Quick Six with Blythe Gifford
Blythe’s winner is: JodyF – Jody, drop Blythe an email and she’ll send that book out to you 
After many years in public relations, advertising, and marketing, Blythe Gifford started writing seriously after a corporate layoff. Ten years and one layoff later, she became an overnight success when she sold her Romance Writers of America Golden Heart finalist manuscript to Harlequin. The Chicago Tribune has called her work “the perfect balance between history and romance.”
Blythe says: Thanks to Tawny for having me! I’m thrilled to be here and will be giving away a copy of IN The MASTER’S BED to one commenter.
1. Plotter or Pantzer?
Pantzer striving to be more of a plotter. It took me six years to write my first book. I’ve discovered that when I have some idea of where I’m going, it goes faster. (Who knew?) I’ve actually made a study of it and even teach a plotting workshop now. (No cracks about those who can’t do teach, please!)2. Champagne or beer?
Champagne, definitely! It goes with everything and makes anything a celebration. I keep a bottle in the refrigerator in case of a sudden need to celebrate.3. Opera or Nascar?
Neither. I love music–rock, jazz, bossa nova, country—everything except opera! I always have music going. When I write, I create a soundtrack for each book. And if I’m going to see an auto race, it will be the Indianapolis 500. For a stretch, there, I went every year and sat right across from the pits. Best seats in the house.4. City or country?
Both. I live in Chicago and I love the city – restaurants, museums, shopping, theatre – but I need a nature fix every now and then. I grew up in a small, Midwestern town, so it’s good to go home and see the corn fields.
5. Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, or Goofy?
Mickey Mouse. I mean, he is the original. I love to watch Disney movies. I own “The Parent Trap,” (both of them), “Peter Pan,” “Finding Nemo”—all that stuff. Of course, I, uh, watch them strictly for professional reasons, of course, studying turning points, plotting, character goals, motivation and so on. You believe me, right?
6. Candlelight dinner or dance club?
Candlelight dinner, no question. Preferably in a restaurant so I don’t have to cook. Don’t get me wrong, I love to dance. You should see me on the floor at the Harlequin party! But if you’re talking a romantic night with a man, I’ll take quiet conversation every time.
And here’s the question for readers: Historical or Contemporary?
This month, Blythe’s releasing her fourth historical romance, IN The MASTER’S BED, her third book to feature a bastard born on the wrong side of the royal blanket. Set in medieval England, it’s a spinoff of The HARLOT’S DAUGHTER. Now, the other sister gets her own story and she starts by running away from home, dressed as a boy, to study at the university. On the way, she meets Duncan, a master at Cambridge who ends up taking “John” under his wing. Living in a hostel full of men in a place where women are forbidden, she begins to fall in love with Duncan, who, for the first time, makes her want to be a woman. But what will happen when he discovers her secret and she’s discovered IN The MASTER’S BED?
Hi Blythe. In the Master’s Bed sounds good. Love the cover. I love both historical and contemporary romances.
That cover is so gorgeous, isn’t it, Crystal
It IS a gorgeous cover, isn’t it?!
Hello Blythe,
Thanks for being here today. I like the cover of your book. I have to say both for historical and contemporaries. I love to read both and sometimes have one of each going at the same time. Have a great day.
Roberta – I like both, too, but I can only read one at a time!
Hi, Blythe! I definitely have to say both! When I first started reading romance, I would have said contemps only, but I’ve broaded my TBR to include just about everything and find that I’m enjoying them all! Congrats on your latest–what a fun sounding plot! I’ve always enjoyed those “trying to pass as a boy” stories!
Fedora – The amazing thing is that I discovered a woman really DID live as a man in a medieval university for two whole years! Truth IS stranger than fiction.
Hi Blythe,
Congrats on the new release. I enjoy both historicals and contemporaries. Right now I’m reading a lot of romantic suspense.
I like romantic suspense, too every once in a while!
Love the manliness of our hero on the cover! A stunning sight! And looking at the books on my shelf I’d have to say contemporary (but the margin is very close). I go in reading spurts so the answer could easily change the next time I’m asked.
A lot of readers go in spurts. Once you find an author you want to read, for example, you may catch up with her backlist.
Great interview Ladies I love the cover.
Historical or contmeprary I only ever read historical for many years but these days I really love both, I do love a good romance and these days I am enjoying all genres.
Have Fun
Helen
Thanks and thanks! Tawny’s questions are fun to answer.
I love the cover! I definitely prefer historicals most of the time, as I am a little burnt out by paras. For ontemps I prefer shorter books, like Blaze or HP, ones I can finish in a day or so.
Must admit – paranormals are one category I don’t read.
Historical all the way!
Wow! Those of us who write them salute you!
I enjoy historicals more…some of my favorites are contemporaries, but by a large amount, my bookshelves make up of historicals!
Fun blog today!
I can see we attracted some historical lovers today! Thanks!
I am big into historicals, but I read a little of everything.
I think romance readers are heavy readers, period. Of lots of great books!
I like both but seem to read more historicals. Historicals were my first romance reads so maybe that is why.