Author Q&A with Margaret Kaine,
of whom I had the pleasure of reviewing “Dangerous Decisions”
as a #ChocLitSaturdays Feature!
It is my pleasure to welcome Ms. Kaine to Jorie Loves A Story this Saturday, as I ask her questions revolving around her writing life and her Edwardian debut novel with ChocLitUK “Dangerous Decisions” of which was reviewed previously on 8th February, 2014!
I selected her novel as one of the first four *ChocLit* novels I would review on behalf of Indie Publisher ChocLit! My heart has become quite endeared focusing on ChocLit novels standing out from the crowd of romance on the market today; giving uplifting stories full of heart, soul, and strong relationship-based romances full of thoughtful narrative, intrigue mixed with suspense, joy, and the inertia of bliss when two hearts align towards a match!
I spoke about my affection for ChocLit throughout my first four ChocLitSaturdays feature showcases. However, it came to a bit of a head whilst spotlighting inspirational romance author Sandra Leesmith’s Cover Reveal. As I wanted to let inspirational readers know that there is this amazing Indie Pub (Publisher) in the mainstream who is knitting together gentle stories of love overcoming intense odds and whose stories lift my spirits in the same way as an inspiriational! Plus, it’s the dedication of the team behind ChocLit to bring quality stories to the forefront of romance readers that nearly makes me swoon each time I see a parcel arriving with new ‘ChocLit’ inbound!
Therefore, if you’re new to picking up a romance novel by this wicked sweet British Indie Press, I implore you to keep an eye on my hashtag #ChocLitSaturdays, to seek out when new novels will become featured here! Whilst you await the books perhaps reading over my notes and recollections of my previous selections will whet your thirst as well!?
Today, Ms. Kaine is going to be introducing us to her passion for writing historical romance set in the Edwardian era! Dear hearts, if you follow my Twitter feeds for JLAS, you might already be aware of my dedication to “Downton Abbey” up until this last series on Masterpiece Theatre where my heart for the series expired before the Christmas Special! Stories like Ms. Kaine give me new hope in finding writers who can unlock my joy of the Edwardian era in new ways, giving me a glimpse into the world lived both upstairs and downstairs outside the realm of Julian Fellowes.
As this is your first ChocLit novel being released, how difficult was it to select a phobia to highlight inside the story that many might not have even been aware of existing? Did this add a challenge to writing the story?
The idea of a phobia that could both give depth to a character and cause problems within a relationship came to me, and this seemed to lead to the particular one I gave Oliver. Yes, it was a challenge at first, as I wasn’t sure it actually existed as a medical condition, but research solved that problem.
Nor had I previously stumbled across this particular affliction! I hadn’t realised it was such a discourse of personality as much as a disabling part of a person’s life as it affects so much of the scope of how Oliver lived. I do agree, without research I am not sure what any of us would do! It opens our minds and hearts to conditions and historical facts we would otherwise not become aware of! You did a most excellent job of taking the research in this instance and ebbing it away from your narrative, as only the character’s faults and quirks were seen; rather than having the research bleed through the story!
The Edwardian era has grown in popularity in recent years due to Downton Abbey. Did this resurgence of the era in general prompt your exploration or is this an era of British history that has always compelled to you to examine?
Having previously written seven novels in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s era, all based in the Potteries, I wanted to write something completely different. I’ve always been fascinated by the Edwardian era, I love the manners, the fashions, the lives women led then. And I also loved the original version of the TV series ‘Upstairs/Downstairs’. I was already writing Dangerous Decisions when ‘Downton Abbey’ was broadcast, which I also enjoyed. And by its popularity, it would seem that this type of fiction is very popular.
I love your transition of eras, and by finding your own niche within the Edwardian era outside the scope of ‘Downton’! I haven’t yet seen ‘Upstairs/Downstairs’ but I have seen the first series of its sequel ‘The Duchess of Duke Street’ and bits of its second series as well — I had to stop watching it due to feeling properly gutted by the events which were happening to Louisa! I think my appreciation of the Edwardian era is hinged a bit to yours; between the fashions & the slow independence of women emerging into a new century!
