It’s Meet the Author Monday! Each week we meet a new author and get to know a little about them, their writing process, publishing experience, and tips for other writers. Today we’re talking to Anabelle Bryant, author of Duchess If You Dare.
About Anabelle Bryant:
USA Today Bestselling author Anabelle Bryant began reading at age three and never stopped. Her passion for reading soon turned into a passion for writing and an author was born. Happy to grab her suitcase if it ensures a new adventure, Anabelle finds endless inspiration in travel; especially imaginary jaunts into romantic Regency England, a far cry from her home in New Jersey. Instead, her clever characters live out her daydreams because really, who wouldn’t want to dance with a handsome duke or kiss a wicked earl?
Anabelle’s books have been translated into several languages including Japanese and Russian, but writing isn’t all that keeps her busy. Building miniatures, baking and photography are other favorite pastimes. Often found with her nose in a book, Anabelle is just as happy in a room full of people. She enjoys meeting readers, attending conferences and book signings. She has earned her Master’s Degree and is ABD for her Doctorate Degree in education.
A firm believer in romance, Anabelle knows sometimes life doesn’t provide a happily ever after, but her novels always do. Visit her website at AnabelleBryant.com
About Duchess If You Dare:
From the glittering ballrooms of the ton to the city’s grittiest corners, London has no shortage of wrongs in need of righting—and the Maidens of Mayhem are prepared for the challenge. United by secrecy and sisterhood, these daring women from all walks of life aim to fight injustice wherever it takes them—even into the arms of unexpected love…
Scarlett Wynn’s tragic childhood taught her that life can be cruel to women with little power. So when a local seamstress disappears, Scarlett vows to find out why. Armed with a weapon and her courage, Scarlett scours London for clues—and crosses the unlikely path of Ambrose Cross, the Duke of Aylesford, at an unlikely place: an upscale brothel. The Duke is trying to solve a mystery of his own, and Scarlett is sure they can help each other—if she can resist the attraction that draws them together . . .
As Duke of Aylesford, Ambrose is duty-bound to protect his family name from scandal no matter the cost. But Scarlett’s fearless spirit forces him to look beyond his world of privilege. Scarlett is as intoxicating as she is dangerous, igniting a fire in him like no other. But when the pair learn both mysteries they’re trying to solve are tied to a string of missing women, the tangled scheme they uncover may put their lives, and their growing love, in mortal danger—and lead them to search their hearts like never before . . .
“A delightful historical romance with a liberal dash of adventure, plenty of sizzling heat, and a heart of pure gold. A superb start to Bryant’s new Maidens of Mayhem series” —Lenora Bell, USA Today bestselling author
“Duchess if You Dare is a fantastic read that kept me up late and has me anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.”—USA Today Bestselling Author Renee Ann Miller
Author Interview with Anabelle Bryant:
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- Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?
I really try my best to do both. I think readers choose a romance novel with specific expectations. I know I do. Romance readers want a deep connection between the hero and heroine, a fresh plot, sharp dialogue and steamy love scenes before the guaranteed happily-ever-after. So while I work hard to include those important components in each of my stories, I also want to bring something new to the plot, to develop characters with unique personalities and create tension with unexpected twists.
- What’s the most difficult thing about writing characters from the opposite sex?
As strange as this might sound, I prefer to write from the male POV more than the female. I don’t know what that says about my personality but I suspect it’s because during the Regency era, females had very little power and voice. I think one advantage of embracing the male point of view is that I can incorporate more vulnerability and the opposite is also true. My heroines are intelligent, independent within reason and respect of the time period and determined in that they know what they want. I feel the hero and heroine should be compliments of each other, one offsetting the other in all the best ways.
- What advice would you give a new writer, someone just starting out?
Try not to compare your journey to anyone else’s. Although I still struggle with taking this advice myself, I never hesitate in offering it forward. Looking at others’ successes and comparing your own is normal, but it’s also dangerous. So many factors that are beyond an author’s control contribute to the popularity of a book. It’s important to remember that everyone’s path to success is different.
Other advice would include to develop a thick skin – like in all aspects of life, you’re never going to please everyone and most of all, don’t stop writing. Keep working at your craft. Believe in yourself and keep an optimistic spirit.
- How do you handle writer’s block?
When I’m stuck and my story or characters won’t co-operate, I take a break and let the manuscript rest. If I stay away 1-2 days, either of two things happen. Either I think through the issue and solve it before I return or when I return to my manuscript with fresh eyes, I can go back a few scenes, rewrite and find my way back to the story.
I will add that 2020 was almost an entire year of writer’s block for me – or maybe creativity block. Between the political news and pandemic reports, I found myself so stressed I could barely write a few sentences. I found it very hard to be creative and write romance when everything else felt so wrong in the world. Eventually, I distanced myself from the news and found my way back to writing again with the same joy and creativity as before.
- How do you come up with the titles to your books?
I enjoy thinking of titles almost as much as choosing the names of my characters. Every name I choose is given for a reason and the title is the same. It should have meaning and relate to the emotionality of the plot. I spend a lot of time trying to think of the perfect title – but sometimes publishers change the title anyway because they’re concerned with marketability and sales. Lol! I don’t usually think about that angle.
- Are you on social media and can your readers interact with you?
Yes! I’m on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. I also have my own website and YouTube channel where I post book trailers. I have a newsletter on my website and send out newsletters about 5 times a year. I love hearing from readers by messenger, email, and snail mail. There’s nothing like getting a card in the mail or unexpected email from a reader who enjoyed one of my stories. I enjoy answering questions about my books too.
- What is your favorite quote?
My favorite quote is: Sometimes you have to climb the mountain before you can enjoy the view. I have found this true in every part of my life. You have to put in the work. Nothing worth having comes easily. But then when you succeed, it’s all the more satisfying for all the effort you made.
- Share something your readers wouldn’t know about you.
I’m a people person. Sometimes people assume writers are quiet and reserved – but that’s definitely not me. I thrive on being with people and can’t wait until signings and conferences begin again. Being social had served me well in both teaching and writing. I enjoy meeting new people, making friends, planning outings and keeping in touch.
Want to learn more about Anabelle? Here’s where you can connect with her:
Website: www.anabellebryant.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AnabelleBryantAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnabelleBryant
BookBub: www.bookbub.com/profile/anabelle-bryant
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/user/show/26491397-anabelle-bryant
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/anabellebryant/
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