Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome back Shana Galen to the blog.
Shana, can you please share with us a little about yourself
Sure! First of all, thank you for having me. I’m so honored to be back. I’m a wife, a mother, and the author of more than a dozen fast-paced, adventurous historical romances. I love writing about daring women and dangerous men.
Have you always wanted to be an author?
Not at all. When I was in high school, I wanted to be an opera singer. I still kind of wish that had panned out. Then once I hit college and realized I was not going to be a world renowned opera singer, I decided to be a psychologist. But that would have meant listening to people’s problems all day. So I became a teacher. Why I thought that didn’t mean listening to problems all day, I’ll never know, but I was a teacher for 11 years, and I started writing during that time. I’d always had stories in my head, and I guess after years of teaching students how to write, I wanted to give it a go myself.
Are you a plotter or a punster or combo of both? And you explain the difference?
I’m definitely a punster. I can certainly plot, but if I plot a book, I never follow that plan. It’s like I worry I can’t write a good book if I try to figure t out beforehand.
What is your most interesting writing quirk?
I have to write in order. And the first thing is title, and then character names. I can’t keep going if those aren’t right.
Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
Sapphires Are an Earl’s Best Friend is about Lily Dalton. She’s a renowned courtesan, who’s been dubbed The Countess of Charm by the Prince Regent. In reality, she’s a spy for the Crown, and she’s been asked to investigate a powerful duke, who’s suspected of ordering the Crown’s best agents killed. The problem is the duke is the father of Lord Darlington, the man she’s been in love with for years, and the man who’s been in love with her best friend for years.
How did you come with the idea for this story?
I think this story is sort of a Fantine from Les Miserable meets Charlie’s Angels. Lily has had a hard life, but she’s been able to make something of herself. Now she’s in danger of losing all of that, and she’s left with very few choices. When a character is put in a situation that’s practically impossible, a story becomes very interesting to me.
Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?
Yes, right now I’m working on the first book in a new series, which releases in February 2015. It’s called Scandalous in Satin, and it’s about a thief who becomes involved with an earl. It’s lots of fun.
Who is the one author that you would love to meet someday and why?
I always wanted to meet Julie Garwood because I love her books, and they were what inspired me to become a writer. I was able to meet her last year at the RT Convention in Kansas City.
What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?
Write. Don’t talk about writing. Don’t read about writing. You learn by doing.
Can you share with us something off your bucket list.
I’d love to take my daughter to England when she’s a bit older (she’s 4). I would love to share a place that’s been so fascinating to me with her.
What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
There are too many to mention, and I’m afraid I forget a friend of hurt feelings. My TBR pile is very tall, and my To-Buy list is super long.
What is one book everyone should read before they die?
The Bible.
What is your favorite time of year & why?
Spring. It’s not too hot or too cold in Houston.
Who is your Celebrity crush? And what would you do if you ever meet them?
Flynn Rider from Tangled. I met him at Disney World recently, and I was too flustered to say anything.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Yes! Right now I have a really fun pre-order event going on, but this is the last day. If you pre-order Sapphires Are an Earl’s Best Friend and send proof to Casablanca@sourcebooks.com TODAY, February 28, you’ll receive a Jewels of the Ton themed gift of tea and candy plus an epilogue that’s not in the book. If you have questions, just email me at shana@shanagalen.com
SAPPHIRES ARE AN EARL’S BEST FRIEND
by SHANA GALEN
IN STORES MARCH 2014
She Wants Him…She Wants Him Not…
Lily Dawson, dubbed the Countess of Charm by the Prince Regent himself, plays the role of the courtesan flawlessly while her real purpose is spying in the service of the Crown. Her mission now is to seduce a duke to test his true loyalties. She’ll do it, even though the man she really wants is Andrew Booth-Payne, Earl of Darlington—the duke’s son.
Andrew is furious when he finds himself rivaling his father for Lily’s attention. When he uncovers Lily’s mission, Andrew is faced with impossible choices. It seems he is destined to betray either his family, his country, or the longings of his own heart…
Early Praise for Sapphires Are an Earl’s Best Friend:
“One of Galen’s most adventurous tales yet. This wild ride of a spy thriller sparkles with banter and radiates passion.” —RT Book Reviews, 4 ½ Stars, Top Pick of the Month
“The road to happily-ever-after is intense, conflicted, suspenseful and fun.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Courage, honor and strength are the qualities which will continue to bring you back to Galen’s series and keep you in anticipation of what’s next. Order early and happy reading!” —Gourmande Girl
Shana Galen is the national bestselling author of fast-paced adventurous Regency historicals, including the RT Reviewers’ Choice The Making of a Gentleman. She taught English at the middle and high school level off and on for eleven years. Most of those years were spent working in Houston’s inner city. Now she writes full time. She’s happily married to a man she calls Ultimate Sportsfan and has a daughter, Princess Galen, who is most definitely a romance heroine in the making. Shana loves to hear from readers: visit her website at www.shanagalen.com, download her free author app for exclusive content and first looks, or see what she’s up to daily on Facebook and Twitter.
