Today the interview is with an author of historical novels Erica Ridley. She is is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of of witty, feel-good historical romance novels, and last February she released his last book, The Duke Heist, which will be published in Portugal this year. I invite you to get to know the author better.
Can read this post in portuguese here.
P.S: This post contains affiliate links.
First, thank you for the opportunity to talk with you.
When was the moment that you knew you had to be a writer?
Hi Liliana! It is lovely to meet you. I’ve wanted to be a writer ever since I could read! I was told it wasn’t a very practical idea, so I ended up going to university to study International Business. I managed to stay in the corporate world for about ten years, before I decided that it was not for me and I absolutely had to try to become a writer, no matter what. I’m so glad I did!
Last year I read the first book in the Wicked Dukes Club series, One Night for Seduction, and I really enjoy it. What inspired you to create Diana and her double life?
Thank you so much! I really love writing about characters with double lives. Sometimes people have a secret identity because they are doing something they might be ashamed of—or illegal—in real life, and I really liked the conflict of having to be someone you’re not, in order to do good things. Diana wants to make the world better, but her world is not set up to let girls like her try. I am always intrigued by those who value helping others over the potential risk to themselves.
What kind of research did you do for this book?
Because I’ve written many Regency era books, I am familiar with most elements of day-to-day life. But for Diana, I had to research the history of measurements and standards, and the ongoing arguments and legislation. And for the Duke of Colehaven, I had to research the current varieties and processes of making beer at that time, and what it might have been like to manage a pub.
It was recently announced that one of your books would be translated into Portuguese, the first in Portugal. I am very excited and I was very happy when I heard the news! It is the first of a new series, which has been published in last days, what can Portuguese readers expect from The Duke Heist?
I can’t wait! It’s so exciting! I really had a wonderful time writing The Duke Heist, and I hope Portuguese readers love the Wild Wynchester family just as much as I do. They are a uniquely talented family of caper-committing siblings who don’t let “laws” stop them from righting wrongs. They are a fun-loving team unafraid to help anyone who needs it. In the first book, their mission is personal: an important heirloom has been stolen, and they must steal it back. Things get complicated—and sexy—when Chloe accidentally kidnaps a duke in the process!
A very difficult question to ask but what is your favorite novel from those you’ve written, or what was the most exciting to write?
Oof, this is indeed a difficult question. Usually my favorite is whatever book or series I’m currently writing, because I tend to live in that world in my mind while I’m writing it. Right now, I really love the Wynchesters. They have lots of fun and wacky adventures, and I find myself smiling as I write.
Did you ever think that your books would be translated into several languages?
I did not expect it! It is very much a dream come true. So far my books have been in English, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Indonesian, and Russian. I am especially thrilled to have my first Portuguese book. I would love to visit readers in Portugal.
How important is the reader’s opinion to you?
The reader’s opinions are extremely important. Readers are the reason I write. I want to create characters they love and worlds they love to spend time in.
What is your favorite book you’ve read over the last 12 months?
So hard to pick just one! I enjoyed Can’t Escape Love by Alyssa Cole, The Duke of Shadows by Meredith Duran, and The Midnight Lie by Maria Rutkoski.
If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Keep going! The secret is never to give up. This includes big dreams, and it also includes little things, like the days when it is hard to write and the words don’t want to go on the page. Just keep going. You can do it.
Can you give us any insights into any future books or projects that you’re working on?
I am currently working on The Perks of Loving a Wallflower, the second book in the Wild Wynchesters series. It is a fun, emotional book with two strong heroines and lots of adventure. Tommy is a master of disguises and she gets into all sorts of escapades. After that, I will write the third book, which will feature Graham Wynchester. He is fearless and acrobatic, climbing up walls and leaping across rooftops like a superhero. I can’t wait to see what sort of trouble he gets into and how he’ll manage to save the day!
Finally, what would you like to say to Portuguese readers?
I am delighted to meet you! I hope you love The Duke Heist, and that this is just the first book of many that we can bring to you in your language. I love hearing from readers, and I will work on learning some Portuguese so that we can talk one day when I come to visit your beautiful country!
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