Today on the blog we have a special author. She hit the scene late last year with her reader-pleaser 'The Surrender of a Lady'. I've learned quite recently that Tiffany Clare is one of those authors you hear a lot about in the blogging circuit and once you get a chance to read her work, you go "Ahhh!" and completely understand why. With her latest, she has drawn inspiration from the iconic 'Jane Eyre' and the ever romantic 'Beauty and the Beast' and I can't wait to see how she does it justice. You can catch her all over the web, like when she blogs on the group author blog Vauxhall Vixens, or check out this interview below:
About the Author:
About the Book:
YEARNING FOR HIS TOUCHFrom the moment Abby meets her new employer—the mysterious, brooding Earl of Brendall—she is appalled by his brutish manner…and even moreso by her own attraction to him. Has she lost her senses? As a governess, Abby has no choice but to play by the rules. But as a woman, she cannot deny the fiery sensations he ignites—or the fantasies he inspires…BURNING FOR HER KISSFrom the moment Elliott lays eyes on his new young governess, he knows he’s in trouble. Abby is intelligent, defiant, and utterly captivating, though Elliott must do his very best to resist her. But as the two grow closer, the passion burns hotter. Soon, the only thing that can destroy their love is the darkest secret of his past—and the secret desires of a governess…
Read an excerpt: here | Read a review at Fresh Fiction
Get Your Copy Today!
The Interview
RJ: Hey Tiffany! Thanks for swinging by the blog today for some book talk. Congrats on the release of your third historical romance, ‘The Secret Desires Of A Governess’ (May 24th, 2011, St. Martin’s Press)
TC: Thank you so much for having me! And thank you for the congrats! I’m really excited to share this newest book with the world.
RJ: How long does it usually take you to write a book from beginning to end? And how long did it take you to write ‘The Secret Desires Of A Governess’?
TC: About six months, including editorial revisions.
RJ: Why don't you tell me and the readers a little about ‘The Secret Desires Of A Governess‘ (something that is not in the blurb)?
TC: It’s my nod to two favorite stories on my shelves. My critique partner summed it up best: The Secret Desires of a Governess is Jane Eyre having babies with Beauty & The Beast. Doesn’t that say it all? J
RJ: Where did the inspiration for the plot, characters, and setting come from?
TC: Characters always come to me first. I had developed Abby Hallaway in my second book, The Seduction of His Wife. She was my little spitfire and I had no idea she was going to run away to become a governess until it was time to write her story. Elliott came to me fully formed all brooding and mysterious. He has a lot of secrets and is deeply ashamed of them.
RJ: What were some interesting tidbits you picked up while researching or something quirky that you incorporated into your story?
TC: I have taken things directly out of history and inserted facts in the stories, not that I can recall a single one of those right now.
During research I come across pictures of places and things that pique my interest and I have to find a way to include them in the story. I once saw this picture of an old bell in a field rusted and ancient. I totally used that and in this story (it’s the one in the old churchyard). One of my favorite scenes to write in that book was when Abby ran her fingers over the worn Latin words on that bell.
RJ: Okay, now it’s Tiffany Time! What is a day in the life of Tiffany Clare like?
TC: Boring! LOL No really, it’s incredibly boring. I get up at four to write, go to work at seven, get the kids and get home by about half five, eat dinner (my hubby cooks) and either chat on the phone or write some more in the evening. I try to get to bed by nine. Yup, see, very boring. Weekends don’t fare much better. I just do laundry and try to do some cooking to give the hubby a break.
RJ: What do you value in a good romance novel and what sorts of characteristics do you like to find in the protagonists?
TC: I like strong characters that aren’t afraid to stand up for themselves.
RJ: What do you do when the pen (or keyboard) is down for the count? What hobbies or solitary interest do you like to pursue?
TC: I read. I’m an avid reader. I have no time of other hobbies at the moment. One day, I’ll take piano lessons and properly learn the instrument (I can sort of play it, but I really suck at it—LOL).
RJ: What projects are you currently working on and what do the readers (and me!) have to look forward to next from you?
