I like lots of books, but the list of books I absolutely love is a much shorter one. Laura Kinsale’s work figures prominently on it, however. Whether deeply dark or somewhat lighter, her prose captures the mood of her stories vividly, and I am in awe of the versatility of her voice. Her writing runs the gamut from the lighter tone and Regency world of her upcoming Lessons in French to the deep moodiness and medieval voice of the magnificent For My Lady’s Heart.
There’s something about anticipation. The longer we have to wait for something, the more it gets built up in the mind. As one of the many who adore Laura Kinsale’s writing, I have been waiting years for Lessons in French, and am excited that the release date is just around the corner. On January 26, 2010, Lessons in French should be hitting store shelves, and it lived up to those vast expectations I had built up in my mind. Both hilariously funny and quite poignant, I suspect this book will have readers laughing and crying – and probably both at the same time!
In case you haven’t figured it out yet, I am beyond thrilled to have Laura Kinsale here with us today as she begins counting down to release day for Lessons in French! And after you finish reading her interview, keep going for information on how you can win one of ten copies of the book!
1. Lessons in French is your first new book in several years. Could you tell readers briefly what to expect?
If you love those stories where the shy, plain girl gets the hot dashing guy in the end, this will be your kind of book! And be warned, Lady Callista is not a kick-ass heroine. In fact let’s call her the anti-kick-ass heroine. She ought to be quite a catch—she’s the daughter of an earl and wealthy to boot–but she’s been left standing at the altar by three different men. She’s long ago resigned herself to spinsterhood, and her greatest desire is to win the silver cup at the agricultural fair with her prize bull, Hubert.
That’s until Trev d’Augustin waltzes back into her quiet life. The son of French émigrés, he was run out of town by Callie’s father years ago for stealing a bit more than a kiss from her. Callie and Trev share quite a past, in fact, full of secret adventures and harebrained antics that no one else knows about, not even Trev’s very shrewd mother. On his return, Callie is instantly drawn willy-nilly into scandal and deception–the sort of deception that involves trying to hide a huge bull under the bedsheets. She goes from having no suitors to having more than she wanted. And in the midst of these escapades, she finds herself falling in love again with the worst possible man for her.
2. Lessons in French has a very different tone than Shadowheart, your previous book. What prompted you to write something lighter this time around?
Shadowheart took me a long time to write, and was an extremely intense experience. I went to a lot of dark places with Allegreto and Elena–I think I needed a happy ending more than they did!
So partially it was a change of pace, and partly it was a writing challenge for me. I love to read light romances—I’ve often said Lessons in French is a tribute to Georgette Heyer in thanks for all the hours of enjoyment I’ve had with her books. I’m in awe of her. Humor, done well, is very much a skill in itself. I’ve always had touches of humor in my books, but they are overshadowed by the intensity in some cases. I wanted to write an entire book in a light vein.
I also think this is the perfect time to publish a feel-good story. All I want for readers with Lessons in French is to sit back, read it and smile.
3. I think Trev is my new favorite “rogue” hero. Usually, when I see the word “rogue” in a title or being used to describe a hero, I know I’m being told the hero is a rogue because: (1) It’s a light, frothy story and (2) the hero was a manslut before he met the heroine. And often that’s it. However, that’s not what is going on in this book at all. With his wonderful sense of humor and colorful past, Trev just seems to embody the word through the very way he carries himself. What was your inspiration for him?
Often the original inspiration for a character becomes very distant as the story develops. That’s what happened in this case. Originally I had the general idea that I wanted to write a book using a very minor character that appeared near the end of Seize the Fire, a true scoundrel with a murky aristocratic title and a charming but dubious character.
That determined the time period and general idea for a “continental” hero, but I quickly found myself moving away from the particulars of that specific character (I won’t even mention the name because I don’t want to give the misimpression that Lessons in French is in any way about him, or connected to Seize the Fire. It isn’t.). The only thing Trev shares with that “inspiration” is a sense of humor, a mysterious past, and a useless aristocratic title.
4. I’ve seen you quoted elsewhere saying that writing pure humor is harder than writing deeply emotional scenes. However, you make the dialogue and interplay between Callie and Trev flow so effortlessly in this book. What was the hardest thing about constructing that relationship in your story?
