Interview with Jillian Hunter Author of the Duchess Diaries
We are back again with another hilarious, insightful amazing interview with the historical romance author Jillian Hunter, whose unique take on Regency Romance with a little of a steamy twist has me at least hooked…
Say Hello to Ms. Jillian Hunter Everyone….
If you were an evil villain, what would be your signature accessory?
A raven-quill pen and poison ink.
Your historical novels all kind of feature a version of past that is so realistic and so completely lifelike. How much research goes into creating accurate historical backdrops that yet, allow you to create new characters and let you make your unique characters stand out?
I research constantly, using primary sources whenever possible. I never fail to find a plot twist or inspiration for a story while I’m researching. The trick is to recognize when you’re using research to procrastinate. If I run over two months of solid researching, I make myself start writing.
If you were a super secret spy, would you rather be lasered in half or nibbled by sharks? (Or any other suitable James Bond-y death?)
I think I would probably implode like Vanessa Kensington when she became a bridal Fembot.
(an Austin Powers fan?? HELLO!!!!!!)
How do you like to read? With wine in hand or on a beach? And when you write, or rather when you’re finished writing, how do you picture your readers reading your books?
I like to read in bed, after I’ve taken a hot herbal bath before and right before I fall asleep. I picture my readers relaxing with one of my books at night.
What’s the most insane file name on your computer?
I can’t say. It has a swear. (*LOVES*)
How do you keep your passion for writing alive? Does author burnout ever come into play?
My passion for writing has remained constant. It’s the business aspect of this career that is stressful.
What is the first thing you would do if you woke up in a body of the opposite sex?
Say good-bye to the industrial-size bras.
Do you think the increased reader feedback in the form of social media connectivity is helping authors or making it harder to keep a line between a professional, as you are a and reacting as an artist?
I’m not sure, honestly. I haven’t done social media long enough to say. It’s fun to connect with readers but at the end of the day you still have to write that book.
What is your most recent blonde moment?
Ha, ha. Very amusing. I’m blogging blonde right now as a matter of fact. (*raises Hand* Ummm whats blogging blonde? Does that mean that you can’t remember what the hell you wrote and you keep going anyways because… oh crap where was I? Time for another question)
Character Arc and development are two things I love about your writing, its always so detailed and expressive. How do you develop your characters, do you take from say, an object they’d like or wear and develop around that, or use an example form someone you know?
Good question. My characters usually develop from a few lines of dialogue. I just have to get still and listen to what they’re saying. Each one has a unique voice.
What is the one song you can’t help singing out loud no matter where you are?
“Nobody’s Perfect.”
What’s the one thing you haven’t been able to do yet in your publishing career, or the one person you haven’t met, what’s the next big YES!!!! moment for you?
The one thing I haven’t been able to do is to escape the treadmill of time. I would love to have the luxury of taking forever to write a book. And I still think of myself more as a reader than a writer.
If you could have complete immunity for 24 hours what would you do?
Return all the zoo animals to their natural habitats.
If the romance mafia actually existed what would be your code name and title?
Jane Austin Powers.
And with that amazing ending, Ms. Jane Austin Powers says goodbye, but not without leaving us with an amazing snippet of The Duchess Diaries out now from Pocket Books, Which I reviewed HERE… Available NOW!
Devon held up a hand. “It’s all right. I understand. You don’t want to do me the only favor I have ever asked of you in the all years of our friendship.”
Gideon glanced at Charlotte’s willowy figure. From where he stood she looked as if she were captured in the candlelight prisms. “Oh, hell, fine. I suppose it won’t kill me. But if this is one of your pranks, I promise you, I will pay you back in spades.”
“Me, a model of dignity and reform? Would I play a trick on a duke who has studied under a swordmaster such as Fenton?”
“What do you expect me to say to her?”
“Haven’t you paid court to enough women to write a book on the subject?”
“Only when I was hoping for something in return.”
Devon’s eyes darkened. “Can I give you one suggestion?”
“Damn you.”
“Try not to use language like that in front of the young ladies or you’re liable to be slapped witless by a dozen or so fans.”
Read the full novel, I promise its worth it… Find it on Amazon Here
