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Romance Novel Reviews, Author Interviews, Commentary
Interview: Author Christina Phillips + Giveaway
Filed in Christina Phillips , Giveaways , Interview , The Smutty Lover Posted on February 14, 2011 @ 7:00 am
53 comments
We are very happy to welcome author Christina Phillips here at Book Lovers Inc today. She’s the author of the wonderful Ancient Historical Romance books Forbidden and Captive which was released this month. Today she will tell a bit more about herself and what makes her books special. Please give her a warm welcome and be sure to stay tuned till the end to win one of her books.
The Smutty Lover: Christina can you please tell us a bit about yourself?
Christina: Hi Has! Thank you for having me at Book Lovers Inc today! As for me, I’m married to my teenage sweetheart, we have three children and we emigrated from the UK to sunny Western Australia at the end of 1998.
The Smutty Lover: Describe a typical day of writing? Are you a planner or pantser?
Christina: Well, ideally I like to be at the computer by 8 am when I go through my emails before starting actual work. I’ve tried not checking my emails first but that doesn’t seem to work for me! So then I write until lunchtime – 11.30am – then back to it until mid-afternoon when I break off to catch up on Facebook and Twitter and blog hopping.
Unfortunately, this rarely happens. So I fit my writing in between all the other stuff such as taxi-ing the kids about and shopping.
Before I start a new book I spend time thinking about and getting to know my hero and heroine’s background. I don’t discover everything about them before I start their book but I need to know the major events that have occurred in their lives before they reached this point. I also have a vague roadmap in mind—a few crucial turning points in the plot of the story but I rarely have any idea how my hero and heroine will a) reach those turning points or b) how on earth they’ll resolve them when they do.
So I’m mainly a panster, although I do plot a bit in advance.
The Smutty Lover: What do you think is the difference between a reader and a real Book Lover?
Christina: Well, I consider myself a book lover and I’m thrilled my son is too. One thing we’ve always done since he was a toddler is discuss the books we’ve read. Now he’s older he often recommends books to me—and then we dissect them for hours afterwards. I love those discussions and think maybe that’s something only a real book lover would understand!
The Smutty Lover: What was the first romance book you fell utterly in love with? And do you have an ultimate hero and heroine which you adore?
Christina: Oh goodness! This is such a hard question to answer because I can hardly remember a time when I didn’t read romances! When I was eleven I discovered Barbara Cartland and Emily Bronte, then as a teenager I devoured Kathleen Woodiwiss and soon afterwards found Harlequin Mills and Boon. It’s the same for romance heroes and heroines. Cathy and Heathcliff really stick in my mind but I think it’s because it’s one of the first romances I ever read. Because, really, now I just want to give Heathcliff a good slap!!
The Smutty Lover: The covers for your Forbidden novels are awesome. Are they what you imagined them like? If not, what would you like to change? Do you know who made them?
Christina: Berkley were amazing when it came to incorporating my suggestions and ideas into the covers. When I first saw the cover for Forbidden, I was completely blown away. It was everything I’d imagined and more! Carys even has bi-coloured eyes. I’m still in lust with Maximus’s biceps, and love the mystical atmosphere of the mist shrouded forest and waterfall in the background. The artist is Gordon Crabb.
I’m also thrilled with the cover for Captive. Although it’s a different style to Forbidden, it actually captures the dark atmosphere of the book perfectly. I love the protective way Bren is looking at Morwyn! The artist is Tony Mauro and designer for both covers is George Long.
The Smutty Lover: Both of your books are set during the Roman invasion of Britain, what inspired you to write about this setting (note we are very partial to Roman centurions at BLI)?
Christina: I’d never intended to write a historical romance, despite my love of reading them or the fact I used to write tragic historical time travels when I was a teenager. But one night Maximus, the hero of Forbidden, marched into my mind from nowhere and refused to leave until I unearthed his story. And since his story involved a Druid princess and insane High Priest, I knew I didn’t have a choice!
