People who know me, know I love to read historical romance. It’s my go-to read for pure escapist fun. And there’s nothing more intriguing than a proper pirate hero. Wait. Maybe I should rephrase that, because we all know there’s nothing proper about a pirate. But this is what I like. I have a huge soft spot for rebels and outlaws (so much so that I practically married a pirate!), and so when I heard that Michelle Beattie had a new pirate romance out, I was quick to get it.
Michelle’s new release, Her Pirate to Love features strong, passionate characters. Cale and Grace are stubborn and have trust issues but together, they are simply perfect.
I invited Michelle to stop by for a quick Q&A with us about Her Pirate to Love and am sure you’ll enjoy hearing from this delightful author as much as I did. Please join me in welcoming this talented Canadian to the Jane Blog.
Michelle, please tell us a little bit about yourself that is not commonly known.
I’m fluent in French. I have mild scoliosis in my back. My nose is crooked because I broke it when I was a baby. I’m hate moths and can’t sleep if I know there’s one in my room. My favourite ice cream is tiger.
What do you love most about being a writer?
Working from home and not having to scrape ice off my windshield every morning in the winter.
When you first started writing, what ambitions did you have for your writing career? What are your ambitions for your career today?
At first it was just to see if I could finish a book. Then once I did that, could I sell it? My goal was to see my name on the cover of a book, which is why I don’t write under a pseudonym. My goals today? Well I’d love to make the New York Times List and win the Romance Writers of America’s Rita Award but ultimately it’s just to have a long-term career where people see my name on a book and buy it because, as a writer, I’ve never disappointed them.
How many books have you got under your belt now? What’s the journey been like since you became published? Does the thrill ever fade?
Her Pirate to Love is my 7th to be available for purchase but all together 10. The journey has been one of great joy, much learning and times of utter frustration. Like most things the first time will always be a little sweeter, but each time I see a cover with my name on it, I’m very proud.
Why did you choose to write about pirates?
Johnny Depp. Seriously. Pirates of the Caribbean did it for me, especially the first.
What keeps the attraction alive for the romance genre for you?
The happily ever after. Life is hard. Not everybody gets what they deserve but I like that in romance novels despite the struggles and pain, happiness is found at the end.
Please tell us about the premise of your new release.
The book picks up four years after Cale Hunter was asked to be the notorious captain Sam Steele in his brother’s stead. Driven by grief from having lost a wife and son many years ago, Cale plunders as Steele while doing his utmost best to forget the man he used to be. But when he takes Roche Santiago’s ship and finds a pregnant woman aboard, a woman needing his help, he finds the past impossible to keep buried.
Grace also has a bloodied past and doesn’t trust men. All she wants is freedom. But the more time she spends with Steele, the more she comes to question if that is, in fact, what she wants most.
But Cale and Grace haven’t heard the last of Santiago and while he wants to see Steele dead, he wants even more than that from Grace.
What sparked the idea for this novel? Do you draw inspiration from real life for your stories?
Cale came as a surprise to me. He hadn’t even entered my head until I was nearing the end of the 3rd book, A Pirate’s Possession, and realized I needed to kill off a major character. Then, as Aidan was yet too young to be a hero in his own book and I’d just killed off the next heir to the Sam Steele throne, I knew I needed another character to fill the gap and the idea for Cale was born. Do I draw inspiration from real life? Sure, to a point. I’ve lost family as well. Both my parents and a brother all before I was 31 so I used those emotions to hopefully make Cale’s grief feel a little more real.
What message would you like readers to take away with them once they read this story?
Sometimes life isn’t only about forgiving others. Sometimes to find happiness and peace, you also have to learn to forgive yourself.
Will there be more books connected to this one?
Yes, the series concludes with Aidan’s story, In The Arms of a Pirate, in April.
What’s your writing process? Do you have a set routine? Do you work every day?
Once my daughter is off to school, I do the social media thing and then I sit down to write. I struggle to write with noise or distractions so I typically only write until 3:30. I’ve tried to treat it like a business and I work Mon-Fri during regular business hours unless I have deadlines. I like to balance my work with my family so I’m not at my computer 24/7.
