Please Welcome Author Lindsay Downs

Today my guest is author Lindsay Downs. I met Lindsay a few years ago through online author support groups when I first started publishing my romances, and have watched as he quickly made a name for himself as a romance author, especially in regency romance. He was kind enough to answer a few questions about himself and his writing, and share a bit about his new release, Don't Cross the Countess. Read on to find out how you can win a free copy!

PK: What do you do when you're not writing?

LD: When I’m not writing, which isn’t very often, I watch TV or read. Even then I’m thinking about either the book I’m working on or the next one.

PK: That's dedication! What would your fans be surprised to know about you?

LD: Now that everyone knows I’m a guy, check photo, I guess there aren’t too many secrets left except it turns out I really love writing regency.

PK: It's good to write what you love. What's your idea of an ideal vacation?

LD: To start with someplace in England where I can relax in a modest country inn where there’s no distractions except the beauty of the land. TV no, radio yes and internet would be good also.

PK: What was your favorite chapter (or scene) to write and why?

LD: Chapter Nine as it shows the hero, James, several different sides of the heroine, Lady Sophia Gardner.

PK: How did you come up with the title?

LD: I wish I knew. All I know is one day while driving, after starting the book, it just came to me.

PK: What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author?

LD: You should give up trying to be a writer. As you can see I didn’t listen to the person.

PK: What has been the best compliment?

LD: “I couldn’t put the book down..” this was from a review and it made my week.

PK: Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?

LD: Write. Write. Then write some more. Take workshops either online or with a writing group. Most importantly, don’t give up. Oh, and keep writing.

PK: Do you ever experience writer’s block?

LD: Yes I have and it’s not fun to have. The last major time, about a month, occurred several years ago. Since then I’m had minor occurrences but since then I’ve found my solution-work on more than one book at a time. This way if I get blocked with one I’ve got another to work on.

PK: Do you work with an outline, or just write?

LD: I’m a panster and have always written this way. Once though, I did try writing from an outline and it was a disaster.

More about Lindsay:

What does it take to be a bestselling author? Determination, skill, talent, luck or taking a risk with a venture into a totally new genre. For me it was a little of some and a lot of the others.

In 2008 when I got two books published I thought it was due to skill; little did I know it was more luck than anything. Over the next three years I wrote, submitted, got rejected. I then did what I tell everyone who asks; I wrote some more. I didn’t give up.

More on a dare than anything I tried my hand at a regency, one of the most difficult genres because of the rules, which I might add I broke almost every one. Within two days of its release the book was on a best seller list and stayed there for two months.

Turns out it is all of the aforementioned.

After two failed marriages, one from divorce while with the other died unexpectedly I decided upon retirement to move. That opportunity came in September 2012 when I migrated to Texas.

For me, as a multipublished author, it was one of the best things I’ve done to date. Now, every day I can write, creating stories to take my readers to places they can only dream about.

I’m also a member of the Published Authors Network (PAN) by the Romance Writers of America (RWA).

Excerpt from Don't Cross the Countess:

In there were several rounds of venison, beef and even two pheasants of which she took one off the hook. That along with some fresh vegetables from the garden, which she’d collect next, and baked potatoes would make a marvelous and simple meal for them.

Stepping out she noticed he cocked his head to the side, raised brows telling her he wondered about the bird she had.

“Oh good. You get to clean the bird then I can finish preparing it for dinner,” she said, handing over the fowl to him.

“What? You don’t have someone cook for you?”

“Heaven’s no. Why should I? I’m perfectly capable of preparing a meal or two. Now, I’d suggest you do it outside in the backyard while I heat water for tea, which I’ll bring out when it’s ready along with some shortbreads.”

“Sophia, you continue to amaze and astound me,” he said before exiting to the rear of the house with the bird in hand.

Twenty minutes later she stepped out, tea tray in hand, and set it on the wrought iron table. Glancing around she saw James sitting cross-legged on the ground resting against an oak. On his lap was a plucked pheasant.

“Ready for tea?” she called out.

“Yes. Perfect timing as I only finished defeathering the fowl,” he answered as she watched him rise easily to his feet, pinfeathers fluttering everywhere.

“Good, would you put it in the sink so I can finish preparing it for dinner?”

A minute later he returned to a cup of tea and several biscuits.

“What else will we be dining on this evening? I did notice a nice little kitchen garden with several different vegetables along with tomatoes and lettuce.”

“Yes, thank you. When I’m not in town Mrs. Sullivan maintains it for me. In return she gets to keep what she wants for herself and the staff. Anyway, I thought baked potatoes and then I’ll see what looks best. I’m hoping there are enough green beans? One thing I like to do is barely cook them then make a simple dressing to go over them.”

“And the pheasant? I’m guessing you’ll roast it.”

“Yes but first I’ll stuff it with lemons and oranges to give a sweet and savory flavor to the meat. I’ll then slide some rosemary under the skin to act as a balance.”

“Again I must say, you amaze and astound me. I wonder what the ladies of the ton would say if they knew you cooked a meal for a Marquess.”

“Kind sir, if I was to hazard a guess, to a lady they’d faint and for your information I’m doing it for the man I love, who with me will defeat the traitors to the Crown.”

“Then, shall we finish our tea so I can assist you in preparing dinner as the hour is getting late. I also look forward to beating you in a game of chess.”

“Never,” she said, collecting the cups and with the tray in hand returned inside.

Together they worked in harmony on the preparation of the meal and cleaning up. Later they tied two games apiece in chess before fatigue overtook them and they retired to bed. This time sleep was somewhat foremost on both their minds as the morrow would and could set unexpected dangers on them.

Lindsay's books can be purchased at Secret Cravings at this LINK. OR leave a comment below to be entered for a free copy! One commenter will be chosen via a random generator to receive a pdf of this book. The winner will be announced on Friday, November 8!

You can find Lindsay at the following links:

Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/lindsay.downs.7

Facebook Pages-             https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lindsay-Downs-Author/325132754200597?ref=hl

                                    https://www.facebook.com/pages/Regency-by-Lindsay-Downs/421654731286944

Twitter- @ldowns2966

LinkedIn- http://www.linkedin.com/home

Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3210224-lindsay

Lindsay Downs-Romance Author- http://lindsaydowns-romanceauthor.weebly.com/