Karen Foley
Lynn Raye Harris
Ellen Hartman
Diana Holquist
Samantha Hunter
Shirley Jump
Dee Tenorio
Jeannie Watt
Welcome Guest Blogger Jennifer Lewis!
Some day my prince will come…
Do you like 'em royal? There are no prizes for guessing that my current book Prince of Midtown features a prince as the hero. And it's funny, I hadn't pictured myself ever writing a prince. This story is one of six books in a Silhouette Desire continuity series called Park Avenue Scandals. I was invited to write this story, and was given the characters and the basic plot by my editor. When this happens, the author usually agrees to participate in the series, then waits several nail-biting weeks/months to see what kind of story they've chosen for you. A cowboy? A vengeful Greek billionaire? A pregnant heiress? As an author your mind scrambles with thoughts like “is there any kind of character that I really can't write???” For me, a royal prince was on that list.
You see, I grew up in England. For Americans, British royalty conjures images of castles, mist-shrouded hills, and shimmering pre-Raphaelite visions of the kings and queens of Arthurian legend. When you actually live there it's a little different ::grin:: Tabloid headlines featuring the young jug-eared Prince Charles' dating antics did not inspire visions of romance and majesty. The most heartwarming story I remember was when Prince Andrew caused a scandal by dating a soft-porn star named Koo Stark. Yes, I was there for the big Royal Wedding between Charles and Di with all its pomp and majesty, but even then becoming a royal princess seemed like a thankless job with long hours--all that snipping of ribbons at building sites and delivering speeches to bored schoolchildren. The subsequent divorces and ugly media revelations did nothing to endear royals to my romantic bosom.
::Insert blast of palace trumpets::
Then I met Prince Sebastian. Yes, he is my fictional character. And because he was mine I realized I could do whatever I wanted with him. So I made him a handsome and well-muscled Mediterranean hunk ::smile:: He's warm and energetic and demonstrative, with little regard for ceremony and formality. He wouldn't be caught dead in gold brocade. He's passionate about his country and its people. And he's crazy about his lovely assistant Tessa, regardless of the fact that she's an ordinary American from a working-class background. Ahhh, falling in love all over again! In fact I had so much fun writing this book that I've since developed a three-book series of royal stories that I hope to write soon.
The enthusiastic reader mail I've received makes it clear that there's just something about a prince that lights a fire in many of us. Why is it that princes have such long-lasting appeal, especially now there aren't that many of them left to provide inspiration? Is it the limitless wealth that usually accompanies the position? The idea that they are somehow above the laws of society, with power and influence beyond the dreams of an ordinary person? Is it the sense of honor involved in accepting the duties you've been born to?
In general I'm attracted to self-made types who achieved their wealth and power through hard work and determination. But there's something unique about someone who's born to a position of great responsibility and who rises to the occasion. I guess that's why Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson aren't all that romantic--at least to me, he looks like a loser for shirking his duty. I think most of us find it a relief that most countries have some kind of elected representation rather an absolute monarchy (I know I do!!) but there's still something about a prince that fires the imagination.
Do you like royal stories or does the whole idea of royalty make you itch? Or both at the same time ::wicked grin:: ??? Anyone who leaves a comment (and is a registered user here at Cigars) will be entered to win a signed copy of Prince of Midtown.
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Hi Jennifer
I am really liking this series. This morning I started Pregnant on the Upper East Side by Emilie Rose. I really liked that you added the mother going through the "change" in the book.
In reality I don't much want to follow royals in the news, but I really like it when an author portrays royal as ordinary people. I don't know if I'll go out of my way to order a book with royals but I won't dismiss it right away because the lead character is a royal
I'm glad you're liking the series
It was a lot of fun to work on. It was a new experience for me weaving in characters from other books, but a fun challenge.
Maybe that's what is appealling about romances with royals--it allows us to see them as ordinary people who fall in love like everyone else...at least in our fantasies ::grin::
Jen
http://www.jenlewis.com
That sounds like one of the greatest things about writing
The ablity to to create a character how you see him or want him to be sounds like one of the greatest things about writing.
You're right, it is fun!
Especially in romance where you can create all kinds of yummy heroes. I love writing different classic types of hero ie the tycoon, the prince, the bad boy, the sheikh... and making them all just the way *I* like 'em.
::wicked grin::
Jen
http://www.jenlewis.com
Not sure how I feel about
Not sure how I feel about royalty, but Sebastian sounds yummy!
Thanks Jerri!
I think Sebastian is yummy, but then I would, wouldn't I? Jen
http://www.jenlewis.com
Prince Sebastian
Jen, I LOVED your Prince.
