I’m thrilled to have the awesomely talented Kate Noble visiting the blog today. Kate is the national bestselling author of the acclaimed Blue Raven Series, earning starred reviews from Library Journal and Publisher’s Weekly (Follow My Lead), as well as a spot on the Best Romance list from Kirkus Reviews (The Summer of You) and a RITA nomination for best Regency Historical Romance (Revealed). She’s also a member of the writing staff for the Lizzie Bennet Diaries, a modern-day adaption of Pride and Prejudice.
Let’s find out what’s going on in Kate’s world, shall we?
You studied TV and film in college, and eventually worked in that profession. Why the switch to romance writing?
It’s not a switch! I’ve always loved romance novels, and I’ve always loved TV, so I decided to have a career in both. I write novels, but I also work for the small and smaller screen, my latest project being The Lizzie Bennet Diaries, the hit web series retelling of Pride and Prejudice. (You can visit Lizzie’s world on YouTube, folks)
How does your background in that visual medium help (or hinder) your writing?
I think it helps, honestly. It makes me think differently about how I write my novels. It make me think about what would be the best setting for a scene, the iconography of one place versus another. It also makes me think about chemistry, and how much can be said without saying anything.
What can you tell us about your new book? Is it part of a series?
My new book is set in the same Blue Raven world as my previous novels, but very much stand alone. Bridget Forrester longs to meet a gentleman who doesn’t mention her beautiful sister (Sarah, heroine of If I Fall) upon shaking her hand. But since being branded a shrew after a disastrous social season, Bridget knows she’s lucky to even have a man come near her. It’s enough to make a lady flee the country…
So Bridget heads to Venice for music lessons with the renowned Italian composer Vincenzo Carpenini, with whom she’s been corresponding. But not only is Carpenini not expecting her, he doesn’t even remember her! His friend, theater owner Oliver Merrick, does, though. And one look into her tantalizing green eyes has him cursing his impulsive letter-writing, which brought her across the continent. Yet before Merrick can apologize, Carpenini has ordered her away.
Little does either man know that they will soon be embroiled in a wager that will require the beautiful Miss Forrester’s help—or that there’ll be far more at stake in this gamble than money…
What’s next in Kate’s writing world?
I am very excited about my next trilogy, the first of which will be out in 2014. I’m also working on a comic book with Javier Grill-Marxuach (The Middleman) and artist Kel McDonald, as well as the Welcome to Sanditon web series. Other than that, I have a couple of pet projects in the pipeline, that I hope to make see the light of day.
Wow! Your plate is full with some very cool stuff, Kate! Thanks for taking the time to be with us. Readers, Kate is graciously giving away a copy today of If I Fall. Since her latest book involves music and composers, let’s talk about that. What’s your favorite music to listen to? One person who comments will win a copy of If I Fall.
And don’t forget to check Kate’s website for more info on Let It Be Me, her new book.
I enjoy classical music. In fact I appreciate it so much I play MOZART FOR BABIES for the children at Kindie for rest time. He really was a genius.
I am so looking forward to reading this latest!! Thanks! And as usual, such a beautiful cover!
How cool – I love this book already – thank you so much for sharing with us –
The kind of music I listen to depends on my mood du jour – LOL – it may be opera, or disco, funk, blues, rap – one day – or minute – it’s The Beastie Boys and the next, it’s Tosca! Eclectic, anyone? 🙂
Congratulations to Kate on her new release!
I love listening to a capella versions of popular songs. There’s something about individual voices blending to create melody — ^_^
If I want to boost my energy, I listen to Soft rock and Scottish music. I also love music by Solitudes. Your book seems very interesting and different because it takes place in Venice. Haven’t yest read any books by Kate, but would love getting a chance to read LET IT BE ME. thank Vanessa for the interview and giveaway! almost forgot..the cover is beautiful! love your heroine’s dress and umbrella !
When I’m cleaning or at the gym it’s rock, to sit and relax it’s bagpipes, my very favorite classical piece is Moonlight Sonata.
I like Adele’s songs!
BACH!!! and after him almost anything…Dee
Kate, Thank you for posting here. I cannot wait to read Bridget’s story. As for music, I like almost all varieties, but what gets me moving and inspired these days is country music. It is much edgier than it used to be, but most importantly it holds a lot of emotion. Especially love Carrie Underwood,Taylor Swift, and The Band Perry.
I love country music the best, although I do enjoy some current pop music. In fact, hubby and I are going to see Pink in November and I can’t wait. My favorite country artists would be Luke Bryan, Phil Vassar, Taylor Swift, The Band Perry and Tim McGraw.
I like to listen to all types off music. David Bowie, Queen, Nine Inch Nails, Godsmack a little rap. I find music relaxing, just like reading.
I look forward to reading your trilogy Kate.
My first thought when thinking music was classical. And yes, I do enjoy classical. But I think I like most styles of music (altho some I need to take in small doses), except hard rock or rap. But really, my favorite music is instrumental – just music, no words sung.
Both books mentioned will be going in my TBR list.
Is there anything more relaxing than classical music? Of course, I love everything from Elvis to Adele to Big Bands to Mozart. Just close your eyes and relax with it.
Love Kate Noble’s novels and can’t wait to read “Let It Be Me.”
I love all kinds of music. It really depends on my mood, but my favorite bands are REM, Coldplay, and Florence and the Machine.
I love country music! Unfortunately, there are no stations in NY. I do listen on the computer, though. Love Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Zack Brown Band.
I love country! Rascal Flatts, Sugarland, Lady Antebellum just to name a few.
I would say classic rock. I will usually prefer a classic rock song over any other genre. But my tastes in music are so varied. I love disco and I love Motown but I also like all music it just depends upon song. I also adore movie soundtracks and scores.
I like classical music and also light rock great giveaway
I am a musician so music is not just a love, it is my life. I used to play French horn in HS and college, I sang with the Houston Symphony Chorus. In one performance of Mozart’s Requiem, it was as if the conductor was channeling Mozart himself…very moving. I could go on, but I don’t want to hog the blog.
Thank you for introducing me to a new-to-me author!
congrats to kate on the newest release! I’m…. not a big music lover. I listen to it in the car and that’s about it. I hate to have music or TV on while I read so it’s very quiet in my house!
a little bit of everything
To be honest I listen to a little of everything. I like some country, I’ll listen to classical, I’ll listen contemp, smooth jazz, blue grass, almost anything
I listen to whatever’s playing. I’m not picky. LOL
Hi, ladies! Thanks for the interesting discussion! I’ve been a bit under the weather so that’s why you haven’t seen me today.
I like all kinds of music. From Madonna to the Man in Black Johnny Cash.
It depends what mood I am in. When I am in a peaceful mood I like mellow music. Think Nick Cave, Celtic or traditional style. However, sometimes I just like listening to Eminem and listen to a few F*bombs thrown around.
My favorite instrument is the violin. But I really love variety and almost all types of music. Maybe not real heavy metal or heavy rap lol.
My favorite listening changes with my mood, but mostly swings from new Country, to top 40 or top POP. Thanks for the review. lisagk(at)yahoo(dot)com
I love to listen to classical orchestra while I’m reading to block out noise. I can’t read to music with lyrics– to distracting!
I love musicals, especially if it’s something I can sing along with.
I love all types of music. As a piano student I was introduced to the classics and have many favorites. As a ‘baby boomer’ I am a product of the 50’s and 60′ and even 70’s music and listen to that constantly… particularly at the gym.