Author Interview: Laurie L. Nave

 



 

JMR-Welcome to the Books Delight, Laurie. First of all, wow! Beautiful Cover! Tell our readers where you live, what you do for fun and what does the perfect day look like?

LN- I live in northwest Alabama and work in Huntsville. I enjoy reading, nature, spoiling my dachshund, singing, and drawing. For me, a perfect day would start when I woke without an alarm 😊. I’d get up, putter a bit, have some caffeine, and go to the gym. Afterward, I’d go home and write with a comfort show in the background (probably Supernatural, Grimm, or Criminal Minds), stopping for lunch that involves tacos and cheese dip. I’d pick up my iPad and draw a bit, talk the dog on a trail walk, and maybe sneak in a little nap. I’d end having dinner with my husband, watching something nice on Netflix, and climbing into bed.




JMR-What’s your favorite historical time period? Why?

LN-When it comes to British/European romance, I enjoy the Regency period. By I love reading Americana set in the WWII era, and I have a special place in my heart and memory for the 1960s/1970s Judy Blume era.

JMR-Who is your favorite historical figure? Why? If you could ask them one question, what would it be?

LN- I’d love to know more about Martha Washington. What was it like to be a woman and George’s wife during the birth of our country? I’d also like to hear the whole John Smith new world story from Pocahontas’s point of view.

JMR- Great answer. I've love to hear Pocahonta's side of the story!

JMR- You’ve written mysteries and children’s books; how did you come to be a writer of historical fiction? 

LN- While I was living in South Alabama (near Mobile), I became interested in the whole Mardi Gras history, which led me to talking with a few amateur historians about aspects of pre-Civil War New Orleans. While still in the south, it was more progressive in many ways than the rest of the region. I also moved back to my home town of Florence soon after, and there is a rich history here as well. When my Florence MC became involved in a scandal that might embarrass the family, I thought sending her to live with a taciturn aunt – a strict, pious woman surrounded by a bit of debauchery - in New Orleans would be interesting.

JMR- Did you visit anyone of the places in your book? Where did you feel closest to your characters?

LN- I have been to New Orleans several times, and I found maps and articles related to the early-mid 1800’s that gave me a better frame of reference. I lived in the Florence area from 1969-1994, and I live there again now. I feel closest to Priscilla when I’m in downtown Florence wandering among the historic homes.

JMR- Laurie, tell us about your historical romance book, Where Magnolias Lie.

LN- Priscilla and Nicholas have been friends since they were small children. Priscilla watched her parents’ cold and tumultuous marriage and determined that life would never be for her. She had no idea Nicholas was in love with her. A jealous rival arranges a scandal involving the two lifelong friends, and Priscilla’s father sends her to live with his very religious and dour sister. Priscilla is heartbroken, but she learns to live within her aunt’s rules…until one day, when she gets lost in New Orleans, and the owner of a well know ballroom and brothel takes her home. She then becomes a prisoner in her aunt’s home. 

Nicholas buries his heartbreak in work, a new town, and the various types of private entertainment single young men could enjoy for a price. When his business takes him to New Orleans, he decides to visit the famous ballroom, hoping to find intimate companionship. However, the last person he expects to see descending the staircase is his first love, Priscilla.

JMR-What projects do you have in the pipeline?

LN- I am currently working on two projects. One is A Greater Kin, a literary fiction adoption story loosely based on my own and set in North Alabama, Michigan, and Mexico. I am also revising a YA urban fantasy, Mea Tulpa, that I have previously published on Kindle Vella.

JMR- Tell our readers how to find you on social media and the web: 

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Website

JMR- What question were you hoping I’d ask but didn’t?

LN- Oh my goodness…what other arts pursuits am I interested in, a little of my adoption story, why my dog is so fabulously cute and spoiled…anything you want except my weight 😊

 JMR- Thank you Laurie for dropping by and chatting with us. Readers, I've included a buy link for you to follow to see Laurie's book on Amazon. Be sure to check it out. 






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