Tuesday, July 19, 2011

The Fabulous Capt. Jack Sparrow Gets Schooled By Miranda Neville

Welcome to yet another Fantabulous Interview with the Fabulous Captain Jack Sparrow. Today we welcome back one of our most favorite guests. A woman in possession of a lovely accent, amazing talent, and some of the hottest heroes to ever grace a Regency setting. Sexy men with not only a passion for women, but a passion for books. My Pirate friends, I give you Ms. Miranda Neville.

 

*loud applause fills the air as lights come up to reveal Capt. Jack and a lovely Brit holding a dainty tea cup*

 

CJS: Thank you, my dears. I missed you all as well.

 

Bo’sun: They’re applauding for Ms. Neville, Jack.

 

CJS: Don’t be silly. My public adores me. *blows kisses about and silence falls*

 

Bo’sun: Here are your cards. *glances over to Miranda* Thank you once again for joining us. I can’t tell you how much I love-

 

CJS: *cutting Bo’sun off with a sweep of his arm* Fangirls. What are you going to do?

 

Miranda: I also adore you, CJ, right down to each mascara-ed lash, but I was invited here today by Bo’sun to talk about my new book.

 

CJS: Right. Books. *sighs* Let’s get right to it then, shall we? *glances at first card* This says you were recently at a big shindig held in New York City. Something that looks like *squints* Rum Warehouse of the Americas.

 

Miranda: One of my favorite places, but I believe that’s located in New Orleans. I attended a conference held by the Romance Writers of America. But frankly it might as well be at the Rum Warehouse for all the drinking that goes on.

 

[caption id="attachment_4663" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Meredith Duran, Kate Noble, and Ms. Neville with said Pomatini"][/caption]

CJS: Writers. Of course. I don’t know what I was thinking. Though Romance is always better with Rum if you ask me.

 

Miranda: I’m not going to argue with you. Or wine, or margaritas, or pomatinis. Writers know how to have a good time when unleashed from their laptops.

 

CJS: Unleashed. I like that. *winks* Next card says you’ve created something called The Burgundy Club. Now that, my lovelies, sounds like fun. Lots of red velvet, dark lighting and really good rum?

 

Miranda: Actually it’s a club – a very exclusive club – for collectors of rare books. The premises don’t run to velvet (that’s only for brothels and Lady Jane’s Salon) but a good deal of red wine is consumed in the pursuit of literature.

 

CJS: Books. Again. Doesn’t this crew ever think about anything else?

 

Bo’sun: You and Hellie have broken three hammocks this month alone, Jack. I think you know the answer to that one. *turns and refills Ms. Neville’s tea cup, curtsies and stumbles back to the wings*

 

CJS: How silly of me. Thank you, Bo’sun, for the reminder. *winks to Hellie tucked behind the camera* So, Ms. Neville, do these heroes of yours think of anything other than books? Surely they have heroines to play with. Tell me about the ladies in question. This card mentions a Ms. Celia Seaton looking for an education.

 

Miranda: Actually Celia was trying, rather ineptly, to educate four boys. But she’s been fired from her governess job for Moral Turpitude (quite undeserved, I may add) then kidnapped and locked up in the attic of a Yorkshire cottage, stripped to her shift. An enterprising young lady, she escapes and trips over the unconscious body of a half naked man. Turns out he’s Tarquin Compton (one of the Burgundy Club guys) and he’s suffering from amnesia. Since Celia blames the snooty dandy for ruining her London season, she claims they are engaged and, because she can’t resist a tiny bit of revenge, tells him his name is Terence Fish.

 

CJS: *looking as if he smells something rotten* Dreadful name. Revenge? Sticky business there, but a popular subject on this ship, being in the name and all. Where does the education part come into play? I understand there’s a book within the book.

 

Miranda: That’s where the book part comes in. Since there isn’t much scope for book collecting on the Yorkshire moors, I had Tarquin bring a novel with him. A bawdy novel. OK, if we want to be frank it’s quite pornographic. And since I don’t write erotica, I used an actual book, printed in 1796, that I found in the British Library. Celia finds it educational. Plus Tarquin is quite up to filling in any practical gaps in her knowledge.

