I’m so happy to have Christina Phillips at Smexy today. Her very sexy book, Forbidden came out September 7th.
Who is Christina Phillips? Give us the low down.
I was born and grew up in the UK, but now live in sunny Western Australia with my husband and our three children. I’ve always loved writing stories although as a teenager my characters always came to a sticky end. After many years and a variety of jobs to fit around the children’s school hours I’m now living my dream – writing romances about sexy warriors and magical heroines. It doesn’t get much better than that!
On your website you state that your Roman centurion appeared in your head from nowhere. Did you know just that you had to write about a sexy Roman, or did you have his story from the start too?
All I had before I started writing Forbidden was this tantalizing vision of a hot Roman centurion searching for his Druid princess, a manipulative High Druid and an overwhelming sense of impending doom. I was between books, not sure what to tackle next but the instant Maximus and Carys appeared to me (and strangely for me, I knew their names immediately) I had to find out more about them. In fact up until that evening it had never even crossed my mind to write a historical romance, never mind an ancient historical romance. It was all a bit freaky really!
I always think really evil villains are so much fun to read about, and I thoroughly enjoyed the page time with Aeron. Was he a fun character to write? Was it hard to make him so evil or did it come easy?
I loved writing Aeron! He was a dark, complex character and I didn’t know why he was acting the way he was until later in the book. I found him surprisingly easy to translate onto the page because his presence was so strong. He fascinated me by the way he was so absolutely convinced he was in the right. As far as he was concerned there was only one way – his way. He wasn’t the kind of man who understood the concept of compromise :-)
Carys is a fun, independent heroine with a strong druid abilities. Give us some insight into writing her magical abilities.
Carys inherited her strong druidic heritage from both her parents and was chosen at the moment of her birth by the Goddess of Wisdom, Cerridwen. No one knew why, because she’d been destined to be an acolyte of the Great Goddess, the Morrigan. So Carys has always had this huge question in her mind – why did the Morrigan turn from her? However, she loves Cerridwen and will do anything for her although she has a tendency to manipulate Signs to her own best advantage – especially after meeting Maximus. Because her magical/spiritual abilities are an integral part of who she is they came naturally. I didn’t know when I started the book how that thread would unfold. Towards the end, it was as if I was watching a movie in my mind and I was racing to get it all down on the computer.
Who are some of your favorite authors and influences?
I’ve always loved reading historical romances and read my way through Victoria Holt when I was child. I love Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M Auel – the world building blows me away every time I read that book. Two of my favourite authors more recently are Anna Campbell and Nalini Singh.
The cover of Forbidden is gorgeous. Who is behind the illustration?
I love that cover! Berkley were fantastic when it came to asking for my input. I explained my vision for the cover and it’s as if the artist looked inside my head and then created an image that was even better. I’m in total lust with Maximus’s biceps. The cover artist is Gordon Crabb and the designer is George Long.
What are three things that you must have with you when you write?
It was only after you asked me this question I realised there is one thing I really do need on my desk and that’s a Chap Stick. It’s a great tool of procrastination for me or, as I prefer to think of it, a tool of thinking. Whenever I get stuck I whip out the Chap Stick and apply in a thoughtful manner and I think the muse has become addicted now. Other things I can’t do without are my notes and assorted pens. Oh, and the computer – writing by longhand doesn’t work for me!
I am completely addicted to Chap Stick too! What’s up next for you?
I’m working on revisions on the first book of a proposed new series set in a different century. It’s still an ancient historical though.
Finally, because you are at Smexy Books I must ask: Hairy Chest – smexy?
I love a smattering of chest hair on a hot guy. It gives a smexy texture to run fingers through!
Thanks so much for having me on Smexy Books today!
Thanks Christina!
Christina has offered to giveaway a copy of Forbidden to one lucky commenter. To enter, leave a comment of question for Christina.
Contest open to everyone through Saturday September 25th.
I've been hearing a lot about this book and I must say I'd love to read it. A Roman centurion sounds like a very interesting hero and I always enjoy books with a touch of magic.
seriousreader at live dot com
Sounds enchanting. Would love to have a chance to read it
jbax90@gmail.com
Sounds good, count me in! tWarner419@aol.com
Hi Mandi, thanks for the great review for Forbidden! I'm glad you enjoyed it :-)
Hi Linda, thanks for stopping! I love a touch of magic too and really enjoyed weaving the paranormal element through my ancient world.
