I read the first seven chapters of WTDR online. As it is, I can't wait for Nov. 25th. It's just not fair!
Sandy, Sandy, Sandy,
You think I'm going to answer that?
HAHAHHAHAAHAH....
off to the university -- back later.
Eloisa
I'm sorry CM, you'll have to wait! And Sandy...ditto!
Eloisa, happily
@ Sandy - Elijah better not die! That would be horible. :(
Hi Eloisa!
I loved WHEN THE DUKE RETURNS! It's my favorite book of the series so far. I just turned in my review of the book and I can already hear the comments about how much I gushed but too bad. It was a very gush-worthy story!
I didn't know the last two books would be released back to back. That's so awesome! Thank you!
Hugs,
~PJ
A'right...I'll slip by the bookstore today and buy a book by our lovely captive. Or Jack's lovely captive...
Any suggestions for an Eloise newbie? Can the author 'erself suggest a first time title?
You all have cabins? I've been sleeping behind the bar...on the floor... 'Tis the only way to protect the rum...
How cute. She thinks she's protecting the rum. Bless her heart....
I love all the books so I'd say start with the Pleasures series if you want to go way back. But since this current series is so great, pick up Desperate Duchesses (or win it today!) and then work through the series from there - An Affair Before Christmas, Duchess By Night, then this new one coming out next week. Then when you get through those you can go back to the beginning and be ready for the next ones that come out next summer.
“and the Victorians are too weird sexually.” Truly, I’m glad that I wasn’t drinking my coffee when I read this. Makes me wish that I was a research assistant just so I could see what you’re referring too….
I have to agree with SIN, Eloisa. Your books are getting better. So I can see why your books have not become easier to write. It is obvious that you put a lot of work into your writing. And this reader wants you to know that your attention to detail and the craftsmanship of the writing is Very Much Appreciated. Thank you.
And
Stop thinking that Elijah and Jemma will obviously end up together?
Oh you Wicked Creature! I have been in Reader Purgatory ever since you introduced Jemma & Elijah. Waiting for their story… Wanting their story… waiting and wanting. Wanting and waiting. And Now? Now I’m in Reader Hell! Really. I can’t stand it!
2nd Chance is a VIRGIN? Eloisa loves virgins.
I would recommend anything with Mayne in it. So I'm naughty and would have you read Your Wicked Ways first (which is the last of a quartet, but the first time we meet Mayne.) Then I'd have you read the Essex sisters, finishing with Pleasure for Pleasure which is all about Mayne. Lovely, lovely Mayne. *swoons*
Your Wicked Ways
Much Ado About You
Annabel's book--Annabel's kiss? (Sorry, the title wasn't very Shakespeare...it escapes me!)
Taming of the Duke
Pleasure for Pleasure (MAYNE! MAYNE! I LOVE MAYNE!)
And to those of you who say “Julie, you whiney ol’ thing, you sound just like a Shakespearian Tragedy!”
I politely respond “No, I do NOT!
I sound Golden. Like The Golden Age… of Musicals!” I sound Just like...
Jean Hagen playing the character Lina Lamont to be Precise.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lu-FYhapk30
Kiss me Anabel! Hello!!!! Very Shakespeare.
Hi Eloisa! :)
It was so great meeting you at the NJ conference!
And like I promised, I finished the first three books in the Desperate Duchesses series last weekend, so I made it with a week and a half to spare! :) I loved them all of course, and can't wait for next Tuesday!
Now I know why everyone's in love with Villiers-count me in! ;)
I know you've said that there will be more focus on the hero and heroine, but will Poppy, Harriet,Villiers, etc. still be making cameos? (I decided to wait until the 25 so didn't read the 7 chapter exceprt at Harper Collins)
And I love Jemma and Elijah! Please don't let anything happen to him!!!!!
Would now be the time to admit I wasn't very good in my Shakespeare class? I mean, I think I scraped out with an A, but...honestly....
I'm still trying to rack my brain to remember a Shakespeare title that had "kiss me" in it though. I mean, I know what the other ones are alluding too; and I know the Annabel story had the Shakespeare theme. I just don't think they let Eloisa keep the Shakespeare title she had picked out.
Hellion, Kiss Me Kate is a play related to Taming of the Shrew.
2nd Chance, I recommend Desperate Duchess.