To learn more about the Sapphires Are an Earl’s Best Friend preorder gift, check out Shana Galen’s Facebook Page for more information: http://shanagalen.com/sapphires-earls-best-friend.php. Send your proof of preorder before February 28th!
Follow along on the Jewels of the Ton Pre-Publication Tour—with chances to win books and jewelry at each stop!
2/17 Cocktails and Books – Diamond
2/18 SOS Aloha – Amethyst
2/19 Romancing Rakes for the Love of Romance – Citrine
2/20 Romance Bandits – Rose Quartz
2/21 Reading Between the Wines – Ruby
(weekend)
2/24 Ramblings From This Chick – Pink Sapphire
2/25 Stich-Read-Cook – Garnet
2/26 Dashing Duchesses – Blue Topaz
2/27 Romancing the Book – Smoky Quartz
2/28 Books-N-Kisses – Sapphire
GIVEAWAY:
Sourcebooks is offering a fabulous giveaway for one reader, US and Canada only please:
Fabulous sapphire necklace
Copies of Book 1 and 2 in the Jewels of the Ton series: When You Give a Duke a Diamond and If You Give a Rake a Ruby
To enter, just leave a comment for Shana below.
Along with your email address.
Good luck!
I love Flynn too! 🙂 He’s almost my favorite Disney character…although I really love Frozen’s heroines nowadays…
Congrats on your book! 🙂
Thanks, May! I like Ann and Elsa too. My daughter has the dolls and we play with them all the time.
I like Flynn . He was a funny hero. 🙂
I just love Flynn! I need an I HEART Flynn shirt.
Happy Friday Shana!
I hope everyone enjoys Sapphires are much as I did!
Loved Lily and Darlington and the Intrique in this book.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Funny how I’ve seen Tangled like 4 times but never finish it…blame my nieces for always wanting to watching something else. Just a few more days and it is release and I can’t wait to receive it in my mail…or my parent’s mail and I’ll go home during break to read it!
I bet your daughter will love when you take her to England when she is older. My niece just visited over there for a school trip; and she is showing us all her pictures. Such a fascinating place!
You are so right that you learn by doing. I had a graduate professor tell me once that he did not learn his area of expertise until after he had gotten his Ph.D. and started actually teaching in his area. I had to agree with him. My studding did not ingrain the information into my head but tutoring did that and made lightbulbs go off.
You have to really know something to teach it. I thought I understood punctuation until I started teaching it. Now I UNDERSTAND punctuation usage.
Sounds like a great book! I really like stories with a little intrigue, no matter in what time period they are set.
Hi Shana, I’ve loved following you along on your tour for “Sapphires Are An Earl’s Best Friend”. I can’t wait to read this. I also want to say that I don’t know who Flynn is. My crush is Henry Cavill. I would love to meet him, and just get a photo of us both together. Today’s necklace is gorgeous, it would match quite nicely with my sapphire and diamond earrings. 🙂
Henry Cavill isn’t bad. He’s also not animated, which might be a point in his favor 🙂
Just have to say I love your books! You are so talented. Flynn was awesome…….Beautiful necklace
Thank you, Allison!
I know who Flynn is but alas I’ve not seen the movie yet to form any kind of an attachment to him yet lol. I have really developed a crush on Captain Hook from once upon a time. Congratulations on your soon to be released book!
Misty, you need to watch Tangled ASAP. You’ll love it!
I cannot wait to read this book! Thanks for the interview. 🙂
Thank YOU for stopping by, Sarah!
Hi , Just wanted to say hello and thanks for the opportunity to win. I hope that you have a good weekend.
Thanks, Tina. Good luck!
Shana, I’m really looking forward to reading your books. I’ve been following along with you on FB and your blog…now to find the time to actually read a whole book. My favorite historical author is Sharon Penman. She takes real history and personifies it – then tells you what she changed (from actual history) in the back of the book.
