Thursday, July 17, 2014

Today's Special - - Kate Noble


I discovered historical romance author Kate Noble early in her romance writing career and have happily devoured each new book she writes.  Several of them occupy places on my keeper shelves and her newest, The Game and the Governess is destined to join them. A national bestselling author as well as a RITA finalist, Kate has also earned coveted starred reviews from Library Journal and Publisher's Weekly. You can find more information about Kate at her website and connect with her online at Facebook and Twitter.








Welcome back, Kate!  It’s always a pleasure to host you here at the Romance Dish, especially since that usually means you have a new book out, something that makes Andrea and me very happy!  Speaking of your new book, will you please share with our readers what they can expect from The Game and the Governess?

-- Thank you so much for having me!  What readers can expect from The Game and the Governess is a little bit of silliness and a whole lot of luck.  (And some sexy times.)  The book starts off with the Earl of Ashby, known as “Lucky Ned” making a wager with his best friend and secretary John Turner, to see if Ned can get any young lady to fall in love with him without the benefit of his title.  Thus, on a two-week trip to the country, Ned and Turner switch places.  Nothing after that goes according to plan.  It’s my version of the Prince and the Pauper, and I enjoyed the hell out of writing it.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading it! 

Phoebe and Ned both have lessons to learn on their journeys of growth and discovery.  What do you want readers to understand about each of these characters?

-- That the surface they wear is not who they are.  Ned presents himself to the world as “Lucky Ned”, but he’s hiding a lot of pain from his past.  And Phoebe, while reduced to the hard life of a governess, is determined to be optimistic, no matter what life dishes out to her. They both can learn a lot from each other, in that sense. 

What was your greatest challenge in writing this book? 

-- Finding the right balance between silliness and seriousness.  Something I’m certain all us authors struggle with.

What was the most fun?

-- Finding those scenes with Ned and Phoebe together and being delighted by what they discover.

 Would you like to share an excerpt from The Game and the Governess?

Certainly!  Here’s a short excerpt about splitting a blackberry tart…

“There are no forks, so, by all means, you go first.”
She moved the plate closer to her, and picked up her half a tart, taking the smallest of bites.
It was delicious.
She made a small, throaty sound, a sigh of appreciation. Her eyes closed, and she let the blackberry juices fill the inside of her mouth, savoring.
When she opened her eyes, he was giving her the most curious look, his own mouth hanging open.
And he didn’t stop staring.
A self-conscious hand flew to her mouth. “I’m sorry, did I… am I a mess?” she asked.
“No!” he cried. “Not at all –” he remarked with a smile, one so wide it reminded Phoebe of a few short hours ago, when he had thought he had something stuck in his teeth. “I am pleased to see you enjoying the tart. It really must be exceptional.”

Are you able to give us a glimpse into the next book in the series?  When might we expect that book?

-- The next book is John Turner’s story.  And since it follows directly from the events of The Game and the Governess, I can’t tell you too much about it without too many spoilers.  But I will say this – where Ned has always been lucky, Turner has always been unlucky – but he’s determined to change that, especially since a certain countess has now entered his life. 

I'm looking forward to seeing how he accomplishes that! 

You have a lot of writing irons in the fire, Kate.  Romance readers may not be aware that as Kate Rorick you have written for television, the Emmy Award winning transmedia series, The Lizzie Bennet Diaries and the recently published book, The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet.  How did you come to be a part of the Lizzie Bennet writing team and did you have any idea that it would become such a mega-hit?   

-- Well, my friend Margaret Dunlap is sitting right next to me as I answer this question.  Margaret was co-executive producer on The Lizzie Bennet Diaries, and having worked together before on a different TV show, she knows about my secret life as a romance novelist (and devoted Austenite).  When they decided to expand the writing staff of the web series, she suggested me and a meeting or two later, I was hired.

I understand that you’re also working on an upcoming television series.  Are you able to share any information about that project?

-- I’m a writer for the upcoming television show The Librarians, on TNT (a 10-episode drama series scheduled to premier in December).  It’s based on the incredibly popular series of “The Librarian” movies, starring Noah Wyle.  It’s a mix of Indiana Jones, Doctor Who and the fun episodes of the X-Files, and it’s a total blast. 

Okay, so you have a book that released in June, a book coming out in July, a new television series you’re working on and, if that weren’t enough, you’re expecting a baby any day.  When do you sleep?  LOL! No, really, how do you keep all those balls in the air?  Any helpful tips for the rest of us multi-taskers?

-- Survive and advance.  All you can do is what you need to get done that day, and move on to the next one. 

Let’s turn the focus away from writing for a bit.  Summer has arrived which means I give myself permission to turn off the calorie counter every now and then to indulge in some special warm weather treats.  My favorites are root beer floats and frozen chocolate dipped bananas.  What summer treats do you give yourself permission to eat or drink?

-- Well, if I wasn’t expecting a baby any day, I would be enjoying a good beer at the ballpark right now.  But I love summer because it’s when all the delicious fruits come into the grocery store, which means the variety of pies I can consume goes up dramatically.  Anything with cherries is my kryptonite. 

As I type this question, I’m looking out my window at beautiful potted geraniums, a deep pink crepe myrtle tree, green grass and a bright white fence.  What’s the view from your window?

-- My window looks out onto the balcony, where my husband is in full summer gardening mode.  There are 3 different tomato plants, strawberries, multiple herbs, pepper plants and for some reason, marigolds.  All grown from seed.  Mind you, I do none of the work, but I partake in the deliciousness.

