Woot!! Anna Campbell is in the house! I’m so thrilled to have one of my favorite authors visiting the blog today. Anna writes the most fabulous, passionate and smart Regency-set historical romance, and she’s got the reviews, awards and reader accolades to prove it. And luckily for us, she has a new book out – hooray!! Let’s turn the blog over to Anna to hear all about it.
Stormy Weather in SEVEN NIGHTS IN A ROGUE’S BED
Hi Vanessa! It’s great to be back here on your blog! Thank you for having me as your guest today to talk about SEVEN NIGHTS IN A ROGUE’S BED (out 25th September).
So let’s talk about including that telling detail that makes a setting come alive. Sometimes there’s no substitute for visiting the place where a book is set. Even if you’ve forgotten that you’ve been there!
Most of the events in my latest historical romance, SEVEN NIGHTS IN A ROGUE’S BED, the first installment in the “Sons of Sin” series, take place on the Devon Coast in November, 1826.
I picked Devon because I wanted somewhere rugged and untamed and dangerous, a little like Jonas Merrick, the hero of the book. I needed a location a long way from the civilized environs of London. And I had a vivid picture in my mind of half-ruined Castle Craven where my scarred and tortured hero barricades himself away from the world. It was rambling and craggy and perched on jagged cliffs over a crashing sea.
Castle Craven is actually based on a ruined castle I visited on the Northumberland coast in the north-east of England. If any of you are Anya Seton fans, Dunstanburgh Castle was a stronghold for John of Gaunt, the hero of that wonderful historical romance KATHERINE. Dunstanburgh is at the opposite end of England to Devon, but one of the joys of writing historical romance is that you can pick up any random old house and plop it wherever you like. The power can be quite intoxicating!
The weather forms an essential part of this wild and stormy tale. You know, it’s wild and, uh, stormy.
The funny thing is that until I sat down to write this piece on some of the research behind SEVEN NIGHTS, I’d forgotten that my only visit to Devon was in November 1986. It was just before I flew back to Australia after two years living in England and I was returning home with very mixed feelings indeed. And would you believe the weather mirrored my turbulent emotions? Much as the tempestuous weather in SEVEN NIGHTS mirrors the conflicting, powerful emotions of Sidonie and Jonas. How strange to discover that the memories from that rather bleak holiday have lurked in my subconscious all this time, ready to pop up when I wrote SEVEN NIGHTS.
Devon in England’s south-west is unusually sunny for the U.K. (which in Australian terms is still not very sunny, but that’s another discussion!), so much so that it’s earned the nickname of the English Riviera. When I visited the county this particular November, it was more like the English Siberia. Howling, icy winds. Seas that looked like they wanted to devour you whole. Horizontal rain. Not very Riviera-like. Brrrr!
It wasn’t a great holiday – aside from the meteorological horrors, I didn’t have a voice. And as anyone who knows me will testify, not talking is the ultimate torture! But I now realize that vivid images and atmosphere from that trip lodged in my brain to stew for twenty-six years, resulting in the dramatic, gothic setting for dramatic, gothic SEVEN NIGHTS IN A ROGUE’S BED.
You can read an excerpt of SEVEN NIGHTS IN A ROGUE’S BEDon my website.
Isn’t the mind a strange thing? Have you ever realized that something you thought you’d forgotten is influencing current thoughts or behavior? Do you have a favorite stormy weather scene in a romance? One of mine is in FLOWERS FROM THE STORM by Laura Kinsale where, you guessed it, the hero gives the heroine flowers. In a storm. Yup, pretty much gave that one away in the title. Anyway, if you like stormy weather in a book, I’m hoping you’ll enjoy SEVEN NIGHTS IN A ROGUE’S BED. To put my money where my mouth is, I’m giving away a signed copy to a commenter today. Good luck!
Vanessa, here. Anna, you know I love ALL your books, and I can’t wait to read this one! So, let’s talk stormy weather – can you think of a great stormy weather scene in a book, movie or TV show that you particularly liked or remember? Just comment for a chance to win Anna’s new book.
And don’t forget to stop by Anna’s website to read about her other books and to find some great excerpts.
The first scene that comes to mind is the one from the movie The Notebook.
