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Guest blog & giveaway with Miranda Neville

Writer Envy: Who Do I Wish I Was?

Every now and then I read a book and think “This is so good. I should write a book like this.” Of course I can’t. Every writer has her own style, including me. But certain writers regularly inspire me with jealous torments.

I love the way Liz Carlyle sets a scene, especially a sordid scene. The opening of Tempted All Night, for example. Without going into a lot of description, she makes you see the shady pub – and incidentally tells you’re a whole lot about her hero.

“It’s generally said that a man can be known by the company he keeps, and Tristan Talbot was likely the only fellow in London who went dicing with his manservant. That his servant disdained the Three Shovels as beneath his dignity served only to further illuminate the level to which Tristan sometimes sank. And illumination was direly needed at the Shovels, for the place was dark as a den of thieves.

Actually, it was a den of thieves. And rogues and sharps and bawds—even the occasional gentleman out for a low-class lark. From somewhere deep inside the low-ceilinged alehouse, raucous laughter rang out….”

I’m always telling people Janet Mullany is the funniest historical writer around, though why I bother to qualify the statement I don’t know. Can’t think of any funnier in any genre. Only Janet—in the Rules Of Gentility– would set her marriage proposal in the bathroom.

“What are you doing in there?”

“It’s a water closet. What sort of question is that?”

“Well hurry up. I want to propose to you.’ He thumps on the door again and mutters something about women taking so long in there. It must be all the petticoats.

My papa comments that he’s always thought it so too.

I envy Eloisa James’ ability to effortlessly convey romantic deliciousness, as in this random page from Desperate Duchesses, perhaps my favorite Eloisa.

“Damon was well aware he was consumed by lust. It was a dangerous state. He’d never before experienced it as a sort of waking fever dream, as the past few days when he walked the halls of Beaumont House merely so that he could catch a whiff of Roberta’s perfume, or see the flutter of her dress retreat around a corner.”

Anna Campbell’s dark sensuality leaves me gaping. How does she do that?

“He told himself her body was all he wanted.

The declaration sounded laughably hollow. The feverish encounter had bitten more deeply than the fleeting demands of flesh alone ever could, however much he wished it otherwise.

She took a shuddering breath as he settled at her side. He fought the urge to stroke the damp black hair back from her brow. She wouldn’t welcome his tenderness, he knew with piercing regret. (Claiming the Courtesan)

Among the many things I envy in Susan Elizabeth Phillips is her ability to construct a big multi-character ensemble scene. The most fun may the one where a horde of giant professional sportsmen invade the heroine’s house (“Get your big-ass shoes off my sofa cushions.”) My favorite is the dinner party in Ain’t She Sweet when Sugar Beth turns an event designed to humiliate her into a triumph. We see her emerge with grace and dignity and Colin’s emotions turn from revenge to shame to love. There’s nothing I find more satisfying than seeing the tables turned.

And then there’s Loretta Chase. I’d kill to write like Chase. All I can do after devouring one of her books is to pray that some of her genius rubs off on me.

Among your favorite authors, can you pinpoint exactly what aspects of their work you like the most?

 

BIO

Miranda Neville grew up in England devouring historical novels and romances. She now lives in Vermont where she is hard at work on her seventh full length novel. The Second Seduction of a Lady is a prequel to THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING WICKED, coming November 27th. She can be found on Facebook and Twitter and on her website. She also blogs regularly at The Ballroom Blog

 

 

 

 

Enter the thrilling, sexy world of Georgian England in my new novella—and catch a glimpse of Caro, the heroine of the upcomingThe Importance of Being Wicked, on sale December 2012.

Eleanor Hardwick and Max Quinton shared one night of incredible passion…that was shattered the next day, when Eleanor learned of a bet placed by Max’s friends. Now, five years later, Max still can’t get Eleanor out of his head or his heart. He has a single chance to make a second impression—one that will last forever.

