As I said in my earlier post, today I am posting interviews with two of the American Title finalists. Scroll down a bit to see my interview with Theresa Meyers. :) Now in the spotlight is Michèle Ann Young.
Welcome, Michèle!
First tell us about your book.
MAY: It is a marriage of convenience story, set in 1816 in London and Paris and a little bit in Norfolk, England. Lord Lucas Foxhaven and Caro Torrington were friends growing up, and although Caro would never admit it, she’s always had a secret passion for Lucas. When Lucas has to marry to get control of his inheritance, he thinks of Caro, the one woman who won’t interfere with his life. Will she? After the death of her father, Caro finds herself with three younger sisters and little money. Helping out a friend is one thing, but a marriage in name only to a man you once dreamed of is more than a little daunting. However, he is her best friend and it will make both of their lives easi! er. Won’t it?
Of course, they soon discover more than friendship binds them together and while their passions ignite in the drawing rooms of London and high society Paris, an intrigue threatens to ruin it all. Only if they admit to their love and throw out their bargain, can they triumph over the sudden danger from an unexepected source.
Q: If you could design your dream cover for this book, what would it look like?
MAY: As an author, I am hoping to get a dream artist to design the cover. I am much better at words than pictures. For this book, I would really like to see my couple on horseback - together. It is the opening scene of the book. I’m not sure if it is possible, however.
Q: What made you decide to enter American Title?
MAY: My book was ready, and it seemed like somthing different and exiting. Of course winning would be a wonderful opportunity.
Q: Had you entered any of the RWA contests with this book before that?
MAY: Yes, a couple.
Q: What kind of results did you get with those contests?
MAY: Good results. No finals, but some great insightful comments and some near misses. One or two of the judges really loved it, which made me think it had merit.
Q: How do you feel about your first sentence, etc. being posted on the web for everyone to judge?
MAY: It is quite nerve wracking actully. I suppose it is a bit like actually having a book published and having it reviewed.
Q: Have you received any feedback or fan mail from voters?
MAY:I have had a great many complements from voters who have taken their job of voting very seriously. I have had mail from person who liked my first line whom I did not know directly but who took the trouble to write a note on my blog.
Q: Once you are published what can readers expect from you in future books? Will you stick with historicals or would you like to try something else?
MAY: My first love is historicals. Some writers find the research intimidating. I do think one has to be as accurate as possible, but also tell a good story. I would like to write some really great historicals before moving to another genre. I have also started thinking about a fantasy/paranormal.
Q: What makes your books different from others?
MAY:I believe my books are relevant to today’s, even though dealing with a different era. My heroine in No Regrets is dealing with a low self esteem, something many women face.
Q:So we are ready to vote, what’s the schedule?
MAY:The next round of voting starts today, December 19th for the best Hero and heroine and finishes on January 1. (note from Lori: Again I got this a couple days ago.) The full schedule is posted at www.romantictimes.com. Voting takes place once a month until all but one of the contestants are eliminated.
Q: And where can readers learn more about you and your books?
MAY:My website www. micheleannyoung.com.
Thanks for taking the time to visit with us and Good Luck!!
