Author Interview – Enticed By A Laird – Gerri Brousseau
/I’m delighted to welcome back multi-published historical romance writer, Gerri Brousseau, and author of the recently just released holiday novella, Enticed by a Laird – Season of Surprises Holiday Anthology Box Set.
A Few fun facts about our author:
I was born and raised in Connecticut where I reside with my beloved pug, Mimi Sue, and our cats, Harry and Louise (a/k/a The Weasel). I am the author of A Pirate’s Ransom, According to Legend, To Kill a Monarch (Soul Mate Publishing), The Yuletide Bride (Season of Magic), Puppy Love (Season of Love), and Enticed by a Laird (Season of Surprises).
Thank you for joining us at Scribbler’s today, Gerri.
What would you like your readers to know about you that they would not read in your official bio?
I’m generally a pretty private person. Sometimes I feel like I’m living a double life. In my writing life, I’m pretty much an open book, but my private life is just that – private. Like most, my family is extremely important to me. Pretty boring, huh? Oh, I know something that might be of interest . . . I’m a retired skydiver.
Tell us Scribblers a little about Enticed by a Laird and what inspired this story?
It all began when I wrote The Yuletide Bride. I had no idea it would turn into a mini-series. I found I wasn’t finished spending time with my characters, who wanted to get the chance to have their stories told. So, on I wrote with Puppy Love, and now Enticed by a Laird. I do have one more character who insists her story by told. Stay tuned!
Can you share an excerpt from Enticed by a Laird with our readers?
“It is as Brianna told you. When I was at the castle I saw the clansmen’s sideways hateful glances, the looks of disapproval. Angus may have a measure of infatuation for me now and be willing to overlook the attitudes of his clansmen, but I fear in time he may grow to have animosity toward me because of it.”
“I know my father and I don’t believe that would be the case.”
The Dowager clasped her hands and her stare locked with Fiona’s. “His letter leads me to believe his feelings for ye run deep. Ye see, he has written to me to advise me that he has found love again and intends to speak to Robert te ask for yer hand.”
Tears pooled in the Dowager’s eyes. “To Robert?” She murmured in a voice just above a whisper.
“Aye. He finds himself to be quite in love with ye.”
“Oh no. This is not good.” The Dowager took up her tea cup and sipped the dark, rich, brew.
“Not good? Ye certainly cannot believe the clan would disapprove of their Laird’s choice o’ a wife?”
“Of course they disapprove.”
“Esther, once they come to know ye they will love ye just as much as we do, as father does. Trust me, Angus McClellan knows his men and he knows his heart.”
“And I know mine.”
“Are ye runnin’ away from him, from love? Esther, what are ye afraid of?”
“I am afraid that I’m right and his men will despise me, resent me, and disrespect him.”
“That will not be the case.”
“It’s neither here nor there as I shan’t be going back to the Highlands.”
“Ye aren’t going to have to.”
The Dowager’s eyebrow rose. “And why is that?”
“He’s on his way here.”
This is your third time writing a novella for an anthology. Do you have any advice when working with multiple authors?
It’s fun to be involved in an anthology. The more people involved, the more marketing will get done. For us, it’s a democracy. We each vote on things such as the cover art. Writing a novella is much quicker than writing a novel. I like it because it’s short. There is no time to develop a subplot or delve into secondary characters. When I started with the first one, I never dreamed I could write a short, nor did I ever think I could write a series. When you open yourself to new opportunities, you may surprise yourself.
Your heroine, Esther (The Dowager), and hero, Laird McClellen, in this story are an older couple. This is a bit unusual in a romance story, yes? Were they difficult to write?
No, not at all and that’s mainly because they had appeared in The Yuletide Bride. Love is love, romance is romance, and there shouldn’t be an age limit. Being a single gal, I sure I hope there isn’t.
What is your heroine, Esther’s greatest strength? Weakness?
Esther is the backbone of the family. She’s generally level headed and refined. Being a bit older, however, she speaks her mind, which can sometimes be her weakness.
What is you hero, Laird McClellan’s greatest strength? Weakness?
Laird McClellan is the head of his clan, and because of that he is quite accustomed to giving the orders, not taking them. He gets what he wants, and he wants Lady Esther, so you can imagine his angst when she leaves him with not so much as a “goodbye.” His weakness, he’s a stubborn man.
If the Dowager could change the story line would she and how?
I don’t think she would change a thing. I’m sure if she wanted to, she would make sure I knew it. That woman pulls no punches.
Do you read reviews of your books? If so, do you pay any attention to them, or let them influence your writing?
I read the reviews. If they are good, I’m thrilled that readers enjoy my work. If they are not good, there really is nothing you can do about it. You have to have tough skin and let it just roll off your back.
What has been your favorite part of research for a story you’ve written or are writing?
I’m presently working on a sequel to one of my other novels which involves a lot of research. I like knowing the history and figuring out how to fit my characters story into it.
What has surprised you the most about being published?
The simple fact that I am published. It’s one thing to write something, and quite another to be a published author. Sometimes I have to pinch myself to be sure I’m not dreaming.
What was the first story you remember writing?
I think I was eight years old and wrote a story about a house with a white picket fence. That’s really all I remember about the story.
What writer has most influenced your work?
I think many authors influence me, but I’m a huge fan of J.K. Rowling. It’s my fondest wish to one day meet her.
What are you currently reading?
Before the editing process, I was in the middle of Voyager (in the Outlander Series). I left the characters in a precarious position, so I suppose I should get back to it.
Do you have a critique partner or belong to a critique group?
I have an editor and beta reader. For me a “group” doesn’t work because there are too many opinions flying at you at once. I’m more of a one-on-one type of person.
What is your favorite character written by another author?
Just one? I think I grew up being in love with Mister Darcy. I love Jamie Fraser, and I’m fond of Harry Potter.
What question are you never asked in interviews, but wish you were?
I’m not sure.
Go-to snack when writing?
When I’m writing, I hardly come up for air. I listen to music, playing low in the background, and just write. Sometimes it’s 2:00 a.m. before I realize I haven’t eaten all day long.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I haven’t had the opportunity to travel much. I’ve been to Spain and France and enjoyed both. I love Paris, but I also loved New Orleans, LA when I was there. But, having said that, I would say I have to be close to my family. I couldn’t imagine not seeing my grandbabies at least once a week.
What is the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received?
Writing advice – hmm. Keep writing. Write daily. Learn your craft, believe in your talent, ability, and your story, and above all never give up.
What books or projects do you have coming up in the future?
Right now I’m working on a sequel to my pirate novel. I’m also thinking about the next novella in my Season of Series. It will be the last in that series and probably the most fun to write.
If you would like to read more of Gerri’s writing, you can find her in the Season of Series; Season of Surprises, Season of Love and Season of Magic.
Purchase Season of Surprises on Amazon here
Purchase Season of Love on Amazon here
Purchase Season of Magic on Amazon here
Gerri is also published with Soul Mate Publishing where she has written A Pirate’s Ransom, According to Legend, and To Kill a Monarch. The links are listed below.
Find A Pirate's Ransom on Amazon here
Find According to Legend on Amazon here
Find To Kill a Monarch on Amazon here
Gerri loves to interact with her readers. You can find her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gerri.brousseau.5
and on Twitter @GMBfictionwrite