Sunday, November 28, 2010
Nothing Grim About These Fairy Tales--A Little Bedtime Reading With Lila DiPasqua
*camera zoom on huge four poster bed with vivid (and lurid) purple sheets and comforter, trimmed in gold. In the center of the bed is the always fabulous Captain Jack Sparrow, wearing silky pajamas with pirate duckies on them; he’s got a stuffed bear with an eye patch in one arm and a bottle of rum in the other hand*JACK: *gesturing with his bottle of rum* Good evenin’, pirates and FOPs to another Fabulous Interview with the Fabulous Captain Jack Sparrow. Tonight’s guest, the incomparable Ms. Lila DiPasqua, is going to read us a story….
LILA: I will not read you Love You Forever again. I’ve read it to you ten times already. You quoted the last page—
JACK: *scowling and waving a ‘shushing’ hand* I meant one of your fairy tales, Lila. *settles back into the pillows, pats a place beside him, grins roguishly* I wanted you to tell me one of them. Something out of The Princess in His Bed. I always like a fair princess, provided she doesn’t need to be rescued or anything.
LILA: Which one?
JACK: I don’t know. Why don’t you tell me more about each one and I’ll pick one.
LILA: Okay. But I’m not sitting on that bed with you. I’m fine right here on this chair. *smoothes blue taffeta skirts and yanks up slipping bodice* Where in the world did you find those pajamas, anyway? *shakes head* Never mind. I’d rather not know. Now, what was the question? Oh, yes, about my Fiery Tales in THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED. I’ve taken three classic fairy tales, The Emperor’s New Clothes, The Ugly Ducking and The Princess and the Pea and scandalously retold and renamed them, The Marquis’ New Clothes, The Lovely Duckling and The Princess and the Diamonds. Yup, that means you get three hot historical heroes in one book!The Marquis’ New Clothes—Tall dark and sexy, Adam de Vey, Marquis de Nattes has a penchant for fine clothes and beautiful women. And an abundance of both! Unknown to him, he also has a stolen ring in his pocket. Aimee de Miran must get it back. In order to search his pockets, Aimee must get very close to Adam and intends to seduce the libertine. She doesn’t know Adam has wanted her for years. And that he has a seduction of his own planned!
In The Lovely Duckling, I didn’t take a heroine who just needed some dressing up. The fire that claimed the lives of Emilie de Sarron’s parents, left scars on her body. Emilie has put up with horrible taunts and cruel names all her life. Worse, at her introduction into society, she was horribly teased and publicly humiliated—the hero, Joseph, regrettably a part of this fiasco. It was the final straw. For ten years, Emilie withdrew from society. Now she’s back and she’s determined to grab a bit of bliss—albeit strictly physical. Believing love and marriage are unattainable, she’s convinced that at least a physical encounter is doable. How? Well, she’s going to use the anonymity of a masquerade—orgiastic—ball in order to find a willing lover, and indulge. She never expected that the very man she gives herself to is none other than Joseph.
Mathias de Tesson, Marquis de Montfort (The Princess and the Diamonds)—is a former gambler. A man who’d always enjoyed vice. Now a spy for the Crown, he is working on enforcing the ban the King has placed on Basset—a card game that has brought about the ruin of many noble families. The problem is, he can’t seem to unravel the mystery surrounding the lady who keeps showing up at the gaming den, gambles with pea-sized diamonds and dresses as a man. He sees through her disguise. He knows how to melt her icy façade. Too bad he doesn’t know the woman, whom he has deliciously debauched, is none other than the King’s own daughter.
JACK: This is difficult. *takes a drink of rum* It will require some thinking on my part. The Marquis’ New Clothes is compelling—I always admire the fine fit of a velvet jacket; and I can’t resist a shy maiden, since every woman has her charms. *another roguish glance* But The Princess and the Diamonds, a girl who enjoys something hard in her bed and comes with her own wealth? That’s the clear winner. Which of these stories is your favorite?
LILA: *noticing the roguish leer, yanks up her bodice a little higher and crosses her arms over her chest*. I don’t have a favorite. I love them all, for different reasons. I couldn’t choose a favorite among them.
