Kelsey Swanson’s The Rake’s Bride released this week, and she was kind enough to answer some questions for us.
You can get your copy of this thrilling start to a new series HERE!
Did you always know you wanted to be an author? What is the first story you remember writing? How did you get from there to where you are today?
While I have always loved reading, I don’t think I recognized my passion for writing until I reached high school. I had a lot of physical restrictions as a child due to a heart condition, so I escaped into the worlds created by authors and lived through their characters. I have really fallen in love with creating similar escapes and adventures for my readers! The first novel I wrote was a spicy paranormal contemporary romance and it will probably never see the light of day, but it was an excellent way for me to learn and grow as a writer. I have always been passionate about British history and literature, so it was only natural that I study them while in college. I have Bachelor’s Degrees in English and History, as well as a Master’s Degree in English with an emphasis on British literature. This background has definitely influenced my style and subjects as I’ve gone on to write my spicy historical romances.
What is the most inspiring place you’ve visited and has it shown up in one of your books?
London, of course! I visited London for the first time a few years ago and I did a great deal of exploration and took hundreds of photos. So many of those inspiring stories and histories have made their way into my books.
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?
Given my background, I tend to do a great deal of research into the period and places about which I write. I am a bit of a literature and history nerd! While I may take a few creative licenses here and there, I try to note them so readers are aware that I did not simply blatantly disregard reality. Realism is very important to me.
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?
I have always loved the glitz and glamor of the Regency period. There is also something so delicious about the societal restrictions and mores surrounding courtship and relationships between men and women—and how those expectations are broken. It isn’t very romantic, but I think the most difficult part about living in that time period would be the lack of healthcare and hygiene…
What are your favorite kind of characters to write? Do you have a specific trope that you’re drawn to?
I absolutely adore writing angst-riddled characters! Give me all the dark pasts, twisted morals, and characters with inner turmoil, and I will be a happy lady! I’m particularly drawn to enemies to lovers because I am convinced few things are more delightful than banter between two feisty main characters.
Where is your favorite place to write? Does it change depending on where you are in the process?
I am flexible on where I write as long as I am warm and comfortable. A blanket is usually a must, as well as a nice place to sit. My dogs are usually my writing companions, too.
Which comes first for you: the plot or the characters?
I often allow the characters to guide the plot. I might start with a few major plot points I want to hit, but the characters will guide me along the way for the most part.
Do you know where the story is going before you begin, or does it come to you as you write? Do scenes come to you fully formed or are you as surprised as the reader?
I usually know how I want things to end; a lot of the middle bits are the surprises!
Does your writing process include any kind of ritual? Story specific playlists, tea, or candles, for example?
I am not really a “writing ritual” person. I am always juggling too many other things to wait for conditions to be right to write.
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 normally an evening writer, but it’s purely out of necessity. I do my best to stick to a specific word count each day for whatever project I am working on, and this helps me to stay on task and meet deadlines even when life is chaotic.
When it’s difficult to physically travel, how do you find ways to escape?
I escape into books!
From all your books, who is your favorite hero and why?
This is a difficult one to answer… I think I am stuck between Gideon from Bedding the Marquess and Rafe from The Rake’s Bride. They’re both so witty, and I swoon when I think about how much they love their respective partners.
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?
My reading tastes are all over the place! Only in the last few years did I really branch out from historical romance to contemporary. A good chunk of my reading is also spent on thrillers (when I need to change things up).
