Patricia Wilson’s A Symphony for the Earl released last week, and she was kind enough to answer some questions for us.
You can get your copy of this delightful 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?
I was an avid reader from a very young age and always created and populated imaginary books and movies. My first short story, “The Great Refrigerator Raid,” was written at ten. Soon, I gravitated to drawing and painting, which took center stage. Writing reemerged in creative writing classes at the University of South Carolina; among my mentors were Southern writers William Price Fox and James Dickey. I dabbled in poetry and short stories and had ideas for several novels. After college, I started a career as an equine professional and, once again, put aside writing except for the occasional poem. After part-time retirement, I started writing and finished my first manuscript, a medieval romance. A Symphony for the Earl is my second manuscript; I submitted it to agents, secured Amy Brewer of Metamorphosis Literary as my agent, and made a three-book deal with Dragonblade Publishing a few months later.
What is the most inspiring place you’ve visited and has it shown up in one of your books?
My husband and I spent two weeks exploring Ireland as a belated honeymoon, and it was magical. My memories of Ireland inspired Fiona, my heroine in Symphony.
How much research do you do into the time period and places you write about?
My research into the Regency era is pretty intense. I’m very meticulous and do my best to stay accurate with the dress, manners, furnishings, places, customs–everything in the story. I also sprinkle my books with real people and institutions of the time. 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? It’s all imaginary for me; trying to recreate the Regency would be disappointing compared to what I’ve read and my fantasies, I think. I read period articles and transcripts for research, and thank goodness for online resources!
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 find the juxtaposition of swirling human emotions and the restraints imposed by Regency society absolutely fascinating. Finding ways for my characters to express themselves and reveal their feelings when confined by the manners, costumes, and social rigidity of the time is the best part of writing historical romance.
What are your favorite kind of characters to write? Do you have a specific trope that you’re drawn to?
I like a self-sufficient heroine with something she is passionate about, and a flawed hero. Enemies-to-lovers is always satisfying, and right now I’m drawn to a younger female character and an older male.
Where is your favorite place to write? Does it change depending on where you are in the process?
I love writing in my office, surrounded by favorite paintings and books, with my dogs relaxing in their beds and classical music playing in the background. When I don’t have my laptop handy, I always carry a small notebook to jot down things that come to mind.
Which comes first for you: the plot or the characters?
The characters for sure!
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 always loosely plot the story and hope to have some brief chapter descriptions, but sometimes I just have to write and see where it goes. The dialogue is always pretty spontaneous.
Does your writing process include any kind of ritual? Story specific playlists, tea, or candles, for example?
Not really. I always have a notebook for each manuscript, filled with research, clippings, articles, pictures, and random tidbits of information. I also write detailed dossiers of my hero and heroine, complete with personality traits, likes and dislikes, childhood memories, faults, physical characteristics, etc. Not necessarily to reveal all in the book, but to make them real for me.
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’m a super early riser (from all those years of horse shows) and love to start writing first thing in the morning. Luckily, my husband still works away from home, so the house is quiet during the day. I’m not much good in the evenings.
When it’s difficult to physically travel, how do you find ways to escape?
Cuddling with my three Smooth Fox Terriers, reading, watching TV
From all your books, who is your favorite hero and why?
I am totally in love with Richard Merrick!
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 started out reading the Nancy Drew mysteries. In high school, I devoured Georgette Heyer, whose books I reread to this day. Anne Perry is a big favorite of mine, and lately I’ve discovered rom-com authors like Emily Henry, Annabel Monaghan, and Pippa Grant.
