Faqs

When will your next book be out?
I usually write one book a year, which is released in mid-to-late summer. But things don't always go as planned. Please watch my website and blog for news—and do subscribe to my newsletter.
When will your books be available in audio format?
We're still working on it. Any change in book format involves business decisions, negotiations, and contracts. This sort of thing can go on for a very long time, much to everybody's annoyance. But we are working on this.
Do you design the covers for your books?
No. I do the writing; the publisher does the packaging.
Will character A from book B ever get his or her own story?
This question has been asked about Jason in The Lion's Daughter, the Marquess of Arden in The English Witch, Lord Berne in The Devil's Delilah, and some others. The answer is, Probably not. If they didn’t fire up my imagination for a story back then, the chances are slim that they will now or in the future.
Do you accept speaking engagements?
Not anymore. I’m a writer, not a talker. I’ve learned that giving talks or workshops trashes my writing schedule.
Do you have any advice for someone who wants to write a book?
The best find-it-all-in-one-place resource I know is Laura Resnick’s website. Under Resources for Writers, you’ll find all kinds of useful information.

If you’re considering genre fiction, you may want to join a writers' organization such as Romance Writers of America. If you can't find a local chapter at a reasonable distance, you can join one of the online chapters. This gives you access to educational programs, special workshops, mentor programs, conferences, and newsletters full of writing tips, and critique groups.

Local libraries and bookstores often host writers' groups. And of course, you can always turn to the numerous writing books. Laura’s site mentions most of my favorites, especially Lawrence Block. Writers Digest is another helpful tool.
What's the story on the fifth Carsington brother?
Originally, the plan was to do a trilogy dealing with the three youngest sons. I'd pictured Benedict, the eldest, and Geoffrey, next in line, as happily married. But for some reason I developed the feeling that something was wrong in Benedict's marriage. Then he showed up at the end of Mr. Impossible, and I knew he was deeply unhappy. Because he and his state of mind took strong hold of my imagination, he became the hero of the next book. I'm not sure when I'll tell Geoffrey's story. He still seems happily married to me, and I've not yet developed a picture in my mind of how he fell in love with his wife. I have no idea if I'll ever figure this out, but if I do, I'll write the book.

If you question isn’t answered here or elsewhere on the website, please contact Loretta.