The Smutty Lover: We are also always curious about how the authors research their books. Are you more of a library or internet researcher? Christina: Growing up in England I had a basic knowledge of the Roman invasion from early school history lessons. I also had a vague understanding about the culture of the Druids. At least, I thought I did! I undertook a lot of research on the Internet, double checking and cross referencing and then taking what I needed. When it came to Druids I was surprised by how little we really do know about them, and what we do know is most often from contemporary writings of the time by their enemies—the Romans. So I decided it was perfectly OK to ignore the bloodthirsty human sacrifice reputation they had and listen to my heroines (who obviously knew a great deal more about their world than I did!)
The Smutty Lover: I found that your depiction about Druids and Roman life was very vivid and real and I loved how you combined a hint of magic and Celtic mythology. Will there be more of that in the next book/s? And do you plan to set any other books in a different historical setting?
Christina: Thanks! I loved weaving in the ancient Celtic mythology. The magical elements will continue throughout the following books as they’re an integral aspect of the world of Forbidden. As for different historical settings, I’m working on another historical series set in Scotland but am also neck deep in a contemporary paranormal romance.
The Smutty Lover: What can we expect of Captive?
Christina: Captive is my second ancient historical romance set in my Roman/Druid world, and begins six months after Forbidden ends. The heroine, Morwyn, is not only recovering from the realization that the man she once loved brutally betrayed his own people, but has also turned her back on her Druidic heritage. She sets off to join the rebels fighting the Roman invaders but is ambushed and captured by a tough Gaul mercenary.
The hero, Bren, is haunted by his violent past and far from being Morwyn’s bitterest enemy as she imagines, has been undercover in the Roman Legions for the last three years. The problem is he can’t tell Morwyn the truth, because the truth could get them both killed.
The Smutty Lover: Your heroine Morwyn lost her faith and took a vow of celibacy to spite her goddess. What does she want to prove with that? She seems to be a rebel at heart. What kind of person is she like?Christina: Morwyn is a powerful druid priestess, has the heart of a warrior and up until the end of Forbidden was devoted to her goddess, the Morrigan. However, events at the end of book one shook her to her soul and when Captive opens she’s suffering from a severe crisis of faith. Not only in her goddess but also in herself. Her vow of celibacy is her way of showing the Morrigan she no longer worships her but of course once she meets Bren her convictions start to crumble…
The Smutty Lover: Bren is secretly allied with the British King, even though he is part of the Roman army, and like Cerys in Forbidden, finds himself torn between desire and duty. I really like the idea of a double agent hero, is he based on a real person or events?
Christina: I didn’t base Bren on any actual person, but the events which propel the plot of Captive are based on a real battle that took place in AD 51, when a Briton king, Caratacus, engaged the Roman Legions in what he hoped would be a decisive victory over his enemies.
The Smutty Lover: What is the real Bren like? Was it difficult to portray him with two different sides by him being a double agent?
Christina: I adore Bren. He’s the most tortured hero I’ve written so far, and his wounded soul haunted me. Because of events in his past, he’s not only taken on the identity of a man he utterly despises but has constructed a tough shell around his heart. To the outside world he’s a cold bastard and it’s only when Morwyn enters his life that his façade begins to crack. I didn’t find it difficult to portray the two sides of him, because although he’s undercover in the Roman Legions he never forgets for a moment where his loyalties lie. And it’s that aspect of his personality that causes him such torment later in the book.
The Smutty Lover: Do you have any plans to write in a different genre?
Christina: I’m currently writing an erotic romance about some very bad ass angels, and have my fingers crossed my editor will like it!
The Smutty Lover: Will there be more books in this series?
Christina: I would love to write more books in the Forbidden series but like everything it all depends on whether the market wants it!!
The Smutty Lover: What is next on your schedule? Anything else we should keep our eyes open for?
Christina: I don’t have a release date for my next book yet, it’s a bit nerve racking! But hopefully I’ll know before long!!
The Smutty Lover: Now to the mean questions. We apologize in advance. 😉
Can you give us 3 reasons why people should read your books?