I think our fascination comes from the fairy tale princes rather than the real ones - Cinderella, Snow White...
Thanks Anne!
You're so right. I still love fairy tale princes ::sigh:: It makes you wonder where those stories originally came from. Those old fairy tales are mostly from central Europe which was very feudal with a LOT of princes and princesses (and even more hard-working peasants laboring to make them richer), so I wonder if they were made up by the common people trying to paint a "human" face on their wealthy rulers, or if they were written by professional storytellers paid to entertain those rulers with flattering stories about themselves?
Jen
http://www.jenlewis.com
Thanks for clearing that up!
I've always wondered how those continuity series worked. I wondered if all the authors got together in one room, drew up the basic plot, fixed on the characters and then drew straws to determine who wrote which story (I still think my way sounds more fun)!
As another Brit now living in America, I know exactly what you mean about the Royal Princes. Don't forget young Edward's balding pate, too. Just not *sigh worthy* (Although young Will certainly has the looks!)
And, as so many others said, it's the fairy tale princes that have always captured my imagination. The whole idea of Happily Ever After. Of course, in the fairy tales we don't see the mind-numbingness of becoming a princess, do we?
I'll be honest, I don't usually read the Royalty stories for all the reasons you listed above. However, I will now look for yours because Sebastian sounds like a prince after my own heart. ;-)
ani
Will definitely has the fairy-tale looks
What a change, LOL.
There actually are some continuities that come together the way you describe. The Diamonds Downunder series that came out in the first six months of 2008 was devised by a bunch of Aussie and New Zealand authors who thought it would be fun to write a series...well, downunder ::grin:: And they did come up with the stories themselves then propose them to the editors as a series. In general though, the series are generated by the editors and authors are invited to participate. It'a blast. I'm working on another one now for the Texas Cattlemen's Club series that will be out in 2009.
I'm glad Sebastian tickles your fancy!
Jen
http://www.jenlewis.com
Texas Cattlemen's Club
I love the Texas Cattlemen, I've missed them too
Hi Jennifer!
The attraction to royalty for me is the prospect of attaining the unattainable. It has nothing to do with wealth and power and everything to do with a challenge. After all--what are the odds of successfully landing a prince?
Your Prince Sebastian sounds like the kind of prince I'd like to land, by the way.
Yup, a prince would be up there with scaling Everest!
I guess it must be hard for the prince too, as there is so much scrutiny over who he chooses. I'm glad Sebastian sounds worth the effort!
Jen
http://www.jenlewis.com
Hubba hubba!
Welcome back, Jen!
Your description of Sebastian had me a flutter -- I am so happy he's a nice prince, and not some obnoxious bastard, LOL.
I love the idea of royalty, and the idea of a Prince is so seductive because of the class and stature, the fact that they are not just CEOs or power-brokers, but in the best sense, in service to their country and their people. In the right person, it's a very selfless and caring position to be in, IMO. To shoulder that kind of responsibility, and yet to be a real person as well... that balance is fascinating. And I agree -- when they fall short, it's a hard fall, I think because we put so much of our ideals and hopes on them. They are supposed to represent the best of us.
So yes, I am into royalty, though I wouldn't call myself a royal watcher of any sort. But I am definitely downloading this book along with Jeannie's when I go to eHarl today!
Sam
Hi Sam!
I'm glad Sebastian sounds appealling. My editor told me they chose me for this story because I can write a hero who's arrogant and lovable at the same time ::grin:: For some reason a guy who has always had everything and expects to continue in the same vein doesn't translate into a jerk for me, he's just....confident, LOL.
I agree that being born royal is a huge and scary responsibility. Especially when you are the heir apparent and everyone is watching and critiquing you from an early age. I really do admire people who are able to rise to the occasion. Even better if they are able to enjoy it :-)
I hope you enjoy the story!
Jen
http://www.jenlewis.com
Royal Stories
Hi Jennifer!
I like to read the occasional book with royalty in it. Just having them deal with everyday life becomes interesting when they are from a royal family.
I agree, Maureen
I love the Prince and the Pauper in all its variations. It must be so hard to grow up knowing that your life is all laid out for you, and to wonder "what if???" And reading about the angst Queen Victoria went through knowing that she'd have to propose to her own husband, since she was already Queen. Now they were a romantic couple!
Jen
http://www.jenlewis.com
Princess
Hi Jennifer,
Congrats on the new release. I loved "Black Sheep Billionaire" and look forward to reading "Prince of Midtown." I've been fascinated by royalty since I saw Prince Charles' wedding to Diana as a kid. I like to read the tabloids to find out what Prince William and Prince Harry are up to. I wish we got to see more royal weddings on tv here. I know that they televise royal weddings on European tv. Maybe they feel that Americans don't care too much about royalty.
