I am so happy to have one of my favorite authors, Kate Noble here today!
Who is Kate Noble? Give us the low down. The dirty low down.
Ha! Oh, if only there was a dirty low down.
Kate Noble is someone who at one point in her life, had too much time on her hands. And I’m also someone who absolutely DEVOURS story, in all forms. TV, movies, theater, comics… and a lot of books. And then one day, working at a job that did not fulfill my career ambitions and did not pay enough to allow me to go out and keep myself entertained, I started writing a book, which became Compromised, my first novel.
Suffice to say, I no longer have too much time on my hands. I miss it so much.
Lady Jane Cummings and Byrne Worth are both introduced in your previous book, Revealed. Did you know from the start they were destined to be together? Jane is prim and proper, and Byrne is dark and mysterious. Give us a little insight into making their romance work.
When writing Revealed, I knew I wanted Lady Jane to be my next heroine. I wanted to explore the other person in this frenemy relationship with Phillippa Benning, because I always felt there was less animosity between them and more miscommunication. I discovered Byrne was the right person for Jane when I realized they both had a similar kind of hardship in their lives – her father’s illness and his injury and addiction. This allowed them to recognize something fundamental in each other, from a thousand places away. And I wanted to write to that kind of love story – not the romantic comedy trope where they first hate each other then quibble and then fall in love (which I’ve written – Compromised – and adored), but one where the hero and heroine fall into step quietly and kindly, because intuitively, they know each other.
It was imperative that they be removed to the country for this to work, however. The whirl of the Season in London would have gotten in the way of their growing friendship, and later, love.
Byrne’s disability, his limp from a leg injury plays a big role in this book – from the way he perceives himself to the way his courtship of Jane is altered. They fall in love over tea and jam, rather than big city balls. Was it a challenge to write a character who is limited physically?
Hell no! It’s actually an advantage (to the writer, if not the character). To have Byrne limited physically meant he had to find new ways to do things. He had to maneuver himself differently, taking his injury into account changed his thought patterns, and highlighted his vulnerabilities (both mental and physical), which had to be overcome. This just made him more sharply drawn in my mind, and fascinating to write.
The town of Reston is a very charming, yet a busybody backdrop to this story. What inspired you to write this Lake District?
The Lake District and Reston are an integral part of The Summer of You. Jane and Byrne are both dealing with very heavy things in their lives, so there had to be some levity to be found – enter the townsfolk of Reston and the Wiltons. And Reston is one of those places that remind you forever of who you used to be – everything Jane’s ever done or will do is, in the eyes of Reston, colored by who she was as a child. It will make you want to scream half the time, but the other half it’s a strange sort of comfort.
I set the book specifically in the Lake District because I have the great fortune to have a family cottage on a lake in the Midwest. I’ve spent at least part of every summer of my life there. So, every stupid prank the Wilton boys get up to, my siblings, neighbors, and I have done in our youth. When we got older, we had our first crushes, our first kisses at the lake. Now, we’re at the age when the next generation is getting up to the same mischief we did, and I wanted to showcase this wonderful cycle. No matter how much life may change around us, there are constants, and for Jane (and for me) the lake is one of them.
Jane’s brother, Jason plays a big role in this book. We see him go from lazy, carefree brother, to overprotective and a little more serious. Will we see more of him in a future book? What is up next for you – any hints?
I’m working on Jason’s book as we speak! When I originally thought up Jason, I didn’t expect him to be so interesting to write. He’s wonderfully flawed, but in a completely relatable and sometimes heartbreaking way. I wanted to throttle him half the time, but I kept coming back to him.
As for hints: Since Jason’s still a little… immature at the end of The Summer of You, I felt I should age him up a few years. So the next book starts 5 years after this one. Which makes it possible for Jason to run into some other people that we may know.