TC: I’m working on a new trilogy for St. Martin’s Press. Here’s the sum up: A Victorian era series in the vein of Dangerous Liaisons where four friends in the pursuit of pleasure enter a dangerous game of wagers, seduction and temptation, but when one of their own is bent on a self-destructive path of ruin, they must put aside their schemes or lose everything they’ve come to hold dear.
RJ: Final Question: What is something shocking or interesting about you that the readers may not know?
TC: I’m the most unexciting person I know. I’m obsessed with my dog, but I think anyone who follows me on the net knows that. My kids are even jealous of her. Oh and I love Ninja & Super hero movies. J
RJ: Thanks again for stopping by, Tiffany. Best wishes for your latest release!
TC: Thank you so much for having me!
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TC: Thank you so much for having me! And thank you for the congrats! I’m really excited to share this newest book with the world.
RJ: How long does it usually take you to write a book from beginning to end? And how long did it take you to write ‘The Secret Desires Of A Governess’?
TC: About six months, including editorial revisions.
TC: It’s my nod to two favorite stories on my shelves. My critique partner summed it up best: The Secret Desires of a Governess is Jane Eyre having babies with Beauty & The Beast. Doesn’t that say it all? J
RJ: Where did the inspiration for the plot, characters, and setting come from? TC: Characters always come to me first. I had developed Abby Hallaway in my second book, The Seduction of His Wife. She was my little spitfire and I had no idea she was going to run away to become a governess until it was time to write her story. Elliott came to me fully formed all brooding and mysterious. He has a lot of secrets and is deeply ashamed of them.
RJ: What were some interesting tidbits you picked up while researching or something quirky that you incorporated into your story?
TC: I have taken things directly out of history and inserted facts in the stories, not that I can recall a single one of those right now.
During research I come across pictures of places and things that pique my interest and I have to find a way to include them in the story. I once saw this picture of an old bell in a field rusted and ancient. I totally used that and in this story (it’s the one in the old churchyard). One of my favorite scenes to write in that book was when Abby ran her fingers over the worn Latin words on that bell.
RJ: Okay, now it’s Tiffany Time! What is a day in the life of Tiffany Clare like?
TC: Boring! LOL No really, it’s incredibly boring. I get up at four to write, go to work at seven, get the kids and get home by about half five, eat dinner (my hubby cooks) and either chat on the phone or write some more in the evening. I try to get to bed by nine. Yup, see, very boring. Weekends don’t fare much better. I just do laundry and try to do some cooking to give the hubby a break.
RJ: What do you value in a good romance novel and what sorts of characteristics do you like to find in the protagonists?
TC: I like strong characters that aren’t afraid to stand up for themselves.
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| Kitty Plays Piano *g* |
TC: I read. I’m an avid reader. I have no time of other hobbies at the moment. One day, I’ll take piano lessons and properly learn the instrument (I can sort of play it, but I really suck at it—LOL).
RJ: What projects are you currently working on and what do the readers (and me!) have to look forward to next from you?
TC: I’m working on a new trilogy for St. Martin’s Press. Here’s the sum up: A Victorian era series in the vein of Dangerous Liaisons where four friends in the pursuit of pleasure enter a dangerous game of wagers, seduction and temptation, but when one of their own is bent on a self-destructive path of ruin, they must put aside their schemes or lose everything they’ve come to hold dear.
TC: I’m the most unexciting person I know. I’m obsessed with my dog, but I think anyone who follows me on the net knows that. My kids are even jealous of her. Oh and I love Ninja & Super hero movies. J
RJ: Thanks again for stopping by, Tiffany. Best wishes for your latest release!
TC: Thank you so much for having me!
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I hope you enjoyed this interview and will go out and either pick up Ms Clare's latest, or try an earlier title by her if she's new-to-you! Jane Eyre is my favorite movie, so I am so excited to see how Clare adds a little Beauty and the Beast spice to make it her own! Leave your feedback in the comments! What's your favorite period romance films? And which classic novels would you like your favorite author to revamp and make more 21st century-reader friendly?
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