It’s so exciting to me to be able to interview all these fabulous writers from all over the world. When I first began reading romances and discovered Bronwen Evans’ books, I knew she was going to be a favorite of mine from the beginning. I read Invitation to Ruin and before I was even finished, I couldn’t wait for the second. Dark and dangerous lords and strong passionate women, what’s not to love I ask? I do admit, it took me a while to break down and overcome my initial aversion to the novellas. I always think I”m going to be cheated out of a full and rich story. But, I did it and ended up reading all three. Not surprisingly, because of the wonderfully rich writing, the stories are (almost) as good as a full blown novel. I have to admit I still love the full novel, but with writers like Bronwen, it is easy to make the exception.
Let’s find out a little about Bronwen!
Nancy: Did you always know you wanted to be a writer?
Bronwen: Thanks for inviting me over to chat today!
I probably always wanted to be a writer, but I put it off because I thought I couldn’t do it. My head was always filled with stories and characters but I didn’t have the confidence to write them down or, if I’m honest, the craft skills to pull it off. I had a very dear friend, who has since passed away, that made me decide to write. I took loads of romance writing courses (I still do). His death made me realise that life is short and we should chase our dreams. I promised him I’d finish a book. Which I did and it sold! That was Invitation to Ruin and I dedicated the book to him.
Nancy: Why Romance, why Regencies?
Bronwen: I’ve always read romance books. Who doesn’t like the escapism and the happy ever after? I’m totally engrossed by lovers in angst. I love dissecting human nature. Having done a lot of travelling, and when it comes to love, people are the same the world over. We all crave it.
I decided to write Regencies as those are the books I love to read. Lorraine Heath, Gaelen Foley, Nicole Jordan, Nicola Marsh, Emma Wildes, Anna Campbell are all authors I love to read. I try to write strong heroines as they were remarkable women to overcome the restrictions placed on them in the early 1800’s. Obviously they therefore have to have pretty special men. I love, love a strong alpha male. Don’t you?
Nancy: Oh I absolutely LOVE everyone of those writers you have just mentioned. I think I have all their books, which explains why I am unable to accomplish anything in my life other than reading fabulous romances! And you know how I feel about those alpha males. YUMMY.
But I digress… (fans herself) What is your favorite part about the writing process?
Brownen: Plotting out the story before I start. I take the time to do quite extensive plotting, as the characters direct me and take me through their story. I do like a bit of suspense in my romance books. I love thinking up the little twists and turns in the story. Then I love writing their words. Editing is the least favourite part for me. I want to get onto the next story!
Nancy: You introduced three novellas (which are wonderful; I gobbled them up right immediately). Why did you decide to write a series of novellas? How long did they take you as compared to a single novel?
Bronwen: I wanted to bring out a book in-between my Kensington (Invitation to Ruin and Invitation to Scandal) books, plus everyone had been talking about self-publishing. But to self-publish I had to take into account my agent etc so it had to be a story under 40,000 words. So I thought I’d write a trilogy of long novella’s – and guess what I loved it! They were such fun to write. I hope to do another trilogy later this year. I have my second Regency for Random House Loveswept to finish before hand and another contemporary for Entangled Publishing. It’s a busy year!
Nancy: I LOVE your books Invitation to Ruin and Invitation to Scandal. Now I see that Anthony’s brother Richard is getting his own book, Invitation to Passion. Yippee!!
Can you give us a hint about the book and when the release is due?
Bronwen: Thank you so much, how kind of you to say! Invitation to Passion is the third book in this series. It’s Richard Craven and Madeline Knight’s story. Richard is such a wonderful character. He is a man filled with guilt. His twin brother, Anthony (Invitation to Ruin) had a terrible childhood while his he had, although not a perfect childhood, he did not get treated the way their father treated Anthony, the heir. Madeline is Rufus Knight, Lord Strathmore’s (Invitation to Scandal) younger sister. She’s been infatuated with Richard since he saved her from the neighborhood bullies as a young girl. Problem is he’s in love with another!
It should be here Spring 2013.
Nancy: I am on the lookout for it! Now you took a walk on the wild side and wrote a contemporary (horrors!). Please tell us about that book, The Reluctant Wife. What made you do it and do you plan on any more?
Bronwen: I wanted to write for Liz Pelletier and Entangled Publishing but at that stage they didn’t have a historical line. So I wrote a contemporary story with a plot line that is personal to me. I am, or rather was, a huge Princess Diana fan. I was living in the UK at the time. I thought about what it must have been like to be swept off her feet by Prince charming only to find it was all an illusion. That’s the basis for The Reluctant Wife, only this time I made sure the heroine gets her happy ending..Certain parts of the plot I have an intimate understanding of. You’ll have to read the book to understand.
