Lori Brighton Makes Her Bow with Wild Heart
[Sun rising, the sky full of pinks and oranges; the ship is silent, being the crew is asleep—since when has any of the crew seen the sun rise? Please—and there at the front of the ship walks a dark haired lady, her skirts blowing behind her, her face turned to the wind. From the shadows emerges the one and only Captain Jack Sparrow]
Jack: Ms. Brighton, you came. I am honored. [sketching a small bow]
Ms. Brighton: Does one curtsey to a pirate? I have not seen that covered in the etiquette books.
Jack: An egregious oversight I am sure. Hellion usually conducts these interviews, but she’s not a morning person. Actually she’s not much of an afternoon or evening person either. She’s most personable in bed…or asleep, and to tell the truth—
Ms. Brighton: You’ve been known to tell the truth?
Jack: All the time. It’s not my fault no one believes me. Anyway, I purposely set up this little meeting because I knew Hellie could not spirit you away and ask those frou-frou writer questions of hers.
Ms. Brighton: What sort of writer questions?
Jack: Oh, you know, the ones like “What’s your book about?” and “Tell us more about your hero.” As if anyone cares about those things. Readers want to know when you plan to write about pirates.
Ms. Brighton: [making a small noise in the back of her throat] You are so right, Captain Sparrow. [batting her eyes at him] But do you think we might answer those questions first? Just for the sake of conventionality?
Jack: [sighing] You’re like the rest of them. Fine, fine. [draws a piece of paper from his jacket] Hellie wrote something out earlier. [unfolds sheet and clears throat] This has been an exciting year. Debut book coming out. No pressure, of course, I’m sure. What is your book, Wild Heart, about?
Ms. Brighton: No, no pressure at all. ;)
Wild Heart is really two books. On one hand, you have your typical romance set in Victorian, England with a hero, Leo, out for vengeance. Leo’s parents were murdered and he will do whatever it takes to find the people responsible. On the other hand, you have a more suspenseful plot. Ella, the heroine, is hired to tutor a lad. It’s only after she arrives that she finds out Leo is anything but a boy. On the outside Ella is your typical sweet heroine, but she has a secret…Ella has a special ability she’s kept hidden from the world. As Ella and Leo grow closer, they realize their pasts are entwined, and only together can they unlock the mystery of their lives. In the end, both most learn to trust each other or risk losing everything they hold so dear.
Here’s a brief blurb:
"Leo is next in line for an earldom, but he is uncultured, unrefined-- and completely untamed...until governess Ella arrives, determined to set him on the right path. But Ella has a secret, and if Leo finds out what she is truly capable of, she may lose everything she holds dear."
Jack: That does sound rather interesting, even if you insist on being conventional. Strange, considering how unconventional your novel is. It’s not just a historical, nor a paranormal. It’s both. Are you a fan of both genres? How did this story come about?
Ms. Brighton: Yes, I’m definitely a fan of both historicals and paranormals. My son was watching the Disney Tarzan movie and around the same time I saw a documentary on feral children. I love those alpha males and you can’t get more alpha than a man left in the wild to fend for himself. I’d come up with the basic concept, but it didn’t seem unique enough. That’s when I realized I could add the paranormal element. If Ella had an ability to control and sense the emotions of animals, since Leo is more animalistic than most, it would connect them on a deeper level. There were a few people who told me I didn’t need the paranormal element. My instincts told me to leave it in. Thankfully I did, since that was what Kensington really liked about the book.
Jack: [looks back at his sheet] Hellie read the excerpt on your website. She says Leo certainly makes an impression. (Hellie’s a little boy crazy.) You ladies certainly seem to have a fascination for a man who is not quite civilized. [tilting his head to smolder at her] What exactly is it you think will make all the lassies swoon for Leo?
