Interview Patricia Gilbert
by
Dorothy Bodoin
1) Love And Limoncello will be available for Valentine’s Day. That’s perfect timing for the release of a new romance. Congratulations, Patricia, and I hope you have many sales. Please tell us about yourself, about your life as an author, and any other information you would like your readers to know.
The main character in Love and Limoncello bears some resemblance to me--not physically, although I always wanted red hair like she has--but in terms of her career path. I was a divorce lawyer at a prestigious suburban law firm and I really hated my job. I switched to working part-time and doing some travel writing and photography. Two years ago, I left law completely. I supplemented writing and photography with substitute teaching. When a part-time position to teach French and English became available at the school, I accepted that. Now, my time is split about 90/10% between teaching and freelancing.
2) “What is Limocello?” It sounds good, like something to eat or drink.
Limoncello is a traditional Italian liqueur. As the name suggests, it is lemon based and it is served very cold.
3) Tell us something about your book. For example, are the hero and heroine young or older? Is the tone light with a touch of humor, as the title suggests?
The heroine is 42 and the hero is 36. She is a widow; he has never been married before. The tone is, indeed, light and humorous.
4) Where did you get the idea for Love And Limoncello
I was on a freelance trip to Rome when a really cute waiter asked me out. Being married, I couldn’t go, but I couldn’t help wondering, “What if?” So I invented someone who could find out for me.
5) From idea to final draft, can you estimate how long it took Love And Limoncello to become a novel?
It almost wrote itself. I think it was less than five months from my first word to the final draft. I tried to set aside an hour a day to write. Some days, I had more luck than others.
6) Tell us about your heroine, Robin. For example, is she in Rome on vacation? How does she meet Tony? Is he a native of Rome?
Robin is in Rome on a freelance assignment. She dines at the restaurant owned by Tony, a native of Rome. Her husband died two years earlier from cancer.
7) Is Love And Limoncello told from the point of view of Robin or Tony or both?
Both.
8) I can’t imagine a more romantic city than in Italy. Have you visited Rome? If not, how did you research the setting? What particular places did you use as a backdrop for your story?
Yes. I spent a week there in November 2004. The Coliseum plays a large role so I’ve put a photo of it on the front cover. Many other famous Roman sights, such as the Forum, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish steps play a supporting role.
9) Is this your first book with Wings? Why did you choose Wings as a publisher?
Yes. They were willing to take a chance on a new author.
10) How do you plan to promote Love And Limoncello as an e-book?
Through my web-page, www.patriciagilbert.com and word of mouth.
11) What are some of your favorite romance novels and movies?
I like Marion Chesney’s Regencies. They are intelligently written with tremendous humor. I love Phenomenon and Sleepless in Seattle. Somewhere in Time has many flaws, but it’s still lovely.
12) Do you have any advice to give aspiring romance writers? Specifically where can they learn the techniques of the romance genre?
Learn how to write well in any genre first.
13) Do you belong to any writers’ organizations?
No. I have no time at all.
14) If Love And Limoncello were to be made into a made-for-television movie, who would be a good choice for the role of Robin? Who would play Tony?
Ashley Judd and Clive Owen, if he could sound Italian!
15) Finally, do you have a website where we can read more about you and your work?