Does your main character have any characteristics (personality quirks) that are similar to your own?
Yes, we’ve both carried guilt for things we can’t change though I’m happy to say we’ve both learned to forgive ourselves.
Do you flesh out all your secondary characters before you start the writing process or do they sort of take life as you write?
Because this is a series a lot of these characters I’d written in other books but I always have a vague idea who they are before I start though they do surprise me now and then along the way.
What was the best or most fun part about writing this story? The not-so-great part?
The best part when I realized the ending (that came to me half way through the novel, it was never planned). I was so excited! I thought it was perfect. The not-so-great part? Grace’s Irish history. To try to write in just enough of Ireland’s past so the reader gets why she’s the way she is without turning it into a political saga.
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t writing?
Playing golf, reading. Watching my favourite TV shows: Black Sails, Murdoch Mysteries, Castle, Heartland, The Voice, Survivor.
How big an impact would you say a book cover plays in the process of a reader’s buying process?
It’s huge. If I don’t like the cover I won’t bother reading the blurb. And sometimes I’ll buy a book, despite it not being my usual genre, if the cover speaks to me.
What’s the riskiest decision you’ve ever made as a writer?
Firing my agent and continuing with a series the original publisher didn’t want anything more to do with.
Are there any authors who had a significant influence on you during your journey to becoming published?
Sandra Brown and Nora Roberts.
For your personal reading preference, do you prefer ebooks or print books? What are you reading for pleasure right now?
Print wins for me every time. Right now I’m reading Kristan Higgins’ new book.
What does success mean to you?
Being happy and surrounded by family and friends. I’ve always been about making a life and not just a living. I’m not someone who is driven by money.
What advice would you give aspiring writers today?
Write what you want, what speaks to you and know that it’s damn hard work but the most fulfilling too.
What can readers expect from you next?
Well, after Aidan’s book in April? I’m going back to finish a historical western trilogy.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Just thanks. Thanks for taking the time to read this, to hopefully check out the book. I’m on social media so maybe I’ll see you there!
www.michellebeattie.com | Twitter | Facebook | Her Pirate to Love
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Michelle, thanks so much for sharing with us today! Readers, if historicals and pirates appeal to your reading tastes, I hope you’ll get your copy of Her Pirate to Love soon! And before I go, I have a $15 Amazon gift card for one lucky reader! Leave a comment below and you’ll be entered. Tell me if you enjoy pirate stories and if you’re not a pirate fan, which is your favorite kind of hero? Contest ends Sunday, February 14th with the winner announced on Monday the 15th!
Oh I love all types of heroes… so yes, I do love pirates! Thanks for sharing about Michelle Beattie’s book. 🙂
I love pirate heroes. =] Thank you!
Variety is the spice of life, and pirates are a spicy addition to any romance. I prefer sheikhs, but they are like pirates, right? Dominant, know what they want and just go for it, come H or high water, LOL!
I do enjoy pirate stories, but it’s been a while since I read one. My favorite is Julie Garwood’s “The Gift.”
Pirate stories are captivating and classic.
Love pirates! I remember watching all those swashbuckling movies when I was a kid.
I love Pirate heroes. I can’t wait to read about Cale and Grace’s journey together. Thank you for your post today. I enjoyed reading it.
Carol L
I have never read any pirate books. I look forward to this one being my first.
I love all sorts of heroes. Looking forward to reading your Pirate story.
Pirate stories were some of the first romance books I read back in the 70s. They were my favorite reads for a long while, but then I stopped reading much when the babies started arriving. Then I returned to reading (found a way to include it in my busy life) and I discovered contemporary romance. I still go back and forth between historical and contemporary. But some of those early pirate stories . . . . . sigh . . . what can I say!!
I love pirate heroes!
I enjoyed the interview, love the cover and enjoy pirate stories.
I love historicals and pirates so I can’t wait to read this one. Thanks for sharing with us.
I don’t think I have ever read a pirate novel.
I read my first Buccaneer books by Valerie Sherwood many years ago and still remember the stories. I have not read a pirate book in many years but I am intrigued by the author and may pick one up. Thanks for reminding me of some old favorites!
Pirates can be a lot of fun in stories. Love the devil-may-care attitude.
