Today I am speaking with Hazel Statham.

Good Morning Hazel, welcome to Fallen Angel Reviews.

Good morning Linda. Thank you for taking the time to interview me.

I must say I visited your website and you have quite a selection of reading. I did read, My Dearest Friend and really enjoyed it.

My Dearest Friend is one of my favorites too.

Why don’t you tell us about your recent release, Dominic?

London 1775 Dominic Blake, Earl of Vale, is a young man of privilege and breeding whose world is turned upside-down by Jack, a beautiful young girl in boys' clothing whom he finds sheltering on his doorstep after fleeing an attack by her abusive brother. He offers to place her under his mother's protection, but Sophie fears his mother won't believe her story and steals away whilst Dominic is sleeping.

However, Jack is once more destined to enter Dominic's life when, injured in a horse race, Dominic is forced to rusticate to his father's estate and again meets Jack in her boyish guise. In turn, she becomes his pupil and his love.

Despite danger and misunderstandings, this is the story of their unconventional and delightful courtship.

Did you have to do a lot of research for your current release or any upcoming release?

I have been reading about the Regency and Georgian eras since I was a girl. I love the periods and that is why I attempt to recreate them in my work. I am fascinated by the Peninsular War and you will find many references to it in my books. If I quote facts, I try to make them as accurate as possible - even word usage, as I believe it is important to create the right atmosphere and I think it is one way to transport the reader into the era.

What is in store for Hazel, for the future, and do you have works in progress as we speak?

I have two more books due out with Wings ePress, My Dearest Friend January, 2008 and His Shadowed Heart June, 2008.I also have three others that I will be submitting to publishers shortly and my current WIP is again a Regency.

When is the best time for you to indulge in your writing?

My best ideas come late at night or first thing in the morning and I have to write them down immediately otherwise they are gone. I write when the house is quiet.

When your books are finished do you hate saying goodbye to the characters?

I always retain a fondness for my characters long after their stories are told. It is very satisfying when a book reaches its conclusion, but the characters still remain as friends.

What intrigues you about writing?

For me, writing is a compulsion that will not be ignored. Even if I had never become a published author, I would still write. I love the freedom it gives me to recreate my own historical world.

Is there a particular author that you must run out and grab their next release to read?

Past authors would be Charlotte Bronte and Georgette Heyer but current authors are Mary Jo Putney, Diana Gabaldon, Anne Gracie - really there are too many to mention and as you may guess, my home is full of books.

If you could be a musical instrument what would you be?

I would like to say a spinet but I'm afraid it would have to be a grand piano!

You are at Barnes and Noble for a book signing and you look up to see Donald Trump standing in line for your autograph. What is your reaction?

I wouldn't know him so I guess I'd treat him the same as anyone else.

Do you have a pet peeve you would like to share?

I can't abide cruelty or injustice in any shape or form be it against humans or animals.

Do you belong to any loops or have a myspace? Or have another website besides this one? hazel-statham.co.uk/?

I have just started a blog and belong to the Wings Readers Loop and the Books We Love Readers Loop

I also have a newsletter and you can sign up for it by sending me an email at hazel.statham1@ntlworld.com which, by-the-way is my contact address.

What’s your favorite comfort food?

I guess that would be chocolate - but not just any chocolate, Thornton's fruit creams hit the spot. There are many substitutes but none that quite fulfill the 'need' like these!

What is your favorite spice?

I don't like spicy food

The best place to vacation?

It has to be the USA. Living in the UK it is quite a trip but nonetheless, we have visited eleven times in all and are going to Orlando again in September. Over the years we have visited Florida, Washington, Savannah and Atlanta. We would love to see New England in the fall but haven't quite made it there yet - but we will!

Is there anything else that you would like to share?

I love to hear from my readers and always answer my mail.

Hazel, thank you for spending time with us today, and I wish you success in your writing. We look forward to more of your great books.

Interviewed by: Linda L.