Of the three most popular eras in England: Regency, Victorian, and Edwardian what do you think is contained therein to draw in a reader’s hearts to the characters who become endeared to them?
This is an interesting question. Maybe it’s the strict morality of the times, the restrictions placed on women – so different from today. And reading a romantic historical novel can teach us much about social history during these periods. It’s a lovely fantasy to emphasise with a character who wears beautiful clothes and leads a life of luxury. If the novel is based on poverty and struggle, then we readers are rooting for the heroine all the way. And to be transported back in history is sheer escapism.
Yes, I do agree with you here, going back into history within a fictional setting which allows us to roam around a bit, and become sensory aware of our surroundings and of the times in which the men and women lived is quite extraordinary! I am not sure I always go so far as to consider it ‘escapism’ as I do as to gathering experiences through lives of which the characters have lived. I like collecting experiences and adventures, and books to me are portals into unknown and unfamiliar territories yet explored! I like to take the journey one story at a time! I have a wanderlust for travel, and within stories, I find my compass has no limits of where I can go!
For those of across the Pond, could you explain a bit about “The Potteries” as we do not have a direct reference to know why this section of England is wide-known? I presume it has to do with pottery and/or old world arts and crafts? A highly creative area for sure!
“The Potteries” is a term used for Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, and is famous for its pottery manufacture. It was here that the industrial revolution in England began. You may have heard of Wedgwood, or of Royal Doulton, and Minton, among many other famous makes of pottery and figurines. Arnold Bennett was born here and wrote about the area. Sadly, many of the original potbanks – as the factories were called – have now disappeared. Although other new ones, such as Emma Bridgwater are successful.
Yes, I have heard of Wedgwood! I found it quite fascinating that this is where you are from and that it has such a rich history in an artisan craft and trade! I have appreciated pottery, figurines, and other objects cast from bisque and clay! The ability to throw a pot and to carve out a living representation from materials which spin around and form through your hands is quite exciting, I think! The process is fascinating to me, and I’ll have to learn more about The Potteries as I move forward!
Which writers gave you the most inspiration for engaging in the craft of writing? Which books stood out to you as being a classic example of story-telling?
For me, Charles Dickens was the master storyteller, although I read widely as I was growing up. I especially enjoyed novels written by Catherine Cookson, Anya Seton, Susan Howatch and Mary Stuart. I think inspiration to become a writer comes from books one reads in younger life.
Dickens is the one British author I have been tied too of which I have not yet widely read! His “Christmas Carol” was a fixture in my young life, as I grew appreciating all the lovely renditions and adaptations in motion pictures! The other authors you have mentioned, I fear, I have not yet crossed paths with but I do agree with you, the writers who enchant us as children, do plant the seeds for those of us who are story-tellers to start to tell our own stories. There is such an excitement to convey story from words spilt on a page. The inspiration from Children’s Literature is one reason I am choosing to focus on this extraordinary section of offerings on my blog!
One of the highlights of “Dangerous Decisions” for me was the exacting of your deft hand to illustrate life below and above stairs. How did you manage to strike the balance between their internal lives and their external life of service? You painted such a clever orchestration of sociological experimentation!
Thank you, that’s lovely to hear and I’m glad you enjoyed the interchange. Although I have never experienced either of these lifestyles, my grandmother was sent to be a scullery maid at the age of twelve. I do wish now that she had talked to me about her experiences. In these earlier eras it was not uncommon for servants to be regarded as merely useful, often with no regard or understanding that they also had their hopes and ambitions. And although many plot points can be difficult, I actually found writing about the contrasts of upstairs and downstairs came naturally. I’m so glad to hear that I succeeded!
You must certainly did succeed! I think perhaps you might have channeled your grandmother’s experiences even without being privy to what they entailed! You etched out a realism for both sides of the house to where it felt as though you had inside knowledge of the choices they all faced! I’d be most delighted to see if you explore this side of life again, as you do have the knack for uncovering their emotions and their thoughts, which give them a bit of freedom in being who they are and not limited to their station and status in life.
