Interview with Author DEANIE ROMAN

1.)     Tell us about your book. Charming the Chieftain, is a medieval Scottish romance set in 1487 northern England and on the Borders. It starts with Lady Elisande Cadby deciding how she will endure the Rite of Purification before being forced to wed Baron Warford the Brutal. When she is betrayed by her father, she flees Cadby Hall armed with an arsenal of Pagan-rooted curatives and her ever-present comfort-stone. With the aid of a sexy, surly Scots Chieftain, Aeden Maxwell, she embarks on a harrowing escape across the Borders. Once there, she must battle against the Maxwell clan’s suspicions, Aeden’s mistress, his brother’s unwanted attentions, and decide whether to reveal a decades old family secret, or keep

2.)     Do you have a writing routine? For whatever reason, my writing flows in the late evening and I usually start around 9pm and end anywhere between 1:00-2:00pm. Happily, I have a fab husband who understands I might not rise until 10:00am the next morning!  

3.)      Where do you usually do your writing? I’m an Air Force wife, so my writing space changes every 2-3 yrs. At the moment we live in Southern Germany at the foot of the Schwabian Mountains and I write from a garret that overlooks two medieval castles. One is in ruins and the other, (my favorite) Lichtenstein Castle, which means ‘Castle of Light,’ is right in my line of sight every time I look out the window.

4.)     Why do you write in the genre/sub-genre that you do?  I love schlepping around museums, old castles, and combing through ancient tomes, rummaging around in trunks and bandboxes in the attic. I like the idea that objects or clothes have a story to tell.

5.)      Any plans in the future to write in a different one? I have two children’s books published and I’ve recently teamed up with a friend of mine who is an illustrator and we’re working on a children’s picture book. I love the cozy mystery genre as well, and have been writing a series on and off for a few years.

6.)     How do you stay motivated when writer’s block hits or your muse won’t cooperate?   I don’t believe in writer’s block per se, at least in the conventional sense of the term. I’ve never not been able to write---I just write crap until my creative flow decides to re-connect with my brain.

7.)     What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever done in the name of research? Followed a couple through IKEA, who were arguing very publicly. The hand gestures, head tosses and incredulous snorts coming from the pair was so theatrical, I used the scene in Charming the Chieftain.

8.)     Describe yourself in three words:  Creative, Fiery, Idiosyncratic

9.)     What do you like to do in your leisure time? I’ve been indulging my passion for travel the past few years and have visited eight countries so far! I also love to cook, and being a second generation Italian-American, my Nonnie taught me how to create all those lovely, old-world family dishes.

10.) Tell us about your current release in a couple of sentences. Lady Elisande Cadby seeks sanctuary in the arms of Chief Aeden Maxwell against accusations of witchery, but, when she uncovers a disturbing secret, she must practice the forbidden rituals to save the man she loves.

11.) Can you tell us a little about your next project? The only hint I’m willing to give up is that it takes place in the 1850’s just after the Crimean War… So stay tuned!

A few quickies!

1)      Favorite thing to lounge around the house in? Gray yoga pants and Chicago Bears jersey.

2)      Mountains or Beach? Mountains!

3)      Ice cubes or crushed ice? As long as the ice serves its purpose, I’m not picky.

4)      Go with the flow or stick to a routine? Go with the flow kinda gal

5)      What is your favorite genre of music? I love all types, but when I’m writing, it’s Classical all the way.

6)      What is your favorite meal? Gnocchi! (pronounced, nyo-kee) The ‘g’ is silent, people! Sorry, major pet peeve…

7)      Gold or Silver? Silver

8)      Ice cream or frozen yogurt? Fro-Yo

9)      Favorite author? Rosamunde Pilcher

Thanks so much for having me on your blog today, Sarah, it’s been fun! J