Return of a Legend: An Interview with Laura Kinsale

by Mary Jo

 Anyone who has been reading historical romance for a while will surely recognize the name of Laura Kinsale, one of the most innovative and influential writers in the genre. 

Laura’s sweeping plots, dark, complex heroes, and marvelously rich and supple prose made the release of a new Kinsale An Event to readers of historicals.  She was also one of the first genre romance writers to make the New York Times list.

These days, Laura prefers to write at her own pace, so Lessons in French is her first new book in several years.  Definitely An Event.  <G>  Her new publisher is Sourcebooks, and they are happily reissuing a number of her backlist titles as well. 

Lessons in French is written in Laura’s lighter “hedgehog humor” vein, because she isn’t known just for wonderful writing, but for the variety of animals that wander into her stories.  The range of critters goes from the memorable hedgehog of Midsummer Moon to Napoleon the rockhopper penguin in Seize the Fire, with lots of stops in between.. 

Today. Laura Kinsale is going to write about Hubert, the mottled short horned bull that plays such a prominent part in Lessons in French.

Plus, Sourcebooks is providing five copies of the book to commenters on the blog, so feel free to chat away! 

And now, meet Laura Kinsale and Hubert!

The Legend Speaks!

It was probably along about my third book that I realized that an animal played a significant role in each one.  From that point on, I began deliberately to create a different animal character for each book.  If you browse the book pages on my new website, you'll see that I have a "mascot" for every title.  Some play a large role in the plot, some are more symbolic.

The mascot for Lessons in French is truly a force of nature and a vivid character in his own right.  Hubert the bull is at the heart of the story. He's the heroine's pride and joy. 

A Cattle Tale

I'll admit that I come by my acquaintance with cattle honestly.  My mother's family has raised Herefords in Texas for over 150 years.  Though I didn't live there, I used to spend every summer on the farm when I was a kid.  Whenever I got the chance, I went to the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo.  (My grandmother attended every single year.  For her 90th birthday, they spotlighted her while they sang the national anthem.  We were so proud!)  

I loved strolling through the stock barns, where there were hundreds of bulls and steers raised by 4-H members, lovingly brushed and polished and hair-sprayed from nose to pom-pom tail in readiness for their turn in the arena.  Those kids love their animals, so it was easy for me to create a heroine in Callie with an equal passion for her prize bull.

The shampooed and pampered critters of the stock barns are usually quite well-behaved, but it never pays to forget how a large animal can cause destruction even if it doesn't mean to.  And when one is frightened, or angry, they are truly dangerous.  (Next time you fall in love with a cowboy hero--count his fingers.)   Hubert may seem tame, but there's more to him than meets the eye...and there's a lot of him to meet the eye!

The white-faced cattle my family has always raised got their name from the English county of Hereford--the setting for Lessons in French.  (In Texas, you say, "Her-ferd."  In England, it's "Hair-eh-ferd.")  As with many domestic animals, the official breeds of cattle we know today got their start in the agricultural societies of the early 19th century, when the gentry and the farmers--and even a few aristocrats--began systematic efforts to improve their livestock. 

A Lady's Passion

This is the vocation that Callie, an earl's daughter, has inherited from her father.  She's a lot more comfortable in muck boots than ball gowns.  After being jilted three times, she finds her cattle far more appealing than gentlemen.  That is, until her old flame, the elegant French aristocrat Trevelyan returns.  He's not as big as Hubert, but he can cause just as much trouble. 

Put the two of them together, Trev and Hubert, and the market street of Hereford will never be the same.

Laura Kinsale links:
http://www.laurakinsale.com/books/detail/lessons-in-french/
http://www.laurakinsale.com/books/
http://www.fwssr.com/?page_id=212 (stock show)

Laura will be away from her computer most of the day, but she’ll be back later to respond to comments.  Remember, Sourcebooks will give five copies of Lessons in French will be given to lucky commenters!

Mary Jo, whose fictional animals tend to be more mundane, not to mention more feline. <G>

Comments

[Linda Henderson]

You have lovely covers on your books. I think animals in storylines are great. You seem to use a good variety of critters. I like the storyline for this book and I really can't wait to read it.

[Diana Brandt]

Laura,
Thrilled you're back writing. My favorite is Flowers From the Storm. I can't wait to read this new one. And I'm thrilled they're putting them in ebook form.

[Laura Kinsale]

Thank you Linda and Diana!

I will come back by late on Friday, as I'll be offline most of the day. Thanks to Mary Jo and the Wenches for having me (and Hubert).

[Becky Ward]

Lessons in French sounds like a good read. Will have to check out your other books. I like the idea of using animals in the storylines.

[Patricia Barraclough]

An impressive bull, Laura. Sounds like a good read. Your story sounds an enjoyable. I'v got to go, I'm falling asleep at the keyboard.

[Julie]

I LOVE that you have different animal mascots for each book! My favorite characters are often quirky pets, and I'd love to read more books that included them. :)

[Gillian]

I've read the first chapter excerpt on your website. Such a treat! I am a big fan of strong secondary character's, and already love Trev's mother. I'm going to try and track it down today.

