I have a definite fondness for time travels. But I admit, most feel a bit similar in plot which is probably why we haven’t seen many in bookstores. That is until Gwyn Cready entered the picture. In my opinion Gwyn has redefined time travels and for the better. Gwyn’s books are hilarious, emotional, and most importantly romantic. It’s not surprising that her newest book, Seducing Mr. Darcy, has been nominated for a Rita award.
Join me in welcoming Gwyn to the blog!
anted for me. My goal was to get a book published and dedicate it to her, which I did with Tumbling Through Time, my debut. I know she’s out there smiling.
How long did it take to get published? Was it quick and easy, or long and torturous?
It took nine years from the time I began writing until I got the call (actually, the voice mail.) It was another year and a half after that before the book came out. “Overnight success” and “Gwyn Cready” are not words you generally find in the same sentence.
Tell us about “the call,” the first book you sold. Were you expecting it? Or were you shocked?
I was kind of expecting it, to tell you the truth. I’d written a manuscript that was good enough to score me an agent, though it didn’t sell, but the second one seemed great, even to me. My agent loved it. My husband laughed so hard he cried. I guess I just knew it was good. Even so, you’re never completely sure.
My agent called me late in the day, 6 or 7 pm. I’d left the phone in the car to charge, so she left a message along the lines of “Please call. I have some really exciting news,” which I didn’t get until the next morning at 7:30 when I was driving my daughter to school. Now I was pretty sure that meant she’d sold Tumbling Through Time–it would have been a pretty cruel message to leave otherwise–but I wasn’t sure and in any case, I didn’t know what publisher was interested, how much they were offering and whether they wanted more than one. Worse, I knew she didn’t get into the office until 10 or so, and, even worse than that, I knew I would be in a training session that day at work that ran from eight until two–more than “in it,” actually, I was actually running it and would therefore have no chance to call her until mid-afternoon at the earliest. Tom Petty was right: anticipation is the hardest part. I’ve never seen the clock move so slowly.
When we finally hooked up, I got the fantastic news that Pocket Books bought my book as well as a second. Worst part was, my boss at the time walked into my office about ten seconds into the call, so I got to “share” the getting the news with him. I spent the rest of the day in meetings, texting my friends and family surreptitiously under the table.
You write Time Travels, which a lot of people love, but which seem to be difficult to sell at the moment.
Time travels are hard to sell? Oops.
In Seducing Mr. Darcy, you take on the romance world’s ultimate leading man. Were you nervous that readers would be annoyed with you for messing with Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth?
Yes! I debated a long time before committing. I finally decided that if I wrote it, I’d have to meet three requirements: first, I had to do it with love; second, if I had my heroine involved with Darcy, it had to start–and end–before he ever meets Lizzy; and, third, I had to ensure Darcy and Lizzy end up just as happy as they are in the book. Point one was a given, so I gave myself permission to proceed, following points two and three.
Do you plan on writing any other subgenre?
Yep, historical is definitely on the radar. I have a trilogy about three English heroes on the border of England and Scotland in the early eighteenth century: a duke, an army major and a woman spy.
You are a Rita Nominee. Where were you when you got that call and how does it feel?
Again, no live call. What is it with me? RWA tried to call. I didn’t recognize the number so I ignored it. They didn’t leave a message. Instead they sent me a email, which I read on my phone, in a towel, after I stepped out of the shower. Definitely better than bodywash.
You have a great section on your website in which readers can actually make contact with the characters of your book. What made you think of that?
Have you ever read Outlander? All I wanted to do after I finished that was book talk to Jamie Fraser. I would have given anything to spend a leisurely afternoon exchanging emails with my favorite Highland warrior
Can you give us a favorite line or blurb from your current work in progress?
How about a quick summary?
I wish I could give you a title, but we don’t have one yet. (Suggestions? Send ’em my way.) The book will be out in April, 2010.
Where can we find you on the web?
http://www.cready.com/
Gwyn, I really love the idea of taking a well known sex symbol like Mr.Darcy and diving deeper into his romantic side… I hope to see more novels from you like this in the future! Thank you for sharing more about yourself with all of us!
Gwyn, your stories sound absolutely fascinating. I’m thrilled that you have met success with your time travel books.
Renee
Gwyn, I was just at your website, and both your books sound like must-reads! What a great mind you have!
I absolutely loved ‘Tumbling Through Time’ Gwyn! And I admit that ‘Seducing Mr. Darcy’ has been on my wishlist since I first heard about it…
thank you so much for the wonderful interview!
Lexie.Cenni@gmail.com
Hey Gwyn! 🙂 Fascinating story and it looks fun. I enjoyed “Tumbling Through Time” I honestly was a bit hesitant, but it was delightful!
Can’t wait to read “Seducing Mr. Darcy!”
rachie2004 @ yahoo . com
Good morning Gwyn Cready! 🙂 HUGE congratulations for you accomplishments. I’ve been recommended your books by friends but I havn’t gotten around to reading them…but now I’ve been bitten by the bug! Definetly will check you out!
lyoness2009 AT hotmail DOT com
I like time travels but you just don’t see much right now. I will have to look for your books of them too.
Hi Gwyn,
I am so glad you are writing time travel books. A girl can read only so many books about demons, shapeshifters and weretigers before they start to run together. Time travels are breath of fresh air.
Thank you.
even the name Mr Darcy-sends my heart spinning….
I love time travel books, so I’m definitively adding your books to my TBR pile. Great covers!
marieimy (at) gmail (dot) com
I loved Seducing Mr. Darcy. It was such a fun read.
Alison
Terrific interview! I’m heading to the bookstore…thanks Lori and Gwyn!
Anything with Mr. Darcy is a must read! Your book sounds really interesting. Can’t wait to read it.
cherish
It’s great that your husband loved your book! good luck at the ritas!
Nancy
Great interview! I think it’s super cool that visitors to the website can contact characters from the books. How fun!
I look forward to your historical trilogy! When should we expect them? Geraldine Lynnann
Great Interview!! Thanks for sharing your life story with all of us…. Amos