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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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 28^th!

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!