Please help me welcome Tiffany Clare, the author of The Surrender of a Lady on sale now! Romantic Times gave her debut novel 4 1/2 Stars and a TOP PICK. Be sure to keep reading because Tiffany is giving away one copy of her fabulous historical romance to one lucky commenter. (North American entrants only).Before I grill interview Tiffany, here's a quicky blurb to whet your appetite.
THE PRICE OF PASSION…
Sold. With one word, Lady Elena Ravenscliffe’s destiny changes forever. Forced into Constantinople’s slave market to pay off her late husband’s debts and save her son, Elena reinvents herself as Jinan—a harem girl adored by the rich lords who bid on her favors. But one man instantly sees through her façade.
…IS COMPLETE SURRENDER
Griffin Summerfield, Marquess of Rothburn, let Elena slip through his fingers years ago. When he recognizes her on the auction block, he pays an outrageous sum to possess her even if it is for a short period of time. But when his deadline looms, Griffin will risk all in a desperate bid to make her his—and his alone…
Tiffany, what is the first romance novel you ever read? Outlander, Diana Gabaldon. I know it’s not strictly romance but after reading it I wanted more happily ever afters. More specifically, I gobbled up Scottish historical romances like no one’s business after falling in love with Jamie. He’s the hero of heroes.
What inspired you to write THE SURRENDER OF A LADY?
I had this perfect image in my head of this woman in a veil. I’ve even included the two pictures that were my focus. There was just something about these pictures that tickled my muse into action. Once I immersed myself in art, research, and the culture (not physically, only through reading) and I knew enough to write the story and do it justice for the setting and time period, I couldn’t stop writing Jinan’s story.
And what gal wouldn’t want to picture themselves dancing seductively in the garb of a harem princess for the man she loves more than life itself? It’s every role players’ fantasy. LOL Okay, maybe not every role player, but it is pretty dang sexy.
Tell us about the setting. Did you uncover unique or intriguing historical details while researching the novel?
Ah, the setting. For me, setting is another character—it needs to come to life or I’m doing something wrong. It wasn’t till I’d written about a third of the book that I realized I didn’t know where in the eastern part of the world my harem took place. I finally settled on Greece territory seized by the Turks in the 19th century—it offered a rich and opulent backdrop to the harem. I loved researching the climate, flora, fauna, and especially the food and lifestyle.
Interesting facts I learned: When Barbary pirates seized ships they often took the women aboard (the ones who survived the attack) as prisoners to be sold as slaves. Sometimes those women would end up in harems (this is documented as far back as early/mid 16th century). The Ottoman Empire, Algerian, Moroccan, etc., all had a fascination with white skinned, light eyed beauties also known as Circassian women.
What do you love the most about your hero? And your heroine?
I love that Rothburn knows he’s bad. I love that he thinks he’s right when he’s not, but that his heart is on his sleeve for Jinan. She is his whole world.
My heroine is a survivor. She’s given the worst lot in life but she makes the best she can of it. She learns to adapt and grow and open herself up to any possibility.
If you time-traveled back to Victorian England, what would you enjoy the most? What would you detest? What one modern product would you mourn?
I’ve always thought of myself as an old fashioned kinda gal. I think I might do well with Victorian England—so long as I was rich and so long as I lived in the more pleasant smelling countryside. What modern amenity do I adore—coffee makers. I’d be lost without my flavored coffee in the morning. Yes, I just so happen to be drinking a cup of coffee right this minute.
Tell us what's next for you?
Asbury and Emma in February 2011 in THE SEDUCTION OF HIS WIFE. And Emma’s sister, Abby THE SECRET DESIRES OF A GOVERNESS are coming June 2011.
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Merci Beaucoup, Tiffany!
Be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win a free book. Tiffany and I regret the contest is limited to North American entrants. To find out more about Tiffany's books and where to purchase them, visit her website at: http://www.tiffanyclare.com/
Cheers!
Vicky
21 comments:
De rein, as my daughter would prompt me to reply.
Thank you so much for having me here to share a little more about my book!
MY SOAL came yesterday and it's too pretty to open up. What? you say...don't worry, I was lucky enough to read it early in all its incarnations as one of Tiff's crit partners. Congrats again, Tiff!