 

CJS: *scooting his wooden stool closer to his guest* You’re not the innocent you appear to be, are you Ms. Neville? I think we should take this interview someplace more priv- *jumps back from a flick of his nose* I don’t see how that was necessary. *Bo’sun points to the cards* Fine. This says you’ve written one stand alone and then a series. What can we expect next from your talented pen?

 

Miranda: I’ve got one more book in this series, featuring Minerva Montrose, sister of Diana, the heroine of The Dangerous Viscount. You’ll like her. She’s very pretty, also very smart, and wants to rule the world. Her ambitions are derailed when she’s discovered in a Compromising Position at a ball. CONFESSIONS FROM AN ARRANGED MARRIAGE will appear in April of 2012.

 

CJS: Bawdy books and now compromising positions. It’s obvious why you’re a favorite among this crew. *leans in closer* Though if you really want to sell lots of books, I highly recommend including a Pirate Captain hero.

 

Miranda: Salt water is notoriously bad for books. However, now that I’m moving on, I may consider adventures on the high seas, just as long as I don’t have to experience them myself. I tend to get sea sick.

 

CJS: I have a nice cottage not far from this pier. I could help with the research. Make it very authentic and thorough. *Hellie coughs* Yes, right. Time to turn things over to the crew, but before we do, is there something you’d like to ask the wenches?

 

Miranda: I always have great discussions with you pirates, usually about sex. This time I’d like to suggest we discuss the introduction of real people or events (or books) into our novels. (And if it gets boring we can always relapse and talk about sex instead). So, how much reality – whether we’re talking about Lady Gaga or Lady Jersey – do you include?  And let me suggest right off the bat that one of you contemporary types ought to write a book in which Richard Armitage appears in a wet shirt. I would definitely buy it and so would others!

 

Bo’sun: I’m already on that Richard Armitage idea! (I had a head start on this blog. It’s a perk.) Ms. Neville has been generous enough to offer up some booty for today. One lucky commenter will win a copy of THE AMOROUS EDUCATION OF CELIA SEATON!

64 comments:

2nd Chance said...

Well, I've been giving serious consideration to dropping a few real world pirates into my alternative Caribbean... In fact, the villain of my first Caribbean Spell book (unpubbed) is the ancestor of Ponce de Leon...

And I'd love to throw together a short or two with Anne Bonny and the lasses...maybe the French pirate LaFitte.

Rum Warehouse of America...I like that! ;-)

Bosun said...

Now that you mention it, I read a Romance ages ago in which LaFitte played a major role. I loved that book. I write contemporaries so it's harder, I think, to include real people. Though real events are not so hard. One of the reasons I have to create a calendar and timeline for my stories is because I want to make sure the characters recognize holidays.

I've read the excerpt to this story and that name she gives him still makes me cringe. LOL! Now I need to read the rest to see why he deserved it!

Donna said...

Rum Warehouse of America -- now there's a franchise that could make us MILLIONS! LOL

Ah, Richard Armitage. Let's pause for a moment of silent worship. I had to include him on my Romance Hero All-Star Team, even though he's not in a book (yet!) I like the idea of him wearing a wet shirt. . .that he has to take off. . .

Talk about inspiration!

I don't generally include real-life people or events in my books. Maybe because I'm not that big of a fan of real-life? LOL I'm not sure. I'll have to ponder that!

Your book sounds delightful, Miranda. I can't wait to read it. :)

Hellion said...

OMG, one of my favorite books/scenes is in Bridget Jones' Diary, where Bridget Jones is interviewing Colin Firth in the book. *LOL* I always thought that would have been hilarious, since Colin Firth is who played Mark Darcy (and Mr. Darcy) in BJD & P&P respectively. I thought it was very well done of that author.

Richard Armitage in a wet shirt is BRILLIANT! How can I work that into my novel? Are we allowed to work in people who aren't dead into a novel?? Isn't that frowned upon?

I love "real" people in novels. So when Lord Byron shows up or we happen to meet Jane Austen in a novel, I always love that. And I do love to read historical fiction about real people. I just finished a book by Susan Fraser King called Queen Hereafter, which was very, very good. A lovely true-life romance.

And I second the comment about Rum Warehouse of America as a franchise that would make us millions! *LOL* We should definitely invest in that company!