Your fairy godmother waves her magic wand and gives you one week in any place of your choice and an unlimited supply of books to read.  Where do you go and what books (or authors) do you reach for first?

-- I would kill for a week at a lakeside cottage.  Nothing to do but enjoy the view and go swimming.  As for books, I would grab my massive TBR pile, and let it surprise me J 

Thank you for taking time from your busy schedule to visit with us today, Kate.  It’s always a pleasure to host you here at TRD.  We wish you all the best with your many projects. Would you like to ask our readers a question today?

-- Of course!  Since The Game and the Governess is all about trading places – who would you trade places with (temporarily!) and why?

Leave your answer in the comments and someone will win a signed copy of The Game and The Governess! (US only, please)


34 comments:

  1. For a few days, I'd like to trade places with Pres. Obama. I'm fearful of the direction our country is taking and I'd like to see if a non politician could change something for the better. I'm looking forward to The Game and the Governess. Thanks for visiting, Kate.

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    1. That's one position I'd never want, LSU. While I often find myself thinking a non-politician could do a better job than politicians from either party, it's an enormous, enormous amount of responsibility. Almost too much to be able to comprehend.

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  2. I think I would like to trade places with Queen Elizabeth for a day. I already admire her very much and am amazed at her energy and constant graciousness. I would like to see the way she handles her duties of the country and her private life. Does she get to spend time with her family every day? What does she do for relaxation? What makes her laugh? As you can see, I'm a huge fan of her and the entire royal family.

    In addition, I have huge fan of Kate Noble and have really been looking forward to reading her new book, "The Game and the Governess." It sounds terrific!

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    1. I think that would be fascinating, Connie. I'm in awe of the amount of energy she still has!

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    2. That is so true. Every time I see a picture of her, I smile because she amazes me with her unfailing dedication and determination. What a lady. May she live for many more years to come. She's such a wonderful example to the entire world.

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  3. I think I would trade places with joan rivers and have some fun

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    1. Not one of my favorites but, it's true, she does seem to enjoy herself!

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  4. I would trade places with Amal Alamuddin. I think it would be "interesting" to be George Clooney's fiancé for a day! ;-)

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    1. Cheryl, I have a feeling there are many women out there who would be happy to join you in that trade! :)

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  5. I think I'd trade places with either Ellen Degeneres or Jennifer Lawrence! Both seem like fun and down to earth people :)

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    1. Oh I like that -- both sound like so much fun!

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  6. I really honestly can't think of anyone:)

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  7. You would think that could be a simple question but I'm not so sure I would want to trade my troubles with someone else's troubles. How about some unknown person who is totally untroubled lol. I'm thinking that may be an impossibility!

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    1. Hence the entire moral of Twain's original story. :)

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  8. The first person that comes to mind would be Kate Middleton or Princess Kate...would like to see how she copes with all the royal stuff and how William and Harry are really like...

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  9. Welcome, Kate! So good of you to stop by. I understand from your tweets that sleep is at a premium these days! :)

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    1. Ha! No kidding. but finally get the chance to stop by the internet again. :)

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  10. Good question! I would like trade places with Victoria Beckham, because, you know, David Beckham. Lol.

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  11. I would trade places with Oprah Winfrey because I would like to see what her life is like.

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  12. I'd love to trade places with Duchess Kate for the day. To be royal, rich, beautiful, famous, fabulous (and that close to Prince Harry) for a day without all the strings attached? Yes, please! ;)

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  13. maybe Angelina Jolie for Brad Pitt

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  14. LOL... I'd also pick some one rich and famous like Angelina Jolie or Princess Kate :) Congrats to Kate on her newest release! and thanks for such a fun post!

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  15. It would be nice to be able to trade places with Melinda Gates. She and her husband have done so much good for the education community, among other things. It would be great to see how their foundation operates and implement a few charities of my own.

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  16. Who would I trade places with temporarily? Hmmm. I think I would trade places with the "probey" female agent in NCIS who works with Tony, Gibbs and Timothy. Just for a day, mind you, not for long. :-) But I would like to see them in action and be with them. It's my fave TV show. This makes me sound shallow, I realize, because it's not a famous person who does good for the world, but an actress in a show with favorite action stars. But hey, you asked and I answered. :-) BTW, I love Kate's stories and her writing style. Just the right amount of fun and romance in an historical setting. My fave genre. Thanks for the post! jdh2690@gmail.com

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  17. I also would like to change places with either George Clooney's fiancé or Kate Middleton. It sounds like they both have very interesting and rewarding lives.

    Congrats on your release, Kate! Great interview! Love your books! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  18. Congrats on the new book, Kate, and the baby-to-be!

    I think I'd like to trade places with a Top Chef judge. Think of all the fabulous food you'd get to try. ;)

    Marcy Shuler

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  19. I'd trade places with Bill Gates because it would be fun spending some of that money. Maybe I'd see about putting those Microsoft products on sale, so they weren't so darned expensive.

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  20. I would trade places with a younger version of myself & do things a little differently! PS Hi to the other Sharlene above!

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  21. Never miss your books, Kate, and congratulations on the baby to be, exciting for you. Cool about the Librarian series, I've recently caught a few of those on TV. I wouldn't mind trading places with George Clooney's fiancee; I 've had my eye on him from way back when he was Sela Ward's love interest on an old Tv series, Sisters.

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