I hope you enjoy getting to know Vanessa and don't forget to enter the giveaway!
Hello Vanessa and welcome to Passages to the Past! Thanks so much for stopping by today to talk about The Highlander’s Irish Bride!
To begin, can you please tell us a little about yourself and your writing?
I write Regency and Scottish historical romance, also set in the Regency Era. I enjoy writing funny, warm-hearted characters, and books with adventure, a bit of suspense, and a lot of romance.
What inspired you to write the Clan Kendrick series?
It’s loosely based on one of my favorite movie musicals from childhood, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. It features seven brothers from a close-knit clan, and it also spins off from an earlier series, The Renegade Royals. I love writing stories about families, especially big families that have lots of quirky and interesting characters. I also love Scotland, so I thought it was high time to move my writing north to that wonderful setting and culture.
Have you always been interested in Highlanders?
My paternal grandmother’s family was Scottish, by way of Glasgow and probably the Highlands. So, for me, interest in Scotland was always lurking in the background. My first historical love, however, was Regency England. So it took awhile for me to merge the two.
What was your favorite scene to write?
That’s hard to pin down, but probably the silly cricket match in front of Kendrick House in Glasgow. Absolutely everything goes wrong, and the heroine finds herself in the middle of a ridiculous altercation with the neighborhood grump. It’s about to turn into a pitched battle when the hero appears and gets everyone sorted. It was fun to figure out the logistics and write a comical scene that also displayed my hero’s strong qualities and his ability to manage tricky situations.
What was the most difficult scene to write?
Sex scenes are always difficult for me to write. I want them to be sensual and loving, but really say something about the characters. I find them tough because there are a lot of (excuse the pun) moving parts to a good sex scene.
When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
I’ve always been a writer, even from elementary school. It’s probably the thing I do best, so it’s been part of my identity for most of my life.
What does your daily writing routine look like?
It changes depending on what I have to do and what other things are going on in my life. I try to write at least a few hours, most days, and it’s usually in the afternoon. I’m not a morning person. But if something else comes up, then I just double up the next day and do more writing. I try not to stress about it too much.
What has been your greatest challenge as a writer? Have you been able to overcome it?
I am what’s charitably called a “discovery” writer. Which means I have to write a lot of words to figure out who my characters are, and what they should be doing. That means I can get 70K words down on paper and still only be halfway through my plot. I write a LOT of words that end up on the cutting floor. I wish I could write more economically, but that doesn’t seem to be the way my brain works. So it’s just something I have to factor into my schedule and deadlines.
Who are your writing inspirations?
I love many authors, all sorts, and I really admire those with a truly spectacular talent—authors like Georgette Heyer, Elizabeth Peters, Mary Stewart, or Deborah Harkness, for instance. Their books are groundbreaking and practically create new genres.
What was the first historical novel you read?
I think it was Regency Buck, by Georgette Heyer.
What is the last historical novel you read?
Jewel of the Nile, by Tessa Afshar
What are three things people may not know about you?
I have fibromyalgia, I can’t eat garlic or onions, and I live in Canada.
What appeals to you most about your chosen genre?
History—I love the Regency period.
What historical time period do you gravitate towards the most with your personal reading?
It varies. I love Regency and Victorian settings, but I also enjoy books set in the Biblical Era and ancient Rome.
What do you like to do when you aren't writing?
Read, watch TV, and chat with friends—hopefully in person, soon!
Lastly, what are you working on next?
I’m working on the next book in the Clan Kendrick Series, which is about Braden Kendrick, who is a doctor and scientist.
The Highlander's Irish Bride by Vanessa Kelly
Publication Date: July 27, 2021
Zebra Books
Paperback & eBook; 352 pages
Series: Clan Kendrick, Book 4
Genre: Historical Romance/Scottish
The latest in bestselling author Vanessa Kelly’s intoxicating Clan Kendrick series shines a light on the most respectable member of the Kendrick clan—and the independent woman who stole his heart...
Miss Kathleen Calvert may be the daughter of an Irish aristocrat, but she has no intention of acting like one. All she desires is to return to her family’s estate to raise horses and manage her father’s magnificent gardens. But when a scandal threatens her reputation, her parents order her to a remote Scottish estate, hoping she will finally learn to behave like a proper lady. To make matters worse, her escort is a handsome Highlander who just happens to be the most boring man in all of Scotland...
After a youth of dangerous and wild escapades, Grant Kendrick surprised his family—and himself—by becoming a successful businessman and the most respectable Kendrick brother. But does that matter, when the beautiful and free-spirited Kathleen deems him a stodgy bore? Luckily, he gets the chance to prove her wrong when their carriage is ambushed by thieves. But it will take all his ingenuity to protect the beautiful lass who has stormed her way into his heart—and to convince her that a life with him will be a love-filled adventure...
Amazon | BAM | Barnes and Noble | Bookshop | Hudson Booksellers | IndieBound | Target | Wal-Mart
About the Author
Vanessa’s first Clan Kendrick book, The Highlander Who Protected Me, was a USA Today, Barnes & Noble, and BookScan bestseller. The Highlander’s Christmas Bride, her latest book, hit the top 50 on both the Barnes & Noble mass-market bestseller list and on BookScan. The Renegade Royals Series was a national bestseller, as was The Improper Princesses Series. My Fair Princess was named a Goodreads Romance of the Month and is a USA Today and BookScan bestseller.
When she’s not dreaming of plots for her next Regency novel, Vanessa is writing USA Today Bestselling books with her husband, under the pen name of V.K. Sykes.
You can find Vanessa at vanessakellyauthor.com or at vksykes.com. For all of Vanessa's latest news and contests--and to receive a free story--please sign up for her newsletter on her website.
Clan Kendrick Facebook Group | Facebook Author Page | Pinterest | Instagram | Goodreads
Blog Tour Schedule
Tuesday, July 27Excerpt at Novels Alive
Review at Books, Cooks, Looks
Wednesday, July 28
Feature at The Lit Bitch
Review at Gwendalyn's Books
Interview at Books & Benches
Review at Debjani's Thoughts
Excerpt at Books, Ramblings, and Tea
Thursday, July 29
Review at The Romance Dish
Friday, July 30
Excerpt at Reading is My Remedy
Excerpt at Cross My Heart Writing & Reviews
Monday, August 2
Excerpt at SplendeurCaisse
Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit
Tuesday, August 3
Review at Michelle the PA Loves to Read
Wednesday, August 4
Review at Novels Alive
Thursday, August 5
Review & Excerpt at Elodie’s Reading Corner
Friday, August 6
Review at Two Bookish Babes
Saturday, August 7
Excerpt at What Is That Book About
Monday, August 9
Review at Pursuing Stacie
Wednesday, August 11
Interview at Passages to the Past
Thursday, August 12
Review at Amy's Booket List
Friday, August 13
Review at The Enchanted Shelf
Giveaway
During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a paperback copy of The Highlander’s Christmas Bride & The Highlander's English Bride & a $20 Amazon Gift Card! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.The giveaway is open internationally and ends on August 13th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
The Highlander's Irish Bride
Thanks so much for hosting me!
ReplyDelete