It is with great pleasure that I welcome Sarah MacLean to the blog today. As I noted below in Carrie’s review of Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake, I just adored this book. I’m so glad Sarah has decided to write also for the adult market and that I don’t have to wait terribly long for Sarah’s next book (psst, Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord releases Oct 26, 2010).

~*~*~


Hi Sarah, I read Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake and really loved it. Tell us about Callie and Gabriel’s love story.


It means so much to me to hear you say that, Bev, as you’re a romance connoisseur! Thanks for the kind words . . . and for having me at The Season!

Ten years prior to the start of this book, in the middle of her disaster of a first season, Lady Calpurnia Hartwell ran into Gabriel, the Marquess of Ralston in a darkened garden. He didn’t think twice about it, but Callie never forgot the meeting. A decade later, Callie is on the shelf and staring down a long life of lace caps and Spinster Seating . . . and in a fit of frustration and refusal to accept this dismal future, she decides to take matters into her own hands. She makes a scandalous list . . . which just so happens to land her in the arms of Ralston—and that’s just the beginning.

I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for Wallflower/Rake romances . . . I think they’re just about perfect . . . there’s just something about the world-weary aristocrat who is knocked for a loop when he meets the unpretentious wallflower. This is Callie & Ralston’s romance. And I confess, I loved watching it unfold.


What do you think makes Gabriel such an appealing hero…because he is.


At first glance, Gabriel is hard and unfeeling . . . but in actual fact, he’s deeply loyal to his family, unflaggingly committed to his recently-discovered sister, and a gentlemen at heart. When he discovers Callie’s crazy list, he can’t help but stay near to her, a decision borne in equal parts of gentlemanly politesse and his growing passion for this unparalleled woman. Oh, and it doesn’t hurt that he’s dreamy. And plays the piano like the maestro himself.


When I was reading Nine Rules, I laughed pretty much throughout the book. How easy does humor come to you when writing? Is humor an important part of your writing style?


First, thank you! That’s a wonderful compliment! The short answer to your question is, I don’t set out to make my books funny. They really do just turn out that way. I think this is partly because I tend to see humor in everything (which is a gift and a curse, depending upon the situation I’m in), and partly because the characters to whom I am drawn can’t help but laugh at themselves, which makes it ok for me to laugh with them.


Callie is not your typical beautiful heroine. She has some weight on her and has a more beautiful younger sister. Why is she such a joy to write about?


I think you’ve hit on it right there. Callie is atypical. She’s filled with doubt and insecurity and a complete certainty that she’ll never have all the things that come so easily to the women around her. The book begins in earnest with her decision to try to live despite all of her hangups. And I enjoyed her ride so much because I envied her that willingness to take action. I wish I was as brave as her. And so, I root for her . . . and I hope readers will, too.


Nine Rules has received a starred review from Booklist and a 4 ½ Top Pick review from Romantic Times. I’m sure it’s a wonderful feeling knowing Nine Rules is being critically well received. Does that add at all to your excitement about the coming release or does it make you nervous. Perhaps a bit of both?


It’s amazing . . . and terrifying . . . all at the same time.

I’m astounded by the incredible support Callie and Ralston have received . . . both from the review journals and from the Romance community—yourself included! At the same time, as you know, it’s scary! The book is out in the world, and all I can do is hope that it speaks to as many readers as possible. I have cancelled my Google alerts, for sanity’s sake.


Your first historical, The Season (great title BTW 😉 ), was a YA. The love scenes in Nine Rules were pretty hot , how easy was it to pour on the heat?


This was one of the things I thought would be most difficult for me . . . and I think that when I first started working on Nine Rules I thought it would be as simple as writing another book like The Season and just adding sex this time. Oh, silly silly Sarah.

The Season was a coming-of-age story, as much about Alexandra (the heroine) finding herself as it was about her finding love. Nine Rules is, in its own way, also about a heroine coming into her own, but Callie is much more mature, with much richer experiences upon which her life and story is built—so the naughty bits made sense for her in a way that they didn’t for Alex. I think that, because Callie is who she is, writing those more sensual scenes was much easier than one might expect.


Would you say writing The Season prepared you for writing an adult historical romance?


Every book prepares us for the next one and, while I approach my YA and adult romances very differently, there is no question that without Alex there would never have been Callie. And I feel the same about my next heroine, Isabel; she is the next because Alex and Callie have paved the way for her.