Alyn, I had to laugh. I did a workshop about writing romance last weekend and I had to find great kiss photos to inspire an exercise. Well, the Notebook sure has a great kiss scene so needless to say, it featured!
Hi, Anna,
I thought I posted a comment, but don’t see it, so apologies if this is a duplicate!
Storms? I actually just finished Flowers from the Storm myself–had heard good things about it for a while but never picked it up until recently and that was indeed a lovely scene!
I’m drawing a blank at the moment on other memorable storm scenes, but recall way back when I was in English class learning about pathetic fallacy and then having to read for that when we analyzed books/passages… 🙂
Fedora, looks like my comment got eaten! Let me see if I can get Vanessa to coax it out of spam.
We have a joke in my family (we are Asian) about Chinese movies. Whenever there’s a violent storm it either means that someone is giving birth or dying. There’s at least one such scene in the show & always overly melodramatic.
Oh, what fun, Linda! I definitely remember the waves hitting the shore for one of THOSE scenes in old movies.
My favorite stormy movie scenes are: The Notebook, Sense & Sensibility, and Pride & Prejudice.
Ooh, Jen, I forgot the storm scenes in Sense and Sensibility and in Pride and Prejudice. The sexual tension in the P&P scene is absolutely electric. Really works so well!
Oh, no, my reply just got eaten! I said that I’d forgotten the storms in those two Jane Austen adaptations but you’re so right. The P&P one in particular is just jam packed with sexual tension. It’s electric!
I’m going to mention The Clan and the Cave Bear – weather played a huge part in that story. Looking forward to your story, Anna!
Catslady, I haven’t seen that film. I remember loving the book. I loved the Valley of Horses more mainly because it had quite a romantic plot. What can I say? I’m predictable that way. Thanks for saying you’re looking forward to Rogue!
This was my favorite of the series (Valley)
The stormy weather scene that comes immediately to mind is Andi McDowell and Hugh Grant at the end of Four Weddings & a Funeral declaring their love in the rain.
Such a lovely movie.
I’d forgotten that one, Lauren, but you’re so right. I love that movie too – need to see it again, it’s been a while. So romantic!
Hi Vanessa and Anna
Anna, the more I hear about SEVEN NIGHTS IN A ROGUE’S BED, the more I know I just have to get a copy ASAP.
As well as the wonderful beauty-and-the beast love story, now I see it’s set in Devon, one of my favourite parts of England. And you’ve definitely got me at half-ruined castle. Definitely a touch of Gothic going on there.
I’ve loved all your books and I have a feeling this one is going to become my new favorite!
Storm scenes? Any number of creepy old movies with a house on the edge of a cliff come to mind but do you know I can’t think of the name of one of them!
Hey, Kandy, how lovely to see you! Thanks so much for saying you like the sound of Rogue! It’s so exciting to have a new book out – and isn’t that a beautiful cover? Actually I don’t think the Devon tourist board will be paying me much for my coverage in Rogue. I make Devon sound pretty forbidding! You know, I can picture a hundred old movies with storms too and do you think I can name any of them either? Sheesh!
SEVEN NIGHTS IN A ROGUES BED is at the very top of my wish list.
There is a wild, stormy scene in WUTHERING HEIGHTS where Cathy has wandered off over the moors. Heathcliff finds her in a scene that breaks my heart. The storm is the perfect metaphor for their tempestuous relationship.
Ah, Mary, the Brontes! They did weather as emotion better than anybody else, didn’t they? So agree with you about that scene in Wuthering Heights. I went to Haworth where they lived and it was incredibly stormy – clearly they were inspired by real life!
Ooooh, you had me at Devon, Anna 🙂 Have spent the odd wild and stormy day there as well. The first stormy scene that came to mind was Jane Eyre. I love that whole atmosphere – the air is crackling, tension is high. STUFF is going to happen 🙂
Louise, lovely to see you! And congratulations on your sale to Destiny Romance. Can’t wait to read it. Oh, yeah, Jane Eyre. Stormy in weather and stormy in emotions. Love it!
