We’re delighted to be joined on our blog today by Mills & Boon Historical author, Helen Dickson.
We find out more about her writing journey, advice and latest romance…
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You write for the Mills and Boon Historical series, which allows readers to escape into a world of intense passion, lavish settings and romance that burns brightly through the ages. What’s your favourite thing about writing Historical romances?
What’s your favourite part of writing about a particular time period?
I write Historical Romance. My books range from the nineteen thirties when I wrote Belhaven Bride, down to the Regency period, which was one of the most turbulent, glittering times in our history – when rakes, dandies and outrageous gambling and scandal abounded – and on through the ages to medieval times. I enjoy researching my subject for it is a balance of imagination and the accuracy of research that makes a good story. I love seeing the characters come to life and develop personalities of their own. I think my favourite period is the 17th century. The English Civil Wars and Charles II hold particular appeal
How would you describe your writing journey so far?
With great satisfaction. I have written over sixty books – which never ceases to amaze me – I was surprised to get past my first book – Honour Bound.
If you could give an aspiring author three pieces of advice, what would they be?
Do your homework well. Trawl the book shops and the internet and see what books are popular, books that people like to read, books that sell. Write about something that interests you. You might very well have a talent for writing the books you enjoy reading yourself
Do you have a favourite romance trope?
Overcoming romantic setbacks and enemies to lovers.
Your new book, Lord Lancaster Courts A Scandal is out this month, can you tell us a little bit about it?
Lord Lancaster Courts A Scandal is the first book of a trilogy, concentrating on the lives of three siblings.
Tasked with escorting Miss Anna Harris from India back to England when her brother dies, Lord William Lancaster doesn’t expect to find her so headstrong and determined – or desirable. In a moment of weakness during a storm, there is a romantic interlude between William and Anna but William tells her it can go no further. She doesn’t fit in with his plans and besides, she has told him that she wants to be independent. Their attractions can go no further, for William is bound by duty to wed, and Anna’s scandalous background and desire for independence are unsuitable for the future Marchioness of Elvington. Arriving in London, Anna and William part company with no arrangements to meet again – but of course they do.
Describe your hero, Lord William Lancaster…
Four inches over six feet tall, William Lancaster is a man diverse and complex and can be utterly ruthless when the need arises. He possesses a haughty reserve that is not inviting and sets him apart from others in society. There is a hard set to his jaw and his wide, well-shaped mouth is often in a stern line. There is an aggressive confidence and strength of purpose to his features. His face is one of arrogant handsomeness and dark bows slash his forehead. His hair is thick and ebony black. In the midst of so much darkness his eyes are brilliant blue, striking and piercing. Hidden deep in them is a cynicism, watching and mocking.
Your heroine, Anna is headstrong and determined, what other qualities do you admire about her?
Young, original, fresh and caring, unbeknown to her, Anna possesses an indescribably magnetism in abundance, with the unique quality of innocence and sexuality rarely come by. She possesses a youthful beauty and an untouched air of shy modesty, yet she has about her a primitive earthiness that sits strangely at odds with her gently bred gentility.
William is enchanted by her – women like her are as scarce as a rare jewel and should be treated as such.
Last question, chocolate or flowers?
Flowers – I love flowers – although I’m never averse to a few chocolates. Pity my waistline can’t say the same.
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Lord Lancaster Courts A Scandal by Helen Dickson
Tasked with escorting Miss Anna Harris from India back home to England, Lord William Lancaster doesn’t expect his late best friend’s sister to be so headstrong and determined—or so desirable! But their attraction can go no further, for William is bound by duty to wed, and Anna’s scandalous background and desire for independence are unsuitable for the future Marchioness of Elvington…
