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Thursday, May 30, 2013

Samantha Grace Interview & Giveaway

Please help me welcome Samantha Grace to Royal Reviews!

authorphoto3 It’s great to be at Royal Reviews. Thank you so much for inviting me to be here today.

Question 1- Tell us something about yourself, so that we can get to know you a bit better…

My husband and I have been married for sixteen years, and we met on our first jobs out of grad school. We have a 15-year-old son, a 10-year-old daughter, a neurotic Coon Hound mix rescue dog, and a calico cat we adopted from a farm. I’m originally from Little Rock, Arkansas, but we relocated to Wisconsin for my husband’s job. He was born in this state, so we have family here. It’s nice to have extended family close, and my in-laws are great. I work part-time as a hospice social worker and before that I worked in psychiatry.

Question 2- Your romance novel, Lady Vivian Defies a Duke, is out now—congrats!  Could you tell us about it?

Thank you! It’s always a thrill to see my book out there. Here’s a little summary:

THE NAKED TRUTH

Lady Vivian Worth knows perfectly well how to behave like a lady. But observing proper manners when no one is around to impress is just silly. Why shouldn’t she strip down to her chemise for a swim? When her betrothed arrives to finally meet her, Vivi will act every inch the lady—demure, polite, compliant. Everything her brother has promised the man. But until then, she’s going to enjoy her freedom…

A REVEALING DISCOVERY

Luke Forest, the newly named Duke of Foxhaven, wants nothing to do with his inheritance—or the bride who comes with it. He wants adventure and excitement, like the enchanting water nymph he’s just stumbled across. When he discovers the skinny-dipping minx is his intended, he reconsiders his plan to find Lady Vivian another husband. Because the idea of this vivacious woman in the arms of another man might be enough to drive him insane—or to the altar.

Question 3- While doing research for this book did you find anything odd or interesting that stuck with you?

I thought it was interesting that as far back as the 2nd Century AD there were theories that the Antarctic existed. I’m amazed by the human imagination and drive to discover new worlds, not to mention the courage it takes to set off for the unknown. When I’ve stood on beaches and looked out at the ocean, I’ve been humbled by its vastness and power. I can’t believe anyone was ever brave enough to sail across it, much less venture into the southern most point of the world in wooden ships.

Question 4- Do you have any certain things you do to get you into the mood for writing?

The routine of setting up to write gets me in the mood. I know it’s time to get down to business. I like to have my phone and ear buds so I can listen to Pandora radio (instrumental music only). I also set the timer on my phone and write in 20 minute increments then I get up and stretch. My hair has to be in a ponytail and I usually have a sweater close by just in case I get cold. I attach a keyboard to my laptop and have my laptop elevated. And I like to have a cup of hot tea to sip or a water bottle. Man! I feel high maintenance when I list everything I need to write.

Question 5- What can readers expect next?

I’m working on a new series called Rival Rogues, and I’m having a blast writing it. It’s about a friendly rivalry between two gentlemen who’ve been competing against each other since they were boys at boarding school. When their attentions turn toward courting the same young woman, their rivalry ceases to be a game, however. One gentleman will take desperate measures to win her heart, and the other will have to face the aftermath of losing the lady and learn the true meaning of love.

Question 6-What inspired you to become an author?

I’ve made up stories as long as I can remember. I didn’t always write them down, but I had an active imagination as a child. Sometimes I believe we are born to become certain things. I just didn’t embrace it until later in life. That’s okay, though. I think the timing was right for me, because I had time to figure out who I was and get some life experience. I took the plunge a few years ago after I asked myself what I’d most regret if I were at the end of my life, and my only regret would have been never writing a book.

As a thank you to Royal Reviews for hosting me today, I’d love to give away a copy of Lady Vivian Defies a Duke to one commenter. (US and Canada only.) What is one thing you really want to do in your lifetime, or have you already done everything on your list?

Author Bio: Samantha Grace is the author of several Regency romance novels. Lady Vivian Defies a Duke is the final installment of her Beau Monde Bachelor series. Publisher’s Weekly describes her stories as “fresh and romantic” with subtle humor and charm. She writes what she enjoys reading: romantic comedies about family, friendship, and flawed characters who learn how to love deeply.

To Connect with Samantha, you can find her at:

Samantha Grace Author | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Lady Scribes

 

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23 comments:

Anonymous said...

I always wanted to make jewelry! One day, I decided to buy some material and decided to create some beautiful pieces that I offer and give to my friends. It's a great way to relax. I would love to read your book!thank for this giveaway! I hope it is a hard copy! nlaverdure88@videotron.ca

samantha@samanthagraceauthor.com said...

Nicole,
I'm amazed by some of the jewelry people create. Such a creative and artistic endeavor. I made a necklace once at a special shop with one of my friends. Mine was neither creative nor artistic. LOL

Thanks so much for stopping by and good luck in the drawing. :)

Linda said...

For a long time, and esp. since I started reading HF, I've wanted to visit England, and tour some real castles. I'm 73, but I haven't given up on the idea yet. Would love to read this novel; thanks for the giveaway.
lcbrower40(at)gmail(dot)com

Joanne said...

