A: Historical aspects: Most of my historicals are set in the Regency period in England (roughly 1810 to 1821). My master’s degree is in early 19th century European history, I grew up with Georgette Heyer and so I knew the period cold before I started the first book. When I needed a change, I went back to medieval times – did it take much time to learn everything I needed to make it all ‘real?’ A bit, sure, but since I love reading about history, I already knew quite a bit . I didn’t spend three months researching before I began writing the Medieval song series. When I needed to know something specific – like what do we serve at a feast – I had all the info beside me while I was writing it. Also, I’m an expert in one single decade – 1270-1280 . Again, since I love history reading about it is never a chore. I went to the Vikings for the simple reason they bathed! So, go figure.

Q: What are the more difficult aspects of the author/publisher relationship, if any?

A: To be totally honest here, I haven’t really had any lows. My relationship with my publishers has always been cordial, positive, respectful, helpful, encouraging. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of horror stories out there, but I’ve been very lucky.

Q: What is your greatest ambition at this point in your life?

A: I very much want a movie – maybe even a good one that would more or less follow the story line. I call L.A. Blah Blahland – really a big bunch of scary very odd people.

Q: If you could have lunch with anyone, past or present, who would it be, and why?

A: I would love to have lunch (as a start) with (author) Dick Francis. I have admired him for many years, his incredible 1st person writing. We are at the same publisher – Putnam – I’ve never met him but understand that he is a charming prince. He was the Queen’s jockey, retired in 1964 and began writing. Most of his novels have something to do with horse-racing. He isn’t writing any more – he’s in his eighties now. His wife, Mary, died 2-3 years ago. She was an integral part of his writing process, e.g., he wanted his hero to be a pilot so Mary took up flying lessons.

Q: Did you ever have a ‘watershed moment’ in your life that propelled you to change direction – particularly toward a writing career?

A: I was a speechwriter on Wall Street while my husband was attending Columbia Presbyterian Medical School. I saw him perhaps 30 minutes a day over dinner. I read all the time and then one evening I threw the book across the room and said I can do better. I told my husband, he said go for it. He took the next weekend off and together, we outlined a novel (my first and last outline ever).

Q: Can you share with your readers something about yourself that is not commonly known?

A: I love flowers. In fact, I have the most beautiful garden in Marin County (California). Right now, it is filled with color and the scents fill your mind and heart – my house is also filled with flowers.

Q: Have you ever wanted to write non-fiction? Can you share with us your feelings in general about writing non-fiction, and how it squares with writing fiction?

A: Non-fiction? Never, never, never. That’s a very very different endeavor, like playing piano vs. the oboe. My brain is filled with people and stories and not about how the tobacco companies go out of their way to hook teenagers or how to make your pets obey you.

Interview Date: May 2005
Profile and questions compiled by Rosanne L., Matthews Branch Library