JACK: I see the problem. It would be like asking me to pick my favorite bottle of rum. 1794 cask of stolen rum from The Falcon. You know. If you pressed a gun against my head or anything. But seriously how did you get into this fairy tale twisting?
LILA: I was raised reading fairy tales. I fell in love with historical romance at age fourteen. And I took my love of fairy tales, history and passionate love stories, and blended them into steamy yet romantic anthologies in AWAKENED BY A KISS and THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED (books one and two in my Fiery Tales series). Though the characters and settings might differ in my stories, you can always expect to find a sinfully seductive rake, a strong smart heroine who will make him lose his heart and scorching-hot love scenes that will leave you breathless. Prepare to be swept up and scandalized! Ahem…*smoothes hands over her skirts again, unnerved by the rakish gleam in Jack’s eyes*JACK: What stories will you be trying your hand at twisting next? Any pirates for your bedchamber perhaps?
LILA: No pirates this time. Sorry, Jack. My next hero, Jules de Moutier is devilishly handsome, drop-dead sexy and a former officer of the King’s Navy in my first full-length Fiery Tale—A MIDNIGHT DANCE—out August 2011!! A steamy retelling of Cinderella—as it’s never been done before! It will be just as romantic and steamy as AWAKENED BY A KISS and THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED with one sinfully seductive rake and a strong smart heroine who will make her prince lose his heart. Or his silver. Whichever comes first. Here is a small blurb:
A MIDNIGHT DANCE
Berkley (Sensation)
Historical Romance
Aug. 2011
Inspired by the tale of Cinderella, Lila DiPasqua weaves a steamy story that offers a glass slipper, a dangerous deception, and an impoverished beauty determined to find her handsome prince…and make him pay.
JACK: What is your Call Story? And what advice would you give any struggling writers?
LILA: I actually never got “the call”. My agent sent me “the email”. We’d been emailing back and forth that day about various projects. Then about mid-afternoon my agent sent me another email. I opened it, read it and screamed. It was summer vacation and my kids where home. Startled, they came running into my office. After assuring them that I hadn’t fallen, seen a spider or lost my mind – I reread the email three more times before I was sure I’d read it correctly. Berkley was interested in my historical romance AWAKENED BY A KISS! It took a few more days until the deal was finalized. I officially sold to Berkley the day before I was to attend the Romance Writers of America conference. I packed, jumped on a plane, and arrived in Washington still reeling. I had an amazing time at the conference. It was such a thrill getting to meet my wonderful editor and agent in person!
My advice to writers is: Write what you love. Also, keep working on your craft and believe in your gut instincts when it comes to your story. Don’t second guess yourself. Lastly, never, ever give up. You can never get published, otherwise. :)
JACK: And final question before I turn you over to the crew: it’s a rainy Saturday and you’re curled up on the couch in your pjs, reading a book and sipping on something warm. What’s the book, what are you drinking, and what kind of pjs are you wearing?
LILA: Ah…what do you mean, “turn me over to the crew”? They’re all Johnny Depp/Orlando Bloom look-alikes, right? *lifts a brow as she contemplates walking the plank if the answer is, “No”*. To answer your questions, I’d be reading a history book—geeky of me, I know, but I love history! I’d be drinking coffee and I’m wearing my pink pjs. Just plain pink. Sans the duckies.
QUESTION: What would *your* answer be to Jack’s question: it’s a rainy Saturday and you’re curled up on the couch in your pjs, reading a book and sipping on something warm. What’s the book, what are you drinking, and what kind of pjs are you wearing?
GIVEAWAY: Today I’m adding some extra, totally fun stuff to my giveaway!! YAY!
One lucky commenter will…
1. Not only win a copy of THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED…
2. You also get a copy of STUD MUFFINS (the tagline to this book reads: Luscious. Delectable. Yummy…and Good Muffin Recipes, too!) This book is a total treat! *grins*3. Oh, and that’s not all….in celebration of the holiday season, I’m also adding a Christmas ornament—a pretty Cinderella slipper for your tree…Did I mention I’ll be signing the ornament?