If you had to pick one of your heroes to be your husband, who would best suit you? Max (Compromised) Marcus (Revealed) or Byrne (Summer of You)? And just so you know, Marcus is a fictional boyfriend of mine, so we have problems if you pick him ;)
There is too much of myself in Max for me to choose him, and I don’t have the patience Byrne would require, so I’m going to have to say Marcus. (Don’t cut me! He’s fictional, so there’s enough of him to go around!)
Revealed was just nominated for a RITA! Congrats! Did you party like a rock star when you found out?
I thought Lorraine Heath was playing a prank on me.
I was in bed (I live on the west coast) and was awoken by my phone ringing, and a voice saying, “This is Lorraine Heath from the Romance Writers of America Board of Directors.” That will wake you up right quick. I jumped up and down of course, and did a lot of, “Are you kidding me!?!?” and the like, but I didn’t believe it until it was officially posted online (which took for-EVER). Then, and only then, did I party like a rock star… or, rather, I sat down got to writing, because I’m on deadline right now for Jason’s book.
Yup, I’m super exciting.
Name three things you must have with you when you write.
— my computer (since I write on it, this is a bit of a gimmie)
— some form of caffeine. Diet Coke is of course, the ambrosia of the Gods, but a latte is an acceptable substitute.
— my music. Right now my writing standbys are Beethoven’s 9th, Green Day’s American Idiot album, and the soundtrack to the Dark Knight. That’s right, I like my music pounding and broody.
What is the last book you read and movie you saw?
The last movie I saw was Hot Tub Time Machine. Structural problems but I am the only person in the world who would complain about that, because it’s stupidly funny.
The last book I read was nonfiction, called The Peep Diaries by Hal Niedzviecki. It’s about how we as a culture have shifted from a right to privacy to everyone spying on each other via the internet. Let’s just say I’ve changed the privacy settings on my Facebook account since reading it.
What fictional hero do you lust after the most?
Dr. Who. Specifically the 10th doctor, David Tennant.
If you could switch places with any heroine, who would it be?
Oh, I don’t know. Keeping with the David Tennant theme, I wouldn’t mind being Rose Tyler, but honestly? I wouldn’t want anybody else’s story. I kinda like mine.
Chest hair – smexy?
If a guy wears it proudly, hell yeah. Smexy’s not on the skin, it’s in the soul.
Thank you Kate and I love that last line of yours ;)
Kate is offering a copy of The Summer of You to one commenter. To enter, just leave a comment. Contest open to all, and will run through April 8th. I will announce the winner on Friday.
awesome post your a new author to me sounds great would love a chance to win and try out your work sounds awesome
mortalsinn@yahoo.com
Excellent interview, and I so look forward to reading Kate's books :)
Great Interview!! Please count me in. Thanks!
I loved this interview and how it got me a taste of the author, characters and the books. Thanks Mandi and Ms.Noble, I'm more than a little intrigued to say the least ;) And if I had to choose one of the heroes, I would go for Byrne, there's just something about his attitude that screams my name LOL So please count me in for the giveaway Mandi :)
Fabulous interview! I adored THE SUMMER OF YOU (my blog received a copy for review). By the time I reached the end of the book I was ready to read it all over again. What I did instead was immediately go to Amazon and order your back list. Can't wait to read them!
I'm so glad you're writing Jason's story. Even though, like you, I wanted to slap him upside the head most of the book, by the end of the story I could see glimmers of a wonderful hero to come.
Congrats on your RITA nomination!
Please exclude me from the giveaway. Thanks!
~PJ
TheRomanceDish
Reveled sounds like a great book!
Elizabethcerna2011@gmail.com
I have to blushingly admit that I haven't read anything by Kate Noble yet, so thank you for this interview and drawing my attention to her novels, they sound fantastic! Please enter me I would love to read Summer of You, it sounds interesting to have a somewhat disabled hero and to read how he perceives himself, sounds interesting!
stella.exlibris (at) gmail DOT com
ps: I forgot in my enthusiasm: CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR RITA NOMINATION!! :-)
Always excited to discover a new author. I've heard you talk about Kare Noble on Twitter and will now have to check her out. Thanks!
