Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Interview and Giveaway with Vivienne Lorret

Can you start off by telling us a bit about Tempting Mr. Weatherstone?

Ethan Weatherstone’s world revolves around order and routine. He doubts Penelope Rutledge possesses an ounce of sensibility. When she isn’t stirring cream into his marmalade, she’staunting him with her plans to travel to the continent,unchaperonedClearly, his duty is to save her from herself. However, somewhere along the way, he discovers that the greatest danger to Penelope might not be her harebrained scheme after all. Instead, it’s lurking within him. He wonders, not for the first time, what it would be like to abandon his rigid sense of control and give in to the temptation of her lips.

As an interviewer, I often wonder about what makes each writer tick. Can you share your inspiration for Tempting Mr. Weatherstone?

I intended to write a kidnapping-gone-wrong story. Penelope was the perfect character to make this happen. However, that all changed the moment I put Ethan on the page. The way he saw his world, changed my mind about the story. I love surprises like that.

Does the hero usually inspire the story?

Not all the time. However, how the hero reacts to the heroine, and vice versa, is the driving force behind each story. Even though Penelope was the first character that popped into my head for this story, Ethan’s controlled demeanor dictated how the story unfolded. He’s such a control freak. 

What is something about Ethan that never made it into the book?

Ethan wasn’t always a control freak. When he was young, he was just as mischievous as any boy. Unfortunately, that all changed when his father died tragically, stumbling off a cliff. Ethan believes that if he hadn’t been too ill for their usual walk through the woods, then his father never would have taken that path by the sea. Holding onto that blame, he spends his life focusing on order and routine to ensure that nothing bad will happen again.  
In your opinion, what makes a hero or heroine?

I could list off dozens of characteristics, but for me it boils down to flaws. I love a character with quirks, a past he/she can’t escape, a healthy dose of self-loathing—even if they aren’t aware of it.  Most often, their internal struggles make me love them.

Do you have any hobbies that inspire your writing?

Everything inspires me. When I bake, the scent of bread or scones inspires a breakfast scene. The sound of the wind howling through the unseen cracks in my centenarian house inspires a barren hearth and chattering teeth. When I take a walk through the park, I usually have my camera with me. I’m always looking for new ways to see the world, and find myself wondering what my characters might think, too. I also find a great deal of inspiration in a steaming cup of tea, and even more at the bottom of it.  

Author Bio:

Vivienne Lorret loves romance novels, her pink laptop, her husband, and her two teenage sons (not necessarily in that order...but there are days). When she isn’t writing, you might find her in line at Starbucks, eager to refuel with a Chai latte and randomly handing out crocheted cup-cozies with a way-too-much-caffeine smile on her face.

For more on her upcoming novels, visit her at www.vivlorret.net , find her on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/vivienne.lorret , or join her on Twitter @VivLorret

a Rafflecopter giveaway

21 comments:

Sophie Barnes said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sophie Barnes said...

Great interview, Vivienne! I thoroughly enjoyed reading your story about Ethan and Penelope and look forward to seeing more from you in the future :) Congratulations on the release - I'm so thrilled to be in this book together!

Vivienne Lorret said...

Thanks, Sophie. I loved your book, Mistletoe Magic. It’s such an honor for me to be included in the book with so many great authors. It would be wonderful to work on another project together. :D

Sophie Barnes said...

Yes, Vivienne - I totally agree! Maybe we should put our heads together after this and see if we can figure something out =)
So glad you enjoyed Mistletoe Magic!

Rena Gregory said...

Hi Vivienne,
I loved the serious parts of the story, namely the slow-building love between Penelope and Mr. Weatherstone over the years and Ethan's 'control freak nature'. But I so enjoyed the levity, too. I laughed out loud when Penelope mixed the cream into Ethan's marmalade. "Enjoy. Your. Tea. Sir." I knew I'd like them both together after that. Well-done.

Vivienne Lorret said...

Thank you, Rena! Ethan and Pen were fun to write.

I’ve truly enjoyed your story, The War of the Magi, and the relationship between Ginny and Phin. I love how they don’t see the chemistry that everyone else sees. It’s been an honor being in Five Golden Rings with you!

Rena Gregory said...

Thanks!
I agree, it has been an amazing honor to be part of this project. You ladies are all so talented! I'm going to be on the look-out for more of your work:)

Karen Erickson said...

You already know I think your story is deliciously good, Vivienne but I thought I'd say it again. ;) Great interview!

Sandra said...

I finished reading your story last night and I thought Ethan was dreamy! I look forward to reading more of your stories.

Vivienne Lorret said...

Thank you, Karen. "Deliciously good," is still my favorite phrase. :D

And you already know that I love His Perfect Gift and, of course, your wicked way with a ribbon. ;)

Maybe next year we can all write another anthology together. I'm suddenly inspired to suggest a title like, "All Wrapped Up in a Bow" :D

Vivienne Lorret said...

Thank you, Sandra! I'm so glad you liked Ethan. Speaking of dreamy, your Caerwyn was quite the hottie himself. :)

It was an honor to work with such amazing authors.

Unknown said...

I just downloaded the book. I'm so excited, I can't wait to read your story!! :)

Vivienne Lorret said...

Thank you, Gwen. I hope you enjoy the book. :D

Vivienne Lorret said...

Thank you, Lindsey for being such a generous host. I’ve enjoyed my time here.

Have a wonderful holiday season!

Viv :D

Anonymous said...

Vivienne, this is an amazing story. You are my favorite author. I can't wait to read more of your descriptive stories. I love getting to know the characters.
Cyndi

Vivienne Lorret said...

Thank you, Cyndi! That's very sweet of you. :)

Anonymous said...

I love holiday anthologies. This one sounds very good.

strive4bst(At) yahoo(Dot) com

Lynn's Romance Enthusiasm said...

What I love about author interviews is that I learn something about new authors that I find. This is also a great way to fill up my e-reader and enjoy reading new books. Thank you.

Happy Holidays!
Lynn
lareynolds0316@gmail.com

Vivienne Lorret said...

Thank you for joining me at United by Books today. It's been a wonderful experience.

Happy Holidays! :D

April in Arizona said...

I must say Vivienne that I just loved your book! It drew me in from the beginning and kept me panting for more. Your "voice" is splendid and, I truly feel, puts you in the same league with Sophie Barnes and others. I look forward very much to seeing more of your books published by Avon. 3 Cheers for Tempting Mr. Weatherstone!

Unknown said...

Thank you so much, April. I truly appreciate the incredibly high praise.

Have warm and happy holidays.

Vivienne :D