Miranda Neville said...

Hi pirates. Lovely to be back. I'm totally buying the book featuring Richard Armitage in a wet shirt. Today. Where do I send my $7.99? When you've finished that book, Bo'sun, you can move on to Hugh Jackman in a wet shirt, then Daniel Craig in as wet shirt ... We're talking franchise here, baby.

Chance: I have to admit I'm not as knowledgeable about pirates in history as I should be. Get on and publish those books so I can learn!

Miranda Neville said...

Hi Donna: I know what you mean about real life. Sucks. Not nearly enough hot men in wet shirts in my neighborhood.

Miranda Neville said...

Hellie I loved the Bridget Jones interview with Colin Firth (the ultimate in wet shirt wearers). Did you see the version they did with Renee Zellwegger? It's an extra on the DVD of the 2nd movie.

I agree about meeting real people, but there's a danger with those as well known as Byron and Austen that you'll upset people's views of them. I enjoy finding more obscure historical figures and inserting them into my books (though they may be so obscure readers don't realize they are real). For example, I found a reference to a "negro" bookseller in Regency London, though not much about him. So I set a scene in The Wild Marquis in his book shop. I made up all the details but I might introduce him into a future book if the occasion arises.

Is that Susan Fraser King book about Lady Macbeth? Curious to know how you'd make that a romance - no HEA, that's for sure!

Hellion said...

Miranda, I have both those movies, but I think I missed that extra. I'll have to pull it out tonight and look. I love those two movies; ultimate fantasy chick-flicks!!

Ooh, that's true about people getting bent if you make the real-life people not what people believe. *shrugs* Though you'll never make everyone happy on that mark. *LOL* It's probably one of those cases where you write them in your story to please you first and let the pleasing of other people work itself out. Not that I recommend making George Washington a cross-dresser or Mother Theresa a vampire slayer (that might be funny actually)--but I think if you try to skirt close to the facts we all know, then most people will play along.

No, I believe this is the book that FOLLOWS Lady Macbeth. (I think her Lady Macbeth book was called Lady Macbeth.) This was the story about Malcolm III (the one who killed Macbeth) and his pious beloved wife, Margaret (who was from Hungary.) She breaks into his safe and steals money to give to the poor; she releases prisoners from his dungeons (that he was keeping to get ransoms for); she prays ALL THE TIME; and he absolutely adores her. Talk about opposites attract.

Marnee said...

Hi Miranda! Welcome back aboard!!

:)

Real people in books, huh? I recently read Kieran Kramer's When Harry Met Molly and Prinny plays an important role in that series, being the one to introduce the Impossible Bachelors by royal decree. I liked the idea, but I couldn't help stopping to think at least once, "Is this how Prinny would actually act?" and "Would he take this much of an interest in these fellows' love lives?" It drug me out of the moment, though only for a second.

Same went for Queen Elizabeth in Shakespeare in Love. I liked it, but it distracts me.

Hellion said...

Marn, I can understand about Prinny (mostly because he always has come off as way self-absorbed), but I loved Queen Bess in Shakespeare in Love, mainly because everything I've read about her says she loved theater (so it's normal for her to have been there); and I think Lords and Ladies of that period had to get the Queen's permission to marry, so she would have taken an interest in what was going on. Plus I've always thought she was that canny. She would have known exactly what was going on under her nose. *LOL*

Far fetched, I'll grant you, but no more far fetched than falling in love with William Shakespeare and hearing him quote his best plays during sex...or having a Regency scene where a virginal heroine strips her clothes off in front of a bunch of women in broad daylight and runs around a house, in view of the men. *shrugs* I mean, if you could believe THOSE things could have happened, why not the royalty? *LOL* But you said it just dragged you out of the story momentarily...and I get that. All the time. *shrugs* *LOL*

Bosun said...

Thought of one! (Brain isn't working well today. It's the little things.)

Rosalind Laker was superb at using real life people and events. You must read TO DANCE WITH KINGS. Four generations of women living in and around the Royal Court at Versailles before and during the Revolution. Sooooo good. CIRCLE OF PEARLS is amazing as well.

