Former Texan, creator of Sebastian, Lord St. Vincent and one of those people you would swear is just too nice to be real – Lisa Kleypas – will be dropping by the pond today. She is VERY close to deadline… soon to be shaking hands with her drop dead date. The way I look at it, this should work in our favor cuz really what more does a author want at that time than distraction.
::innocent blink::
To get you started I asked her a few questions, you can ask her some more in the comments, anything that doesn’t get answered we will put together in an ‘interview’ and post after Leo is ‘Married by Morning‘ and on his way to her editor. Until then if you haven’t already read Tempt Me at Twilight you can check out excerpts: on her site here, the ‘raw’ one here (that didn’t change much) and the new one here.
Thanks again to Lisa for taking time out of her busy schedule to answer my questions.
**the following quotes are from Tempt Me at Twilight ©2009 Lisa Kleypas
“Well, to start with—“ Poppy tried to sound pragmatic even though her eyes watered. “I’m not a virgin anymore.”
Leo gave her a mock-shamed glance. “Neither am I,” he confessed.
A reluctant giggle escaped her.
Leo rummaged in his coat for a handkerchief, without success. “Don’t cry, darling. I have no handkerchief, and in any case, virginity is nearly impossible to find once you’ve lost it.”
How do you feel Tempt Me at Twilight turned out? Are you happy with the finished novel?
I am very happy with it!—it was a great writing experience, and I think part of that was because I finally settled in comfortably with the Hathaways. Whenever there was a group scene, it was incredibly fun to write, because I knew exactly how each character would react to what was going on.
After the previous year, when I wrote a couple of darker, more angsty novels (Blue Eyed Devil and Seduce Me At Sunrise) I felt a little worn out emotionally, and ready for some fun. So the two books I wrote after that were Smooth Talking Stranger and Tempt Me At Twilight, and I think they both reflect the sheer joy I felt in writing.
Poppy wondered what was wrong with her, that she should be amused rather than frightened by his confession. “Harry. You’re not supposed to court a girl by telling her you’re the villain.”
He gave her an innocent glance that didn’t deceive her in the least. “I’m trying to be honest.”
“Perhaps. But you’re also making certain that whatever anyone says about you, you’ve already admitted it. Now you’ve made all criticism of you ineffectual.”
Harry blinked as if she’d surprised him. “You think I’m that manipulative?”
Harry has a fabulous line, well really he has many, “In the fairy tale you mentioned last night, I would probably be the villain.” I have to admit I adore that and him. As you know I have a fondness for Sebastian (Devil in Winter), Leo (Married by Morning) and we can’t forget Kev (Seduce Me at Sunrise). All of them have bastard like qualities, why do you think that works in a ‘hero’?
Thanks, Sybs, I love to hear that! I think as long as there are deeper, authentically motivated reasons for a hero behaving badly, readers are always generous enough to forgive him. I adore nice-guy heroes, but the bastards are always more exciting, aren’t they?
I think it’s the tension of wondering what they’re going to do, and wondering how the heroine will react. And the character arc is so emotionally satisfying when a hero goes through experiences that force him to change. It always gives me a pleasant shiver at the moment when the hero who has been so dangerous and destructive in the past, is now going to use all power to protect and satisfy the heroine.
“Before you leave,” he said softly, “I have some advice for you. It’s not safe for a young woman to wander alone through the hotel. Don’t take such a foolish risk again.”
Poppy stiffened. “It’s a reputable hotel,” she said. “I have nothing to fear.”
“Of course you do,” he murmured. “You’re looking right at it.”
What makes Harry different from your other heroes?
He’s unusual for me, in that he is a mechanical engineer, and he is so remarkably isolated. He knows how to manipulate people, but not how to have a close relationship with them. So he has an emotional innocence that seemed very sweet to me, despite his villainous qualities. When he meets Poppy, he falls for her immediately because she is so open to the kind of emotional connection that he secretly craves.
She is a very warm and talkative character, and she is a little bit nerdy in the same way he is. When Harry visits the Hathaways and sees how they relate to each other, he is thrown off-balance because he’s never been part of a family . . . there’s this magical something in the air, and he’s not sure what it is, until he finally realizes it’s love. So normal for them, so unfamiliar to him.
“As it happens,” Harry murmured, “I’m American by birth.”