Hi Tiff, I have to say Facebook is a better tool than I thought for authors. (I used to doubt it, but I'm finding it a great way to follow my favorite authors. *LOL*)
I didn't know that Outlander was the first book you'd ever read. Would you ever consider writing a historical set in Scotland yourself?
I agreee Facebbok is a wonderful place to meet with all my favorite authors, and find some new ones. had already added Tiffany to my friend list.
Saw this on Twitter and had to come by and say hi to Tiffany and Vicky. I have Surrender twinkling at me in that gorgeous yellow on my nightstand. It's my treat for when I get done with Revisions. (Can you see I'm procrastinating?)
First book I read that I considered romance, prior to that it was LKH! LOL And a whole lot of horror and fantasy.
Uh, real historical scares me. You can't fudge your historical facts. No, I probably wouldn't write literary fiction. I might consider a Scottish setting though. I do love me a Scotsman! Or two . . .
Great interview, Tiff! I don't think I could do without modern medicine or TV or a microwave. ;) Everyone should read SOAL. It's a fabulous book!!!
Hey, Tiffany,
Congratulations on your debut! How exciting!!!! I would really enjoy life in Victorian England, too (like you, if I were rich). I LOVE the clothes.
As for the harem fantasy, I've always, ALWAYS had a fascination with belly-dancing. I took a class once, back in the early 90s before it was readily available in gyms. I was SO bad! I mean really, really bad. But it was fun and my stomach was sore for like three days. I need to go back to it! Maybe reading your book will inspire me--I know my husband would like that. LOL!!
Hugs,
Kieran :>)
:>)
Congrats on your new book! Great interveiw! Looks amazing and I can't wait to read this one! I think it is funny that you would miss your coffee maker if you went back to that time! I would be safe I like tea! Thanks for sharing today!
eric250r@coosnet.com
Hi there Tiffany,
I agree, I would love to live in Victorian England countryside. Ever since I started reading historicals I've had such a longing to go and visit the English countryside. It looks so beautiful in pictures.
Again, congrats on the release. I absolutely can't wait to get my hands on a copy of this and your next book. They are both of my two favorite kinds of story lines. I love lost loves, and reconcilliation stories. I can't wait to find out more about Rothbum because so far he sounds delish!
What an interesting interview. I also didn't realize that Outlander was your first romance. And I agree with you that setting is extremely important to the story being told. It helps the story, the characters come to life and jump off the page. It adds dimension. I'm even more excited to read your novel now!
Kieran, Thanks for stopping by! I'm glad I'm not the only one who would love live in the Victorian era (so long as we were the rich ones, LOL).
Belly dancing is a lot of fun, and REALLY hard to do. I didn't think it would be a work out until I actually tried it... my legs and bum protested for like a week with all those squat and holds...
Hey! Congrats on your debut :) I have yet to read it, but I know I will soon! My TBR pile is huge!
Yes! I'm so excited to read your book. I'll be making a trip next week to Barnes N Noble to pick up a copy. The cover is gorgeous btw
Debra,
Thanks so much for finding me on Facebook!
Maggie, XOXOX
Miranda, you naughty minx, you! Us authors don't procrastinate *bats lashes* not at all! LOL Good luck with those revisions. I just handed in mine today!
Ely, oh, more kisses and hugs XOXOXOX
Johanna,I'm a tea drinking by mid day... I just like something strong to wake me up at four in the morning (I know, an ungodly hour to be sure, but it's when the house is quiet and I can get some work done).
Anonymous, I hear you on the TBR... mine is ginormous! LOL
Happy reading everyone, and thank you for stopping by today!
Priya,
Thank you! I think we met over at the borders blog (I remember your name, very pretty). Hope you enjoy the book!
Danielle, I certainly hope you find him delish when you read the book! Also, I've never really traveled, but I will see England one day!
Cindy, are you from the BB?! Yes, Outlander was the book to make me crave an HEA... Enjoy the setting, I try to add some character to each of my settings in all my books!
I've heard such good things about this book. And sign me up NOW for Secret Desires of a Governess! Awesome title :)
Congrats on your debut; I look forward to reading it.
Cecilia, Thank you so much for stopping by! My friend and critique partner came up with the title for Secret Desires! I adore that title!
Tiffany,
I am from EJ/JQs BB. I knew you loved Outlander's Jamie, but I didn't realize he was your first... :)
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