Interview with historical romance author Regan Walker (and a bonus recipe!)

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, 2015
CreateSpace
eBook; 294p

Series: Agents of the Crown (Prequel)
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 18^th 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 11^th 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 12^th 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 3^rd 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.

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

Monday, July 27
Spotlight at Passages to the Past

Tuesday, July 28
Review at Diana’s Book Reviews
Wednesday, July 29
Spotlight at CelticLady’s Reviews
Guest Post at Susan Heim on Writing

Thursday, July 30
Interview at Yelena Casale’s Blog

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

Friday, August 7
Review at Book Nerd

Thursday, August 13
Interview at Books and Benches

Friday, August 14
Guest Post at Passages to the Past