Interview and BookGiveaway with Author Anya Wylde (The Wicked Wager)

Please join me in welcoming the author of The Wicked Wager – Anya Wylde to Socrates’ Book Review Blog. The Wicked Wager is an exciting, new Regency romance and mystery.

1. What influenced you to write this book?

First of all, thank you, Yvonne, for inviting me.

Now to answer your question, I love the romantic Regency era and I enjoy reading mysteries. Unfortunately, I found very few authors that combined the two genres. Most of the romantic mystery novels are set in modern times. Therefore, I wrote what I wanted to read—a madcap mystery with a little bit of romance set in Regency England. I dreamt up the plot one night, and in the morning I scrabbled to write it all down. It eventually became a full length novel.


2. Do you write any other genres?

Yes, I am currently working on a historical romance, and until now no character has annoyed me enough to get murdered. Apart from that, I have written a bit of fantasy, but at the moment it is too awful for anyone to see.

3. How did you feel when you learned your book was going to be published?

I self-published it, and when I saw it go ‘live’ on Amazon, it terrified me.

4. What goes into your process in writing a book? Making an outline? Research? Talking to people?

Normally the plot comes to me first. A faint inkling of a plot and the characters involved. I read as much as I can in the genre and then sketch out an outline. I have to know how it all ends before I even begin the first chapter. A little bit of research later, I start working on the first draft. I think it is important to complete the first draft focusing on the plot and the characters, and leave the in-depth research for later. I highlight the bits that I am not sure of; for example the style of dress during the regency period. I come back to details like that in my second revision. So much information is now available on the internet that one can get carried away and go on researching for months without ever writing a single line down. I think the trick is to know your book well and focus your research, so you know exactly what you are looking for.
5. Where do you do your writing? Do you have a special room in your house set up? Or do you have someplace outside the house you go to?

I fall out of bed at three or four in the morning and head to the sitting room to write. Most of my scenes come to me in bed when I am in the half-asleep half-awake stage. The early morning routine also helps maintain peace in the house, since I turn positively evil if anyone disturbs me while I am writing.

6. Do you read much? Do you have any favorite authors or books?

I read a lot, sometimes two books or more a day when I am not writing. My favorite authors are Agatha Christie, Roald Dahl, P.G. Woodhouse, Bronte sisters and a few more. My all-time favorite book is Alice in wonderland.
7. What do you think about the latest trend in the social media? Have you met many
fans through it?

I think social media is an excellent platform that allows you to meet and learn from like-minded people. I have had positive feedback, and when strangers say my book is good, then it is a whole lot easier to believe than when your diplomatic family members and friends say it. For an author, it is an excellent avenue to get noticed.

7. Do you have any tips for aspiring authors?

Yes, please keep writing and deflate that swollen head. One should always think that one sucks at writing and keep aspiring to learn more and do better. Writers have to have thick skin and take all the criticism positively. All those red marks will only help you hone your craft.

9. Your book has an interesting cover. Is there any story behind it? Who designed it?
Who chose it?

I had a few ideas for what the cover should be like and what colours I wanted. I emailed my ideas to Kim at Hot Damn Designs, and she was excellent and prompt. She gave me exactly what I wanted and did a wonderful job.

10. Can you tell us anything about your future books? Any sneak peeks?

I am currently working on a Regency romance called ‘Penelope’. It is about a country bumpkin who arrives (along with Lady Bathsheba—her pet goat) in London in hopes of catching a man during the season. It should be out soon. After that, I will be ready to work on a mystery series set in the Regency era.

BOOK GIVEAWAY!!!

How would you like to win an e-book copy of The Wicked Wager? Thanks to Anya, I can offer not one, but three e-book copies through Amazon. You must have an Amazon account as the books will be gifted through Amazon.

Here are the few simple rules:

1) Fill in the form below and include a valid email address.

2) For an extra entry, follow my blog.

3) For an extra entry: Follow me on twitter.

4) For an extra entry: Subscribe to my blog.

5) If you blog about the giveaway on your blog, you get 2 extra entries!

6) For two extra entries, tweet about this giveaway.

The giveaway will begin on Sunday, September 10th at 12:01 AM, est. and end on Sunday, September 17th at 12:01 AM, est. I will contact the winners by email. If I don't get a response within 3 days, another winner will be chosen.

All winners are picked by List Randomizer!

Good luck everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway