I am delighted to welcome Regina Scott to the blog today to chat about her new book, Never Doubt a Duke!
Regina Scott started writing novels in the third grade. Thankfully for literature as we know it, she didn’t actually sell her first novel until she had learned a bit more about writing. Since her first Regency romance was published in 1998, her stories have traveled the globe, with translations in many languages including Dutch, German, Italian, and Portuguese. She and her husband of 30 years reside in Washington State on the way to Mt. Rainier. Regina Scott has driven four in hand, learned to fence, sailed on a tall ship, and dressed as a Regency dandy, all in the name of research, of course. Sign up for her alert service to hear when the next book will be out. You can find her online blogging at www.nineteenteen.com. Learn more about her at www.reginascott.com.
After spending the last ten years following her late husband on campaign, the irrepressible Jane Kimball finds herself badly in need of a position to support herself. Marriage holds no appeal; she’s not likely to find a husband like her Jimmy again. But when Miss Thorn of the Fortune Employment Agency offers her a post with the Duke of Wey, Jane feels drawn to help the lonely widower with his three daughters. He may seem a bit aloof, but Miss Thorn’s cat Fortune approved of him. Why should Jane doubt a duke?
Alaric, Duke of Wey, commands his staff, his tenants, and the halls of Parliament, managing vast holdings in England and across the seas. Why is it he cannot manage his own daughters? As an old danger rears its head, he comes to rely on Jane’s practical nature, her outspoken ways to navigate the waters of fatherhood. And when necessity dictates he take a wife, thoughts turn to an unlikely governess who might make the perfect bride.
This sweet, clean Regency romance is the first in the Fortune’s Brides series.
Hi Regina! Welcome to the blog! I start all of my guests out with a fast four:
Q: Dogs or Cats? (please say dogs)
Regina: Dogs. But I’m learning to love cats thanks to my critique partner and Fortune, the matchmaking cat featured in my new series, Fortune’s Brides.
Carrie: Well…. a matchmaking cat raises the bar a little bit…
Q: Coffee or Tea?
Regina: Tea. What anglophile would say otherwise? ?
Carrie: Ah yes… silly question on my part 😉
Q: Oceans or Mountains?
Regina: Both. I feel so blessed to live in the south Puget Sound area of Washington. Salt water and mountains are each less than 45 minutes away.
Carrie: ohhh i’m a little … ok, a lot … jealous!
Q: Print or ebook?
Regina: Depends. I prefer print if I can, but when you want to read something and the library is closed, downloading an ebook is a wondrous thing.
Carrie: That is so true!
Q: Around here I like to say that reading is my superpower. If YOU had a superpower, what would it be?
Regina: The ability to multiply myself, so I can read, write, research, and play with family, all at the same time.
Carrie: Oh yes please! Can I share that superpower??
Q: Books are kind-of a big deal around here. When you walk into a bookstore, where do you head first?
Regina: The history section. Sometimes just the titles spark an idea for a book. Other times, I find a fascinating subject I just have to learn more about.
Carrie: I love the history section! All these books that call to the inner student in me… books I’ll never have time to read but are added to my TBR list anyway lol. Because, why not? lol
Q: Do you have any strange writing habits/quirks?
Regina: I’m one of a few authors who has to write the first draft longhand. I use a version of shorthand. Only one other person on the planet could ever make sense of it, and she’s passed on now. And I need a certain type of pen that flows really well to keep up with my fingers. I have a callous on the inside of my middle finger on my right hand from where the pen rests. I’ve tried going entirely to keyboarding, but I freeze up every time. To me, cursive writing is creative, and keyboarding is analytical, so when I’m at the computer, I’m in editing mode.
Carrie: That’s so interesting! I love how God gifts us each with different preferences and talents and cursive skills 🙂
Q: Which of your main characters in Never Doubt a Duke is most like you?
Regina: I wish I could be as outspoken and witty as Jane Kimball, my widowed heroine in Never Doubt a Duke, but I’m more like Alaric, Duke of Wey, my widower hero. Alaric is thoughtful, cautious, and he loves books almost as much as he loves his daughters.
Carrie: ooooo I love him already!!
Q: Did you have the whole plot outlined before you started writing, or did you let the characters dictate what came next?
Regina: I used to grab an idea and run with it. But working with editors and publishers over the years taught me the value of thinking things through a bit more. Now, I brainstorm all the things that might happen, put them in rough order to propel the story, then start writing. But if my characters want to go a different direction, or something else inspires me while I’m writing, I definitely detour!
