INTERVIEW WITH CARRIE LOFTY
Welcome Carrie, we are glad to chat with you and learn more about you and your books.
First, please give us a little background about yourself.
I was born in California, raised in the Midwest, and found the love of my life in England. I taught U.S. and Latin American history at Ohio State University while earning my master’s degree with a thesis on outlaw legends in Reconstruction society. Currently, I live just north of Chicago with my husband of eleven years and our two daughters. I write fulltime and manage the authors of Unusual Historicals (http://unusualhistoricals.blogspot.com), a blog I founded in 2006 to celebrate romances set in unusual times and places.
We must hear more about your journey to becoming a published author.
I started writing toward publication in the summer of 2006 when my husband moved to Virginia for a three-month internship. I stayed behind in Wisconsin with our girls, which made me eager for a professional and creative outlet of my own. I finished my first manuscript, SERENADE, that summer. WHAT A SCOUNDREL WANTS followed; it finaled in two contests in early 2007. The winners of the Hearts Through History contest would be announced at Nationals in Dallas, so I decided to go.
While I was there, I also pitched to Hilary Sares of Kensington. She loved the concept for my Robin Hood-inspired adventure romance and asked for the full. I mailed it on a Monday in September, and she called me two days later to offer a two-book contract. Luckily my daughters had started preschool that week. I was alone and able to compose myself—at least for the duration of the phone call! After celebrating with pizza and champagne, I got back to work on both the sequel and my pursuit of an agent.
Please tell us about your newest release, WHAT A SCOUNDREL WANTS.
In WHAT A SCOUNDREL WANTS, Robin Hood’s estranged nephew Will Scarlet rescues the alchemist who can clear him of murder, but she’s blind, obsessed with fire, and sister to the woman he helped kidnap.
I got the idea after watching the Kevin Costner film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, when I wondered what ever happened to Will Scarlet. The more I read about his character in the old ballads, the more I realized what an enigmatic character he is. He’s been a cad, a dandy, a victim, a thug, a sidekick—but never a hero!
Also, the heroine’s blindness was an intense challenge. I visualize scenes like in movies, so finding a way to portray what I was imagine by describing her other senses was an intriguing exercise in deep point-of-view. She’s a bitchy, heartbreaking, fairly bad woman, and although Will remains an honorable man, he takes the wrong side. Together they find what’s good about each other—what’s worth loving.
What other projects do you have coming up?
In January, I’ll be releasing my first manuscript, SERENADE, as a free serial on my website. In SERENADE, a widowed violin prodigy in 1804 Salzburg falls in love with the composer she idolizes, a Dutchman who stole the symphony he’s most famous for.
Then next year, in late 2009, Kensington will release the sequel to WHAT A SCOUNDREL WANTS. In SCOUNDREL’S KISS, a Spanish warrior monk must cure an English translator of her deadly addiction to opium, but she’s ready seduce her way to freedom—threatening his vows of obedience, nonviolence, and chastity.
First chapters and behind the scenes info for both of these works can be found at my website: http://www.carrielofty.com
What is a typical day like in the life of Carrie Lofty?
I’m up early to get my kids off to school and my husband to work. We have one car but a short commute, so it all works out. I put time in on whatever WIP I have cooking, generally between 2-3K words per day. Otherwise it’s revisions, promo stuff, blogging, working on Unusual Historicals, or avoiding the temptation of YouTube and other internet time wasters! My writing workday ends when I pick up my girls in the afternoon. Then it’s basic family stuff: chores, dinner, swimming lessons, bedtime stories, and time spent with my husband or reading.
When you are not writing, what are your hobbies or interests?
I spend a lot of time on my family, of course, and I love to read. But I’m also a big cinema buff with a weakness for rewatching old favorites. My interest in history extends beyond whatever project I’m working on, so I watch documentaries or research—when my brain isn’t too fried). I also love dance, mostly bellydancing and Latin styles.
What authors inspire you?
In the literary world, my idols are Ian McEwan (Atonement) and Helen Dunmore (The Siege), two British writers who use plot and prose like weapons against unsuspecting readers. As for romance, I love big, thick, lush historicals like those by Penelope Williamson, Laura Kinsale, Candice Proctor, and Megan Chance. Loretta Chase and Lisa Kleypas are always treats with their innovative characters, and I’m a huge fan of Susan Wiggs. Imagine my happiness when she gave me a cover quote for WHAT A SCOUNDREL WANTS! But when I’m looking for fast, kick-butt action, I can’t do better than Eve Kenin, Marjorie M. Liu, and Ann Aguirre.
Do you have any advice for new writers? I noticed on your website that you have several articles that are of interest.
I included articles on my website because I think romance writers have a valuable resource in our shared knowledge. My advice would be to set realistic daily goals for yourself, and avoid fiddling! Get the draft done, then go back and tweak. Fiddling before you’ve finished a draft is a dangerous game of chicken with your self-doubts. The doubts will win! And always believe that the story you have inside you is worth telling.
Is there anything you would especially like your readers to know about you?
I have a weakness for men with accents, cats of all kinds, a driving dance beat, Star Wars, Ghirardelli raspberry dark chocolate squares, Lake Michigan, cashmere, well-built men in undershirts, the London Underground, Skechers shoes and clothes from Old Navy, air travel, U2, and “So You Think You Can Dance.”
How can your readers find out more about you and your books?
Oh, everything’s on my website! Please come and have a look around. http://www.carrielofty.com
Thank you for sharing with us.
Thank you for the opportunity!
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