Hi J and tetewa, thank you!
And Linda, oops, I meant to say thanks for stopping by. It's almost midnight here. I need to go to bed :-)
I knew I liked you for a reason. I grew up reading Victoria Holt too. My fav was Bride for Pendoric. Your book sound great. You have me curious about Aeron.
I read an excerpt about the bath/waterfall scene and oh boy, that got me hook, line, and sinker. I can't wait to get my hands on this book to find out what happens!
like.noise@hotmail.com
This sounds like a great book – I love the premise of a Roman and a Druid priestess getting together!
Sarah M
This sounds like a cool read. Is it a standalone or part of a series?
Hi Christina!
congrats on the release of Forbidden – I can't wait to get my hands on it! I'm so curious, because I've heard a lot of good things about it :)
I saw Captive on the internet and I have to say you are very lucky because of your covers – they are gorgeous!!! is Captive the second book in the series? it sounds like it… will there be more books in the future?
wish you all the best, Ina
inale87 at gmx dot at
I've always loved the richness of ancient history but woven around romance like this, it's a must read!
Oooh this one sounds so good, can't wait to read it! Oh, and for a change from Chapstick, try fresh SUGAR lip treatment as a treat. It is so so good. :D {u can get it at sephora}
spazp {at} me {dot} com
I think this is such an interesting premise (and unusual time period for romance novels).
Great interview, Mandi!
Very, very interesting interview–lots of insights about Christina that help understand her writing. The book sounds fascinating–so many story possibilities from that historical period! Please include me in the drawing.
I've been wanting to get my hands on this book since it came out! Amazon and BN reviewers gave it five stars and Mandi did the awesome review. And I'm positively giddy over the cover.
I so want in on this.
What a beautiful cover! I am addicted to LipIce too (that is what we call it here in South Africa). Have one on my table, in my handbag, next to my bed . . . you get the idea. :)
~Chrizette
baychriz at gmail dot com
I loved Auel's Clan of The
Cave Bear, too.
Are you going to write more ancient historical stories?
kissinoak at frontier dot com
Forbidden sounds fascinating!
chey127 at hotmail dot com
What a fantastic cover!
robin [at] intensewhisper [dot] com
Hi Christina – I'm so looking forward to some quiet time to read your book. I'm a Victoria Holt fan as well and consumed her books when I was a teenager.
Congrats on your release. :)
Forbidden sounds like a wonderful story. I love the time period it's set in and I'm looking forward to reading it.
Barbed1951(at)aol(dot)com
Hi, Christina! I have been looking forward to reading your book, and definitely plan on getting it at my next bookstore stop :-) It's one I've had marked on my 'Books to buy for 2010' list LOL :-)
Was doing research for this book difficult? Were there any particular books or movies that helped you visualize the setting and characters?
(I know these questions are cliched, but that's what always interests me the most.)
The cover looks great, and I'm really glad the heroine is not a virgin. :)
I'm so excited about this book! I'm so glad someone is finally bringing forth a story from this time period. I fell in love with the tv show Rome and thought how dramatic and sexy it was. Just looking at the cover is making me giddy.
joderjo402 AT gmail DOT com
Hi Judith! the first Victoria Holt I read was Menfreya. I was completely besotted by Bevil, not least because of his extraordinary name! I'm glad you're curious about Aeron :-)
Thanks, Nicole! I must admit I did enjoy writing that waterfall scene!!
Hi Sarah, thank you! It was a lot of fun watching Maximus and Carys fight for their happy ending!
Thanks, Sullivan McPig. This is book one in the Forbidden series. Book two, Captive, is out in February 2011 and follows the story of Carys's best friend, Morwyn. Captive starts six months after Forbidden ends and although it can be read without having first read Forbidden, certain events are mentioned in book 2 that occurred in book 1.
Thanks so much, Ina! I've been very lucky with my covers. My children had the cover of Forbidden enlarged and framed for me for Mother's Day this year, which was so awesome and now I can drool over Maximus's biceps in comfort :-) Captive is the second book in the series and I have everything crossed there will be more books to follow!
Hi Scorpio M! thank you so much. I loved exploring that ancient world!
Thank you, SpazP! The fresh SUGAR lip treatment sounds wonderful – I'll have to see if I can get it here!
