Interview With Author Beth Trissel
By Keiti | September 22, 2008
There is nothing better than curling up in one’s comfy clothes, a cup of hot chocolate, and a romance novel on a cool autumn day.
After all the chaos of traveling to Scotland and getting settled in, today was the perfect day to sit back, relax and just indulge myself. It didn’t happen quite like that, but had I had the opportunity to read for enjoyment today, I would have picked up a book by award-winning author Beth Trissel who writes historical romance novels.
Quite by chance, I recently had the opportunity to interview Beth about her forthcoming book, Somewhere My Love, and while I haven’t had the chance to read beyond her short story entitled Nighthawk due to the books not being available as of yet, I am looking forward to checking them out.
So, without further ado, here’s Beth Trissel in her own words:
1: In the Questions for Beth Trissel section of your website you state that you can picture yourself writing in other genres, specifically mystery or young adult. What is it about Historical Romance that keeps you writing in that genre?
I love history, always have. Immersing myself in writing about the past is my way of living there for awhile, and I’m a hopeless romantic so it’s a win, win. I have a tendency to mix in paranormal elements like ghosts or time travel. Sometimes to the point where the story is more paranormal than historical so I’ve found myself writing for the light paranormal genre too.
2. You note in a myspace blog post that herbs have historically been part of any mystery or romance – aside from the standard uses of herbs to poison an enemy, cure a loved one, or create a love connection, why do you think herbs have played such an integral role?
Warding off evil with sacred herbs was also important, still is in some cultures. Herbs play an integral role in historical romance/mystery because they were interwoven with every facet of life. Herbal lore is also wonderfully fascinating.
3. How has your genealogy played a part in your writing? Have any of your ancestors found their way into your books?
I’m deeply influenced by the time periods and places my ancestors lived and my English/Scots-Irish heritage. Research into genealogy inspired my first historical romance and was the basis for several others. I use old family names for many of my characters. The old Virginia home in my family has also influenced my writing as has the rich history of this state.
4. Would you give us a sneak-peek into your upcoming release, Somewhere My Love?
Somewhere My Love is a murder mystery/ghost story romance with flashbacks to early nineteenth century Virginia. The idea for the story came to me after I toured old plantation Homes along the James River, the setting for ‘Somewhere.’
Here’s an excerpt:
(Misfit Note: My apologies for the funky formatting…it is solely my fault and should be no reflection of Beth Trissel’s writing.)
A cold finger laid its icy touch on Julia and ran down the length of her spine. “How did it happen?”
“He’s said to have been run through by the very man who made that mark on the door. A Mr. Cameron. Scottish fellow he was, back in…” Mrs. Hensley pursed her thin lips, blue eyes distant. “Ah, yes, 1806. Some fuss over a woman.”
“How dreadful. What about Mr. Cameron?”
“The friend of a neighbor, I believe. He escaped and was never found. No justice was ever done in the matter.”
Julia hesitated, then asked, “And the woman?”
“Heartbroken, poor thing. She returned to England. She was a guest of the Wentworth family and greatly enamored of Cole. All the young ladies were, but he had a particular fascination with this girl.”
“Why was she so special?”
“Apart from her legendary beauty? She had an angelic quality about her. Or so the story goes.”
An irrational jealousy twanged a jarring note in Julia. In the space of a few short minutes she’d fallen in love with the man in the portrait—typical of her impractical nature and unlikely to advance her nonexistent love life. And yet, she couldn’t help plunging into this sweet madness.
She tore her eyes from the painting. “Do you recall the lady’s name?”
Mrs. Hensley gave a little laugh. She tapped a finger to her furrowed forehead. “Isn’t that odd? It was Julia something…hmmmm.”
Was Mrs. Hensley teasing her? She had to know.
“I’ve got it. Julia Maury,” the guide continued and arched graying brows. “You’re from England, aren’t you, Miss Morrow? Tread with care here, my girl. We don’t want you stirring up any ghosts. Foxleigh has enough already.”
5. Enemy of the King, Through the Fire, and Daughter of the Wind are all slated to be released through The Wild Rose Press in addition to Somewhere My Love. Are there scheduled release dates for them, as well?
Not yet but I expect one soon for Enemy of the King, my Revolutionary War historical romance novel. Daughter of the Wind is in the final galleys. I also have several sequels in the works and Through the Fire is the lead story in my colonial frontier trilogy, so stay tuned.
And speaking of staying tuned, check back tomorrow for information about where to find Beth Trissel online.
Topics: books |
September 22nd, 2008 at 11:34 am
Hi Beth! I can’t wait for Somewhere My Love to come out. It sounds fantastic! Love romance, mystery and ghosts. Wish you the very very best!
Judith
September 22nd, 2008 at 11:35 am
Interesting interview questions, Keiti.
Beth, I love how your work your family’s history and the history of the beautiful area you call home into your stories.
September 22nd, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Thanks for the preview, Beth. It sounds too good to miss.
September 22nd, 2008 at 12:05 pm
I love Beth’s writing. It transports you to the past and she always gets her history right!
September 22nd, 2008 at 12:11 pm
Hi Beth, great post. Your new books sound great.
September 22nd, 2008 at 12:50 pm
A fantastic interview, Beth, and the book sounds like a sure winner!
September 22nd, 2008 at 12:59 pm
Great excerpt, Beth. I am impatiently waiting for Somewhere My Love.
September 22nd, 2008 at 1:18 pm
I just wanted to pop in on the comments and say “Thank you” to everyone who’s dropped by! Please feel free to check in every so often for other happenings going on around this place.
And big “Thank you” to Beth Trissel for agreeing to the interview in the first place.
Thanks, Beth!
September 22nd, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Thanks so much everyone for all the great comments. Woo Hooo, Friday’s release date is very near.
September 22nd, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Great interview, Beth!
I love combining history with the paranormal too!
Great excerpt!
September 22nd, 2008 at 5:22 pm
Thanks Susan. Yes, a great combination.
September 22nd, 2008 at 7:46 pm
Hi Beth,
Great interview. Can’t wait to read your newest release this Friday! Sounds great!
Cheers,
Sue
September 23rd, 2008 at 9:24 am
Hey Beth! Loved the interview. The excerpt was fantastic and I can’t wait to read the whole book! Can we put a quick interview up next week with a link to where my readers can purchase the book? =)
September 23rd, 2008 at 7:18 pm
Thanks much, ladies. That would be lovely, CJ.
September 26th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
Keiti,
I’m delighted to see that you are following through with your author interviews. You are an insightful interviewer. May I recommend contacting Kate Evans who has a new book, entitled The May Queen, coming out in the next few weeks. If you are interested, back channel me for her contact info.
ph
September 27th, 2008 at 2:09 am
Patricia,
Thank you!
I’ll email you privately.
Keiti