Interview + Giveaway: KaraLynne Mackrory, Author of Haunting Mr. Darcy

 

It is my very great pleasure to have KaraLynne Mackrory over today to talk about her latest novel, Haunting Mr. Darcy. Please, make yourself comfortable, Ms. Mackrory. Would you like a cup of tea? Coffee?

Sadly I never got a taste for coffee or tea but would not say no to a Dr. Pepper.  You can even put it in a tea cup if you prefer. :)

I loved your previous two novels, Bluebells in the Mourning and Falling for Mr. Darcy. How did writing Haunting Mr. Darcy compare to writing those?  

Its funny that you should ask this because I would not have said the writing process felt different for the first two books but with this one it did.  I felt unsettled and disorganized as I wrote this and not because I didn’t know what I was going to do, or how the story was going to unfold.  It was because the entire plot, and what it required of me was a challenge and a stretch of my abilities.  I would write a scene and instead of finding myself satisfied I felt like I was not doing it enough justice.   

Was much research required for Haunting Mr. Darcy? If so, of what sort? 

 Not much actually.  By now the Regency time period is as beloved and familiar as my own time period so those types of hang-ups weren’t there.  This book, with its paranormal aspect gave me a little freedom to make up a little of what I did not know.  There were of course some minor things to look up, such as the boxing academies in London at the time, fencing techniques and terms, and frequent questions to my hubby about the rules of chess.  The challenge came when I had find ways to break some rules of propriety without breaking them – ie Darcy slipping away (with Elizabeth) during his visit to Longbourn the first time.   

I laughed out loud several times while reading HMD; there were so many wonderful, funny moments. What is your favorite scene, if it isn’t too spoilery to ask?   

Oh gosh! When I paused to answer this question I had one scene pop into my head after another, each fighting for number one.  I dearly love to laugh (as does Lizzy) and it is hard to pick just one.  I love when Darcy has to hide under the bed because the image of that is just too juicy and fun to get out of my mind.  But I think my absolute favorite moment is when Darcy huffs and blusters to move his bed across the room.  His determination is adorable and his distraction to his purpose hilarious when combined with the confusion of his valet.   

What is your favorite ghost story? 

 I do not actually know many ghost stories.  I have not found one that I disliked though.  There is one that I did like a lot and would recommend and it is by Barbara Metzger called An Angel for the Earl. It’s got some similarities to this one and is charming, romantic and sweet. 

What plans do you have for future literary endeavors? 

 I have a number of different book ideas but none that I am working on presently.  When I write a book I tend to binge write so it does not take me long to complete it – only a few months.  For the present, I am simply enjoying not being an absent mother again.  I tend to do very little else but write when I do. 

Is there a story behind Mr. Carroll, butler extraordinaire? He is in every book and I always wish I could steal him away to be my butler. :)

There isn't a story but perhaps a person(s). I am blessed to know a great couple who I have been friends with throughout all my writing.  They are both very supportive and monstrously funny. I patterned Mr. and Mrs. Carroll (butler and housekeeper) after my dear friends Ron and Kayla Carroll.  

And now, for three quick questions: 

Firth or Macfadyen? 

 I have had this one before and I hesitate not to say Matthew Firth or perhaps Collin Macfadyen.  I like them both at different scenes and should either one show up at my doorstep declaring his undying love, it is understood that my husband will just have to accept this new addition to our lives.  Just kidding. 

White, milk or dark?   

Oh milk, no question. 

Carriage or horseback?  

Now this one depends on the context.  If you asked carriage or horseback to watch a gentleman: horseback pounding across the field no question – with gentleman’s coat tails flying behind him.  If you mean carriage or horseback to watch Wickham be run over: carriage, for it would do more damage, I think.  I would also say carriage if you asked which one I would leave in when Matthew Firth declares his undying love.  

Author bio:

KaraLynne is an amazing mother who never makes mistakes, never gets upset with her children and never ever has a dirty house. Ever. She always has her dishes done and the floors spotless and dinner is always prepared and ready on time. Her kids are always clean, polite, respectful and loving, especially to each other. She never gets irritated with her husband when he doesn’t turn his socks right side out for the laundry and they always agree on everything. She delights in nothing else but to serve her family and never wants or needs time for herself. She takes great care to shower every day and put make up on so that she is always beautiful and presentable. She never wears her pajamas all day or for days in a row and she is the epitome of womanhood. Most of all, she has a great sense of humor and loves to write.

Falling for Mr. Darcy (2012) is KaraLynne’s first venture in to the world of book authorship. Bluebells in the Mourning (2013)  came next and coming in the spring of 2014 is, Haunting Mr. Darcy: A Spirited Courtship.  Although, admittedly a Darcy addict, she enjoys many things, such as: Mr. Knightly, Edmund Bertram, Captain Wentworth, Mr. Tilney and John Thornton.  She is happily married to her own Mr. Darcy and together they share the insanity inducing responsibility of raising four children.

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And now, the giveaway! Again! If you missed it when I posted it a couple of days ago, here is your chance to enter to win either a paperback or e-copy of Haunting Mr. Darcy. This contest is open internationally. You can find out more about Haunting Mr. Darcy and read my review here. Good luck!

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