Giveaway is open WORLDWIDE.
THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED
A Fiery Tales Collection
By Lila DiPasqua
Historical Romance
Berkley (Sensation)
ISBN: 978-0425237007
OUT NOW!
Inspired by “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” “The Ugly Duckling, and “The Princess and the Pea,” Lila DiPasqua spins three sexy tales that give new meaning to the term bedtime story…
The Marquis’ New Clothes: To save her cousin, Aimee de Miran must retrieve a jeweled ring from the most sinfully seductive man at court, the Marquis de Nattes. But to search his considerable wardrobe she’ll have to get very close to the notorious rake…and soon she finds herself very close to him indeed, with his clothes—and hers—utterly forgotten…
The Lovely Duckling: Reputed for his carnal skills, Joseph d’Alumbert prefers amorous encounters without emotional entanglement—until a quick-witted lady stirs tender feelings and hot desire. Emilie de Sarron suffered burns to her body as an infant, and keeps her scars—and her heart—well hidden. But Joseph is determined to peel away her inhibitions, one slow steamy kiss at a time, to reveal the beautiful swan inside…
The Princess and the Diamonds: Princess Gabrielle can’t sleep at night. There is something hard in her bed. No, not just the stolen diamonds tucked under her mattress, but the handsome Marquis on it….whose carnal talents she can’t resist. But he threatens her secret mission, and worse, she stands to lose far more than the diamonds---her heart is at stake….
“…Strong-minded heroines you can relate to, breathtaking carnally gifted male leads…DiPasqua writes with a comfortable elegance and grace, and in turn, crafts a sexy collection that readers will love.” – Fresh Fiction.
“Ripe with steamy affairs, these lusty stories are hot enough to warm the coldest winter night.” – Publishers Weekly
Allow me to introduce you to my sexy rake, Adam de Vey, Marquis de Nattes. Read an excerpt from The Marquis’ New Clothes in THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED – http://www.liladipasqua.com/princessbook.html
Read a juicy excerpt of AWAKNED BY A KISS—
http://www.liladipasqua.com/awakenbook.html
About the Author:
Lila DiPasqua writes wicked & witty historical romance for Penguin/Berkley. She lives with her real-life hero husband and three children and is a firm believer in the happily-ever-after. She loves history and enjoys traveling. She has been to four continents so far. Her novels, AWAKENED BY A KISS, and THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED are featured in Doubleday as well as Rhapsody Book Clubs. To learn more about Lila and her books, visit www.LilaDiPasqua.com
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49 comments:
Wow! What am I wearing? My bad dog red flannel pjs, I'm sipping a Darby O'Gill (Baileys and Irish Mist) and I'm reading...the newest Laurie R. King Sherlock Holmes book, The God of the Hive.
Lila, your books sound marvelous! I will look for them to download on my Sony and read them all!
I'm sorry, no JP or OB lookalikes, just us pirate wenches. But the bar is always open, I'm the bartender and until I join the ship come sometime Monday, feel free to ask any of the crew to serve you something sinful!
I'm actually off holiday shopping. *groan!
What a fun interview. Sorry about those silly PJs, Jack gets carried away now and then.
I grew up reading fairy tales but I doubt these are quite the same. LOL! Sounds like fun! Was it your idea to go the short story compilation route? You don't see that often and I kind of like it.
Funny you should ask about the PJs, I came *this* close to buying myself a new set just yesterday. They were Eeyore, but I resisted. Shopping for Kiddo's Christmas stuff has to come first. *sigh*
So I'll be reading Meg Benjamin's BE MY BABY (3rd in the Konigsburg series), sipping my decaf coffee with plenty of french vanilla creamer, and wearing my pink and gray striped PJ bottoms with an oversized t-shirt. Exciting or what?
Lila, welcome to the ship. And I'll be glad to show you were we stash the Hotties (they're resting right now--busy weekend for them, dontcha know. LOL)
Your books sound great, and it sounds like I need to add them to my collection, since it's way too cold here right now, and I could use something to keep me warm!
