Today I’m thrilled to have Barbara Monajem, author of The Magic of His Touchand Bewitched by His Kiss, with me in the Blue Rose Writing Room.
So, Barbara, How long have you been writing?
As far as I remember, since I was eight years old, so I probably started before that.
I always admire authors that knew, even as a child they were destined to write. Why did you choose to write in this genre?
Georgette Heyer inspired me (and about a zillion other authors) to write Regency romance. I also write the Bayou Gavotte series of contemporary paranormal romance/mystery/suspense (the next one, Heart of Constantine, comes out in September). My first published book was a children’s fantasy. I find it very hard to avoid putting a little magic in my stories. I gave in and let magic play a part in my two recent Regency novellas.
Oh, that sounds intriguing! Is there any genre you won’t read? Write? Can you tell us why?
I’m not likely to write horror. Why give myself (or anyone else) nightmares? I love happy endings, so I won’t write anything that doesn’t have one.
I won’t read or write horror either. Yep, they scare me, and I have nightmares. Tell us one unusual, weird, or curious fact you discovered while researching this novella duet.
That some women still go out on May Day morning to collect dew for their complexions.
Hey, I’d give it a shot if I thought it might really help! How do you respond to negative reviews?
It depends on the review. Sometimes negative reviews include interesting comments that help me improve some aspect of my writing. Sometimes the comments are just plain interesting, even if I disagree with them. Sometimes the reviewers’ comments make it clear that they’re not my kind of reader, so I ignore those reviews.
I like how you said that. It’s so true, not everyone likes the same kind of story. What is something you are determined to do?
Persevere.
With that fabulous answer, I wonder if I need even ask the next. What are you most afraid of?
Being afraid. It’s so counter-productive!
And such a time waster! Barbara, do you have a favorite quote?
“The raven himself is hoarse that croaks the fatal entrance of Duncan under my battlements.” It’s from Shakespeare’s Macbeth, and the imagery is wonderfully powerful. Hmm… It might be interesting to write the story of that raven.
Okay, now for the quickie questions: Answer in three words or less. Ready? Go!
Favorite Disney Character? Um… Grumpy?
Favorite Fruit? Apricots
Favorite Hero? Jack Sparrow
Favorite Eye Color? Dark, dark brown.
Best Vacation Destination? This depends on where I’ve just been, but at the moment I’m yearning for a vacation in the Rockies. Oops, I didn’t stick to three words or less.
Food you can’t stand? Cotton candy. As a child, baked beans made me want to throw up, but I tolerate them now.
What annoys you? Mean people.
Coffee, tea, or something else? Yes.
Nightgown or Jammies? Old clothes.
Prefer dogs or cats? Both.
A bit about Barbara:
Barbara Monajem wrote her first story in third grade about apple tree gnomes. After dabbling in neighborhood musicals and teen melodrama, she published a middle-grade fantasy when her children were young. Now her kids are adults, and she’s writing historical and paranormal romance for grownups. She lives near Atlanta, Georgia with an ever-shifting population of relatives, friends, and feline strays.
Here’s a snippet about The Magic of His Touch:
England, 1804
Tired of being paraded before every eligible bachelor, Peony Whistleby decides it’s time to find her true love—through the ancient custom of rolling naked in the dew on May Day morning. But the magic goes awry when she is caught in the act—and by an entirely unsuitable man. And yet, the way his eyes linger upon her flesh ignites a sensual craving that can only be satisfied by his touch…
Enjoy an excerpt from The Magic of His Touch.
“Get up! Get dressed!”
Peony froze in mid-roll. A strange man bounded toward her, gesturing, his voice low but urgent. She scrambled to her feet, a shriek catching in her throat.
“I won’t hurt you,” he said, but he kept on coming. Her heart clambering into her gullet, she tried to cover herself with her hands.
“Who— What—” She couldn’t get a word out.
“Don’t stand there like an idiot, girl! I already know what you look like naked.” A blush crowded up her neck and burned her cheeks. “Get your clothes on, and be quick about it.” With brisk, shooing motions he herded her toward the hawthorn where she’d left her shift and gown.
Anger swelled up, overcoming her fear. How dare he order her about? “Go away,” she said, hating how her voice trembled as she fled before him. “What are you doing here? You have no right.” A little way round the circle of meadow, she spied a horse cropping the grass at the edge of the wood.
“You should be thankful I’m here,” he said, stopping several feet away when she reached the hawthorn. “I don’t know what foolishness you’re up to, but clearly your lover isn’t coming, and—”
“No, because you spoiled everything,” she said. Her hair had fallen out of its ribbon and stuck wetly to her face. She clawed it away, wanting to hit him. Her chance at finding love was gone. “Go away!”
He folded his arms and just stood there, scowling—and looking at her as if, underneath that frown, he was enjoying himself. “Not until you put your clothes on and be off home where you belong.”
Another flush overwhelmed her, this time of shame and misery, as she realized what he meant. He thought she’d come out here to tryst with some likely village lad, as if she were a scullery maid. And who was he, anyway? She’d never seen him before. He was dressed like a gentleman and spoke like one, too, but he didn’t belong here.
“Who gave you the right to order me about?” she demanded. “This is private land.”
His eyes widened. “You silly little fool, I’m trying to protect you. I traveled here with a friend. To him, a naked woman is a blatant invitation. You’re lucky it’s I who came upon you and not he.”
She grabbed her shift and turned it right side out. “Stop staring at me.”
“You’re a beautiful girl without any clothes on,” he said. “I wouldn’t be much of a man if I didn’t stare.”
Here’s how you can contact Barbara :
Website: www.BarbaraMonajem.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/barbara.monajem
Twitter: @BarbaraMonajem