I am always curious about the tools in which a writer uses to create their stories. What do you prefer to use whilst writing (i.e. computer, paper notebooks, typewriter, pen, pencil, etc), where do you prefer to write, and what time of day do you draw out the most inspiration?
I write straight onto the computer, this comes easily to me as I’m a touch-typist and actually used to teach secretarial skills. And I prefer to write in the mornings, as I’m definitely a lark and not an owl. But I will also write in the afternoon, but never in the evening.
I had to simply smile, whilst reading ‘definitely a lark and not an owl’, as I am the opposite, I am afraid! The owl who toys with burnt midnight oil and a waxing of the moons in order to draw out her creative breath! My Mum was a secretary, but I did not inherit her skills for it, but I did take to a keyboard and a computer like a duck to water, which has saved me in the long-term because I too, write on computers! I do long to acquaint myself with less technologic choices, but I agree, there is something about having turnt on the computer and resuming where you left off with the flash of the keys & the light of your imagination!
What are three things Americans might not know about the British?
- That we are not cold and reserved in nature, most of us are warm and friendly.
- That we do feel that we have a ‘special relationship’ with America.
- That although we love and are proud of our history, we are not rooted in the past.
Yes, yes, you are quite warm and friendly! I have had quite a nice circle of British friends over the years, and I always found them to be lovely and engaging! A true kindness of spirit and giving of their joy. I think I have observed your second declaration first-hand, as through my friendships, my friends & I oft muse about how Jorie is in love with Britain as much as they are in love with America! So much so, you would think we were each bourne on the opposite side of the Pond! Laughs with mirth. Alas, I am not sure who would think Britons are rooted to the past, as they are always so lively and present in the current era! You are proud of your past, surely, and you have an excellent fit of humour for your history as well, but rooted? No. I have not observed this either! You’re always too keen to see what the future holds and walk into it!
What can those of us who have become passionately attached to ChocLit expect to see from you next!? And, why do you think ChocLit is proving romance had room to make a new niche in the genre?
Because I enjoyed the research so much, I felt I wanted to write another novel set in the Edwardian Era. It begins with a young girl who has been incarcerated in a workhouse since the age of six and who has a mystery in her past. There is also another heroine whose past holds a shock. And I think there will be not only one, but two gorgeous heroes.
I think ChocLit hit on the ingenious idea of asking readers what they want and trying to provide it. Their Tasting Panel has been hugely successful in its choices. And also proving how essential it is for a publisher to not only publish a book, but to support and promote it once it goes out into the real world.
Ohh, my dear yes, isn’t the Tasting Panel a brilliant idea!? I was quite thankful they were keen on having an American read their novels as a book reviewer, as I couldn’t participate in the Tasting Panel as its all done electronically! I feel as though I’m a part of the ChocLit circle, as I get to see the stories the Panel elected to give their approval of, and then, I get to pass on the word of the novels once they are ready for an audience! I don’t think I shall stop gushing over my love of ChocLit anytime soon! It’s such a wonderful publisher to talk about, and for me, it took me a long time to find a niche in romance where my heart feels uplifted in such an endearing way! I also appreciate their approach to showing marriage and the true affairs of what goes on between couples. Ah, yes, I had a feeling you’d write about the Edwardian era! Yes. I did indeed! Cheers!
What do you consider to be your most perfect day?
If I wasn’t spending it with my family, then I had such a perfect day yesterday. I belong to the Romantic Novelists’ Association and my local Chapter held a Writing Day at a local hotel. To be with 20 other authors and to share our expertise and knowledge amongst laughter and goodwill was wonderful. Not to forget the sandwiches, hot crispy chips, wine, cookies and warm pastries, plus plentiful tea and coffee! Absolute bliss.
Oh, your event with the Romantic Novelists sounds absolutely splendid! What a festive way to interact, converse, and be surrounded by like-minded souls whilst eating decadent foods & wine! Ooh, my that is surely the most blissful way to spend one’s hours, by far! I hope that you have many more of these and many fond memories with your family throughout the year!
