Today, it is my pleasure to interview Regan Walker, the author of the historical romance novel To Tame the Wind. Read on and don't forget to check out the rest of the tour schedule on the bottom of the post.
About To Tame the Wind
Publication Date: May 9, 2015CreateSpace
eBook; 294p
Series: Agents of the Crown (Prequel)
Genre: Historical Romance
Genre: Historical Romance
Paris 1782…AN INNOCENT IS TAKEN
All Claire Donet knew was the world inside the convent walls in
Saint-Denis. She had no idea her beloved papa was a pirate. But when he
seized Simon Powell’s schooner, the English privateer decided to take
the one thing his enemy held most dear… her.
A BATTLE IS JOINED
The waters between France and England roil with the clashes of
Claire’s father and her captor as the last year of the American
Revolution rages on the sea, spies lurk in Paris and Claire’s passion
for the English captain rises.
Author Interview with Regan Walker
Hi Regan, it is such a pleasure to have you here today!
Tell us a bit about your latest work.
What was your inspiration for it?
After I
finished my Agents of the Crown trilogy, set in the Regency period, I thought
it would be interesting to tell the story of the parents of the heroes in books
2 and 3, Claire Donet and Capt. Simon Powell. So I did… in a prequel, To Tame the Wind. Since their love was
born out of the American Revolution as played out in London, Paris and the
English Channel, there was a lot of history to draw upon. It’s set in 1782, the
last year of the Revolution, and features a French pirate, an English privateer
and spies lurking in both England and France. Oh and did I mention there are
ships?
What is your favorite historical
period to write about and why? Favorite historical location?
So far, it
might be the late 18th century, the period in which To Tame the Wind is set. But now that
I’m writing Rogue Knight, book 2 in
my Medieval Warriors series, I love being back in England in the 11th
century. As for location, it would be difficult to compete with London and
Paris but I do love Scotland and have a series in mind set in Skye and the
Isles, beginning in the 12th century.
You mention in your bio that you traveled a lot and you love meeting new people. What are your favorite places
to travel to?
The South
Pacific is an amazing place… Singapore, Malaysia, Australia and all the island
countries. But I also love Europe, particularly the older parts. Last year I
returned for the 3rd time to the Highlands of Scotland and loved
diving into the deep past of that wonderful country with its proud heritage. I
have a Pinterest board from my trip you might like to see: https://www.pinterest.com/reganwalker123/regans-trip-to-the-western-highlands-of-scotland-s/.
I ask this question of all the
authors I have a chance to interview. What is your advice for aspiring writers?
I think it’s
important to read in the genre they want to write in to get a sense of the
storytelling and what you want your style to be. I like books with real history
in them, the deeper ones. And that is what I want to write, too. I also suggest
finishing their first book (at least) and then get some critical eyes on it… a
critique group, a beta reader. If you like being in control, you might prefer
being an Indie. I began with a publisher but I’m happy as an Indie now.
If you could have dinner with one
historical figure, who would it be?
Probably Sir
Winston Churchill. But William Wilberforce and the Apostle Paul are also
favorites.
I saw a number of great recipes on
your website. Can you share a recipe with the blog readers?
I would love to. How about Ginger Carrot Soup from To Tame the Wind? This is the soup the Irish
cook, McGinnes, served (with Claire's help) onboard the Fairwinds just before they sailed
for London. Simon was surprised to see soup as they did not typically have soup
onboard the ship and he was skeptical as McGinnes was new at his craft.
McGinnes' soup turned out to be a hit and, being as Claire is French, of course
it was made with cream.
Ginger Carrot Soup (http://www.reganwalkerauthor.com/mcginnes-gingered-carrot-soup.html)
Ingredients
·
2
tablespoons vegetable oil or butter
·
2
onions peeled and chopped
·
2
tablespoons grated fresh ginger
·
2
pounds carrots, peeled and sliced (about 4-6 cups)
·
4 cups
chicken or vegetable broth
·
1 cup
half & half or whipping cream
·
1/4
teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions
Heat oil (or butter) in
heavy large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and cook,
stirring often until onions are translucent and limp. Add broth, carrots and
ginger. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until carrots are
tender, about 30 minutes.
Remove from heat and cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a blender. Working in batches, pulse at first, then puree the mixture. Be sure to release one corner of the lid to avoid creating a vacuum. You can also place a towel over the top of the blender.
Return soup to saucepan and add half & half or cream. Stir over medium until hot. Add salt and pepper to taste and cinnamon (optional). Mix in ground cinnamon. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Cover and refrigerate. Bring to simmer before continuing, thinning with more stock if necessary. Ladle soup into bowls.
Remove from heat and cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a blender. Working in batches, pulse at first, then puree the mixture. Be sure to release one corner of the lid to avoid creating a vacuum. You can also place a towel over the top of the blender.
Return soup to saucepan and add half & half or cream. Stir over medium until hot. Add salt and pepper to taste and cinnamon (optional). Mix in ground cinnamon. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Cover and refrigerate. Bring to simmer before continuing, thinning with more stock if necessary. Ladle soup into bowls.
Lightning
round questions:
1. Tea or Coffee: Tea, Green tea with
Jasmine
2. City or Country: country
3. Cat or Dog (both is ok J): dog (I have a Golden Retriever)
4. Favorite season: Spring
5. Favorite TV show: Masterpiece
Theatre’s Poldark series at the moment
Thank you for stopping by to chat with us!
Praise for To Tame the Wind
“A sea adventure like no other, a riveting romance!” -NY Times bestselling author Shirlee Busbee
“Another exciting historical romance from Regan Walker” –NY Times Bestselling Author Virginia Henley
“I was hooked from the first page! Political intrigue, a bit of
mystery and a beautifully developed romance that swept me from Paris to
London and to the waters of the English Channel! Very, very, very well
done!” –The Reading Cafe
About the Author
Bestselling author Regan Walker loved to write stories as a child,
particularly those about adventure-loving girls, but by the time she got
to college more serious pursuits took priority. One of her professors
encouraged her to pursue the profession of law, which she did. Years of
serving clients in private practice and several stints in high levels of
government gave her a love of international travel and a feel for the
demands of the “Crown” on its subjects. Hence her romance novels often
involve a demanding sovereign who taps his subjects for “special
assignments.” And in each of her novels, there is always real history
and real historic figures. Regan lives in San Diego with her golden
retriever, Link, whom she says inspires her every day to relax and smell
the roses.
For more information please visit Regan Walker’s website and blog. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.
BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE
Tuesday, July 28Review at Diana’s Book Reviews
Wednesday, July 29
Spotlight at CelticLady’s Reviews
Guest Post at Susan Heim on Writing
Friday, July 31
Review at Kristin Un-Ravelle’d
Saturday, August 1
Spotlight at Genre Queen
Monday, August 3
Review at “Good Friends, Good Books and a Sleepy Conscience: This is the Ideal Life.”
Tuesday, August 4
Review at Shelly’s Book Shelves
Thursday, August 6
Spotlight at Long Ago Love