Hi Mrs Hanson, thanks! It is a more unusual time period for a romance, and I'm thrilled Berkley loved it enough to take a chance :-)
Thank you, Dr J! I have a few more stories in mind I'd love to write set in that historical period!
Hi K.C. Marquis, thank you! I'm still in love with that cover!!
Hi Chrizette, thank you! Yes, I have Chap Sticks all over the place too!
Estella, I'm in the middle of revisions on another ancient historical romance at the moment, that I hope might be the first book in a new series. I'd love to continue with the Forbidden series, too. I really love writing ancient historicals threaded through with a paranormal element.
Thanks, Chey!
Thank you, Robin K!
Hi Shelley, thanks for the congrats! Victoria Holt had a big impact on my pre-teen mind – I fell completely in love with her gothic novels!
Thank you, Barbara! There's so much rich conflict in that time period. Hope you enjoy :-)
Chelsea, thank you so much!
Hi Mara, when I was a child I watched the BBC series I Claudius, which had a big impact on me, and growing up in the UK I took the Roman heritage very much for granted (I kick myself now for not taking more notice!) But I didn't watch any movie or series when I decided to write Forbidden. Once I realised I had to write this book, I researched the accepted career path of a Roman patrician and the hierarchy of the Roman Legions, the ancient gods and goddesses and any information I could find on Druids (there wasn't much). The characters came into my mind and demanded I tell their story and as I followed them into their world it unfolded in a very organic manner.
LOL on Carys not being a virgin. Neither is Morwyn, in book two :-)
Thank you joder! I think it's a very sexy and dramatic time too!
Chap stick? I never would have thought of that as a "must have," but when you mentioned it, I looked down at my own tube of lip balm and thought of how many times I apply it throughout the day. You're so right! Lol.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again — mega-congratulations on the release of Forbidden! I just know it will be a huge success :).
love the blend of historical-paranormal romance, please count me in!
Littopandaxpress(at)yahoo(dot)com
Hi Helen! I know, I never thought how essential my Chap Stick was before, either!
Thanks so much for congrats!
Thanks, van_pham!
Hi Christina, I have to shamefully admit that I haven't heard of you before this interview, but after reading it I sure will check you out.
Not only does Forbidden sounds exciting (you got me at the title, I love how powerful and evocative it is), but the cover looks gorgeous too! Congratulations! :-)
stella.exlibris (at) gmail (dot) com
Hi Stella, lol! Forbidden is my debut novel so I don't think anyone has heard of me :-)Thanks so much for your congratulations and good wishes!
i won't say No for good books ! enter me in please !
uniquas at ymail dot com
Hi mariska, you're entered! :-)
I don't think I have ever read a romance with a Roman Centurion as a hero. You have me very curious.
Sounds like a good book. Count me in.
lynnflagler(at)yahoo(dot)com
Christina,
This looks like a lovely novel and I can't wait to read it.
Please enter me in the giveaway.
justpeachy36@yahoo.com
I'm with you, I like a smattering of hair on my sexy guy, too!
This book sounds good; I look forward in reading it.
Thanks,
Tracey D
booklover0226 at gmail dot com
You had me at "very sexy Roman centurion, her enemy, bathe in a waterfall" Sounds excellent and I would love the chance to win the book. Thank you!
Lil, I'm so glad my Roman Centurion has made you curious!! Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks, Lynnette! You're in the draw!
justpeachy36, thank you so much! You're entered in the giveaway :-)
booklover0226, thank you! I do like some hair on my guy's chest, and I'm also quite partial to a touch of five o'clock shadow too!
Twimom227 lol, thank you! I had some fun with the waterfall scene :-)
This one sounds refreshing.
Christina when you were writing you extensively researched the religious issues that pull them apart?
:) count me in for the giveway too…and by the way it's really nice of u to answer all of our questions :) thanks
oh.. I forgot the email, shame on me ^^'
fairy dot morgaine at gmail dot com
Hi fs1, I researched the Roman and Celtic gods and although that is a huge point of difference between them, it was also the fact the Romans were the invaders into Carys's homeland and the Emperor wanted to wipe out Druids that were the biggest obstacles for them to overcome. And thank you for asking the questions, I love answering them!
Hi
Awesome interview – reading it just makes me want to read the book even more ..wish it would hurry up get here!
Thanks, Kelly!