I’m always really happy to host historical romance authors, and today’s guest is both a talented writer and one of my favorite return visitors. She is Shana Galen, and she’s the author of numerous fast-paced adventurous Regency historical romances, including the Rita-nominated Blackthorne’s Bride. Her books have been sold worldwide, including Japan, Brazil, Russia, Spain, Turkey, and the Netherlands, and have been featured in the Rhapsody and Doubleday Book Clubs.
Trust me, Shana has some serious writing creds. And she’s here today to talk about her new historical romance, The Rogue Pirate’s Bride.
Shana, since you write sexy and adventurous historical romance, pirates seem right in your wheelhouse. How did you come up with the idea for this book? Any secrets you’d like to share?
Hi, Vanessa! Thank you for having me back.
Yes! Pirates are perfect heroes for me, and I have always wanted to write a book with a pirate hero or heroine. And that’s how I came up with the idea for this book. I thought, I still want to write that pirate book and I have this third brother who disappeared when his family’s chateau was attacked during the French Revolution. One brother escaped. One brother was caught. I bet the last brother grew up and became a pirate!
Secrets? If you know me at all, you know I’m not a plotter. But I have to give my editor something to go on to sell a book, so I usually write a blurb/mini-synopsis of some sort. In my blurb for this book, I had the heroine taking over Bastien’s ship and throwing him in the hold. That seemed a fun story to write, but it didn’t turn out that way.
Did you model your hero on any particular pirates we know and love?
I’ve always been partial to Errol Flynn’s pirates. I know Jack Sparrow is a favorite of many readers, but I don’t think he and Bastien have much in common, except Bastien also likes rum. I had Harrison Ford in Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark in mind sometimes when I wrote Bastien’s scenes. Bastien has a sort of charming arrogance that makes me think of Ford’s characters.
When you were writing this book, did anything surprise you? Any strange bits of research? Did the characters take you in unexpected directions? Enquiring minds want to know!
Oh, I am always taken in unexpected directions. As I said, I thought Raeven was going to take over Bastien’s ship. I do remember one point where I had to stop writing for a day or so (something I rarely do) and think about how I was going to make the book work. Bastien and Raeven were separated and I really didn’t see how to get them back together. My daughter was about 3 or 4 months old at the time, so fortunately I had lots of time to think while I was rocking her in the middle of the night or walking with her in her stroller. I remember figuring out the solution and being so excited and so frustrated that I couldn’t write the scene that minute!
As far as research, I had to do a lot because I didn’t know anything about ships and sailing. My dad helped me with a lot of it. The most interesting thing I learned was that pirates wore gold earrings so if they fell overboard and drowned, the people who found the body when it washed up on shore could use the gold to pay for a burial.
Let’s say you were kidnapped by a ravishing pirate and taken to a deserted island. What two luxury items would you beg him to let you take, to make your stay that much more enjoyable?
I’d ask for my iPad because I could finally read all the books I’ve downloaded and catch up on my TBR pile (in between the ravishing, of course), and I’d want a couple of boxes of cookies, preferably chocolate chip. I don’t really want to be stranded without some cookies to snack on.
Shana, you are truly a woman after my own heart, and I definitely want to come to your island. BTW, I’m totally with you on the Errol Flynn pirates. One of my all-time favorite movies is Captain Blood. Talk about your hunky guys!
Folks, Shana will be giving away two copies of The Rogue Pirate’s Bride to readers in the U.S. and Canada. To be eligible, just tell us who your favorite rogue is, either in books, TV, or on the big screen. Two people who comment will win the copies of Shana’s wonderful book
And don’t forget to stop by Shana’s website for her latest news, and to read excerpts and details about all her books.
I suppose Jack Sparrow is going to be a popular choice. 😉
Jack Sparrow is always mentioned whenever I talk about pirates, so yes 🙂
We love Jack!
I like the Harrison Ford characters too. And I always liked Errol Flynn. I like Nathan Fillion’s Castle. I guess I just like roguish characters! 🙂
Penny, I’ve only seen a couple of episodes of Castle, but tons of people have recommended it to me. I need to start DVR-ing it and get caught up.
Nathan Fillion was a wonderful rogue in Firefly, too!
Gee, so many choices….Jack Sparrow and yes Castle as well- they both have that naughty boy look with a twinkle in their eyes.
Sheila, you have mentioned two of my favorite traits–naughty and a twinkle in the eye!