I will write faster! RA's cameo (in wet shirt, of course) comes up later in the WIP so it gives me something to work toward. LOL! I need to see about adding these other wet shirted guest stars.

Hellion said...

Oh, Bo'sun, I *loved* TO DANCE WITH KINGS and CIRCLE OF PEARLS. I also loved the book called THROUGH THE GLASS DARKLY--but that was by a different author, I believe.

Bosun said...

I love that one too! Yes, that's Karlene Koen. (I looked it up.) Those were the sweeping epic tales I used to love. Those books were HUGE. LOL! In scope and page count.

Sin said...

I also have to second the Richard Armitage appears in a wet shirt idea. That is hot. *fanning self*

I like reality in books. I know authors probably don't do this much because it dates the book, but I think it helps me identify with the characters more. But I also like my history in historicals to be accurate. I can do with some fudging. But wildly obvious fudgings irk me.

P. Kirby said...

*Googles Richard Armitage*

...

Hot damn, he's purty!

Technically, Breas, my vampire, is a "real" historical figure. The person in question is unknown outside of France, and there's little information available about his life, outside of a few notable events. So I can take all kinds of artistic liberties and not be bothered with pesky research. At this point, however, Breas's past (his real name isn't Breas) is just backstory in my notes.

I don't know if I'd want to write stories including better-known historical figures and real people, for fear of running afoul of readers' perceptions.

Bosun said...

He is purty, isn't he, Pat? Why didn't I include a pic in the blog? Huh. I should fix that.

So are you writing that real person's story, as you see it? Or just a story similar to what you know of him so it's more "inspired" by him?

I have a WIP involving a famous country singer on the downslide and figure at some point, I'll have to mention real artists. But I'm not sure yet if they'd actually appear in a scene or not. Something to think about.

Miranda Neville said...

Prinny may have appeared so often in Regencies that he has developed a life of his own so divorced from reality that anyone can do what they like with him. To me, Queen Elizabeth I is different. I have very definite ideas about what she was like (probably based on Glenda Jackson). Much as I adored Shakespeare in Love (poetry in bed sigh), the QE sections weren't my favorites. Judy Dench just didn't fit my picture of the queen. Cate Blanchett was better, though those two films were pretty silly.

Hellie: that Margaret of Hungary sounds a bit prissy to me, but I take your word for it:) I'll look out for the book.

Miranda Neville said...

@p. Kirby. Welcome to the world of Armitagers.

Your book sounds fascinating. I've done that too, based characters on real people, but renamed. It's an interesting marketing hook to say your vampire is based on a real person!

Miranda Neville said...

@Bo'sun "I have a WIP involving a famous country singer on the downslide and figure at some point, I’ll have to mention real artists."

A common way of dealing with this is to base a character on someone, then mention that person. (E.g. write a story about a Patsy Kline type person and have her refer to Patsy as her inspiration). That way you both deny that the book is about the real person, at the same time giving a wink that it is.

Bosun said...

I have corrected the RA oversight. Now you can look into those sweet blue eyes, and enjoy the rest of him too. *sigh*

That's what I was thinking, Miranda. Maybe have him walk past someone backstage at the Opry and say, "Hey there, Alan" and the heroine go, "That was..." and he says, "Yep. Nice guy."

I don't really mention Alan Jackson, but the reader would know. Well, the country fans probably would. LOL!

Marnee said...

I think giving the wink to a real person is great in some cases and in others, it's distracting. But one persons distraction is another persons, "That was soooo awesome!"

I just realized that North and South is a "Watch Instantly" from Netflix and I put it in my queue. Now, to find time to watch it.... I've heard RA is all kinds of yummo in that one.

Miranda Neville said...

Be still my heart, Marnee. North & South has a candidate for the Best Kiss Evah. You'll know it when you see it.

Bosun said...

I admit, I'm not a fan of the heroine in N&S, but RA makes watching the series worth putting up with her. LOL!

P. Kirby said...

Bo'sun sayeth: "So are you writing that real person’s story, as you see it? Or just a story similar to what you know of him so it’s more “inspired” by him?"