I totally loved that Harry Rutledge is from America (as is Lily and Daisy from your Wallflower series) any chance we could see an American Historical from you in the future? ::coughwesterncough::
I would so love to set a historical in America! If I’m ever able to, I would probably set it in Victorian era New York—what an exciting place, and so much was happening! Self-made men with big fortunes galore.
You soooooo are not helping my western agenda… just saying ::pout::
You ever read a book called Give Me Tonight? It is out of print and hard to find but I hear it is good ::innocent blink::
“Afraid?” he asked softly.
Poppy forced herself to meet his gaze. “No.”
“Maybe you should be. I’m much nicer to people who are afraid of me.”
“I doubt that,” she said. “I think the opposite is true.”
Poppy is a very strong female character, even when she is making choices Rutledge has manipulated her into. I see that trait in all the Hathaway sisters and could say it is true for most of your heroines. Is this a personal choice as an author – something that speaks against the ‘sterotypical weak female’ in romance or something you honestly see reflected in the history of the time?
I appreciate that—I’ve always thought that true strength is not displaying the hoyden/vixen/bitch type of behavior, but rather the patience and persistence and resilience that Poppy displays.
She has her moments of frustration and temper, but she is also quick to forgive and apologize. I think women did have to summon a lot of patience back then, because it was so frowned upon for a woman to be outwardly demanding or aggressive—they had so many constraints placed on them. You wonder if all the “nervous ailments” that women suffered from were really just a reflection of the stress and frustration of having to let men be in charge all the time!
“Those who have special requests,” Mr. Lufton continued, “or don’t like their rooms cleaned at certain times, those who insist on bringing pets, things of that sort. We don’t discourage them from staying, but we do make a note of their peculiarities.”
Speaking of the history of the time, odd question but I have a background in hotels, and totally love the setting of the book. Any books you can recommend you used for research into hotels of the time?
I wondered if you would like that! Yes, I had some fantastic resources and it was so much fun to research. There was a great book titled Hotel: An American History by Andrew K Sandoval-Strausz that provide a ton of information about the development of American and European hotel industries, and a great biography of the great hotel developer Henry Flagler, and I researched the histories of some classic London hotels such as Brown’s and Mivart‘s (the latter turned into Claridge’s).
The Rutledge is a composite of those old hotels, with some of the innovations that were happening at the time, food lifts and en suite bathing-rooms and plumbing . . . in fact, I spent so much time contemplating and “designing” the Rutledge that it almost seems like a real place to me now!
Jake’s face fell. God. Another scene. “Sir, I’d rather go on an errand in east London and be pummeled by street thieves.”
Rutledge smiled. “That will probably happen later in the week.”
When is Jake getting a book?
I truly hadn’t thought of that. You think he’s hero material?
I did! He sort of reminds me of a derek character… not as hardcore but we didn’t really see him at ‘work’ so to speak. I figured he got his hands plenty dirty or did before for Harry. NOT that I am asking, if I were to ‘request’ a story I want a novella on ‘where are they now’ on St. Vincent and Evie *g*. I know you soooooooooo didn’t see that coming.
“And there’s one more thing to be aware of,” Cam said, with a wintry softness that disguised all hint of feeling. “If you succeed in marrying her, we’re not losing a sister. You’re gaining an entire family–who will protect her at any cost.”
If you were a book what would your ‘summary’ be? (totally stole that from Sandy M Duck Chats cuz it amuses me)
Oh, this is not easy. Hmm. How about “A cookie-loving daydreamer turns her love of words and fantasies into a writing career, and finds true love along the way. She is surrounded by a brilliant cast of characters, including witty and wacky friends, a great publisher, a sock-stealing cocker spaniel, and an adorable duck-loving reviewer who always makes her laugh.”
“No. I’ve found that life is far kinder to shallow people.” Turning her, Leo drew her up against his tall, well-muscled frame.
What super TOP secret info can you give us on Leo’s book, Married by Morning.
Leo has been secretly drawing naked sketches of Catherine (imagining what she might look like), and she finds out.
**highlight over the blankspace if you want to see the spoiler
“She has experience with primates?” Harry asked sardonically.
Poppy considered that. “We’ve just been through the London season. Does that count?”
