1. Where is the most beautiful/romantic place you’ve ever been? Loch Ness, Scotland. My husband and I toured Scotland some years ago and visited Castle Urquhart on Loch Ness. It was late March, the trees still bare, but I still found it an incredibly beautiful, dramatic, awe-inspiring place. In late March, the castle ruins were practically empty, but for us. I could almost hear the voices from long ago.

2. Do you celebrate when you finish a book and what you do? Rather than celebrate, I’m usually looking to escape. After a particularly intense deadline hell I need to get out of the house, so I usually head for the mall to soak up the crowds and the external world. Sometimes, I haven’t left the house for days. My celebration of choice is a bottle of champagne or a dinner out, but I tend to save those for the big things—new contracts or hitting a bestseller list. Finishing a book is such a slippery thing. First draft done? Yay, but more revisions needed. Sometimes lots more. Send it off to my editor? Whew! But she’s quick and thorough and often boomerangs it back to me for more revisions within a week or two. Editorial revisions done? Yippee! But I’m still holding my breath, hoping my editor accepts the revisions and doesn’t send the book back for more.

3. If you could go on a date with any superhero, who would you choose and why? Ha. Thor, especially if he looks like Chris Hemsworth! Or Superman. I want to fly!

4. If you were not writing, what job would you have? Once upon a time, I worked for IBM, first in production control, then in procurement. (I was an industrial engineer.) If I were to return to a 9-5 day job, it would probably be something along those lines. Since I live in the D.C. suburbs, I’d likely end up working for some kind of government contractor. But I’m extremely happy with the job I have. I adore writing and love working at home.

5. Print or ebook? Both. I own a Kindle and tend to buy new books electronically. I love the convenience of instantly downloading the book I want to read, and love traveling with one Kindle vs. half a dozen paperbacks. But I have a teetering TBR pile of print books, and continually acquire more at conferences, so I tend to alternate between electronic and print. I enjoy both and honestly don’t have a preference when it comes to the actual reading experience.

You can learn more about Pamela Palmer’s newest Vamp City novel, A Blood Seduction, by visiting her website. You can also meet me and Pamela at our upcoming Events in Tulsa, Chicago and Dallas!

©2012 Elizabeth Boyle Blog. All Rights Reserved.

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1. Where is the most beautiful/romantic place you’ve ever been?

2. If you could go on a date with any superhero, who would you choose and why? Wonder Woman. I want to know how she does it, where she got her boots, and what all the good gossip is in Superhero Land, particularly about the guys.

3. What blogs do you visit? Blame It On the Muse, Two Nerdy History Girls, The Georgian Gentleman, and few other Regency sites.

EB: Warning, I dropped by The Georgian Gentleman and got totally sidetracked!

4. If you were not writing, what job would you have? I’ve always wanted to work in a flower shop.

5. If you were going to an island for a long time, name 5 things you would bring.

• Peanut butter
• Toilet paper
• A trunk full of my keepers
• SPF 100
• My Swiss army knife

Grace’s new book, Lady Maggie’s Secret Scandal has just arrived in stores and in digital release. To learn more about Grace and her other Regency set romances, please visit her website GraceBurrowes.com.

©2012 Elizabeth Boyle Blog. All Rights Reserved.

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1. Did you have a nickname growing up? Lele, pronounced ‘Lee Lee’. My oldest sister called me that and still does sometimes. No rhyme or reason behind it, just a nickname that was a play off my first name. I always liked it and thought it was cute.

2. Where is the most beautiful/romantic place you’ve ever been? Gatlinburg, Tennessee. My husband surprised me on our 15th wedding anniversary with a trip to Gatlinburg. We stayed in a chalet that clung to the side of the Smoky Mountain foothills. We sat in the hot tub on the deck, looking out over the mountains. And we took all kinds of day trips through the Smoky Mountain National Park, hiking and seeing wildlife and beautiful waterfalls. The highlight was hiking up to Clingman’s Dome where you can see for miles in every direction. We went back a few years later with our extended family, about twenty of us, and rented a three-story cabin. Went horseback riding and hiking. The highlight of that second trip was whitewater rafting. I love Gatlinburg and highly recommend it, both as a romantic getaway and as a great place for family fun!

