RWA Edition? Yep! The RWA (or Romance Writers of America) convention is going on in New York, and author Caroline Hanson (from the “Valerie Dearborn” series) has offered to get us some fun and quick interviews! How awesome is that!?? We’re changing the regular interview format a little, keeping the questions light, easy and pertinent to all authors. I can’t wait to see who she interviews. I LOVE surprises!
She says:
“We will see how it goes! And I’m totally answering these questions myself. Just in case ;)”
LOL!! Well, I’m thrilled to have her interview answers and I’m sure her fans will be, too!! She was so often recommended to me, and when I read the series earlier this year, I absolutely LOVED it, and am anxiously awaiting the third.
So we’re gonna kick it off, with her own interview, and get the inside scoop behind the characters, and the author, herself!
1. Dream cast for your characters (or who they look like in your head)…
Lucas would be Nicolaj Coster-Waldau from Game of Thrones. I love him! Somebody suggested Zooey Deschanel for Val and I remember thinking that wasn’t right, but now she always comes to mind whenever someone asks me. I like Dita von Teese for Marion and Jack would be…a non blond Ryan Kwanten? Perhaps? Cerdewellyn would be Roger Federer which one of my fans found mind-boggling. And not in a good way. It made me wonder if I had described him very well in the book.
side note from Maryse –> I think the cover model on your book sort of looks like Zooey Deschanel, so I can totally see that.
2. A *tidbit* or a secret about your upcoming projects that we might not already know.
I’m working on a regency time travel book. It’s a twist on typical time travel because she’s a soldier, super tough and having to learn how to interact with this super stuffy English Lord and save the day at the same time. And there will also be a spin off book after the third Valerie book.
3. Do you listen to music while writing? What songs stick out most in your head for what books or scenes?
I’m all about Florence and the Machine. It hit a point where I could not listen to Florence unless I was writing because she instantly threw me into that world. Rabbit Heart was very much Val and Lucas’ song for book 1. As well as Blinding. For book three Say my Name and Seven Devils are big songs for certain scenes. But I can’t give it away. But Seven Devils is for Val because she’s currently screwed and has nowhere to turn or anyone to trust.
4. Any surprise character or story twists that you, while writing, didn’t see coming? Like planning to take it one way, but the characters HAD to go another?
Lol. Val was supposed to wind up with Jack. And by the end of book 1 Lucas had stolen the show.
side note from Maryse —> No worries!! This isn’t a spoiler since 1.) She is just speaking of book #1, and 2.) the trilogy isn’t done yet. As I like to say… “it’s not over ’til it’s over…” 😉
5. What are you writing?
The third Valerie Dearborn. It’s the last book in the trilogy.
6. What is your favorite book, which you wrote?
Love is Darkness. It’s the first and I lived in that book in a way that I didn’t live in the rest.
7. Favorite book by another author?
The Anita Blake Series by Laurell K Hamilton. I’ve read them all over and over again. I’d probably pass out if I met her.
8. Favorite food?
Good cake or pastries probably. It’s a shame. I wish I could say celery.
9. Something fans don’t know about you and who would you meet that would make you feel like a fan girl?
I recently met Loretta Chase and started to cry. Also, Laura Kinsale. I’d totally cry if I met her. She’s a total inspiration. She does dark characters better than anyone.
10. Are you a dog or cat person?
Cat, because they have more dignity. I appreciate their attitude.
11. Favorite pizza topping?
I like them all. The more the merrier.
12. Favorite tv show?
Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The musical makes me teary-eyed. Which is lame.
13. Favorite romantic movie?
The Princess Bride probably.
14. What would you do if today was your last day?
I’d spend it with my kids and take them to the beach.
15. Who is your celebrity crush?
We’re back to Federer and Coster-Waldau. And Florence. My fantasy life apparently overlaps with my writing life. Huh.
Oh and Caroline has a FREE short story on Amazon!! Bewitching the Werewolf (not related to the Valerie Dearborn series but it IS steamy & funny!) Check it out! ———>
Thank you so much Caroline. You made me chuckle. And don’t feel bad. I don’t think celery is anyone’s favorite food…. 😉
P.S. check out my book reviews for “Love is Darkness” & “Love is Fear”
If you’d like to find out more about Caroline Hanson, visit her here:
- Her website: https://carolinehanson.blogspot.com/
- Her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Caroline-Hanson/205847429481635
- Her Twitter page: https://twitter.com/caroline_hanson/
Great interview! I love the Valerie Dearborn series. I can’t wait for the next book!
Me too!! The way #2 ended… arggghhhh!!!!
Maryse,
I totally agree with the Dream cast!!!!
I LOVE me some Lucas.
I grabbed the short story a while back and it has been on my never ending TBR list. I am moving it up and look forward to reading it today! Thanks!