So on a cold rainy Saturday I'd definitely be sipping (chugging) coffee, and I'd have at least forty-eleven layers of fleece on, and I'd be reading. . .mmmm, right now I'm between books. So I need something new!
Hmm... I'm wearing my black velour sweatpants and one of my gray t-shirts. I'm sipping a hot cup of coffee (blonde and sweet, just like me *cough cough*) and I'm reading... well, I don't know. This depends. Something romancey. Either historical or paranormal. It depends.
Lila, welcome aboard! Glad you could wrangle our Jack. :) These books sound fantastic. I love fairy tales so these are right up my alley. Can't wait to read!
Hi Lila! Great interview--and excellent handling of Jack. Though you're lucky he didn't have his sword with him (he's learned his lesson after the waterbed incident) or he might have started cutting clothing off. He does that. Not that I'm speaking from experience or anything--it's just what I heard.
I'm wearing my "I love Captain Jack Sparrow" PJs, obviously, Jack had them made special and I'm drinking diet mountain dew--though if anyone asks, I'm drinking some white wine, which is also good. And I'm reading whichever autobuy author has her newest book out. *LOL*
he might have started cutting clothing off. He does that. Not that I’m speaking from experience or anything–it’s just what I heard.
Ahh, no wonder I can't find the sewing kit anywhere. *clutches front of jammies* Not that I need it or anything. . .
How fun! Captain Jack....you're so naughty!
Hmmm. My boo? Something historical. Maybe something from The Tudor era in England. My pj's? Sigh....probably an old t-shirt and some yoga pants and sipping? Definitely red wine - in a large glass!
Hi Lila! Hope you had a great birthday!
To answer the questions:
1. what book - whatever is next in my TBR pile from RWA nationals this year. I still have about 25 to get through. Or, if it gets here in time, The Princess in His Bed. *grin*
2. What am I drinking - Venti Chai Latte or Venti Skinny Vanilla Latte from Starbucks. (sometimes both, because I can't decide).
3. PJs? Well, that depends. Is Jack visiting? Cos if he is, are PJs really necessary? Though I might have a "wench" costume lying around in the closet. If he's not visiting, then probably a cami and men's flannel pants. :D
Enjoyed the interview, think your a born pirate handler ;) On a rainy Saturday, I'd curl up in sweats & tshirt with a good romance (would love for it to be your book ;) I was reading), but no hot drink, just a diet coke. To keep the chill away, I'd be curled up under a cozy afgan instead. :) Congrats on the release and thanks for the chance at such a fab prize pak. :)
I'm famous for the black hoodie and knee high socks when I get up. It's usually Matt's black hoodie (too small for him, gigantic on me) and I wear socks to bed because it's flippin' cold. I love hot chocolate and I'm usually reading a historical novel.
Does anyone else write a genre they don't necessarily like to read?
Lila, you are such a pretty little thing! I love classic stories retold. Any plans to redo Sleeping Beauty?
Actually she already rewrote Sleeping Beauty: http://www.liladipasqua.com/
In her other book of fairy tales. :)
Oh, loved this interview. That Jack is such a rascal....hehe!!!
Well, I would be reading a paranormal romance or an historical romance. I would be in my Victorian cotton nightie and sipping on a big hot cappucino. Yum.
Valerie
in Germany
valb0302@yahoo.com
@2nd Chance --Thanks for the warm welcome! I think the pjs sound comfy! And thank you for the lovely comment about my books....*off to look for the bartender*
What’s the book - hmmm, anything by you or Sally Berneathy!
what are you drinking - milk or flavoured coffee with rum.
and what kind of pjs are you wearing - depends upon how cold it is. I like the snuggly warm kind. :)
@Bo'sun --Liking the pj's! I wrote Sleeping Beau first (found in Awakened by a Kiss) and while I was writing it, the ideas to the other 2 came to me. Before I knew it, I had a completed book. (I was a frustrated writer trying my hand at novellas). Berkley liked my Fiery Tales and asked me to write another collection. That's how I came to write, THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED. They're definitely not the same as the ones you read was a kid! LOL They are steamy, yet romantic and totally fun.
