Please help me welcome a dear author friend from my Oklahoma Romance Writers group and a mega talented writer, Liz Tyner…
So glad to have you here, Liz. Where did you get the idea for The Wallflower Duchess?
I’d written about the duke in The Notorious Countess and made him irritatingly perfect. I wanted to write a story about a man who felt pressured to be correct. People agreed with him because of who he was, and not necessarily because he was right all the time, so he knew no one would tell him when he was wrong.
What is the most difficult thing with writing this particular book?
I wanted both characters to be introverted and controlled. I based the hero’s personality on Tommy Lee Jones, and I kept looking at the dialog and thinking, “Tommy Lee Jones wouldn’t say that.” That was a learning experience for me in characterization. About halfway through the book I decided to just let the characters talk to each other. Tommy Lee Jones had to get another role.
Are there any tricks or habits you use when creating a story?
I have tried almost every writing inspirational trick I’ve ever heard of. A timer. Listening to motivational tapes. Writing at the library. Mostly, a word count calendar keeps me on track.
What do you dislike that most people wouldn’t understand?
Telling the plot of one of my novels. The only way to experience a book is to read it.
What do you want your readers to come away with after they read The Wallflower Duchess?
Besides the romance, I hope the readers like the sisters’ relationship and the handkerchiefs. The scenes with the windows and the characters using handkerchiefs as signals were my favorites to write.
You mentioned the scenes you enjoyed writing. Is that why you write?
Writing is a part of me. I can give you all sorts of reasons of things that happened in my past that led me to want to write. But what I really believe is that it’s a part of my being much like the color of my eyes or hair. It just is.
What do you want your readers to take away from your books?
A diversion from life. A moment in another world. Perhaps a bit of whimsy or humor added in their day.
And, one final question. If you were to wake up and find yourself in heaven, what is the first thing you’d like read in the newcomers orientation manual?
We don’t have allergies here. Or alarm clocks. But we have maid service and a thermostat dial that lets you control the seasons.
Great interview…I know what you mean about writing being a part of you. So true! Please tell us about your book.
Excerpt:
Edge had botched the first proposal terribly. But he wasn’t going to botch the first kiss.
He moved Lily slightly, turning her so he could savor every second and give her a feeling she would cherish.
‘This is how it starts,’ she said, whispering, shaking her head, turning away. ‘It’s not safe.’
‘One kiss,’ he said, knowing it was likely the biggest lie of his life.
‘No.’
But she didn’t push away. She didn’t move to her feet—she just sat, and leaned closer against him.
‘Half a dozen, then.’ He didn’t smile, again letting her hair brush his face. ‘Twenty. And that’s my final offer.’
Buy links:
http://www.harlequin.com/storeitem.html?iid=69871
Bio:
Liz Tyner first became published when she sent four lines of her high school assignment to a national magazine to use as a filler. Her articles and photos have appeared in numerous trade and regional publications, but her heart lies in writing romance. The Wallflower Duchess is her sixth book to be published by Harlequin, a division of Harper Collins. Coincidentally Harper Collins began as a small shop in 1817—the same time frame as her novels are set.
Find out more about Liz at:
Blog: http://www.liztyner.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liztyner2
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LizTyner1
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/liztyner1/
Author Alicia Dean 
Oh, gosh I loved the excerpt. I also loved the idea behind this story. Thank you so much for sharing. I’ll be getting a copy!
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Thank you so much Kara!
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What a great interview! I’ve tried all those tricks, too, but am still waiting for one to stick! Love your Tommy Lee Jones strategy! ☺ And I LOVE the excerpt. Heading to Amazon now!
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For me, the reason I think the word count calendar works best is because I try to make it a competition with myself…perhaps… Good luck with finding the one that works best for you!
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Ahhhh! The tricks of the trade! Unlike you, my best trick is to tell my story to whoever will listen–usually my poor husband! That is one gorgeous cover, BTW. Best wishes for continued success.
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I was fascinated to learn that telling your story works for you! That’s wonderful, and would make it much easier to answer the question, “What are you writing now?” That can be hard for me to answer. And thank you for the compliment on the cover. I was fortunate!
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Great interview!
Loved the excerpt and cover too!
Good luck and God’s blessings
PamT
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Thank you Pam!
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Very nice interview! Love the cover. Best wishes.
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Thank you Diane. Best wishes to you too!
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I was so excited to see that Liz Tyner was a guest on Alicia Dean’s blog! I am SUCH a fan. And I wasn’t one bit disappointed in the interview. I legitimately laughed out loud several times. The Tommy Lee Jones thing really cracked me up 🙂 And Liz, telling people the plot of my books is makes me incredibly uncomfortable. I feel like I’m not even the one talking–and that my tongue is too big for my mouth. I also believe writing is part of an author, just like eye and hair color. In addition, I believe that the writer-mindset is as involuntary as a heartbeat or breathing.
So, thank you, Liz, for this quick diversion from life. You brought me whimsy and humor in your interview alone, and I haven’t even read your latest book yet! I’d say you’ve accomplished your goal.
And thank you, Alicia, for hosting this amazing guest.
You made this fan-girl’s day ❤
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Thank you Anna! I’m so glad you laughed! And I’m also very appreciative that Alicia was kind enough to host me today!
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Loved the excerpt.
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Thank you!
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The Tommy Lee Jones trick will stick with me. LOL Loved the interview.
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Thank you! It was a learning experience about dialog!!! 🙂
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Sweet excerpt. And I already assumed Heaven would lack allergens, lol.
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