Thursday, April 4, 2013

Interview with Author Ella Quinn +Giveaway


I want to welcome Regency romance author Ella Quinn to Leatherbound Reviews! Ms. Quinn’s debut novel, The Seduction of Lady Phoebe, is now available for pre-order. To celebrate this exciting time for Ella, I thought I would ask her a few questions about her writing and Lady Phoebe.
Use the Rafflecopter form below for a chance to win an ebook copy of The Seduction of Lady Phoebe!

What’s your favorite part of writing Regency romances? 
The research and staying within the cultural standards while having my heroine’s still be strong and independent.

Tell us about your new release, The Seduction of Lady Phoebe
The Seduction of Lady Phoebe is about a betrayal and Phoebe and Marcus’s path to love. I know that sounds like an old trope, but I think I’ve put a new spin on it.

I know there are other books in your Marriage Game series. Did you have the plots for each planned out or did they come about as you wrote The Seduction of Lady Phoebe
No, I’m a total pantser, and didn’t even know there would be a series. I wrote Phoebe and Marcus’s story first, then knew Anna and Rutherford from the Secret Life of Miss Anna Marsh, would be second. The only problem is they were reticent to reveal their story. Meanwhile, Robert, Viscount Beaumont was shouting at me to write his, so the Temptation of Lady Serena was written second. The fourth book, currently titled Lady Caro’s Accidental Marriage is with my editor. I’m working on the fifth, and there will be a sixth before I start a new series in which the characters overlap.

Describe your hero, Lord Marcus Finley and your heroine, Lady Phoebe Stanhope.
Marcus was a such a bad boy, that at twenty, his father decided to banish him to the West Indies. After he sobered up on the ship, he started to turn himself around, made his own fortune and took Phoebe’s advice to help others. He remained faithful to her, and when he returns eight years later, decides Phoebe is still the only woman he will marry. 

Phoebe is very forward thinking. It runs in the family. Her parents were adherents of the liberal philosophers of the time, so Phoebe and her older sisters learned, to use pistols, short swords, and self-defense. She can also drive a team. She is very politically astute as well. Phoebe wants to marry and have children, but after what Marcus did, she doesn’t believe she’ll ever fall in love again.

What was your favorite thing about writing these two? 
Bringing them together. Phoebe was very resistant, and Marcus had to overcome his desire to try to force her to see they belonged together. Everyone, in her family gets involved.

I am always intrigued by the things authors learn when conducting research for their novels. What is one piece of historical trivia you found interesting or odd? I found it interesting that there was a real ground swell of liberalism during the time. It manifested itself in the Radical party, and in the liberal wing of the Whig party which was in opposition to the Prince Regent. Also, interesting was the amount of work ladies on estates actually did. It wasn’t all sitting around drinking tea. Many of them ran the estates, while their husbands were doing something else. 

Lady Phoebe is available for pre-order. What is the one thing that you are most nervous about when it comes to Lady Phoebe’s pre-order and release? 
LOL, that it won’t sell. I have wonderful cover quotes from both Grace Burrowes and Shana Galen, but there is always the fear it will flop.

Ella is lucky enough to have garnered two remarkable cover quotes from two wonderful authors:
"Lady Phoebe is a heroine Georgette Heyer would adore–plucky, pretty, and well worth the devotion of the dashing Lord Marcus. A marvelous find for Regency romance readers."
~ Grace Burrowes ~
“Ella Quinn’s The Seduction of Lady Phoebe is a passionate tale full of humor, romance, and poignancy. Quinn writes classic Regency romance at its best!”
~Shana Galen~

From the publisher:
LADY PHOEBE STANHOPE, famous for her quick wits, fast horses, and punishing right hook, is afraid of nothing but falling in love. Fleeing a matchmaking attempt with the only man she despises, Phoebe meets a handsome blue-eyed stranger who sends her senses skittering. By the time Phoebe discovers the seductive stranger is the same arrogant troll she sent packing eight years ago, she is halfway to falling in love with him.
LORD MARCUS FINLEY last saw Phoebe striding regally away, as he lay on the floor with a bruised jaw and a rapidly swelling eye. Recently returned from the West Indies, Marcus is determined to earn Phoebe’s love, preferably before she discovers who he is. Determined to have Phoebe for his own, Marcus begins his campaign to gain her forgiveness and seduce her into marriage.
Can Phoebe learn to trust her own heart and Marcus? Or is she destined to remain alone?
Author Bio:
     Ella’s studies and other jobs have always been on the serious side. Reading historical romances, especially Regencies, were her escape. Eventually her love of historical novels led her to start writing them.
     She is married to her wonderful husband of twenty-nine years. They have a son and granddaughter, Great Dane and a Chartreux. After living in the South Pacific, Central America, North Africa, England and Europe, she and her husband decided to make St. Thomas, VI home.
     Ella is a member of the Romance Writers of American, The Beau Monde and Hearts Across History. She is represented by Elizabeth Pomada of Larsen-Pomada Literary Agency, and published by Kensington. Her first book, The Seduction of Lady Phoebe, will release in September 2013