What super TOP Secret info can you give us on Beatrix’s book, Love in the Afternoon?
Beauty and the Beast theme.
That’s all I can say for now!
**highlight over the blankspace if you want to see the spoiler
That is really not that much to go on but since you haven’t even started the book I will give you a pass on it.
When will we get to see the cover for Married by Morning? LOL I know, I always want something…
If you have questions or comment for Lisa Kleypas, please put it in the comments of this post. If you have read Tempt Me at Twilight, do tell us what you thought of it.
You’re again the BEST Sybil…*** Big hugs ***…I feel like I’ve finally been dragged out of a desert and given some water. CANNOT WAIT, my fingers are like jittery on the keyboard. Oh, my new distraction is that I’m finally formalising the plot to my novel – I’ve been playing at aspiring writer for a while now, it is so fun. As for Kresley’s latest, it sucks being in Australia, my books arrives weeks after everyone else. Deep Kiss of Winter was on pre-order and still hasn’t arrived *sniff*, Amazon is mega slow. But I’m beyond excited about a Wroth brother (still love Leo more of course). I’m also still waiting on “Never Love a Lawman” to arrive. Dammit, I blame you for my impatience on that one!
Just re-read your comment Sybil…if you’re giving us the option, the the sooner the better. I vote SUNDAY!!! But of course, I never want to put pressure on poor migraine-infected you. It’s nice to know the big unveiling is no more than a couple of days away. 🙂
*squeezes Sybil* Just post whenever you want! *cough*Sunday*cough* ;D I’m sooooo pathetically excited to get my hands on that thing! Linny, I’m sorry “McAlistair’s Fortune” wasn’t your cuppa tea. I hesitate to recommend books, especially romance novels, because, as we’ve talked about before, there are so many different nuances of writing, characters and plots that appeal to so many different people. I’m exactly the same way. I’ll read a book that has gotten five stars on Amazon over two hundred reviews and I won’t like it at all. A prime example is “Broken Wing” by Judith James. Everyone raved over it, and I couldn’t even finish the thing 😛 Not saying Ms. James is a bad writer, it just didn’t appeal to me personally. As to Alissa Johnson, I will say that I didn’t enjoy “McAlistair’s Fortune” as much as “Tempting Fate,” the one before it. That’s Mirabelle and Whit’s story, and it’s lighter and breezier than McAlistair’s. I agree, though…if I want steamy love-to-the-point-of-obsession, Kleypas is who I reach for every single time. I’m still waiting for the perfect moment to delve into paranormal romance, BTW. It’s on my to-read list, but my spare time lately has mainly been spent trying to teach my left-handed self how to crochet, hehe! ;D It sucks that your books are so late to arrive. I live in South Carolina and I’m foaming at the mouth if my stuff is a day late, I can’t even imagine how you must feel 😛
Hey Meg, just so you’re aware, I don’t regret buying McAlistair’s Fortune…I kind of expected it was going to be a sweetly one, and I was glad to indulge my curiosity. So I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend stuff. 😉 Gosh, you crochet? I’m not even sure I know exactly what that is..some kind of embroidery? Not for me, I wouldn’t survive doing more than a handful of stitches…well whatever it is you’re doing, I hope its big enough for you to survive the wait for the MBM release next year…hehehe. And trust me, if you’ve never tried reading a paranormal romance, it is sooooooooo worth diving in and giving it a go. Some amazing writers.
Crochet is kind of like knitting except with one big needle instead of two. I’d probably do better with someone showing me how, but for now I rely on books and the internet. Right now, I’m surviving the wait by ( attempting) crocheting and reading MTM all over again. I can actually appreciate it better now that I know the direction the characters are headed. Like Merripen giving Win her medicine…so sweet! 😉 Leo was such a train wreck back then…he was so obnoxious and now I’m in love with him. I’m glad Cat is nothing like Laura so I won’t have the “does he love Girlfriend #2 b/c she reminds him of Girlfriend #1” doubts I have with some novels where the heroine is the hero’s second love. Since romance novels really play up the idea that there is The One and nobody else for the hero/heroine, I’m usually not into “second love” stories, but Leo himself admitted in SMAS that he can’t even properly remember Laura…he was just a boy. Someone needs to take my LK books away from me so I don’t get tired of them, lol! Practically bouncing up and down out of my chair with excitement xD
Oh, and when you write your novel, I’ll be the first to buy, read, and give it glowing reviews! I had a pact with a friend from college that we would write a romance novel together…she’d handle the plot and I’d handle the smut and cover art…so give me a heads-up.
