Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi! After years of writing newspaper articles, public relations releases, and legal briefs, I have come back to my first love, which is writing stories just for fun. So far, I have published three sweet Regency romances– two are Christmas stories, and the third is a full-length, light-hearted Regency romance novel, inspired by my love of Georgette Heyer’s wonderful tales of laughter and love.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
LYDIA’S CHRISTMAS CHARADE is a sweet and amusing love story that takes place during a Christmas celebration — and it was inspired by my desire to give young Anthony Moore, who was only fourteen when we first met him in A LIMITED ENGAGEMENT, his own grown-up love story.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to have classical playing while I write — but it has to be instruments only! No words, or I’ll be distracted.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
For my Regency novels, I am completely inspired by Georgette Heyer’s romances. Her stories are so rich in historical detail that you really feel like you’re there! I love the way she uses the slang of the period. Also, her books are really funny and still romantic.
For mystery novels, I love cozy and historical mysteries like Elizabeth Peters, Charlotte MacLeod, and Barbara Hambly. It’s fun to be an armchair time-traveler.
What are you working on now?
I am currently writing an historical mystery novel featuring Gilbert & Sullivan of comic opera fame. My amateur sleuth, Lucy Turner, is a young woman who becomes very close to both men, and the mysteries she solves will take her from the fascinating backstage world of the theater to elegant aristocratic country houses.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve got a Facebook fan page, and I like to hang out on Facebook a lot! You can find me at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSaraleeEtter/
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write a lot of stories! Keep writing. Don’t let yourself get hung up on perfectionism, because you need lots of practice to get better.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
There’s no such thing as “overnight success,” so keep writing.
What are you reading now?
THRICE THE BRINDED CAT HATH MEW’D by Alan Bradley, RUDDY GORE by Kerry Greenwood, and THE WAY WE LIVE NOW by Anthony Trollope. Plus lots of research on Gilbert and Sullivan!
What’s next for you as a writer?
Launching my Gilbert and Sullivan mystery series! The first story is called A SHORT SHARP SHOCK, which will be Lucy Turner’s first murder investigation.
How can a proper Victorian miss find out who killed the handsome young curate at the country house party? And what if her mother finds out what she’s doing?
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?
THE MUMMY CASE by Elizabeth Peters, CARPE JUGULUM by Terry Pratchett, THOSE WHO HUNT THE DEAD by Barbara Hambly, and REST YOU MERRY by Charlotte MacLeod.
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