It certainly isn’t easy to be funny. Ask any comedian. I spent a little time actually studying stand-up comedy—a very interesting field. There’s a lot more to it than meets the eye. Of course that’s just the way you always want humor to appear–effortless.
It reminds me of riding dressage (which I do) or ballet (which I don’t do!)—both activities which are extremely demanding of both skill and practice, and yet appear to the audience to happen naturally, gracefully and with no work at all.
5. What was your favorite thing about writing this book?
I loved both the characters. And Hubert! It was a pleasure to spend time with them.
6. A lot of writers seem to become identified almost exclusively either with lighter, comedic stories or with darker, more serious tales. However, you have written both types of stories in your career. Do you identify more strongly with one type of story or do you prefer to try out a variety of tones and story types in your writing?
I’ve been thinking about this. I know I have the reputation for very dark, intense stories. And yet, I don’t think my readers would be surprised to find that Lessons in French is also intense in its own way.
It is a deeply emotional book. Looking back over my career, I think that’s what my stories have in common, and what readers can always expect. Whether they are “dark” or “light,” my goal is that my books will engage the reader’s heart in a deep and memorable way.
7. So, do you have any upcoming books planned?
I’m working on a book now, but since I never know how things will turn out, I’ll spare everyone the details in case it changes.
Thanks so much for having me on the blog today!
——-
Thank YOU, Laura Kinsale for taking the time to chat with us! Though the book is not yet on shelves, the publisher, Sourcebooks Casablanca, has generously offered to provide 10 lucky readers with copies of Lessons in French. This giveaway is limited to readers in the US and Canada, and to enter, all you need to do is comment to this post by 4:00 p.m. EST on Friday, January 8, 2010. Good luck!
-Lynn Spencer
Tags: Books with Buzz, contest, Laura Kinsale, Lessons in French
I’m really looking forward to reading a new book by Laura Kinsale; it’s been a while. And I really admire an author who can do either dark and intense or light and funny. There aren’t that many other authors who can do that. This one sounds like a lot of fun.
Whenever I start one of Laura Kinsale’s novels, the characters become so real and engaging I have to read straight through the day and into the night. Of course I am sad when the story ends. So I too am looking forward to reading her new book.
Laura Kinsale is a “new to me” author. So, I am very excited to win her book – sounds fantastic. I love when the shy, plain girl gets the guy!! I enjoy reading “feel good” books and look forward to getting my hands on this one.
Laura Kinsale is one of my favorite writers and I can’t wait to read her new book. This book sounds great! Thanks.
I love Laura Kinsale and can not wait to read her new book. She is such a great writer that I can easily see her writing well in a variety of styles. Her newest book sounds wonderful!
Count me as another fan who’s been waiting, waiting, waiting for your next book and can’t wait to get my hands on LESSONS. Thanks to you and AAR for a bit of author background on its creation. I’m marking Jan 26 on the calendar for a bookstore run!
Ms. Kinsale might be surprised to know how many other writers she has inspired. I’ve been reading her work since “Seize the Fire,” and I’ve always placed her novels on my keeper shelf because there is just something about her approach to characterization that elevates her work unto a class by itself. I would be thrilled to win a copy of Lessons in French!
I adore Kinsale’s books and am anxiously awaiting this one’s release. Yay Laura! Thank you!
Cannot wait to escape into this new book by the versatile Laura Kinsale, queen of her many crafts!
I have held on to every Laura Kinsale book I’ve read, which is not my habit many other good authors. I’d love to win a copy of her new book, Lessons in French. I’m certain it will be wonderful.
This books sounds perfect for a cold January day. I may need to do a Kinsale re-read until it is on shelves.
This is going to be the best part of the new year!
Can’t wait for this one. It is already on my to buy list.
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I’ve been looking forward to this book for ages! Can’t wait to read it and the cover is just gorgeous!
I love Laura Kinsale’s books. Flowers From the Storm is one of my all time favorites. I can’t wait to read Lessons in French.
Great blog/interview!
You’ve definitely dropped the “hook” for me here, as I’m intrigued to read “… with his wonderful sense of humor and colorful past….” Sounds like just my kind of book!
Imagine my glee when I THEN read, “… you make the dialogue and interplay between Callie and Trev flow so effortlessly in this book.”
The only word to describe it now? PURRRRRFECT!