Breas *is* that person, except, according to history, he was Gaulish chieftain who was executed by the Romans. In my revised history, he gets turned into a vampire before that happens and someone who looks like him gets the axe, so to speak. But, fast forward 2000 years, and it's all just backstory. Literally. Who he was informs his characterization, but I'm unlikely to go back and write his story.

But...thread derail. This is supposed to be about Miranda's books, que no? And yum, speaking of hot men, those covers are steaming. :)

Di R said...

I am looking forward to reading Celia's book. I love the idea of a book in a book.

I haven't used real people in my books, but I am considering having my heroine be very excited about the newest Jane Austen novel.

Di

Bosun said...

Good point, Pat! (Though that sounds quite intriguing, what you have there.)

Where did you find out about this book inside your book, Miranda? Did you go looking for it or stumble across it? (Would love to see the Google search on that one. LOL!)

Di - That would be a fun touch!

2nd Chance said...

I've always enjoyed the sprinkling of historical figures into books. And movies...looking forward to the new movie with John Cusack playing Edgar Allen Poe using his detective skills, for example.

Loved a mystery series featuring Jack London working to solve mysteries in the bay of San Francisco...historically partially accurate as the man did work for the maritime watch while living in Oakland.

I totally screwed with a bunch of American Revolution figures in a later volume of the Caribbean Spell series...

Though...never look to learn anything historically accurate in anything I write, Miranda!

Hi, Pat!

Miranda Neville said...

Thanks for the RA picture! Had to go take a cold shower, but I'm back now.

OK, I suppose I'd better talk about my book. I don't think there's anyone real in it - I haven't actually read it for some months and I don't want to confuse it with the one I'm revising now! My hero is a dandy and sorta kinda inspired by Beau Brummell. BUT Brummell is thought to have been either gay or asexual. I promise that Tarquin is extremely heterosexual and extremely not asexual, as demonstrated in a number of scenes (ahem).

@di r. The book within a book is nothing like Jane Austen! Not only is it very badly written, it's also filthy dirty. I found it when researching porn in the British Library and it's not (yet) available on Google books. It's the story of an innocent youth (yeah right) who, having seduced his landlord's daughter, with whom he claims to madly in love, then proceeds to enjoy congress (act of congress is my favorite historical term for sex) with a dizzying variety of ladies in a variety of positions and locations. While reading it (and taking numerous notes) I came up with the idea of using an actual book of the period to teach my heroine about sex. So my book is 100% certified historically accurate!

Bosun said...

I had to Google lots of images to find this one. It was tough, but I was willing to suffer. For you.

We should bring that "congress" term back. Since every act of congress in this country ends up with most of us getting screwed.

Miranda Neville said...

@Chance. Love the idea of the Cusack/Poe movie. What a great idea. Remember seeing a movie version of Murders in the Rue Morgue many years ago and believing, for quite a while, that Poe was French. Then I learned about his life which was weird and tragic. A movie with the real Poe would be fascinating. The Jack London series sounds fun too.

As for screwing up the American Revolution. Oh well. These things happen. The British won that one, right?

P. Kirby said...

"(act of congress is my favorite historical term for sex) "

act of congress=f*cking. So true on so many levels.

And "researching porn?" Heh. There's a job.

Bosun said...

The British won that one, right?

LOL!

Miranda Neville said...

I'd just like to point out that we've ended up talking about sex again. And I intended this to be such an elevated conversation.

Bosun said...

BTW - Do you get any say on your covers? You have some of the best covers.

Bosun said...

But we made it to mid-afternoon. That's really good for us!

Janga said...

I love The Amorous Education of Celia Seaton. It's smart and funny and sexy, just an all-round delight to read with little details like the reference to Fanny Hill to add to the fun. I've been raving about it at every opportunity. I can't wait to read Minerva's story. She is such a wonderful character.

Like most things, using real characters can work beautifully or it can be a distraction. Beau Brummell has been used so often that he seems as much fiction as history, but Carla Kelly made him a flesh-and-blood character to me in Mrs. McVinnie's London Season. One of my favorite scenes in romance ever is Wellington's appearance at the ball in my favorite Anne Gracie book, Gallant Waif. Another favorite use of a real character occurs in Betina Krahn's Make Me Yours where the Prince of Wales--Albert Edward, eldest son of Victoria and Albert--is an important part of the plot.