MEG: It’s great how useful the internet is for modern day self-education, providing you’re not so dopey and can’t filter the rubbish from the useful stuff. Last year I taught myself to swim using YouTube vids! (lol) Yep, I’m with you as far as the Ex and the current love. I don’t want to have ANY doubts that Cat is ‘The One’ for the older Leo…even an inkling would severely upset me. I do know what you mean about second loves…and the whole reminder of previous love? Definate No, No – not into the substitute theory. I like to think I’ve recovered from my LK re-reading frenzy…let’s hope this excerpt doesn’t get me started ALL over again. Oh BTW, it’s already on my mind that when the time comes, YOU will get MBM before me…how unfair!!!!!
MEG: You know, I was so amused by all our speculating earlier on, and that’s the thing with us Romance readers, we’re incurable addicts. And we all have romance stories in our heads we wish our authors would write, may as well write them ourselves! That way we can’t complain it didn’t go according to plan. And I’m having so much fun I can’t recommend it more to anyone. If you and your friend have a plan then I say do it! Yes…I’m sure I will have fun with the SMUT…had hubby sniggering all the way through one of my amateurish attempt. Anyway, I really enjoy your insight to characters so if you have time then please drop me an email on linnywrites@gmail.com…and trust me, if I ever got something finished enough that it could be read, I certainly wouldn’t expect you to pay for it, I’d be more interested in getting your valuable critique! Anyway, sorry SYBIL, I’ve gone off topic. BTW, hubby also thinks I’ve lost a few marbles with my obsession with MBM…he’s like “It’s ONLY an excerpt…” *sigh* he just doesn’t get it…
I vote “Sunday” for the excerpt!!! I’m so eagerly anticipating it!! I’m practically boucing up and down with excitement to get this little tid bit about Leo and Cat. So please if you can post it as early as you can, that would be wonderful! Thanks 🙂
Leo and Cat excerpt coming soon it looks like. I’m w/ Rachelle G – post it today! I’ve been checking this website almost everyday to read it.
Sunday, Sunday…my vote is Sunday!
Linny, I dunno, I pre-ordered TMAT from Amazon, thinking I was being smart and that it would get here faster than if I took the chance of waiting until local stores stocked it. Wrong! Others were picking it up from their local Wal-Marts and I was still sitting here waiting for a paperback that I paid way too much for. Not that LK isn’t worth it, but still…I wouldn’t be so sure about me getting a hold of a copy before you, lol! If I wrote smut, then I’d have to write under a really clever pen name…even though my grandmother reads the smutiest of the smutiest, my mother’s still reluctant about my reading “The Flame and the Flower” and I’m 23! ;D To be fair, though, I think she’s uncomfortable about me reading the rape scene, so I understand. Great book overall, but that part grossed me out. I admire you for letting your husband read your work, because so many men just don’t get it…he might’ve been laughing on the outside, but inside he was thinking “Whoa, what a tigress!” ;D He’s pleased, trust me! Anyway, I’d be glad to critique your work, and I’m blushing that you think I’m qualified…I’m just a former English major so my second nature is character analysis…I can’t just enjoy something, hehe! Anyway, back on-topic…Leo/Cat, Leo/Cat, Leo/Cat…
And is “smutiest” spelled with two “t”s or one? xD
Meg, if I lived in the states, I wouldn’t bother pre-ordering unless it’s on super special. The only reason I do pre-order is because my book store can sometimes get it a week later in australia as well…and then they charge full retail! When that’s the case, it’s actually cheaper for me to buy them from overseas sites myself and suffer a slight delay. I also now avoid buying from amazon unless it’s a hardcover, I’ve found that hardcovers are always going to cheaper online and sometimes book stores don’t stock them because they’re afraid people won’t buy them and wait for paperback – at least that’s what they tell me about why it isn’t on the shelf!!!! But I’ve found an alternative site where you can get the books the same or slightly cheaper than Amazon and it sends worldwide for free, their mailage has also been overall efficient. It’s http://www.bookdepository.com . But for you I assume it won’t matter much being in the states. And I don’t care what you say, I have a crystal ball and I know you will get MBM before me. I think during the week of MBM’s release I will refuse to go online until I have my own copy. I normally don’t mind reading spoilers…welcome them in fact, but for MBM…I want to enjoy surprise and have it unravel before me… 🙂