I’ve loved pirate movies since I saw the movie Anne of the Indies.
I have no idea what tiger ice cream is, would it be like a dixie cup?? Anyway, love the insight into what an author’s thought process is, and I will try your book, if only because of the Irish connection, I am not sure about pirate books but a western trilogy I would be there for sure!
Hi Kathy bits called tiger ice cream because it’s orange and black but tastes like black liorice
One of the first romance books I read featured a blind pirate. The book was called tThe Flying Kestral. I don’t remember the author’s name.
I liked Joanna Lindsay’s books one featured a lady pirate seeking revenge She had several other pirates James Mallory, Tristan Matisse. The woman was the daughter of a pirate her name was Gabrielle Brooks Captive Of My Deisre. Gentle Rogue is James and Georgiana’s story.
I love the message in this book and of course the inspiration!
Thank you all for stopping in and to Jane for having me. I hope you enjoy this book and it reminds you of those historical pirate books you used to read. And for those who’ve never read one, I hope you give mine a chance.
I love pirate novels. it’s been a while since I read a historical, but they’ve always been at the top of my romance genre list. Really enjoyed this one by Michelle Beattie.
Thanks Melanie. Glad you liked it!
I’ve never read a pirate book but after reading her interview it sounds awesome. I’ll have to try it
thank you, Linda
Normally I don’t read historical romance but I loved this one. And the pirates was so funny and cute in a special pirate way. Loved it.
They were cute? lol. I’m glad you liked it
I LOVE Michelle’s writing and it is her writing that makes me LOVE pirates! Thank you for taking a chance and finishing the series! It is fantastic.
thanks, Jodi. I’m glad too!
I do like pirate stories. I haven’t read too many of them, so will definitely check this one out!
Love pirates!! But what the heck is ‘tiger ice cream??
tiger ice cream is orange and black, thus the name tiger, but it tastes like black licorice. Very good!
Love pirate stories!!
Cowboy heroes or heroes with Australian accent.
oh, well. That sounds about perfect, doesn’t it? 😉
bogo1944@gmail.com
Sounds like my kind of book
Ooh, gotta love a pirate hero!
I have not read your books and would love to. Would love to win.
Great interview. I love learning about new authors.
thanks, Denise.
I haven’t read a good pirate story since I was a child. This sounds quite interesting. Thanks for the chance to win.
Good luck Jenny
Hello Michelle, you are a new to me author. The book looks fantastic. I love pirates.
Hi Julie-Ann. Good luck on the draw
I adore pirates and I love historical romance! Two of my favorite things in one so I’ll be sure to check this one out!
Hi Amanda. I hope you like my pirates.
For me it all started with Pirates back in the early 1980’s. I still have my original pirate books in a couple of huge boxes. I am so glad to see a new Pirate story. It seems like for a while no one wanted to write them anymore. I think they are the original bad boy Heading over to amazon. Thanks for the heads up Jane.
Nothing like a good pirate romance to get lost in. Look forward to reading this
I do like pirates especially if they are not cookie cutter types, just a bit different makes them ever so tasty 😉
Hi Elizabeth. I don’t think mine are cookie cutter. You’ll have to let me know what you think if you read the book
Favorite pirate is probably from Peter Pan
I’m all about Jack Sparrow and now Captain Vane from Black Sails
crocketta63@yahoo.com
I love Pirate books and I especially like the idea of them in a series. Will the characters from the books enterlap?
Hi Angela. Yes they will. Each book has its own hero and heroine but you will see the characters pop up again in each book
HI Michelle love pirates
Hi Dina. Me too!
Like those swashbuckling pirates .. this sounds good too
I love pirate stories.My favorite kind of pirate is a sexy dark hero.
agreed. Although Aidan who will be the hero in book 5 is blonde and that works too 😉
Congrats to #38 Gigi Hicks! You won! Please email me with your mailing details and everyone, thanks so much for welcoming Michelle to Jane Blog! xoxoxo
Thank you!!Jane, I just sent you an email with my information. Thank you! xoxo
I do like pirates and their adventures, just not everyday. once a month is good to change it up a bit.
Thanks
Julie