 READ AN EXCERPT

Only $1.99! Order here:   Barnes & Noble Kindle   iTunes  Amazon UK  Amazon

The novella (approximately 26,000 words or 100 pages) will be available in a print edition.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

17 Responses to Guest blog & giveaway with Miranda Neville

  1. Nora-Adrienne October 18, 2012 at 7:16 am #

    The cover is amazing and I think my DIL would love it… So that’s why I am entering this contest. She loves Romantic novels.

  2. erinf1 October 18, 2012 at 7:20 am #

    thanks for a fabulous post and giveaway! This book sounds like a lot of fun 🙂

  3. Melanie Rovak October 18, 2012 at 7:33 am #

    This book sounds great! Thank you for the giveaway.

  4. SoftFuzzySweater October 18, 2012 at 7:40 am #

    I love Miranda’s novels. I have read “The Wild Lord”, “…Arranged Marriage” and have ordered her next one from Book Depository. I can’t wait. She is one of the few authentic British writer of romance.

    Please enter me.

    annfesATyahooDOTcom

  5. Carol L October 18, 2012 at 8:26 am #

    Love reading Miranda’s books.Second Seduction of A Lady is on my TRL.
    Since I’m a Highlander addict can I say I love the way that Karen M. Moning, Monica McCarty, Diana Gabaldon,Sue Ellen Welfonder, Hannah Howell, Mary Wine and the great Julie Garwood can create such Warriors who are also the tenderest and most compassionate men at the same time. Thanks for the chance
    Carol L
    Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com

  6. Shannon October 18, 2012 at 8:31 am #

    I’d love to read this book. Thank you for the opportunity to win

  7. Joanne B October 18, 2012 at 8:57 am #

    Thanks for the great post and excerpt. This book sounds fantastic. Can’t wait to read it.

  8. pam howell October 18, 2012 at 9:48 am #

    I like hystericals – um – er – HISTORICALS!!
    PICK ME!!

  9. Olga October 18, 2012 at 2:40 pm #

    Beautiful cover! Thanks for the chance to win this book!

  10. Cathy V October 18, 2012 at 4:20 pm #

    I love historicals and look forward to seeing how this story unfolds.
    Thanks for the giveaway.

    kitcat76(at)hotmail(dot)com

  11. JessS October 18, 2012 at 9:54 pm #

    Thanks for the giveaway!! This looks good.
    As to your question, I really don’t think I can pinpoint what exactly makes my favourite authors my favourites. It’s got a lot to do with incredible characters, and a sophisticated, enjoyable writing style, but really, who knows?

  12. Jennifer Bielman October 19, 2012 at 12:20 am #

    Woot Woot. So excited to read this book.

  13. Miranda Neville October 19, 2012 at 6:11 am #

    Sorry to have been absent yesterday. I’m in deadline and then the evening ended with a trip to the ER with my daughter (don’t worry – everything’s fine). Thanks for inviting me to the Books-n-Kisses blog (great name) and for all your comments!

  14. Barbara Elness October 19, 2012 at 8:05 pm #

    The Second Seduction of a Lady sounds like a fantastic story and I’m looking forward to reading it.

  15. Janie McGaugh October 20, 2012 at 10:15 pm #

    I love the character interactions in Sherrilyn Kenyon’s and Kresley Cole’s stories.

  16. kyla whitley October 21, 2012 at 9:10 am #

    I too, love, love, love, Susan Elizabeth Phillips! Looking forward to reading your book, Miranda Neville! 😀

  17. Jeanne Miro October 21, 2012 at 6:16 pm #

    Hi Miranda!

    I loved your post and I’m like you I enjoy each author for their ability to surprise me and each for a different reason.

    One reason I love your books so much is because you make me believe the characters! Each one has his or her each unique personality that draws me into the story and make me feel like I actually know them!

    Each author that their own unique approach to their story that makes the way they approach the story that I just have to read just “one more” paragraph until I realize that I just finished the book!

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