It’s Wednesday, it’s Hump Day, it’s Ruby Moone’s turn in the hot seat!
What book/s are you reading at present?
I have just started reading ‘Rainbow Place’ by Jay Northcote and I’m really enjoying it. I’m going on holiday soon so I’m downloading loads of things to take with me. Any recommendations are welcome. I try not to read historical when I’m writing it, so I’ve a few on my tbr pile lol!
Do you have a character in your head that you have yet to write a story for?
I have a whole cast of characters in my head that I’ve yet to write because there aren’t enough hours. I’ve had an idea for a paranormal Regency story that’s been in my head a while with two gorgeous characters clamouring to be written, but they need to form a queue! I’d also love to write some of the minor characters from my back list. Lord Alfred, ‘Alfie’ from Trapped is one who keeps nudging me. I’d also like to write more about Jared and Wesley from my Christmas freebie, The Christmas Curse. I think there may be a whole host of characters and a brand new world that could fall out of that little story.
What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book?
Because I write historical novels, there is lots of research to do. Most of my books are set between 1806 and 1817 so I’ve narrowed it down a bit to make the research easier. Getting the historical detail right is something that I worry about constantly, as there is nothing worse than reading a book and being pulled out by a mistake. I really try and make sure I’ve captured the period, the customs, the dress and food etc. but to make the stories interesting for a modern reader, there are times when I do take some small liberties and hope that readers will understand. I love researching, and if honest, this is my procrastination of choice. When the writing isn’t going well I console myself by disappearing down the rabbit hole! I was researching Newgate Gaol in London for my latest book, ‘Thief of Hearts’ and in doing so discovered the perfect plot twist that links into actual events. I also spent a lot of happy hours researching locks, indentured apprentices and the slave trade. I really had to rein myself in at this point and get back to the writing.
What part of writing a book comes the hardest for you?
Hmm. That’s a tricky one. I love writing the first draft. That’s my way of telling myself the story and getting to know the characters. Once that is done, I spend a lot of time editing and refining the plot, the characters and the narrative and as the plot twists and turns become clear I love the crafting and shaping of the story. I love making sure it’s ready for submission, cleaning up any odd bits, checking I’ve not said just, or then a gazillion times (which I frequently do) and then sending it off to my publisher. Thinking about it, I really love all the parts that go into writing, but they are all really hard in their own way. I’m exhausted by the time I press send and then I run away and hide waiting for my publisher to come back to me to say whether or not it’s acceptable. Tough stuff!
How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
In a rare moment of organisation, I put all my half formed ideas, characters and plots onto a spreadsheet. Some of them are just the first couple of chapters that I’ve written and abandoned, but I also have four full length, as yet unpublished M/F Regency stories, I’ve got twelve reasonably well conceived ideas that need some TLC to bring them alive, and absolutely loads of plot bunnies where I’ve got a thought, an idea, a phrase or an image that inspired me. I keep adding to it all the time. I’ve just had a super idea for a contemporary novel. I haven’t written a full length contemporary yet. I’ve done a couple of short stories, but I’ve a feeling I might be moving into Ruby Moone Contemporaries soon. Watch this space!
To win an Ebook of Ruby’s upcoming release, Thief Of Hearts, answer this question, what are you reading at the moment?
Thief Of Hearts – OUT July 14
Pre-order: Amazon US | Amazon UK | JMS Books
The year is 1806. Bastard-born jewel thief David Lambert has few rules in his personal life. Never bed the staff, never more than once with the same man, and never, ever, kiss. Attending an aristocratic party and relieving some of the wealthy of their possessions should be easy, but in the space of a weekend, one by one all his rules are shattered by a footman with a secret.
Jeremy Naylor thought he had found the man of his dreams, the one man who might understand him. Someone passionate, handsome, and respectable. But in one shocking moment his world is destroyed, and he is forced to run for his life.
Flung together to escape the hangman’s noose, the passion between David and Jeremy burns fiercely. But Jeremy yearns for respectability, and David refuses to admit what lies in his heart. Will they find a way together, or will their differences lead them to the very brink of disaster and the shadow of the gallows?
Author Bio
Ruby lives in Lancashire in the northwest of England. All through school she was told she would never get anywhere if she didn’t stop daydreaming. Eventually it occurred to her to write down the daydreams, and voilà! The beautiful men in her head came to life. Ruby writes historical and contemporary gay romance but has a definite weakness for handsome men in billowing white shirts, breeches, and cravats. Oh, and she loves tea. Lots of tea.
Facebook – Ruby Moone
Twitter – @RubyMooneWriter
Website and Blog – www.rubymoone.com
Email – rubymoone@gmail.com
Anne-Marie Mogensen says
I can’t brag about having read all that many historical romances – maybe it’s time I change that.
A for what I’m reading – I finished my ARC of Risk Taker by Lily Morton last night and today I’ll start Surrender by Amy Daws.
Your book intrigues me and I’ll definitely add one or two to my TBR list ❤
LeeAnn Pratt says
A Quest for Vengence by Odin Nightshade
Jennifer says
I’m reading Blaze by Jocelynn Drake and Rinda Elliott.