Meet the Widows of Mayfair! Book one in Christine Donovan’s new series is available now, and she was kind enough to answer some questions for us.
You can get your copy of this delightful historical romance HERE!
Did you always know you wanted to be an author? What is the first story you remember writing?
I wrote poems and songs as a teenager. At night, my children wanted me to tell them a story by my mouth. (they preferred me to make up stories than read an actual book) When my youngest went off to kindergarten, I began writing my first book, The Rose Cottage. It’s never been published.
How did you get from there to where you are today?
From the day I began writing The Rose Cottage, I never stopped. After writing several contemporaries, I decided to write what I love to read and grew up reading…historical romances.
What is the most inspiring place you’ve visited and has it shown up in one of your books?
I have been to London and Wales. Visiting Hyde Park, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and Westminster Abbey fuel much of my writing. They are places and experiences that stay with you forever. All of my books feature scenes that take place in Hyde Park. Oh, I had High Tea in the Kensington Palace Gardens. I highly recommend it.
How much research do you do into the time period and places you write about? Do you have any experience dressing in character or participating in living history situations or are you more a fan of libraries and online resources?
I have binders and research books aplenty. Each new book I write brings on new research. One of the Widows of Mayfair books has scenes in Bath. I ordered Jane Austen in Bath: Walking Tours of the Writer’s City. To see how it was in her time period was invaluable. I have never dressed in Regency clothing, but I bet it’s fun!
What drew you to the era you write in? Is there something about the time period you think most people don’t know about? What do you think would be the most difficult part about living in that period?
The first romance books I read were historical. It’s what I remember most from my teenage years. When I tell people I write books that take place in Regency England, they are familiar with that time period because of books and movies, but most do not know the history of King George III. I believe living in that time period would be difficult for me because of the way women were treated. I would definitely be an opinionated blue-stocking.
What are your favorite kind of characters to write? Do you have a specific trope that you’re drawn too?
I seem to write about brooding heroes who have things from their past that they need to overcome. As for my heroines, they are strong and not afraid to speak their minds. And, of course, they love my brooding heroes and try to help them overcome their demons. My favorite tropes are, enemies to lovers, brooding hero and second chances.
Where is your favorite place to write? Does it change depending on where you are in the process?
I have a very calming and pretty office that I write in, but I spend an equal amount of time at my kitchen table looking out my sliders to my backyard.
Which comes first for you: the plot or the characters?
Honestly, it depends on the book. I’ve had the plot come first, and I’ve had the characters come first. When it comes to subsequent books in a series, you are familiar with the plot and characters, so usually both come at the same time, which makes things easy.
Do you know where the story is going before you begin, or does it come to you as you write?
I have a good idea about the storyline before I start, although I’m not a plotter.
Do scenes come to you fully formed or are you as surprised as the reader?
Mostly, I’m as surprised as the reader.
Does your writing process include any kind of ritual? Story specific playlists, tea, or candles, for example?
I have no rituals, except I have music on. (mainly to block out the noise from my house. My husband works from home) Perhaps it would be easier if I did.
Do you write better in the morning or evening? How do you handle the distractions of working from home, especially if you’re sharing the space with others?
I am not a morning person. I write primarily from around 10 am to 2 pm. Sometimes, if I’m on a roll, I’ll go back and write at night. I don’t share my office space, but as I mentioned before, I listen to music.
When it’s difficult to physically travel, how do you find ways to escape?
I live in a perfect neighborhood for walking. I’ll put on my headphones and go. I also live near the ocean and I’ll sit at the beach and read.
From all your books, who is your favorite hero and why?
Oh gosh, that’s a hard one. It changes with each new book I write. Today it’s the hero in the second Widows of Mayfair series, Pursuing a Duke. The Duke of Blackstone. Even though he has experienced much tragedy, he remains true to his honorable self.
What do you like to read when you’re not reading in your genre? Did you have a favorite book or series when you were growing up?
I read paranormal, hockey romance, dark mafia and contemporary. I grew up reading, Johanna Lindsey, Rosemary Rogers, Kathleen Woodiwiss, Judith McNaught, Jackie Collings, to name just a few.