That's true. MGM. Yum, Howard Keel. Ann Miller doing "Too Darn Hot." Still. That's a stretch, in my opinion for me to read "Kiss Me Annabel", think Kiss Me Kate, then Taming of the Shrew. Or more importantly, Kiss Me Annabel=Taming of the Shrew...I mean, algebra was not my forte and this seems to be algebra logic to me.
Laforesta, I'm not in love with Villiers. Sorry. I just don't understand what all the hoopla is about. *goes off to hide*
I don't know, I got the Kiss Me Annabel / Kiss Me Kate / Taming of the Shrew connection. Maybe I'm just smarter than you. ;-) Or have been drinking less rum. :-P
*LOL* NICE. I'm sure you are. Most people are.
It's okay, Hellion. :) I was a HUGE Shakespeare fan in college. I tried to see Kiss Me Kate with the university's Literary Guild [club for English majors] but it was sold out and I wasn't able to see it.
I really loved Rafe and Imogen's story- The Taming of the Duke. I loved his turn around and Imogen was my favorite Essex sister (I know! I know! I love Josie too! *jumping overboard to keep from being strangled by Hellion* Yeesh.
So I would have to recommend the Essex Sister series.
It's so hard to choose. *biting lip* Because I really loved all of the Pleasure series (Potent Pleasure was my first Eloisa book) and I really loved the first Duchess books.
I might cry if I have to choose one for someone to read.
2nd Chance,
How about you trust us when we say Eloisa rocks and just buy them all? ;)
Stop the presses! Jules agreed with me. I need to take a moment in silence to remember this day.
Hellion, "kiss Me, Kate" is not only the title of a musical; it is also a quotation from The Taming of the Shrew. Early in Act II after a spirited exchange between Kate and Petruchio, he says to her just before they leave the stage: We will have rings and things and fine array; / And kiss me, Kate, we will be married o'Sunday."
I loved EJ's Essex sisters book, but TTOTS is far from my favorite Shakespeare. However, I had a Shakespeare prof who gave us line tests. Some things are indelibly carved into my brain. :)
Eloisa, I laughed last night when I read a review of WTDR by a male reader on GoodReads. He liked the book a lot, but he opined thay no other romance included such details about water closets. LOL!
I too have already read WTDR, and I think it's wonderful. I agree that this series keeps getting better. Moreover, Simeon belongs to a rare breed; he is a truly distinctive romance hero. I never once was struck be his similarity to another hero. I love that quality.
You know, I have been so worried about Elijah's surviving the series that I never thought that he and Jemma might have separate HEAs. Oh, say, it isn't so!
That should be "Kiss Me, Kate." Honestly, I do know the rules of capitalization!
And I forgot to say, I think Villiers is fascinating. Each book lets us see him through a new lens.
And while we are talking about books discussed at the NJRW conference dinner... The English Patient Author IS canadian...
And EJ, Yiddish is on my TBB, next time I'm at the bookstore!
Please, please don't make me retake a Shakespeare class to retain my English major status. I'll just give my diploma back if that's the case.
I won't dock you, Janga. We're all typing faster than we can edit around here...believe me, if I had just GOOGLED for the Annabel title like I thought I should.... *grins*
Why Elijah not survive the series? Why? WHY? It never crossed my mind he wouldn't. Know you all have me worried....
Sorry, I really can't type. It was SUPPOSED to say:
Why would Elijah not survive the series? Why? WHY? It never crossed my mind he wouldn’t. Now you all have me worried . . .
Janga, you're right about "Kiss me, Kate" being a line from the play. I knew that but temporarily forgot.
This is reminding me of the first time I met Eloisa when this series was just starting. I remember even back then there was talk of Elijah not surviving. Though Eloisa was cagey as always. LOL! I'll say I'd hate to see something happen to him but I trust her enough that however she chooses to write the stories, I'm sure I'll still be satisfied at the end.
Hi Eloisa!
This was such a great interview. I think Captain Jack outdid himself with it!
I love When the Duke Returns, it's tied with Pleasure for Pleasure (and we all know how much I love PforP). But WTDR is just a phenomenal masterpiece---both Simeon and Isadore are such rich characters. Simeon does have a little pirate in him during one particular scene. And I think Janga mentioned this, but with each book, Villiers becomes more and more intriguing. He seems so real that I fully expect to be done with the book and hear about a real-life Villiers. LOL.
And you have SEP's newest book What I Did For Love. I'm green with envy. In her newsletter, there's an audiofile where she reads the first chapter out loud---it just made me want to read it now.
I'm also thrilled to hear that Jemma and Villiers' book release back to back . . . by any chance, in the last book, will there be a whole reunion thing with all the duchesses? (I know this series starts and ends with a party, will that also continue).
