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Thursday, November 8, 2012
Interview & Giveaway with Beth Ciotta
Please give a warm welcome to Beth Ciotta to Book Lovin' Mamas today, where we got to interview her about her latest release, "Her Sky Cowboy" that just came out November 6th. =)
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
BC: Hmm. I have to say, I’ve been blessed and have led a pretty interesting life—well at least to me! Have I got stories! But in the interest of space, I’ll just offer some basics. My background is in entertainment. I made my living for several years as a professional performer—singing, acting, dancing—and then suddenly, due to my love of reading, the writing bug bit me and my life took a spin! I started writing and pursuing a career in publishing in 1994. It’s been a wild ride and I have loved every minute of it! Don’t get me wrong, there have been multiple disappointments along the way, but nothing that could snuff my burning desire to write romantic adventures. The good times outweigh the bad by far and nothing brings me more joy than sharing my tales with readers. Aside from writing, I now also work at my local library—a dream day gig! I live on the Jersey Shore and feel blessed that my house is still standing post Hurricane Sandy. I’m obsessed with my two dogs and cat (all shelter recuses) and I’m crazy in love with my real-life Prince Charming, my husband, Steve.
2. Tell us a little bit about "Her Sky Cowboy" and how you came up with the idea of the book?
BC: I recently saw “Her Sky Cowboy” included in a list of upcoming books that were classified as “Genre-Benders”. I never thought about the story like that, but can easily see how the term applies. “Her Sky Cowboy” and all the books that will follow in the series are a mash-up of several genres and sub-genres, including: Romance, Historical, Steampunk, Paranormal, Sci-Fi, Time Travel, Victorian England, American Wild West, and a dash of the 1960s! This ‘mash-up’ wasn’t calculated on my part. It happened naturally as the story developed in my mind and on the page. It all started with the lone phrase: The Glorious Victorious Darcys. Which is now the series title. To me, that catchy phrase suggested: Victorian England, a quirky, adventurous family, and a global treasure hunt. Everything else grew from there. Here’s my initial overall pitch. In celebration of Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee (1887), an anonymous benefactor promises fame and fortune to the first man or woman who discovers and donates a technological ‘invention’ of historical significance to her majesty’s British Museum in honor of her beloved deceased husband, Prince Albert. Jules Darcy, Simon Darcy, and unbeknownst to them, their sister, Amelia Darcy set off in search of three different ‘lost’ legendary inventions. Whilst on their quest, all three fall prey to a sizzling romance and forever love. In the end, one sibling will bring glory to the British Empire, another scandal, while the third becomes an unwitting accomplice in a plot to assassinate the Queen. Will love or technology save the day? Will the Darcys prevail or perish? Passion and adventure abound in these humorous steampunk-ish tales. “Her Sky Cowboy” is Amelia’s adventure!
3. Do you have any writing traditions when writing a book? (Do you have to listen to music, etc.)
BC: I prefer total silence when I write—which I get in my writing room. However sometimes I write at a desk downstairs and if my husband is watching TV, the ear buds go in and I listen to instrumental music—Celtic, new age, movie scores…. I also enjoy collecting photos that inspire me for whatever story I’m working on and I tack those to a memo board hanging above my desk. As a visual person, sometimes that really helps to set my mood.
4. What's the hardest part of writing for you?
BC: Writing fast enough! My process is a slow one and a little quirky. I can’t progress to the next scene until the scene I’m working on truly ‘clicks’ with me. Every word doesn’t have to be perfect, but the emotional tone and plotting point does. Also research was a major player in this story. So much that I had to learn, to know before moving ahead. Something I learn while researching often directs my next move or sheds light on an upcoming scene.
5. Finish this sentence: If I'm not writing, I'm probably...
walking or playing with my dogs.
6. How many books do you have planned for the Glorious Victorious Darcys?
BC: I have definite dates for an e-novella and another full-length novel. And I’m anticipating a third novel as well as hoping for a spin-off trilogy. For now and for sure, mark your calendars for HIS BROKEN ANGEL (May 2013) and HIS CLOCKWORK CANARY (June 2013)!
7. How long have you been writing and who or what inspired you to start?
BC: I stared writing in 1994. What inspired me? Rediscovering my love of romance novels. I read romances when I was in high school but then drifted to mysteries and thriller for quite some time. On a whim, one night, I bought a historical romance by Johanna Lindsey. I devoured that story and by the end, I burned with a new passion and desire. All I could think was: I want to do this. I want to write stories that will make people feel like I feel right now. And so it began!
