The RT Booklovers' Convention is under way. By now, the Aussies have shared their Tim Tams. For those who could not join us in New Orleans, I share an Aussie treat with you - Regency Romance author Heather Boyd:
Bestselling regency romance author Heather Boyd believes every character she creates deserves their own happily-ever-after, no matter how much trouble she puts them through. With that goal in mind, she weaves sizzling English set love stories that push the boundaries of regency era propriety to keep readers enthralled until the wee hours of the morning. Brimming with new ideas, she frequently wishes she could type as fast as she conjures new storylines. While writing full time north of Sydney, Australia, Heather collects dust bunnies in all corners of the house and does her best to wrangle her testosterone-fuelled family into submission. You can catch Heather’s news at www.heather-boyd.com.
Kim: We love far away places here at SOS Aloha! Can you share your favorite sight, sound, and smell of "north of Sydney"?
Heather: O live on the edge of Lake Macquarie, a beautiful saltwater lake so I’m pretty much spoiled already every day. I love visiting Taronga Zoo in Sydney though. It’s perched right on the edge of the harbor, the animals must have the most fantastic vantage point for the New Years Eve fireworks. LOL If I’m staying in Sydney I just love the elegance of The Grace Hotel. Classy and central to absolutely everything in the heart of town.
Kim: I chuckled when I read this line from your long bio,
Maybe if they had switched from the ruins of Ancient Rome to the scandals of Regency England I’d have been top of my class for at least one term.
It is ironic, then, that the Ton was fascinated with Ancient Rome! Are any of your characters interested in history?
Heather: Oliver Randall, from Guarding the Spoils, is the most bookish character I’ve written and he’s obsessed with everything ancient and modern. He’s not been able to travel in the past so he devours everything in sight. He’d rather read than talk which made arranging his happy ever after so much harder for me.
Kim: Tell us about your Distinguished Rogues series - what inspired it?
Heather: The distinguished rogues are stories about friendships and change, and the impact decisions have both immediately and long term. The heroes are men of wealth and power who don’t necessarily behave well, and occasionally don’t know what’s good for them. The ladies strive to live lives that are fulfilling and wish for love despite societies expectations and restrictions. Because they are stories about friends, a looser connection than family series, I have so many possibilities for future mischief. My characters often pop up in books than are not their own and I always enjoy when they do.
Kim: Who would you image to portray Arabella and Merrick, from your latest release AN ACCIDENTAL AFFAIR, on the big screen?
Heather: Hmm, interesting question. I hadn’t considered this one before. I would love Arabella to be played by Aussie Cate Blanchett and Merrick to be played by Henry Cavill. It would be an honor.
Kim: What's next for Heather Boyd?
It is ironic, then, that the Ton was fascinated with Ancient Rome! Are any of your characters interested in history?
Heather: Oliver Randall, from Guarding the Spoils, is the most bookish character I’ve written and he’s obsessed with everything ancient and modern. He’s not been able to travel in the past so he devours everything in sight. He’d rather read than talk which made arranging his happy ever after so much harder for me.
Kim: Tell us about your Distinguished Rogues series - what inspired it?
Heather: The distinguished rogues are stories about friendships and change, and the impact decisions have both immediately and long term. The heroes are men of wealth and power who don’t necessarily behave well, and occasionally don’t know what’s good for them. The ladies strive to live lives that are fulfilling and wish for love despite societies expectations and restrictions. Because they are stories about friends, a looser connection than family series, I have so many possibilities for future mischief. My characters often pop up in books than are not their own and I always enjoy when they do.
Kim: Who would you image to portray Arabella and Merrick, from your latest release AN ACCIDENTAL AFFAIR, on the big screen?
Heather: Hmm, interesting question. I hadn’t considered this one before. I would love Arabella to be played by Aussie Cate Blanchett and Merrick to be played by Henry Cavill. It would be an honor.
Kim: What's next for Heather Boyd?
Heather: An Accidental Affair released in March and the next Distinguished Rogue, Keepsake, releases in August, 2014. Keepsake is my first married couple. It’s about a marriage that didn’t start well, a runaway bride, and what happens when she comes back to prevent her husband having her declared dead. Lack of trust, secrets, and a man who just won’t give up. Writing a pair with such combative natures was exciting though not always easy. The sex scenes were always a pleasure though. Despite their past and differences, they are a rather combustible pairing when it comes to pleasure. LOL
The Distinguished Rogues Series
Mahalo, Heather, for joining us for a cozy chat. I am giving away a Regency Romance prize package to one randomly selected commenter. To enter the giveaway,
1. Leave a comment about Australia - what do you know about it?
For Mary P., who lives in Oz, what is your favorite place to visit?
2. Comments are open through Sunday, May 18, 10 pm in Baltimore.
3. I'll post the winner on Monday, May 19, assuming I survived RT.
Mahalo,
Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City
The Wild Randalls series
I've met a few bloggers who live in Australia. I like it when they post pictures because it's so interesting there. I especially like the kangaroos and Koala bears.
ReplyDeleteHey Mary, I've discovered everywhere you don't live is really interesting. LOL. I've a short drive up the road to see dozens of Kangaroos if I want to but I've got a long list of places I want to travel. Thanks for commenting.
DeleteI have met several people from Australia. I want to go so bad and see the out back and the BIG rock.
ReplyDeleteHi Debby. I haven't even seen Uluru myself. LOL It's on my list for when I'm a grey nomad. If that doesn't translate, which often happens, a grey nomad is a retiree who tours the country most of the year. Thanks for commenting.