And as much as I look forward to the sixth book, I'm also kind of sad because it'll be saying good-bye to these rich cast of characters.
I know that there'll be so many great things coming for WTDR and the rest of this series!
Laura...? "How about you trust us when we say Eloisa rocks and just buy them all?"
I ain't made a doubloons, ya know!
Ah, ya all made me so proud to read the list! I will strive to find 'em all and read 'em all. Maybe I can get 'em electronically and load 'em on my magic notebook... I shrink from collectin' paper anymore...
Mayne? Ain't that a northern state? ;)
I wasn't protectin' the rum? I'm gonna give 'im a trim a those snarly locks! Pirate!
Must teach and then go out to dinner, but leave your questions and I'll check in later!
Eloisa
Hi everybody!
I have to admit, I'm whizzing thorough all the comments because I have to go teach a grad class (ouch -- starts at 3:30 and IT'S 3:30!)> OK... so, Laforesta -- hi there! And Second Chance, I'd advise Desperate Duchesses too, just so you know where things are. And thank you for trying one of my books! (I hope you like it)
PJ, I love every gushing review, believe me, so thanks in advance for that.
And whoever asked (Laforesta?) there ARE cameos of all my characters now and then... Jemma's book has just a snippet of her brother and wife, for instance...
off I go!
Eloisa
Hi there!
As Eloisa's research assistant, I protest that she's never had me research Victorian sex. Darn it.
But as for 18th Century water closets, I'm down with them. Way down. I could write a thesis about them. If you need sources...
"But as for 18th Century water closets, I’m down with them. Way down. I could write a thesis about them. If you need sources…"
Believe me, Franzeca, after reading WTDR I know more than I ever wanted to know about water closets! LOL!
I LOVED the water closet thread in WTDR! LOL.
Eloisa--seriously? You've got the new SEP! Read, woman, read. ;)
OO Ladies, don't forget that Elijah not in good health. And What will happen to Jemma, If Elijah dies in the bedroom making that baby...
Sandy, STOP SAYING THAT! You horrible woman... :-(
Okay, I'll admit that I wasn't always a JeLi fan because of the infidelity thing. But at some point they wormed their way into my heart and I couldn't wait for their book. It just breaks my heart to think of Elijah dieing. Especially since I totally think he loves Jemma and she him.
But I have loved EVERY Eloisa book to ever be made and trust that she'll make it all work in the end. After all, I was worried about the Strange/Harriet pairing before I read the book. Now they're my favorite couple so far.
Eloisa, what kind of water are you drinking that gives you such unparallelled skill? Do they bottle it?*g*
OK, I got a birthday coming up and found a nice long list of Eloisa's books, e-format, at Books on Board... I deserve this, right?
Even if the rum didn't need to be guarded...grrrr!
I'm with Kim, Eloisa, drop everything and get to that SEP!!! I guarantee it will be worth it!
Count me as another Jeli. There is just something about Elijah that touches my heart. He seems to be another of those famous EJ heroes who is more ignorant than malicious (ever since reading EJ my favorite kind!)
I'm really curious about the water closets, now!!!!
I can't drop everything and start the SEP! I would never finish Villiers's novel... (and then my editor would come out to my house and yell at me, if not worse). It's my present for finishing.
And Kelly, I really think I explained the infidelity thing in a way that everyone will understand. I love writing: things can seem so simple on the surface but (hey, just like life), they really aren't underneath.
Well, you all will have to let me know what you think of that in June!
Ok, I'm off to bed. I'll check back tomorrow for last comments, and if I missed your question, just put it below this email again, and I promise I'll answer every one!
Eloisa
Hi, Eloisa!!
Sorry I'm late, ugh, life got in the way yesterday.
I loved the interview with Captain Jack.
I am eagerly awaiting next tues. Love the way your writing flows off the page to paint pictures.
Di
I'm just checking back in one last time (hi Di!).
It's been a true pleasure being here and jousting with Captain Jack. Be hearty, me hearties!
hugs, Eloisa
*innocent look*
Well heck SIN, if I had known that agreeing with you would “silence” you then I would have done IT ages ago!
*grin *
Sorry to be late! I just wanted to say that I recently read Duchess by Night, and I loved it. Now I have to get busy and read the other duchesses!
Thanks for coming by Cheryl. And THANK YOU, ELOISA for raising the caliber on this ship. I'm so curious about this water closet business....
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