New Author Alert!

by Cybil Solyn

November 2003

Sharon Stancavage's first book came out in October 2003. She was kind enough to take a moment and speak to Rakehell about the experience of publishing Emily's Christmas Gift and what it's like being a new author.

Sharon what motivated you to become a writer?

I've always wanted to be a writer, ever since I was in grade school.

Is this the genre that you always wanted to write in, or did it just "find"you?

In a way, the genre just found me. A friend literally handed me a bag of romance novels several years ago, and I enjoyed the Regencies the most.

What was it like having your first novel published?

Absolutely wonderful.

What is it about the Regency that interests you the most?

I think Regencies are among the most well plotted romance novels on the market. Plus, I find them among the most imaginative, because they take readers to a completely different time and place.

What's your favorite piece of historic research?

I don't think I have any specific piece that I rely on; for Emily's Christmas Wish, I looked at a lot of antique books, which is where I eventually found the model for the Manning Mermaid.

Who are some of the authors who influenced you?

I tend to read everything except Westerns, so my list of authors that have influenced me changes by the day. I've enjoyed everyone from Jane Austen to F.Scott Fitzgerald to Naguib Mahfouz to Margaret Summerville.

Any suggestions to aspiring authors?

Don't give up. And be patient. I think both can be difficult to do at times. It also helps is you have someone who supports in your writing and believes in you.

What can we expect to see from you in the future?

My next novel, An Enchanting Minxis coming out next September from Zebra. It's about the misadventures of a Welsh heiress in London Society.

Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to Rakehell.

It was my pleasure.