8. If you could have dinner with one famous person dead or alive, who would it be and why?
BC: I started to say Shakespeare, but I think I’ll go with Elvis. I have had a mad crush on that man since I was a little girl. Aside from being so very dreamy, I think he was an amazing musician and performer. Having dinner with him, experiencing all that charisma one-on-one, well, that would be pretty darn amazing. That’s if I didn’t faint.
9. If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
BC: I’ve been extremely fortunate. My husband and I love to travel. Aside from various places in the United States and Canada, I have been to England, Scotland, Austria, Switzerland, France, and Italy. I loved them all. My dream spot to live is England or Scotland. A dream spot I’ve yet to visit is Alaska and Ireland.
10. Is there any specific you would like to say to the readers out there?
BC: I’m so grateful for the support of so many readers over the years, and I’m hoping everyone will come along for this fantastic “Genre-Bender” ride! For those who would like to keep in touch regarding my life and work, here’s where you can find me!
Website: www.bethciotta.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BethCiottaBooks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BethCiotta
Blog: http://bethciotta.blogspot.com/
Quick Short Answer Questions
11. Favorite Restaurant…
Any Chinese restaurant! ☺
12. Favorite Place to Write/Read…
For writing—My writing room. It’s filled with inspiring posters, books and keepsakes. For reading—my sofa!
13. Favorite Movie…
Gah. How to choose? I’ll name two. “Shakespeare in Love” and “Braveheart”
14. Favorite Singer/Band …
Bette Midler
15. Favorite TV Show…
Right now? Downton Abbey. Classic choice? The Dick Van Dyke Show
(The Glorious Victorious Darcys #1)
by: Beth Ciotta
Publishing Date: 11/6/12
Publisher: Signet
Genre: Steampunk
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kindle | Nook | BAM
Description:
Amelia Darcy has no interest in marrying well. Her heart belongs to the sky and the dirigibles of brass and steel that swoop over Victorian England. But when her father, an eccentric inventor, dies, the Darcy siblings are left with scrap metal—and not a penny to their names. Their only hope to save the family name and fortune is to embark on a contest to discover an invention of historical importance in honor of Queen Victoria. Armed with only her father’s stories of a forgotten da Vinci workshop, a mechanically enhanced falcon, and an Italian cook, Amelia takes flight for Florence, Italy. But her quest is altered when her kitecycle crashes into the air ship of ex–Air Marshal—and scandalous dime novel hero—Tucker Gentry. Challenged by political unrest, a devious sky pirate, and their own sizzling attraction, Amelia and Tuck are dragged into an international conspiracy that could change the course of history…again.
Storytelling comes naturally to award-winning author Beth Ciotta. Limiting herself to one sub-genre does not. Dubbed “fun and sexy” by Publisher’s Weekly, Beth specializes in writing Romantic Comedy with a Twist of Suspense and is published in contemporary, historical, and paranormal romantic fiction. “I can’t think of anything more fulfilling than writing stories where everyone (except the villain, of course) gets a happy ending!”
Beth lives in New Jersey with her husband, two zany dogs, and one crazy cat. Although writing takes up most of her time, she still performs occasionally as a singer, character actress, emcee, and storyteller. To support literacy, Beth also works at her local library.
Now here's your chance to a paperback copy of "Her Sky Cowboy" by Beth Ciotta.
Just fill out the Rafflecopter below.
Winner will be announced on 11/15
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13 comments:
I will definitely check this out!!!
This sounds fantastic!
Thanks for the Giveaway and CONGRATS to Beth on the book :)
Hi, haven't read any of these books but they sound amazing. I love the cover art! Glad you are safe and sound after the storm.
LOVE that cover, Beth! And YAY on the titles in this series coming next year! Woot!! :)
The genre mash up is he main reason why I want to read this. I'm wary of the usual books and a genre bending one should be exciting and refreshing.
Braine
Thanks for the giveaway!
Hi Beth,
I have read lots of your books. Looking forward to my first Steam Punk book - Her Sky Cowboy. So happy for your great reviews.
Hi.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Thanks for the giveaway!
So glad so many are fond of the cover! I think the art dpt did a fantastic job! Thank you for the well wishes everyone! Hope you enjoy the adventure. :)
I've had this book on my wish list since I first heard about it. I'm really looking forward to reading Her Sky Cowboy, it sounds fantastic!
I love this cover!!! It is definetly going on my TBR list! Thanks for the chance to win!
ehaney578 at aol dot com
This looks like an exciting introduction to Steampunk.
Thanks for sharing the interesting post .. The cover art is eye catchy
Steampunk, that is something I can get into read :)