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Maisey Yates USA Today Bestselling Author under the Spotlight!

Today I’m honored to be hosting Harlequin Presents/Modern Author Maisey Yates
Maisey, thanks for agreeing to do this interview. It's great to have you here!
Thank you Nas! I'm so pleased you asked me to be a guest!

You are welcome, Maisey. The pleasure is all mine! So I kicked off with some easy questions first....
On Writing and Reading
So, when did you start to write and how long did it take you to be published?
I started writing seriously in 2008 when my youngest son was born and I was published in December of 2009. So it was quite fast for me! (though it seemed long at the time!)
I bet all that juggling of jobs, relationships and commitments gives you plenty of fodder for your books. What sparks your creativity?
Anything and everything. I'm always amazed at where ideas can come from. A line in a song, a headline, a fairy tale. I don't usually draw book concepts from real life, but real life moments certainly make it into my books!
What do you love most about being a writer?
Writing. The actual act of writing the books is my favorite part.
What do you like least about being a writer?
Probably the fact that a lot more people know about you, so there are more people to criticize you. I don't know, I both love and hate the being well-known aspect. ;)
Where were you five years before?
 I was a new mommy, and not thinking much about writing!
...on a shelf in my country!
Where do you envision yourself five years from now?
Being a busy wife and mother, still, and being a writer, still.
Do you have a favorite locale or setting for your novels? What is it and why is it your favorite?
I love researching new locations, but I used Thailand in one book and I'm planning on using it again because it was just lovely. I also used Malawi in an upcoming release and found it very inspiring.
Which of the books you have written is your favorite?
I'll be honest and say I like them all, because if I didn't believe in them, I wouldn't want them out there. But The Inherited Bride was one of the hardest books, and as a result, I love it. And The Highest Price to Pay which comes out in the UK July 15th is the book of my heart in many ways.
What is your favorite recent title by another author?
I loved Immortal Champion by Lisa Hendrix. Such an amazing hero!
What are your five all-time favorite books (with authors)?
That's hard! Um...
Anything For You by Sarah Mayberry,
Flowers From the Storm by Laura Kinsale,
Expecting His Love-Child by Carol Marinelli,
Anne of Green Gables by LM Montgomery and
The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, by Avi.
(Those last two books really cemented my love of reading when I was younger, and they made me want to write!)
What one specific piece of advice would you give a would-be writer trying to kick-start a career?
Write. You have to write to get better. It's not all about reading blogs and taking courses. Actually write and finish a book.

On Romance...
Describe the ultimate romantic meal.
One where I'm not being mauled by children! My husband and I just had our sixth anniversary and we ate at this gorgeous restaurant at a table outside. It was so quiet, and I was with the man I love. Perfection.
What is your all-time favorite romantic movie?
Bend it Like Beckham. I love it.
What is your all-time favorite romantic song or composition?
From This Moment On by Shania Twain is our wedding song, and even though I'm not usually a big country music fan, that song is really special to me.
What is the most romantic gesture or gift you have received?
My husband brought me flowers to my very first doctor appointment when I was pregnant with our first child.
How do you keep the romance alive in your relationship?
We're friends! We love to talk, and be together. We invest time and laughter in each other.
What tip would you give your readers to make their lives more romantic?
I think real romance is sharing a life with someone, ups and downs, good and bad, and staying together. Invest in your spouse or partner. Let them know how much you love them. Romance will follow.
Where is the most romantic place you’ve ever traveled?
I'm short on travel. ;) But my husband and I went to the Oregon Coast on our honeymoon and it was lovely. Quiet and a slow pace, time to just enjoy each other!

All About her...
Have you always wanted to be a writer?
 Yes and no. I've always thought it was glamorous, I've always written. But I've wanted to be a lot of things. It wasn't until I discovered Presents that I knew, this is what I want to write.

Besides writing, what other talent would you most like to have?
 I wish I was a good housekeeper. I'm not.
Who is someone you admire and why?
I admire my parents. They did a fabulous job of making sure I knew I could be whatever I wanted, but that I would need to work for it.
Do you have a good luck charm or superstition?
Not as such. When I get stuck on a book I pray a lot.
What quality do you most admire in a man?
A man who changes diapers is a sexy thing.
What is the one thing you've always wanted to do, but never had the courage to try? I'm just getting started. At 25, I've tried a lot of things, and don't regret the things I avoided! LOL.
If you weren’t a writer, what would you be?
 I would be a famous singer, naturally. ;) Really? I have no idea. Maybe something in advertising? I find how you sell products to people and what entices them to buy things pretty fascinating.
What quote or personal saying do you live by? Who said it? 'And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love' That's 1 Corinthians 13:13

