Debut Author Stefanie Sloane and The Devil in Disguise

As you know, The Riskies all love a debut author. Today we welcome debut author Stefanie Sloane whose first book, The Devil in Disguise, will be released May 24.

The Devil in Disguise has received some pretty impressive endorsements:

“Captivating… Stefanie Sloane will charm her way into readers’ hearts.” –Susan Wiggs

“Smart, sensuous, and sparkling with wit…. Spectacular.” –Julia Quinn

Stefanie will give away one signed copy of The Devil in Disguise to one lucky commenter chosen at random. Without further ado, let’s welcome Stefanie to Risky Regencies.

Stefanie, tell us about The Devil in Disguise.

Lord William Randall is a rake—a most unlikely suitor for the beautiful and fiercely intelligent Lady Lucinda Grey. But his latest assignment for the Young Corinthians, an elite spy organization, involves protecting her from a kidnapping plot. To do this, William uses his devilish charm to seduce Lucinda, never imagining he will lose his own heart in the bargain. And though Lucinda has gracefully sidestepped even the most persistent suitors, she is tempted by William’s sinfully sensuous mouth and piercing eyes. Can she resist him when his touch begs her to let him so much closer?

How did you think of writing this particular book? Did it start with a character, a setting, or some other element?

The Devil in Disguise started with a character. I was at the gym, sweating away on the elliptical, when a dark, handsome stranger appeared in my mind’s eye. But he wasn’t just any handsome stranger. There was something decidedly dangerous about this man. I let my mind wander about his back story, and William Randall, the Duke of Clairemont, was born. A few more grueling rounds at the gym and I had Lady Lucinda Grey, my heroine, her unforgettable aunts, the Furies, and the over-arching premise of the Young Corinthians.
And then I had to, you know, actually write the book, which it turns out is way more tricky than anything I’ve ever endured at the gym.

Did you come across anything interesting in your research for The Devil in Disguise?

Oh, most definitely! I love the research part of writing—a little too much, actually, as I’ve been known to spend hours pouring over books and websites in search of the perfect touch for a scene. One of the most interesting aspects about the research for my debut was the fact that SO many interesting individuals turned out to be spies during the time period. From poets and professors to important politicians, clergymen, actors, and more were involved in espionage.

What do you think is the greatest creative risk you took while writing this book?

Honestly? Actually sitting down and finishing the book was the biggest risk for me. Before The Devil in Disguise, I’d poured my heart and soul into writing a contemporary chick lit manuscript. I signed with a top agent and thought that my career was going to really take off, the future looking as limitless as a summer sky. And then every last publisher passed on the book. I was devastated. It took a long time for me to think about writing again, and when I finally did sit down to start the Young Corinthians series, I was scared. Actually, terrified. Writing is unbelievably hard work on every level, and I just didn’t think that I could put myself through the process once again knowing that there would be no guarantees when I reached “The End.” But, the only thing worse than the fear of a second rejection would have been the regret I felt over letting myself get in the way of, well, myself. So I finished the book, and the rest, as they say, is history.

What’s next for you?

The second book in the Regency Rogues series, The Angel in My Arms, will be published June 28, 2011, and The Sinner Who Seduced Me, the third installment, will hit the shelves July 26, 2011. And I recently turned in the fourth book, tentatively titled, The Saint Who Stole My Heart, to my editor. Fingers crossed that she loves it!

Now, please say hello and you’ll automatically be entered to win a signed copy of my debut book, The Devil in Disguise!

Thanks so much for being our guest, Stefanie. I'm sure our readers will have questions and comments. They always do!