Author Interview and giveaway: Michelle Diener

Today I have Michelle Diener over for an interview and there will also be a giveaway of her new book.

Welcome to my blog again Michelle. What is new in your life?

Thank you for having me! My life is not that exciting, 🙂 so at the moment it’s the same old same old. But that’s good for my writing!

Your new book is called Banquet of Lies,  how did you think of using the backdrop of a certain treaty in this book?

I’ve always been extremely interested in the secret diplomacy between the nations of Europe. It was a topic I studied in history at university, and while I focused more on Bismark and a slightly later period than the Regency in my degree, I knew there had been a lot of secret deals and back stabbing going on during the Napoleonic Wars as well. For someone like me, who loves intrigue, I didn’t have far to look to find the deal that would work for this book, and the deal was negotiated only a few months after the events that take place in The Emperor’s Conspiracy, which worked perfectly time-wise for me, as well.

And before I die, pleeeease tell me there will be more regency “spy” books.

LOL, of course there will! How could I possibly stop? 

On to the next question then, are you working on something right now?

I’m working on another connected book. Lord Durnham and Lord Dervish appear in this new book, along with Lord Aldridge and Giselle, but the main characters are the Duke of Wittaker and a brand new heroine. Because the Duke of Wittaker is the hero of this book, of course his chef, Georges Bisset, is in this one, too.

I liked how you put in some folklore in this book. Is that something that has always been of interest?

Folklore and fairy tales are a passion of mine. I have been under their spell since I could first read. I have a great many collections of fairy tales and folk tales on my shelves and I’ve read everything I can about them, from their origins to what they are trying to say. I love reading books by experts on fairy tales like Marie Louise Von Franz and others. I actually have a fantasy novel based on a fairy tale that I’m putting the final touches on right now. I absolutely loved weaving folklore into this book. It made it even more fun to write.

Have you tried the dishes that Giselle cooks in this book? I certainly want to taste them 🙂

I’ve made them all, as I love baking and cooking! And my readers can, to, as I have created a page on my website with all the recipes:  I can promise they are all delicious.

Until next time, thank you!

Thank you so much! I am so glad you enjoyed Banquet of Lies. Thank you for your always thoughtful and well-written reviews.

Giveaway.

1 copy of Banquet of Lies

1. Open to ALL

2. Ends Oct 31st

3. Just enter 🙂