Interview: Catherine Hemmerling author of "Taming Her Forbidden Earl"

I know you get asked this question over and over but can you tell us a little about yourself? Maybe something juicy. ;)

I am a sympathetic crier. I recently went to see The Impossible (about a family caught in the tsunami in Thailand) and I cried through the entire thing. Sad tears, happy tears, painful tears. My date couldn’t stop laughing at my weepy self! Clearly my imagination is way too vivid. Gee, good thing I am a writer!

When did you first start writing? Are you a full time author or do you do it on the side?

I started writing Taming Her Forbidden Earl in March of 2010. I was writing on the side then. Now I am a full-time author. I have completed the next two books in series already and love my new “job!”

Do you have a author that has really inspired you?

I have two … Jane Austen and Julia Quinn. I fell in love with the period in Jane Austen’s books and I enjoy the way Julia Quinn makes her characters flawed but loveable. I think everyone has an “Achilles heel” and it can be fun to explore it within my characters.

How long does it normally take you to write an average book or your last book?

On average I can finish a book in three months. I suppose if I pushed myself to write eight hours a day (like a regular 9-5 job) I could cut that time in half, but I love having the time to participate in blog tours, doing new research, and frankly not having to work nine to five!

What do you think makes a story great?

Relatable characters. A reader should be able to completely immerse themselves into the story. I think the best way to do that is to allow them to connect with the characters enough that they can imagine themselves in their shoes, as their friend, or just being in the story in some way. These are the stories you will never forget.

Can you describe your book "Taming Her Forbidden Earl" in one sentence?

It’s a fun and entertaining read that you won‘t be able to put down!

Tell us more about “Taming Her Forbidden Earl.

Taming Her Forbidden Earl is a sweet love story wrapped around an intriguing problem to solve. You will met fun and intelligent characters and one odious villain. There is danger and conflict;  flirting and sexual tension; sarcasm and witty rejoinders … and a couple of meddling mothers. If you are looking for a book that will keep you reading until the very end, this is the one for you!

Have you done lots of research for your books or do the stories just come to you?

My stories are all based in actual historic events; therefore, I did quite a lot of research. I found maps of London from the Regency period, I had to read a lot about the peerage of the time, and the politics and wars of the early 1800’s. While the story surrounding the historic event is pure fiction, I really wanted it to be able to happen the way I wrote it. I am really enjoying the research, especially the fashion and attitudes of the time.

What are you currently working on?

Book four! It’s Sarah’s book and I have a feeling she is going to be my favorite character yet. I am also enjoying a varied and exciting blog tour promoting Taming Her Forbidden Earl. Publicity is a new thing for me. I have some of the most surreal moments on Twitter and when asked for my autograph. Crazy!

Can you tell us about some of your prior achievements?

I’ve worked most of my career in the high-tech world. I am very proud of the work I did at Microsoft, Scientific Atlanta, T-Mobile, and other software driven companies. I was very good at my job, but I am having so much more fun now.

Is there anything that I didn't cover that you would like to talk about or say to your potential readers?

As a first-time author, I am really enjoying the comments from my readers. If you read the book, please visit my website (www.catherinehemmerling.com) and let me know what you think. Even critical reviews are helpful! I want to be the best writer I can be.

Just for fun:

Hardback or Paperback?  Paperback (I can carry more with me!)
Dog ears or Bookmarks?  Dog ears if the book belongs to me; bookmarks if it is borrowed (respect people!)
YA novels or Adult novels? Both
Library or Bookstore? Bookstore
Reading glasses or No glasses? No glasses
Snack while reading or No snacks?  Snack, duh!
Beach or Mountain? Both
Vampire or Werewolf? Neither
Hot or Flirty? Flirty!
Movie 1st or Book 1st? Book 1st
Contemporary or Historical? Well, I have to say historical right? ;o)
Page-Turner or Tear Jerker? Yes, please.

 Everyone knows William Bredon, the earl of Pembroke, has a reputation as a captivating rogue, determined to never marry until his duty to produce an heir requires it. So when he invites Lady Hannah Rochester to dance, Hannah vows to keep her distance. But the undeniably gorgeous William, with his dark humor and seductive gaze, draws her in nonetheless.

Of course, Lady Hannah is not completely what she seems, either. A member of the dowager Lady Lancaster’s Garden Society, she secretly spends her days solving mysteries and uncovering intrigues, and when she brings William into the fold, a sinister plot develops that brings the two closer together. William’s protective nature ensures he remains by Hannah’s side, but he will not surrender his anti-marriage stance.

Can intrigue, passion, and maybe even a little bit of scandal reform the most notorious of rakes?