Pennsylvanian writer, Cecelia Mecca is with us today.
An unapologetic fantasy geek, Cecelia discovered Frodo in middle school and is still awed by Tolkien’s talent. When not reading romance she is learning the fate of Rand al’Thor and waiting anxiously for Winds of Winter.
And onto the interview...
The hero in The Thief's Countess is actually a border reiver, a man who lost his home and inheritance which forces him to thieve to support his brothers and sister. Some may not see a thief as a natural hero, but, like many people, is inherently a good person but does bad things at times. What makes him special is that he is one of us, although he lives in the 13th century.
Do you write full-time or part-time?
An unapologetic fantasy geek, Cecelia discovered Frodo in middle school and is still awed by Tolkien’s talent. When not reading romance she is learning the fate of Rand al’Thor and waiting anxiously for Winds of Winter.
And onto the interview...
So Cecelia, what are your ambitions for your writing career?
I would love to write full time. I currently have three jobs--as a curriculum specialist, a small business, marketing agency owner, and as an author. Whittling down to two would be fantastic.
Which writers inspire you?
The ones I started with like Johanna Lindsey and Judity McNaught, and new favorites such as Kathryn LeVeque, the queen of English Medieval romance.
Wow, great list. I never knew Johanna Lindsey was one of the most popular American Historical Romance writers. Even more impressive is that all of her novels have reached the New York Times best seller's list.
So, what have you written?
So far the Border Series prequel novella, The Ward's Bride, was published in February and my first full-length novel, The Thief's Countess, is coming this March.
The Ward's Bride is a fantastic read. I love the opener, "I've bought him an engagement ring. Was that a mistake? I mean, it's not a girly ring."(This immediately made me understand the premise for the novel, great job!)
Then you also have the character of Richard and his pet name for the heroine; Daisydoo, so cute!
Give us an insight into your main character. What does he/she do that is so special?
The hero in The Thief's Countess is actually a border reiver, a man who lost his home and inheritance which forces him to thieve to support his brothers and sister. Some may not see a thief as a natural hero, but, like many people, is inherently a good person but does bad things at times. What makes him special is that he is one of us, although he lives in the 13th century.
What are you currently working on and what is it about?
I am currently editing the third book in the Border Series which is about an English lord who takes a Scottish lady as a captive. The series takes place along the Anglo-Scottish border where, in 1270, divided loyalties sometimes force those who live in the tumultuous region to choose between love and family.
What drew you to write in this genre?
I've loved historical romance since picking up my first Johanna Lindsey book. And with my fascination for all things Medieval English, writing Medieval Romance is like a dream for me.
How much research do you do?
In some ways I've been researching for twenty years. I concentrated on Medieval Studies in college and have never stopped reading, and watching, anything English Medieval I can throughout the years. I start with the research for a book, usually a historical event sparks an idea. I continue to research as I write, looking up facts when needed. If the characters are riding through the countryside, I have Google Earth open as I study the terrain, although it is a modern one. Historical accuracy is important to me. That said, I do take liberties at times when needed.
Google Earth is a fantastic resource. One day this neighbor was looking up nearby street names and was shocked to see one of our busy-body friends outside pushing a shopping cart. Her picture is still on there till this day.
Have you written works in collaboration with other writers, and if so: why did you decide to collaborate and did it affect your sales?
Not yet, but I plan to do so in the future!
When did you decide to become a writer?
More than twenty years ago in college; most English majors have dreams of becoming a writer. It just took some time to turn this particular dream into a reality.
Don't you know it?! I too have a degree in English and dream of turning my writing into something fantastic.
Part-time...for now.
Last question, where do the your ideas come from?
Usually from historical events or people. I suspect after years of reading historical romance some of the ideas I've read lay dormant in my subconscious. Some characteristics come from people I know, and many ideas pop into my head as wake in the morning.
That's all the time we have today Folks, if you have any great historical novels to suggest please let me know in the comments below.
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