Everything seems very proper on the surface but murder, intrigue and lust embroil Harriett in a very different scene...
Lady Harriett Edgerton and her family visit a relative in his country mansion in Kent, England, in the early nineteenth century. Harriett finds herself not only caught up in a murder investigation, but falling in love with the wrong man. Determined not to become an old maid with no romantic dalliances, she plans a night of passion to ensure a scandalous past.
Maggi Andersen is a multi-published author of romantic suspense, historical romance and young adult novels. She lives with her lawyer husband and cat, Affie in the country-side in Australia. She has a BA in English and an MA in Creative Writing.
Back list
Casey's Luck
Stirring Passions
How To Tame A Rake
Love and War
Painted Lady
Night Garden
When Danger Follows
Rules of Conduct
If You Dare
The Cupid Diaries anthology
An Interview with Maggi Andersen
By Holly Hewson for The Romance Studio
HH: Maggi, thank you for talking with us at TRS! Please tell us about your featured book, An Improper Lover.
MA:AN IMPROPER LOVER is released with Eternal Press on 7th May (ISBN 9781615720958). It will be available in e-book, Amazon Kindle and in print.
Everything seems very proper on the surface but murder, intrigue and lust embroil Harriett in a very different scene...
Lady Harriett Edgerton and her family visit a relative in his country mansion in Kent, England, in the early nineteenth century. Harriett finds herself not only caught up in a murder investigation, but falling in love with the wrong man. Determined not to become an old maid with no romantic dalliances, she plans a night of passion to ensure a scandalous past.
HH: Your heroine makes some scandalous plans to ensure she has some steamy memories for later. <g> Where did you get the idea for her wonderful story?
MA: As a writer, I have no trouble thinking up stories, I seem to have a million of them on tap. Reading Georgette Heyer years ago gave me a great grounding in the Regency world. It interests me how little freedom women of that era had, and how the rules and restrictions must have annoyed those with a more adventurous spirit.
HH: What do you like best about Harriett and how do you relate to her?
MA: I admire Harriett's passionate nature, her determination to have an adventure, even though it may spoil her chances of ever having a conventional life. She has an adventurous spirit, and she knows what she wants. Unfortunately what she wants may be beyond her grasp. But she's a generous soul and that's a quality I like to see in people.
HH: What sort of research went into this story?
MA: I have many wonderful Research books to draw from, apart from the on-line sources. REGENCY LONDON by Stella Margetson. IN THE ABSENCE OF THE EMPEROR by Simona Pakenham and THE PRINCE OF PLEASURE AND HIS REGENCY by J.B. Priestley. I also have fabulous books on fashion and costume. The Regency was a beautiful although brief era in history.
HH: What else do you have in store for lucky readers?
MA: I've just signed a contract with Eternal Press for my young adult novel, WAVING AT THE MOON. I've written Victorian historicals and contemporary romantic suspense, but I've never set a novel during the Georgian period. I've just completed HOSTAGE TO FORTUNE, a swashbuckling adventure romance, which encompasses the French Revolution.
HH: What's the most important thing you've learned in your writing career since you first published?
MA: Probably listen to your own voice, and write from the heart. When I first began writing I thought I'd have to write what publishers want, but that's difficult to do as it changes all the time. The other thing is stick at it and hone your craft. There's some great books out there to help you. I'm fond of Donald Maass' WRITING THE BREAKOUT NOVEL.
HH: What accomplishment are you most proud of?
MA: My children, of course, but in my career it would be that first contract. It was with New Concepts Publishing for another historical novella, STIRRING PASSIONS. Also, seeing a book of mine in print was pretty special.
HH: As an author, how do you meet all of the demands of the industry and the readers and stay sane?
MA: With great difficulty! Promotion is demanding and difficult at times for an introvert, and many writers are. But having said that you do meet some great people. I find those in the Romance industry mostly charming, helpful and warm. I try to go reader's conventions and writer's festivals if I can. I love to hear from readers who enjoy my work. That's why I write really.
HH: What are you reading right now?
MA: A Regency mystery by C.S. Harris, WHERE SERPENTS SLEEP. A very fine author with a wonder grasp of the Regency world.
HH: Any big plans for the summer?
MA: I plan to travel to England, Scotland and France. Hopefully, the skies will be clear!