Ms. Brighton: If your readers like an alpha male, and I’m assuming they do, they’ll love Leo. I tried to keep him true to life; what a real person would be like if they’d experienced what he has. On a trip to India, his parents are murdered. Leo is only a lad, but he’s forced to stay in hiding in a country he knows nothing about. Much like The Count of Monte Cristo (one of my favorite books), vengeance has kept him going. He’s very determined and blunt, but he’s also very honest and loyal. He doesn’t let people push him around. He’s a man who takes what he wants, and he definitely wants Ella. Here’s a short excerpt:
Leo sat beside her and removed one of his boots. Her gaze darted from his foot to his face, back to his foot again. A bug buzzed near her ear, and she brushed aside the annoying pest as Leo removed the other boot. Without hesitation, he pulled off his stockings. Large, sinewy feet were bared before her. Her face heated, and she jerked her gaze away. What in the world was he doing? She couldn’t look…It’d be improper. Yet, she couldn’t stop herself from watching him out of the corner of her eye.
Leo stood and drew her attention to his tall form. When his hands reached for the buttons on his shirt, she jumped to her feet. “Wh…what are you doing?”
His gaze locked on hers, but he offered no response. Slowly, his fingers traveled down his chest until the shirt hung open. With a quirk of his brow, he tossed the garment aside and stood before her bare-chested. Heat raced to her face. Had it warmed outside? Really, it was uncomfortably hot today. She slid her finger between her neck and collar, pulling the material from her damp skin.
“Leo, this is not very proper,” she said in a breathless whisper. “You really should-” Her voice caught as his hands went to the waistband of his trousers.
Blimey, no.
He couldn’t….He wouldn’t.
He did.
Jack: Typical. Women. [looks back at sheet] Oh, yes, they’d keelhaul me if I didn’t ask this. What’s your call story?
Ms. Brighton: It’s a sad, long tale, but with a happily ever after, of course. When I wrote Wild Heart I had this feeling it would sell. Then I sent it out into the world of agents and it was rejected, over and over. Not one to give up easily, I decided to enter it in some writing contests. It came in first place in the Golden Acorn Contest and Hilary Sares, an editor at Kensington, requested the full. I sent it off hoping this was the break I’d been wanting for six years. Then a month went by, then two, then three. I chalked it up to another rejection and started thinking about which book I’d start writing next. Then one day I got a call. The I.D. said New York, but since I didn’t know anyone, I didn’t answer. When I checked my messages later, it was from Hilary saying she was interested in my book. I was so shocked, I could barely breathe, let alone call her back. It took me about 30 mins to get up the nerve to return her call.
Jack: Shot of rum is always good for the nerves. And lastly, what’s coming up next?
Ms. Brighton: My Kensington contract was for two books. The second book is a spinoff of the first. It takes place in India and has minor characters from book one. Colin, the hero, is a charming rogue, much like you, Jack. He’s an adventurer and Bea, his heroine, is a prim and proper lady. They’re thrown together in India, forced to travel the country while fighting for their lives. It’s quite the thrilling adventure and I really enjoyed writing it. Unfortunately it won’t be out for at least a year. I’m hoping to put up an excerpt on my website soon.
Jack: Most excellent. Did you have any questions for me?
Ms. Brighton: Not a question exactly. [glancing longingly at the prow of the ship] I would wonder if you would do be a small favor.
Jack: Ah, you want the Titanic thing. I get that a lot. I would be delighted, Ms. Brighton, if you’ll just step this way…anything else?
Ms. Brighton: I’m honored to be spending my release day with you all! It’s been a blast. In fact, you’ve been so wonderful that I think I’ll give away a few copies of my book. Leave a comment and 3 people will win a copy of Wild Heart!
Books by the Crew
31 comments:
Congratulations, Lori! How amazing that your book will be read by thousands and thousands of people. This is only the beginning, I can't wait to see where your path leads next. Have a wonderful release day!!
Blast! Jack's takin' her out to the bow! I better get the Kraken ta the stern afore he thinks she's a tidbit fer his breakfast!
*Chance dashes to the stern, draggin' a persistent inner critic with her. "Look! I told ya there be a trail at the end a' the ship! See... Look!"
