Writing Wednesday: Chatting with author Marin McGinnis and her historical romance, STIRRING UP THE VISCOUNT

My guest today is Marin McGinnis, who writes for The Wild Rose Press. Her new book STIRRING UP THE VISCOUNT released on January 30th - Congrats, Marin! She took a few minutes from her whirlwind schedule to answer a few questions...

Hi, Marin! Give us a brief bio and tell us what kind of books you like to read and write.

I was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. After detours to Boston, northern England, and Washington, DC, I moved back, and now live with my husband and son, two poodles named Larry and Sneaky Pete, two gerbils, and a fish. I am a self-employed lawyer by day, and the rest of the time I write historical romance. My favorite genres to read are romance, romantic suspense, and mysteries.

What's your favorite part of being an author?

Good question. I love lots of things about being an author. I love to work for myself, on my own terms. I love spending time crafting stories. And I really love the awesome people I’ve met while learning how to be an author.

What’s the best piece of advice you received about being an author?

It sounds cliché, but honestly, the best piece of advice was “butt in chair.” You can’t edit a blank page, so sit that ass down and write. I don’t always follow it, but I do try.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?

I’d love to be invisible, the better for people watching.

Tell us about your new release!

Stirring Up the Viscount is a Victorian-era romance set in Northern England. It’s the story of a woman who flees an abusive relationship, assumes a false name, and falls in love again. It took me three months to write, and twenty-two months to edit!

Wow, I love the cover art! Okay, you’re casting the movie version of your novel – who would you choose for the main characters? We’re talking dream cast.

When I was writing this book, I had Jason Connery in mind for Jonathan—back in his Robin of Sherwood days (which probably just revealed how old I am)--and Rooney Mara as Theodora. She has the ethereal look I pictured for Theodora. For Lucien, I imagined Richard Armitage, as Sir Guy of Gisbourne, because, well, he’s Richard Armitage.

Totally understand - and would love to see that movie! Where can readers find your book and where can they find you online?

You can find me and my book at:

Website/blog: marinmcginnis.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/MarinMcG

Twitter: www.twitter.com/MarinMcGinnis

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/12256384.Marin_McGinnis

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Stirring-Up-Viscount-Marin-McGinnis-ebook/dp/B00RGWV3S8/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

The Wild Rose Press: http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=1238

Thank you for having me today, Katie!

Thanks for stopping by, Marin! Best of luck with this new release! For an added bonus, here's a sneak peek excerpt from the book...

She watched, mesmerized, as the grease flared and flames began to lick the seasoned wood of the counter.

She blinked, as much from the smoke beginning to sting her eyes as from the realization she didn’t have to swim in the Thames. She hurried to the hole in the wall where she had stashed the satchel. She removed it and replaced the brick. Her gaze darted around the room as the smoke grew thicker. She spotted the cookery book her mother had given her when she married, and on an impulse she grabbed it, clasping it to her chest as she began to cough.

Theodora rushed toward the door and grabbed a light wrap off a peg. She stowed the book in her satchel and adjusted the wrap around her shoulders. When she opened the door, the fire behind her roared with the added oxygen. She closed it quickly and inhaled great gulps of air.

Her eyes burned, her head ached, but she walked quickly around the house to the street. Fortunately Christopher Street was nearly deserted at this late hour. She stole a glance at the house behind her and saw smoke starting to curl around the windows. She spared Lucien a thought. It wouldn’t be long before someone noticed the smoke, and he wasn’t a particularly heavy sleeper. The chances were excellent he would wake in time to escape.

She shook her head to clear her thoughts. There was no time for regret, and certainly no room for compassion. Not for him.

As she rounded the corner onto Back Hill, she heard someone cry, “Fire!”

* * * *

About the Author:

Clevelanders are tough, a bit cynical, and just a little crazy, and Marin McGinnis is no exception. She writes smart and sexy tales of Victorian-era romance.

When she's not chasing after big dogs or watching tween-aged children skate around Ohio hockey rinks, you can find her hanging out at marinmcginnis.com, on her group blog at throughheartshapedglasses.com, on Twitter @MarinMcGinnis, or Facebook at facebook.com/MarinMcG.