Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Today's Special - - Amanda Quick

Fangirl moment here!  I am so excited to welcome New York Times bestselling author Amanda Quick (a/k/a Jayne Ann Krentz) to TRD today.  I've been a huge fan of her writing since discovering Seduction in 1990.  At that time I had no idea that she also wrote under other names but as soon as I found out, I was off to discover her extensive back list too.  The creator of over 100 published books, she currently writes under three pen names:  Jayne Ann Krentz, Amanda Quick and Jayne Castle.  I'm a fan of all three! ~PJ 


Find Jayne/Amanda online at her website and on Facebook.  


Welcome to The Romance Dish and congratulations on your new book!  CRYSTAL GARDENS kicks off your new Ladies of Lantern Street series.  Please tell our readers what they can expect from this book.


This is the first book in a new series featuring lady psychic investigators who go undercover as paid companions. They investigate crimes in the otherwise closed world of the wealthy and powerful.  In Victorian society the career of paid companion was one of the few paths open to respectable women of the upper classes who found themselves impoverished and alone in the world.  It also turns out to be an absolutely perfect cover for a private investigator. 

What a fascinating premise!  I've just started reading CRYSTAL GARDENS and am already hooked.  What’s the one thing you want readers to understand about the hero of this story?  Your heroine? 

 My heroes and heroines never whine. 

LOL!  Yes, I can already tell that Lucas and Evangeline are take charge types.  And I have to say that nothing turns me off faster than a whiner.  

Most books I read have a scene that stays with me long after I’ve turned the final page.  What’s the one scene in CRYSTAL GARDENS that you would never cut?

Hmm.  Probably the scenes in the ruins of the ancient Roman baths in the middle of Crystal Gardens.  Very sexy setting, I think.

Sure sounds sexy!  

Many of your books have a paranormal/psychic thread in them.  What impels you to explore this world?

I don’t do the supernatural thing – no vampires or werewolves or magic.  I can enjoy reading those stories but I can’t write them.  On the other hand, I love writing with a psychic twist, not only because it adds another layer of bonding between the hero and heroine but also because it is just one step beyond intuition and dreams.

You have written under seven names, settling on three separate writing personas (Amanda Quick, Jayne Ann Krentz and Jayne Castle) for your historical, contemporary and futuristic stories so that readers would know what they were getting when they bought one of your books.  Is it difficult to create stories in three different sub-genres under three separate names?  How do you keep everything organized? 

I never set out to wind up with three careers, believe me.  But that’s pretty much what happened.  A case of “be careful what you wish for” I guess.  As it happens, though, it serves me very well because it allows me great variety in my plots and settings.  I find it wonderfully refreshing to move from one fictional landscape to the next.  I can’t write the stories simultaneously, though.  I can only focus on one book at a time.  I’m not great at multi-tasking.

You have enjoyed a long and successful career.  If you could write a letter to yourself on the eve of your debut book, what’s the one piece of advice that you would offer?

Always keep an eye on what is going on in the various sub-genres of romance so that when the bottom falls out of one -- which it will, sooner or later -- you’ll know where to move your core story.

Good advice!  


Many of your books are on my keeper shelves.  What would we find if we scanned the keeper shelves in your house? 

I’ve enjoyed a gazillion books over the years but I don’t keep them on a shelf because I rarely, if ever, re-read a story.  I can list a few of the authors who are auto-buys for me, though:  Elizabeth Lowell, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Stella Cameron and Christina Dodd are among those on my list.

Great list!  All four are on my favorite authors list too.  

What are you working on now?  Will you be releasing any more books this year?

Next up is my Jayne Castle title, THE LOST NIGHT (Sept. 4).  It’s one of my new Rainshadow Island novels set on Harmony.  There will be dust bunnies.

Yay!  I adore your dust bunnies!


Thank you for answering my questions today.  It's been a pleasure to host you here at TRD.
Thank you so much for the chance to visit here at The Romance Dish.  I wish everyone a great deal of happy reading!

