It’s such a pleasure to welcome Mary Gillgannon to the Blue Rose Writing Room Today!
Welcome Mary. Tell, us, how long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing for over twenty years (winces). Of course, I started as a child. (Ha ha!)
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 love history and when I discovered historical romances, well, that was it. It seemed like the perfect match. When reading historical novels, I especially enjoyed the romantic parts, and wanted more of them. So the genre seemed perfect for me.
I started out writing in the dark age time period because I was enthralled by the legend of King Arthur. I soon expanded to the medieval era, then Vikings, then Regencies. My most recent book was a reincarnation/time travel story and most of it takes place in modern-day Denver. Writing in the contemporary world was different, but it was fun!
Is there any genre you won’t read? Write? Can you tell us why?
I don’t read horror or anything too gruesome because it scares me. I would probably never write a really sweet romance or a small town one because it just wouldn’t keep me interested. I like books with a bit of an edge, but at the same time, I like a relatively positive, satisfying ending.
What historical figure do you wish you could have met?
I would have loved to have met Shakespeare. He was such a wonderful “wordsmith”. He has had a such powerful effect on our language and so much of our art. He was so brilliant at creating characters and understanding how humans think and behave.
Tell us one unusual, weird, or curious fact you discovered while researching this book.
Gin was a big part of the lower class culture in the Regency era and even children drank it, as it was cheaper than food and helped suppress their appetite. It was called Blue Ruin (among other names) and it really could “ruin” people, not only because they did foolish things and got in trouble while intoxicated (like my hero’s brother in Saint Sin) but because poor quality gin might be tainted with turpentine, sulfuric acid and other poisonous substances. The really bad stuff could kill you or make you go blind.
What are you most proud of about your writing?
In all my books I’ve tried to capture a real sense of the time period they are set in and to make my characters think, feel and act like real people.
How do you respond to negative reviews?
I try to ignore them and remind myself that they are only one person’s opinion.
What are you most afraid of?
I’m most afraid of squandering my time in this realm and not really living. I also hope I can make a difference by being kind and compassionate to others and giving off positive energy. I want to believe my books can help people understand the value and power of love and its ability to transform lives.
Do you have a favorite quote?
“I tell you this, no eternal reward will forgive us now for wasting the dawn.”–Jim Morrison
This quote reminds us to be in the moment and appreciate the gifts of our lives.
Okay, now for the quickie questions: Answer in three words or less. Ready? Go!
Favorite Disney Character? Ariel
Favorite Fruit? Raspberries
Favorite Hero? Heathcliff
Favorite Eye Color? Blue
Best Vacation destination? St. Martin, West Indies
Food you can’t stand? Liver
What annoys you? Negativity
Coffee, tea, or something else? tea, black
Nightgown or Jammies? Neither, just panties
Prefer dogs or cats? Cats, have four
A bit about Mary
I’ve written fifteen books set in the dark age, medieval and Regency time periods (and one time travel).
The blurb about Saint Sin
When decadent earl Michael St. Cyr, “Saint Sin”, discovers Ariella Lyndgate in his bedchamber, he assumes she’s a fashionable impure sent to entertain him. Caught in the act of stealing a diamond to pay off her brother’s ruinous debts, Ariella agrees to the dalliance. But as she continues the erotic deception, she finds herself falling for the enigmatic lord.
Set in the vivid Regency world of glittering ballrooms, sinister gambling hells and squalid back alleyways, Saint Sinexplores the sizzling temptation and wrenching choices that face two desperate people who must risk everything for love.
Enjoy an excerpt from Saint Sin
Ariella watched him breathlessly. From the looks he’d given her, she’d thought he meant to grab her and kiss her. She hadn’t expected him to start with questions.
“Come, now.” His voice rang out, sharp with impatience. “You’ll have to learn to think on your feet if you’re going to succeed at this game.”
“Game, My Lord?” Ariella asked as she thought frantically of what to say next.
He drew near to her, his expression cynical. “Dear me, I forgot. You’re a proper young woman from Derbyshire. Only been in London
Her heart stopped. He’d obviously looked into her background. If he knew where she was from and how long she’d been here, he must also know about Timothy. He might even know about her brother’s wager. From there, it would be easy for him to guess she was desperate for money. She had to throw him off track somehow.
She took a deep breath and smoothed her sweaty palms along her dress. “I’m here today because of my aunt. Once she’d read your note, she was desperate to accept your invitation. You’ve seen for yourself how thrilled she is. I couldn’t disappoint her by refusing to come.”
“While that may explain your visit today, it doesn’t explain your behavior yesterday.” He crossed his arms and stared at her, his gaze relentless.
She remembered hearing once that the best lie was the simplest one. Recalling what she’d told him in the beginning, she said, “I can explain. The thing is …” She forced herself to meet his gaze. “I … I’m a coward.”
Both of his brows shot up. He gazed at her with an incredulous look.
She took a deep breath and continued, “When I sent you the note, I fully intended to meet you in the park and to proceed with … what we’d begun in the bedchamber.” She shot him a quick smile. “But then I lost my nerve. I realized I couldn’t do such a thing in a public setting. I decided to go to your house and meet you there, instead. I came up with the ruse of searching for a fan so I could think of an excuse to return to your bedchamber. I intended to wait for you there, but then I realized it might be hours before you came back. Realizing how foolish my plan was, I pretended I’d recovered. At that point, I was embarrassed. I was simply too mortified to give your staff my real name.”
Ariella thought she’d sounded quite convincing. The only difficulty was that if he believed her, she had another problem. Having said she was willing and eager to proceed with their affair, she would be unable to refuse in the future. A part of her felt gratified that she had no choice but to allow him further intimacies. Her body longed for his touch. An appalling thought, but there it was. She might be forfeiting her reputation and future to save her brother, but at least she would obtain some pleasure from her sacrifice. Watching St. Cyr watch her, she felt almost lightheaded. At any moment, he would pull her into his arms and proceed with her debauchery. She could hardly wait.
Thank you again, Mary!
Here’s how you can contact Mary
Buy links
http://amazon.com/dp/ B00ETN38AI
