Edith Interviews Barbara Metzger

When I first laid eyes on Barbara Metzger, RITA winner (and multi nominated); two-time Romantic Times Career award winner; RT awards for Best Regency; also Golden Leaf; Bookseller's Best, National Reader's Choice and Madcap awards, at a Convention, I hot footed it to her side. My usual shyness evaporated. I adored her books and couldn’t wait to tell her so. She had, after all, written one of my favorite regencies of all time: the brilliant A LOYAL COMPANION, a novel told from both the narrator’s and a dog’s POV. Barbara’s books all have that wonderful originality, wry sense of humor, and appreciation of the foibles and glories of the human condition. And so does she. A good friend and a terrific writer - no more gilding the lily – see for yourself. Heeeeeere’s Barbara!

ELF: Barbara, You are known for your light hearted Regency set novels as well as for your originality. You are, to my knowledge, the only author who has ever told a love story from the heroine's dog's POV. A LOYAL COMPANION has never been surpassed for originality.

BMETZGER: Sure it has: THE PAINTED LADY, AN ANGEL FOR THE EARL; THE HOURGLASS, where the hero is one of the Grim Reaper's assistants. Hey, you are talking to someone who got Elvis into a Regency novella, and wrote a whole Regency novel about Yankees baseball. That's the fun part of writing.

ELF: True. (Though the Yankees were disguised in THE DIAMOND KEY, they were there.) Still, you are amazingly original. Who else would have also written about real angels, portraits that come to life, and Elvis in the Regency? But you had me at dog. I know you love dogs, but what made you think of that?

BMETZGER: I never know where the ideas come from. The Idea Fairy, maybe.

ELF: And is there ever to be a sequel?

BMETZGER: Not soon. I was ready for A CURIOUS COMPANION, the cat's story, when Signet did away with the shorter Regencies, and stopped doing Regency anthologies. It just wouldn't be suitable for a longer historical, dammit.

ELF: Awww. A disappointment. But, in fact, since your coming here was foretold, Gretchen F., a fan of yours, has asked: “Can we look forward to seeing more of (your) her early books re-issued in double volumes?”

BMETZGER: Re. reissues. Signet has no plans for more that I know if. Sorry.

ELF: Double Rats! But let’s move on. Tell us, everyone wants to know: how did you get started writing?

BMETZGER: I was bored and had time and an idea, after reading my mother's Barbara Cartlands. A person can never say "I can do better than that" unless she is willing to try. I got rejected six times before Walker bought my first book.

ELF: And writing Regencies?

BMETZGER: Georgette Heyer, of course, and Clare Darcy, and Barbara Cartland, who made Regencies so accessible. Opinions of her writing and her persona aside, I never thought she got enough credit for popularizing the genre.

ELF: Have you ever written in any other Historical setting or wanted to do so?

BMETZGER: Nope.

ELF: Yet "LOVE, LOUISA" was a charming Contemporary Romance set in a beach community reminiscent of Montauk and the Hamptons, on Long Island.

Will there be another Contemporary for you?

BMETZGER: I hope so.

ELF: I said you are known for your light-hearted novels, but while still full of humor, lately your books are getting deeper and deliciously darker. Why is that?

BMETZGER: Partly because it's too hard to write 400 pages around a sight-gag like THE PRIMROSE PATH (multitudes of dogs) or LADY WHILTON'S WEDDING (disappearing dead uncle's body); partly because readers-- and editors-- seem to want more intensity.(Also dammit.) THE HOURGLASS is a life-or-death situation, literally. I did try to lighten it with a talking crow.

THE HOURGLASS, will be released on March 6. Click to pre-order now!

ELF: You're also writing novels that touch on the paranormal. Are you a fan of Fantasy?

BMETZGER: I love it. The scope of creativity, the flights of fancy, the innovation.

ELF: You are a most creative lady! You're also an artist, and until recently, when you decided to write full-time, you found it a lucrative occupation too.

BMETZGER: More like starving artist, but fun. Again, the creative part.

ELF: Ever wish you could go back to it?

BMETZGER: I miss my friends at the art and craft shows, not the backbreaking labor!

ELF: So you are fully committed to writing now?

BMETZGER: I have not been committed yet, but a shrink has been recommended.

ELF: Your love of dogs is well known. Your little dog Hero is sadly missed by all who knew him. Now you have Valentino, your latest canine love.

