I recently had an opportunity to talk with author Renee Ann Miller about writing her debut novel, Never Dare a Wicked Earl.
Known as a brazen philanderer, Hayden Milton, Earl of Westfield, is almost done in by a vengeful m
istress who aims a gun at a rather essential part of his anatomy—but ends up wounding his thigh instead. Recuperating in his London townhouse, Hayden is confronted by his new medical attendant. Sophia Camden intrigues him, for behind her starched uniform is an enticing beauty better suited for bedding than dispensing salves and changing bandages.
Unshaken by his arrogance, not to mention impropriety, Sophia offers Hayden a dare: allow her ten days to prove her competency. If she resigns in exasperation like her two predecessors, she will be beholden to this wicked seducer. As a battle of wills begins, Sophia finds herself distracted by the earl’s muscular physique . . . and discovers that the man within longs only for a second chance to love.
I’m a big fan of the Victorian era myself, Renee. How much research did you have to do while writing the book?
The book takes place in 1875, so I had to research everything from the carriages used during this time to the undergarments (unmentionables) people wore. And there are parts of this story where the unmentionable will not only be mentioned, but removed. 😉
Who is your favorite character?
Hmmm, that’s a tough one. I’d say Hayden, Lord Westfield, because he’s the most complex.
If you could spend a day with one of your characters, who would it be and what would you do?
Sophia. We’d go out for Italian ices at Gunter’s Tea Shop and talk about politics, but mostly gossip about the Lord Westfield.
Do you plot heavily when you write, or are you a pantser?
Though I wish I was a plotter, I’m a pantser. When I started this book, I had an idea in my head, but it morphed into something completely different.
What is your favorite part of your writing process, and why?
Binge snacking! No, in all seriousness, I’d say when my wayward characters cooperate, and the scene comes out the way I envisioned it originally in my head.
Your second book, Never Deceive a Viscount will be out May 29th. What are you working on now?
Editing the third book in my Infamous Lords Series.
Purchase Never Dare A Wicked Earl
If you want to connect with Renee you can find her at the following sites: