I’m thrilled to have Rebecca Thomas, author of The Blacksmith’s Son with me in the Blue Rose Writing Room today.
So, let’s get right to it. Do you use a pen name/pseudo name? If so, why. If not, why did you decide to write under your own name?
I have a pen name because my husband asked me to use a pen name. I went back and forth on this issue actually. But ultimately I decided to go with a pen name just for privacy issues. Even though all my friends know my pen name. It’s not like a big dark secret, but first name really is Rebecca. J
I understand completely. Collette is actually my middle name.
Tell, us, how long have you been writing?
Five years. I entered my first writing contest in 2008.
Place you absolutely want to visit before you die?
Australia. There is something so romantic sounding about the “outback.” I just have to go there. Someday, I will. I’m also a huge tennis fan, so I wouldn’t mind attending the Australian Open either.
You wouldn’t believe how many authors want to go to Australia…or Scotland!
Why did you choose to write in this genre?
The saying “swept off your feet” can’t be accomplished any better than by a historical romance hero. This is my personal bias. A contemporary or paranormal hero just doesn’t do it for me the way a historical romance man can. So when I started writing—I had to write a historical romance.
Me too!
Have you ever written any other genre?
Yes! As long as it’s romance—I’ll write it.
Do you plan on doing so in the future?
Yes, I’m contracted for a contemporary romance with Entangled’s Indulgence imprint, although I’m not sure when it’s releasing yet.
Is there any genre you won’t read? Write? Can you tell us why?
Horror. I’ve gotten scared half to death by reading a few romantic suspense novels, so I certainly won’t ever read horror. I like my sleep. Scary movies and books give me nightmares. In fact, I still have nightmares about Django Unchained. I wish I had never seen that movie. I had no idea it would be so gory and graphic.
I’m with you on that. I got scared of the Wizard of Oz as kid.
How do you respond to negative reviews?
I don’t read them. Well, that’s not entirely true. I start to read them and if it’s going south in a hurry, I quit reading. Then my CP reads it for me, and she tells me that in the end they did recommend my book. I haven’t had a totally negative review yet at the time of writing this. I realize it will happen and that’s fine. You simply can’t please everyone. All you can do is write the best story you possibly can. That’s all you can do. Everything else is out of my hands.
What are you most afraid of?
Something horrible happening to my kids. I don’t think there is anything worse than seeing your kids in pain, whether it be emotional or physical.
I think that’s every mother’s worst fear. My kids are all young adults, and I still worry about them every day.
Do you have a favorite quote?
Yes: It is for us to pray not for tasks equal to our powers, but for powers equal to our tasks, to go forward with a great desire forever beating at the door of our hearts as we travel toward our distant goal. ~Helen Keller
That is one of the best quotes I’ve ever seen!
Okay, now for the quickie questions: Answer in three words or less. Ready? Go!
Favorite Disney Character? Mulan
Favorite Fruit? Raspberries
Favorite Hero? My Dad
Favorite Eye Color? Green
Best Vacation destination? Hawaii
Food you can’t stand? Black olives
What annoys you? People who pick their nose. Get a tissue, it isn’t that hard.
(I had to pop in here…I’m a teacher by day. Need I say more? Ugh!)
Coffee, tea, or something else? Coffee
Nightgown or Jammies? Nightgown
Prefer dogs or cats? Dogs
The blurb about The Blacksmith’s Son
Captain Quentin Drake returns home after his naval commission ends to find a groom being beaten in the village stables. He refuses to turn a blind eye to the lad’s mistreatment and intervenes, taking the lad to his room. Only to discover the boy…is a woman.
After Ally Lockwood witnesses an earl committing murder, she fears for her life. She flees his estate and masquerades as a blacksmith’s male apprentice. Her ruse is up when a handsome stranger tending to her wounds disrobes her. Captain Drake lures Ally into believing she can return to life as a woman, but it may draw the killer back on her trail.
Enjoy an excerpt from The Blacksmith’s Son
1842, Liverpool, England
Ally’s steps slowed and she glanced between buildings. Lightning flashed in the distance, temporarily rendering her blind against the black of night. She peered down the street, seeking any signs of movement. Carefully, she set the rifle down to tighten the belt holding up her trousers. She double-checked her cap, making sure no strands of hair fell loose.
After she was positive no one followed her, she picked up her rifle and crept along the stable’s back entrance. An ominous boom of thunder rumbled and a drizzle of rain spit across her cheeks. She paused, lingering in the shadows of the stable, waiting for any sign of people.
She leaned her shoulder against the door, gripping her rifle in one hand and a lantern in the other, and stepped inside. Wariness grazed her spine as she studied each hinged gate along the dirt walkway. Licking the rainwater from her lips, she gazed into the last stall on the right at the colt.
The young sorrel lay on his side, his body thrashing. Terror blazed in his dark brown eyes. He struggled to stand. His back leg was splinted and wrapped and unable to support his weight. Ally set the lantern down beside the colt with trembling hands. A wave of nausea overcame her. She clutched her stomach and willed her nerves to settle.
A spattering of rain sounded on the roof in a low steady hum. She pressed the cool base of the rifle stock against her cheek and hardened her resolve to do what must be done. The metal from the trigger burned into her finger. Gently, she placed the tip of the barrel against the colt’s temple. The colt’s dark eyes widened.
Time stopped.
“I’m so sorry,” she whispered in a raspy puff of breath.
She steadied her hold on the rifle.
The colt looked at her as though he understood, as though he’d already forgiven her.
“I can’t do it.” The rifle slipped from her hands. She fell to her knees and retched.
Defeated, she dropped her chin to her chest and cried. How could anyone let an animal suffer so? She had to take him out of his misery. She had to.
A loud crash at the front stable door jolted Ally from her despair. Footsteps followed the screech of gate hinges.
“You there, boy—” The man pointed a slim finger at her. “What do you think you’re doing?”
Her blood turned cold in a jolt of recognition. She knew that face: Harrison Cross, the Earl of Linford. “M—Milord, I was just attending to this colt.”
“You.” A murderous rage flashed in the depths of his ice blue eyes.
She knew those eyes and she prayed he didn’t recognize her.
A bit about Rebecca
Rebecca Thomas enjoys a love-hate relationship with Alaska. She lives there with her husband and two teenaged sons where she appreciates all the unique things the last frontier has to offer. When she isn’t reading, writing, or playing board games, she is cheering for her sons at their hockey games and tennis matches.
A reluctant reader as a child, she didn’t become interested in books until her teen years when she discovered historical romance. Now she loves all sub-genres of romance and can’t decide which one is her favorite.
Thanks again, Rebecca, for joining me here today.
Here’s how you can contact Rebecca
Website: www.rebeccathomas.org
Twitter: @Rebecca_Thomas3
Facebook: www.facebook.com/beccawriter
Buy links
