Interview Irene Pascoe

by

Kathryn Lively

1) Tell us a bit about your latest release with Wings?

    The Curse of Belle Haven is set on a plantation in Charleston, South Carolina, 1850.

The question echoed in Alexandra Chandler's mind as she ventured to Belle Haven---the remote estate where her stepsister Charlotte Steele had lived so secretly, loved so fearfully, and died so mysteriously. But Belle Haven did not welcome Alexandra. The sinister secrets of the Steele family were not for her to share. Secrets of the tormented cries that haunt the lonely halls at twilight... of the midnight sentinels who cast shadows by moonlight over Charlotte's tomb... and of Charlotte's hidden diary--a chilling memoir of her final hours. If she is to unfold the cursed past Alexandra must surrender to the impassioned desires of Charlotte's husband Matthew, the handsome and cunning master of Belle Haven.

But can Alexandra trust the man whose rapturous embrace is as cold as his wife's grave...?

2) How did you come to write this story? What inspired you?

I have a love and fascination for the Deep South as well as a love for plantation houses that date back to the Revolutionary War. Belle Haven is one of those houses, a creation of my imagination. Once I’d researched the area thoroughly, it was such fun to bring my characters to life in that beautiful and mysterious house. I visited Charleston in the spring of 2004. It was as picturesque as I had always imagined.

3) A film is being made of this book. Cast the leads.

Reese Witherspoon is such a versatile actress and one of my favorites. I can see her as Alexandra. Keanu Reeves, with his dark-haired good looks, would be a perfect Matthew.

4) You have written gothic romance and historical romance. Do you favor one of the genres more than the other?

I enjoy writing both gothic and historical romances. However, gothic is my favorite because of the elements of mystery, the heroine in peril, and the darkly-handsome hero of questionable motives. It’s such fun trying to figure him out.

5) How involved do you get in researching an historical romance? Do you consult any books in particular, or make any trips for research?

I have purchased numerous books of the historical period I favor, 1850-1890. I have made more trips to my local library than I care to remember. For years I was known there as the lady who comes in regularly with a big box, fills it to the brim with history books, and hauls it home. I went through every book and took copious notes in long hand. Now, thank goodness, I can research online and print off selections. The majority of my stories are set in places I have visited.

6) Your bio says you have published with Harlequin and Kensington in the past, which is quite the accomplishment. Do you find you prefer working with an electronic book publisher as opposed to these other houses?

I feel extremely fortunate to have published with both and am truly blessed to have had great editors throughout my writing career. Electronic publishing is the future and I feel lucky to have gotten in on the ground floor, kind of like a pioneer. Since I’m a historical fiction writer, you just know that I love pioneers.

7) How supportive is your family when it comes to your writing? How do you balance writing and family time?

My family has always supported my writing career. It seems odd to say that I have less time now to write, with the kids all grown and out on their own, than I did when they were home. But that’s how it is. The kids have married and had kids. They all love to come see us, so it is almost a steady stream of family in and out of the house. Plus, I recently finished home schooling my oldest grandson. Writing, with all of that going on, has been a huge challenge. But I thrive on challenges and have somehow managed to squeeze in everything I love to do.

8) Of all the characters you have written, do you have a favorite, and why that character?

My favorite characters are in my gothic romance Lord of High Cliff Manor. The heroine and hero have a chemistry that is, to me, the perfect blend of enigmatic and humor. Also, that story is set in one of my favorite places, Port Townsend, Washington. I live near Port Townsend and visit often.

9) Have you considered writing other subgenres of romance, like paranormal or fantasy?

I have friends who write fantasy and I admire their work, but it is not a category in which I could craft a story. I would like to try my hand at paranormal, just as I would like the challenge of switching from historical to contemporary.

10) What is the greatest compliment you have received about any of your books?

To me, every single compliment is the greatest. I appreciate and treasure them all.

11. Have any romance authors influenced your writing?

Yes, the classic gothic authors Daphne DuMaurier and Victoria Holt.