They're not a simple rehashing of the original fairy tales. I put my own creative twists on them! :)
@Donna -- Oh, those poor hotties. Sounds like the pirate wenches may have worn them out. *winks* Thanks so much for the lovely comment about my book! Glad to be here! :)
Love the interview!
I would be curled up wearing flannel pajama bottoms and a zip up hoodie, drinking hot chocolate w/vanilla and would be reading a romance.
@Marnee --Thanks so much for the warm welcome! I'm having a great time here on board! Jack is a sweetie. Don't tell him I said so. I'm a tad enamored by him and it will go to his head. ;)
Thanks for the wonderful comment about my Fiery Tales series!
@Hellion--Thanks so much for the warning about the sword!! Wait. *scratches head* Not sure I should feel relieved or insulted that there was no sword in sight. ;)
@Kathy ---Oh! I like your rainy Saturday afternoon combo! Thanks so much for stopping by to share! :)
@Noelle Pierce--I had a lovely birthday! Thanks so much!! :) LOL over the necessity of pjs if Jack is there! :) THE PRINCESS IN THE BED will be on the way this week! Hope you enjoy it. :) Oh, I hear you about Starbucks coffee...They make a fortune off me!
@donna ann --Oh, thank you for the lovely comment!! I like the Saturday combo you've described! Good luck in this giveaway.
As I said, Lila, after the waterbed incident, he's been forbidden to bring an actual sword to bed. (Whatever he calls various body parts notwithstanding...)
We could turn this to purple prose oh so easily.
...sheathed in her satin folds...
I love that your "call" was an email. That's a much better way to go. Then no embarassing moments later when you have to apologize to your agent for screaming in her ear or babbling like an idiot. LOL!
QUESTION: What would *your* answer be to Jack’s question: it’s a rainy Saturday and you’re curled up on the couch in your pjs, reading a book and sipping on something warm. What’s the book, what are you drinking, and what kind of pjs are you wearing?
Silly question ... only to be expected from a man!
a)I never curl up on the couch in pjs ..... what if the postman should call!
b) I prefer my scotch with ice .... warming it would ruin the flavor.!
c) I like romance in the Wild West so I might be reading something by Jodi Thomas .... blasphemy on a pirate ship I know, but I can't change!
Loved the interview. Stunned by the posts. Mind is boggling envisioning all those pjs
I definitely need to remind myself of the hidden potential of fairy stories.
Lila, Are your books down-loadable to the UK?
If so I need warming up. We had the lowest temperature on record last night (-18 C).
Is -18C basically 0 Fahrenheit? We probably won't have those lows until early January. Our lows are in the mid-20s this week, but it's "warmer" than usual right now. Thank goodness. We're getting a lot of rain. Which I would prefer didn't turn to ice.
And I have to say my postman would be lucky if I was wearing PJs when he showed up because I'm usually wearing a lot less. It's my apartment, I can wear what I want, when I want, and all weekend if I want.
@Sin--Thank you for the compliment!! Yes, just as Hellion mentioned, I've done Sleeping Beau (my version of Sleeping Beauty.) He's the one awakened by a luscious kiss. ;)
Here is the blurb for that Fiery Tale (found in AWAKENED BY A KISS:
Sleeping Beau: Five years ago, notorious rake Adrien d'Aspe, Marquis de Beaulain, was awakened by a sensuous kiss-and experienced a night of raw ecstasy that was branded into his memory. Years later, he spots his mysterious seductress-and this time, he has no intention of letting her go...
....he might have started cutting clothing off. He does that. Not that I’m speaking from experience or anything–it’s just what I heard.
Ahh, no wonder I can’t find the sewing kit anywhere. *clutches front of jammies* Not that I need it or anything. . .
