Elizabeth Ellen Carter came knocking on my country manor door!

Exciting news! My guest was supposed to erupt onto my blog as an aspiring writer
equipped with an engrossing historical manuscript - and suddenly she’s about to enter the world of published authors.  Let’s escort her well-earned enthusiasm through six questions and enhance her presence in the world of entertainment. 

 Take it away, Elizabeth Ellen Carter:

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Are there cowboys or country manors in any of your stories?

First of all thank you very much for inviting me Jennie, it’s a lovely place you have here! (We’re on the terrace - stone walls, hedges ages old and a  pitcher of something delicious to drink - and it’s my pleasure to have Elizabeth join me.)

Yes, there is a country manor in my first novel, Moonstone Obsession which has just been picked up by Etopia Press (I’m still floating on air!).

Woo Hoo! A country manor and a contract.

Prideaux Place is an Elizabethan manor house in Padstow, Cornwall and I’ve based my hero’s country seat, Penventen Hall, on it. I just love it. It’s not the high Georgian style – very symmetrical and neo-classical - but rather additions were made to the house in the neo-Gothic style which was also popular at the time.

It looks like a little castle! 

This is what I call a country  abode. Take a look at Prideaux Place 

Will you tell us about yourself and what genre(s) you love writing? 

I love writing historical romances, with the emphasis on both words. 

Moonstone Obsession is a historical romance set in England in 1790:

For Sir James Mitchell, Lord of Penventen, it was a toss of a coin between which was more dangerous - being a
spy or being considered husband material by the Ladies of the Ton. With high stakes political machinations threatening to draw England into the violent wake of the French Revolution, the last thing James expected was to fall in love with Selina Rosewall, daughter of an untitled seafaring family.

From the privileged world of London society and the wild, dangerous beauty of the Cornish coast to the seething heart of revolutionary Paris, James reluctantly draws Selina deeper in a world of secrets, lies and scandals that  threaten England itself.

As a reader I love historical romances that are not only true to the times in which they are set – with all the mores, customs and events - but also allow their characters to fall in love in a way which is authentic. 
 
Nothing pulls me out of a story as fast as characters who behave anachronistically.

Being a history buff with a deep interest in human behaviour, historical romances are great fun to write and I have at least another four that I can't wait to start.

Smart aspiring writers with a love of history get published! I’m looking forward to reading this one, and the four that come after it.

What writing project did you put aside to answer these questions?

I’m nearly half way through my second novel, Warrior’s Surrender, which is a genuine medieval romance.

It’s set in 1074 after the infamous ‘Harrying of the North’ by William The Conqueror and centres on the initially adversarial relationship between a Saxon noblewoman and the Norman baron who now controls her lands. And there’s a serial killer in there too…

Are you fun to go on holiday with? (I ask with trepidation, considering the serial killer above …)

I am if you like exotic destinations, endless cocktails and singing 1980s songs badly… ☺

Okay. Sounds cool. We’ll go together!
 
Will you name one entity you feel supported you outside of family members?

I will, and that is Romance Writers of Australia and through it the wonderful fellow authors I’ve got to know over the past six month that I’ve been a member.

I’m humbled and delighted by the enthusiasm, generosity and support that I’ve received. Also through them, I have become part of a critique group (hello Word Whisperers!) and they are wonderful people.

I wholeheartedly second Elizabeth’s thoughts about RWA and our special writing groups - as do many, many other writers and authors.

Do you see writing as a career?

I do. Writing has always been integral to my career – print journalist, online content developer, marketing and communications specialist (Wow) – but to be a novelist full time would be a dream come true.

The only way to make that happen is by writing, learning from the best and getting stories out there, so that’s the plan.

 

I love this enthusiasm and determination.  Take note aspiring writers - it can be done.

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Thank you, Elizabeth, for popping into the manor. It’s  a great thrill to know you’re about to be published and I probably don’t need to wish you luck for your ongoing ‘plan’ but I’ll wish it anyway!

Here is where you can find about-to-published, Elizabeth Ellen Carter after I wave her off at my blue door:

Elizabeth Ellen Carter webpage (Keep up to date with her publishing schedule and her journey.)

Elizabeth Ellen Carter Facebook Page 

Twitter

Publisher: Etopia Press 

As always, Jennie recommends readers purchase (or pre-order) the titles of their dreams and support the writers who have taken the time to answer these questions. Writing is hard work and not for the faint-hearted - but so joyful for the reader.  What would we do without books (and writers)?

Feel free to leave a pleasant  comment, we’d love to hear from you!
Writer, reader, stray blog-browser - all are welcome.


Jennie & Elizabeth

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