An Interview with Louisa Clare

Writing under the pen name Louisa Clare, I am an indie author who has published four romance novels to date, and am currently working on the fifth. Living in beautiful North Wales, I am always able to find inspiration right outside my own front door!

What inspired you to start writing this book?

I am a keen romance reader and writer, always searching out that elusive ‘something’ that makes a strong relationship tick. I love to take myself (and hopefully my readers!) back to a time when gallantry and grace were codes people lived by. I am particularly drawn to medieval times, and, living in North wales as I do, with Marcher Castles practically on my doorstep, I decided to combine all these loves of mine in the pages of one book.

Tell us the story of your book’s current title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

I was looking for inspiration last summer, having finished my last novel, Guardian. I vaguely knew the story I wanted to tell, but had no notion of the characters or title. I came across a quote by Jack London which says: ‘You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club…’ I took this to heart, and kept my eyes and ears open, actively searching for the inspiration I needed. I was watching a film later that weekend when the word ‘Scarecrow’ was said, and it caught my attention easily. Having latched onto the word as a title, the rest of the story and my main character came clearly into view.

Describe your dream book cover.

I envision this book cover in black and off-white, with minimal gold detail picked out. There would be a motte and bailey castle in the background of the main image, a crow or two, and white roses with thorns. Possibly a medieval lady in a white gown and long, straight black hair. Something like that!

What books are you reading (for research or comfort) as you continue the writing process?

I tend to concentrate on my own work when I’m writing, so as not to become distracted, but for research I am delving into some of the history of Wales, and the castles that guard the borderlands.

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

I have been writing for years now, and have developed a real love for the editing process that goes into producing a clean, crisp manuscript that is ready for publication. I think it is an art in itself. This has led me to start up my own proofreading business, which is something of a dream come true!

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

I can’t remember not wanting to write. My favourite pastime as a child was reading; I don’t think there’s an Enid Blyton book I haven’t read! When I was twelve I had graduated on to Jane Austen, whom I still adore, and in my teens I discovered the works of Georgette Heyer. She has given me endless hours of entertainment, and inspiration beyond calculating.

Where is your favorite place to write?

In the cold Welsh winter, I cosy up on my nice soft couch, cup of tea to hand, and get stuck in. In summer, when things are brighter, I love to write outside, under the shade of a rambling rose bush in my garden, with the scent of the blooms in the air.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

I hope that whoever reads my book gets great enjoyment from it. I love to escape into these fictional worlds, and it is my wish that readers might find a similar excitement and solace when following the adventures of my characters. I’d love for people to feel that they have immersed themselves in another time and place in the hours they spent with them.

Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.