Christina: My heroes are loyal, tough, sexy as hell and are prepared to lay their life on the line when it comes to protecting the woman they love.
My heroines are strong-minded, independent and think they know exactly what they want from life. Then, of course, they meet their heroes and all bets are off…Alpha heroes, used to getting their own way, matched with powerful druid heroines who are also used to getting their own way, in a world where ancient goddesses refuse to fade into the mists of time simply because of political shifts in power.
The Smutty Lover: Which 4 characteristics should a perfect hero have in your opinion? And do you think Bren fits this description?
Christina:My perfect hero has to have a sense of humour, otherwise he’s just an obnoxious bore. He must possess honour and integrity and once he falls in love he’d go to the deepest pits of hell if it meant saving his woman.
Bren absolutely fits this description. Although for the last few years his life has been bleak with little opportunity to smile, never mind laugh, underneath he possesses a keen sense of humour. As for his honour and integrity, that’s something he wrestles with on a daily basis and he really went through the wringer during the course of Captive. I’m mean to my heroes.
The Smutty Lover: If you have to describe Bren and Morwyn’s romance as a dessert what type would it be?
Christina:I thought you were joking when you said you had mean questions! Well, this is tricky. OK, let me go for a fruit crumble that’s been left too long in the oven (a sorry reflection on my own cooking skills I’m afraid!!) On the outside it’s all sharp edged and prickly and if you’re not careful you’ll not only get burned but also sliced open on the defensive exterior. But when you slide inside it’s a revelation. And definitely hot!
The Smutty Lover: Could you give us a short summary of your novel twitter style (140 characters or less)?
Christina:
Trained in sensuality, a Druid priestess finds herself falling for the wrong man – the warrior who’s taken her prisoner
The Smutty Lover: And finally which Roman or Celtic hero (real or fictional) would you love to bring back to life so he could wine and dine and woo you?
Christina:Can I be really shallow here and say Clive Owen as Arthur? Or Colin Firth as Aurelius? Or Michael Fassbender as Quintus Dias?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~*~*Giveaway*~*~
Christina has generously offered a copy of either Captive OR Forbidden to one lucky commenter.
All you have to do is ask Christina a question or leave a meaningful comment about the interview.
(You can read our full giveaway policy here)
Please leave us a way to contact you.
(Email in blogger profile or twitter name – no way to contact you – no entry).
This giveaway is open worldwide!
Giveaway ends on Saturday, February 26, 2011, and we will announce the winner on Sunday.
Good luck!
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great interview! I have a friend who's trying to write her own romance novel at the moment and it's interesting to see how you begin your process, I may suggest that to her as she's having problems with coming up with the main conflict in the novel.
HAHA I want to give Cathy more of a slap than I do Heathcliff LOL
"Christina: My heroes are loyal, tough, sexy as hell and are prepared to lay their life on the line when it comes to protecting the woman they love."
*SWOON* Now where to find me one for next Valentine's day….rofl >_>
haven't ordered this yet as I'm still confused at the release date listed on book depository LOL but I can't wait to read Morwyn's story!!!
@Envyious on twitter
email: midnite dot fantasy at gmail dot com
Love that you choose Celtic mythology for your book, plus romance! Yay! But seriously, I really like romance novels set in different times. Unfortunatelly most don't go far back in history, so this is great!!
Of course I'm also wondering whether you've got other historic areas in mind for upcoming books?
danaan at gmx dot at
Hello Christina!
I think both books look awesome. My question is this: You are now writing a contemporary story, has it been more or less difficult than writing your historical romances?
Stacie
GeishasMom73 on twitter
Hi Camille/Envyious!
haha, well I agree with you, Cathy needed a good slap as well!! They were so well matched. It's a shame they never got together until they died (although thinking back, that was probably one of the reasons I loved that book so much as a teen!!!)
The Book Depository dates confuse me too *but* they are shipping because I know people who pre-ordered Captive from there and the book arrived already! Very strange but I'm very happy about it!!!
