Hello Romantic, Historical Mystery Author Joyce Proell. Welcome to Coffee Time Romance and More!
Hello to you and all the readers at Coffee Time Romance. It’s always a pleasure to be here.
Let’s talk about your upcoming, September 7th release, A Wicked Truth, book three in the Cady Delafield series. What kind of mystery and romance do you have in store for readers in this book?
I hope readers will find A Wicked Truth as fast-paced and exciting as the two previous books.
It’s been three months since Cady and Doyle first met in A Deadly Truth. Deeply in love, they’re eager to marry and experience their first night as husband and wife, as lovers, in the full sense of the word. Yet there are still many things they don’t know about each other. When Cady discovers Doyle has withheld something of great importance about his past, it shatters her idyllic bubble.
Needing to repay a personal debt, Doyle agrees to help a friend find her missing sister. Murder and deception follow, reaching out so far as to ensnare Cady’s family. It’s a win-lose situation for the couple, and how they chose to play the game will determine their future—together or alone.
That sounds exciting! What was your inspiration behind the main characters, Doyle Flanagan and Cady Delafield?
I am drawn to independent women who aren’t afraid to buck the system. Cady Delafield doesn’t purposely set out to be different from the other women of her time, but when circumstances demand, she steps forward, protecting those she cares for, despite the restrictions of society. She doesn’t let adversity stand in her way.
As someone whose reputation has been tarnished by gossips, Doyle Flanagan is insistent on the truth. Fearless, he will do anything to get at the heart of things. In A Deadly Truth, his very life depends on it.
I like independent women, too! What made you decide to have this series take place in Chicago in 1881? Why did you choose that time period and that place?
As a former resident of Chicago, I love the city and want the readers to have a chance to appreciate it too. As to the time period, I’m fascinated with its fashion and the romanticism of its writers, artists, and architects. Social change moves quickly, causing a taut dynamic between the old and the new, which adds another dimension of conflict for the characters.
This storyline sounds suspenseful. What made you want to write in the mystery/suspense genres?
On the advice of write what you love to read, I simply am drawn to mystery/suspense. I eat up a mystery, wanting to find the answer to who’s the killer and why does he do it.
Romance is such a subjective genre. What is your definition of true love?
That’s a question philosophers have tried to answer for years. True love is caring for someone else’s welfare as much as, or more than, your own. It’s that persistent, often illogical pull towards another person, mixed with unending interest and humor, respect, passion and compassion.
It’s definitely a tough questions to answer! Let’s talk about your writing career. How long have you been writing? How many books have you published?
When I worked full time, I didn’t write. I’d say I’ve been writing, on and off, for about fifteen years. The last nine years I’ve been blessed with the time to write almost every day. With the release of A Wicked Truth, I will have published four books. I have two more completed works that will soon be sent off for publication. I’m working on my seventh book.
In fifteen years, what are some things you’ve learned about the publishing industry?
It takes a lot of persistence, talent and luck to get published with a major traditional publisher. With so many small publishers available, the chances for publication are greater. Self-publishing is also another option. Most important, though, is to keep writing and hone your craft.
What would it surprise readers to know about you?
I’m a romantic who also likes dark, gritty gothic novels.
What authors do you love to read?
I’ve been an avid reader all my life. There are so many fabulous authors, but some of my favorites are Kate Atkinson, Diana Gabaldon, Elizabeth George, Deborah Crombie, and Mary Balogh.
Do you have any news you would like to share?
The first book I wrote called Amaryllis recently finaled in the RWA Hearts through their History Romance Writers contest. It’s a historical romance with the hero/heroine as spies who are on opposing sides during the Revolutionary War. The story is very cat and mouse, character driven, and sensual. The male character in the story, Griffin Faraday, won the Legend category for best hero in the 2015 HHRW contest. Gotta love that man!
Congratulations! Thank you so much for visiting us at CTR! It has been wonderful getting to know you, Joyce!
Thank you so much for your interest. I wish you all happy reading.
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