Interview & Giveaway: A Rational Attachment by Lauren Gilbert

Happy Monday, everyone! Today on the blog I am very excited to kick off Lauren Gilbert's blog tour for A Rational Attachment! Lauren is here today to talk more about her book, her writing, and her future projects.

We also have a giveaway for one eBook and one paperback that come with special gifts! Hope you enjoy the interview!



Hello Lauren and welcome to Passages to the Past! Thanks so much for stopping by today to talk about A Rational Attachment!

To begin, can you please tell us a little about yourself and your writing?

I grew up in the Midwest in a family of readers. I can’t remember when I couldn’t read, so books were always very important in my life. English literature and historical novels set in England were favorites with my female relatives. My mother wrote poetry, and I wrote books for my dolls. Writing has always been an interest of mine.

What inspired you to write A Rational Attachment?

We think of earlier eras, particularly the Georgian, Regency and Victorian eras, as times when women had little control over their lives. The idea of two young women, with their individual backgrounds, tastes and talents, wanting to shape their lives to the extent they could within the confines of their time and society intrigued me.

What research did you undertake when writing A Rational Attachment?

Places as they were during the Regency; customs, including presentation at court, mourning for Queen Charlotte, etc.; daily life during the Regency in general; what people might have seen at the British Museum; new developments at the time. My research included cook books, fashion prints, Regency era guide books and maps, and biographical materials as well.

What would you like readers to take away from reading A Rational Attachment?

News and events have been so stressful of late; I hope that readers can set the present aside for while and be entertained. I also hope they can relate to my heroine as she pursues her own interests and hopes for her happy-ever-after.

What was your favorite scene to write?

The proposal scene.

What was the most difficult scene to write?

There were multiple scenes that were difficult.

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I’ve always wanted to be a writer. I decided to pursue it seriously about 20 years ago. (I have a number of hidden manuscripts that will never see the light of day.)

What does your daily writing routine look like?

I try to write something every day, even if just jotting down notes as ideas occur to me. I also do research virtually every day as well. I am mostly a “pantser” with fiction, but do work with character and place lists, and will at some point make a general outline, just to keep things straight. For non-fiction, I find making a timeline extremely helpful.

What has been your greatest challenge as a writer?

I have two: procrastination and imposter syndrome. Have you been able to overcome it? To cope with procrastination, I have been known to use a timer to keep myself on track, as it is so easy to vanish down a research rabbit hole or get distracted by social media. I also have a calendar hanging next to my computer where I can put milestones, as well as events and appointments. As for imposter syndrome, I study to improve constantly, try not to compare myself to other authors and cherish positive feedback when it comes my way.

Who are your writing inspirations?

In fiction, Victoria Holt/Jean Plaidy, Dorothy Eden, Mary Stewart, Margaret Campbell Barnes, Jane Austen, Diana Gabaldon, Barbara Pym, Georgette Heyer, Agatha Christie, Dorothy Sayers, and many others. In non-fiction, David McCullough, Thomas Flexner, Amanda Vickery, Christopher Hibbert and several others are favorites; I also enjoy reading letters and diaries.

What was the first historical novel you read?

Either the Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, or MARA, DAUGHTER OF THE NILE by Eloise Jarvis McGraw.

What is the last historical novel you read?

I just finished PERSUASION Behind the Scenes written by Maria Grace, Jack Caldwell, Kara Louise and several other authors. I’m well into WRITTEN IN THEIR STARS A Novel by Elizabeth St. John, which is the 3d volume of her Lydiard Chronicles.

What are three things people may not know about you?

I loved reading the Appendices to the Lord of the Rings trilogy. I have never visited New York City, although it is on my bucket list. I like to cook, but will not deep fry anything.

What appeals to you most about your chosen genre?

The Regency era has much in common with our own time: income inequality, loss of jobs due to technology advances, questions about the position of women, a desire for reform clashing with a strong conservative influence.

There is an undercurrent of fear of change.

What historical time period do you gravitate towards the most with your personal reading?

My personal historical fiction reading varies from ancient Egypt to the World War II years.

What do you like to do when you aren't writing?

I love to read, travel, watch movies, and work on crafts. I also enjoy thrifting.

Lastly, what are you working on next?

I am heavily engaged in research for a non-fiction work, and I am adding to notes for two novels which I have planned.


A Rational Attachment by Lauren Gilbert

Publication Date: December 26, 2019
AuthorHouse
Hardcover, Paperback, and eBook

Genre: Historical Fiction


The daughter of a wealthy business man in York, Anne Emmons knows her father wants her to marry well. Anne, however, has always dreamed of marrying for love. Set in the Regency period, Anne’s introduction to London Society is made difficult by her personal ambitions as well as her family’s lack of aristocratic connections. In time, Anne finds her way aided by family and friends and the surprising support of one of the Ton’s leading figures. Will she succeed in finding the love she desires, or will she settle for a marriage transaction?

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

About the Author

An avid reader, Lauren Gilbert has always dreamed of writing books, and has written all her life. She enjoys non-fiction (especially history) and fiction alike. Favorite authors include James Thomas Flexner, Alison Weir, Diana Gabaldon, Sharon Kay Penman, Agatha Christie, Dorothy Sayers, and, of course, Jane Austen. Lauren is a member of the Jane Austen Society of North America, and has delivered presentations for chapter meetings, as well as a break-out session at the 2011 JASNA Annual General Meeting. Now semi-retired after a career spanning almost 30 years, HEYERWOOD: A Novel is her first published novel. Another novel, A RATIONAL ATTACHMENT, has just been released and a non-fiction work is in process. Lauren is a contributor to the English Historical Fiction Authors blog, and has several articles in CASTLES, CUSTOMS, AND KINGS True Tales by English Historical Fiction Authors volumes 1 and 2. Lauren Gilbert lives in Florida with her husband.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, February 17
Review at Books and Zebras
Interview at Passages to the Past

Tuesday, February 18
Review at A Chick Who Reads

Wednesday, February 19
Review at YA, It's Lit

Thursday, February 20
Feature at I'm Into Books
Interview at Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen

Friday, February 21
Review at Gwendalyn's Books

Monday, February 24
Review at Passages to the Past

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away one eBook and one paperback copy of A Rational Attachment! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on February 24th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Paperback giveaway is to the US only.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.

A Rational Attachment


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