Welcome, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Blaise Kilgallen for taking the time to answer these questions for Coffee Time Romance. Today we are asking Ms. Kilgallen about her story, Carnal Pleasures, A historical romance. I know you have Carnal Pleasures out right now, can you tell us a little bit about this book?

Well, Laura, the best way to do that is to post the blurb. So, here it is:

CARNAL PLEASURES (A Wicked Regency) A wicked, erotic, full length, Regency romance set in early 19th century England.  Lt. Griffith Spencer, once a full-fledged libertine, is“drummed out” of Wellington’s army as a pervert. He agrees to act as male escort for Countess Eberley. When she ups the ante on their original agreement, he is commanded to seduce and marry the countess’s stepdaughter.

Lady Dulcina Trayhern is the only child of the deceased Earl of Eberley. Her closest companion is her dog, Simon. Forced to visit London by her stepmother to seek a husband, Dulcie and Griff are thrown together under the roof of the wicked Countess. Attraction between the two flares into an uncontrollable passion when they are slipped a powerful love potion. Before they marry, Griff heads for the Peninsula again to reclaim his honor, and Dulcie escapes London to her deceased father’s country estate.

Devising a way to get rid of Dulcie, Countess Eberley and her lesbian lady’s maid, Emma Trent, follow Dulcie to Surrey, there, to do away with her before the marriage deadline is reached as spelled out in the Earl’s will.

Meanwhile, badly wounded, Griff is sent to an overcrowded London hospital where he must
recuperate or die. Can he overcome fever and hallucinations quickly enough to save the girl he now knows he loves? Will Dulcie forget that she believes Griff is in cahoots with the Countess and forgive him for his lies and seduction?  

Blaise, how long did it take you to write this wonderful story, Carnal Pleasures?

Carnal Pleasures is over 100,000 words long. It took me about 7 months to finish it.

Who is your favorite character in Carnal Pleasures?

Well, I like the men in my stories more than I do the women. I guess that makes sense since I am of the opposite gender. I tend to fall in love with each hero I create. I may go back and write Rand a story one of these days. If so, it will probably have more humor in it, because he isn’t the tortured hero that Griffith was.

What is your favorite part or scene in Carnal Pleasures?

Ohh, that’s a difficult one!  I liked the scene where Griff makes some “restrained” love to Dulcie. Simon (the dog) just lies down and waits for them to finish (grin.) And I liked the scene where Griff brings the dog, who had been banished from the manor by the “wicked” countess, back inside so that Simon and Dulcie can be reunited. I also liked the scene where Dulcie refuses to marry Griff when she is almost forced to do so by her stepmother.

When you start a new book, which comes first, the characters or the plot?

I think they come together. There are only so many plots, but there are a lot more interesting characters to choose from and develop. However, those characters have to develop and change within the plotline. What I really had trouble doing with this book, was coming up with a title for it. Very often a title will spring into my head, and I can run with it and develop a story around it.  Both “Wild Knights” and “The Plumber’s Helper,” published by Liquid Silver, began that way. This time I threw out a bunch of titles until “Carnal Pleasures” stuck.

How much time do you spend writing during the week?

I write all the time. I write notes and ideas when I’m at table eating. And I’m on the computer at least 4-5-6 hours a day -- everyday of the week. (Otherwise, I’m swamped with emails if I don’t get rid of them.) (grin) Then, there are days like this, when I have to finish some interview questions. (again, a grin)

How long have you been writing?

I wrote advertising copy for a number years before I started writing fiction. And I only started writing romances--about 10 years ago. Phew! Has it been that long?

How much research do you do for your books?

I did a lot when I started writing Regencies. I loved the period in English history during 1800-1850. So I was a frequent visitor at our local library. I also gleaned a lot of information just by reading what other authors wrote in that same timeframe. And I made notes on a recorder. (Which I rarely listen to now on tapes I’ve saved.)

I’m not totally versed about the fashions, architecture, behavior and society mores of that period, but I can manage to make my way through them--or research more, if I need to.

Describe the perfect day for you?

I sleep late - until about 8 AM. I rise and take care of my animals first. I own a thoroughbred mare that needs to be fed. My half Siamese cat is left out for the day (she’s not a total “house cat”) And my Rottweiler need to go out and do her business. Then I have a leisurely breakfast and read or make notes while I’m eating. After that, depending what needs to be done, etc., I’m at the computer on and off until about 6PM. After supper, I read or maybe (not very often) watch TV. I’m usually in bed by 10:30PM. Boring,
right? Yeah, I know…Can’t say it’s perfect--but it’s mostly the way it is…

Do you find it hard to come up with new ideas for your books?

No. I have too many ideas, and really, without enough time to write them.

Most authors are also voracious readers. Is this the case with you?  

Definitely. When I’m not writing or painting watercolors, I’m reading. Straight romances or romance suspense--both in historical or contemporary settings. Rarely do I read a straight mystery or even many paranormals, although I just finished writing one (grin). And I don’t read sci-fi or other world fantasies. Just the fantasies I can relate to (grin)

Do you have any upcoming chats, appearances, and book signings?

Not right now. I can’t “leave town” because I need to care for my animals. I will be doing a local book signing in October but it’s for a different type of book--one I write under with a different name.

Have you ever suffered from "writer's block"? If so, what did you do to get out if it?

Oh, I run into that problem quite often because I don’t line up a plot. I’m what they call a “pantzer” -- I write from the seat of my pants. Lots of times I get stuck. I just let the story jell for a while and go on to something else. (I have a number of “unfinished” books on my hard drive (grin.) I think most of them will get completed in time. (I hope!)

Do you have any other books out?  If so, could you tell us a little about them?

I have another “wicked” Regency coming out soon from Liquid Silver Books--my favorite publisher. “A Reckless Affair” is just what the title implies--a Regency buck who is badgered by his grandmother to get married and hopes to stay single, and a young, unsatisfied widow who is looking to experience hot sex from a new lover, and also hopes to remain unmarried. You can guess what happens. I believe “Reckless” will be released sometime next month--but don’t quote me.  I also have a “quickie” in the Zodiac Series from Liquid Silver Books. I have a Sagittarian female kicking up her heels in the “old West” during a timetravel adventure pairing astrological-based plots with another LSB author.

How can your readers contact you? Do you have a website?

My website address, which consists of excerpts and reviews on all of my books.  I can be emailed at: blaisekilgallen@earthlink.net

What encouraging words would you give to aspiring authors, if you could?

Keep learning. Read a lot. Write what you like to read. And don’t get discouraged. It took me almost 4 years to get published originally. Oh yeah, and develop a “thick” skin.

I would like to thank Blaise Kilgallen on behalf of Coffee Time Romance for chatting with us and we wish you good luck on all your upcoming projects.

Thank you, Laura, for inviting me to Coffee Time Romance Interviews!

Laura
Interviewer
Coffee Time Romance