*The critic peered suspiciously off the stern. Chance gave a sharp whistle and at the first glance of a tentacle, she shoved the stern faced biddy off the stern.
Ought ta keep him busy, save Ms. Brighton from an unhappy end now that she's havin' such a good beginnin'!
Welcome ta the ship, Lori! Yer books sound interestin'! Now that Jack's got yer feet safetly back ta the deck, can I fix ya drink?
Did ya do a lot a' research inta India fer these books?
Chance, would you mind handing Lori one of those frozen thingies? I'm sure she'd love the fruity concoction.
Lori, how in the world can you stand this? I feel like I've been waiting just as long as you have for this day. I told hubs that I was going to go to every store in town and buy up every one of your books. He, of course, just nodded and smiled.
Happy release day! You rock. Leo rocks. Wild Heart Rocks!!!!
Hi Lori
I like the concept of a historical romance where one of the characters has an extraordinary ability. I think we all like to imagine that we might have a special ability at something, so it should be easy to empathise with the heroine here.
Did your background in anthropology influence the choice of a special ability with animals?
I think this is a winning concept. Some paranormals are so 'way out' that they loose plausibility. By using some ability that could conceivably evolve in the future, you retain the plausibility that can bring the book to life.
I definitely want to read it when I can get an electronic version in a format that I can use.
May I ask whether the science background was at all helpful in writing the book?
As a physicist I am always fascinated to find romance authors with a science background. I think it can give a considerable advantage, but I may be biased, and pirates here may argue the point! :lol:
Fabulous interview!
What an awesome interview! Jack you dog, you. How dare you steal Hellie's thunder.
Lori, the story sound great and your cover is going to draw a lot of attention. Congratulations on the release. Enjoy it!
Oh, and watch these ladies. They are a bunch of sneaky wenches. Their always hiding the rum...and Jack!
Terrific interview!
Congratulations on your debut, Lori! WILD HEART is on my list of books to pick up at the store this week.
Are you doing anything special to celebrate your debut release? Besides spending the day with Jack, I mean. We all know Jack is *very* special! :)
Hi everyone! You guys are great! Love it here!
yes, I had to do a lot of research on India. I was very worried about getting something wrong, but I'm sure I did. My husband has actually been there 3 times for work, but I haven't been able to go. So he was able to give me a "feel" for the place.
I loved being a Natural Science curator and often find natural science in my book. In the book I'm writing right now, the heroine is working on a book about wildflowers.
As for my interest in Anthro., I think thats why I write more adventerous book...my Indiana Jones blooks, I call them. lol
I think the paranormal is rather subtle in the book, I think it fits well. Kind of of the show Heroes in the Victorian era.
You guys are all so kind to welcome me and give me your congrats!
PJ
My son has school off and my husband took the day off. I had planned to visit as many book stores as I could to see my book in the wilds, but we'll probably end up going hiking, where I doubt I'll see my book. Unless a squirrel has taken a keen interest.
Welcome to the ship, Lori! :) And thanks for playing so nice with our Jack.
Wild Heart sounds wonderful. Have you always written historical?
What a great interview, and congratulations on your release, Lori!
Congrats and welcome to the ship Lori!
Congrats again to you Lori! So you recently ran a fun contest on your site. Before you were published did you enter many contests? Also do you have an opinion on the Nano writing contest craze, that seems to be the talk of the circuit?
Congrats Ms. Brighton!! What an exciting day for you and what a wonderful call story!
Have you always been a writer or did something just stick with you that you had to get on paper?
Sorry, I'm late--internet issues--though I'm very glad Jack was able to ask some relevant questions instead of all the ones about pirates and how much rum drinking you do for the average novel? *eye roll*
And don't listen to Kim, we're not hiding the rum--Kim is just such a prolific drinker, we run out and she thinks we're hiding it from her.
I like your "pitch" that Wild Heart is like Heroes set in the Victorian Era. Is that the high concept you used to sell the novel? Or did you use something else?
Congratulations on your debut, Lori. I've heard so many good things about your book from people whose opinions I trust that I've added it to my must-read list.