Jane, I'm glad you enjoyed Black Sheep Billionaire!
It's true that the media is way more into royalty in Europe, I guess because they still have several royal families there to obsess about. I think in America the media is more obsessed with our own "royalty"--ie Hollywood stars. I think most European and Asian royalty don't really make it onto people's radars here.
I hope you like Prince of Midtown!
Jen
http://www.jenlewis.com
I enjoy an occasional story
I enjoy an occasional story about royalty. I like to see how royalty interact with the working class---if they do.
I also love seeing interactions between different classes
Did you see that film Mrs. Brown about Queen Victoria and her "relationship" with her gamekeeper? (or estate manager, or whatever he was, gamekeeper just sounds hotter ;-) That was all speculation, but still kind of fun. And apparently I have Queen Victoria on the brain today, LOL.
Jen
http://www.jenlewis.com
Hi!
Hi, Jennifer! I'm not too much of a royals watcher these days--it seems like such an invasion of their privacy (just like with most people in the media spotlight). It is fun to read about princes and princesses though--sometimes I enjoy that even more fictionally since I can get that thrill of reading about someone special and set apart without thinking about the real-life concerns they might have. And maybe that's why sometimes I enjoy the historical stories about royalty more--because there's more of a separation between the story and reality. (So I suppose that real royal stories do sometimes make me itch!)
BTW, Black Sheep Billionaire was terrific!
My Granny was a royal watcher
and some of it rubbed off on me. I think we invade their lives too much. I like reading about made-up royalty. It has a fairy tale element that I crave every once in a while. I like a handsome prince or sheik but I also like the princess stories.
I like princess stories too
Princesses may seem to have it made, what with all the jewels and servants, but in fact they face so many limitations and rules and taboos that it make their stories interesting. I'm looking forward to writing one!
Jen
http://www.jenlewis.com
I agree about the invasion of privacy
Hi Fedora! the European paparazzi are really scary. They make La Dolce Vita seem tame.
Historical romances do have that sense of separation from reality. I guess paranormal romances have the same thing to a degree. Hmmm... maybe a vampire prince??? ::snork:: Probably been done a few times by now anyway :-)
I'm glad you enjoyed Black Sheep Billionaire!
Jen
http://www.jenlewis.com
no i like it it is a fantasy
no i like it it is a fantasy land and i love itcongrats on teh great reveiws for the book
Thanks Kim!
Sometimes there's nothing like a good fantasy :-)
Jen
http://www.jenlewis.com
Royals...
I am not a fan of royalty in general, and don't read romances with royals in them usually. I just find that whole prince charming thing a bit too obvious in those books!
I did not know authors did not chose the general theme of the book in the series and that editors even gave a small plot! I always wondered how stories were so diverse and quite different.
Congrats on the new book BTW :)
Thanks Lily!
I suspect that even if the editors gave six different authors the same exact plot they'd all come out totally different. We each have our own style, likes and dislikes, taste in settings, etc, that make a huge difference to the book beyond the basic plot. That might be a fun experiment, in fact!
Jen
http://www.jenlewis.com
I agree
I totally agree that authors have different styles!
I once read some short stories on the Harlequin website where they gave 5 authors the same paragraph, and they had to continue on. It was funny to see how each one had a totally different plot and that even the readers had some ideas of their own concerning that paragraph... That is what is great about imagination, it is quite unique :)
It depends...
Hi,
I have bought Prince of Midtown, but it is still in my TBR list as I am just not finding time to read these days!
Anyway, I don't like royals in general, as I don't think there is a lot of merit of being born to a situation where you spend lavishly the money collected from tax-payers!
In books, I think the most important for me is a good plot with interesting characters. I can read a book with a prince in it, especially if he has a nice personality, which seems the case of your hero!
Funny how royals rub people the wrong way
But we can get over it to enjoy a story :-) At least the British royal family has to pay taxes now!
I hope you enjoy Prince of Midtown!!
Jen
http://www.jenlewis.com
And the winner is!!!!!
:::cue palace trumpets:::
Kimh
:::deafening applause from crowd:::
Kim, please stop by my site at http://www.jenlewis.com and email me with your address so I can send you a signed copy of Prince of Midtown.
Jen
http://www.jenlewis.com
oh cool thanks
oh cool thanks
Congrats!!
WTG, Kim!!
I'll be picking up my copy this weekend!
Not as a steady read
I like reading stories about royalty but I can't read just them. I have to vary my reading.