I know it’s been a while since I posted anything. Partly, that’s because of the holidays starting and time rushing away from me. Also, I had pretty much run out of authors who had requested to visit my blog. The next couple of weeks will be for a few who contacted me some time back, and for one reason or another, usually on my part, they didn’t get featured here in a timely manner.

Today my guest is Syrie James.

BIO:
Syrie James, hailed by Los Angeles Magazine as the queen of nineteenth century re-imaginings, is the bestselling author of nine critically acclaimed novels including her latest, Jane Austen’s First Love. Syrie lives in Los Angeles and happily admits to being obsessed with Jane Austen.

I am currently reading Jane Austen’s First Love and enjoying it very much. So, I was thrilled when Syrie agreed to answer my interview questions.

Thank you so much for having me here today at Romancechick Speaks!
Top five favorite movies or books: I can’t pick just five movies—there are so many that I love to watch over and over! Here’s my top twelve list:

SENSE AND SENSIBILITY (1995)
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (1995)
THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION
BACK TO THE FUTURE
WHEN HARRY MET SALLY
TRADING PLACES
LOVE ACTUALLY
STAR WARS
MARY POPPINS
THE WIZARD OF OZ
THE SOUND OF MUSIC
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE

In 5 words, please describe your “Romance Writing Style.” Falling in love over conversation.
Falling in love over conversation. (Nancy: I love that!)

What is your “girlie girl” thing? I.e. getting your hair done? Nails? Shopping? Gossiping? Chick flicks? Having my hair highlighted. It’s my one “girlie” extravagance.

This or That:
~ Wine or Beer? Sparkling cider. My husband says I’m a “cheap date.”
~ Sex in the City or Caroline in the City? Sex in the City.
~ Perfume or Jewelry? Jewelry! Totally!
~ Painted nails or Au Natural?Fingernails au natural. But I love polished toenails.
~ Tall or Dark or Handsome? Tall AND handsome, please.
~ Romantic Dinner at Home or Out?Out. Unless the meal is catered by a master chef and served by candlelight.
~ Roses or Lilies? Roses
~ Diamond or Emeralds? Diamonds are a girl’s best friend—and they’re my birthstone!
~ Pirates or Ninjas? Pirates. LOL!

Do your leading men come from any place in particular? Dreams? Movie stars? Your partner? Past partners? When I write romances and love stories, they come mostly my imagination—although (is it okay to admit this??) in order to relate to them on the deepest level, I sometimes draw on my own personality traits, quirks, beliefs, and ambitions…and I throw in the best qualities of my husband as well.

When I write historical fiction and romance about real people (as in my new novel, JANE AUSTEN’S FIRST LOVE) I first research each person thoroughly, learn everything I can about them…and then have the fun of bringing them to life with my imagination, while being as true to their spirit as possible.

If your sweetheart wanted to sweep you off your feet, what would they need to do?? Be sweet, honest, kind, thoughtful, clever, funny, hardworking, reliable, devoted, and sensitive… and show me every single day that they love me. (BTW, this perfectly describes my husband!)

Do you ever daydream about people you see at the park? Airport? Train station? Mall? And build romance scenes around them while you daydream?

What do you do in your down time? See lots of movies. Watch favorite TV shows. Go to live theatre. Take walks in the neighborhood. Hang out and play board games with friends and family. Design and sew Regency costumes. Soak in our Jacuzzi. Travel. Read books!!!!

When you go to Starbucks or Jamba Juice, what do you order? Decaf Mocha Latte.

When you walk into a book store, where do you head first? The new releases table. After that, I love to wander. (But it’s so hard to even find a bookstore anymore!)

In 4 words, describe yourself. Hardworking. Persistent. Affectionate. Optimistic.

Syrie’s book is Jane Austen’s First Love.

BLURB

Inspired by Actual Events 
Fifteen-year-old Jane Austen dreams of three things: doing something useful, writing something worthy, and falling madly in love. When she visits her brother in Kent to celebrate his engagement, she meets wealthy, devilishly handsome Edward Taylor—a fascinating young man who is truly worthy of her affections. Jane knows a match between her and Edward is unlikely, but every moment she spends with him makes her heart race—and he seems to return her interest. Much to her displeasure, however, there is another seeking his attention
 
Unsure of her budding relationship, Jane seeks distraction by attempting to correct the pairings of three other prospective couples. But when her matchmaking aspirations do not all turn out as anticipated, Jane discovers the danger of relying on first impressions. The human heart cannot be easily deciphered, nor can it be directed or managed. And if others must be left to their own devices in matters of love and matrimony, can Jane even hope to satisfy her own heart?

Jane Austen’s First Love is available here:

Amazon page: http://www.amazon.com/Jane-Austens-First-Syrie-James/dp/0425271358

You may find Syrie online at these social media spots: Syrie’s website: WWW.SYRIEJAMES.COM
Twitter @SyrieJames
GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18693943-jane-austen-s-first-love