Fiction Scribe

Hello and welcome back to Fiction Scribe Ms. Statham! We previously met you while you were on your virtual tour for Dominic: http://www.fictionscribe.com/hazel-stathams-dominic/

Thank you for inviting me back to your blog. I have had two other books released since Dominic and this is the third.

You are currently on virtual tour with your recent release: Lizzie’s Rake. Please tell us about Lizzie and the book she’s in.

Can a rake reform his ways and truly love? Lizzie’s head tells her one thing, her heart another.

Miss Elizabeth Granger – Lizzie – is very much a girl of her time and is the victim of circumstance. Her profligate brother gambles and loses all at the gaming tables before taking a ship to the Americas, leaving her to deal with the dire consequences of homelessness for herself and her two siblings. Despite possessing a resolute spirit, upon hearing of the new owner’s intent of selling their home, she is hard pressed to find a solution to the situation.

Maxim Beaufort, Earl of St. Ive, finding himself in possession of a property so far removed from London thinks only of disposing of the burden it presents and is astonished when he receives a message from his secretary that the sale is not as straightforward as he envisioned. Travelling to the property in Yorkshire, he meets the inhabitants of Briarfield Hall and thus begins the events that forever change the course of his life.

Irresistibly drawn to Lizzie he shoulders the burdens of the family and fills the role of benefactor, but experience has taught Elizabeth not to trust and Maxim’s reputation as a rake thwarts all his attempts to win her over. However, he is widely known as ‘The Indomitable’, a name that was not lightly earned and although his path is one fraught with dangers, he is none-the-less determined to win her over.

Can Lizzie risk all and learn to trust or will the consequences of Maxim’s former life drive them even further apart?

If your life were a romance novel, what kind of heroine would you be?

I would like to think I would make a strong heroine, but I must confess to a soft heart. However, I understand Lizzie’s plight and reluctance to trust. Experience can leave a lasting impression that is difficult to dispel.

What is your ideal romance hero?

Tall, dark and with a presence. An erudite man who is capable of almost anything and can cope in any situation. One that takes responsibility. However, such a man must have a vulnerable side and have the elusive ability to show his emotions. Add to this a sense of humor and you would have my perfect hero. Quite a tall order, I know, but surely there must be just one man out there that would fill the role.

If you could do it all again, what – if anything – would you do differently?

I would have more self-confidence and belief in my ability.

What would you say is the most difficult thing about being a writer?

For me, it is putting my work out there and waiting for the readers’ response. I enjoy the process of writing and creating my own historical world, but I don’t write to a formula and it’s difficult to gauge public reaction to my work.

If you could pick any author to collaborate with, who would it be?

It would have to be Georgette Heyer as I very much admire her work and like nothing more than when my work is compared to hers. I love her wit and ability to bring the Regency world to life within the pages of her books. She has a talent that has inspired many authors to follow in her footsteps.

Do you have any interesting writing habits/quirks?

I like to write when the house is empty and quiet. I dislike distraction of any kind. Inspiration comes at all odd hours and I have been known to start writing at midnight and carry on to the small hours.

Do you have any advice for aspiring romance writers out there?

Believe in yourself and remember that you have achieved what so many have only dreamed of - you have written a book! Don’t let rejection get you down and remember that one publisher’s slush pile is another publisher’s treasure chest. Research which publishing house is actively seeking what you write and you will have far more chance of success than sending out random queries.

The minute you put pen to paper, you become a writer. Enjoy the process and write what you know and care about.

When you’re not writing, what are you doing?

Usually spending time with my family and our various animals. We are a small but close family and enjoy being together.

Is there anything else you would like to share with the readers here?

I love to hear from my readers and promise to answer all their comments and questions.

Thank you very much for coming by this blog. I wish you great successes with Lizzie’s Rake.

Thank you for your very kind interest in my work.