Readers, what is your favorite sub-genre of romance?  Do you stick to one sub-genre or read many?  Do you have a favorite Amanda Quick/Jayne Ann Krentz/Jayne Castle novel?  

Jayne and Penguin have graciously offered a copy of CRYSTAL GARDENS to two randomly selected readers (US addresses only) who leave a comment today.  


CRYSTAL GARDENS (Amanda Quick)
A Ladies of Lantern Street Novel #1
Hardcover - 352 pages (May 2012)
Putnam; ISBN-10: 0399159088
ISBN-13: 978-0399159084


Evangeline Ames has rented a country cottage far from the London streets where she was recently attacked. Fascinated by the paranormal energy of nearby Crystal Gardens, she finds pleasure in sneaking past the wall to explore the grounds. And when her life is threatened again, she instinctively goes to the gardens for safety.


Lucas Sebastian has never been one to ignore a lady in danger, even if she is trespassing on his property. Quickly disposing of her would-be assassin, he insists they keep the matter private. There are rumors enough already, about treasure buried under his garden, and occult botanical experiments performed by his uncle — who died of mysterious causes.

With Evangeline’s skill for detection, and Lucas’s sense of the criminal mind, they soon discover that they have a common enemy. And as the energy emanating from Crystal Gardens intensifies, they realize that to survive they must unearth what has been buried for too long...




46 comments:

  1. Was so happy to read this interview! I've been a fan of Amanda Quick since Seduction was published in 1990!

    I just finished reading Quicksilver and enjoyed it! (Now I have to wait for the paperback of Crystal Gardens... ^_^)

    I only read historical romance -- and my favorite Amanda Quick books are: Mystique, Mischief, Affair and her Lavinia Lake + Tobias March trilogy

    Congratulations on the new release!

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Tin! You've named some of my favorite Quick books. If you ever decide to venture into contemporary waters, be sure to check out her books written as Jayne Ann Krentz. They're terrific!

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  2. I read a lot of historical romance. However, I do also like contemps and suspence. I occasionally will read a futuristic, YA or a paranormal book.

    My favorite books of Jayne's include The Perfect Poison, Dark Light, Ravished and The Devil To Pay.

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    1. Jayne is the author that turned me on to futuristic romance. I just couldn't resist those adorable dust bunnies! ;-)

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  3. I- usually- only read historical romance. But I can be persuaded otherwise.

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    1. Historical romance is my first love but I read many sub- genres. JAK has a few contemporaries on my all-time favorite list.

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  4. How exciting to interview Amanda Quick. I started reading her historical romances and then found out that she was also Jayne Ann Krentz so I then read all of them too. I like all romances but I think historical is my favorite.

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    1. I discovered her the same way, Maureen. And yes, interviewing her is very exciting! :)

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  5. Love what I'm reading about this new series of yours. I've only read your Amanda Quick novels because they are the historical romance genre I enjoy reading most. Thanks for many hours of great entertainment.

    With 3 pen names and so many books credited to each name, what was your actual 'first book' using what name?

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  6. Wonderful interview! I started reading Amanda Quick with Seduction in 1990 too, PJ, although I was already a long-time fan of Jayne Castle, Stephanie James, and Jayne Ann Krentz by that point. Ravished is probably my favorite Amanda Quick novel with Mistress and The Paid Companion as runners-up.

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    1. Thanks, Janga! Ravished is terrific! It didn't take me long to search out all her earlier books once I discovered her other names.

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  7. I am also a huge Amanada Quick/Jayne Ann Krentz fan, really a fan of everything she writes. I was also surprised when I learned she had three identities. Pleasantly surprised. She is one of those authors on my auto buy list. Coincidentally, I am reading Crystal Gardens right now and I'm loving it. When I saw that she was your guest I was thrilled. Keep writing those wonderful books.

    Marilyn Baron

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    1. I'm reading Crystal Gardens too, Marilyn and enjoying it. Thanks for popping in!

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  8. Jayne/Amanda -

    I love your books no matter which name you write under but let me just say THANK YOU! for coming out with a new historical series! Okay, I admit it, they are my favorite with true "take me away Calgon" moments in eery one - an escape to an adventure and love.