Miranda, I didn't find King's Queen Hereafter prissy at all. Margaret's intelligence and passion, her adjustment to a life she never wanted, her love for her family, and her developping friendship with the woman sent as a spy make her fully dimensional not some pious plaster saint.

Miranda Neville said...

@Bo'sun. I have absolutely no say in my covers at all. They ask me what I want and proceed to ignore me, aside from the color of the characters' hair. So now I only tell them about the hair color. But the Cover Gods have smiled on me. I've yet to get one I don't like.

Diane Sallans said...

That was so much - I hadn't read Capt Jacks prior posts, but now I have to go back & find them. I love a bit of humor in books too. And looks like I'll pick up some hitorical info too.

DianaQ said...

I first discovered my love of Miranda Neville's books when I met the author at a NJ book signing last year. I picked up a copy of 'The Wild Marquis' and devoured it in almost one sitting. I immediately bought her other two books - 'The Dangerous Viscount' and 'Never Resist Temptation' for my Kindle.

Her intelligent, original characters and situations have put her solidly on my must-read list.

I can't wait to read THE AMOROUS EDUCATION OF CELIA SEATON!

Bosun said...

I figured that would be the answer to the cover question, but asked anyway. Thank heaven for friendly Cover Gods.

Welcome, Diane! Jack runs amok here quite often. He did so many interviews in June, we almost renamed the ship The Black Pearl.

;)

Thanks for stopping by and we hope you'll come back. And you must check out Miranda's books. They'll suck you right in, so prepare to lose sleep.

Miranda Neville said...

I loved Janga's review of this books so much. She totally understood what I was trying to do.

I haven't read that Carla Kelly - have to see if it's on Kindle. Gallant Waif was a terrific book (love Anne Gracie) and the Krahn sounds good. I find the future Edward VII a likeable character, despite his numerous infidelities. He had such a difficult relationship with his parents. And I will certainly look for Queen Hereafter.

Since we're talking about real people in books, I'd like to give an early plug to The Sister Queens by my CP Sophie Perinot, coming from NAL in March. It's historic fiction about two princesses from Provence who married Louis IX of France and Henry III of England respectively. Exciting, moving and romantic (though not a conventional romance: has infidelity and no regular HEA).

Bosun said...

I knew Janga would school us on other books for this discussion. She's a walking Romance Encyclopedia. Janga-pedia.

The Perinot book sounds interesting. I haven't read Historical Fiction in a long time, but that sounds like one I need to buy.

Hellion said...

What Janga said about Queen Hereafter! *LOL*

Bosun said...

Welcome, Dianeq! Aren't they good? I've gotten a tad disillusioned with Historicals in the last couple years, but Miranda brings me back every time. You hit it exactly. "Her intelligent, original characters and situations..." It never feels like she's playing puppet master trying to hit formula hot buttons. I just fall into her story and come up at the last page.

Marnee said...

And I intended this to be such an elevated conversation.

hahaha!!

I'm with Bo'sun about historical fiction. It's been a while but Perinot's book sounds interesting.

donna ann said...

Love the interview :) looking forward to reading the book & am glad Minerva will be up next. Since I read primarly historicals, I don't know how accurate the historical details may be, but certainly don't want them to be ignored complete or totally off on the major events so that they are noticably inaccurate.

2nd Chance said...

Hee, hee...I don't actually change the course of the American Revolution, though...I do muck about with history enough that its possible the Revolution never occured. I actually had a British monarch that set the colonies 'free' and invited them to be allies instead of colonies...

Yup, me and my wild assed ideas! But I did have my sexual witch meet Ben Franklin, Sam and John Adams...

Poe was a fascinating man and created an actual 'private detective' before Doyle did with Sherlock. The movie is due out this year, I think, and is called "The Raven".

Miranda Neville said...

@Diane S. Captain Jack is the bomb, even if he does sometimes need to have his knuckles rapped.

@Diane Q. Thank you so much! I think I remember you at NJ - didn't you win the Put You Heart in a Book Contest? Hope we'll be reading you soon!

And thank you, Bo'sun, too. I always feel a little weepy when people say such lovely things about my books.

@ Donna Ann. I've had fun with Minerva. She turned out to be quite willful.

