Friday, August 16, 2013
Interview with Marie Lavender & Her New Release!
Today on the blog I am so happy to have Marie Lavender! If you caught my
post earlier this week, this was originally meant for last weekend;
however, I had some technical difficulties. (My computer has not been my
friend lately!) At the end of the post you can also find information
about here latest release, as well as a link to read the first chapter
for free. Without further adieu, please enjoy an interview with Ms.
Lavender!
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Interview with Marie Lavender
I was in choir all through elementary school to high school. I also took a class in college. I can sing first soprano.
2. Did you always plan on writing?
Pretty much. I have known since I was nine years old that I wanted to be an author.
3. What type of food is your favorite? Does it ever make an appearance in your writing?
I like pizza a lot. Yes, occasionally it shows up. I also love The Cheesecake Factory. Their food is excellent. I have never written about that though. LOL.
4. What book has most influenced you as a whole person, not as a writer?
That is a hard question. Though I have been influenced by a lot of great books, I would say the thing that influenced me was not exactly a book, but a poem. I think that I have been following “Desiderata” by Max Ehrmann a lot of my life. It has a lot of good lessons in it. And I think both consciously and even subconsciously I have tried to strive for those ideals.
5. Do you prefer noise when you write, such as music or activity, or do you prefer to write in silence?
Both. It really depends on my mood. Sometimes I like to listen to Celtic music or something light when I write. Other times, if it is apropos to the story, I will listen to alternative or pop. There are also times when I need to organize my thoughts, and I require silence.
6. How does your family feel about your writing?
I am not sure they have ever understood my need to write. It was a major fight in my house when I was younger. But, I know on some level, they are proud of what I have accomplished.
7. Do you do any traveling for your writing?
No, I do research what I write, but I have not traveled for it. I wish I had the budget for that. If I did, I would definitely visit those regions.
8. What is your favorite piece that you have ever written?
That is a tie. Upon Your Return, my current release, was a very long project and a true labor of love so I am partial to it. Fara Bellamont is a character I will never forget. But, A Touch of Dawn is also very close to my heart. I think it is a very special story with truly remarkable characters. It needed to be told. So much violence goes on in the world. So much hate. I cannot say what exactly inspired me. I imagine it was a number of incidents I saw in the news, not to mention my own experiences in the past. I think it is truly amazing when people who have been through what Jack and Caitlyn experienced can still find their own happiness. I imagine it does happen. If it does not, then it should. So, maybe A Touch of Dawn was born of that need, to tell what should be told, despite the costs.
9. Do you stick to one genre when you write, or several? What genre(s)?
I am very partial to romance, though I have noticed a mix appear in some of my books. There are so many subgenres in romance these days so it hardly matters. I have written contemporary romance, historical romance, romantic suspense, romantic mystery and paranormal romance.
10. Do you have a favorite character in your most recent release? Who is it?
Like I said, Fara Bellamont is an unforgettable character from Upon Your Return. She goes against all of the social norms and the hero likes her all the more for it.
11. Are you working on anything now?
I have several projects in the works. I am working on the sequel to Upon Your Return. It will be titled Upon Your Honor. I am also working on a romantic suspense with a writing partner. Our initial title is Certain Death. And last, I am working on merging my first three books (short story collections) into one big anthology. The title will be Miss Lavender’s Anthology of Ramblings. After that, I will re-release all of my books under Marie Lavender.
12. Any advice for aspiring writers and fellow authors before you go?
I feel like I have said this many times. But, perseverance is one of the key things a writer should have. Never give up, even if others say you should. Keep trying. Improve your writing however you can. But, do not let rejections or anyone keep you from your dreams.
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Latest Release: Upon Your Return
But, Fara finds herself thrust into an adventure of a lifetime when unforeseen circumstances cause her to place her trust in a strange man for protection. His intervention not only saves her, but puts her in an even more compromising position.
Grant Hill, a trading captain, is enchanted by the young heiress not only because of her beauty, but because she is hardly conventional. Underneath her ladylike exterior lies a tigress. Grant cannot help but offer his protection as she is in need and he is far from immune from her charms.
Fara just never bargained on the passion that she feels for Grant Hill. As events unfold, she must decide whether her desires and the dictates of her heart should trump the rules of society...
For those of you who don't know, I am a HUGE sucker of historical romance, and just look at that gorgeous cover! You can find the first chapter for free on Ms. Lavender's website HERE. You do need to scroll a bit before you get to it, but it's there!
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About Marie Lavender
Marie Lavender lives in the Midwest with her family and three cats. She has been writing for over twenty years. She has more works in progress than she can count on two hands.
At the tender age of nine, she began writing stories. Her imagination fueled a lot of her early child's play. Even growing up, she entered writing contests and received a certificate for achieving the second round in one. She majored in Creative Writing in college because that was all she ever wanted - to be a writer. While there, she published two works in a university publication, and was a copy editor on the staff of an online student journal. After graduating from college, she sought out her dream to publish a book.
Since then, Marie has published sixteen books. Marie Lavender's real love is writing romances, but she has also written mysteries, literary fiction and dabbled a little in paranormal stories. Most of her works have a romantic element involved in them. Upon Your Return is her first historical romance novel. Feel free to visit her website at http://marielavender.webs.com/ for further information about her books and her life.
Marie is also on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
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Works by Marie Lavender (and her Other Pen Names)
Marie Lavender: Upon Your Return
Erica Sutherhome: Hard to Get; Memories; A Hint of Scandal; Without You; Strange Heat; Terror in the Night; Haunted; Pursuit; Perfect Game; A Touch of Dawn; Ransom
Kathryn Layne: A Misplaced Life
Heather Crouse: Express Café and Other Ramblings; Ramblings, Musings and Other Things; Soulful Ramblings and Other Worldly Things
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Find Marie Lavender
Good interview!
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