@Donna --LOL!! *grins*
@Valerie --That's what we love about Jack: His rascal nature. *winks* Thanks so much for stopping by to share!! :)
@Terry --Thanks so much for the sweet comment!! Hugs! I like your Saturday combo! :)
@Cindy --Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed the interview!! I like your rainy Saturday combination. Sounds wonderful. :)
"As I said, Lila, after the waterbed incident, he’s been forbidden to bring an actual sword to bed. (Whatever he calls various body parts notwithstanding…)"
@Hellion--LOL...Totally understandable. That can be dangerous to a woman. Women do have a certain weakness for a man who's an expert at wielding his...er...sword. ;)
@Bo'sun --LOL over the purple prose! How about...he parted her petals...? ;)
I'm definitely grateful my agent spared me the embarrassment of it all! I was absolutely screaming and babbling incoherently after reading her email. :)
@Quantum--Thank you! I'm delighted you enjoyed the interview! Yes, you can definitely get an e-version of my books in the UK---or a print version. AWAKENED BY A KISS and THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED are in bookstores everywhere and online wherever books are sold! :)
Yikes, -18 C is coooold! Here in Canada, in the city I live in, it's 6 C with a nighttime low of 1C--still above freezing. My books would definitely keep you warm...With three sinfully delicious rakes in each book, they should entertain and make you fall in love, too. :)
"...And I have to say my postman would be lucky if I was wearing PJs when he showed up because I’m usually wearing a lot less. It’s my apartment, I can wear what I want, when I want, and all weekend if I want."
@Hellion---LOL...Well put, Hellion! :)
I'd be drinking a hot chocolate with lots of whipped cream on top wearing my spotty fleesy pj's that look silly but are sooooo warm and if i wasn't reading your book Lila i'd be reading Say No To Joe by Lori Foster
Our high today is 55F and there was freaking frost on my windshield this morning. Damn it.
For the record, Q would be much more interested in your fiery heroines. :) He's our resident first (and only) mate.
Loved the interview. You definetly handled Jack well. Hope you had a great birthday.
For my pj's I'm wearing big t-shirt with some yoga capri's. Very comfy. I'm drinking a glass of coca-cola or ice tea. I'm reading a historical.
Hope you have a great week Lila. Thanks for the giveaway.
Hi Lila! Great interview! You've obviously had experience keeping bad boys in check. ;-)
I'm comfy in dark green flannel pj bottoms decorated with Labs of varying colors and a black pj top that blends nicely with the fur of the two live Labs draped across me. My drink is hot chocolate w/ Kahlua (Baby, it's cold outside!) and I'm reading something sexy and steamy...by you, of course!
I would be wearing a comfy shirt and capris with a cup of hot chocolate and reading one of the paranormal romance books on my TBR list.
Thanks for the giveaway.
@Elizabeth---Thanks so much! You've put me in excellent company with Lori Foster. I adore her books and she's such a lovely lady. Thank you for sharing with me. :)
For the record, Q would be much more interested in your fiery heroines. He’s our resident first (and only) mate.
Does Mrs. Q know about this? ;-)
Looks like ya had a wonderful day aboard the ship, Lila! And I survived the mall crowds!
@Bo'sun --Oh, my apologies to Q!! Of course there are fiery and fetching heroines in my books for you. :)
@Danielle Gorman ---Sounds very comfy indeed! Thanks for the good wishes and for stopping by to share. Glad you liked the interview! Jack is wonderful.
@Stephanie M---My pleasure! So glad you stopped by to share with me. :)
"I’m reading something sexy and steamy…by you, of course!"
@PJ---Thank you! *grins* And I think that hot chocolate you're drinking sounds divine!
@2nd Chance---I've had an amazing time on board! Thanks for making it so much fun!! Glad you survived those malls. I have yet to venture there. Thanks for having me on board!!....And a kiss to dear Captain Jack. *muah*
Hope you'll let me come back to chat about my Cinderella retelling, A MIDNIGHT DANCE next summer. ;)
After reading Awakened by a kiss I'll finish up Sarah MacLeans 10 Ways to be Adored When Landing a Lord! Ill sit in my comfy flannel pjs drinking hot coco wishing it was a margarita! Great post Lila and Jack! Can't wait for The Princess in His Bed!
I would be reading something hot 'n heavy with a splash of humor.
I would be wearing a flannel nightgown and robe and socks.
I would be drinking either cheap wine or coffee with a couple of shots of Kahlua.
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