To finish up, do you have any advice/handy tips/craft skills you'd like to share with unpublished authors?
My biggest tip is: don't be afraid to let your own voice shine through in your books. Don't fall back on things that might be cliché, bring you to your writing.
There's a scene in The Inherited Bride where the heroine and hero are arguing about something menial, and the argument is kind lifted from my real life. It was real to me, and a way to bring my unique perspective on life and relationships into the book.
NOW TELL US ABOUT YOUR BOOK….
The Inherited Bride is about a princess who's promised to a sheikh. She's done everything she's been asked to do all over very-sheltered life, but as her arranged  marriage approaches she realizes she wants more form life. The chance to pick out her own underwear, tour Paris and try her first hamburger. And who better to guide her, and make sure she's safe, than her future husband's brother, the captain of the guard. But attraction that's impossible and forbidden blooms between them and both Adham and Isabella have to make the choice between duty and desire.
Princess Isabella was certain of three things…
She desperately didn’t want to marry the Sheikh to whom she wa
s betrothed…
There was more to the darkly handsome, dark-hearted desert stranger
escorting her back to the altar than met the eye…
And, having kissed the stranger once, she was never going to be the same
again…
Thanks for sharing your insights about writing and some fun facts about your life, Maisey, it's been a honor having you here.
And folks, to connect with Maisey, check out her fun and sometimes serious craft posts over here. Her FACEBOOK page always have some sassy updates. And for more flirty fun connect with her on Twitter!
The goodness doesn't end there though, folks. Maisey has generously donated a copy of THE INHERITED BRIDE to one lucky person.
All you have to do is “LIKE” her FB page and leave a comment or question for Maisey and you'll go into the draw for this book.

44 comments:

  1. Hi Nas. I've loaded Google Chrome and all sweet now. Thanks for a great post as always. I really enjoyed Maisey's interview and have 'liked' and commented on her fb. This was all very interesting until I saw she was going to call her Aussie bloke Kangaroo Jack (on fb)! Then it got very interesting!

    Denise<3

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  2. Sounds like a fascinating new release, Maisie! Lately, I've heard your titles mentioned in several different places when people are asked about their favourite romance novels. What an accomplishment, considering you haven't been at it that long.

    The Oregon coast is one of my favourite places, too.

    Hi, Nas! Thanks for your comment earlier on my blog. Your author interviews are so much fun, I always enjoy dropping by.

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  3. Hi Denize, I told you, Maisey's sense of humour is famous...try following her tweets. But on a serious not check out her blog post, and you'll see a completely different ide to her.

    Hello LP, Thanks for coming by! Recently Maisey had her sixth wedding anniversary and someone mentioned on twitter that "...six years, nine books and three kids!!!"

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  4. Hello to all my friends,

    If you have difficulty posting comments, just sign out of blogger, sign in again UNTICKING the keep me signed in box. Then you shouldn't have any problems.

    Please ask Maisey some really hard questions...wow! look at her book covers! Super sexy!

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  5. Hello all! I was at a Barbecue all day today. Holiday weekend here in the States!

    Denise, mea culpa. I have been severely scolded by my Aussie friends for my Kangaroo Jack remarks. I promise Ethan is not called Kangaroo anything. And I think he's quite sexy! :D

    LP, thank you so much for the lovely compliments! And yes, the Oregon coast is lovely. I'm lucky to live just a couple of hours away.

    Thanks for having me, Nas!

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  6. LOL! Reading through (scanning, actually) female blogs of love and romance, its easy to see a you could make a sailor blush. Its difficult to leave a comment, so I'll just say thanks for stopping by my blog and saying hello.

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  7. Hi Stephen,

    Are you turning a prude now? The hot covers of Maisey's books make you blush, now, do they? Well that is the intention as we welcome our male friends to come by and take part in our female blogs of Love & Romance!

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  8. I just saw my typos in the comment above to Denise,

    It was supposed to be...
    But on a serious note check out her blog post, and you'll see a completely different side to her.

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  9. The statistic, "six years, nine books, three kids" is truly amazing.

    Maisey, where do you find the time? Your husband must be awesome and your kids must be little angels! LOL

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  10. Wow, what an awesome interview. I don't really read this genre but I really admire the ones who write it.

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  11. Lovely interview! Thank you Nas and Maisley. I enjoyed the bits of humor - actually, from the interview I feel as though I know Maisley. Great job! And I like it when men blush!

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  12. Hi Nas, hi Maisley.
    I can see how your love stories must be amazing since you have an amazing marriage. I'd like such a marriage myself.
    Nancy
    N. R. Williams, The Treasures of Carmelidrium

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  13. Hi LP,

    But you do have to remember that Maisey said above in answer to my question:

    Where were you five years before?
    "I was a new mommy, and not thinking much about writing!"

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  14. Hi Clarrisa, I admire writers of all genres as they work hard to bring out a work of fiction to readers and fulfil reader expectations. Thanks for coming by and checking out Maisey's interview!

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  15. Hello Kitty, Good thing we don't have sailors coming around to read our "Female Blogs of Love & Romance" So what I'd like to know, is, doesn't man need to read about Love & Romance?

    Hi Nancy, I forgot to mention Maisey's husband is a musician and writes very beautiful songs,

    http://www.havenyates.blogspot.com/

    here's the link to Haven Yates musical blog for all you music lovers. And if you want him to do a song for one of your books, maybe he'll agree! I've heard a song he sang for Maisey's book!