[Nancy]

The hedgehog of Midsummer's Moon is my favorite-- or at least the animal I remember the most. That is my favorite book of yours. The one that elicits the most discussion and raves is Flowers from the Storm, though.
Sherrie Holmes introduced me to your books many years ago. She praised them so highly I had to read them-- which I did.
Lessons in French sounds as though it will be entertaining and of the same high quality as the others.

[Jo Beverley]

Laura, how great to see you here on Word Wenches, and with a new book. Such a treat!

I think the last time we met was on the Get Caught Reading at Sea cruise. Sheesh, how many years ago was that? Such good fun.

I'm living in England now, and I'll put in my order with http://www.thebookdepository.com here. Just a mention for anyone here outside the States who can't easily get the book. It's great because they don't charge any shipping or handling.

Cheers,

Jo

[gretchen fucio]

Laura, I actually found your work through this site- someone in a discussion a couple of years ago mentioned Flowers From the Storm, and I went out and found it. Then I found all your other books. Then I introduced my daughter to your work, and my sister. Three new readers from one casual mention on Word Wenches- I'll bet this appearance will bring even more!
I absolutely love animals in books- they are a great way to reveal aspects of the characters that interaction with other people may not expose. I used to be one of those 4H kids myself- my sister and I showed horned Dorset sheep- a breed rarely seen nowadays, since the poled (hornless) variety was developed. Funny to think how those agricultural societys were applying Mendalian genetics long before Darwin or Mendel were born!

[CrystalGB]

Hi Laura. I love the covers to your books. I think it is great you have animals in your books. :)

[Linda Banche]

I love non-traditional heroines! Callie sounds like a woman after my own heart. And good for you for using animals.

I like birds, myself, especially ducks, but I'm sure I could bond with Napoleon, the rockhopper penguin.

Although that picture looks more like a macaroni penguin to me (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macaroni_Penguin). Here's a picture of a Western Rockhopper (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Rockhopper_Penguin)

But they are similar.

Linda the bird nut here.

[Linda Banche]

I love non-traditional heroines! Callie sounds like a woman after my own heart. And good for you for using animals.

I like birds, myself, especially ducks, but I'm sure I could bond with Napoleon, the rockhopper penguin.

Although that picture looks more like a macaroni penguin to me (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macaroni_Penguin). Here's a picture of a Western Rockhopper (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Rockhopper_Penguin)

But they are similar.

Linda the bird nut here.

[Robin Wilson]

Thanks, Laura, for all the wonderful characters you've given to us; that includes the four-legged ones as well.

And the timing couldn't be better for the publication of "Lessons in French"; now my husband will know what to give me for Valentine's Day!

[maryjoputney]

From MJP:

One of the scenes I remember most is the hero's taming of the horse in The Prince of Midnight. Riveting! And educational.

[peggy]

Hi Laura I found it very interesting that you add animals in all your books.childern and animals adds to a story.

[margaret]

Hello, Laura, very happy about your return to publishing! From an animal lover with a special affinity for hedgehogs, and horses. And of course canines...my own dogs usually wind up somewhere in my novels.

[Kristal]

I'm reading Uncertain Magic right now - can't wait to read Lessons in French.

[Minna]

I can't wait to read Lessons in French!

[Edith]

So very glad to see you've got another book out!! My fave is The Shadow and the Star which I reread regularly.

[Maureen]

It's wonderful that Laura has a new book out. I like the idea of animals being her stories in big and small ways. Although I have no experience with any farm animals I do enjoy our cats because, with them, life is simple.

[Diane]

So pleased that you have a new book out. An animal lover, myself, I always feel an affinity with an author who uses animals as real characters in a book. Really looking forward to reading LESSONS IN FRENCH. Thank you.

[Laura Kinsale]

Hi, everyone! A quick drop-in. Hey, Jo! LTNS for sure, how great you are back in England!

I'm happy to hear so many like animals in books. LESSONS IN FRENCH really is a light book, very emotional, but readers should not expect it to be as challenging as my more intense reads.

I think of it like one of those great fun movies they release for the holidays--just something to enjoy and leave with a smile.

I think it's a great time for a feel-good book, and that's what this is.

[Lyn S]

As soon as I saw your new title in the Wenches schedule, I immediately thought of the punchline from "Honey I Shrunk the Kids".. "French Class" I look forward to seeing how French class fits in here.

[cheryl c.]

Laura, I just browsed through your website, and I was highly entertained. I especially enjoyed your personal comments about each book and its old and new covers.

[chey]

Lessons in French sounds like a book I want to read! I have to go check out your website now!

[Beverly Abney]

Laura,
Thank you for a new book. You are one of my long-time keeper authors and I was afraid something had happened to you. I love them all- the more the merrier. Thanks again.

[Patricia Rice]

Glad you could stop by Laura, and especially glad that you have a book out in the gloom of winter. I sink into your books and pretend the rest of the world isn't there, so thank you!

[Lois M.]