You feed the birds and have a fish. Any new additions to your menagerie being planned?

BMETZGER: I think about getting Tino a friend, or getting a dog that can walk on the beach with me. (Spot the goldfish doesn't go out much.) But having a tiny 4-pound dog that I can carry around is a hoot. He makes me smile, and everyone who sees him. And he is enough for now. Did you see the Bookmark I made for THE HOURGLASS? (it's at my website) I put Tino in the heroine's arms!

ELF: What are some of your other hobbies and interests?

BMETZGER: Besides books and the beach, I spend a lot of time volunteering at my local library. I run the annual book fair and am proud to say we made over $20,000 in one day last year! I also help my sister with her dollhouse miniatures hobby-- a great excuse to go to yard sales every Saturday

ELF: When you're not writing or painting, or doing charitable work, or such, what sort of books do you like to read?

BMETZGER: Romances. I love all kinds of them. A few mysteries, some best sellers, some classics, but I always go back to romance.

ELF: There's never a doubt when one is reading a Metzger book. They are unique. How would you describe your work, and style of writing?

BMETZGER: I'll leave that to the readers. I write the way I write, and doubt I could do differently.

ELF: And what's the next book coming up after "HOURGLASS?"

BMETZGER: Thank you for asking! It is TRULY YOURS (Sept. 08, Signet Eclipse), another out-of-the-box Regency-set historical with paranormal elements. In this one, the hero can tell when someone is lying or telling the truth. It is an inherited talent, but kept secret, so he and his father are disgraced hermits. Then he has to rescue the heroine, who is accused of killing her awful stepfather. Only he believes her, and comes to save her life. And his own by falling in love.

One thing I would like to mention is the fun I have with these odd ideas. Sex, Scotch, sky-diving, sinsemilla*-- nothing beats the sheer joy of creativity. (In the long term, anyway.) A lot of the writing life is downright tedious and hard work, retelling a story you already know by heart. The imagination part, the soaring with a new idea, that's what makes it worthwhile. That and seeing my books on the shelf, getting to write The End finally, hearing from readers that they really do like what I write, and getting paid for it! Oh, and when my mother walked into her little independent book store to show her friends my books and the owner said "Hi, Mom."

ELF: (* I had to look that one up myself!) Thank you Barbara!

Comments

[Maggie Robinson]

Barbara, I've been going through somewhat of a reading slump lately---not enough new Wench books to read--- but The Hourglass snapped me right out of it. I really found it to be so original,touching and any other positive word you'd like to insert. I am even blogging about it a little (and chocolate!)today on http://maggierobinsonmeansromance.blogspot.com

I posted my usual Monday piece a day early so I could invite you over. I'm not a book reviewer, but I hope the tease sends readers to the bookstore!

Edith, great interview. Barbara, another great book. Gushing now under control.

[Nina P]

Great interview Wench Edith!

Hello Barbara. Welcome to Word Wenches! Your little Tino is so cute. What kind of dog is he? Does he travel with you? What is the funniest thing he's ever done?

I love dogs! My daughter, husband and I are raising a very handsome German Shepard named Drake, for The Seeing Eye. At 9 months and 75 pounds, he's a very fun handful. I had him in Wal-Mart yesterday doing some shopping. It is heartwarming to see the smiles he brings to people's otherwise solemn faces. While I was walking past the donuts, an elderly lady stopped to pet Drake. She called to her husband who came mumbling and groaning. Drake offered his paw and the man lit up like a Christmas tree. He waved over his cronies, and in what seemed like seconds, Drake and I were surrounded by seniors telling their dog stories to me and each other. Drake, of course was in his glory. Giving paw, daintily accepting treats and giving little licks. I was so proud! He is going to make a blind person a very nice Seeing Eye dog in about 12 months.

Do have a writing related question for you, Barbara. In Rose Hilliard’s Inkwell (Writer’s Digest, April 2007) she wrote “Paranormal romance is the fastest-growing subgenre, and its popularity shows no sign of decreasing—though the market is incredibly crowded at this point.” In your experience with the publishing world, would you agree?

the littlest wenchling, who just put A LOYAL COMPANIAN on order. A romance told through a dog's POV…it's got to be a hoot!

[Barbara Metzger]

Hi and thanks for having me, and for a great and easy interview with Edith.