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  16. I love Presents!!! Especially I'm all for the alpha hero and the strong heroine who tames him ;)

    I have read Maisey's books, and I can say she's fab !!

    Nice to meet you here Maisey ! :Jumps and waves madly:

    And fab interview, Nas!

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  17. Hi Maisey!
    Your book sounds great! But they all are, aren't they?

    So, do you still think writing is a glamorous job?

    And I think I already LIKED your Facebook page but I'll go check now.

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  18. Loved the interview. Thanks Maisey and Nas! The Inherited Bride sounds like a great read.

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  19. Stephen, occasionally I make myself blush. I consider it a triumph.

    LP, my kid are far from angels but my husband is amazing!

    Thanks Clarissa!

    Thank you, Kitty!

    Nancy, I'm very blessed! My husband is a keeper.

    Ju, *waves madly back* Lovely to see you here! Glad you've enjoyed the books you've read!

    Wendy, it's as glamourous as the number of conferences you attend. Otherwise it's jammies and a coffee mug for me. Which is awesome, if not glam.

    Donna, thank you!

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  20. I already bought "The Inherited Bride" and can't wait to read it! (Paul Marron! Yes!)

    I liked your page already.

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  21. Thanks for the great interview Nas and Maisey. I just want to add to Maisey's praise by saying what a help to new writers you have been. As well as inspiring us with your 'freakishly prolific' output, your comments over the past year have been both humorous and insightful - you understand our pain:)

    karin xx

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  22. Great interview! The Inherited Bride sounds yummy :-)

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  23. Sheree, he is a HOTTIE! Hope you enjoy the book!

    Karin, you're so sweet! I feel like I'm in the trenches still. Me and my writing are a work in progress. I'm still running the race, learning the craft, getting better!

    Deniz, thank you so much!

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  24. That is so sweet that Maisey's husband brought flowers to her first doctor's appointment - he sounds like a great guy!

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  25. Hi Maisey,

    I enjoyed the interview and particularly the quote about a sexy man being one who changes a baby's nappy! So true. Must say I'm really looking forward to your story set in Malawi.

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  26. Susan, he is. I'm wild about him. :) There's a little bit of him in all my heroes.

    Annie, thanks so much for stopping by! And thanks re the Malawi story. I had SO much fun writing that book, and researching the setting. Just gorgeous!

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  27. Thank you Nas and Maisey for a wonderful interview. I always learn something over here. I'm such a romantic myself and am lucky in my beloved's support too, with my own Romance writing.

    Your success is deserved, Maisey!

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  28. I love these interviews--to me it's always fascinating hearing about the journey of other writers. Everyone's so different, but we all have this love of books in common.

    Wonderful interview, and the books sound awesome.

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  29. I've liked and I've followed on Twitter. Will also check out her site. Highest Price to pay looks like a must read. Checking that one out too.

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  30. Another great interview! Nice to meet you, Maisey!

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  31. Hi Nas and Maisey,

    Great interview!

    Maisey, really liked your first book and I think your book covers have been really gorgeous. I already "like" your Author Page on Facebook.

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  32. Margo, yay for support! That's the best!

    Meagan, thank you! Glad you enjoyed the interview!

    J.L Thank you! I'm really looking forward to HPTP's release too! I had so much fun writing that book!

    Lydia, thank you! Nice to 'meet' you too!

    Amanda, I have been kissed by the cover fairy, I can't lie. I am in total love with all my covers! Thanks so much for the lovely compliments!

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  33. Hi Friends!

    I see you all love chatting to Maisey!

    I had some complaints about not being able to post comments so let's see!

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  34. Those covers alone make me want to buy the books! Thanks for the fun interview, ladies.

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  35. great interview. I especially like the tips to other writers.

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  36. Wow, nice interview. Congrats to your success!

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  37. Another great interview! I loved BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM too. :-)

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  38. Great inerview Nas and Maisey. Are you really only 25? Wow, you've done fabulously! Huge congratulations on your success!

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  39. Yikes, I can't believe how quickly you got published. Amazing! Good luck as you continue your writing career.

    I liked Bend it Like Bekham too.

    And yes, wonderful to have a man changing diapers.

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  40. Julie, the cover fairies are my friends. :)

    Thank you, Lynda!

    Thanks, ibdiamond!

    Liz, it's a really great movie!

    Serenity, the rumors are true. ;) Though in a few years I'm sure I'll be lying about my age...

    Theresa, you have to love a man who changes diapers!

    Okay...am about to pick a winner...stand by!

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  41. *drum roll* *picks name out of hat*

    Wendy Marcus! Send me your details via my contact form on my website and I'll send you a copy of The Inherited Bride!

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  43. Hi Friends, Thank you all for coming along and making Maisey feel welcome here! If you want to read a perfectly crafted book, with scene and sequel, you should check out her books.

    And thanks to Maisey for taking time out from her busy schedule and coming in to chat with us!

    Congratulations to Wendy! Enjoy your Maisey Yates book!

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  44. YAY!!!! I'm so happy! Thank you, Maisey! Thank you, Nas! I'm heading over the Maisey's website right now!!!!!

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