Eleanor Webster Interview Published on: 08, Oct 2020

What is your most distinct childhood memory? At what age were you touched by the writing bug?

I was touched by the story telling bug before I could even write. I told long, convoluted stories with my barbie dolls. My friends often found the clothes and accessories the most fascinating aspect play. For me, such items were always secondary to the plot of those narrative. An author once stated that romance writing was playing with barbie dolls for grown-ups and I believe that this is true for me.

I started my first novel when I was in grade 5. The protagonist was a young stow-away, named Carol Marr. Sadly I knew very little about stowaways or freighters so never novel never reached completion that novel.

Why did you choose to write in the historical romance genre?

I have always loved history and have a Bachelor of Arts in History. I enjoy the research involved, in particular the fascinating snippets of information which can range from the inspirational to positively gruesome.

While researching my latest release, Caught in a Cornish Scandal, I learned about an inspirational individual, John Pounds. He was a cobbler who, in 1818, began teaching poor children for free. This resulted in the development of the ragged schools movement which served to educate many children before education was supported by the government.

On the more gruesome side, I learned about ‘Waterloo teeth’ while researching A Debutante in Disguise. Dental care was limited and tooth decay rampant during Regency times. The best dentures were those using human teeth. In fact, tooth hunters followed the armies, moving in as soon as the living had left the field I. However, the wealthy recipients of these teeth were in no way put off by these practice. Indeed ‘waterloo’ teeth were advertised in newspapers of the time, apparently becoming a selling point.

What do you love the most about hiking in the wilds of British Columbia?

I love the scenery, the space and the quiet. Kitimat is in a Coastal rainforest. This means it is under a raincloud for large periods of tiem. However, when the clouds clear, there is absolutely no landscape or scenery more beautiful.

If you could travel to a place in the past, which place and during which era would you want to go to?

Hmmm, that is a hard one… one of the disadvantages of research is that one learns all the nitty details that, as romance writers, we tend to gloss over; like hygiene and dental care. I was inspired by being relics from Tutankhamen’s tomb in Seattle when I was in grade 9, This gave me a fascination with ancient civilizations, which were so complex and sophisticated than our more recent historical times. It would be fascinating to visit this advanced and complex culture.

How did you come up with the title of your book, Her Convenient Husband's Return?

Actually, I didn’t. I had titles for my first two books which were changed by the publisher. So now, full disclosure, I just entitle them ‘manuscript #

What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?

To alter a well known saying, writing is 80 percent perspiration, 15 percent craft and 5 percent magic.

It is a lot of hard work. It is a lot about learning techniques to strengthen your plot and develop one’s character. However, there are moments when a phrase, a character, a piece of dialogue works which is a truly wonderful feeling That is the reward. To me it is something which can’t be learned or taught but brings a spark of joy.

Do you relate to the character of Letty Barton from A Debutante in Disguise

I relate to all of my characters in some way. I certainly relate to her fierce determination.

Women of my generation are so much more fortunate than the women in historic times and I am forever indebted for the pioneers who cleared my way. I belonged to a generation that, perhaps, felt the pressure of needing to ‘do’ and ‘have’ it all. This made for a complicated, intricate dance as one tried to balance the demands of home and work. Letty also need to sacrifice and compromise as she attempts to navigate between her heart and career.

What is your definition of happiness?

Happiness is an approach to life, it is a state of mind as opposed to a destination. It is about being grateful for what one has and recognizing the unique joys within every period of life. It is about remaining true to one’s inner child and remember that growing up is option.

Which is the next book your are writing? When is it due for release?

Caught in a Cornish Scandal is my next release. It will be released in March, 2021.

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