Interview:
I live in Tehachapi, CA. It’s a lovely mountain town near southern California that truly experiences all four seasons. The snow in winter really brings the holiday spirit to life! I live with my fiancé and his oldest daughter. His youngest daughter visits every weekend. I love being a “step-mom”. We will celebrate our first Christmas together as a family this year and I cannot wait.
2) How long have you been writing?
Wow, I have been writing for as long as I can remember. I began making up stories to entertain my younger cousins when I was just a young girl. I used to write down stories and then make paper dolls of the characters or turn the story into plays for the family. I always dreamt of being a published writer someday. I still can’t believe it actually happened.
3) Do you have a favorite place to write?
I write best away from home. At the library or a coffee shop. At home there are too many things calling my name. You’d be surprised how loud dishes in the sink can be when you are trying to write a scene. Not to mention how difficult it is to type when there is a cat lying on your keyboard! So, getting away is best.
4) Why did you decide to write Romancing His English Rose?
I was reading a lot and running into stories where I thought, “If I had written this, I would have done this or this or this.” I guess it finally hit me that instead of rewriting someone else’s book, I should get going on one of my own. Once I made the decision, a series idea came to me at once. The research for the series only served to excite me more about the idea and once I started writing I didn’t stop until book 3 was done. I guess it was just the right time.
5) Who is your favorite character in your book and why?
Oh, wow, good question. I guess Sarah is my favorite. She reminds me a lot of me. Tall, awkward, no filter, but loyal to a fault. You can’t help but love her.
6) How about your least favorite character? What makes them less appealing to you?
It would be easy to say Lord Shrewsbury; he is the villain after all, but I also am not that fond of Simon’s father. He did not see Rose for the prize she was and frankly his family feud was not fair to Simon who missed out on quality time with his grandparents as a result.
7) Do you proofread/edit your own books or do you get someone to do that for you?
I do the first couple of passes and then have a close friend of mine read over it. She always catches great things. Then my editor gets a hold of it and somehow makes it even better than I could imagine. I have a great team!
8) What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
I spend a lot of time with my family. We are big movie buffs. Also, my fiancé plays the drum in an Irish band. So we often have gigs to go to on weekends. The band has a very loyal following and the shows are always great fun! I read a lot and like to knit and crochet. There’s plenty to keep me busy when I’m not writing, which is not always a good thing. LOL
9) Do you read much and if so who are your favorite authors?
Yes, I read a lot. My favorite authors include Jane Austen, Julia Quinn, Stephen King, Robert Parker, JD Robb, and Shakespeare … really whatever strikes my mood. I have an eclectic collection and sometimes will just close my eyes and pick at random. Nothing beats a good book.
10) What question do you wish that someone would ask about your book, but nobody has? Write it out here, then answer it.
Nobody has asked me if I would have been part of the Garden Society and friends with all the girls if I had been around in that day and age. I like to think I would be. I certainly would not be the most popular girl, nor would I be part of the “in” crowd making other girls feel left out. I hope Lady Lancaster would see something extra in me and invite me to be part of her group. I certainly would love to be friends with Rose, Hannah, and all the others. How cool would that be?
Lady Lancaster Garden Society
Book Two
Catherine Hemmerling
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Entangled Publishing.
Date of Publication: 9-9-13
ASIN: B00EMTDL4C
Number of pages: 174
Book Description:
Rose Warren and Simon Trumbull may have been betrothed since birth, but that doesn't mean they have to like each other. Rose is sure the notorious playboy Simon will never willingly settle down, and Simon, well... he agrees. Never one to be forced into anything, he'd rather drink and gamble with his mates than spend time with the bookish, bespectacled Rose.
When the two are thrown together to investigate a potential poisoning mystery, neither expects the sparks that fly. Simon discovers that Rose is, in face, a brilliant sleuth and - even better - hides a delectable body beneath her flowing skirts. Suddenly, falling into bed may be the best idea either has heard, but can Simon convince Rose his romancing is forever?
Excerpt:
“Ah, yes...” Simon said haltingly, unable to believe that Lady Lancaster had suggested he dance with Rose. Usually when he poured on his charm, the older ladies did everything in their power to keep the young impressionable girls away from him. Of course, he was engaged to Rose, so perhaps that accounted for the woman’s unusual decision.
Turning to Rose, Simon saw that she too was surprised by the dowager’s recommendation. She also appeared displeased by it. Most young ladies fawned over him and when he asked one to dance, they would practically swoon with delight. But Rose seemed almost disgusted by the idea.
Pride pricked, Simon came to a decision. This dance would be the best Rose had ever experienced—one she would never forget.
Pulling himself up straight and tall, Simon adopted the most sincere mien he could and asked, “Rose, may I have this dance?”
Rose nodded and accepted Simon’s arm and together they walked to the dance floor.
Soon they were moving gracefully around the ballroom floor...in complete silence. Rose was gazing absently over Simon’s shoulder and Simon was trying in vain to come up with something witty and interesting to say.
While deciding to impress Rose enough for her to never again regret having to dance with him, Simon took a moment to get a better look at his betrothed. Something was different about her tonight, but he just couldn’t put his finger on what.
About the Author:
Catherine Hemmerling has been a technical writer in the software industry for nearly twenty years and has published many user manuals and technical documentation in that time. She has always had a love of writing fiction but has never pursued publication in that genre until now.
Hopefully it is the beginning of a long new journey with Lady Lancaster and the Garden Society girls. Certainly historical romance (especially the scandalous kind) is more fun than writing technical documents!
This author happily resides in Tehachapi, California (near Bakersfield - home of her Alma-mater!) with her family.
Catherine writes for Entangled Publishing's Scandalous historical line and is thrilled to be part of their family of writers!
Thanks for the interview!
ReplyDelete