I'm not entering, just wanted to say what a great interview that was-Congrats on the Rita Nomination, and I can't wait to read this book :)
Kate Noble is a new (to me) author and I can't wait to read her books – especially since she's one of your favorite authors!
I absolutely loved Revealed! I can't wait to read The Summer of You :)
love the interview, got me smiling. Congrats on Rita Nomination!! I would love to win this book!!
Bianca-
bianca.riot.08(@)hotmail.com
Great interview! Congrats on your RITA nomination! Revealed sounds very interesting :)
She's so pretty :)
Loved the interview! Her books sound awesome – adding to my TBB list.
hildakullberg (at) gmail (dot) com
Hi Mandi and Kate,
First of all, I LOLd at the diet coke comment (I refer to it as "the elixir of life" myself).
This book sounds so sweet. Of course, since my son is having surgery next week for a leg injury, I zeroed in on the hero's leg injury part and already feel some affinity for the hero because of it (is that weird?). Looking forward to reading this.
pspinney at cox dot net
I haven't read anything by Kate Noble but her books sound very good and I loved the interview.
sstrode@scrtc.com
Oh! Sounds good! Count me in- my fingers are crossed. :)
Thanks for introducing me to an author… and great interview!
rexreadingrobot at gmail dot com
Great interview! Sounds like a good book!
booknerdd(at)gmail(dot)com
I haven't read anything by Kate Noble yet, but anyone who lusts after David Tennant as Doctor Who gets moved to the top of my TBR list immediately. Great interview!
julstew at gmail dot com
Great interview! "Smexy’s not on the skin, it’s in the soul". <—-I love that!
Great interview ladies. I love that you always ask about chest hair. LOL! Totally makes your interviews unique. I'll have to read this book because I want to hold it and twirl with it like Smexi said she did. :D
Great interview! I had Compromised checked out from the library but had to return it before I could finished. I just bought Revealed for the Kindle and am anxiously waiting for The Summer of You to become available on the Kindle.
I never tire of the chest hair question! Sounds like a lovely book.
dawnpnr at aol dot com
Great interview Smexy love this quote 'Smexy’s not on the skin, it’s in the soul.'
Again…my TBR list is growing. AAAGGGHHH!
awesome interview! i love the questions asked but that last question is the best lol
i've never read kate noble before so i'm really excited. her books are going to the list
bookmakeupreview AT gmail DOT com
This would be a new author for me, enjoyed the interview! tWarner419@aol.com
Kate Noble is a new-to-me author, and after reading your interview and review of Summer Of You, I am really intrigued about the story. I just relish a story where the heroine finally asserts herself and takes control of her situation and life.
Great interview and congrats on your new release! I absolutely loved Revealed and look forward to reading The Summer of You.
Loved the interview. Must confess I haven't read any of Kate's books yet, but the reviews I've seen have made me add her to my list!
Great interview, I can't wait to read the book!
I too have not read any of Kate's books. I'll have to check them out next time I'm at the store.
I a with you there, some serious lust on my corner for the 10th Doctor, would love to be Rose :=) Perhaps I could get him to take me to the Middle Ages, that would be fun
The books all sounds great and after that review yesterday I really wanna try one
Revealed is in my TBR pile. I need to read it–quick–so I'm ready for this one. These books sound so wonderful.
Great interview and a new author for me to read. Please count me in!
I just finished Revealed and was completely charmed and now I am jonesin' for The Summer of You.
Thanks for a fun interview.
Kate, congratulations on your RITA nomination!! Your books sound great! I'm off to pick up your backlist while hoping to win this latest one.
Hi Kate. Great interview. Congratulations on your RITA nomination. Your books sound wonderful.
Crystal816[at]hotmail[dot]com
Great interview- I love the premise of this book and am intrigued by the miscommunication/frenemies aspect.
I also love the covers to your books, Kate!