3. What is the very first romance book that you read? It’s impossible for me to remember the very first one, but I know one of the earliest ones I read was The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss. I can still picture the hero, Brandon Birmingham, his tall, muscular, handsome profile standing on the deck of his ship as he took his new bride home from England to America. I could feel the heroine’s sorrow as her beloved homeland slipped beyond the horizon, and her fear of her uncertain future in a strange new land. Several of Woodiwiss’s books became my favorites and sit proudly on my bookshelf to this day, including A Rose in Winter and Ashes in the Wind. Kathleen Woodiwiss was an incredible author who paved the way for so many authors after her. She was the true queen of romance, one of the original Avon ladies.

4. If you could time travel, what time period would you most like to visit? Medieval Scotland, the highlands, during the reign of King John in England. I think that was the late 1100’s, maybe even 1200. That was the time of Julie Garwood’s novel Ransom, one of my all-time favorite historicals. I’d love to go back to that time and see the Highland Laird’s and see firsthand the power-struggles between the British and Scottish people. Of course, I’d want to be invisible on my trip, so I’d be safe. It was a hard, violent time and although I’d love to visit, I wouldn’t want to live there. I enjoy my modern day luxuries of soap, showers, medicines, etc. far too much to actually want to live in medieval times. But, really, who could resist seeing all those Scottish highlanders in their kilts and speaking with those sexy brogues?

5. What are your top three favorite movies? This is where I have to admit that I’m a total movie fanatic. I love romantic comedies and action flicks. My top three favorites probably change depending on my mood, but off the top of my head right now, I’d say Armegeddon (love the Aerosmith soundtrack, and Bruce Willis of course), Notting Hill, While you Were Sleeping, and I have to throw a fourth one in here – Ever After. Oh, and I loved Kate & Leopold, and A Knight’s Tale….and…okay, have to stop myself. Needless to say, I love movies!

To learn more about Lena Diaz and her suspense novels, including her latest, Simon Says Die, please visit her website, www.LenaDiaz.com.

©2012 Elizabeth Boyle Blog. All Rights Reserved.

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Plus, she sent me a picture of Thor to insert in the blog. Just saying . . .

1. Did you have a nickname growing up?
Mad Dog Stefano. Seriously. There was a boxer in the early 70s nicknamed Mad Dog. And then there was me. It was nearly impossible to tell us apart. Except that one was a big, beefy boxer and the other a small, mouthy toddler. Other than that? Total twins, right down to the hair-trigger temper and the nasty right hook.

2. If you could go on a date with any superhero, who would you choose and why? Oh, definitely Thor. He’s not just a superhero, he’s a god. And, well, he looks like this:

Dibs.

3. If you were not writing, what job would you have? Professional dancer featured on Dancing with the Stars. Not that I actually know how to ballroom dance. But I would love to learn! Only problem: cannot abide fake tans. But I’m sure we could figure something out.

4. Most embarrassing song on your iPod. I’m a firm believer in the idea that no music is embarrassing. I love everything from pop to alternative, country to classical, and all points in between. But if I lost my iPod and a stranger came across it, here are the songs that would have them laughing in five minutes flat:

• ABBA, Dancing Queen
• Beastie Boys, Sure Shot
• Destiny’s Child, Bootylicious
• Presidents of the United States, Love Everybody

5. If you were going to an island for a long time, name 5 things you would bring.

• Sunscreen! (A certain someone would have never let me hear the end of it if this item were forgotten.)
• A lifetime supply of guacamole. And chips This really only counts as one item since guacamole without chips is a sad, sad situation.
• My iPod, loaded with every song ever recorded. By every artist. In every genre. Whew, I think that covers it.
• My Kindle, loaded with every book ever written. By every author. In every genre. Huh. I feel like I’ve heard this somewhere before.
• My family. They’re crazy, but I love them. Wait, how long am I stuck on this island? Hmmmm…

Besides being a double RITA nominee, which is huge bragging rights, Stefanie Sloane also has a new book out, The Saint Who Stole My Heart which is garnering all kinds of buzz. Read all about it on her website.