I didn’t know what to expect from this experience. Did I have a voice for contemporary? It seems so, as they want three more…It’s fun to have two genres to write in.
Nancy: What is up next for you in Historical Romance
Bronwen: I have a new series, The Disgraced Lords, coming out with Random House Loveswept. The first book, A Kiss of Lies, will be published January 2014 the second, A Touch of Marriage, June 2014. It’s a six book series so we’ll see what happens! I also want to do another Regency trilogy series – Dukes Behaving Badly.
How about some Fun Facts
Favorite vacations-Beach or Snowy? At my age probably best to say snow, I can cover up!
Dress up dinner or take out on the couch? Take out on the couch, it’s more personal.
Favorite Television show I have loads – The Mentalist, Bones, Big Bang Theory, The Vampire Diaries, Revenge,
Favorite heroine from any romance novel – Serafina in Gaelen Foley’s, Princess. She had that mix of strength and vulnerability that tugs at your heart.
Thanks so much Bronwen!!
So what do, as readers think:
Do you like a novella as much as a regular length novel, or do you think there isn’t enough time for character development?
One lucky commenter will win an ebook copy of Bronwen’s To Dare the Duke Of Dangerfield!
Thanks so much for having me!
You can find Bronwen’s books here:
February 26, 2013 at 1:54 am
Love your interview. I can’t wait to read your books.
February 26, 2013 at 3:30 pm
Thank you, Lindsay.
February 26, 2013 at 2:07 am
I like novellas, especially when they’re stories connected to series. Thanks for the interview and giveaway!
February 26, 2013 at 3:36 pm
Yes, I like novellas if they are a decent length. Mine are about 40,000 words and all three are now in one book Wicked Wagers the Complete Trilogy.
February 26, 2013 at 9:06 am
Fantastic interview. I have learned to love novellas as well. Bronwen, congratulations on all your books coming out. I tweeted.
February 26, 2013 at 6:59 pm
Hi Ella – I can’t wait to read your books.
February 26, 2013 at 7:00 pm
Thanks, Bronwen.
February 26, 2013 at 10:52 am
Well, I think there is room for, and a place for, novellas. It is a good way to get to know a new author without spending too much money…and they are good for trips where you want to finish a story by the time you get to your destination. Or they’re good for lunch hours when you’re a working girl. But! I prefer full-length novels as a habit as I can really “get into” the story and get involved with the characters in my head and heart. I like to dream a little while reading a romance and I can do that better with a full-on full-length story.
February 26, 2013 at 7:00 pm
I love a mix of both – some for as you say, when you’re busy and then a longer one to really get my teeth into.
February 26, 2013 at 12:08 pm
Your contemporary novel does sound good. I’ve always been fascinated with Diana’s life myself. She technically got everything a girl could ask for, but without love and the respect of your new family members, it all falls apart. Ironically the Queen eventually said great things about Diana. Unfortunately it was upon her death. How is it the entire world could love Diana, but her husband never could. I’m glad to hear your story has a happy ending, because even thinking about Diana now, makes me sad.
February 27, 2013 at 1:35 pm
I loved how she tried to give the boys a taste of normality. William is a credit to her!
February 26, 2013 at 8:42 pm
I’m embarrass to say that I have never read one of your books, but I am going out to Amazon and adding them to my Kindle. They sound like delicious reads!
I like Novella’s that give you a sense of completion. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read one and I’ve thought…”that’s it? That can’t be it!?” I plan on getting these Novella’s and giving them a try! If Nancy says, “it’s great”, I’m sure they are!
Nancy as always thank you for finding another awesome author for me to read!! I am looking forward to Bronwen’s books!
February 27, 2013 at 1:34 pm
Don’t be embarrassed. I hope you enjoy my books.
February 27, 2013 at 11:07 am
I have enjoyed both Invitation to Ruin and Invitation to Scandal very much. I look forward to reading many more! Congrats on your success and thank you for creating such fun stories for us to read!
February 27, 2013 at 1:32 pm
Thank you, Maria ! That’s so kind.
March 2, 2013 at 11:03 pm
Hi Nancy and Bronwen!
I love to read a novella as much as a full length novel but deciding which one to read at a particular time depends on how much time I have to read.
How much I enjoy both depends on the story itself and not the length. It really comes down to the author knowing how to grab your attention and whether they use a paragraph or a chpater to have their characters connect to make them connect and the reader to really get to know their personalities.
Some authors make the connection between the characters and draw the reader completely into the story and the plot line and then it doesn’t matter how long the story is.
When you have a terrific author like Bronwen who writes her characters so vividly that you feel like you really understand them whether it’s a full length novel or a novella than the connection is made and you can’t put it down until you read the very last sentence!
March 3, 2013 at 3:28 am
Thank you! Very flattering.