Q&A With Lana Williams 

USA Today Bestselling author Lana Williams is the author of many historical romances that are filled with mystery, adventure and sometimes a pinch of the paranormal. Reading that on her website has me excited about reading them and doing this Q&A with Lana Williams. 

Q: Lana, would you like to tell the readers of the blog about any recent releases and how you came up with the concept for them?

A: Thank you, Bianca, for having me! My most recent series is The Mayfair Literary League, which is set in the Victorian era and features a group of ladies in a book club. As a lover of books, I love reading (and writing) about others who enjoy them as well.

I love exploring friendships in addition to the romance aspect. As much as I love to read, I have never been in a book club but thought it would be fun to write about one, especially with strong, intelligent women as the heroines.

The ladies have had little success finding husbands (aka wallflowers), so the leader of the book club proposes a new agenda, For Better or Worse, and suggests they all make a “bold move” to catch the notice of their secret tendre. 

The books have been such fun to write, and each one features a different trope. In the first book, A Matter of Convenience, Phoebe proposes a marriage of convenience to her secret crush, which he refuses. But then he can’t seem to get her out of his head. LOL.

The second book is A Pretend Betrothal, where Tibby suggests a pretend betrothal to her childhood best friend. Needless to say, that doesn’t go according to plan for either of them.

The fifth book in the series, A Christmastide Kiss, releases December 5. I love Christmas stories and can’t wait to share this one with readers, which features a shy heroine and a hero trying to earn his place in the world.

Q: What is the research process like when researching, plotting, writing & editing historical romance?

A: Oh, that’s a great question! The characters usually come first for me. Once I have an idea for a story, I do some basic plotting, so I know the general direction I’m headed. I do some research before I start writing to make sure I have my facts straight. But a lot of research is done as ideas come to mind and as I write the book. 

My upcoming release features information on workhouses and German immigrants who moved to London. I love the research aspect, and it can be a challenge to limit my time on reading/researching history rather than writing! LOL.

I tend to write the rough draft before I start the editing process if time permits. There have been a few times that I’ve started editing while I’m writing the ending if my deadline requires it.

When I’m working on a rough draft, I always look forward to the editing process because writing a book can feel so challenging. But when I’m editing, I wish I was writing the rough draft as that seems so much easier. LOL. The grass is always greener, I suppose. 

When a book is flowing well, it is a true joy. I can see the scene clearly in my mind and I try to capture it with descriptions and emotions. That flow is a wonderful feeling, not so different from when you’re reading a great book. 

Q: Is it too early to say, or can you reveal any upcoming releases that are coming our way in the future?

A: I’ve mentioned my December release, A Christmastide Kiss. After that will be another book in The Mayfair Literary League in February, followed closely by a historical mystery.

The mystery has been a project for nearly a year, and I can’t wait to share it! It is called The Ravenkeeper’s Daughter, launches a new series, and is set in 1880’s Victorian London, one of my favorite time periods. It features a Scotland Yard Inspector trying to live up to expectations and a widow whose husband was murdered. The two are reunited when a raven keeper at the Tower of London is murdered. I hope readers will enjoy it. 

Q: How does it feel that your books are on the USA Today Bestsellers lists?

A: Oh my goodness! That never fails to amaze me. I love writing, but it’s doubly rewarding to know that so many readers enjoy my stories. That is incredibly motivating! The first book to hit the list was Rescuing the Earl, one of my mom’s favorite books of mine. 

Q: What made you choose to write historical romance? Where do your ideas come from?

A: I love the escape that historical fiction presents and have always enjoyed reading it. Happy endings are a must, especially when the world is filled with so much troubling news. And I also adore learning something new when I read a book. I try to incorporate that into my stories as well. 

Ideas come from everywhere! I’m a big fan of the History Channel. It’s also amazing how often an idea for a new book comes when I’m researching something else. You never know when a historical tidbit will spark a new idea, something for which I’m grateful! 

Q: What is your advice to anyone wanting to write in the genre and how to deal with criticism online and from anyone who isn’t supportive of their writing goals?

A: If a story is calling to you, write it. There are so many helpful videos, books, and articles on writing and publishing these days, that if writing is your passion, you should go for it! 

Criticism is never easy, but helpful critiques that tell you what you’re doing right as well as what you’re doing wrong can help you grow as a writer. Unfortunately, online reviews and comments can be very discouraging and are something you have to wade through. As long as you know you wrote the best book possible and have handled it professionally, then that’s all you can control. Let the rest go. 

I’m blessed to have supportive people around me. If those around you don’t support your goals, find others who are. One of the positives about being online is that it’s easier than ever to find others doing the same thing you are. Find your tribe.

Q: Who would you cast to play the characters in your books if Hollywood were to get their hands on them? (if they haven’t already)

A: Oh my goodness! That’s a tough question. LOL. My favorite heroes have been inspired by Henry Cavill, Jim Caviezel, and Brendan Fraser. My heroines are inspired by Rachel Weisz, Sandra Bullock, and Charlize Theron. Of course, my characters are bits and pieces of the people around me as well.  

Thank you again for having me! I love to stay in touch with readers. Find me at:

Website: https://lanawilliams.net/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LanaWilliamsBooks 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorlanawilliams/ 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Lana-Williams/author/B008QDP1A2 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6451482.Lana_Williams 

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lana-williams