Interview with Jillian Hunter

Disgraced by her past employer, young governess Kate Walcott owes her loyalty to the only woman willing to hire her—the sought-after courtesan Mrs. Georgette Lawson. Georgette entrusts Kate with the care of her unruly children—and the writing of her shocking memoirs, which detail her affairs with famous gentlemen, including the rakehell who promised to marry her, then ruined her.

Sir Colin Boscastle intended to keep his promise to Georgette—until his father was murdered. Thirteen years of chasing vengeance pass before he returns to find Georgette sleeping in his enemy’s bed. Revenge has destroyed their romance, but the two former lovers agree to set a trap to restore Colin’s honor.

Caught in this deadly game, Kate struggles to resist Colin’s virile charm. She knows he is a born heartbreaker and unreliable rogue. Should she believe him when he whispers that, for her, he will change his sinful ways?

~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~

NT: Hi Jillian! Thank you for being our guest today.

Thank you for inviting me! I’m happy to be here.

 

NT: When did you know you want to be a writer? How long did it take for you to make your first sale?

I’ve been an avid reader all my life. I started writing stories when I was about sixteen. But it wasn’t until I was in college that I realized I wanted to be a writer. I sold the first historical romance I submitted, but it wasn’t the first book I’d written. It took me seven years to write a book I thought was good enough for publication.

 

NT: You have a new release this month, THE MISTRESS MEMOIRS. Can you tell us about it?

The Mistress Memoirs is a continuation of the Boscastle series. Basically the hero, Sir Colin Boscastle, returns to England for revenge and to make amends to the woman he abandoned only to find she has become his enemy’s mistress. Neither Colin nor his former lover, Georgette, want to resume their romance; in fact they don’t even like each other. Caught between their crossfire is Georgette’s companion and governess to her three children, Miss Kate Walcott. It isn’t long before Colin realizes that everyone in the household relies on Kate; he can’t resist her, either.

 

NT: Do you have a writing routine? What is your average writing day like?

I exercise and read emails in the morning and then tackle the hardest scenes I have to write. This is my core writing time. I take a break in the afternoon for family. After dogs and daughters are fed, I’ll sneak in another few pages. Unless I’m on deadline I usually research at night and organize my office for the next day. On deadline I might write until dawn.

 

NT: Is there anyone you can use as a sounding board when you are stuck on a scene?

My husband is a wonderful sounding board because he’s analytic and I’m not.

 

NT: What was the most interesting thing you had to research and what was the hardest thing to research?

The most interesting thing I had to research was sword fighting. I took lessons from actor/weapons instructor Anthony De Longis, and had incredible fun. I also threw knives and a tomahawk. I’ve admired Anthony ever since he trained Michelle Pfeiffer with the bullwhip for her classic Catwoman role.

The hardest thing I’ve had to research might have been the history of anesthesia for A Deeper Magic. I wanted the details to be as accurate as possible. The hero was a Scottish doctor.

 

NT: When not busy writing, what do you like to do in your spare time? (If there is such a thing *G*?)

Spare time? I like to garden, go to the beach, and find treasures at flea markets.

 

NT: What are the latest additions to your TBR pile? What are your most eager to read?

The new releases from Lisa Kleypas, Elizabeth Hoyt, and Julia London. I’m most eager to read the last Maeve Binchy.

 

NT: Any advice to aspiring authors? What craft books helped you that you would recommend to aspiring writers?

I recommend the Writer’s Digest magazine and the books they publish. Some of the advice might sound basic, but if you’re just starting out they explain all the basics. Whatever you do, don’t stop writing. Self-publishing is opening doors, and if you haven’t had luck with a publisher, this might be an option. Seek out organizations that support the books you want to write. This is the age of the entrepreneur.

 

NT: What can your fans look forward to from you in the near future? What are you working on now?

The Mistress Memoirs will be published March 5, 2013. The book I’m working on now is Damien Boscastle’s; Damien is the eldest brother to Colin, Gabriel, and Sebastien.

 

NT: If someone has not read any of your books, which would be the one you’d recommend they try first.

If you’re going to read the Boscastle series, I’d suggest starting with the first book, The Seduction Of An English Scoundrel.

 

NT: how can readers contact you?

Readers can contact me through my website (jillianhunterauthor.com) or on Facebook.

 

NT: Thanks for being our guest today!

Thank you again for having me! It was my pleasure.

~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~

For a chance to win THE MISTRESS MEMOIRS, just leave a comment below. Good luck! 😀