Thanks for the link! Well, I’ll tell you what…if that’s the case, I’ll read it first and tell you if it’s any good. I kid, I kid, just joking! ;D My local Books-A-Million is kind of hit or miss regarding putting out new titles, and as far as booksellers go, that’s about the only one we have locally (I live out in the sticks), so it’s better for me to generally order online as well. For used books that have been out a while, Amazon will have them for a few cents plus shipping, which is great, especially since I don’t care that it’s used as long as it’s in passable condition. But for new books like MBM that I have to get now, now, now, I’ll definitely try the site you mentioned. Plus, if you order online you don’t have to suffer the embarrassment of taking a book up to the register that has a cover full of boobs and gasping and dramatic wind blowing through hair, lol xD We’re lucky that Lisa’s covers are tasteful, especially her new ones. The glossy in-set, however, is appropriately orgasmic, hehe! If you don’t mind my asking, how much is your average straight-off-the-shelf retail paperback in Australia? Here it’s about $8.00 or so after tax, but our Canadian neighbors have it much worse–about $13 or $14 a pop! I know what you mean about staying spoiler-free…the excerpt is about the only spoiler I’ll allow myself, and the rest will wait until my brand new copy gets here. I wonder how “Raw and Unedited” our exerpt will be, since Lisa seemed to indicate she was about to send it to be publisher? The exerpt from TMAT was pretty different in the book than it was on here (a lot more steamy detail) but the premise was the same. And with TMAT, we were lucky enough to get a snippet on here and also a different one posted on her website, so I’ve been compulsively checking there, too. And I’ve taken the “Which Wallflower Are You” quiz about a million times. I’m Daisy every time, although I really want Evie, cause she’s my fave. *sigh*
And Meg, I’ve already decided, if I ever have a need for a pen name, I will use my husband’s surname (don’t use it in real life). I don’t quite like his surname so I may as well associate it with my smutty writing. (hehe -I’m terrible) As for your pen name, remember not to make it sound like a man trying to disguise his name, every time I see a name like that I think ‘must be a man writing women’s romances’ and unconsciously/deliberately walk to the next isle…As for the smut I wrote and read to hubby, I was sniggering along with him…hehe. Regarding you writing “smutiest” stuff…maybe you should keep that spelling and just tell everyone you’re writing “smute”…and special kind of SMUT…lol. Being an english major would be fab for writing, I work in IT (Computer Science degree) and I often forget how to spell properly! And recently I’ve met aspiring writers who can’t formulate a proper email and don’t read books! I was even in a romance writing session once and when there was a show of hands of all the people who actually read romances, I was one of a VERY few…It was outrageous! I mean what is with that?!?!?! ANYWAYS, since I don’t see the much anticipated excerpt, I will cross my fingers for tomorrow…**continuing the chant *** Leo/Cat, Leo/Cat, hurry up Sybil!, Leo/Cat…
LOL, I wonder how many men actually do write romances…and get published! I think “smute” is smut that is cute, sweet and endearing…like when Harry tracks down Poppy after she runs away from him and, after trying to be stern and lay down the law, he says “I’m sorry, Poppy. I tried to be gentle,” in reference to their first time together. I melted because I pictured him saying it in this lost little boy way. Smutty context, really cute execution. That’s the most recent (and least, er, graphic) example I can think of, but it’s safe to say Lisa’s cornered the market on “smute.” ;D And I am in awe of anyone that works in IT or has survived a Computer Science degree in general. That’s rigorous stuff. Well, to me anyway, since my math skills are for crap…I still count on my fingers. 😛 Have you noticed much outsourcing in your industry? It’s practical anyways, I’ve learned the hard way there’s not much you can do with a B.A. in English at the best of economic times, much less in the middle of The Great Recession. But I digress. Writing skills are still extremely important, though. I agree, I’ve read emails from administrators of companies, people that make six figures, that are littered with typos, serious grammar issues, etc. Your writing (and spelling) seems fine to me! 😀 I can’t believe that there were people in a romance writing workshop that didn’t actually read romances! What were they there for? I know, crossing fingers for tomorrow…***Leo/Cat, Leo/Cat, Leo/Cat***…
