Fallen Angel Reviews would like to welcome Blaise Kilgallen!!

How long have you been writing?

Seems forever, but in reality, I've only been writing fiction about 8-9 years. I wrote ad copy and direct mail before that. And later, publicity blurbs and publicity releases. No fiction writing whatsoever.

Did you always know that you wanted to be a writer?

When you say writer, I'll clarify that. I liked to write. It was later that I thought I might delve into fictionwise prose. I had no training in "novel" writing, how to structure a book, etc. etc. I thought it was going to be easy. What a dummy!

Is there any one person or author who has influenced your writing?

No, I don't think so really, unless it was those authors who write in the Regency Period. That is, and may still be, my favorite time zone in which to tell a story. I love the glitz, beauty, and writing about the lords and ladies in historical, 1800 London, England and Ireland.

You have written books in several different genres. Is there a particular genre that you prefer to write?

I guess I jumped ahead of myself by answering that question. Right now, however, I'm seriously thinking about getting into some paranormal themes. Probably, though, the setting may still be in Regency England or even Ireland. I'm talking about vampires, shape shifters, werewolves, ghosts, etc. Perhaps in a more "gothic" setting…in a dark castle on the rugged coast of Cornwall (think Jane Eyre) or on the lonely, empty moors outside of London. Sorry to say, some of the "vamps" I've read lately seem a bit "silly" to my mind although the plots all have "explicit, sexy" scenes.

Your newest release, The Plumber's Helper has been getting great reviews. Can you tell us a little about this book?

Don't ask me why, but the phrase Plumber's Helper popped into my mind…and of course, I related it to the kind of erotic stuff I recently began writing. (Jake has his own pet name for it *G*) I came up with the theme of "Hot Studs in Construction." There are three brothers belonging to the family -- all of them in the building trades -- the plumber, the electrician, and the carpenter. The original patriarch was, and is, still a plumber.

Of all the books you have written, which one book and/or character is your favorite?

I have to go with Antonio in The Reluctant Duke, my first book. I "lived" with him for most of the years I started writing romances. He was my dark, handsome, arrogant alpha male until Caroline captured his heart. Their love for horses and equestrian pursuits certainly helped, because I owned several riding horses during that time. (I still own a "lovely-tempered" Thoroughbred mare who is retired and lives on my property with a cat and a "large" Rottweiler.)

Have you ever based you characters on someone you know?

No--used my imagination for one with whom I could easily fall in love *G*!

What about future books that you may be working on? Can you maybe give us a sneak peak about one?

Well, I do have to continue with the theme, "Hot Studs in Construction" for Liquid Silver Books. I wrote the two erotic romances in a contemporary setting: Wild Knights and The Plumber's Helper. I needed a "Regency fix" , so I began a more "erotic" historical. I've almost finished the first draft. I'll have to see if Liquid Silver is interested this timeframe. I've been playing with the title, but haven't come up with something that really grabs me yet, although I'm pretty happy about the story in general. The protagonist starts out being a "cad" but changes into a "hero" in the end. I guess I like the "bad boys of fiction." I seem to write more about heroes than heroines. I wonder why that happens?

As for your writing career, what are your future goals? Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

Probably doing much the same thing…growing older…and I hope, wiser *G*! I'll be interested in seeing where the world of writing e-books takes us. I'm also wondering where the themes in erotic novels will go -- will the market grow -- or plummet! Who knows? Perhaps us authors will be turning back to writing "sweet" romances. Whaddaya think?

When you are not writing, what do you do for fun? Do you have any hobbies?

As a child I drew and painted. I got my B.S. in Fine Arts Education, but I only taught art for one year. I really wanted to get into TV production, but I didn't have the "push" for it. So, I turned my sights toward the field of advertising…which was a heck of lot more exciting than teaching. I always painted, as I said, and I got caught up in "folkart painting" on wood and tin…which is more of a craft than fine art. Taught classes in my home, sold a lot of stuff, won numerous prizes in fairs, craft shows, etc. My last parent died and my husband and I moved to the "country" where I could keep a horse (another of my loves…and one of my hobbies.) When he later passed away, I had to make a decent living since I wasn't on Social Security. I got my Real Estate Broker's license and listed and sold real estate for thirteen years.

I finally gave that up and already started doing a different kind writing. Wrote some free verse, but wanted to write prose -- romances. I also turned to painting watercolors. (It's a lot easier lugging paints and paper instead of acrylics, wood, and tin around *G*) Although I've sold quite a few watercolor paintings, I still take classes, to keep my hand in, from a local teacher who is a real whiz! I still display my artwork in our State Fair Art Show, and have one gift shop that sells my paintings.

How about reading? Do you ever find the time to read, and who are your favorite authors?

I fill my solo life with writing and reading on a daily basis. Can't ride anymore; the knees are starting to "go." I don't watch TV much unless it's football season. (I've been a N.Y. Giant's fan for too many years I want to count!) (Oh, Tuna! Bill Parcells, come back! We need you, leave those Dallas Cowboys!) I still mostly read romances--romance suspense, some erotica, some "sweet" stuff from the Regency period. Now and again, I'll read something out of left field, but I pretty much stick to reading what I write. (Gotta check the competition, you know *G*!) I recently got hooked by the "Slightly" series about the Bedwyn family by Mary Balogh. I'll read any of the Amanda Quick books even though they are very much alike. I like to read Nora Roberts because I can't believe how many books a year she can put out! I'm waiting for the third "key" Trilogy though I'm not thrilled about the first two. Some more, including "oldies" like Georgiana Heyer and Victoria Holt.

More Jayne Ann Krentz, writing suspense, Elizabeth Lowell, (I loved her original historicals), Linda Howard, Diana McCall, Brenda Joyce (now stepping into the romance suspense category with her stories set in late 1800 New York City.) Lisa Kleypas (loved all her books!), Stephanie Laurens and her "Cynster bad boys," Susan Johnson's erotica (I have most of the older ones), Christina Dodd (for a bit of fluff and a laugh), Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Stella Cameron (because they write so well) Suzanne Brockman and her "Seals," -- as you can see, I can go on and on.

Do you have any words of advice for aspiring authors?

Keeping reading if you want to write and get published. Read in the genre you like, both for entertainment and knowledge. Be persistent and don't give up if this is what you want in your life. Writing, to my mind, never comes easy. My first erotic romance came off my fingertips to the keyboard in a month. The second didn't go as fast. And the Regency erotic romance is taking almost 4-5 months from idea and final re-writes.

Is there anything else you would like to add to this interview?

Well, I'd like to thank you, Jennifer, for asking to interview me. It's been fun. I know Ruby's husband is a plumber, and I'm waiting for her reaction after reading The Plumber's Helper.*G*

I would like to thank you Blaise, for taking the time to answer our questions. If you would like more information about Blaise Kilgallen's books, please visit her website.

Interviewed by:
Jennifer