Interview and Giveaway with Hazel Statham

Joining us today to answer my questions and tell us about her newest release author Hazel Statham.

 

Meet The Author

Hazel Statham began writing at the age of fifteen, finally committing to paper the stories she spun as a child. Writing has been her passion ever since, although marriage, motherhood, and career left time for little else. Once she retired, however, she was able to devote herself to writing full-time, publishing her first novel in 2007. A long time student of history, she writes mainly in the Regency and Georgian eras, though she has been known to dabble in the medieval as well. She lives in Staffordshire, England, with her husband, Terry, and their beloved yellow Labrador, Mollie.

Hazel loves to hear from her readers and promises to answer all mail.

Website address www.hazel-statham.co.uk

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I don’t really remember having any ambitions to become a writer; I just started writing at fifteen. It wasn’t until many years later that I thought how great it would be to see my work on a bookshelf in an actual book shop – and still many years after that to submitting to a publisher. I asked a lecturer/writer friend of mine at what point are you entitled to call yourself a writer, and his answer was, “As soon as you put pen to paper, you can call yourself a writer.” I thought it a very pretentious title – even more so in calling yourself an author. It has taken many years for me to accept those titles. For me, writing isn’t an ambition; it is more a compulsion I can’t ignore.

How long does it take you to write a book?

It varies greatly. One of my earlier releases, Dominic, took just two months, but my latest publication, For Love of Sarah, took almost a year. I think it all depends on the complexity of the storyline and just how much time you are able to devote to your writing. It also depends on just how cooperative your characters are in telling their story – Dominic just strode onto the page and was most insistent I got everything down as quickly as possible.

What do you think is the best way of publishing a book these days?

I think it all depends on the individual. I have always followed the conventional route of approaching a publisher, which for me is the right course to take, but now with the advent of e-books, many authors are taking the self-publishing option. It’s whichever way suits you best.

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

I have a very fertile imagination and inspiration comes from many sources – a dream, a line from a song or just a few short words in a play. Information, however, comes from researching the era and the mores of the day to make sure I get it right.

When did you write your first book?

At the age of fifteen I just started to write. I didn’t consciously set out to write a book – I just wanted to create my own historical world, and so it evolved. By the time I was seventeen, I had written two novels and was well and truly hooked on the process and have written on and off ever since.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Read or spend time with the family and the numerous animals we share.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I have seven published novels, Consequence, Dominic, My Dearest Friend, His Shadowed Heart, Lizzie’s Rake, The Portrait and For Love of Sarah. It’s difficult to choose just one as a favorite as they each have their own merit and bring something different to the reader.

Can you tell me and your readers something about your main characters?

Sarah and Alexander care deeply for each other but just four weeks into their marriage, Sarah is driven to leave Alexander when she becomes aware of a dreadful secret she must protect at all cost. The years of separation have not been easy and when, five years later, they are once more thrown together by a freak accident that leaves Alexander paralyzed, emotions run high. It was known that when Sarah left she was in the company of a man and she now has a small son. Alexander’s frustration knows no bounds as he is unable to obtain the information he so desperately needs and is physically incapable of taking matters further.

Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

I have heard from readers from all over the world and they have been very complimentary about my work. I love to hear from my readers and promise to answer all my mail.

What do you think makes a good story?

Something that grabs the reader’s interest and holds it until the last page – characters that linger with you long after the book reaches its conclusion.

What are your favorite book genres in writing and reading? Why?

I love to read anything historical, be it fact or fiction. As a long-time student of history, I love nothing more than to immerse myself in bygone eras. In my writing I hope to create my own historical world that readers can enjoy.

Who are you favorite authors to read?

Georgette Heyer, Charlotte Bronte, Anne Gracie, Laura Kinsale, Mary Jo Putney, etc. etc. etc. Really there are too many to list and I am finding new authors to enjoy every day.



Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions today. And now readers for a little more about Hazel's newest release For Love of Sarah.

How many times can a heart be broken? How many times can love be denied? Sarah and Alexander were destined for each other but after just four short weeks of marriage, their lives were torn asunder.

Alexander, Earl of Thorne thought he had found his ideal mate but, when Sarah absconded shortly after their marriage, his world came crashing down. Now, five years later, he discovers her in a remote Yorkshire village.

Sarah had thought she was safe, but when, severely injured in a freak accident, her husband is thrust once more into her life, she fears her dark secrets and the fact she has a son, will become known.

Despite her own desperate longings, she continually repudiates Alexander’s efforts of reconciliation. However, fate conspires against her, and when her home is made uninhabitable by floods, she and her young son are forced to accept his aid and return to her former home.

Discovery threatens and, despite her breaking heart, she plans to leave Alexander’s life. What is this secret that makes it so imperative that she should abscond from him yet again? Can two broken hearts cleave and emerge victorious or will life's cruel forces tear them apart forever?

Excerpt from For Love of Sarah

“There is no man with whom I live. I am thought to be a widow by the villagers.”

“A widow? By God, you would feel so, in fact, if I were able to leave this accursed bed. He would find no place to be safe from me!”

“There is no one,” she cried, her voice rising to the verge of tears.

“Then he has left you,” stated the earl, coldly. “Taken what he desired and left you to bear the consequences alone. Or did he discover your duplicitous nature and decide he would not play the fool to your deception?”

“My nature is not at all as you suppose, sir. I merely fell prey to a circumstance that has blighted my life.”

“Infidelity and desertion are definitely circumstances that blight your life, and those who are associated with you. When I sought your brother, it was reported that he had gone to India. Even your grandfather is in ignorance of your whereabouts. I thought you may have flown to him, but when I looked for you there, he had no more information than I and the poor man is desperate for knowledge of you.”

And if he should have that knowledge, he would disown me and his life would be in ruin. “It is best that you and he should forget my existence. I have built a new life far removed from your world.”

“You are still my wife, Sarah!

Did you enjoy the excerpt?  For Love Of Sarah can be purchsed as an ebook or paperback:

Amazon US
Amazon UK

 

Don't leave without leaving Hazel a comment with your email address included. Hazel will be awarding winner's choice of either a Cream Coin Freshwater Pearl necklace or a digital copy of DOMINIC or HIS SHADOWED HEART (international giveaway) to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour, and a Choice of either Rhinestone Crystal Butterfly and Pearl earrings or a digital copy of DOMINIC or HIS SHADOWED HEART (international giveaway) to a randomly drawn host.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To increase your chances of winning visit Hazel's other stops on her blog tour.The tour dates can be found here:

http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/12/virtual-book-tour-for-love-of-sarah-by.html