Errol Flynn’s Captain Blood and Robin Hood and Rhett Butler are my FAVORITE rogues (please pardon me for a moment or two or twenty while I swoon! LOL) Seriously, though – they epitomize “rogueishness” for me -I still remember the first time I saw Rhett Butler at the bottom of that staircase in Gone With the Wind – be still my heart! And, of course, Captain Blood and Robin Hood just could not be stopped –
And thank you for that gold earring information – never knew that before – it just goes to prove that we do, indeed, learn something new each day!
Felicia, I saw GWTW when i was still in elementary school, and I fell for Rhett right then and there. My friends were swooning for Shawn Cassidy–not me!
Same with me. Saw GWTW in a big movie theatre. That first shot of Rhett was amazing.
Rhett Butler was a pretty good rogue
The best, Alisha!
So many rogues.. so little time 😛 Well, how can you not go with a classic… James Dean. The brooding, squinty eye thing gets me everytime Then there’s Han Solo… who can’t love someone who responds to your declaration of love with “I know”
Ah, James Dean. Good choice, Sharon!
Sharon, James Dean has always been a favorite of mine. And Han Solo…he was seriously my first crush.
i can’t pick: rhett butler will always be the classic rogue. but harrison ford as han solo & nathan fillion as captain mal on firefly are close seconds!
Love Captain Mal!
I’d take one of those 3 or all of them!
Han Solo is one of my all time favorite rogues. I also liked Pierce Brosnan as Remington Steele, and Nathan Fillion in everything he does.
Remington Steele was a fun show, Gayle. I’d forgotten about that! And James Bond is a pretty good rogue, too.
Gayle, I’m so glad you mentioned Remington Steele. Pierce Brosnan was really good in that.
Hi
Hi Vanessa and Galen –
Since we’re talking about Rogues and Pirates I have to mention that I’m from Rhode Island so first to pass on a little history from 1650 until 1700, it could truly be said that piracy was an important industry in Rhode Island. Pirates fitted out in Rhode Island. Pirates obtained commissions as
“privateer” that allowed them to bring captured ships in and have them legally declared property of the pirates. Rhode Islanders signed up as pirate crew members and Rhode Island was a refuge for pirates between voyages.
In addition when a pirate brougt seized cargo ashore in Rhode Island he wasn’t paying custom taxes to England. To the English this was smuggling, avoiding payment of taxes. To the Rhode Islanders, this was simply part of everyday commerce, to pay pirates for goods.
I guess because of this I think of pirates and rogues as two different entities.
Having raised two Rouges of my own and thinking of all the tempting choices. After much thought I’m going in a different direction than the other replies I’ve read and picking my youngest grandson instead as a Rogue in Training”. Okay so he’s only 2 years old but does he know how to charm. With that sweet charming smile and a twinkle in his eyes he can manipulate a female better than any other Rogue I’ve ever met! So watch out for your daughters ladies because Robbie the Rogue may be in your daughter’s future!
Uh-oh, Jeanne, a rogue-in-training! I’ll have to lock up Baby Galen!
And thanks for the pirate history. It was much the same case in the Florida Keys.
LOL! Jeanne, I spend the winters near Amelia Island, which is total Pirate country here in Florida.
I’d have to say my fav rogues would have to be Dirty Harry and John McClane 🙂
Amy, great choice! Very original. Dirty Harry was quite a rogue.
Rhett Butler has been my favorite rogue (since the early 60’s). However, Castle is my next. Such a cutie.. I already have this book on my wish list and looking forward to reading. I do enjoy your stories. Thanks for the opportunity to enter giveaway.
Rhett and castle! What a juxtaposition of old and new! Since Clark gable isn’t around anymore, misskallie, I’m definitely going to have to check out Castle.
My favorite rogue would have to be Westley/Dread Pirate Roberts from “The Princess Bride”.
Yep, a good one!
One of my favorite movies and heroes, Kelli!
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance kid! My teenage heart was never the same. lol! Thanks for the giveaway.
Sigh. Those two were dreamy, weren’t they?
Oh, Redford was so handsome in that! Great example, Mary.
I’ll have to agree with many of the others that Captain Blood and Rhett Butler were great rogues. I’m reading A Rogue By Any Other Name right now and the hero, Bourne, is a terrific rogue.
Kim, that one is in my pile. I can’t wait to start it. Thanks for stopping by!
I wanted to thank Vanessa for having me again. I always have the best time here!
Thanks for being with us, Shana! I can’t wait to read The Rogue Pirate’s Bride!
I like Rhett Butler.
I love Malcolm Reynolds (Nathan Fillion) on Firefly/Serenity. He is a criminal but he has an honor code too.