***GIVEAWAY TIME***

Ella Quinn has generously offered ONE ebook for giveaway! To enter, simply leave a comment to this post and use the Rafflecopter form. OPEN INTERNATIONALLY! Giveaway ends Sunday, April 14. Best of luck! =)
Ella Quinn is also hosting another giveaway for The Seduction of Lady Phoebe on her Facebook page!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Connect with Ella Quinn



74 comments:

  1. Wonderful interivew Ella...great to learn more about you. Phoebe sounds like an interesting heroine.

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    1. Thank you, Christine. I'm glad you came by.

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  2. You always bring something interesting to your interview and your writing, Ella! Thanks you for the education on the political climate of the times.
    This is what I love about research.

    Best to you on the new release!

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    1. Thanks, Sandy, I'm glad you liked it.

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  3. Yay! Congratulations on your release, Ella.

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    1. Kary, thank you for your support! Not a release yet, but I'm getting there.

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  4. The Seduction of Lady Phoebe sounds like a great story. I cannot wait to read it.

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    1. Raque, thank you so much. I love hearing that.

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  5. I'm so excited and happy for Ella on the release of this wonderful book!

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  6. Sounds like a book I want to read! Congratulations on your release, Ella!

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    1. Gerri, thank you so much for coming by and commenting.

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  7. I love reading Regency romances and am so excited to hear about another Ms Quinn who writes in this genre. Okay, the other is Julia Quinn if you can't guess who I am referring to.

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    1. Thanks so much. I hope you like my books as much as you like the other Ms. Quinns. Thank you for commenting.

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    2. Oh, yes, Luthien! Two great Ms. Quinns! Looking forward to reading Ella's stories!

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  8. Seriously? This is your first book, Ella? And you have several others on the way? You really ARE my hero!

    My heroine, Lady Theresa, manages her father's estate as well. But she was born and raised in the country.

    LOVE to read about heroines who aren't brainless twits too!

    Can't wait to read Lady Phoebe's story!

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    1. Thanks so much, Susana! I can't wait for you to read it as well.

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  9. Congratulations on your release, Ella. And on your other upcoming books.

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    1. Karen, thank you so much. It's really exciting!

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  10. Wonderful interview and I cannot wait for everyone to read Phoebe and Marcus's story!

    I tweeted and Facebooked this!

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    1. Thank you so much, Louisa for everything. You're fantastic!

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  11. Congrats~! Do you have any plans after this series?

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    1. Hi Kipha, thank you for asking. I've already written two books in the next series, currently titled A Season for Love. I just haven't sent them to my agent yet.

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  12. So looking forward to reading your book, Ella. It sounds wonderful.

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    1. Thank you so much, Christy. I never get tired of hearing that.

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  13. Thanks for the interview & review! I am always happy to learn about new authors & books. I'm looking forward to reading yours!

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    1. Thank you so much, Sharlene! That makes me so happy. I do hope you enjoy them.

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  14. Congratulations on your pre-order status! September is just around the corner! This is a great book that readers will fall in love with.

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    1. Thanks, Jenna. With two more books coming out on pre-order, I'll be busy until then.

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  15. Oh, amazing interview! I'm so excited about the book! Here's to selling a million copies!

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    1. Lani, from your lips to God's ear. I hope so. Thank you for coming by.

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  16. The story sounds wonderful! Really enjoyed the interview, Jakki.

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    1. Hi Cassie! Thanks for stopping by! Glad you enjoyed the interview! *hugs* =)

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  17. Thank you, Cassandra.

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  18. Your book is NOT going to flop. It's going to be great! And I'm going to go tweet about right now.

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    1. Thanks, so much Liza. You rock!

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  19. Congrats on your book! I can't wait for it to be released!

    Great interview!