    Yeah and thanks for having the ladies be paid companions, so ordinary sounding and above reproach, but giving them a great "asignment" to shine!

    I just have to ask how long will the wait be after I read Crystal Gardens for the "rest of the story" come out with the release of the "rest of the series"?

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  9. Historical romance is my favorite, I go for those first. But I am up to reading any genre. Surrender, Seduction and Reckless...Favorites!!! Love the Arcane Society books too.

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  10. I enjoyed the interview and must admit I wish I had an alternate persona to fall back on when the bottom falls out. To answer todays question I Love historical romances, frequently read contemporaries and have been known to read a paranormal romance or two.

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  11. This sounds like an interesting plot. I enjoy historicals that employ psychics, fortune tellers or tarot cards in the plot. It's funny, because although I'm a skeptic, I still enjoy reading about it.

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  12. Your books are the best I read what you write under any name. Thank you for countless hours of enjoyment with characters and place I have grown to love. I await there next visit.

    Kim
    k1l2m3@cox.net

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  13. I have never read one of your books before, but after reading this interview, I will start. Crystal Gardens sounds wonderful! My favorite genre is historical, but I also read some contemporaries.

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  14. I read all sorts of romances but I love all of hers. They are on my buy the day they come out list! LOL! My favorites are the Arcane Series, Deception, Mistress and Lie by Moonlight...Cannot wait for the next one!

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  15. My favorite thing about JAK no matter which sub genre is the way she does paranormal. I don't like vampires, etc ( though I can stand a zombie or 2) but I completely adore the way she does psychic and wish there were more like her. She is an original!

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  16. I love all "three" of the authors and am very much looking forward to the next Harmony book.

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  17. I read all versions of romance and I love all the incarnations of JAK. I find her plots very smart and I adore her character interactions. I got the Dreamlight Trilogy at the top of my TBR pile, so I'll be in JAK land soon.

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  18. I'm officially a geezer now and I found the romance genre (heretofore sneered at as not worthy of a man's notice) through Amanda Quick's "Rendezvous" about 10 years ago when it was in a stack of books bought at a yard sale. Curiosity made me open it to the middle and right into a major bedroom scene. Sure did catch my attention and I went back and read the whole book. Not only did I like the sexy parts but the whole book was so well written and plotted that I started collecting all the JAK novels I could find because I thought (still do) that she writes great literature - period. All her books are on my keeper shelves and I await impatiently for the next one to be released.

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  19. Thank you for a great interview! I'm ashamed to admit that although I've always *wanted* to read Amanda's books, I haven't yet. She comes highly recommended and I just... haven't yet cuz I live under a rock :)

    I read pretty much anything. PNR, historical, suspense, military, rom com. You name it, I've pretty much at least tried one book. I read about 50% PNR, 20% historical, 10% suspense, 10% rom com and 10% misc. No rhyme or reason to it, just that I p/u books that I like the cover and I look for original stories/premises. Speaking of which, I'm very intriqued by Cyrstal Gardens. Definitely gonna go check it out!

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  20. I really enjoy historical/paranormal stories. I am a big JAK fan, and have most of her books on my "keeper" shelf. I can't wait for the new series.

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  21. I too have to say historical romance is my first choice but I do like variety so I do read other genres. This sounds like a fantastic premise and since I've enjoyed her books in the past, I'm sure this is a winner too! Lovely cover.

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  22. With a name like The Ladies of Lantern Street, I knew it had to do with detectives or spies or something. Psychic investigators is GREAT! Such an appropriate name for the street. Can't wait to read this one! Have loved your Arcane books so much! Never stop, please!!

    Sue P.
    suepete12(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  23. I'm a huge JAK reader/fan...and have been for years... I love all of her work and am always eager for her next publication!!