I know how you feel, Dana. It is hard for me to find time to read some weeks too!
hey Shana!
Just wanted to say thanks to you and to all the bloggers for doing your blog tour and giveaway! it’s been a lot of fun reading the interviews and I’ve found a some new book review blogs follow too. 🙂
The bloggers work so hard. I am so grateful for their support!
LOL… I work in a pediatric clinic so I get to play all the Disney greats and Tangled is definitely one that we have on repeat 🙂 Thanks for sharing and congrats on the newest release! Love your books so much!!!!
I always wondered if the nurses in the clinics got tired of those movies on all the time! I guess if you like it, it’s not so bad.
Flynn Rider is a very nice choice for celebrity crush heh I loved tangled it was so much fun 🙂 great tour. Grats on your new book Shana!
Thank you, Lily 🙂
I love that you’ve been searching for your “career” for a while. I also love that you ended up a writer. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of anyone having a cartoon character as a Celebrity crush, lol. I suppose that comes from being a Momma of a 4 year old. It’s been a very long time since I’ve watched those movies, lol. Thanks for sharing your imagination with us readers! Good luck with the release.
I think it does come from having a small child. I don’t ever see any human celebrities!
Julie Garwood was one of my first historical romance authors! The Wedding is on my keeper shelf. 🙂 I was a bit sad when she hopped genres, but I’m glad she’s doing well in romantic suspense.
I was a bit sad, too, but her RSes are good.
Sandy X, you need to watch the rest of Tangled. Lovely fun sweet ending. 🙂
Diana P Diamond, you really should watch Tangled.
Misty H, you really would like Tangled, you should try it. 🙂
Gosh, you would never know this is a contest for a wonderful romantic comical book, would you?? LOL
Lisa, how many times do you think you’ve seen Tangled? I think I’ve seen it about 7. You have me beat, I’m sure.
That Flynn Rider character is a rascal. Did you meet the Zach Levi, the voice of Flynn Rider, at Disney World? I’ve been a fan of his since he played “Chuck”.
Four more days! Yay!
I did not meet Zach Levi, but I did meet Flynn Rider at WDW.
I think it’s great that you’re already planning to take your daughter to England when she’s older.
jmcgaugh (at) semo (dot) edu
Yes, Janie. I just have to wait until she won’t drive me insane on the plane ride.
It’s been a fabulous tour and ends with the perfect gem. It will be a wonderful trip to take your daughter to England – what an adventure that will be!
I haven’t been to Disney in many years – knowing Flynn is around really makes me want to go – he’s quite the rascal!
It was really a lot of fun, Diane. I thought my daughter would have fun at WDW, but I didn’t anticipate having as much fun as I did.
Finally, I can enter for my birthstone! I’ve waited all the tour stops for the sapphire lol Can’t wait to read Sapphire’s Are An Earl’s Best Friend!! Loved following this tour 🙂
Good luck, Anita!
Hi Shana! I love that you want to meet Julie Garwood. I do too! She was the first ever romance writer I read (Saving Grace) and it’s my go-to comfort read. Thanks for the wonderful tour!!
P.S. – Flynn is totally awesome!
Ada, I think you and I would get on fabulously!
Congrats on the newest release! I can’t wait to read it. 😉
Thanks, Karin!
Shana, I’m excited to hear you’ve got another series started!!!! Now we’ve got Scandalous in Satin to look forward to!!!
I am so going to have to watch Tangled — all this talk of Flynn has me curious!
You will be glad you watched Tangled, Glenda. I promise.
Fabulous book, fabulous giveaways, too.
fsbuchler@socal.rr.com
I can’t wait to read Sapphires Are An Earl’s Best Friend!!
Thanks for the chance to win!
I am so excited to read Sapphires Are An Earl’s Best Friend. I have loved this series. They each have been such enjoyable reads. I love the characters and feel like they are people I become friends with. I become emotionally involved in their lives! Thank you so much Shana!
Nice interview
bn100candg at hotmail dot com
Flynn is at Disney World now!? I have got to meet him next time I’m there. I told my daughter and she said “reaaaaallllyyyyy”. I know weird comment but that struck me funny tonight. Congrats on the new book! jepeb AT verizon DOT net
Hi Shana!
Forgive me for stopping by so late in your blog hop but I wanted to let you know how much I love you’re books! I was thrilled to learn that you had a new series coming out and wanted to let you know that your stories helped be “weather” all the snow that we had this winter! I almost forgot when reading them how cold it was outside because they always bring light into my life and “take me away” on a “calgon moment”!