©2012 Elizabeth Boyle Blog. All Rights Reserved.

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1. Where is the most beautiful/romantic place you’ve ever been? It’s hard to beat the Virgin Islands–turquoise waters and silver sand and jagged volcanic islands scattered in all directions. We’ve stayed in the British Virgins again and again. Paradise. But there are so many other beautiful/romantic places! New Zealand, South Africa, Scotland, Tuscany, the Dalmatian Coast….I’ll stop now.

2. Do you celebrate when you finish a book and what you do? Usually I collapse and sleep for a while, because I’m always frantic and bang up against (or over!) a deadline. Then the Mayhem Consultant will take me to a really nice B&B for a quiet getaway. When I finished No Longer a Gentleman, we want to a lovely place right on the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal and could look out from the balcony and see freighters and tugs and other boats go by. Very relaxing!

3. What new authors have you recently added to your TBR pile? Sophia Page, a new pseudonym for Harlequin author Sophia Weston.  As Sophia Page, she wrote a wonderful book that came out a few months ago called To Marry a Prince, which was a smart, funny story about a commoner girl marrying the Prince of Wales. Not Kate and William, but it did give entertaining insights into what such a romance would be like. I think she has another book coming, and I’m looking forward to it.

4. If you could go on a date with any superhero, who would you choose and why? Wolverine from the X-Men, but ONLY if played by Hugh Jackman!

5. If you were not writing, what job would you have? I was a graphic designer for many years, but the business had computerized so much I’m no longer hireable. In fact, I’m pretty much unemployable at anything but writing. If I had to find a new career–I like houses. Maybe real estate. Except that I’m not great with contracts and would probably make terrible mistakes and become unemployed again really rapidly.

Mary Jo’s classic 5 star and RITA winning book, The Rake, with its alcoholic hero was recently reissued!!! Huzzah!! No Longer a Gentleman, the fourth in her Lost Lords series, will be released April 24th and received a coveted starred review from Publishers Weekly! Learn more about Mary Jo and her wonderful Regency books at http://www.maryjoputney.com/.

©2012 Elizabeth Boyle Blog. All Rights Reserved.

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Jane Porter and her lovely smile!

And the romance genre is filled with these kind and generous women. I’ve been stewing this morning about all the things I need to get done before I venture off to Maryland next week–finalizing my speech, rounding out the workshops I’ll be giving, a big booksigning, coming up with what to pack, finishing the draft of my book, boring business stuff that sucks my time and energy. But mostly finishing the draft of my book–which is nearly there but dragging its heels. Okay, the author is dragging her heels, and I have just been grumpy and cranky about all of it.

Then out of the blue I got the kindest, most generous email from Pamela Palmer offering her welcome to WRW retreat I am attending and asking if there is anything I wanted to know about it. I barely know Pamela, but she just pegged out on the potential BFF scale. And then I remember the beautiful week I just spent with Jane Porter and her beautiful family in Hawaii. What was the first thing we did? Book swapped good reads! (A Georgette Heyer for a Caroline Linden.)

A rainbow discovered with friends.

But it was a terrific week, now filled with happy memories of the boys playing on the beach together, the big dinner we had on the patio for Matthew’s birthday, Jane’s generosity and gorgeous smile–even when she was coming off a hellish deadline. The rainbow we spotted over the distance mountains as we all sat down on the beach and listened to the wedding music from the party next door.

Thank you to all my friends who make my life richer and more meaningful. And thank you to all who read my books and are friends in that love of adventure and reading. You take away my grumpies.

©2012 Elizabeth Boyle Blog. All Rights Reserved.

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1. Did you have a nickname growing up? I had several. Katie, being the simplest, and longest lasting. Goldilocks and Buckwheat perhaps the more interesting.

2. Do you celebrate when you finish a book and what you do? When the deadline is bearing down on me, and I can see the finish line in the distance, I will go buy a bottle of cheap champagne. Then, whenever I open the fridge, there it is, staring at me, reminding me I should be writing. As soon as I type ‘The End’, whether it be 11AM or 2AM, I’ll pop that baby open and pour myself a glass.