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  24. I like to read a lot of different sub-genres but my favorite is paranormal romance (I love historical romance almost as much). I usually vary in my reading, I'll read a paranormal, then a historical, then maybe an urban fantasy or steampunk, then mix it up and read a contemporary. Most of the time I'm reading a couple of books at once - one in print and one on my iPhone or Kindle. I usually will read two different sub-genres like that, to get some more variety. :D I would list all of the Jayne Castle books as favorites, they're so awesome. I really like the dust bunnies. :D

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  25. OMG! PJ!! I am so having a fangirl moment with you. YOU got to interview THE JAK!! Am so jealous! Would love to have her visit the Bandits over in the Lair!

    It was a great interview.

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  26. Great interview. I started reading JAK's books with her 1st Dell Candlelight, The Pirate, back in 1981 and have all her books. They are my keepers. Crystal Gardens is a fab read. Couldn't put it down.

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  27. Very nice interview. Her books are great.

    bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  28. I read anything with her name (any of her names) on it. I don't think about it-just buy them. Hard backs, paperbacks, and now on my kindle...If I could write, that is how I would want to write...just like her...She is fantastic.

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  29. I read my first Jayne Ann Krentz book while I was housebound for a month due to health issues in Feb. I'm so addicted to her work now that I'm actually reading two of her novels at the same time - Lie By Moonlight and Summer in Eclipse Bay. My favorite books are her Arcane line and everything set in the Victorian era. Wonderful!
    Susan :)

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  30. I enjoy historical romance, but read just about everything except horror and erotica (the lines have blurred so much lately, it is hard to tell romance from erotica some times).
    I have enjoyed many of Amanda/Jayne Ann/Jayne's books. Can't think of a favorite off hand. I just know I will thoroughly enjoy any book I read by this author (these authors). Having just a touch of magic or psychic elements in a story takes it out of the ordinary. Some believe those elements exist which make the stories even better and easy to relate to.

    I remember the first Jayne Castle story I read. It was in an anthology, CHARMED if I remember correctly. I wasn't familiar with the world and hadn't read many books in this sub-genre. I'll have to dig through my anthology pile and reread it. It has been quite a few years. With all the books I have in my TBR mountain, I really shouldn't reread, but there are some books that call you back.

    I'll be looking for CRYSTAL GARDENS.

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  31. Thanks For another terrific review, PJ. and congratulations to Ms. Krentz on her new release. My favorite sub genres of romance are those that have elements psychic connection either in the present time or in stories that cross the spectrum of time with between protagonists.

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  32. I read many of the sub-genres. I do like variety! I was fortunate enough to discover JAK in the early 80's when writing under Stephanie James, Stormy Challenge and as Jayne Castle with Bargain With The Devil. Thrilled to Corporate Affair; that's when it became clear that she was a big cut above the other authors. My 2 all-time favorite JAK's are Family Man, one of her contemporary novels and Amaryllis, a futuristic. My Favorite Amanda Quick's are Ravished, Dangerous, Mistress, Desire and Mystique. Now I'm thinking of all the other ones I love... they all make my top 100 list! Suffice it to say I own them all and reread them all!!

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  33. LOVE YOUR INTERVIEW!! I am fan Amanda Quick to. Her story was funny and always make me laugh when heroine and hero start to fight. I buy her another novels to in alias name as Jayne Ann Kratz, and can't wait to read new story her book.
    Don't enter me in contest, because i am INT, i just want say i love novels from Amanda Quick ^^

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  34. Go dust bunnies! And I enjoyed the stories sequencing through the three time periods, though I understand it's not everyone's cup of tea.

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  35. Crystal gardens sounds special and appealing. an interesting interview. many thanks.

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  36. This new series sounds exceptional. Love this author's books.

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  37. Paranormal elements are so powerful. Love it. Thanks for sharing

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  38. Thanks for all the terrific comments yesterday. I'm sorry I didn't make it back to respond to everyone. I was traveling home and stuck in a car for 14 hours, including a very slow and long detour off the interstate and onto a narrow mountain road. So glad we didn't have to drive it at night!

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  39. I've been a fan of Jayne in all her guises, and I think I have a copy of every book she's had published! Unfortunately, I usually have to wait until a book is in paperback, but I anticipate her next book with great patience!

    MAG

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