Today I’m thrilled to have Shirley Kiger Connolly, author of Not Quite an Angel with me in the Blue Rose Writing Room. She’s giving away an eBook so be sure to leave your email address in the comments section.
So, Shirley, do you use a pen name/pseudo name? If so, why. If not, why did you decide to write under your own name?
It’s not exactly a pen name, but I don’t usually add my maiden name in my everyday life. I use Shirley Kiger Connolly instead of just Shirley Connolly to keep my father’s name CH Kiger in memory, as he was also a writer back in the 40s.
What’s one thing you absolutely can’t tolerate during your writing? One thing you can’t write without?
I think I can put up with just about anything except the days when I have to put up with one of my horrendous headaches. On those days, it is difficult for me to function. I don’t like to be interrupted too much with phone calls, either, but everyone I know realizes that already, so it doesn’t often happen.
One thing I can’t write without? My morning prayer time with my husband and my two cups morning coffee to help me get started.
What’s the funniest thing anyone has ever said to you about your writing? Or the unkindest? Or the oddest?
My writing reveals the true me; my readers recognize my voice immediately. This isn’t necessarily funny, unkind, or odd, but it can at times be dangerous. I don’t know if I want to be an open book every time I put pen to paper.
What is one place you absolutely want to visit before you die?
I’d love to go and visit all of England but not in the present day. It would have to be during the Victorian era. I love that period of history.
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 write historical romance (inspirational) at present because I love the research most of all. I wrote one story that was set in the 60s and have written earlier stories geared to young adults. Since the younger generation is so progressive now, that would no longer be my forte. I might try some romance suspense in the future.
Is there any genre you won’t read? Write? Can you tell us why?
I won’t read erotica — definitely wouldn’t write it. I’m more of an edgy-sweet-sensual romance type, i.e., The Notebook kind of stuff. If I’m reading a novel with too much under-the-bedcover details, it turns me off. I think it’s better to consider the details of a love scene the way I want to see it, not to have it described to me by another writer. What’s under my creative covers is not necessarily what’s under the writer’s.
I enjoy reading the old gothic novels, and I would love to write one of those, but I would probably avoid present day paranormal stuff. They are too dark for me.
What historical figure do you wish you could have met?
Abigail Adams, President John Adams’ wife. She was so strong, and yet, at the same time, she stood by her husband and complimented him throughout their public lives.
Tell us one unusual, weird, or curious fact you discovered while researching this book.
How little I know about anything.
How do you respond to negative reviews?
Haven’t had too many negative ones yet, but they do come. I tend to take them personal at first, but my most negative reviews come from myself when I read through my work after it is published and think about how much better it could be if only I could rewrite it.
Tell us something unusual, quirky, or odd about yourself.
I love weird sox, buying new shoes and eclectic purses, and I would really love it if women went back to wearing vintage hats again.
Okay, now for the quickie questions: Answer in three words or less. Ready? Go!
Favorite Disney Character? Mouseketeer Ryan Gosling
Favorite Fruit?Avocado
Favorite Hero? My Savior, Jesus
Favorite Eye Color? Green
Best Vacation Destination? Italy – the food
Food you can’t stand? Oniony Baked Beans
What annoys you? Political negativity
Coffee, tea, or something else? All three
Nightgown or Jammies? Depends on mood
Prefer dogs or cats? Both plus chickens
Not Quite an Angel
Sir Geoffrey Wentworth thought he knew every alluring woman in San Francisco by now, until on the night before his return to England he meets and is mesmerized by the mysterious Lady Delphia, the daughter of a French Marquis. Not only has she appeared out of nowhere, she unwittingly steals his heart.
When Sir Geoffrey tries to learn more about this irresistible lady of the night, the two are caught in the middle of a severe San Francisco earthquake. Sir Geoffrey soon learns this woman of mystery is no daughter of a marquis at all but is the younger sister of a simple country parson and already engaged to be married.
If there is anything the honorable Sir Geoffrey Wentworth, 2nd son to the Viscount of Salisbury cannot abide is being duped by a woman
ENJOY AN EXCERPT
Daphne backed up. She had nothing to say to Mrs. Merrick. She had nothing to say to Trevor. He would not be listening anyway.
She could not look again at Sir Geoffrey after catching the pokerfaced expression he gave her following Trevor’s unexpected pronouncement. Trevor made it sound as if he had won her hand in a game of cards.
“I really must go.” She rested her fingers against her forehead again. Before anyone could try to stop her, Daphne turned and stumbled toward the polished wood stairs.
It was as if she was once again in the Tapestry Room. Running from something she didn’t want to have to face, this time, something not of her doing. This time no one called out to her in French. This time no one compelled her to return.
Daphne darted up the ruby red carpeted steps past the doorman and through the double doors. After the doors swung shut, she felt reasonably safe she could look back through the porthole windows and down into the elegant hall; no one could see her now.
Sir Geoffrey and Rand had sat back down and were whispering back and forth. Trevor was leaned back on his chair; his arms folded his pathetic chin still up, another blood red drink in his hand.
A single tear trickled down Daphne’s cheek, but it was pointless to cry. Trevor had tried to make a fool of her, but she couldn’t let it get to her. She reached up and pushed the tear away.
Daphne started to turn then stopped and looked into the hall once more.
She had begun to think something good might come of her developing relationship with Sir Geoffrey. Here on the ship they might have had a chance to know each other better. At the table Sir Geoffrey had been amiable, warm, gracious, even, and for the first time, Daphne had begun to see him in a different light.
He didn’t realize it, but Daphne had become incredibly and irresistibly charmed by him. Now he would never know.
Once Trevor arrived, everything changed. His untimely presence brought to ruin any hope for a growing bond between Daphne and Sir Geoffrey Wentworth.
A bit about Shirley
Shirley Kiger Connolly is the daughter of 1940s mystery writer, CH KIGER. She enjoys penning historical fiction romances and in her spare time, Shirley writes books filled with lighthearted reflections. She majored in English and Journalism, later joining the graduates of ICL. Shirley and her husband are about to relocate to the beautiful Southern Coast of North Carolina. Readers can visit her anytime on her blogs, at her Author Page on Facebook, or over on Twitter.
Here’s how you can contact Shirley
Thanks again, Shirley, for joining me here today!
Buy links
http://www.amazon.com/Not-Quite-Angel-Decisions-Book-ebook/dp/B00PYY9TA4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417904373&sr=8-1&keywords=not+quite+an+angel
