Book Summary:
Unsure of how she got from the Castillo Hotel in Las Vegas to a castle in the English countryside, Mare finds Robert, whose stunning physique and winning smile immediately convince her he's the Robin Hood she's been seeking. But despite his efforts in saving her from a corrupt sheriff, his Jersey Shore accent and coarse ways unravel her romantic visions.
With her fairytale fantasies coming unhinged, Mare must decide if Robert is just a crass car salesman from Brooklyn or the chivalrous knight she's looking for.
About the Author:
Prior to becoming a writer of romantic fiction, Casea Major worked in the legal field for a non-profit dispute resolution company for ten years. She is now a full-time mom to three preschool children with whom she and her husband live happily...most of the time. When she isn't chained to her laptop, she enjoys Cary Grant movies and crocheting.
Author Interview:
1. Do you see writing as a career?
I believe there is the art of writing and there is the business of writing. If you're very fortunate you won't have to sacrifice one for the other. However, I think many writers feel they do have to sacrifice either or. So far, I've been blessed with being able to write what I want and those writings have been published.
2. If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
I think you always think you could change some little something to make your work stronger or give it more impact but generally One Knight in Brooklyn is exactly what I wanted it to be and says what I wanted it to say.
3. Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I have always been good with words but never realized I could write until a year ago. I read a book, which is one of my favorites but was dissatisfied with the ending. I didn't feel like it explained enough. So I wrote a mini-chapter enhancing the ending of the story and posted it to a fan fiction site. The small mini chapter garnered the praise of the author and has become the best loved fan fiction story for that series. Once I realized I could write, I didn't want to do anything else.
4. Can you share a little of your current work with us?
One Knight in Brooklyn stemmed from the idea of a 1-night stand with Robin Hood. It's a short erotic comedy romance with time travel and fantasy elements but with contemporary characters.
Most fairytales seem to be set during the Middle Ages. That's where you find the lion's share of handsome princes or knights in shining armor, right? That's what Marianne, my heroine thinks, too.
But I wondered what would a modern day knight look like and where might we find one? Could we even find one? You'll have to read the story for my take on the modern day KISA (Knight in shining armor)
My inspiration was to take an idealistic young woman and put her in a situation that, by all appearances looked like her fairytale fantasy come true. Then I wanted to completely shatter her unrealistic ideas with a heavy dose of reality and see what would happen. What ensues is a fun, zany adventure in Sherwood Forest that forces her to reevaluate her expectations. It leads her to the conclusion that heroes come in all shapes and sizes and actions speak louder than words.
5. Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
The writing part comes easily. The marketing part is hard and seems less intuitive.
6. Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
I have to say Alison Croggon is my favorite author because she inspired me to write, but there are some wonderful writers. Alison has a style that is rich in world building and description. She is first and foremost a poet and that love of the feel and sound of words flows in her prose.
7. Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
I plan on attending to out of town conferences for my writing this next year but generally, no travel.
8. Who designed the covers?
Dara England designed the cover for One Knight in Brooklyn and I couldn't be more please with it.
9. What was the hardest part of writing your book?
One Knight in Brooklyn is a short erotic comedy, with time travel and fantasy elements. The hardest part was staying under the required 12,000 word max. It is a short story that packs an action adventure punch with humor and very steamy love scenes.
10. Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
When we have our hearts set on something, it's hard to look past expectations to see what the results of gaining our desire will bear. To let go of a long held wish is difficult. But I believe, when we're able to see past those false expectations and let go of them—for the right reasons— we are blessed with something far better. A deeper understanding of ourselves.
11. Do you have any advice for other writers?
Get in a good critique group. One with writers in different genres and at different skill levels then jump in with as much time as you can spare.
12. Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
My first published story Pinocchio Syndrome is on sale for a limited time at Amazon and All Romance ebooks for .99. It is an irreverent and hilarious retelling of the classic Italian fairytale.
Wiseguy Chio Pino is assigned to protect the mob boss’ daughter, but she wants more than his protection. With her cleaver-wielding father on his ass, Chio’s problems are growing like his dick when he lies. Can he resist her advances, or will he lose his manhood?
Lindsay - Thanks so much for having me today.
ReplyDeleteExcellent interview. As a reader of your two books--which I absolutely adored, I'm excited for the next story you publish.
ReplyDeleteYou have quickly become one of my favorite authors.