Tell us how you got started as a writer. Did you always want to be an author?
I had a number of jobs that required writing, but always non-fiction. A few years ago I decided to try my hand at a novel. It must have always been in the back of my mind. Last year I was helping clean out my parents’ house, where I grew up, and I found several partial Regency romances I’d
written in my teens and forgotten about. BTW, they were pretty bad. Major data dump.
How long did it take for you to get published once you had the first book done?
I finished one book and was half way through another when it became obvious to me that what I wrote wasn’t going to sell in the current market. I came up with this idea about a Regency pastry cook and incorporated historical recipes into the story. The first draft of
Never Resist Temptation was completed in six months and I sold it a year later.
Can you tell us about “the call,” when you found out you’d sold your first book?
The turning point for me was when I signed with an agent. She sold the book less than a month later. A couple of publishers rejected it before Avon said yes, but it was so quick (unlike
absolutely everything else to do with the wonderful world of publishing) that I didn’t have time to react with anything other than delight.
Your first book is out and you sold it to a major publisher known for romance. Did you have any idea when you started how well you’d do?
I started writing with high hopes and expectations that became more realistic as I learned more about the business. Don’t we all begin with fantasies of being the next Nora Roberts or Julia Quinn? I was totally thrilled to sell to Avon, since they are so strong in historical romance. They were definitely my first choice, though I wouldn’t have turned down any of the other New York publishers! As to how well I am doing? That remains to be seen. For the most part it takes time and several books to make a career in romance. I’ve been happy with the reception of NRT but I am still very much a newbie.
What’s your writing schedule like?
What schedule? I write at any time that seems convenient. Also when I have something to write. I spend much more time thinking about the next scene/chapter/section than I do writing it. Now that I am writing to deadline I try and crank out at least a page or two each day. I have six months for my current book from typing “Chapter 1” to sending it to my editor. I’ll let you know if I succeed.
You worked for Sotheby’s auction house on their manuscripts. Did you read any letters that surprised you, or any favorites that you want to share?
That was an incredibly fun job and I’ve used some of my experiences there in my current series. I handled so many exciting historical documents. I recall some letters by Walt Whitman, written very early in his life while he worked as a schoolteacher on Long Island. They were important because they contained new
information about his life previously unknown to biographers. Finding something new and contributing to the historical record was always a particular thrill.
What advice can you give aspiring writers?
Finish your book. There’s one kind of book that will not sell and that’s one that hasn’t been written. And when you’ve finished it, write another. I see too many writers who agonize over their work so much they never get to THE END. Or else they revise it over and over. Or wait to sell it before starting something new. Hardly anyone sells their first book. And your second one will be better and the third better than that. Keep writing, keep moving forward.
What are you working on now? Can you give us a favorite line or blurb from your current work in progress?
I’m on the second book of a series abut Regency rare book collectors.
The Wild Marquis (coming in March) is about a disreputable young rake who decides to buy a famous manuscript and becomes attracted to a widowed bookseller with a mysterious past. I’m in the middle of the second (no title yet). The hero is a woman-hating bookworm who falls hard for a beautiful society woman. When he finds out she’s trifling with him, he gets an extreme makeover to make her fall in love with him. I call it Regency Revenge of the Nerds and I can only hope it’ll be as fun to read as it is to write. It’s supposed to appear in September 2010. (Eek! See note above about finishing on time)
Where can we find you on the web? (facebook, blog, website)
My website is
http://www.mirandaneville.com/. I’m also on Facebook.
I have a copy of NEVER RESIST TEMPTATION to give away. Just to inspire you, let me tell you that my debut novel is a Regency historical featuring sex, murder and French pastries ….. To win either ask me a question, or answer this one (or both). Do you enjoy romances which have strong external plots, or would you rather concentrate on the relationship of the hero and heroine without distractions?
Thanks Miranda!
Remember to leave a comment and email addy! Winner will be announced this weekend!
written in my teens and forgotten about. BTW, they were pretty bad. Major data dump.
information about his life previously unknown to biographers. Finding something new and contributing to the historical record was always a particular thrill.
Great interview! I read the blurb and realized I’ve heard buzz about this book already and wanted to read it. I love books with cooking in it, and how awesome to get a cover quote from Madeline Hunter.
I like an external plot. If it’s just about the relationship and the h/h don’t each want something badly, it gets a little boring for me.
I like a story that focuses on the main characters but they are hard to find right now.
Hi Edie and jep. Two differing opinions. This is why it’s almost impossible to write a book that pleases everyone!
@Edie: I had so much fun researching the cooking for this book. And Madeline Hunter is totally awesome.
Lol I love that revenge of the regency nerd 🙂 That one I want to read, so what does this nerd look like?
(I love nerds and my bf is very happy about that 😉
I do need a plot, sure I want to concentrate on the hero and heroine and they love, but I need something else going on.
blodeuedd1 at gmail dot com
Yum, French pastries! Miranda sounds very unique and I like her sense of humor. Cool interview!
I look forward to reading Miranda’s work!
That cover is gorgeous. sounds like an interesting book!
alison
Hi Blodeuedd. You think I’m going to give away my secrets? You’ll have to read the book…..
Jennifer – dessert is always good. You sound like a very intelligent person with excellent taste and judgment.
Carol. Good. If you would provide your email addy you might get the chance to win it!
Alison. I loved my cover – so happy when I saw it. We authors get little or no say in the matter so it’s a relief when you get a good one.
Wonderful interview! The book looks terrific! Can’t wait to sink my teeth into it! (Pretty good pun, huh?)
Hi Miranda,
Congrats on your debut release. I already have a copy of “Never Resist Temptation” on my tbr pile so no need to enter me. How many books will there be in your next series?
Harris: I’m not sure the lovely cover would enhanced by teeth marks!
Jane: I know those TBR piles. I’m glad to be on yours. Two books in series (which is called The Burgundy Club) appear next year. I have two more planned but they aren’t under contract yet, so we shall see.
Hey Miranda! Congratulations on your new book. It looks great 🙂 I love books that focus on the characters, but if the story is good, an external plot can just be another great way of learning the characters and the story better. 😀
Looking forward to reading this one and the rest of the series :)!
Eek, can’t believe I missed this post yesterday!
Congratulations Miranda, the book looks great. I really enjoy books that have an external story because it seems to go faster and I still get great characterization.
Good luck in the future. The new book definetely will be coming to my house soon.
Hi Rachie and Lyoness. Of course the characters have to come first but both of you are so right about how the external plot and the characters complement each other. Thanks for stopping by