Today on the blog we have Barbara Russell! She’s here to answer a few of our questions and celebrate the release of her newest novel, Duchesses Don’t Cry, the next book in her Victorian Outcasts series.

Welcome! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and what got you into writing? Thank you for having me! My aunt Patty got me into writing when I was eight. She was an avid romance reader and encouraged me to write my own stories. She always said my stories were wonderful, and I believed her. It felt amazing! Little did I know, I had a lot to learn before I could consider my stories mediocre, and I haven’t felt amazing about my writing since then. Don’t grow up, people. It’s a trap.

Are there any books that have really influenced you as a writer? Agatha Christie, Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle, Charles Dickens, J. R. R. Tolkien, and many more. I loved mysteries, fairy tales, and fantasy. Arthurian stories were my favourite when I was younger, and I was convinced that my old neighbour was actually Merlin. (He had a long beard and a short, pointed hat.)

What do you enjoy most about writing Historical Romances? Researching historical events and how they affected people’s lives. I find the Victorian Era particularly fascinating because technology was developing at high speed and women were fighting for their rights. Christmas as we know it – with the tree, the lights, and the present – was born in that period. I’ll always be grateful to Dr Lister (that’s where Listerine comes from) for his studies on antiseptic surgery. Finally, someone figured out why there were so many infections in the hospitals.

What inspired this series in particular? A book on Victorian Era catastrophes. Not very romantic, but it made me think about people who were involved in those accidents and how their lives changed, considering that medical science and technology were still developing.

What is your favorite part about the dynamic between Anthony and Isabella, the romantic leads? They complement each other. The story isn’t really a grumpy-sunshine one, but Anthony is less optimistic than Isabella and needs her cheerfulness to recover from the loss of his parents.

Can you tell us about your writing space? Where do you do most of your writing? In the dining room because it’s the warmest room in winter and the coolest in summer. It’s also my cat’s favourite room because it has a large French door that lets the sunlight in and he can keep an eye on the garden. You never know when my neighbour’s cat may decide to occupy my cat’s favourite spot under the Pohutukawa tree. Another perk is that the kettle is a few steps away, and I always have a cup of tea when I write, even in summer.

What helps you when you have writers block? I don’t want to jinx myself, but so far, I’ve never had writers block. I start with an outline, so I can see quite quickly if the story works or resonates with me. If it doesn’t, I start afresh with a new idea. So when I actually start writing, I’m excited and I know where I’m going.

What are some things you are really enjoying right now? Books, TV, foods, etc.? Books: Marrying the Midwife by Elizabeth Rose; A Second Chance for Carys by Virginie Marconato; My Lady Melisende by Misty Urban. Highly recommend them. TV: The Gilded Age! I’m looking forward to watching the next season. I need answers. Food: Fennel salads and banana bread, not together. It’s winter in New Zealand and fennel is in season. Hobby: Code crackers. I love them! Workout: Boxfit, so much fun. Theatre: I recently watched Murder on the Orient Express, and it was fabulous. Great actors, wonderful costumes, and amazing scenes. The next show I want to see is the International Ballet Gala (I’m a ballet nerd). Some of my favourite ballet dancers are coming to Auckland. Can’t wait!

Want to know more about Duchesses Don’t Cry?

Anthony Beaufort, Duke of Gloucester, is in need of a wife, and his grandmother is in charge of choosing the perfect lady for him.

But when he meets Helen, he finds her lack of personal opinions and her affected manners too daunting for his taste. Instead, Isabella, Helen’s sister, impresses him with her laughter and spontaneity.

Clever, spirited, and beautiful, Isabella will be a great duchess, someone he could rely on and trust to share his work with.

His grandmother disagrees. Isabella is a romping young woman with delusions of adequacy. Not to mention she supports women’s suffrage.

Isabella enjoys Anthony’s company, but marriage isn’t her priority, and Helen’s biggest wish has always been to marry a duke.

How could Isabella hurt her own sister? But how could she refuse a duke?

Meet Barbara Russell

Love stories have always captured my imagination. What’s better than two people falling in love with each other? I write steamy romance, usually with a paranormal twist in an historical setting. Add a touch of suspense and mystery and a pinch of darkness.

I love stories with strong, sexy heroes and mischievous heroines who pull no punches.

I live in the City of Sails, New Zealand, drinking tea (coffee gives me anxiety) and devouring books.

You can find me on Facebook, Instagram, and Bookbub.