Will you be writing anymore YAs?


Absolutely. I adore writing YA . . . I love the brilliant and committed YA author community that I’m a part of . . . and, most importantly, I love writing for teens.


You received degrees from Smith College and Harvard. Was becoming a writer your intent when you were in college? Are your college friends surprised that you’re now writing romance novels?


I have been a voracious romance reader for most of my life, and that didn’t stop in college. At Smith, I was the keeper of the “romance library” in my dorm—I had a few hundred romances, from Johanna Lindsey and Judith McNaught to Amanda Quick and Nora Roberts and scores of Loveswepts and Silhouettes—always there if someone was looking for something to read. My college dormmates are not at all surprised. (An aside . . . I went back to the Smith campus a few years ago and visited the dorm, sure that the collection would be gone—only to discover that it’s tripled in size and is now housed in a common room of the house! What a treat! I can’t wait to add a copy of Nine Rules . . . to that library!)


Is there anything else you’d like to tell the readers about you or your book?


Only to thank everyone for taking the time to learn more about me and Nine Rules . . . I would love to hear what you think of the book if you do decide to read it!

Thanks so much for having me, Bev!

Thank you, Sarah, for joining me today on the blog. And Sarah is generously giving away a copy of Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake to one lucky commenter.  If you have a question or comment for Sarah, ask away! If you’d like to double your chances of winning, you can comment below on the review post where I’m giving away a copy of my own. 😉

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By Authors, Avon Books, Giveaways, Interviews64 Comments on Nine Ways Sarah MacLean is making a splash!

64 Replies to “Nine Ways Sarah MacLean is making a splash!”

  1. Hi Sarah. This sounds like such a great book. Congrats on all the wonderful reviews! Hope it becomes a bestseller for you.

  3. Hi Sarah,
    The title just makes me curious if there are any rules you like to break. And if so what they are… There should be way more romances with atypical heroines. Your book sounds wonderful and I would LOVE to read it. So please count me in, thanks.
    Best, Kirsten

  4. This is just the kind of story I love to read. Thank you for allowing me to get to know you better, Sarah.

  5. Hi Sarah,

    I have had my eye on your book for awhile now, I love the spinster/wallflower/rake trope in romance. Looking forward to Gabriel & Callie’s adventures.

    Please count me in for the contest, thanks 🙂

  6. I really enjoy characters who can laugh at themselves so this looks like a story I would enjoy.

  9. Loved the interview! 🙂 This one has been on my list for a while, though I don’t remember where I first saw it mentioned. LOL Anyway, I love anything Regency firstly, but definitely love it when rakes are thrown for a loop; and of course, when a wallflower catches one, that’s always great too (especially for us wallflowers!) 🙂

    Lois

  11. I’ve never read this author before and would love to. Thanks for the oportunity. 🙂

  13. First of all, congrats, Sarah! I loved your interview! What a wonderful hoot that Smith College has doubled your original library size and has it in a prominent place now.

    I also love stories about wallflowers and rakes. Actually, I love historicals! Please enter me into your drawing. Thanks!

  15. Hi Sarah,

    I’m already reading this book on my Kindle (had to order it after the awesome review at The Romance Dish) so don’t enter me to win but I wanted to let you know I’m really loving it! Congratulations on all the great reviews!

  17. Hi Sarah,
    Your book sounds delightful. I also love older heroines, wallflower/rake romances, and humor in books. “Nine Rules…” should be right up my alley.
    Your interview with Bev was refreshing. I’m glad I stopped in this morning. 🙂

  18. Hi everyone! Thanks so much for all your wonderful comments and good wishes!

    Maria, I’m so happy you’re enjoying the book–I downloaded it onto my Kindle last night just to look at it and pet the screen!

    Cathy, my husband thinks it’s hysterical that my legacy to Smith, birthplace of feminism, is a library of romance. I argue that romance is 100% feminist literature! After all, women deserve their fantasies as much as men do, right?

    Lois, I know there are lots of people who aren’t wild about wallflowers and rakes…but they make me very very happy. Very. Do you have other favorites?

    Kirsten, I break little rules all the time, I’m afraid, but I’m also a big chicken when it comes to big rules. I did just quit my respectable, even-keel day job to make a go of this writing thing…so that’s a big broken rule! I’ll let you know how it works out!