I always wanted to travel to Scotland and Wales to learn more about my ancestors. Maybe someday I will.
Congrats on the new release. The book sounds fantastic. Can't wqait to read it.

e.balinski(at)att(dot)net

Ella Quinn - Romance Novelist said...

Great interview and book. I tweeted.

Anita Yancey said...

I have already done everything on my list except retire. I am looking forward to that. Thanks for having this giveaway.

ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

samantha@samanthagraceauthor.com said...

Hi. Linda! That sounds like a wonderful trip. I hope you get the chance to do just that. :)

samantha@samanthagraceauthor.com said...

Thank you, Joanne.
My husband always tells me we have to start planning the trips now, or we'll never get around to traveling. I know he's right, but sometimes it's hard finding time to take the plunge. :)

samantha@samanthagraceauthor.com said...

Thank you, Ella.
You are so sweet and supportive. :)

samantha@samanthagraceauthor.com said...

Anita,
That's awesome that you've done everything on your list almost. Hopefully you'll get to retire soon too. :)

Martha Lawson said...

No, I haven't done everything on my list yet! Finally got to go to New Orleans 2 yrs ago, want to go back. I'd also like to travel to Ireland and Australia. The new book looks really good, can't wait to read it. Thanks for the chance.

mlawson17 at hotmail dot com

traveler said...

How creative and talented. I am not artistic but read and plan to travel more, since I was ill last year for 8 months. Best wishes. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

petite said...

Reading your wonderful interview was fascinating and special. I would enjoy reading your novel and travelling to far flung areas.elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Have done nowhere near what I would love to do! I want to:

1. Write a book myself.
2. Become wealthy.
3. Travel.
4. Reconnect with family and friends.

and -
5. Get back into bodybuilding

But, I'm trying to appreciate everything i have, and what I've accomplished.

- Nancy Gazo
1bookwyrm@bellsouth.net

sheryl said...

I want to do some major traveling. I want to go to England, Ireland, Scotland, and some parts of Europe. I would love to do some island hopping in the Caribbean and other areas.

Jeanne M said...

Hi Samantha!

I really admire you for being a working as a hospice social worker as well as being an author! My daughter-on law is a hospice nurse and so I know the dedication involved in your profession and how much it means to the families of those in Hospice care!

Every since I picked up Miss Hillary Schools a Scoundrel I fell in love with your Bachelors and can't wait to read Lady ivian Defies a Duke! Having only sons I'm also looking forward to your Rival Rogues series and can't wait to find out how your "gentlemen" work out their angst competing against each other! Now that will not only be fun to read but I'm sure will remind me of both my sons when they were growing up as well!

Growing up the one thing I always wanted was to marry a man who put his family first. I'm one of the fortunate ones because that's exactly what I got! I've been married for 43 years and my wonderful husband taught out sons as well that nothing is more important than family. Like my husband said to a friend one day "I'm not babysitting, I just being a father!" I'm proud to say both my sons have the same attitude (and my daughter-in-laws thank my husband for it!).

My son's wives both work as well as being great Mom's just like I did since my boys were born (and I'm still working now) and they really appreciate my husband because he also was sure that they learned the other important things in life - to cook, iron, sew on buttons and be a real part of all the household chores! To not only be a "help-mate" but a father as well!

So yes, I'm found my heart's desire and I think I'll hold onto him for a while longer!

samantha@samanthagraceauthor.com said...

Thank you, Martha!
I love New Orleans too, and I'll get a chance to go back next year for the Romantic Times Booklover Convention. My husband is going with me & it will be his first RT. I'm guessing he'll have a good time. :)

I'd also love to get to Australia. I have a good friend who lives there and I'd like to see her home and meet her family.

samantha@samanthagraceauthor.com said...

Traveler,
Thank you! That's so sweet of you to say.

It must have been tough being sick for so long. I wish you the best of health, lots of travel, and much happiness for 2013 and many more years to come.

Oh! And tons of good books to read. :)

samantha@samanthagraceauthor.com said...

Aw thank you, Petite! Good luck to everyone in the drawing. :)

samantha@samanthagraceauthor.com said...

Nancy,
I think you have the right mindset of having goals while appreciating what you have. I think that can be a hard balancing act.

Wow! You were a body builder? The amount of discipline that requires is incredible! I have to really motivate myself to workout and sometimes I'm not very cooperative with myself. ;)

What kind of book do you want to write?

samantha@samanthagraceauthor.com said...

Sheryl,
That sounds great! Sign me up for the world tour too! :)

samantha@samanthagraceauthor.com said...

Thank you, Jeanne.

Hospice work can be so hard, and the past two weeks have been especially tough. But knowing I'm making a difference to patients and their families is what keeps me going. Plus, their struggles are so much more difficult than my own. They are inspirations to me.

I love that you knew early on what you wanted in your life-a husband who put family first-and found exactly what you wanted. He sounds like an amazing man, and he has an amazing wife in return. :)

I really enjoy writing stories about men. Maybe because I grew up with two brothers. And I love the relationship my husband has with his brother. I have good examples surrounding me. LOL

Di said...

I'd like to do some more traveling, which I haven't been able to do in recent years. I'd love to get to Great Britain and follow the paths of my ancestors.
sallans d at yahoo dot com