3. If you could go on a date with any superhero, who would you choose and why? Well, I suppose I’m going to have to say the Hulk, simply because my wonderful boyfriend has written a couple of Hulk and She-Hulk comics for Marvel. But, if I wasn’t being a loyal girlfriend, I would likely choose Captain America. There’s just something about a good old-fashioned corn-fed American guy with nice manners and a strong moral center that happens to be a genetically enhanced super soldier, you know?

4. If you were not writing, what job would you have? When I was a kid, I wanted to be a Disney animator. In fact, I studied TV and Film production in college, so I would likely be behind a camera somewhere. Although secretly, I would love to be a pottery-making/world-travelling/soul-singing/polylingual/race car-driving lifestyle guru. Do you know of any job openings in that field?

5. Most embarrassing song on your iPod. Clay Aiken’s version of Bridge Over Troubled Water. No contest.

6. If you were going to an island for a long time, name 5 things you would bring. I’m going to assume this island is populated by a 5 star hotel and resort, yes? (EB: Yeah, sure. It has a resort and electricity, wink) If so, here’s my list:

1. The Boyfriend.
2. The Credit Cards.
3. A significant portion of the TBR pile.
4. Contact lenses.
5. My smart phone. Not only is it a GPS for when we get lost, but I have a sad Angry Birds addiction.

Everything else I can buy, right?

EB: Let’s hope so. Because when the smart phone runs out of power, and the Angry Birds are gone and you can’t listen to Clay Aiken, girlfriend, you’re in trouble.

Kate has two stories releasing next Tuesday: the full length novel, If I Fall, available in print and ebook, and a special e-novella, The Dress of the Season. To learn more about Kate and her wonderful historical romances, visit www.katenoble.com.

©2012 Elizabeth Boyle Blog. All Rights Reserved.

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1. Did you have a nickname growing up? Only later in life… First, “Fear” from colleagues at WTVJ, not because I exhibited it or inspired it:)–but because someone had a funny accent at the station and pronounced my name “Sofear”–and then it took on a life of it’s own! I also had a boss, the extraordinary Austin Kiplinger, who called me “Stretch!”

2. What is the very first romance book that you read? Sense and Sensibility.

3. Aside from being a writer, what is your favorite job? Being a Mom, except the cooking part.

EB: Isn’t it a great job?! ‘Cept when your newly minted teenager tells you he doesn’t want to go The Hunger Games movie with you, he’d rather go with friends. Oh, and by the way, Mom, will you pay?

4. If you could choose any 3 people in history to meet, who would they be? Aside from dinner with God, I’d like to go to a week long house party with Jane Austen, Oscar Wilde, and Mark Twain. And Einstein. And the former anthropology major in me would like to see an Australopithecus.

EB: Sophia, did you know I am related to Mark Twain?

5. Do you have a special writing place where you are most productive? In a tiny bedroom in France with the kids reading in the back yard, the neighbors mowing their lawn, and Coco La Dog biting my toes. That’s where I wrote most of my March 27th release–The Art of Duke Hunting!

EB: And I thought the Burien Press was a cool spot. Like I said, I want to be Sophia when I grow up.

You can find out more about Sophia Nash and her back to back Regency romance releases, Between the Duke and the Deep Blue Sea (available now) and The Art of Duke Hunting (which releases next week), at her website SophiaNash.com.

©2012 Elizabeth Boyle Blog. All Rights Reserved.

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1. Did you have a nickname growing up? Lainie.

2. What is the very first romance book that you read? Morning Glory by LaVyrle Spencer.

EB: Sidenote: I met LaVyrle Spencer years ago–what a lovely woman and what a great book.

3. What new authors have you recently added to your TBR pile? Addison Fox, Lori Austin, Darynda Jones, not new but new to me: Loretta Chase.

EB: Obviously in the mood for sidenotes today: I LOVE it when authors answer this question because I always find someone new to read and adore.