In Pride.and Prejudice directed by Joe Wright, Elizabeth and Darcy have a heated conversation under a pouring rain, almost kissing…
minadecaro at hotmail dot com
Oh, Mina, that scene gave me goosebumps. Such amazing intensity. Wonderful choice!
one of my fave stormy scenes is in the quiet man when john wayne & maureen o’hara’s characters go courting, slip away from the matchmaker/chaperone. just as they have their first kiss (which you can tell is a real toe curler) in the old church yard (I think it was) thunder rolls, winds howl & the rains fall reminding them there’s more than one chaperone to interupt 😉
Oh, Donna Ann, an old school Classic. What a GREAT choice! Love that movie. John W and Maureen OH were magic together, weren’t they? Hope they’re making sparks in heaven!
they were definately one of my fave movie couples 🙂
It took me a few minutes to think of some books that haven’t been mentioned already. I love how Mary Jo Putney writes stormy weather scenes regardless if they are fraught with danger, romance or the aftermath. Loving a Lost Lord was the first one that I came to mind.
I am really glad to hear this is the first one in a series. I recently discover your books and am looking forward to reading this one this weekend (husband and kids permitting).
Hey, Ora, how fantastic I’m a new discovery for you. Have fun with Rogue. I’m just putting the final touches to Richard’s story. Thanks for picking up the story and saying you’re looking forward to the next books. Oh, MJP – she’s great, isn’t she? Great choice!
I’ve read a lot of books with rain/storm scenes and I’ve kind of forgot about them. And I’m also not a movie goer, but the only movie I remember wherein hero and heroine got all wet is The Spiderman. I know it’s not a storm but it was still romantic with MJ kissing Peter P upside down.
Maria, when I was looking for kiss pics, that one turned up a lot. I must see the film. Now I’m intrigued!
thanks for a great post! Congrats on the newest release! I’ve had such major book lust for this title, ever since I read the blurb and saw the awesome cover 😉
Ummm… brain not fired up yet… so the only “stormy” scene I can remember is the rainstorm argument of Elizabeth and Darcy in the P&P edition w/ Kira Knightly (my fav 🙂 )
Erin, I love that scene too. I just wish he’d kissed her in the scene at the end in the garden! Give me a smooch, Mr. D! Thanks for saying you love the look of Rogue! x
I am brain dead this morning, but I do know I really want to read this book. I have read all of your books and I am looking forward to this one too.
Thanks so much, Mary! Bit brain dead myself – getting an early flight!
Loved Flowers in the Storm – so good inspiration! This book sounds so great and will be exciting being away from London and visiting a different part of England. Plus there’s nothing like the sea to inspire. Thanks for sharing, Anna. Best of luck with the book – I know it will be a smashing success. Cheers!!
Thanks so much, Sue. I agree with you about the sea. I used it in Captive of Sin too – so much emotional energy! Lovely to meet another Kinsale fan!
Anna, what a great post! You know I love castle stories. I have Seven Nights already and am looking forward to reading it, so no need to enter me in the giveaway.
I’m coming up blank on storms, unfortunately, though I know I must’ve read some.
Hey, Nancy, great to see you. Thanks for saying you enjoyed the post and thanks so much for picking up Rogue! Snort! You wicked girl, picking up a rogue! 😉
Hi Anna, Hi Vanessa! I’m enjoying myself reading about the weather and romances. What a shame your visit to Devon was a disaster. We spent a week staying in an old farmhouse in rural Devon and had the most marvellous time (including some brilliant spring weather). Just thinking about it gladdens my heart.
I read a lot of gothic romances in my teens and bad weather seemed to feature a lot, usually when the heroine was in peril. Such fun.
Anna, you know how much I enjoyed ROGUE – a real treat: intense and spirited and enthralling. Congratulations!
Hi Annie! Thanks so much for stopping by the blog. I can’t wait to read Anna’s new book. And, of course, I love your books too! The Sheikh’s Ransomed Bride is one of my all-time favorite romances.
Vanessa, isn’t the Sheikh’s Ransomed Bride the best? Annie, thank you so much for swinging by and saying how much you enjoyed Rogue. Went to Swan Lake last night – wow, is that a gothic and lots of stormy weather!
Hi, Anna! So happy to have you visiting today! Well, I’m cudgeling my brain to think of some good storms in books and movies. Oh, I know! There was one in Last Night’s Scandal by Loretta Chase that led directly to Olivia and Lisle making love. Olivia got caught in a terrible Scottish downpour and became hypothermic. Lisle had to take all her clothes off and rub her down to get her warm. One thing led to another, as they say!