Miranda Neville said...

@Chance. Alternate history is great fun. Did you say your witch had sex - er congress - with Ben Franklin and the Adamses?

I also enjoy it when a book comes up with some bizarre (probably paranormal) reason why a particular event occurred. If I ever got into the woo woo (unlikely) that's the way I'd go.

Ana said...

Miranda, I really did enjoy that. I tried to count the number of times 'rum' was mentioned, but lost my place. Seems like you had a fabulous time. Great pic of you and the gals, too.

2nd Chance said...

No, she doesn't get intimate with them...she just suffers a mild case of hero worship and goes giggly...

And tells the young John to keep an eye out for a woman named Abigail...

If there is no revolution in my series, it will be because slavery is outlawed early on, and I created a reasonable English monarch who rather have the colonies as allies and not subjects.

Miranda Neville said...

George III reasonable? What a concept!

Katherine Bone said...

Arrrrr! (Waving at the crew!)

Miranda, I love the cover of this book and the premise. Terence Fish? LOL! What inspired this series?

(Btw, I enjoyed meeting you in NYC during the Beau Monde historical conference and afternoon tea. I had the opportunity of sitting at your table.)

Best wishes!

2nd Chance said...

Nope, in my alternate, Elizabeth married and had children, so there is an entirely different dynasty...

Bwah ha ha!

Na said...

I love this interview. Hi Miranda, Hi Jack, Hi Bo'sun!
I was worried being the dashing, rogue pirate that he is that Jack would steal all the limelight before taking off to the seas with Miss Celia Seaton. Alas, he did not. I for one, wouldn't mind an amorous education myself but I will certaintly settle for Celia's story. You're a new author to me Miranda but I will check out your books.

Have a great day everyone!

gamistress66 said...

Fun interview :) I generally (rarely) read contemporary romances. I would think it would be hard too mix in to much pop culture/current events without worring about "dating" the book too quickly. Things change so fast that what's just getting hot today, could be way old news when the book is finally released maybe a year later.

Bosun said...

Kathy! You must not stay away so long!! So you got to go to NYC? *sigh* I couldn't make it this year. Broke my heart. Though from what I hear, I might not have seen half the people I wanted to see anyway. Weird hotel, huh?

gamistress66 - You're breaking my heart! (I write contemp. *g*) Very true about dating the book. What if I mention a kind of smart phone and by the time the book comes out, they don't even make that anymore?! I try to limit mentions of technology. People have phones and they check things on the internet. I think keeping it that vague is safe.

Bosun said...

Hello, Na! Welcome aboard. We love new pirate pals and Jack loves doing interviews. Though, as you can tell, he doesn't like my methods of keeping him on task. Which is why it's always helpful to have an author who can keep him just as focused.

:)

Miranda Neville said...

Hi Katherine. Of course I remember meeting in NY. I have a background in rare books and, being an idle sort, decided to put my existing knowledge to work in the cause of fiction. Thus my Burgundy Club and its Regency book collectors. It's always good to come up with an angle, and not one I've seen much of in romance.

Miranda Neville said...

Hi gamistress! I enjoy the pop culture references in contemporary fiction. And when I read an old one they make it seem "historic" LOL.

I was watching an old Seinfeld episode the other day and the premise was George not being able to get to a pay phone to call his girlfriend. It seemed so quaint, not having a cell.

Miranda Neville said...

Hello Na. Hope you'll give Celia a try. I talked her out of eloping with Jack. Tarquin and Hellie might object.

Miranda Neville said...

Thanks you all for a wonderful day. I'm off to find rum.

Hugs, Miranda

P.S. Meant to ask you, Chance. Who did Elizabeth marry?

2nd Chance said...

Oh yeah, as if I have enough historical accurate knowledge to make a wild-assed guess as who she married! LOL! You must be joking... *snort

Maybe I drink too much...once...I might have known enough to pick someone...not anymore!

I'm the anti-historian on the ship. I don't do history, I muck it up! ;-)

Miranda Neville said...

I'm back! I generated a winner from random.org and after a couple of false hits when I picked myself I came up with p. kirby (who is apparently related to e.e. cummings). She wins a copy of The Amorous Education of Celia Seaton.