4. If you could time travel, what time period would you most like to visit? Would love to visit the early Victorian period except that it was so dirty that I think I would be happier visiting the late Victorian period.

EB: My suspicion is that they would both be dirty, but it would be something to see, wouldn’t it?

5. What are your top three favorite movies?

Casablanca

Gone With the Wind

Gladiator

EB: I knew Lorraine was a kindred spirit. I adore these movies as well.

Lorraine Heath’s latest release, She Tempts the Duke, was a NY Times bestseller. Find out more about Lorraine and all her books at LorraineHeath.com.

©2012 Elizabeth Boyle Blog. All Rights Reserved.

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1. Where is the most beautiful/romantic place you’ve ever been? There’s an island off the eastern edge of Puerto Rico called Vieques—it’s largely untouched because the US Navy used to use the rainforest on the island for bombing drills (which isn’t romantic, I know, but stick with me), so they’ve closed off 80% of the island to people, letting the whole thing grow wild.

It’s a lovely, sleepy place, filled with gorgeous beaches and charming people . . . and it’s the home to one of the largest bioluminescent bays in the world. Because of some combination of mangrove trees and fish and the tide, there’s a specific kind of amoebae that lives in this bay that glows when it becomes agitated. At night, the bay is pitch black, but everything that moves—boats, fish, people—light up in the water. It’s amazingly romantic, because swimming in the bay at night is like swimming in starlight.

2. How do you come up with the names for your Hero/Heroine? I’m terrible at names. They usually change three or four times during the writing of the book, and it’s a total find and replace disaster. I’ve been known to ask friends, family and readers to name them, and I am not above using great names of people I know.

As for all those dukedoms and earldoms and marquessates? I have a large map of London in 1908 on the wall of my office, and I lift street names for titles. It’s cheating, probably, but oh, do I loathe naming characters!

3. Where do you go for inspiration when the creativity well is running a little dry? I’m very lucky to live in New York City, so I have 8 million people and about a million and one places in which to find inspiration. But here are the go-tos:

1) Coney Island – The closest thing to a beach near me, filled with wacky carnival barkers and fabulous hotdogs and a pier that goes 100 yards out into the ocean. I like to go there on cold winter days and walk the boardwalk.
2) The Metropolitan Museum of Art – It’s enormous. As big as you think? Bigger. And you can’t see the entire collection in a day. In fact, I’m pretty certain that you can’t see the entire collection in a month, because I always seem to find something new. I love the Greek & Roman Art rooms, but somehow always seem to get lost in American furniture.
3) The Top of the Empire State Building (at night) – Little known fact: The Empire State Building observation deck is open until 2am, and you haven’t seen New York until you’ve seen it from the top of the ESB in the middle of the night. Another fun fact? The lines at 11:30pm are very short. Which is awesome.

4. What new authors have you recently added to your TBR pile? I loved Anna Randol’s debut Regency-Constantinople-set A Secret in her Kiss, so I’m really looking forward to her next. I just started the Sookie Stackhouse novels (I know, I know, I’ve been under a rock, apparently, but gorgeous True Blood men have made me see the light), and I’m loving them.

5. What are your top three favorite movies? Ocean’s Eleven – I am a sucker for a great heist movie, and this one is my favorite. I’ll take either the original or the Clooney/Pitt version (although George Clooney in a tux is a particular pleasure).

When Harry Met Sally – I’ve loved this movie since the very first time I saw it, and now that I live in New York, it’s even better. Every time we do anything that’s Harry & Sally do . . . buy a Christmas tree, eat at Katz’s deli, sing Surrey With the Fringe on Top at Sharper Image (what? It totally happens!), I get totally tingly. And start speaking like a Nora Ephron character.

300 – In which a classic Greek story gets mixed up with CGI effects and . . . oh, yeah. Gerard Butler & Michael Fassbender’s CGI abs. Thank you very very much, Hollywood.

And thank you, Sarah, for dropping by! You can learn more about Sarah on her website. Her newest book, A Rogue by Any Other Name is available now.

©2012 Elizabeth Boyle Blog. All Rights Reserved.

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