It’s such a delight to have fellow Regency author, Kadee McDonald, author of Marisa’s Choice, visiting the Blue Rose Writing Room today.
Welcome Kadee!
Thank you so much, Collette. I’m so pleased to be asked to visit.
Do you use a pen name/pseudo name? If so, why. If not, why did you decide to write under your own name?
Yes, I do use a pen name. But my real first name is Kay and growing up, my family always called me Kadee, anyway, so it seemed a natural choice. McDonald is also a family name, just not my last name, so I didn’t stray too far.
That sounds a lot like how I choose my pen name. How long have you been writing?
Pretty much all my adult life, with occasional short breaks due to “life.” When I wasn’t writing narrative fiction, I was absorbed in screenwriting.
Screenwriting, fascinating! What’s one thing you absolutely can’t tolerate during your writing
Noisy neighbors and needy kitties can annoy me. But I must have classical music with no vocals playing the background.
I can’t do music at all. I stop and listen. Sigh. So, what’s the funniest thing anyone has ever said to you about your writing? Or the unkindest? Or the oddest?
Funny & odd…someone asked me how long it took me to write Marisa’s Choice, a 62,000-word novel. I told her over a year. She said she didn’t think it would have taken me that long because I’m a really fast typist. I didn’t know how to even begin to respond to that.
Chuckling here. Tell us one place you absolutely want to visit before you die.
England, definitely, starting in London. Then, when I tire of the traffic and other tourists, I’d want to rent a car and tour the countryside for at least a couple of weeks. It will probably take me that long to learn to drive on the left side of the road, anyway!
I’ve been to England. Absolutely amazing. I cannot wait to go back! What historical figure do you wish you could have met?
Jesus Christ, while He lived here on earth. But I will meet him someday.
Me too. Is there something you are proud of about your writing?
That I keep coming back to it…that I didn’t give up after the first rejection…or even the tenth rejection.
That’s a girl! Think how many stories would never have been told if authors gave up after a few rejections. This is a touchy subject, but how do you respond to negative reviews?
I try to learn something from each one, although sometimes it’s just the case that a particular reader should have never picked up that story in the first place. Like those who read my Regency novella, An Arranged Valentine, and then complain that it was too short.
That reminds me of reviewers who complain about errors in an ARC or that romances always end with a happily-ever-afters. Ah well, chin up, and forge onward! What are you most afraid of?
Not having enough time in my life to write down all the stories I have roaming around in my head.
I’ve heard that from other authors too. Can you tell us something unusual, quirky, or odd about yourself?
I love musical theatre and movie musicals. But maybe that isn’t so unusual. Doesn’t everyone enjoy them?
I used to be in musicals in high school. Okay, now for the quickie questions: Answer in three words or less. Ready? Go!
Favorite Disney Character? WALL-E
Favorite Fruit? Mandarin Oranges
Favorite Hero? Capt. Wentworth
Favorite Eye Color? Green
Best Vacation Destination? England
Food you can’t stand? Cauliflower
What annoys you? Egotistical people
Coffee, tea, or something else? English Breakfast Tea
Nightgown or Jammies? Ooh—too personal!
Prefer dogs or cats? Love them both!
A bit about Kadee
Growing up on the Texas Gulf Coast, I was a world away from London and the beautiful English countryside. But I still loved all things British…the lilt of the language, tea & crumpets, the castles and country estates, the idea of a Royal Family who really knew how to throw a wedding…all these seemed like the ultimate fairy tale and they captivated me.
I also loved history, so what would be more natural for me than to study British history?
Even today, I could tell you more about Henry VIII’s six wives than I could most U.S. presidents. So when I discovered the historical romances written by numerous contemporary authors, as well as those of Georgette Heyer, Barbara Cartland, and of course, Miss Jane Austen, it was a match made in…well, made in the library and the local bookstore, at least! I read maybe a thousand or so and then decided to try my hand at writing one.
The result was Marisa’s Choice, my first book with Aurora Regency and Musa Publishing.
A tantalizing teaser about Marisa’s Choice
Marisa Landon agrees to a whirlwind London Season because it seems to be the only way to prove to William Wycliffe that their lifelong friendship can turn into something more. She has loved Will since she was only fourteen. Now that she’s grown up and he’s returned from the war, she’s more determined than ever to make him her own.
But first, Marisa must deal with her step-father’s attempt to engage her to an eccentric viscount and the unexpected attentions of Will’s best friend, a charming young earl who can offer her wealth and status.
What will Marisa choose to do if Will won’t offer for her?
Enjoy an excerpt from Marisa’s Choice.
It was an innocent enough remark, Will decided, as he made his way to St. James’s Street and White’s for dinner and a game of cards or dice. Since Brummell had removed to the Continent and Lord Alvanley had taken his place at the table in front of the bow window, the club had taken on a sedate feeling, but tonight Will was glad for it. He chose a secluded table in the back where he could be alone with his thoughts.
Only his thoughts were far from innocent, and well he knew it.
I spoke only the truth but how could I not have noticed before that Marisa has grown so damned pretty?
Just a week earlier, when he had chastised her and made her cry, he had felt a pang of regret deeper than when he had been forced to kill a French sentry the night before the deciding contest at Waterloo began. But that man was a soldier, just like he was, and had known the risks of the battlefield. Marisa was just a girl, after all, and—
He stopped there with a whispered curse, rattling the table top with a bang of his fist.
“I am most sorry, sir. I shall bring another serving at once!”
“What?” Confused, Will watched the waiter hastily remove a platter laden with a thick slice of sizzling beef and a portion of roasted potatoes which Will did not recall ordering. “No, leave it. It will do.”
“Yes, sir.” The man set the dish back in front of him. “If you are certain?”
“Bentley,” Will picked up his knife and fork and attacked the meat with a sigh of exasperation, “I assure you, I am far from certain of damned near anything these days.”
Contact Kadee
Twitter: @KadeeMcDonald
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