Hi Birgit, it is a bit harder to find historical romances set in more unusual times, and I've been really thrilled by readers reactions to Forbidden (and hopefully Captive 🙂 )
I do have another series in mind set in the Scottish Highlands (more hot men in skirts!!!) so I have my fingers crossed for that one!
Hi GeishasMom73! Thanks so much!
The funny thing is up until I wrote Forbidden, all my books had been contemporary. So for me, writing the historical romance was a huge departure (although I always loved writing historical stories when I was a teen). In terms of difficulty although I don't have the historical research for the contemp there are other areas I've been researching which has been pretty time-consuming. So it's a bit swings and roundabouts really 🙂
I really like her answer to the question about her idea of a "perfect hero." Honor and integrity are definitely more important than sexy and hot in bed! lol
kimbers10[at]yahoo[dot]com
Hi KimberlySue! It's been a while since Bren ever thought of himself in terms of being sexy, but I'm happy to say Morwyn helps change his mind on that one 🙂
Ooh…I love Christina's idea of a perfect hero! Those are all of the same things that I look for! That's one of the reasons I put Captive on my wish list!
cbandy10(at)hotmail(dot)com
Thanks, Cindy! Those things are very important to Morwyn as well, which is why she has such a hard time coming to terms with her feelings for Bren – because she considers him a traitor 🙂
Everyone loves your heroes! It's really hard to tell that you aren't a seasoned Historical author who's written this genre forever! Your wrting is that good and well researched too.
Which of the two book was more fun to write?
rickimc[at]aol[dot]com
I love your description of the perfect hero!! Honorable is a great word to describe him. Thank you for the contest, both of the books look excellent!
inthehammockblog at gmail dot com
Great interview! Perfect hero: When he falls in love he’d go to the deepest pits of hell if it meant saving his woman.We all woman want that!
Thanks for the giveaway!!!
artgiote at gmail dot com
Congrats on the new release, Christina. I loved "Forbidden" and wish it would be made into a movie. I can see Henry Cavill or Andy Whitfield in your movies.
janie1215 AT excite DOT com
Christina – I'm so glad that I stopped by and found out more about not only your books but you. My entire family loves books in fact my older son got in trouble when he was in school for reading! Our family firmly believes that reading is important and the only way to have children love to read is not only reading to them but seeing their parents read. My younger son actually called me once and told we had to move closer because his children are driving him crazy with always wanting to go to the library and they need Gramma and PaPa nearby to "take turns"!
I enjoyed reading this post; it was great and informative.
My first romance was Barbara Cartland! DAG, those books were great. My favorite was Passion in the Sand!!
I love your book covers. Do you work with one particular artist?
Thanks,
Tracey D
booklover0226 at gmail dot com
Hi, Christina! Your books sound fabulous! And I adore the super romantic covers 🙂
justforswag(AT)yahoo(DOT)com
I would love to get my son to read more. I have thought that getting his father to read would help. It is awesome that you share a love for books.
robin [at] intensewhisper [dot] com
I love the book descriptions and I have had Forbidden on my wish list for some time now.
Thanks for the great giveaway!
apk1princess(at)live(dot)com
Thank you, Kaye! What a lovely thing to say. Although I hadn't written any historical romances with a view to publication before Forbidden, I did write a lot of historicals when I was younger. But like my space operas, not many of them ended well!!!
Ooh Ricki, hard question! Forbidden will always hold a special place in my heart because it was such a departure for me – ancient historical with the fantasy elements and I adore Carys and Maximus. But I had a lot of fun writing Captive. I think it was because the world was that much more familiar so I already had the background firmly in my mind. So if I really have to choose (and I have to choose, don't I?!) I'll say Captive!!!
Hi Carrie, thank you!! I do think a hero has to be honorable, that he believes in what he's doing even if, to the outside world, it all looks very dodgy.
Hi Diana! I do enjoy seeing a hero suffer for his love 🙂 But it just makes me look forward to his HEA all the more!!
Thanks Jane! And OMG yes! A woman after my own heart!! I can totally see Henry Cavill playing the part of Bren. He would be awesome. I wouldn't mind coaching him into the part if I had to!!!
