Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi! I’m Beth, and I write Regency Romance. So far I have published the six-book Regency Romps series, and at the time of writing, I am about half way through my first fairy tale retelling set in the early 1800s and have a third series of books mapped out after that.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My last published novel was The Alter Ego, which was the final instalment in the Regency Romps series (although there will be a related series, featuring some familiar faces, called the Regency Rogues) The Alter Ego was inspired by an existing character who struck a chord with my mum. She insisted that he have his own story, and so I happily obliged
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure if any of them are unusual, but I often have to write with a cat trying to sleep on my mousepad. Or my chair. Or on my knee. As I write this, my oldest pet has her fluffy tail draped over my mouse and glares at me whenever I need to use it.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
So, so many. For regency romance in particular, though, I don’t think anyone has come close to Georgette Heyer. She remains the greatest writer in our genre, with Mary Balogh a close run second. I am also a huge fan of Mary Robinette Kowal (who writes fantasy set in the Regency), Courtney Milan, Elizabeth Hoyt, and Sarah MacLean.
I also have a huge library of non-fiction and Regency research books that I refer to on a daily basis. Some are on clothing, some are diaries, and some are on specific historical figures, like Beau Brummell.
What are you working on now?
A re-telling of Beauty & the Beast set in Regency Yorkshire. The story follows Miss Belle and Lord Ravenleigh as they learn to overcome their prejudices in order to find love. There isn’t any magic in the book as I’ve kept it as true to the time period as possible, but it’s been great fun to write! I actually lived in one of the towns mentioned in passing in the novel, and I’ve enjoyed working in real places and people alongside my made up ones.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I find advertising as widely as possible through as many romance-book sites and mailing lists as possible is the best way to advertise my books. There are so many great choices for readers out there, and I understand they might have to see my titles four, five, or six times before they decide to give me a try. After that, I hope they enjoy the first book so much that they go on to read the rest!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Overnight successes never happen overnight. Whether you are traditionally published or are going the indie route, it will be hard work to get yourself going in this business.
Oh – and never sign with a “publishing house” that wants to charge you money; they are a vanity press and NOT the same thing as indie publishing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Learn how to market your books. I cannot emphasise this enough: you could have written the best book in the world, but if no one sees it, then it won’t sell. Also accept that successful marketing will shift, change and develop, especially if it is online. You’ll have to commit to a constant state of learning.
What are you reading now?
The Profligate Son by Nicola Phillips. It’s nonfiction about a real family in the early 1800s. When I’m in the middle of writing a book, like I am now, I tend to read a lot of research material, and save the fiction as a reward for completing my novel!
What’s next for you as a writer?
Alongside the romance, I also write historical fiction under the pen name Gemma Williams. The first novel, Hell to Pay, is a heist novel set in 1801, and features an Ocean’s 11 style team of ne’er-do-wells intent on robbing a gaming hell. It was such good fun to write, and I have a whole series of crimes in mind for the characters to attempt to pull off! My goal is to get the readership in that genre to the same level as my romance books; that would make me a very happy bunny!
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?
How to Survive and Escape This Desert Island, volumes 1-4, by The Last Person To Survive And Escape This Island.
Author Websites and Profiles
Elizabeth Bramwell Website
Elizabeth Bramwell Amazon Profile