Oh, I remember that. I really loved that book – lots of gothic touches in that haunted castle too. Great choice. Thank you for having me as your guest today. Sorry I’ve been a bit erratic in my appearances. Hoping we’re OK now!
Congrats on the book! The Perfect Storm movie.
Yup, BN, I think that would basically be the storm to end all storms! Great choice!
Congrats on the release of Seven Nights in a Rogue’s Bed, I can’t wait to read it.
When I think of stormy weather scenes, I always think of the upside down kiss in the movie Spiderman. That was so cool. 😀
Barbara, I think my comment got eaten here too. Love that scene – what a memorable kiss! Thanks for saying you’re looking forward to Rogue!
The Notebook… And the Toby Maguire Spiderman movie where he kisses Mary Jane upside down…
May, that upside down kiss sure did strike people as special, didn’t it? Thanks for swinging by!
The book sounds like a great read, I just adore a beautiful romance and the photos you posted really set the scene. I really like that it is a series, can’t wait to read this one and find out when the next will follow. I always loved the end of Bridget Jones when Rene Zelwiger runs out in the snow in her underpants to chase Colin Firth. I always thought it is such a cute retelling of Pride and Prejudice.
Ann, that was a great ending to that movie, wasn’t it? Loved how he was MR DARCY!!! Thanks for saying you’re looking forward to reading Rogue!
One of the most memorable storm scenes I can remember (besides the one in Pride & Prejudice) is from a historical romance, where the hero and heroine have to take shelter inside an abandoned cottage because they were out during a hunt. And then of course they had to find a way to dry off and stay warm! Unfortunately, I forget the title of the book. =/
Ah, the good old abandoned cottage ploy in a storm! How can a writer resist that one, Julie? Love those scenes. You just KNOW naughty things are going to happen!
I think the first storm scenes that come to my mind have already been mentioned. There was a scene in a Lynsay Sands historical (THE HELLION AND THE HIGHLANDER) that was funny due to rain. The heroine, who had never been thought of as a beauty and stuttered when nervous, had to bring her injured husband back to the castle in the rain and she was just wearing her shift. Needless to say, the rain made it very see-through and guys that had known her through her whole life was then looking at her very differently.
Congrats on the new release. I will def have to pick it up (or hopefully win it *G*)
June
June, that scene sounds hilarious! I’ll have to check out the book. Good luck in the draw!
There was a great storm scene in Julia Quinn’s book, The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever. The h/h take shelter from the storm and Nigel knows he now must marry Miranda. He keeps putting the proposal off, however, since he had such an unhappy first marriage. After waiting for a month for Nigel to propose, Miranda has had it and turns him down.
I haven’t read that particular JQ, Kim. But that sounds like a fun scene! I’ll have to check it out. Thanks for playing! Lots of storms used to compromise young ladies in these lists! LOL!
The first one that comes to mind is Stephanie Laurens’ first scene in her book “Devil’s Bride”, the first Cynster series of many to come!
This was where the hero and heroin first met and found the body of a wounded boy and has to stay in a cabin during a storm. Love at first sight for the hero Sebastien ‘Devil’ Cynster! And not to say that it was only in the first couple of pages of the first chapter, but he proposes marriage too! Not because they spent the night together but because he WANTED her, while she despised him.
Oh, I remember that scene in Devil’s Bride. Such a classic! That was such a stormy, intense relationship, wasn’t it? Great stuff!
Hi guys, so sorry I went AWOL yesterday. I was travelling and email wasn’t as straightforward as I’d hoped.
OK, caught up. Thanks to everyone who’s commented. Giveaway goes another day so don’t be shy!
I think of the Pride and Prejudice movie that has Darcy and Elizabeth kissing in the storm.
Hi Maureen! That’s been a fave with a few people, I”ve noticed. It’s such a great scene, I’m not surprise. Sizzling sexual tension!
One of the storm scenes that stands out to me in a book is from A Rose In Winter by Kathleen Woodiwiss when Erienne is trying to escape and is then caught up in a storm, falls ill and delirious, and is then nursed back to health by Christopher (and she attributes some very unbecoming characteristics to him in her delirium which he then uses to his advantage at a later date 😉 ).