Thursday, May 30, 2013

Kara Louise Interview, Excerpt & Giveaway


Arrr ye ready fer Kara Louise’s latest novel? Well get yer sea legs ready an' hop aboard the Devil's Seamaiden on a captivatin', romantic piratin' voyage! 

After I got back on terra firma from me piratin' adventure, I had several questions I was dyin' to ask the authoress. Aye! Now join me in welcomin' the master-mind behind this tale as she takes the time to answer me questions. 


What gave you the inspiration for Pirates and Prejudice?
A short answer would be my love of "Pride and Prejudice" and my love for pirate movies. My love for “Pride and Prejudice” came from the '95 film with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle. My love for pirates probably began back at Disneyland with the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. In addition to being a great ride, it is one that draws you in and makes you feel as though you are part the action. When I heard they were finally making the film PotC, I was so excited I couldn't wait for it to be released! I also love the old pirate movies with Errol Flynn.

I came up with a vague premise for this pirate story years ago. I decided I wasn't going to do a mash-up, where Darcy really is a pirate (like he is a vampire, zombie, etc. in other stories), but is mistaken for one, thus leading him on a pirate's adventure. And the fact that he encounters Elizabeth and she doesn’t recognize him made it a lot of fun!

How was writing this different from writing Darcy’s Voyage?

The biggest difference was in writing the fight scenes. I had never done that before. I have two scenes where Darcy and his crew have to fight off the pirates in a sword fight.

In addition, in “Darcy’s Voyage,” Elizabeth and Darcy meet immediately. In “Pirates and Prejudice,” I had to set up how they are to finally come together. There is quite a bit going on in both of their lives which takes a while to develop. I hope people will be patient as you see their storylines begin to merge.

How do you know so much about ships and sailing? Research or experience?
Both! I grew up in Southern California and actually did a lot of sailing. Just small boats, of course, and always with someone who knew somewhat what they were doing. Groups of us would rent sailboats and go out on a lake or even out in the ocean. So there is a little experience, but research comes into play in a major way when dealing with a large sailing ship. I would have no idea how one even begins to sail a large vessel.

What was your favorite part about writing or researching for Pirates and Prejudice?
It had to be in my research when I discovered the Isles of Scilly. I had originally thought I would take Elizabeth and her father to sea because his sister, who lived up in Scotland, was moving with her family to the states, and Mr. Bennet wanted to sail up to see them before they left. As I researched that angle, looking up emigration from Scotland to the states, and particularly where Elizabeth and her father would sail, it was very confining and I wasn’t happy with it. One day I was looking at a map of England, looking out at the seas surrounding it and the different ports one might sail into or out of, and I saw some little islands off the southern coast. When I zoomed in, I saw they were called the Isles of Scilly. I was thrilled beyond measure to discover not only were these islands inhabited, but they also were a favorite hideout for pirates and smugglers because of the caves and rocky outcroppings. They have a milder climate, but occasional storms come through, including one in the 1700s that took a naval fleet of four ships and battered them against the rocks. The Isles of Scilly not only became their destination, but took the story in a completely different direction - one that I think works out much better than the one I originally had. I love it when that happens!

Can you tell readers your favorite part of the story?
I actually have a lot of favorite parts, but I really enjoyed writing Darcy when he encounters Elizabeth and rescues her from the real pirates. Because he has been impersonating a pirate (it’s rather complicated – you’ll have to read it!), she does not recognize him with his beard, longer hair, speech, and of course, dress. He, of course, recognizes her, but does not want to tell her who he is, because he enjoys having that repartee with her again that he once enjoyed. He knows that if he tells her who he is, she will likely exhibit that anger towards him that she had when he proposed.

Was it challenging to incorporate the pirate lingo into the story?
This is a great question, as the dialect changed as I wrote the novel. The lingo I initially wrote actually became too difficult to read. There was one sentence that had so many apostropes (to indicate missing letters), that when I reread it, it slowed me down considerably. So I began to pick and choose what I would leave in: contractions, leaving the 'g' off of 'ing' words, incorrect verb tense, leaving off an 'h' at the beginning of a word, and a few others. I hope that I found a good balance to make it easy for the reader, but give a good idea of the language. And I'll come right out now and say it: I don't have anyone say, "Arrrh!"

Thanks, Jakki, for the interview and great questions! I'll be giving away one copy of P&P selected from anyone who comments (US only please. Although, if you are international and have a kindle, I'll send you one if you win!).

Pirates and Prejudice excerpt:
This scene takes place after Elizabeth hit Darcy in the head with a rock. She believed him to be a pirate, but he tells her he is Captain Smith. They are stranded on a small island, taking refuge in a cave, and the two of them are having a conversation just outside the cave.