  19. What a fun interview! Congratulations, Sarah, on the release of Nine Rules! I love humor in romance stories.

  20. Hi Sarah (I’m waving madly),

    I was rereading part of Nine Rules last night and just sighing… For me a romance book is only as good as me falling for the hero. Yes, the heroine is important, as in I can’t dislike her, but I have to see what she sees in the hero to make me ‘fall in love’ with him too. I did so fall for Ralston. And I know Nicholas will be either just or good or better (I love a man with a wicked looking scar. 😉 ). You did a fabulous job Sarah! I had such a hard time putting this book down when life (in the form of my son) interfered. It’s a definite re-read. You’ll do great and I’m positive this ‘writing thing’ will work out just fine for you. 🙂

  21. Hi Sarah,I enjoyed the interview,I enjoy reading a book that makes you laugh.Nine Rules sounds like it would be a fun book to read.

  23. Hi Sarah,
    Great interview! I’ve been wanting to read your book since i heard about it from the avon site. ^^ It looks so good. ^^

    Melissa

  24. Hi Sarah!

    How funny that you were the keeper of the romance library in college. So was I! I went to an all-girls undergraduate school – Judson College in Marion, Alabama. (We called it the Baptist Convent for Women!) As you can imagine, reading those naughty romance novels was frowned upon. As I had a private room and two closets one of the closets became the romance library for the entire dorm – floor to ceiling bookshelves stuffed with mostly historical romances – this was the late seventies, early eighties so lots of Fabio. It kept us sane!!

    I loved The Season so I know I will love 9 Ways !

  25. Adore stories about spinsters and hurt bad boys…put the two together and I can’t wait to read it! Looking forward to reading it whether I win it or buy it!

  26. Hi Sarah!

    I can’t wait to get my very own signed copy of 9 Rules at Lady Jane’s Salon next Monday!

    That’s so funny about the romance library at Smith. We had romance novels in all of the Scripps browsing rooms and I’m looking forward to visiting and adding mine!

    Congratulations on the release of 9 Rules!

    Hugs,

    Sara

  27. Your next book should be 10 Rules for Keeping a Rake. This one has been added to my TBR list. It sounds really good.

  28. I’ve heard so many good things about this book. I’d love love love to win it!!! Congratulations Sarah.

  29. I’ve had my eye on this book and would love to win it!

    This comment from Beverly makes me want to read it even more and I’m already signed up for a book about Nicholas becuase I too, like my heros with physical scars. 🙂

    “For me a romance book is only as good as me falling for the hero. Yes, the heroine is important, as in I can’t dislike her, but I have to see what she sees in the hero to make me ‘fall in love’ with him too. I did so fall for Ralston. And I know Nicholas will be either just or good or better (I love a man with a wicked looking scar.”

  30. Congrats on the new release, Sarah. It sounds absolutely delightful! I have been reading lots of rave reviews of it all over the blogs. I really enjoy humor in romances, so I am looking forward to reading this one.

  31. love romances btwn strong & intelligent characters that include humor. looking forward to being able to read this one as it sounds right up my ally

  32. Great interview! I can’t wait to read this book, its been on my To Buy list for months. Wallflower/Rake romances are my favorite!

  33. Congrats on the new book. I have been reading so many good reviews. Would love to have it.

  35. This sounds like an interesting book that needs to added to my tbr pile. Rules are meant for breaking, and things can be soooo much more interesting when you do at times.

  37. The book sounds touching and fun. It is nice to see an atypical heroine. We can’t all be lovely, young and slim : ) It is interesting that you are writing YA. That is one segment of the publishing world that has really exploded in the past few years. The quantity and quality of authors writing for teens is wonderful. Even better, many of these books are good reads for adults. They are well written and give keen insight into the young adult world, no matter what the sub-genre. Good luck with the release of this book and best of luck with the next one, it sounds like fun too.
    I enjoyed the interview.

  38. Thanks for joining us and for the entertaining interview! The book sounds great and I’d love to win a copy. What was the scariest part going from YA writing to writing for a more adult market?

  43. Love your cover and the excerpt. I’ve read so many good things about 9 Rules so it’s going to be a definite read. Enjoyed your interview as well Sarah.
    Carol L.
    Lucky4750@aol.com

  44. Congrats on the book and great reviews. It sounds very interesting. I enjoy a romance that includes some humor to it so will be looking for this one.