Meg, it’s been a while since I actually go into a book store, but to answer your question on cost of a novel which of course varies with the exchange rate, TMAT would cost me out of pocket: bookstore= Just under $15 USD, online = $7.19 + a small fee for exchange. It is completely worth my while to wait since I have such a big appetite for books. Anyway, I can’t believe you made me do maths! I’m scared of numbers, still trying to figure out what that phobia is called. Oh yes, those rude covers AND tacky titles…sheesh, and thankgoodness I’ve grown out of mills and boons and harlequinn stuff (left them behind YEARS ago). I always wonder if the publishers are out to embarass us or that they just have bad taste! And I like my covers to be kinda hazy or shadowy if they’re not going to be discreet. I want to be able to read books on the train…But now that I’m 33 I’m a little less self concious about my romance books…Hey, the book I mentioned called “Dangerous men and adventurous women” really helped me get over myself for some reason. And dammit, I never did the test and just did so now…I’m a Daisy and that is so wrong. She’s sweet tempered and I am like evil! I’m not going to test the theory, but I assume selecting all the dreamy options gears you to her persona…oh well, if I had to pick a wall flower for me I’d pick the older sister, and I didn’t even like her as much as the others. I think it’s time for me check-out and be back tomorrow to check for excerpt…gosh please please please…let it be a long one. If it’s a tiny little thing I may need to go duck hunting…ok ok, I am sooo kidding, we all adore you Sybil. 🙂
Meg, it would be a wrong assumption to think IT people mathematic genuises…I certainly am not! Maybe if you’re a hardcore geek then that would be the case. But those people usually are locked away in a dark room with the mushrooms…just kidding. I’m a Consultant and work with people not just machine/software..thank god. And there has been alot of outsourcing but I hear it mostly doesn’t work too well. And what am I talking about IT in a romance reading forum…??? Really sorry! Anyway, you seem like a very creative person so I’m sure you’ll use that energy to do something productive. Time for me to stop using excerpt fixation as a form of procrastination 🙂
IT can be sexy, too! ;D You don’t seem evil to me…maybe feisty is the right word! Argh, I need to go to bed.
Sybil, are you secretly trying to conduct some sort of online social experiment to see if you can kill us with the anticipation? Because I think it’s working…till tomorrow then…too tired to chant…all this teasing is exhausting. 🙁
*Meg sighs deeply and re-reads the Leo/Cat scenes in TMAT for the 476th time*
Eagerly awaiting MBM excerpt!!! I thought it would be posted by Sunday or Monday :()
*Meg sighs deeply and re-reads the Leo/Cat scenes in SMAS for the 582nd time*
I was close…
http://goodbadandunread.com/2009/10/27/exclusive-excerpt-married-by-morning-by-lisa-kleypas-summer-2010/
Thank you so much! It was a great excerpt 🙂
And well worth the wait, may I add!
*Meg sighs deeply and…* Oh, wait COOL!!! It was a wonderful excerpt, thanks Sybil! And Lisa! 😀
Have you voted for St Vincent yet?
http://thebookbinge.com/2009/10/last-lk-hero-standing-final-round.html
Go forth and vote!
Lisa Kleypas, I love your books! can’t can’t can’t wait for Leo and Marks HEA…summer 2010 seems so far away…
I know someone asked this already…but is Damon Redmond ever going to get his own novel? He was from Love, Come to Me. I thought I had read all of Lisa Kleypas’ books until this one was rereleased. I couldn’t put it down! I know Lisa appoligized for her earlier work, but this was one good ‘weakness’, as she called this early work. If this is ‘inexpereince’, then I guess half of the writers out there or in need of that so-called fault. But, about Damon…right after I finished the book, I went on the internet to find out if he had a story as well. I just couldn’t get enough of him.
I too would love to know if there was any chance for a Damon Redmond story… I recently read Love Come To Me and loved it … I love all of your books….I just finished Christmas eve at Friday Harbor and it was awesome…. I am eagerly awaiting Rainshadow Road… Thank you for such wonderful stories…