Please, please, please enter me in the draw for this book that is calling out my name!!!
BTW, Happy New Year to all!
Looking forward to this one a lot – a feel good story in the middle of winter! Yay! Great interview, thanks!
Wow! I’d love to read this.
I’ve only read Flowers from the Storm but have plans to read the others as well. Her books are so powerful that I need a break between (they just suck you in emotionally…but what a ride!) Really looking forward to the new release…
My first Laura Kinsale was Flowers from the Storm and since have been working my way through all of her books; each one is a treasure and each one stays in my mind for a long time after I have finished reading. She draws me in and doesn’t let go. Whether I win the book or not I’ll be reading Lessons in French.
I’ve read everything (I think) Laura has published, except for Shadowheart! I asked husband to get that for me for Christmas and since he didn’t, I’ve ordered it. Ms. Kinsale seems like a really cool person from the tiny glimpses we’ve gotten online via Twitter and here, for example. Nice interview! And congrats on the new release!
I can’t wait to Laura Kinsale new books, I have been anxiously waiting for to come out.
Flowers from the Storm..i have had to buy two replacements…i have read that novel so much.
I have of course read allof your Books over and over.
..with your books i have always trusted that I could put my energy and emotional involvement and trust in the book..knowing that you would take me where i wanted to go…
thank you
Count me in as one of the masses who has been waiting for this book for years & years. “The Dream Hunter” is my favorite of Ms. Kinsale’s work. I would LOVE to win a copy *fingers crossed*. Thx for the great interview.
I love intense books. While ‘funny’ can be very hit and miss for me, I’m curious how these two elements are combined in this book.
I have not read your books. Adding to my list to read cause they sound wonderful and a lot of people of said they are good. Thank you for the interview.
Now I know 2010 will b e a good year with a new Laura Kinsale book on the horizon! Flowers From the Storm blew me away when I read it and I then went searching for all Kinsale books. Good wine and good books take time. Thank you, Ms. Kinsale, for taking the time to give us such good books.
I just discovered Laura Kinsale’s books this past year and I love her storeis and writing. I’m really looking forward to Lessons in French.
I can’t wait. It’s been a long time between books for an author I love to read.
Please, please, please keep writing, Laura! I’ve missed you
My birthday is January 8th and this would be a great present!
Another book to add to the bookstore list!
I’m such a fan girl. I’m more than ready for a feel-good romance and can’t wait to read a Kinsale a la Heyer!
I’m really looking forward to this book — I’m glad that it is going to be light in tone.
A new book by Laura Kinsale is a treasure. I loved Flowers in the Storm and My Sweet Folly. Ms. Kinsale is one of my favorite authors. Welcome back! Your unique voice was sorely missed.
I’m reading Flowers from the Storm now and loving it!
Through my sister-in-law I, too, have just recently become a fan of
Laura Kinsale. I would be thrilled to win a copy of this, her newest story.
The book sounds great and I do enjoy a feel good story.
It sounds like a wonderful book – I can’t wait to read it!
Like every one of these people here, I would be thrilled to win a copy of this book, and like everyone, I’m counting the days until it shows up at the bookstore.
Hey, Laura, how about giving us an excerpt?
Lessons in French sounds right up my alley. I would love to win a copy as I have not yet read any Laura Kinsale books. I do own a couple that are patiently waiting for me at the top of my TBR pile though.
Great interview. I’m a fan of Ms Kinsale.
My favorite romance of all time is Flowers from the Storm. In my opinion, there is no other romance out there that comes close to this book. Naturally I’m a huge fan of LK’s other work as well and am very excited about Lesson’s in French. I also love humorous books, so I’m very much looking forward to reading her new book.
I’ve never read anything by this author, but it sounds like a great book. I’ll definately read it when it comes out.
I CANNOT WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!! I love FLOWERS FROM THE STORM!!!!!!!! Your newest book is VERY, EAGERLY ANTICIPATED!!!!
Anxiously awaiting the release. This one won’t spend long on my TBR stack.
I have never read a Laura Kinsale book. This one sounds like a great place to start. I like humorous books so I am really looking forward to this book and trying a “new to me” author.
I was already eagerly awaiting this one before the great interview
My excitement is beyond words at this point. I have been relentlessly devouring Kinsale’s backlist and cannot wait to sink my teeth into her latest.