LOL Jane, I got so excited at the mention of Henry Cavill I forgot to say thank you – I'm stoked you enjoyed Forbidden!!
Hi Jeanne, thank you! My children have always been used to me reading, and I loved taking them to the library when they were little for the story time and choosing books. That's so lovely about your grandchildren!!
Hi Tracey! I can't remember the very first Barbara Cartland I read. My friend used to pinch her older sister's stash and bring them to school for us to read!!
I'm glad you love the book covers! They're gorgeous 🙂 The art dept used different artists for each cover but the same designer.
Thank you, Chelsea!! I need to frame Captive so it can go next to Forbidden on my wall 🙂
Hi Robin, my husband rarely reads and when he does it's non-fiction (although to my amazement he did read Forbidden last year!) My son enjoys reading fantasy and spy stories. What really hooked him was the first three Harry Potter books that he read over the Easter holidays when he was seven. But I don't think any of his friends read, so I'm really glad it's just something he happens to enjoy doing.
Hi Alexa, thanks!
I can totally relate to the fact that without a sense of humor a hero is indeed an obnoxious bore. Well done for acknowledging this. I have read my share of humorless peacocks & they don't measure up well.
marypres@gmail.com
Thanks for the interview! It's always interesting to know an author's writing and research process that goes on 'behind-the-scenes'. The books sound fantastic, I will definitely check them out and I just want to say that I really like the covers as well. I'm glad you were able to give some input into those, Christina!
chibipooh(at)gmail(dot)com
Hi marybelle, "humorless peacocks" – what a brilliant description! I find it hard to relate to a hero who takes himself too seriously all of the time.
Thanks, winnie! I'm glad you found the interview interesting, I had great fun answering the questions 🙂
My perfect hero would be someone who is compassionate caring tough protective and who would sacrifice their life for you or the ones they love. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com
I actually have Captive and Forbidden on my wish list, ever since I read the blurbs on a bookmark I got! I definitely love the loyal, tough, and sexy heroes.
Email: angeldream3(at)gmail(dot)com
My ideal hero would be strong snarky and caring, with a hint of troubled past and a dash of darkness but with redeeming qualities.
yum where is he at 😉
The series looks great. It is now on my TBR list. thank you for bringing it to my attention.
terilhack at yahoo dot com
There aren't that many romance books around set in Roman times I don't think – as much as I like Regency romance, it's nice to have different settings, both in terms of time and location. Thx for the heads up about this series.
Hi Tore, that's my kind of hero, the one who's willing to sacrifice everything for his heroine 🙂
Hi Amy, oh I'm so glad the blurbs on the bookmark worked!! I love that type of hero too!!
Hi Teril, thank you!! I'm loving the sound of this hero 🙂 I do love a dash of darkness in a hero!
Hi Kaetrin, I love Regency romances, but sometimes I'm in the mood for something a bit different 🙂
Wow, falling for the wrong mam, who actually has taken her prisoner…? I HAVE to read it! 🙂 And I love the cover!
Thanks for the giveaway,
mikki-mano@hotmail.com
LOL, Mikki-Manó thanks! I love that cover too… Bren looks so protective! (not that Morwyn believes she needs protecting!!)
I love books with Celtic mythology – there are so few of them! Can't wait to read this series 🙂
smaccall @ comcast.net
Thanks, Sarah!
Love the druids as the subject in the book and that she's questioning.
Theresa n
weceno(at)yahoo(dot)com
Hi Theresa, I loved watching Morwyn question everything she'd once believed in 🙂
The book sound fantastic and I love the cover.
welzen@hotmail.com
I like strong characters in books, especially when it's a good, strong heroine.
meredithfl at gmail dot com
I love historical romance but this is one era in which I've read very little if any. However, the short summary, twitter style, has me intrigued enough to add these books to my TBR list, if I don't win them first! 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway!
BornajhawkATaolDOTcom
Thanks so much for stopping by, Welzen, Meredith and Laura! I'm so glad the twitter summary was intriguing!!