My dog is a 4-pound long-haired Chihuahua, a 5-year old Rescue pup, whose every action brings a smile. And he smiles, showing his missing front teeth.

As for paranormals, my editor at Signet also thought they were the Big Thing of the moment, hence my newest book, THE HOURGLASS, and the one after that, TRULY YOURS. After that, I have no idea. This is a funny business and I'd be the last one to predict its future path.

Again, thanks for the interview, and I hope you enjoy LOYAL COMPANION and THE HOURGLASS.

Barbara Metzger

[RevMelinda]

Barbara,

Thank you for a great interview! Your books have always been favorites of mine. I am looking forward to reading THE HOURGLASS--and I must say that even if I didn't know your work I would pick it up IMMEDIATELY because of the beautiful cover!

Is there a story about that, did you win the cover-art lottery, or were you very very good in a past life, LOL?

Our dog is a greyhound, rescued from the track, beautiful but rather dimwitted. I posted some photos on my (otherwise rather dull, skip the writing) blog so you can see him in all his ridiculous glory if you'd like.

http://revmelinda.livejournal.com/

Thank you for sharing your day with us Barbara and thank you for writing fabulous books!

Melinda

[Nina P]

Barbara,

Thank you for answering my questions. A little smiling Chihuahua... what could be cuter than that?

Do have another question based upon your comment "partly because readers-- and editors-- seem to want more intensity." Are you finding that light-hearted comedy is being past over for a more intense "darker" experience? If so, based upon your experience, what type of "darker" experience is being preferred?

Again, thanks for spending the day with us in Wenchdom. Be sure to put your feet up on the table. None of us will mind and you are sure to get a grin from the many handsome heroes in our employ. :-)

Nina, aka the littlest wenchling

[Nina P]

RevMelinda... what a crazy dog! He looks like so much fun. Thanks for sharing the pics. :-)

[Liz]

March 6th? What am I supposed to do till March 6th?Don't you know I'm special and impatient? (Sigh)

This will have to tide me over. Thanks for stopping by - that is one adorable dog. Can't let my kids see it!

[Sherrie Holmes]

Elvis! I remember that novella very well, Barbara, because I have told so many friends about it. It was titled "Love and Tenderness" and was a story in your solo anthology, _Valentines_ published in 1996.

Just for kicks I went and got the book, and as I often did in the past, I had written what I thought of the book on the inside front cover. Here's what I wrote: "4-22-96 Excellent stories, all! 'Love and Tenderness' is a scream!"

I have a whole shelf of Metzgers, and they're keepers!

[Jo Beverley]

Hi Barbara,

welcome to Wenchland. :)

The sort of humor that's in your books is in your responses to Edith's questions. I love that sort of mind, especially when it leads a writer to give little twists to things all the time. Keeps the genre on its toes!

Jo :)

[maryjoputney]

Welcome, Barbara! And well done with your first interview, Edith! "Listening" to two witty long time friends is wonderful fun, especially on a snowy, sleety day.

As a cat lover, I am sad to know that there was going to be a cat book that didn't get written, but maybe someday a slot will appear for A Curious Companion.

Let me echo what has been said: Barbara Metzger is one of the most original writers in the genre, and the premise for The Hourglass is downright boggling. All that, and a great romance, too! Thanks so much for joining us, Barbara. And for the Wenchlings--be sure to check out Barbara's website, and don't miss the poems Edith wrote for Barbara's dogs. :)

Mary Jo

[Susie]

Great interview! And I think B. Metzger is one of the funniest, most touching romance writers I know. Oh yeah and the interviewer is pretty darn good too. Viva Valentino!

[shscott21]

Barbara,
I'm sorry I couldn't be here yesterday for your "appearance" -- Typepad plus an ice storm seemed determined to keep me from posting. :(

But it's a great interview, and it's easy to see why your books are so wonderful. And I'm going to have to go hunt down that one with the Yankees in it to see exactly how you pulled that off in a Regency!
Susan/Miranda

[Barbara Metzger]

Hey, thanks for making me Lady Barbara! And for all your nice comments. Tino and I appreciate your interest-- and the great dog pictures. And yes, I did win the cover lottery with THE HOURGLASS, after years of buying tickets and losing! You can see my own (and Tino's) version of the cover at my website, where I shall be waving my lovely fan!
Barbara