Hi, thanks for hosting me on Hardcover Feedback. Like most people, I have a few identities: I’m a writer, a mom, a writing instructor, and a reading tutor. I (unintentionally) kill houseplants -- especially when I’m in a writing frenzy and don’t remember they exist. I write young adult novels, historical romance, short fantasy lit, and I’m just about to release a new chicklit novel in mid July. In short, I follow my dreams wherever they lead -- and sometimes find myself in a blind alley wishing I’d brought a flashlight.
A lot of people are on Twitter these days, so can you describe The Fairy Tale Bride for us in 140 characters or less (which is the size of a tweet)?
Miranda believes in fairy tale endings. But hers will require convincing a stubborn duke that he deserves a happily ever after.
When did you begin writing The Fairy Tale Bride? What inspired this book and how much research was involved in writing it?
I wrote The Fairy Tale Bride in the late 1990s, and sold it in April of 1999. I was delighted to bring out all of my Once Upon a Wedding historical romances as ebooks this past year. I’ve always loved the Regency and VIctorian periods of history. I first wrote the book as a late-era Regency, but my editor asked me to change it to a Victorian-set novel because they had too many Regencies at the time. Since I knew a lot about both periods, I readily agreed. The changes were significant, however, as the fashion and customs changed quite a bit. I fudged the changes in the The Fairy Tale Bride by beginning right when Victoria became queen. I had a blast learning all I could about her first years in the unexpected position of ruler of England. Some of what I learned helped me decide what challenges Miranda, my independent heroine, would have to face.
What or who made the biggest influence on you wanting to become a writer?
Every writer who wrote one of the many books I read growing up. I remember being very impressed to discover that Laura Ingalls Wilder was a real woman, not just a character in a book. I think that helped make the idea of becoming an author more tangible.
What was the first book you ever wrote about and was it ever published?
That’s a harder question that you might think. My first short story (which was awful, I admit) was about a prison guard in a prison that kept inmate frozen in suspended animation. They were called corpsicles, and the story broke all the rules (not in a good way). The protagonist basically sat staring at the inmates and ruminating about how society had come to that point. I wrote many short stories after that, mostly about mothers who were dealing with the overwhelming responsibility of loving and caring for children who were oblivious to the dangers of life. My first novel (safely tucked under the bed for all times) followed the adventures of a young woman from New Orleans who was married off to a Yankee against her will and had to come to grips with a new home in the cold heart of Maine.
Do you have any writing habits that people might find unusual?
Does talking to my characters count as an unusual writing habit? Sometimes when I’m in the shower, or driving alone, I will have a chat with a character to work out some problems we’re having with the plot, or to get to know them just a bit better.
What is something that you have always wanted to do, but just haven't gotten around to it yet?
In my life as a reading tutor, and a mom of a son with dyslexia, I aspire to create games that will help older children and adults learn to read fluently without the embarrassment and frustration that comes from reading games geared for preschoolers.
If a TV show was based on your life, what type of TV show would it be (i.e., comedy, drama, suspense, etc.) who would you choose to play the leading character (you), and what would the theme song be? Why?
A TV show based on my life would never get past pilot stage. It would be a comedy along the lines of Seinfeld, with a dash of Malcolm in the Middle (only where the mother often retreats into her writing cave and only emerges to quickly dish out hot dogs and mac and cheese. A young Kathy Bates (but still with a hint of her character in Misery) could handle the role, which requires a lot of waiting, juggling, laughing, and a little crying. The theme song would be a funky little tune entitled “Shopping in Sweatpants ‘Cause the Milk Done Turned.”
What is your favorite TV show and/or movie?
I am loving Once right now. I’ve always been a sucker for an involved story. I’m so glad they didn’t cancel it. I have to know what happens when the purple fog clears. I hope it makes more sense than the ending of Lost. And Heroes...that was not an ending.
What are you currently working on?
I am feverishly finishing the draft of The Ex-Files, my chicklit novel due to be released in July. I had to stop and revise the first part before I could finish the novel, so now I’m a little behind deadline. Have to get it to the editor in two weeks. Gah.
Where can people connect with you online?
I’m around a lot of places. Twitter is one of my favorites, but I do Facebook and Pinterest. Just look for Kelly McClymer and you’ll find me. Or go to my website and click on my links http://kellymcclymer.com
Thank you so much Kelly for being on Hardcover Feedback!
Thank you so much for having me!
About The Fairy Tale Bride:
The Fensters were like many other proper Victorian families—in every way but one. Ignorning the grim convention that one married for wealth and title, these spirited siblings followed their hearts...and vowed to wed only for love. Happily-ever-after is all she ever wanted...
Even though society thinks her all but unmarriageable, Miranda Fenster still believes in true love. She'll do anything to advance its cause, even confront the man whose disapproval is all that keeps her dear brother from making a romantic match. But Miranda's impetuous meeting with the Duke of Kerstone has a far different outcome than she intended. For when the cynical nobleman realizes she's been compromised by their tryst, he insists on nothing less than marriage. Now suddenly, the champion of fairy tale endings finds herself a most unlikely bride!
Available to purchase at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Fairy-Tale-Bride-Wedding-ebook/dp/B0042ANYJ8
GIVEAWAY:
Enter to win an e-copy of The Fairy Tale Bride by Kelly McClymer. Giveaway is open internationally! To enter, all you have to do is answer the madatory question, follow this blog in at least one way and then complete whichever extra entries you want in the Rafflecopter form below. If you are not familiar with how to use Rafflecopter HERE is a link to a how-to video. Giveaway ends June 24th at 11:59p.m. (e.s.t.). Good luck!
This sounds like such an interesting story! I love books where the characters really learn to love each other after the marriage and this sounds like a great example!
ReplyDeleteGrabbed me at the title. It sounds like a great girl read for the summer.
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