This year I’m counting down the days ‘til Christmas with books and other fun
things readers enjoy! I love the Holiday Season so I’m sharing ideas for you to
fill your holiday stocking!
A few years ago I wrote an interview with the hero and heroine of my very first book, The Witch and the Wolf. I had fun writing about Lord Jeremy North and Lillian Merriweather and I decided to share that interview with you today. I hope you enjoy!
* * * *
After knocking on the door for what seemed like several long, long minutes, I wondered if Lord Jeremy North had decided to ignore my request for an interview. He was temperamental at times. I shivered as the snow continued to fall and promised myself that if he or his man, Amery, didn't answer this door in another twenty seconds, I was driving to Caldwell House to interview Sebastian Collins from The Witch and the Vampire, instead. At least I knew Sebastian's butler would answer the door! A moment later, the door creaked open and my hero, Lord Jeremy North, stood upon the threshold looking sexy as hell with his dark hair and green eyes.
Jeremy: "Again? Why must it always be snowing in your imagination? And where's your cloak?"
Me: "Hello to you, too. I left my jacket in the car. I didn't think it would take an eternity for you to answer the door."
Jeremy: "What is a car?"
Oh, yeah. He's from the early nineteenth century. He doesn't know about cars, yet. Hmm...apparently I can travel time and cross oceans within seconds. All without a jacket. Awesome.
Me: "I meant carriage. Can I come in?"
Jeremy: "Of course." He moved aside, allowing me some space to enter. "You're not going to faint, are you?"
Me, following him in and shaking the snow from my hair: "No. Unlike Lillian, I have not been trudging through the blizzard for hours. And I can feel all my fingers and toes, so there's no need for you to help me undress." I paused, looking at him from top to bottom and reconsidered. "That is unless..."
Lillian appeared. She raised a dark eyebrow, catching that last statement from me and I blushed. So, okay, I had a crush on my hero. Who wouldn't?? But, Jeremy paid me no mind. His eyes and his heart were Lillian Merriweather's. In fact, he turned to her and his face brightened.
Lillian, however, is a forgiving sort, especially regarding her creator...me. She smiled warmly and came forward to take my hands in hers.
Lillian: "You're here. At last! Welcome!"
Me: "Yes, er, thank you."
After exchanging a few pleasantries, they led me into the drawing room where I found a nice, comfy seat. Lillian sat beside me and Jeremy sauntered over to the fireplace where a cozy fire warmed the room nicely.
Lillian: "Where shall we begin?"
Me, taking out my notebook and pen: "Well, my readers would like to know a little about you both. Maybe we can begin with how you met?"
Lillian: "Very well. I was running away from my evil Uncle Arden and his intentions to marry me off to one of his old...very old, friends. I found Lord North's house quite by accident when I became lost in a blizzard. He kindly took me in, even during some unforeseen circumstances."
She looked at Jeremy and smiled.
Jeremy: "Yes, once a month, during every full moon I send the servants away from the house. Only my man, Amery, remains with me. It was unfortunate that Lillian happened upon me during that particular moment. You see, I suffer from a curse. I'm a werewolf."
Me: "That must haven been awkward."
Jeremy: "As a matter of fact, yes. Of course, I could not explain to her. No one but Amery knew of my condition. We took great measures to keep people protected from the monster I become. When she arrived, we had great difficulty deciding what must be done."
Lillian: "To add to that dilemma, Lord North had no idea that I was being pursued. I fear, if he knew the truth, he'd have never opened that door, and I would have frozen on the doorstep!"
Jeremy, smiling with affection toward Lillian: "Of course, that's not true."
Lillian: "But, I had other secrets, too, did I not?"
Me: "Okay, okay, let's not give too much away. You know, I still want people to buy my book!"
Jeremy: "Well, that seems rather nonsensical. You've already given away our secrets from the title. Readers will know I am a werewolf and Lillian is a witch. The very identities we've sought to keep hidden, you've announced quite plainly for all to see."
Me: "Well, when you put it like that..."
Lillian: "Although, I haven't explained how Lord North handled having a woman in his house during a full moon. Or what happened when my uncle-"
Me, raising my hand: "Yes, I think that's enough. I don't want to overstay my welcome. I'm sure you want to get back to...whatever you two were doing. I have what I need now. Thank you both."
I stood, my notebook tucked safely under my arm. Lillian stood with me, smiling.
Lillian: "Of course, you want to get back to your writing. You have much to do."
Me, lifting my head to look at her: "I do? But, I wrote your story. And your sister's story. What else do I have to do?"
Lillian, smiling: "Melora and I are not the only Merriweather's in England, you know."
Me, startled: "Oh? And who are they? What's their story?"
Jeremy, sighing with impatience: "Is that not your duty? You are the author here. Go! You have stories to tell!"
See, I told you. Temperamental.
The Witch and the Wolf by Tricia Schneider
Lord Jeremy North's curse is to become a werewolf during every full moon, turning into a bloodthirsty monster that kills with no remorse. When he finds a woman nearly frozen upon his doorstep, his sense of honor compels him to help her, even at the risk he might kill her himself.
Lillian Merriweather hadn't planned to get caught in a blizzard while traveling the English countryside. Nor had she planned on finding refuge in a house full of secrets. But Lillian has secrets of her own. And what she's running from is not far behind...
Happy Holidays!
~Tricia
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