Well, I'm a new to you reader (or will soon be as soon as I pick up the book! LOL), so I do not have a favorite yet; but even before hearing how people are just so excited that you're back after a few year absence, I really liked the sound of Lessons in French - it's Regency (I'm addicted LOL) and it just sounds like a lot of fun, so can't wait to read it! :)

Lois

[Anne Gracie]

Laura, lovely to see you on word wenches -- Mary Jo, thanks for arranging it.

My copy of Lessons in French just arrived and I'm having to be very disciplined about not reading it until I've finished my current wip.
Love the animals in your books and am very much liking the sound of your latest heroine and her mucky boots and of Hubert the bull.

Lois, I envy you, being at the beginning of your Kinsale glom. What a treat.

[Rebecca]

I can't wait to read this book. I've only just recently been introduced to Laura Kinsale's books, and have absolutely loved them. Thanks for all the info!!

[Chelsea B.]

I've noticed animals play a large role in many books! Which is fine by me, I love animals :-)
I have been hearing such fantastic things about your books! I can't wait to pick one up!

[Barbara Elness]

I'm very eager to get my hands on Lessons in French, it sounds like a fabulous story. I love the idea of having a "mascot" for each book, adding another fun element to the story.

[Jackie]

My favorite is Flowers in the Storm, but still need to read more of your back list. (on my TBR list) I am slowing down in my reading right now as I need to finish several projects - boo hoo - I would always rather be reading!

I love quirky animal characters, so am looking forward to making Hubert's acquaintance.

[Laura Kinsale]

Back home (feeling lucky, the roads were VERY icy) and snuggling in to read these great comments. The Word Wenches are some of my favorite writers (as people AND writers) and I very much appreciate the invitation to blog with them!

If LESSONS IN FRENCH (and Hubert) gives you a smile, my work is done!

[theo]

I love it when an author can incorporate an animal into their story in a way that keeps the story flowing, rather than the gratuitous pet sort of thing. :)

DD2 wanted a hedgehog. Until she picked one up and realized how prickly they are. Then she wanted a sugar glider but my gosh, they're expensive. And finicky to care for. So she settled for bunnies and we've had a few characters in the bunch. Wish I could figure out how to utilize one of them in a story. Such fun!

Thanks for the great post :)

[Patricia Barraclough]

Your heroine sounds like my kind of woman. The bull in your post is gorgeous. I have several of your books on my TBR shelf. Now I know I'll have to look for the animals. They can truly be characters in their own right.
Good luck with the release of LESSONS IN FRENCH.

[Cathy Peper]

I'm very excited to see that you have a new book coming out. I have several of your books on my keeper shelf and have fond memories of your hedgehog character.

[Lee B]

I confess I read your first book courtesy of a used book store. Not content with owning a "gently used" copy, I bought a new one for my save-to-read-again shelf. I, too, prefer hedgehogs to assassins although both can be prickly. I look forward to reading about an hair-eh-ferd.

[Helene D.]

For over thirty years, I read almost exclusively mysteries and thrillers and police procedurals, etc. Then, I read "The Flame and the Flower" (Woodiwiss) and, soon after that, "Flowers From the Storm". Woodiwiss is now dated, though "The Flame and the Flower" is said to have brought many new readers to romance novels, like me. I still reread "Flowers from the storm", a magnificent romance novel that's also a very good novel, period, with its insights into aphasia, and a man's fight to regain control of his mind (this has personal resonances for me). When I love an author, I buy all his/her books, so I look forward to buying both Chalice of Roses (Beverley **&** Putney, yeah!) and Lessons in French.
P.-S.: As I was trying to remember about an animal in "Flowers", the delightful scene with the little kittens came back to my mind.

[MJ Selle]

Laura, you probably don't remember this but years ago you attended a conference sponsored by Affaire d'Coeur magazine. I was the reviewer for your first book and absolutely loved it. I remember going up to you and saying, "You're going to be a star in this genre!" and you looked at me as if I were crazy. It's so nice to know I was right! I've enjoyed every one of your books since then and always recommend them to friends.

[Scorpio M.]

Finding cattle more appealing than gentlemen...I can definitely relate. LOL.

[Sherrie Holmes]

Hi, Laura. I just finished reading Lessons in French over a week ago, and have the puffy, bloodshot eyes to prove it. *g* It kept me up way past my bedtime.Loved the story and loved Hubert the bull!

[Michelle L.]

I must admit that I've never seen a bull that looks like Hubert before. :) I guess that he's a different breed than what's raised around here, but I do look forward to becoming better acquainted with him when I read this highly anticipated book! Can't wait! :D

[Susan King]

Hi Laura, we're so delighted that you could visit us at Word Wenches! I'm another LTNS, as we were often alphabet buddies when seated at RWA signings. I've always loved your books -- and it's wonderful to have a new Kinsale to read!!

Best of luck with the new release.

Susan King

[Laura Kinsale]

Mary Jane, is that right? I do remember the conference, and I remember meeting you (though I don't recall that particular exchange, I was probably just looking thrilled anyone would say something like that!)

And Susan, of course--it's been a long time since I've gone to RWA but I'm seriously considering it this year.

[JJ Johnson]

Can't wait to get my greedy hands on your newest! But unitl I do, I've got your backlist to keep me happy.