Beth Trissel
By The Misfit | May 22, 2009
UPDATE: Beth Trissel has just informed me that she will be giving away a digital download of Through the Fire to one lucky recipient. To be eligible, just leave a comment with a question for Beth.
Since we last spoke with author Beth Trissel last September, her novel Somewhere My Love has received an awesome review from Publisher’s Weekly:
“As I read Somewhere My Love, I recalled the feelings I experienced the first time I read Daphne DuMaurier’s Rebecca long ago. Using deliciously eerie elements similar to that gothic romance, Beth Trissel has captured the haunting dangers, thrilling suspense and innocent passions that evoke the same tingly anticipation and heartfelt romance I so enjoyed then, and still do now.”
~ Joysann, Publishers Weekly
(printed with permission from Beth Trissel)
Now she has three new novels available: Enemy of the King, Daughter of the Wind, and Through the Fire. AND her own blog in addition to her website and myspace page! To celebrate we’re going to do something fun and let you have your chance to ask Beth the questions you have been dying to ask her. To participate, please leave your questions in the comments section over the next week and a half or so. I’ll stop accepting questions on 31 August and send them to Beth. If there are more than 10 questions, we’ll try to split them up over a number of blog posts so as not to completely overwhelm her.
So get cracking on those questions! And in the meantime, enjoy my previous conversation with Beth:
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 for the misfit, interview with the misfit | 3 Comments »
May 22nd, 2009 at 10:28 am
Thanks for having me on your super blog!
May 22nd, 2009 at 10:41 am
Beth, it’s always a pleasure!
May 22nd, 2009 at 4:26 pm
Looks like I am going to have to go the B&N and plop some money down. Hey K. either get on gmail chat or skype and call me. Got info on my trip this summer.
Your Big Bro