Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
A reformed middle and high school teacher I left the profession after 15 years and settled into being more available to my two teenagers and pursuing my dreams of publishing. I live in Northern New Hampshire in the home I grew up in, and that my mother was raised in, but have nightly dreams of a little bungalow on a warm sandy beach.
I fell in love with reading in high school and once I found Pride and Prejudice, well it might be cliche’, but there was no turning back. I am a firm believer that a reader finds a piece of who they are or learns something about the world with every book they read. I want my readers to be empowered and to have a refreshed belief in the goodness of people and the power of love after reading my work.
I currently have my debut novel coming out on January 31, 2017, but that isn’t to say that I don’t have at least one novel shoved under my bed, and several in the works. I plan to publish the second book in the “Improper Wives for Proper Lords” series in the summer of 2017.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Dealing with the Viscount. To tell you the truth I have had this in my “ideas” folder long enough that the original inspiration escapes me, but I do remember having a scene that I eventually had to take out coming to me fully formed. A scene where my heroine barges in on my hero and suggests they get married, from there it was history.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Hmmm. Well the only thing I can think of is that a few years ago when I was having a bugger of a time getting words on paper, I fired my muse. I decided if I was going to wait for her to be “ready” then I would never again write, so I simple sit down and dive in. It has worked so far. I will also write for cake, if anyone wants to bring some over.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Obviously, Jane Austen would be top on the list, but then modern day authors like Karen Hawkins, Eloisa James, Julia Quinn in my genre have helped me with the essence of a Regency Romance. Then there are my personal writing peeps, Susan Ann Wall, Cheri Allan, Christyne Butler, Peggy Jaeger and too many to list here that show me all the time that perseverance, and determination are the hallmarks to a successful writing career. I love many authors for specific things they do well, so the list would be very long if I continued.
What are you working on now?
I am working on An Heiress by Midnight. It is the second book in the Improper Wives for Proper Lords series and I am having so much fun! Clive, my hero, is introduced in Dealing with the Viscount. He could have easily taken over that story, so it was not a tough decision to give him his own story. He needed a special kind of heroine thought, one that would test him and push him to become the man was capable of being and who better than the local Highway”man” Lady Louissa. It is so much fun watching these two fall in love! I can’t wait to share their story with the world!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am still new to a lot of this, but I love Facebook! It is a great place to connect with people and really feel like you know them. I think it is great when readers welcome me into their lives and allow me to share bits of my own crazy world with them, while I get to know who they are. I also belong to several author promo groups on Facebook that have tons of information.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Learn as much as you can about ALL aspects of publishing, because you are going to have to know it and be able to do it. It isn’t just about the writing anymore. Having the best book you can write is just the beginning of a looong journey.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t get discouraged and learn how to accept criticism for what it is. It is not a personal attack on you and your work, but an honest assessment of where your story is right now. No piece of writing is perfect and you can always improve upon what you have. If you believe in it that much and are willing to put in the time you can get a usable story out of anything.
What are you reading now?
Right now, I am Daring Greatly by Brene’ Brown. It is a self-help/self-improvement book. I love them because I usually learn something I can use in my own life, but also in my characters lives. Other than that, I am in pre-release mode and end of story mode, so that doesn’t leave loads of reading time.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am working on getting established as a solid author with a readership and following. I have a huge file of story ideas, some even branch out to Scottish Highland and I have a distopia YA idea as well, but I don’t think I will ever go too far from my Regency’s.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Survival for dummies (not sure if this exists, but it should)
Confessions of a Scoundrel by Karen Hawkins
Romancing Mr. Bridgerton by Julia Quinn
and one I haven’t read yet to change it up a bit.
Author Websites and Profiles
Clair Brett Website
Clair Brett Amazon Profile
Clair Brett’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account