Leo sounds like an intriguing hero. Pat Gaffney's Wild at Heart is one of my all-time favorites, and Leo sounds as if he and Gaffney's "Tarzan in Canada" have a lot in common. :)
I'm happy that the Victorian Era is beginning to offer real competition to the perennial favorite period for historical romance, the Regency. What do you find most appealing about the period?
Congrats Lori,
I'm hooked! Can't wait to read Wild Heart.
What a fun interview! And another great excerpt. Very sensual. Can't wait to read Wild Heart.
I'm late too. Had the same internet issues. You'd think a network held together by hammock yarn and duct tape would work.
Congrats on your debut and thanks for spending such an exciting day with us. You did very well at keeping Jack in hand. ;)
I'm curious about the answers to all the questions above, so I won't bombard you with a bunch more. Though I would like to know how your heroine's ability comes into play in the story.
Happy release day, Lori! I love your book cover and your book sounds wonderful! The subtle blending of the paranormal in a historical is my favorite kind of book. :) It sounds a bit to me like kind of a beauty and the beast theme and that's very appealing! Do you plan to have a touch of the paranormal in your future books?
Your call story is very inspiring, but I sympathize with the uncertain time when rejections must have been disheartening. Success must feel all the sweeter! Congratulations!
congratulations, Lori! Wild Heart sounds like a great story. All the best!
Hellie said...
And don’t listen to Kim, we’re not hiding the rum–Kim is just such a prolific drinker, we run out and she thinks we’re hiding it from her.
Yur a bleating tease! I know ye've got a keg stashed in the keel cuz Jack and I found it when we were sneakin' round yur back. *wicked grin*
Hi, Lori~
Your book sounds great, I can't wait to pick it up. I love your call story, I'm wondering how many times you listened to the message before it sunk in.
Di
And there's my further proof: are you going to believe someone who runs around with your boyfriend when you're not looking? *wickeder grin*
Jack's yer boyfriend? I thought he jus' be a toy... ;)
Happy Release Day, Lori. I'm glad you didn't give up after being rejected.
Did Jack take Lori out ta the bow again and lose her?
Hel - We gots ta repair that net!
I'm here! I'm here! Momentarily interrupted as Jack showed me his starboard side, if you know what I mean. Actually, we went hiking. Before, I stopped at Walmart and Barnes and Noble to see if they had my book. They didn't! How sad is that? I still haven't seen my own book!
Anyway...
Marnee Jo--I write everything! The first book was a contemporaray suspense. But right now I'm working on another historical.
Jane L-- Yes, i've entered many contests, it's actually how Wild Heart came to be. I entered it in the Golden Acorn contest and Hilary Sares was the final judge. As for Nano, hey, whatever gets people writing is good with me!
Sin--nope, never was a writer. I was too lazy. But loved tv and movies and always had a huge imagination. I've always made up stories, but never wrote them down, until one day I decided to. :)
Hellie--Yes, I recently shared a room with Kim at a conference. She was drunk the entire time and tried to cuddle with me at night. Rather embarrassing. As for the Heroes concept, I just thought of that. lol. I could have been using it all along!
Janga--I really am not sure why the Victorian era appeals. For one, I think its easier to write. I also think its rather sexy, with those corsets and all. But there was also a new way of thinking during this time period, more travel, more study.
Thanks everyone for stopping by! It means so much to me!
Lori,
Just really took a moment to study your cover. It is absolutely smashing! Have you thought of getting it printed and blown up to a larger size for framing?
It is just so well done and that purple color dress is breathtaking. Are you happy with it?
Just random thoughts...
Lori~
I not only saw it in my local Borders, I bought it too!
Di
Hi :)
Thank you for the fun & informative interview with Lori. I enjoyed learning more about her & her writing. Congratulations to Lori on the release of WILD HEART. And thank you for the nice excerpt!
All the best,
RKCharron
xoxo
Happy release day! Thanks for the fabulous interview and excerpt. :)
Post a Comment