Interview Irene Pascoe

by

Dawn Thompson

1) Hi, Irene, congratulations on your upcoming release Shadow Over Bright Star. Tell us a little about it. The story is set in Nevada Territory, 1862.

“Died in an accident.” Those terse words were scrawled on a returned letter that Jessica Winsor had sent to her father. Aghast, she journeys to Virginia City, to investigate and is stunned to learn that she is suddenly very wealthy. Her father had willed her his majority share of a silver mine.

But the mine has two other shareholders---Derek and Brett Bonner, cousins now faced with losing what they'd thought was theirs alone. Jessica finds herself inexorably drawn to the enigmatic Derek, but when she experiences several "accidents" she knows it is a deadly attraction...

2) How long have you been writing?

For 25+ years. I have been fortunate to have my stories published by Kensington Press, Harlequin Books, and The Berkley Publishing Group. I am equally delighted now to be associated with Wings ePress. Everyone I’ve had the pleasure of working with at Wings is topnotch.

3) What inspired you to become a writer?

My vivid imagination. As far back as I can remember I’ve had stories running through my mind. My husband encouraged me to put those stories down on paper.

4) What inspired you to write Shadow Over Bright Star?

A family trip to historic Virginia City. At first glance, I fell in love with the city, especially the huge cemetery. During that trip, I took copious notes, loads of pictures, and collected every brochure, pamphlet, and flyer I came across. By the time I’d arrived home, a plot had developed in my mind.

5) Tell us a little about yourself. Who is Irene Pascoe?

With so many things forever going on in my life, I’m not always sure of who I am. I’m a wife, mother of three grown children, grandmother to two wonderful grandsons, a writer, the family travel agent, avid gardener, and an aspiring gourmet cook. I home schooled my oldest grandson from sixth grade through his senior year of high school. Now I’m guiding him through college. My astrological chart indicates that this is my year to make time for just me. I am struggling to achieve that goal.

6) How many hours a day do you devote to writing? Do you have a set schedule, or do you write randomly?

Shadow Over Bright Star will be released in May. The following month, Lord of High Cliff Manor will also be available from Wings ePress. The editing and cover art on both books kept my hand and my mind in the writing business. With all I’ve mentioned going on in my life, my writing schedule has suffered. For many years I wrote daily from 10 a.m. to around 2 in the afternoon. I hope to return to that schedule. In the meantime, I keep active with local writers’ groups, critique manuscripts for friends, and mentor aspiring writers in my community.

7) What other projects are you working on now?

I’m several chapters into another gothic romance. I began this story as a first person gothic, then decided to switch it to a multi-view point historical romance. Now I’m back to working on the gothic version, though I’m still not certain which version I prefer. I’ve never had this dilemma before.

8) Of all the books you've ever read, which is your favorite, and why?

I love Rebecca by Daphne duMaurier. Actually, I adore all of her books. She has such poetic gothic voice.

9) How do you do the research for your books?

I try to set most of my stories in places I have visited, so I accumulate a lot of information, color and flavor first hand. In the early years of my writing career, I spent hours at the library, browsing volumes for the material I needed. I would bring home boxes of books and spent countless evenings poring over them and taking notes. These days I simply go online, scour websites, then cut and paste the information I need to a Word file. What a time saver that is!

10) How Do you normally like to work, from an outline, from character sheets, etc.? Do you have the whole work mapped out before you begin, or do you prefer to give your characters license to be themselves?

With my research solidly behind me and my characters somewhat developed in my mind, I dive right in and begin to write. By chapter three I generally have a good grasp of the characters and exactly where the story is headed. From that point, I outline the balance of the plot before I write another word of the actual story. I’m always amazed at how closely I follow the outline. My characters do have minds of their own, though even they keep to my outline. The books I published with Berkley and Harlequin were each sold on three sample chapters and an outline. I love the challenge of completing books from an outline.

11) If you could time-travel, and could meet with anyone who had ever lived, who is the one person you would like to sit down and have a one-on-one conversation with?

I am such a history buff that it’s hard for me to choose one person. I’m a huge admirer of our Founding Fathers. I think my first choice would be George Washington. I’ve read so many stories about his life, his great inventions, his days as a general, his political life. I’ve visited Mount Vernon, paused on the threshold of his home office, and stood beside the bed where he died.

12) What is the most romantic thing that ever happened to you?

Viewing the glorious sunsets, with my husband, on the south Pacific Island Of Moorea.