  46. Great interview!

    Sounds like the perfect book for me to enjoy on my upcoming vacation and I love the cover.

  48. Sarah,

    You’re book sounds fabulous! I can’t wait to get my hands on it. Even if I don’t win one, I’ll be scouring the store this weekend for my copy. I so admire writers who can inject humor into their stories. I’d love to read your YA too.

    Can you tell us how difficult it is to travel two publishing paths–YA and adult? Is it difficult to get into one mindset and do you work on both at the same time? I’ve often been tempted to try both of these genres so I’d love to hear how you’ve been so successful. And, what is it that speaks to you about YA and adult historicals?

    Good luck with your book and your next release! It’s been fun reading a bit about you and your characters.

    🙂 Bryn

  49. Sarah,

    This sounds like a very enjoyable book and I like the fact that the heroine isn’t “perfect”. She sounds like a fun lady! And Gabriel sounds dreamy and sexy! I even like his name!

    Good luck with the book! I hope you write many more!
    Sandra

  51. I have been hearing a lot of great things about this book and I would love to read it! Congrats on your great reviews!

  52. Hi Sarah,

    Congratulations on the release of Nine Rules to Break. Interesting title and the book sounds like really good reading. Can’t wait to get a copy.

    I was interested in what you said about the differences you discovered about writting in different genres; you said: “it is not as simple as writing another book like The Season and just adding sex this time.” I have read one or two historical romance books written by authors who did well in the contemporary and/or paranormal market but had no clue as to what really makes up a historical romance book. They placed their 21st century characters in a 19th century setting and expected it to fly. IMO, it fell flat, big time!

  53. The book sounds like a hit, I can hardly wait to read it. Congrats on the release.

  55. OMG – I have to read this book. The very idea of that list makes me laugh even before reading it. I love humor and romance mixed together. This goes to the top of my to buy list.

    Joan

  56. This is my favorite plot, the rake and the wallflower/spinster, so I can’t wait to read Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake. What a lovely cover as well.

  57. I’m so astounded by all these fantastic comments! Hi y’all!!

    Bev, First, it’s so *cool* that you are *rereading* Nine Rules. Awesome! I totally agree that the hero makes the romance! Here’s the thing, though…I seem to fall in love with every one of my heroes…and then fall in love with the next one…and then the next one! So, right now, I have to say, I’m pretty head over heels for Nick. Can’t wait for you to meet him for real!

    Hi Louisa & Sara! I think it’s fabulous that there were more of us who kept the romance novel libraries in college! So fun! If I had read less of those novels, I would have had to pull WAY fewer all-nighters. Of course, if I’d read less of those novels, Nine Rules might not exist…so, no regrets!

    Sabrina, I like scars, too. Trope or no…they’re hot. So, I’ll take the heat on that. Pun intended! 🙂

    Librarypat, I’m so happy that you agree that YA is a fantastic genre…the stories that are coming from the YA community are so powerful and edgy and, in many cases, push the envelope into really wonderful, new places. I’m really proud to be able to work in both YA and romance!

    Joder, The YA/Romance move was pretty smooth for me–as I’d always dreamed of writing adult romances, and I have a fabulous editor at Avon, who worked with me to work out the differences between the worlds. The scariest thing was probably the fear that people wouldn’t go on the journey with me…but hopefully that’s not the case!

    xo Sarah

  58. Hi Karen!

    You make a great point. I think it’s very easy to think that stories are easily translatable to new audiences. It takes work to figure out new voices for new projects–sometimes you get six/seven chapters in before you realize that it’s just not working! I totally understand the resistance to start over!

    xo

  59. Congratulations on the new release, Sarah! I’ve been hearing wonderful things about this book – and congratulations on the great reviews as well!
    I love the complicated hero – and it’s always nice to see he’s a great guy with a lot of depth – you just have to do some digging – and that’s why there’s the book, right? 😉
    Also, that’s so neat the “romance library” has increased in size, and fantastic that you get to add your own book to that collection!

  60. The book sounds wonderful! Are your books connected? Should they be read in a particular order?

  63. Pingback: Spotlight on Sarah Maclean « The Romance Novel Addict

  64. I really loved “Nine Rules”. I definitely recommend it. I can’t wait for the next!

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