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    1. Me neither, Stacy. Thank you for stopping by and commenting.

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  20. Cannot wait to read this story, Ella! Great post.

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    1. Lana, I can't wait for you to read it either. Thank you for coming by.

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  21. So wonderful to learn more about you, Ella.
    Love the story and can't wait to read it.

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    1. Thank you, Collette. I'm so looking forward to it's release.

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  22. Hey, Ella,

    Just catching up with blogs. So excited for your book coming out. Can't wait to read it. I love your stories, and the help you've given me on mine. Best of luck.

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    1. Callie, I'm glad you made it by. Thank you.

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  23. Hi Ella,

    Wonderful interview. I love your enthusiasm. it is contagious! Can't wait for September to be able to read this exciting story. Many wishes for success. You are always available to help me through my trials.

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    1. What a very nice thing to say, Ann. Thank you.

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  24. Good luck with your launch, Ella, I know your novel will do very well.

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  25. Ella, great interview and best of luck with the book.

    And isn't Jakki from Leatherbound an absolute darling? Love you both.

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    1. Suzi, thank you so much. You're a doll! Yes, Jakki is wonderful!

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    2. Aw, thanks, Suzi! So glad you stopped by and enjoyed the interview! :)

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  26. Great interview!! What a truly exciting time for you :)Can't wait till its released! I hope it does exceedingly well.

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    1. Gina, it is exciting. Thank you. I hope it does as well.

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  27. Sounds like a great story to me! I love that Phoebe and her sister were taught self-defense and how to handle weapons!

    Thanks for the chance to win a copy!

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    1. Thank you, Candy. They are a talented family!

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  28. Wonderful interview! I really can't wait to read this book. Congratulations to you, Ella.

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    1. Melissa, you're so sweet. Thanks so much.

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  29. Congratulations! This sounds like a great read. I love a strong heroine, and I laughed out loud at Marcus being described as an "arrogant troll".

    I'm in awe that you've lived in so many places, and have so many writing projects in the works!

    Great interview, ladies!

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    1. Hi Monica, glad to meet you. I'm so glad you liked the excerpt and the interview!

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    2. Thanks, Monica. Glad you enjoyed the interview. I, too, love a strong heroine! I hope you enjoy the book. Best of luck in the giveaway!

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  30. Wow, everyone! Thanks for stopping by and showing your support for Ella Lady Phoebe! I wish you all the best of luck in the giveaway! =)
    And thank you Ella for the interview and providing this great giveaway!

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    1. Thank you Jakki, for inviting me. I had a wonderful time!

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  31. I'm so happy that this book will be out soon. I'm off to pre-order it right now!

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  32. Can't wait till the book's out, Ella! Best of luck!

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  33. Ella,
    I'm sorry to be late for the party, but I wanted to be sure and drop by to wish you the best. I'm so excited for your release and happy for you. Great job with the interview, ladies. :)

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  34. It's always so much fun to read about your books and your work, Ella! I can't wait to read this. :)

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  35. Ally, Miranda, Ally, and Merry, for somereason the reply to your individual comments won't work this morning.

    Thank you so much for coming by and supporting me. Ally, thank you for pre-ordering. I really appreciate it.

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  36. Great interview -- this sounds like such a fun book. I love hist fic that lifts up the complicated reality of the past -- liberal and conservative always existed, and I'm a huge fan of the liberal philosophers. I love the idea of a heroine springing up from the atmosphere!

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  37. Hey Ella, I am just a little late here. I love your excerpts, they tease us just enough to want the book. Hope you sell a couple of million copies.

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  38. A little late too, but I relly enjoyed reading the interview. I liked the sound of Phoebe and Marcus and their story. Phoebe sounds like a remarkable woman!
    Going right onto my goodreads shelf!

    Jakki, wouldn't that be a book with a scene for a vlog? Don't hate me for suggesting it - I know you have lots to do. Just saying. If you take up vlogging again...

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    1. Hi Katrin! This does sound like a good book, doesn't it?
      I do plan on doing more vlogs once my house is quiet for long enough for me to record one! I have one all planned, just waiting for quiet. ;)

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  39. Hi Kaewink, good to meet you. Thanks so much for linking my characters.

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  40. Good luck with the book! I love a Regency heroine who can punch, I am right behind Pheobe already :-)

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    1. Me too, Ceri! I can't wait to read more about Lady Phoebe! :) Good luck in the giveaway! :)

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