“If you will be so kind as to allow us some privacy,” Elizabeth said, looking at the captain. “We shall return directly.”
The captain, with an air of authority, ordered all the men to remain in the cave until the ladies returned. Elizabeth thanked him, saying she was certain they would all comply.
When they returned, Elizabeth expressed surprised to see the captain up and walking around. The ladies returned to the place in the cave they had come to call their own, but Elizabeth walked over to him.
“Are you feeling well enough to be up and about?” she asked.
He nodded. “I am much improved… thanks to your… yer care. Is there anythin’ I ken do to make you an’ the ladies more comfortable?”
“You have already done so much. But do you think you can you provide us with nice, plump pillows on which to rest our heads?” She tilted her head with a smile.
The captain met her teasing gaze. He was tempted to offer the use of his arm to serve as her pillow, but he refrained. “I’m sorry, but we brought no pillows. I wish we ’ad thought of it.”
Elizabeth laughed. “We shall manage. We can roll up some of our belongings. But thank you for providing us with blankets.” She put her arms about her and shivered. “It is getting cooler.”
“Aye, it is.” The captain chewed on his bottom lip and then looked out into the darkness. He wanted to pull her into his arms and take away any chill she might feel with the warmth he now felt.
When he turned back, the flames from the fire flickered in her eyes. “Miss Bennet…” He took a deep breath. “I…”
Elizabeth waited for him to continue, but Mrs. Keller came up and interrupted any further discourse. “Come, Elizabeth, we need something to cheer us up and want to hear more of your amusing stories.”
“I assure you I have no more amusing stories!”
“Yes! You remember! You were going to tell us about that foolish man whose offer of marriage you simply had to refuse.”
“Now?” Elizabeth asked.
“Yes! We are all waiting expectantly.”
Mrs. Keller grabbed Elizabeth’s arm and began pulling her towards the ladies. She turned back to excuse herself from the captain but saw that he was no longer standing there.

Still craving more? Kara Louise has more excerpts posted on her blog:


***GIVEAWAY TIME***

Kara Louise is generously giving away a copy of Pirates and Prejudice to one lucky commenter! (US only for paperback. If the winer is international, you will receive a Kindle edition). 
To enter, simply comment on this post. PLEASE leave your email address or Twitter handle so I know you to contact you if you win. 
As always, extra entries for tweeting. (Can be done once daily).
Giveaway closes Wednesday, June 5! Good luck!


Connect with Kara Louise
Read It Now!
Kindle | Nook

56 comments:

  1. This makes me as giddy as a school girl!! @AngieKroll

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    1. Me too, Angie! :) I cannot wait to get the paperback so I can stare at its beautiful cover for a while.

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  2. I am so excited to read Pirates and Prejudice!!=)
    kellik115(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Ahoy, Kelli! Best of luck in the giveaway! :)

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  3. Oh that excerpt! Poor Darcy!

    Thank you for the giveaway opportunity :)

    @Frawli1978

    And I tweeted it too: https://twitter.com/frawli1978/status/340089995706642432

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    1. I agree, Ceri! I wish I knew what was going through Darcy's head there! Thanks for entering the giveaway!

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  4. Look forward to reading even if it is only a kindle copy

    meikleblog at gmail dot com

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    1. Thanks for entering the giveaway, Vesper, and for all of the tweets! Good luck!

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  5. I am so excited to see that Kara Louise has a new book out! I can't wait to read Pirates and Prejudice. I have all of Kara's books, and she is my favorite Author! Congratulations Kara on your new book!

    kchavezquincy@hotmail.com

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    1. Hi Kathy! I'm so glad to hear you have enjoyed all of Kara's other books! I hope you find this one is just as good!

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  6. Oh stars. I thought this sounded fun during the Austen hop last week, but now with the excerpt? Yup. Definitely need to read this!!!

    @RivkaBelle <3

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    1. *Waving* Hi Rebecca! So nice seeing you here! Oh, I think those excerpts Kara posted were yummy! Hope you get to read this soon! Good luck in the giveaway!

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  7. Thanks to everyone for stopping by, and thanks to Jakki for hosting me. I hope you will all have a chance to read "Pirates and Prejudice" and will enjoy it! It was fun to write! And good luck in the giveaway!

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  8. What? No one says "arrr!" I'm outraged. Just kiddin' - can't wait to read this. Poor Darcy - I wonder if she was talking about Mr Collins' s proposal. That story has much more comic entertainment value than Darcy's. Guess I'll find out! Thanks for yer giveaway, mateys!

    @jaffobsession

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    1. I know! I thought for sure there would be an "arrr," but there wasn't and I didn't even miss it! A least the angst here isn't like your other reads at the moment! :) thanks for all of your tweets & entering the giveaway! :)

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  9. Tweet ahoy! https://mobile.twitter.com/jaffobsession/status/340193507111223296?p=v

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  10. you got me at PIRATES!!!

    thank you!!

    cyn209 at juno dot com

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    1. And what a hot pirate Darcy makes! ;) Enjoy! Thanks for entering, Cynthia! Best of luck!