I bought Revealed, and would love to get my hands on The Summer of You :)
Man fur is SMEXY!!! Yay! This book sounds really good! In a world that's peppered with published authors, it's hard to stand out but now having read this interview, I'm intrigued! So thank you Kate and Thanks Smexy!!!
Great interview! I just picked up Compromising, looking forward to reading it! Count me in for The Summer of You!
Awesome cover! I would love to win this!!
sexywomenread@yahoo.com
Awesome interview! this looks like a great read.
echs2007@gmail.com
Great Interview And Congrats On Revealed Being Nominated For A RITA. Your Book Sounds Wonderful And I Would Love To Entered Into This Giveaway.
Kate Noble is a new to me author.
Congrats on your RITA nomination.
TSOY sounds like a wonderful book and it's been getting great reviews, so I definitely would love to win it. As a disabled person, I'm always on the lookout for books with physically challenged characters to see how they cope. I love how you get your h/h together and I always think that it makes the couple closer because it's not all about the physical in their relationship. They actually have to talk so they learn so much more about each other. Itruly love that. And have I mentioned how much I want this book?!
And I wholeheartedly agree with you about Doctor Who. Tennant was perfect–so adorable and funny. No one will ever match him.
Congrats on your RITA nomination!
joderjo402 AT gmail DOT com
'Summer of You' is i the post, and I am cracking open 'Revealed' this weekend!
Great interview, Smexy.
I absolutely adored 'compromised', so I will start reading 'Revealed' ASAP!
Congrats on the RITA nomination!
Great interview. I also LOVED that last line. Sounds like a sweet book and will have to put Revealed on my wish list.
I think its a good change that the character is limited physically. Maybe its more real.
magabygc AT Gmail DOT com
Great interview. I've never read any of her books, but they look really interesting.
spav05(at)gmail(dot)com
Congrats to Kate on her RITA nomination!
Thanks for the interview and introducing me to Kate Noble who's a new to me author.
alternate email from blogger
magenta 2 red [at] gmail [dot] com
Please enter me!
xxsquigglesxx(At)Gmail(dot)com
Thanks for posting. The books sound awesome. The dresses on the covers are so great. *wonders where I can buy one*
Hi everyone! Kate Noble here — I spent the better part of today on an airplane, so what a wonderful surprised to wander over to the board and see all the lovely comments. Thanks everyone!
Congrats on the RITA nomination! Can't wait to read this one!
mariannguyen16(AT)gmail(DOT)com
i'm curious about this book since i had read several reviews about it.
Enter me in please :)
uniquas at ymail dot com
Loved the interview and the review made me want to read it even more!
lilazncutie1215 @ yahoo.com
I'm very keen to read this one so please count me in. After reading the reviews of TSOY I picked up Compromised and Revealed in e format but I wasn't able to get this one.
@ Kate Noble – good luck in the RITAs.
A new to me author. Love finding them.. The book looks fantastic. Please enter me for it.
I follow
mlawson17 at hotmail dot com
Oh, Kate, I totally agree with you – diet coke is indeed a gift from the gods. ;) And congrats on the RITA final for Revealed!
The Summer of You sounds wonderful, and the review was great!
I just read Compromised this weekend and loved it!
You are a new author for me and several of my reader buddies have recommended your novels. I justed picked up a copy of Revealed last week but haven't had a chance to read it yet. It sounds wonderful. Congrats on your nomination and I'm looking forward to reading all of your books. Best Wishes!!!
I'm a new follower and would Love to be entered in your drawing.
mitzihinkey at sbcglobal dot net
Great Interview and answers!
I haven't read anything of Kates so please enter me!
Thanks for stopping by Kate
Congrats on the RITA nomination.
Love that "Smexy's not on the skin, it's in the soul."
Enjoyed reading the comments. I am always looking for new authors to read and have added this one to my TBR list.
I like the cover of the book. Does the author have much say as to how the covers look?
Think I'll have to check these out!
Great interview! I read a great review of the book at DA, I definitely want to get my hands on a copy of the book!