It’s another fabulous day in the Blue Rose Writing Room! Today I have the amazing Tara Kingston, author of Secrets, Spies, & Sweet Little Lies visiting.
Tell, us, how long have you been writing?
Collette, I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t writing. Even as a young girl, I wrote stories about brave heroines and their adventures. I’ve been writing for publication for about six years now. My first novel was accepted for publication in 2009 – I count this as one of the greatest thrills of my life.
What is a place you absolutely want to visit before you die?
London – I am fascinated by English history, and I am itching to visit the Tower of London as well as other landmarks. I’d also love to visit Scotland and Ireland. What beautiful countries!
I’ve been to London, twice. If it’s the last thing I do, I’m going back!
Why did you choose to write in this genre? Have you ever written any other genre? Do you plan on doing so in the future?
I’m a history junkie, and I love American-set historical romances. The American Civil War has always been one of my favorite historical settings. Perhaps that’s because I grew up in Virginia, where you’re surrounded by historical landmarks and battlefields. My new release, Secrets, Spies & Sweet Little Lies is the first in a series of historical romances surrounding espionage during the war. The books have an adventurous, Wild Wild West feel.
As for other time periods, I’ve written stories set in Victorian England and America around the time of the War of 1812, as well as contemporary. I do have to say that historical romance is my first love.
Mine too!
What historical figure do you wish you could have met?
There are several historical figures I wish I could have met. I’d love to sit down and chat with Mary Todd Lincoln – what a fascinating, yet tragic life, she had. Imagine the insights she could give to life with Abraham Lincoln.
Nellie Bly is another historical figure I’d love to have met. The undercover journalist’s adventures inspired one of my current works in progress. Her exposes were groundbreaking, courageous, and took place in a time when women in America weren’t even allowed to vote, yet alone become crusading journalists.
The third on my list would be Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley. Imagine talking to the woman who created Frankenstein – fascinating!
How do you respond to negative reviews?
Collette, I don’t respond to negative reviews. People have a right to their opinion, and if it’s expressed constructively, I can learn from the criticism. I am constantly striving to grow and evolve as a writer.
I love that attitude. Glean what you can use and ignore the rest. What’s one new thing you’d like to try?
I’d love to get into knitting. I’d love to learn to make scarves and other handmade gifts.
What is something you are determined to do?
I’m determined to try skiing again. I broke my arm last winter going down a hill most children would be able to handle, but I’m going to put the skis on again and give it another try.
What are you most afraid of?
I am terrified of heights. Ridiculously so, actually. I won’t even go on a balcony unless I stay right next to the wall.
I’m not fond of heights either. For instance, those ridiculous elevators that zoom up and down outside buildings…awful!
So, do you have a favorite quote?
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Eleanor Roosevelt
Ah, you’re not the first guest to have that as a favorite. It’s very profound. Can you tell us something unusual, quirky, or odd about yourself?
I love silly comedies—movies by people like Will Ferrell, Adam Sandler, Steve Martin, and Mel Brooks. The Austin Powers trilogy ranks up there with my favorite movies of all time. I suppose this is a little unusual for a romance writer.
You sound like my hubby. He loves ALL of them too. Okay, now for the quickie questions: Answer in three words or less. Ready? Go!
Favorite Disney Character? Genie in Aladdin
Favorite Fruit? Granny Smith apples
Favorite Hero? Indiana Jones
Favorite Eye Color? Brown
Best Vacation destination? The beach
Food you can’t stand? Eggs
What annoys you? Apostrophe abuse
Coffee, tea, or something else? Tea
Nightgown or Jammies? Jammies
Prefer dogs or cats? Cats
A bit about Tara
Tara Kingston was born with a book in her hand. At least, it seemed that way. She devoured countless stories of spirited girls, high-flying witches, and magical villains. When her thoughts turned to love, she discovered the romance genre, stories of danger and love that touched her heart. Soon, she was conjuring her own tales of bold heroes, spirited heroines who don’t wait to be rescued, and passion that scorches the page.
When she’s not writing, reading, or burning dinner, Tara can be found cycling, hiking, watching classic movies (and some not-so-classic flicks), and cheering on her favorite football team. Please stop by Tara’s website (www.tarakingston.com) for information on her upcoming releases and periodic updates on her life as a belle out of water in the Pennsylvania Wilds.
The blurb for Secrets, Spies & Sweet Little Lies:
A heart’s destiny cannot be denied when a daring Union spy abducts a beautiful runaway bride he suspects of being a traitor.
Major Cole Travis is a highly trained secret agent, as skilled with deception as he is with a gun. Keeping a beautiful traitor from her rendezvous with a treacherous scoundrel shouldn’t be a challenge for the battle-seasoned spy—but he’s not the only one after his tempting prisoner. Emma Davenport must be kept out of enemy hands at all costs. Drawn to this woman whose innocent allure may be just another weapon in her arsenal, Cole risks his neck to shield her. Soon, however, protecting her from his own heart’s desire becomes another story entirely.
Enjoy an excerpt from Secrets, Spies & Sweet Little Lies
Here’s a little teaser from “Secrets, Spies & Sweet Little Lies”– in this scene, runaway bride Emma has fled her home in Washington, on her way to a rendezvous with the man she intends to marry against her father’s wishes. In this scene, Emma gets her first look at the man who will soon become her hero. So, what’s your first impression of Cole?
Here’s the snippet:
Someone had her in his sights.
Had she been followed?
If her father had sent some lap dog to fetch her–Mr. Tucker, his ever-agreeing assistant, most likely–the beleaguered fop could tuck his tail between his legs and head home. Papa had plenty of people to order about. She’d no longer be one of them.
Drat it all, she’d simply have to confront him.
She turned on her heel. A stranger met her gaze.
Definitely not Mr. Tucker.
Long, lean, and scowling, the man eyed her with an intensity that coiled heat in her belly and threatened to strip her bare. His lips curved into a trace of an arrogant smile as if challenging her to look away.
He wore a crudely tailored shirt, unbuttoned at the throat, revealing a vee of sun-bronzed skin feathered with dark hair. Deeper in hue than the neatly-clipped strands on his head, would the curls feel silky or crisp to the touch?
She blinked away the scandalous thought. Still, her mouth went dry.
His sinewy muscles strained against the cambric of his shirt. Sunlight glinted off the manacles on his wrists.
He was a prisoner, flanked by two towering Union soldiers. Sparing one of the guards a glance brimming with defiance, he turned back to Emma. The sweep of his appreciative gaze trailed from her demure hat to the hem of her sky-blue traveling skirt. His expression penetrated her.
She felt exposed, vulnerable.
Hunted.
Here’s how you can contact Tara
Readers can learn more about my books, contests, and upcoming releases by connecting online:
Website: www.tarakingston.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/TaraKingston115
Email: [email protected]
Thanks again, Tara, for joining me here today.
Buy links
Secrets, Spies & Sweet Little Lies is currently available exclusively for Kindle. Here’s a link: Secrets, Spies & Sweet Little Lies on Kindle
