Blog Tour Interview & Giveaway - The Lady of the Garter by Marisa Dillon

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The Lady of the Garter

Author: Marisa Dillon

Genre: Historical Romance

Book Description:

When Henry VII takes the throne, not all are loyal to the new king. Garter knight, Sir James, is charged with bringing dissenters to justice. Determined to fulfill his vows, he’s unprepared for Lady Elena, a girl from his past he’s never forgotten.

Lady Elena defies her family and disguises herself as a squire to reunite with the man she’s always loved. She might be able to wield a sword, but she still possesses a woman’s heart.

Thrust into a world of danger and family rivalry, James and Elena face the ultimate test.

Can James avenge his father’s death and find passion, or will his Garter oaths hold him to a life of service without love?

Buy Links:

Amazon

Author Interview

1. What inspired you to want to become a writer?

Although new to the publishing world, my passion for writing began when my first-grade teacher read my poem aloud and posted it on the classroom wall. I soon followed up by writing plays for my neighborhood friends and hosting the productions in my garage. After a earning a degree in journalism, I spent many years writing for the television industry, and in my spare time, I dabbled in creative writing. About three years ago, I took a few workshops on how to write a Romance novel. With some great mentors, and a little luck, I found my way to a contracted manuscript. The rest is history.

2. Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.

I’m actually surprised by what I’ve found to be rewarding to me. It’s interacting with people I know who have bought the book, especially when they text message me while they’re reading it. One instance was when a friend, who doesn’t normally read romance said, “I’m on Chapter 4 and I’m hooked. I can’t put your book down.” That’s when I realized I’d not only succeeded in engaging a reader, I was also included in her experience.

3. If you could have a signed copy of any novel what would it be and why?

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare. Even though he was a poet, playwright and actor, he’s regarded by many as the greatest writer of the English language. His plays have been translated into every major living language. I too, am a poet, playwright and actor, but that’s another blog.

4. If you could have any superpower what would you choose?

Really? I have to pick just one? Ok, if I could have any superpower it would be to control time, including time travel. Not only because I’d be able to watch history in real time and use that for my writing, but also to provide some good, like stop a speeding train before it hits a car stuck on the tracks. And yes, I was a fan of the Back to the Future films.

5. Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book.

I’ll quote one of my Amazon reviewers, “I loved it and I couldn’t put it down.

6. Any other books in the works? Goals for future projects?

I’m working on the second in the Garter series that will include a Highlander spin, as well as a standalone story set in Georgian times about a belly dancer. No release dates available yet, but I hope to back to visit here again when they are available.

7. Do you write as you go or do you have the book planned before you start the first draft?

When my writer's mind is working, it’s like having hundreds of browser tabs open across multiple devices. Plus, I’m a panster. This is so opposite to how the rest of my life runs. I’m a total planning geek in my day to day, with Outlook scheduling my every move. But some of those organizational skills must be running in the background, because after the first draft is done, I finally build an outline of the story, then I start filling in more detail and enhancing the plot.

8. What movie and/or book are you looking forward to this year?

The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel which is the sequel to the 2012 sleeper hit The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and features an ensemble cast starting Judi Dench and Maggie Smith, two grand dams of film. The first movie was such a quirky romp. And although some may argue with me, I thought the screen play wove intriguing layers of love stories, albeit some dysfunctional, in between the main story line.

9. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

I’m part Italian and I’ve had a chance to visit Italy a few times, but it’s been too long since my last visit. I also loved reading the books, Under the Tuscan Sun and Eat, Pray, Love, both stories about women who were transformed by their experiences in Italy. And then, I’m a Dan Brown fan. His books, Angles and Demons, The Da Vinci Code and Inferno, all showcase iconic parts of that country. I would love to spend at least a year there, soaking up the history, culture and romance Italy has to offer.

10. Can you see yourself in any of your characters?

That’s a provocative question. I wonder how many authors are guilty of including something of themselves in each heroine. For me, I’d have to point to my heroine, the lady of the Garter in my story. Elena’s determined to have the life she yearns for and love, without sacrificing who she is in the process. That’s a mantra that’s always been close to my heart. We are soul sisters.

About the Author
With a degree in journalism, Marisa has spent many years writing for the television industry. As an award-winning producer/director/marketer, she has worked on commercial production, show creation, product branding and social media.

Marisa’s passion for writing began when her first-grade teacher read her poem aloud and posted it on the classroom wall. She soon followed up by writing plays for her neighborhood friends and hosting the productions in her garage.

Marisa has always enjoyed reading romance novels and now realizes a dream come true, writing romantic adventures. She lives in Kettering, Ohio, with her first love and knight in shining armor, James.

Author Links:

Website ¦ Facebook ¦ Twitter ¦ Goodreads

***GIVEAWAY***

$25 Amazon / B&N Gift Card.

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