Anne Cleeland Interview

Anne Cleeland holds a degree in English from UCLA as well as a law degree from Pepperdine University and is a member of the California State Bar. She writes historical fiction set in the Regency period and contemporary romantic suspense.  A member of the Historical Novel Society, she lives on Balboa Island, California and has four children. Her first novel was Tainted Angel.

 

The Cursed Tombs of Egypt Hold Many Secrets...Miss Hattie Blackhouse has never been close to her parents...and no wonder, since the Blackhouses are renowned scholars who spend most of their time excavating ancient tombs in Egypt. But news of their disappearance forces Hattie to leave England and embark on a voyage that will reveal the long-buried secrets of her past. An encrypted senet board and a gold medallion lead Hattie on a perilous quest to track down her missing parents—and discover why people associated with the Blackhouses continue to turn up dead. What she uncovers is a secret that could alter the course of history...Filled with intrigue, romance, and ancient secrets, Anne Cleeland's thrilling novel takes you on an unforgettable Egyptian adventure.



1. What is one of your favorite Myth/legend to write about?

When you think about it, my stories are always a variation on the fairy tale theme. My heroines are orphans, thrown into dire circumstances, and some version of the handsome prince shows up to help out. The stories are a variation, however, because although the heroine may be a damsel in distress, she’s also courageous and clever, and the hero doesn’t rescue her as much as help her save the world.

2. If you could live back in time, what time period would you choose and why?

I love the Regency period (early 1800s) and so that’s what I write. I don’t think I’d be too happy, though; women’s roles were much more constrained and I wouldn’t do well if I were constrained.

3. Have you ever come across a song that might fit the theme of your latest book?

Let’s have a rousing chorus of "Walk like an Egyptian!"

4. Do you remember what you felt when you had your first kiss?

Magical! Mainly you are overjoyed because someone actually likes you enough to give it a try—I think a lot of that feeling is the validation that you are indeed attractive to the opposite sex after fretting about it so much.

5. What was the most creative pick up line you've ever used on someone or someone used on you?

I’m an attorney, so once opposing counsel asked me out during a deposition.

6. When writing do you have a playlist of music you like to listen to? What are a couple songs on it?

I really don’t have a writing ritual—I can write anytime, anyplace, so I’m lucky that way. Often I’ll have a classic rock radio station on in the background.

7. What do you do when you think nobody is watching?

I dance in the kitchen. Everyone does, am I right?

8. What was your favorite childhood book?

Brace yourself—my favorite book growing up was Tarzan of the Apes by Edgar Rice Burroughs. I read all his books, which is why I like adventure stories, I think. I also loved Little Women and the Sherlock Holmes stories by Conan Doyle. Aside from this historical series, I also write a contemporary mystery series and my heroine is Doyle, in honor of him.

9. What is your favorite addition to chocolate?

I think the easier question is what does not go well with chocolate. Brussel sprouts, maybe.

10. Besides your own, what is one of your favorite series to keep up with?

If you like western romance, Laura Drake is writing a series called Sweet on a Cowboy. I also like Victoria Thompson’s gaslight series, and Laurie King’s Mary Russell series.

12. What do you think you would be doing if you weren't writing?

I’d be lawyering. Writing is lots more fun, believe me!

13. Do you have any hobbies or activities you enjoy doing?

I’m a big college football fan, and I still go to the UCLA home games with my college roommate. It’s so much fun and a great way to keep in touch.

14. What is something you do to de-stress?

I write fiction. It’s the best de-stresser in the world because you escape into a world of your own where everything turns out the way you want it. I highly recommend it—if you’re thinking about writing, just get started, one paragraph or one conversation at a time.

15. We all know about muses...what do you think inspires you to get your creative juices flowing?

I like good stories—books or movies, and often I’ll take a scene and re-write it to suit my story. Also, I really enjoy listening to how people speak, and so that’s why I’m always writing accents in my books. There’s something so appealing about a man with a French accent!

Thanks so much for having me—I had three books come out this year, and if you’d like to read an excerpt from any of them my website is www.annecleeland.com.



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