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  11. Oh, keep bringing on the Darcy Sea Tales. I loved Voyage. Can't wait to read this one. Thank you for writing it!

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    1. I can't decide which one I enjoyed better, Voyage or Pirate. I have enjoyed both! Hope you get to experience Darcy as a pirate soon! :) Good luck in the giveaway!

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  12. daily tweet - https://twitter.com/Vesper1931/status/340425862446977024

    meikleblog at gmail dot com

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  13. Read and loved Darcy's Voyage. It was so romantic! I still think about Elizabeth giving up her spot in steerage. Pirate Darcy sounds swoon worthy.

    International reader so insubordination at gmail dot com

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    1. Oh, yes! I loved Darcy's Voyage too! After all of this talk about it, I feel like I need to go reread it!

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  14. Ahoy there me hearties!

    I tweeted again https://twitter.com/frawli1978/status/340510575845076993

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  15. Friday tweet! :)

    https://twitter.com/jaffobsession/status/340516831192297472

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  16. Why are pirates pirates? Because they arrrrrrrr. Ok, bad joke, I don't know what it is about pirates but I can't help myself!

    I tweeted again: https://twitter.com/Frawli1978/status/340733988236840960

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  17. Tweeted - https://twitter.com/Vesper1931/status/340841539444039680

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  18. Can't wait to read it, loved the excerpts i loved master of good regulation:)

    charlottemcfall27@yahoo.co.uk

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    1. That is the only book by Kara I have not read. Maybe someday!
      Thanks for entering the giveaway! Good luck!

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  19. tweeted today! https://mobile.twitter.com/jaffobsession/status/340999147266121731?p=v

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  20. I can hardly wait to read this book! So excited!
    kametz3@cox.net

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    1. I'm excited with you, pianokam! Best of luck in the giveaway!

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  21. I just can't wait Kara! Your books are some of my favorites. And this one sounds fabulous. I'm so excited!

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    1. Yay! Thanks for commenting and entering the giveaway! Good luck, Vee! :)

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  22. I tweeted it again :) https://twitter.com/frawli1978/status/341102648851853313

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  23. https://twitter.com/Vesper1931/status/341188891480559618

    meikleblog at gmail dot com

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  24. Whenever I think of pirates, Johnny Depp comes to mind. Darcy and pirates? I am getting an image of Colin Firth dressed like Jack Sparrow. Very interesting.
    Raquel36m (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Hi Raquel! Thanks for stopping by! Ha! Colin Firth dressed like Jack Sparrow! Now that would be interesting to see! Good luck in the giveaway!

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  25. daily tweet - https://twitter.com/Vesper1931/status/341522515228782592

    meikleblog at gmail dot com

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  26. Hola, hope your Monday is going well so far :)

    I tweeted again https://twitter.com/frawli1978/status/341530208597311488

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    1. Still trying to wake up! In desperate need of coffee! Hope you have a great Monday, Ceri!

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  27. Thanks for all your tweets and comments! And Raquel, I agree it is Colin Firth (maybe a little younger CF), that fits the bill! Good luck to you all and I hope you enjoy the book!

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  28. I adored Darcy's Voyage! Thanks for the chance to win Kara's latest!

    Laura

    CalicoCritic at gmail dot com

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  29. Monday tweet:

    https://twitter.com/lhartness/status/341539560225898497

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  30. Just knowing its Kara Louise's makes me want to enter! @_eHope
    Thanks Jakki for hosting and Kara for your generosity!

    PO Dixon Giveaway Winners now posted at FHC HERE

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  31. @_eHope tweeted
    https://twitter.com/_eHope/status/341562722753843200

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  32. Monday tweet! https://mobile.twitter.com/jaffobsession/status/341604356182900736?p=v

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  33. Thank you for the giveaway!
    @ ierlynn

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  34. I tweeted it again: https://twitter.com/frawli1978/status/341825098606604289

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  35. tweeted - ttps://twitter.com/Vesper1931/status/341890329026383873

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  36. This sounds like a lot of fun! Looking forward to reading it, Kara.

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  37. Last tweet https://twitter.com/frawli1978/status/342225092195000320

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  38. https://twitter.com/Vesper1931/status/342288527100370945

    meikleblog at gmail dot com

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  39. last tweet! https://mobile.twitter.com/jaffobsession/status/342373389572374528?p=v

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  40. thanks for the chance. eclairre(AT)ymail(DOT)com

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  41. Thanks to everyone who stopped by and commented. Good luck on the giveaway!

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