Emma Wildes Interview

Emma, I am so happy to have you with us today. I wonder would you perhaps tell us about your latest, An Indecent Proposition. The readers are anxious to hear about this story.
This was a fun one to write and the premise is a bit on the naughty side. It occurred to me that if two rakish gentlemen made a wager on which of them was the most talented lover, there would only be one way to settle the contest. One woman would have to serve as the judge!

Now, then, what could be better than having two of England's most celebrated lovers try to impress you? Well, falling in love, of course.

Why not tell us how your day is once you wake and get motivated?
I get up very early...just an early bird at heart. Usually around 5:30 or so, I make coffee and wander into my office and sit down to write. I like the quiet when everyone else is still asleep, the phone isn't ringing, and I can concentrate without all the distractions.

Wow, I read you have two books already set to be released in January 2010, then another set for 2011. You are indeed busy. Could you enlighten us a little on these future works?
Actually, I have six books due out with NAL and their Signet line, and two prints coming out with Samhain Publishing. An Indecent Proposition is due out in a few weeks (April 7th) and right after that on the 28th, Untamed from Samhain, and in June, Face of the Maiden. Lessons From a Scarlet Lady is released in January of 2010 from Signet Eclipse and then the three books in the Jaded Gentlemen Society series into 2011. I have a Scottish novella collection also due out in the fall of 2010. It's been a little crazy recently!

But crazy in a very good way.

What book for you has been the easiest to write? The hardest? The most fun?
Oh wow. You don't ask difficult questions, do you? I love to write, but it is true not everything flows the same. I had a terrific time writing Lessons from a Scarlet Lady. The characters made me laugh out loud, and that is always a wonderful thing. Face of the Maiden was the first book I ever wrote, so of course that one is near and dear to my heart.

What is it about writing that really makes you want to pull the readers into your stories?
I love to read! I love to read great books that keep me coming back (I'm a chronic bookaholic who hoards her favorites and pours over them again and again). If I can touch someone that way, I am thrilled because I know how it feels to find an author whose work you enjoy.

Do your characters have a way of pushing your buttons and never letting you go until the story is finished?
I am the classic seat-of-the-pants author. My editors aren't always thrilled when I have no idea what is going to happen next, but for me, it is the only way to write a book. My characters tend to do all the hard work. I just sit there at my keyboard.

Is it hard for you to decide what names to give your characters?
Yes! And no. I think most of the time it is instinctive to decide what kind of name--for instance, does it lend itself to a nickname? The tone of the plot plays a part in my choices.

And since I mostly write Regency, the popular names of the time.

Can you describe your work setting for us?
We live in the country and I have a lovely office with a window overlooking the lake behind our house. My desk is organized but cluttered, and more often than not, my cat, Mr. Poot, sleeps on anything that appeals to him, including sharing my chair and making it difficult to perch on the edge--and also making me wonder why the heck I'd worry about disturbing a lazy cat while I work!

What would you say is the best gift you ever received in your years?
My children. Absolutely.

What is your favorite TV Show?
I confess I don't watch much television, but...I have a secret love of NCIS. Shh...my family doesn't know.

What is your best way to travel?
A good road trip in the car. I'm not much for flying since I admit I am not a "crowd" person.

Oh, Emma, you live on a beautiful lake area. I bet you get to do some fishing, as well as come up with inspiration, perhaps from the lovely setting. I love your saying, ‘I sit and dream all day.’ If you could have any author sit with you, for a day on the lake and compose, which author would you choose?
Mary Stewart. I admire her lyrical style and she has written some books that are just an exceptional combination of perfect suspenseful plotting and romance. If you asked me which book of hers is my favorite, I would not be able to answer except to say: all of them.

Would you care to share with us your website, blog, or myspace at this time?
Oh, please visit me at www.emmawildes.com

You just won a day of pampering, anything you desire to eat, any place to visit, or whatever your heart desires. What would your day consist of?
In the morning I would write (like every day, but hey, it's fun!) and then I would go to lunch at Las Mannanitas in Albuquerque (beef enchiladas with green chile), and in the afternoon sit in the sun and sip wine. For dinner, steaks on the grill and salad and maybe...more wine . Sounds heavenly.

Emma, thank you for sharing time with us today. I wish you the best in your writing endeavors and huge sales. Keep those fascinating books coming our way.

Interviewed by: Linda L.


Linda L.