DeleteI've met several people from OZ and I would love to visit there.... one of my favorites was a lovely young man who came to the US to play American Football, he was the punter....
ReplyDeleteYeah, I'm going to need a translation now. LOL. I'm not a sports person at all. Thanks for visiting!
DeleteMy history knowledge is only that where England sent their criminals! And I love Tim Tams!
ReplyDeleteAw, we're so much more than that. LOL And everyone should love Tim Tams. It should be a customs requirement to get into the country. :) Thanks for commenting.
DeleteI have long been fascinated by Australia. Their nature is so wonderful and much of it is so different from what I am used to. The Great Barrier Reef alone is so awesome. A person could spend years investigating that alone. Then there are the unique animals that are found no where else on earth! The vegetation, also, can seem for foreign. The landscaping and weather. AND the sexy way they speak! Yes, how I would love to spend a few years over there!
ReplyDeleteNow that's a 'must see' list and a half. The islands on the Barrier Reef are magical to stay on. You should come. Seriously.
DeleteThanks for commenting.
I've never been to Australia - it's so far and so big I think I would have to go for a month just to scratch the surface! I've been fascinated with it since I read my first Margaret Way book. And loved the movies set there like 'Quigly Down Under' with Tom Selleck and 'Australia' with Hugh Jackman.
ReplyDeleteCome for a year. A month won't get you too far out of Sydney or you'll be on planes and trains all the time. LOL Thanks for dropping by.
DeleteI don't know much about Australia but I would love to visit :) Thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYou should come too, as soon as possible. (I should totally work in tourism) Thanks for commenting!
DeleteI know very little about Australia - their seasons are the opposite of ours and it's big.
ReplyDeleteWe're moving into winter now and I'm very glad Summer is far behind. It gets hot around here. Thanks for dropping by!
DeleteI have been to Sydney and loved it and want to see more of Australia. Sydney is a wonderful city. The ferry system of getting around to places is extremely efficient. The zoos are incredible, the tour of the Opera House is very interesting, the city is very walk-able (though somewhat hilly), and the people there were very nice. Love the accents!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for dropping by. Hope you get a chance to visit us in Oz again soon.
DeleteKoala Bears & kangaroos!
ReplyDeleteCute to look at but its best to keep a distance. Both have claws and are not tame. :) Thanks for commenting.
DeleteThat their country has more poisonous and dangerous animals than any other!! But I would still love to visit.
ReplyDeleteIt's a huge risk to put your foot out the front door some days. Just kidding. Three steps and scary things are all over you.... Hope you visit Oz soon!
DeleteIt's actually been a very long time since I've seen anything poisonous. LOL Perfectly safe to visit Oz.
I know the macadamia nut is native to Australia.
ReplyDeleteReally? The things you learn about your own country. So glad I'm a guest here. LOL Thanks for commenting!
DeleteDon't know enough even though my niece and her husband and kids have lived there for several years.
ReplyDeleteYou must be way overdue for a family get together! Thanks so much for commenting.
DeleteBear with me here...I was at the pediatrician's office this morning, with a sick grandson. The waiting room had a large-screen TV with a Disney movie playing. The movie was Finding Nemo, which I know is set in Australia.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you're ahead of me. Have kids and never had to watch Finding Nemo. I'm still traumatised by Thomas the Tank Engine from years ago though.
Deletethey have koalas
ReplyDeleteand Eccidnas. Gorgeous little beasties. :)
DeleteOh, I so want to visit Austrailia one day!!! Plus they have many authors that I highly enjoy reading from. And they have this annual 'Pride and Prejudice' ball every September, somewhere..... And I so would love to go to it one day!
ReplyDeleteFound out about an April Ball way too late to attend. Maybe next time for me. Not sure about a September event though. I'll have to look into it. Thanks for commenting
DeleteI don't know much about it, only that I hope to visit one day! Oh, and they have the most delicious accents! ;-)
ReplyDeleteHi Chelsea, hope you get a chance to visit soon.
DeleteI've never been to Australia, but I'd love to go. I do know several internet friends from there and I love Tim Tams and Cherry Ripe candy.
ReplyDeleteI also know that they have the most deadly snakes/animals there.
Marcy Shuler
If you love Tim Tams you're practically an Aussie already! Thanks for leaving a comment.
DeleteI have always thought it would be fun to visit Australia. I did a report once and someone from the school let me use a toy they bought there. Now I can't remember what is was. Way to many years ago. I love reading from Australian authors and love reading books set there though :) I just plain Love Heather Boyd's books though!!!!
ReplyDeleteWe'll have to get you a replacement stuffed Aussie animal soon Crystal. LOL Thanks for dropping by and saying such nice things about my stories. :)
DeleteI know that it is autumn there right now and they have some beautiful beaches.
ReplyDeleteI don't know very much about Australia. I would love to visit there, they have some wonderful authors, beautiful beaches, all kinds of interesting animals, and Tim Tams.
ReplyDeleteI know that most people live on the coast and that it's the home of kangaroos and koala bears. I also know that they have a culture of spending a lot of time outdoors, so there is a high incidence of skin cancer.
ReplyDeleteBefore moving here to Florida my husband and I seriously considered moving to Australia. We both love it and wanted to try something different. The only thing was the money to move that far away was a little more than we had at the time. Thank you for the chance to win. griperang at embarqmail dot com
ReplyDeleteI have never been to Australia but I too would love to visit. I know those cute little Koala Bears are from there. :) I also know there are some amazing Authors from Australia as well. And let's not forget those handsome Actors from there. :)
ReplyDeleteCarol L
Luxky4750 (at) aol (dot) com