Carrie: Yay for characters with minds of their own! 😉
Q: What is something God taught you as you wrote this book?
Regina: He reminded me to have faith in Him. I learned about a year ago that my publisher was closing the line I loved to write for, and Christian historical romances had no other home with that publisher. I will shortly be announcing some good news, but the last year has been hard. I have always relied on Him for inspiration and talent to produce the books, but I had to have faith that writing this book, this series, on my own would still bring Him glory and my family income. He is faithful!
Carrie: I have been so sad about that line closing – especially for the authors who lost that income line. Thankful that you have seen His faithfulness during this hard year. And excited for your upcoming news! ♥
Thank you so much for taking time to talk with me! 🙂 Before we say goodbye for today, tell us what‘s coming up next for you.
Regina: Never Doubt a Duke launches the Fortune’s Brides series, in which a mysterious employment agency owner and her cat help gentlewomen down on their luck find new positions, and romance. I tried to stack the first few books closer together (I’ve had that year to write ?). Book 2, Never Borrow a Baronet, is already up for preorder and will be published on June 13. In it, former companion Patience Ramsey is shocked when her new employer introduces her as the bride-to-be of the woman’s nephew. The pretty Patience could cover for Sir Harry when he spies for England. Can he convince her to overlook the scandals surrounding him and exchange their false engagement for a true love? Book 3, Never Envy an Earl, is slated for August publication.
Carrie: These all sound so great! And then there’s that good news you teased about…. 😀
Regina Scott is offering an ebook of Never Doubt a Duke to one of my readers (Open internationally, except where prohibited by law.) This giveaway is subject to Reading Is My SuperPower’s giveaway policies which can be found here. Enter via the Rafflecopter form below.
What about you? Are you more outgoing and witty like Jane? Or more thoughtful and bookish like Alaric?
Probably more thoughtful than outgoing! Enjoyed the article very much and particularly found fascinating the use of modified shorthand to write the draft. I am remembering my shorthand class from high school, as I thought it would be handy for quick note taking in college.
i thought that was really interesting too!
I’m definitely more thoughtful and bookish like Alaric. Looking forward to reading this one. And that cover is gorgeous!
isn’t it so pretty? I love it!
Definitely more bookish! I enjoyed this interview. This story sounds really great, I’m looking forward to reading it.
I’m a mix of both! I call myself an extroverted introvert 😉
I am definitely more thoughtful and bookish. I would much rather stay in my cozy home and read than go out!
me too!!
I’m more thoughtful and bookish. I love books and the escape they afford me. Thanks for hosting the giveaway and good luck everyone.
good luck to you, too, Debbie! 🙂
I’m more thoughtful and bookish like Alaric!
bookish people are the best! 🙂
Definitely more bookish.
Okay, so many things to like here.
1. A matchmaking cat. Yes, please! Mine have been useless in that category so far.
2. I used to be a “longhand first” writer. And, yes, it helped my creativity somehow. Lack of time, however, has forced me to go all digital. 🙁
3. I love Alaric already, too. Happy sigh.
4. Gorgeous cover.
Looking forward to reading this and the series! 😀
Not that I’m cautious, but I definitely prefer reading books to talking to people. In fact, I’ve been abstaining from reading as I finish out the school year (today’s the last day!!!) and can’t wait to get back to my next book.
I’m bookish but a social butterfly.
I’m too outgoing, and it’s gotten me into trouble…
I am more of the thoughtful and bookish type.
I’m definitely more of a bookish person! 🙂
As I have gotten older, I am not outgoing. I’ve become more thoughtful.
I used to be extremely outgoing and witty, but as I’ve gotten older I’ve become more subdued, thoughtful and bookish. Thanks for the fun interview! I am really looking forward to this new series by Regina! Thanks for the chance to win copy of Never Doubt a Duke!!
Thank you for hosting me, Carrie! So many interesting replies. Looks like I’m among friends when it comes to being the bookish type. But I’m thankful for people like Jane. Where would we be without an outgoing friend in our lives! Good luck to you all!
After I read the interview, I read the “Look Inside” portion of the book and loved the characters.
I consider myself more thoughtful and bookish.
Depends on the setting. I can be very outgoing or very quiet! 🙂
I’m the same way
Definitely more thoughtful and bookish!