Q&A with Sabine Starr

I am so happy to have the chance to interview author Sabine Starr today. Her brand new western historical from Kensington's Brava line, Lady Gone Bad, is in stores now. I have one trade paperback copy to give to a lucky commenter; simply leave an email address so I can contact the winner. (Open to US residents only until 9/15).

SABINE STARR TALKS ABOUT HER GONE BAD SERIES

OF WESTERN HISTORICAL ROMANCE NOVELS

 

1) Tell us a little about your Gone Bad series...what made you decide to write western historicals?

 

Texas and Oklahoma (former Indian Territory) are in my blood, along with the people, land, and legends. I’ve lived in other wonderful areas of the country, but I’ve always come home. I’m descended from Republic of Texas pioneers and Native Americans. Their stories are my stories. I’ve always wanted to share this slice of Americana with the wider world. I decided to do it through a series of historical novels set in North/East Texas and Southeast Oklahoma. I also wanted to fill pages with tall-tales and larger-than-life heroes and heroines based on the independent people who left us their enduring legacy.

 

Back in the day, “G.T.T.” meant “Gone to Texas” and the letters were frequently found scrawled on doors in the South, Midwest, and East. The inscription was common enough that most folks knew when they saw “G.T.T.” that their friend, enemy, or loved one had disappeared into the wilds of Texas. G.T.T. people sometimes got out one step ahead of the law or creditors. Some simply couldn’t stand the confines of civilization any longer. In any case, these folks were simply gone. And many of them, gone bad. That interesting concept led to the title for my Gone Bad series.

 

When my editor, Alicia Condon, Editorial Director Kensington Books, read ANGEL GONE BAD, she had this to say. “Wow, I feel almost breathless after reading this story. What a wonderful mix of fast-paced action, suspense, hot romance, humor and Old West lore! I just love this series. The chemistry between Angel and Rune was combustible from the first chapter, and their journey to trust really made me root for them to finally get together.”

 

I couldn’t have said it better. This is exactly what my Gone Bad series is all about. I hope everyone enjoys it.

 

2) What kind of research goes into writing your westerns?

 

First, I have a library filled with wonderful research books that I rely on for accuracy. Second, I use the resources of the Internet, especially for photographs of locales, maps, clothes, horses, etc. Third, I interview people, asking advice, recording history and legends, and doing my best to get the facts straight. Fourth, I use the stories and legends handed down in my family.

 

After extensive research for every book, only a small part actually ends up on the pages. I use my research as the bones of the story and characters to give solidity but not weight. I like to put just the right detail here and there to bring the people and time alive. In LADY GONE BAD, and again in ANGEL GONE BAD, I enjoyed putting colorful slang language into the mouths of characters. As an example, “savagerous” is such a great, expressive word.

 

3) Do you read a lot of western romance? Who are your favorite authors?

 

I love western romance, both historical and contemporary. I like to read classics by authors such as Rosemary Rogers, Jane Archer, Linda Lael Miller, and newer ones such as Lorelai James and Sarah McCarty for a wide range of tastes and adventures. 

 

Bobbi Smith is also a favorite. She was kind enough to give me a wonderful quote that was used on LADY GONE BAD’s book cover and on the book trailer. “A promising debut novel – an exciting read!”

 

4) EBook or paperback?

 

LADY GONE BAD is an EBook and trade paperback release from Kensington Publishing. Doubleday Book Club and Rhapsody Book Club offer LADY GONE BAD in hardcover.

 

Personally, I’ll read in any format. All have their benefits. Life is perfect when I have a stack of books and/or several EBooks just waiting to be read.

 

5) Would you like to time travel back to the Old West? Would you prefer living in a "simpler" time or would you miss too many modern conveniences?

 

I’m fortunate in that I divide my time between the Kiamichi Mountains of Southeast Oklahoma where I step back in time and tempo and North Texas where I enjoy all the amenities of the city.

 

I’d love to time travel back to the Old West, but only if I could return to my modern conveniences. If I could go back and forth, just think of all the great stories I would bring readers!

 

6) What are you working on now?

 

With LADY GONE BAD just out and ANGEL GONE BAD scheduled to be released next March (2013), I’m writing the next novel in the Gone Bad series. My editor and I are batting back and forth title ideas, but are waiting for the perfect one to strike us. All I can say is that when you meet Lucky in ANGEL GONE BAD, you’ll know what my editor meant when she wrote, “Please tell me that Lucky will be your next hero. On behalf of your readers, I must insist on it!”

 

And so I’m creating the mysterious and handsome Lucky’s story right now.

 

For more of my Gone Bad series, please like me on Facebook at Sabine Starr Books, follow me on Twitter, or visit me at www.sabinestarr.com. Also LADY GONE BAD’s fabulous book trailer is at http://www.youtube.com/embed/gUog7e8jlus.

 

To celebrate Melissa’s birthday today, we’re giving away a copy of LADY GONE BAD. Enjoy!

 

A WOMAN'S SECRETS
The saloon singer known as Lady Gone Bad is the most drop dead gorgeous outlaw the West has ever seen. Lady has never met a cowboy she couldn't entice, or a lawman she couldn't outrun. But when Lady tangles with a sexy U.S. Marshal, she's tempted to stick around long enough to watch him lay down the law--in her bed.

A MAN'S DESIRES
U.S. Marshal Rafe Morgan wants to lock up Lady Gone Bad for good--and he won't let his attraction to her slow him down. But when his attempt to bring Lady to justice goes awry, Rafe is nearly hanged--and soon, his face is plastered next to hers on every "Wanted" poster in Texas.

A PASSION UNLEASHED
Now on the run together, Rafe and Lady find themselvers in very close quarters--and even more compromising positions. As Lady surrenders to Rafe's touch, she slowly begins to reveal all her secrets--including her real name. Maybe Lady Gone Bad isn't beyond redemption after all. Either way, Rafe is in for one wild ride.

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And how much fun is this book trailer???