Welcome Lavinia!
Can you tell us how long you have been writing?
I wrote extensively in high school, mostly fantasy novellas, and then didn’t write much until my first child was born nineteen years ago. During the wonderful phase when he took two naps a day I completed my first book – ever to be kept hidden under the bed. Unfortunately, the two-nap phase did not last long. It was another six years before, with baby number three, I had some regular childcare, and finished book number two – a book I hope someday to rewrite in readable form.
My third book, and first Regency, was written after I joined the wonderful Washington Romance Writers, who gave me the confidence to step out of the present day and into a land that might require research. (Gulp!)
What’s one thing you absolutely can’t tolerate during your writing? One thing you can’t write without?
Background noise. I like quiet. I write best when I am alone in the house and have no distractions. Many of my friends play music when they write, but I never have. If forced, I can handle classical music and the sound of the dishwasher.
However, I am practical, and have learned to work no matter what. There is always an excuse not to write. Learning to overcome excuses is one of the great keys to success.
The only thing I can’t write without is a computer, preferably a laptop. Writing by hand slows me down too much, and my mind skips ahead. It just doesn’t work.
I have to have quiet too.
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?
My first two, forever unpublished, novels were contemporaries. I’ve played around with writing bits and pieces in other genres. One of the reasons I’m trying to write faster is so that I have the time to write both a Steampunk and futuristic YA.
What historical figure do you wish you could have met?
There are so many. I guess I’d go with either Da Vinci or Shakespeare. I normally would choose a famous woman, but at the moment I’m fascinated by Da Vinci. My family went to a museum show about his workshop a few years ago and ever since then, I’ve been entranced by how broad the spectrum of his interests was. I’d love to meet these men who had so much potential – and lived up to it! – and try to understand how their minds worked.
What are you most proud of about your writing?
That I finished the book. There is nothing as great as knowing that for months on end I’ve managed to work on something and finish it. I’m also very proud that I will have written the first draft of my next book in about three months – and it’s really good. I’ve always known that I could write quickly, but this is the first time I’ve really put it to the test.
I should be very clear that this does not mean I could write a book every three months. The writing is the short part for me – the thinking can take months as I wait for characters to fully form.
I just finished a book in two months. I suspected I could, but hadn’t tried it. Now, for the edits…
How do you respond to negative reviews?
I don’t – respond that is. I think the worst thing an author can do is enter into any type of debate.
On an internal level, it really depends. If it’s about something I’m confident about, I can just laugh it off. If suspect the critic is right, I tend to hide under the covers for 24 hours and then come out determined to do better.
What are you most afraid of?
Fear. Sounds stupid, but it is so true. I am afraid of being afraid.
And High School. I hate going to teacher conferences. Every time I walk those halls I start to sweat. (And it’s not the same high school I went to.) I always feel like I’m in trouble and horrible things await. I am not quite sure why this happens. I was a good student and don’t remember EVER getting sent to the office, but still I shake every time I walk through those doors.
Yeah, there’s something about that whole high school experience…
Do you have a favorite quote?
“We needs must love the highest when we see it.” Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Idyls of the King
I read it in high school and it’s always stayed with me.
Tell us something unusual, quirky, or odd about yourself.
I am a klutz! Put one marble on the floor and I will step on it. Leave the floor vacant, and I’ll still trip and crash. I can hurt myself just lying in bed – alone.
Chuckling here. You sound like me.
Okay, now for the quickie questions: Answer in three words or less. Ready? Go!
Favorite Disney Character? Mulan
Favorite Fruit? Raspberry
Favorite Hero? The Doctor (Who)
Favorite Eye Color? Chocolate Brown
Best Vacation Destination? Belize
Food you can’t stand? Tripe. Can anybody?
What annoys you? Too much chatter
Coffee, tea, or something else? Both
Nightgown or Jammies? Depends on plans
Prefer dogs or cats? Cat Girl here
A bit about Lavinia
Growing up in New York state and Wisconsin, Lavinia graduated from Wellesley College and, for reasons that are still not quite clear, also holds an MBA from Washington, D.C.’s Georgetown University. Lavinia has remained in Washington ever since.
She lives under the gracious (and usually benign) rule of Erzsebet, the cat, along with her husband, three children, one cockatiel, two rats, and Erzsebet’s younger, subordinate tomcat, otherwise known as The Golden Snitch.
As the mother of three, Lavinia finds “leisure time” to be ever-elusive, but when she is not reading romance novels, she watches far too much HBO and reality television. It must also be noted that she has an encyclopedic knowledge of all things Buffy and Doctor Who.
Lavinia was a two-term president of the Washington Romance Writers and is proud to be a four-time Romance Writers of America Golden Heart nominee.
She was excited (and humbled and thrilled and over the moon) about the publication of her first historical Romance, A Talent for Sin, in June 2009. Her second book, Bound by Temptation, was released in February 2010. Her third book, Taken by Desire, is available in December 2010.
Buy links:
http://amzn.to/1h9fZWv Once and Forever
ONCE AND FOREVER
An anthology
From five compelling authors, five original novellas which will make you laugh and cry, and believe in a love that once found will last forever. Meet a duke, a psychic, a bodyguard and a professor…and one “guardian fairy” in absorbing stories ranging from regency and contemporary romance to paranormal and women’s fiction.
The blurb about Never and Forever in the Once and Forever Anthology
Never and Forever is the beginning of the love story of two people who shouldn’t belong together. Molly, Miss Wilkes, runs an employment agency helping women of quality find positions perfected suited to their characters. Although her father held the title of Earl for just over a week before his death, Molly has never wanted to be a lady. She knows her place in this world – and it is not at the center of society.
The Duke of Radford also knows his place in this world – and it’s above everybody else’s. He cannot imagine a world without all the privilege and power that comes from being Radford. He’s had foreign princesses and heiresses dangled before him for years. Why would he ever have interest in a simple woman who doesn’t even understand that she should want to be a duchess?
Can these two overcome the obstacles of their own beliefs and realize that love can make all things possible?
Never and forever are both a very long time. Where will their love fit?
Enjoy an excerpt from Never and Forever.
“I do believe that we have actually circled back to my point,” the Duke of Radford replied. “Why would a man choose to marry a not quite suitable woman? Why would he willingly walk into such a trap? You say love. I wondered if there might be something else involved — if there might be some skill your women know, are taught, that renders a man insensible. I wanted to find out for myself.”
Molly had not thought it was possible for him to move closer, but now he did. Their bodies did not touch, but she doubted it would be possible to move a sheet of tissue between them. “I do not understand.”
“I spoke of seduction. I will be more frank. I wanted to find out if you — and your ladies — had knowledge of some sexual secret that would drive men from sanity. What man would not be curious? You do look as if you’ve been up all night. It does make a man wonder. Perhaps I should make you my mistress.”
Her mind went blank. It could not comprehend what he was saying. His words made no sense. Sexual? She knew the meaning of the word, but could not remember ever hearing it spoken.
Secrets? Mistress?
She was still trying to find the words to answer, even a single word, when she felt the air shift, felt him close that breath of space between them, felt his lips settle on to hers.
Here’s how you can contact Lavinia
on Facebook: Lavinia Kent (I answer my author page more than my personal page.)
on Twitter: @LaviniaKent
Thanks again, Lavinia,for joining me here today!