Author Connections:
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Converse via: #DangerousDecisions
Thank you, Ms. Kaine for dropping by Jorie Loves A Story this ChocLitSaturday! I was most delighted to have learnt more about your approach to writing, and a bit about where you are from in England! There are so many lovely places to visit in Britain, that I must confess, I have not unearthed all of them as of yet! Of course, this is in part, why I am always quite keen to seek out stories set on her shores! To glimpse a bit more of her history and gain an appreciation for the hidden splendors I am not yet familiar of! Thank you for providing insight into your writing life and for giving us a bit of a preview of your next ChocLit release! I will be looking forward to seeing it develop!
This Author Q&A is courtesy of ChocLitUK,
check out my upcoming bookish event and mark your calendars!
Readers and Romance enthusiasts, what draws you into a cosy comfortable romance where the empathise is on the inter-connection relationship rather than on the casual acquaintance!? What makes your heart pull you forward into the narrative for the softer side of romance, where love is favoured over lust, and where gentleman are truly tied into the welfare of the woman rather than seeing her unfavourably?
Do you knit into uplifting romances both in mainstream & inspirational sides of the market, or do you hesitate going between the two, if you aren’t sure what to expect outside what your familiar!? Do my showcases of ChocLit inspire you to try their stories if you previously haven’t!? Do you enjoy period dramas and romances set within the Edwardian era? IF so, what do you favour the most?
Please leave your questions, comments,
and compliments on behalf of Ms. Kaine in the comment threads!Stop back next Saturday, as Zana Bell
will have a featured Author’s Guest Post, on the 29th of March, 2014!{NOTE: Similar to blog tours, when I feature a showcase for an author via a Guest Post, Q&A, Interview, etc., I do not receive compensation for featuring supplemental content on my blog.}
{SOURCES: Author photograph, Author Biography, and ChocLit Reviewer badge were provided by ChocLitUK and were used by permission. Author Interview badge provided by Parajunkee Designs to give book bloggers definition on their blogs. Jorie Loves A Story badge created by Ravven with edits by Jorie in FotoFlexer. Post dividers by Fun Stuff for Your Blog via Pure Imagination.}
Copyright © Jorie Loves A Story, 2014.
Hi Ladies, it was one of those long round about ways, it began with an article in the newspaper about a lady whose outhouse in Denton Manchester was found to be an old “planking shop and bow garret” to do with early hat making. The Denton Hat Company made “Attaboy” trilby hats and were attributed to have made the slogan “If you want to get ahead, get a hat”. In the 1800’s Denton and Stockport were the centre of British hat making.
The conversation moved on, as it does, to my daughter saying they’d watched a video at college about the story behind British industries, particularly the potteries in Staffordshire. Then I remembered I’d been to the Wedgewood potteries on a school trip years ago.
Then the conversation turned again as to where the potteries were and what football teams there were in the area…..
Ah Football Teams. My family are all Stoke City supporters who incidentally beat Aston Villa 1-3 yesterday. My husband’s parents used to be friends of Stanley Matthews! But as you probably know, there is also Port Vale and much local rivalry between the two teams.
What interesting comments you made on my Author Q & A Jorie. It’s great to see it displayed again for ChocLit Saturday.
Hallo Ms. Kaine,
I love to add comments underneath Interviews when I feel a connection to the author I am interviewing! :) You gave me so much to ponder and think about, the conversation simply kept forming together! :) I was quite honoured to feature you on my returning post for #ChocLitSaturdays! Its become my favourite day of the week!
Oh Wow! What a great interview, we were only discussing the English potteries in this household yesterday, and now here they are again in this post.
Hallo Ms. Amber,
I am so thankful you enjoyed learning about an author from The Potteries! :) I found it quite fascinating myself as I have always appreciated old world arts & crafts! You had a proper serendipitous moment! :)
May I ask how the topic came up in your house!? Were you researching a particular artisan or pottery line!?
How wonderful to hear that people who aren’t ‘Stokies’ talk about the English Potteries. It certainly is a unique environment, especially when production was at its height, and the skyline was full of pottery kilns. Before the Clean Air Act, the air was often full of smoke from them. But it had a warm heart and my roots are firmly there. Like Jorie, I was wondering how the topic came up in your home.