Interview: Tessa Dare author of the Stud Club Trilogy

Hello internet! Today I have the great pleasure to welcome Tessa Dare to my humble little place on the web. I hope that you enjoy reading this interview and be sure to stop by later on today for a chance to win her newest series of books, The Stud Club trilogy.



First off…tell us a little about you?

I grew up in the Midwest, and I was a hard-core reader from a very young age for a few different reasons. First, my family moved a lot. I was always the new kid, and not an especially outgoing kid either—so books and libraries became an important constant for me. Second, my parents always made me go to bed ridiculously early, but I could stay up reading as late as I wanted. So I read – a lot. Since then, I’ve had a lot of jobs, but they’ve all involved books and words and writing—journalist, librarian, bookseller…now author!



What is your writing process like? (ie do you listen to music? Have a favorite food/drink/sweet to keep you going? Do you write longhand or use a computer? Do you keep a journal? Do any doodle in notebooks?)

There is lots of caffeine involved. I do a lot of my writing in cafes, because I find it hard to concentrate at home. I do not keep a regular journal, but when I’m stuck or brainstorming, I do pull out a spiral notebook and write in longhand. My doodles are never very imaginative! Little hearts and flowers and snails…much the same as junior high.

Which line do you find more difficult to write? The first or the last?

I love both. First and last lines, of scenes and chapters and the book as a whole, are some of my favorite bits to write.

When you write, which comes first title, plot or character(s)?

I would say characters, even though they often change personalities during the process. It’s all about that initial clash between h/h – what mismatched personality traits will create conflict? From there, I try to generate a plot that will explore and expose those traits and conflict.

Where did you get the idea for The Stud Club Trilogy?

Honestly, it’s been years – I have a hard time remembering exactly how it came about. But I knew I wanted three heroes who had almost nothing in common, thrown together by circumstance. At some point, having them own shares of a horse occurred to me. And then I couldn’t resist the chance to make it a stud horse, just for the pun.

I have to say that one of the things that I really like about The Stud Club Trilogy is the fact that the three connected characters don't know each other. They connected characters are all too often related or life long friends that it was refreshing that they started out indifferent and with a bit of animosity towards each other.


Using five words or less, how would you describe your trilogy?

Oh, I always wimp out on questions like this! “Describe in X words or less” is, for me, the equivalent of “If you’re trapped in an elevator with 20 minutes’ worth of oxygen...” If I could do it in five words, believe me, I would have saved myself the trouble of the other 299,995!

Such a chicken!!! lol Although as a chatty cathy myself I too find word restrictions difficult. lol 


When you finish writing a book who reads it first?

Usually one of my beta readers. Often it’s Elyssa Papa, because she always seems to read whatever I send her within a matter of hours! She is the best. Three Nights with a Scoundrel is dedicated to her, because she was Julian’s first (and sometimes only?) fan.

I admit it. Julian isn't my favorite character in the series but after Twice Tempted by a Rogue he's begun to grow on me. So that's progress, yes?

What’s your idea of the best meal ever? What sort of foods do you like to eat when you are sick?

When I’m sick, I like Jell-O and non-diet soda. When I’m not sick, I like … just about everything. I’m not sure I could ever pick a favorite meal. My favorite meals ever have been less about the food served than the company. There’s nothing better than sitting around a dinner table with warm, funny, interesting people, good food, and a bottle or three of wine.

mmmm...wine...

What’s something that made you laugh out loud today? 

 I’m probably the last person on the planet, but I finally saw that Double Rainbow video on YouTube. All the way. Full on. But what does this mean? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQSNhk5ICTI

Dude! I just saw that myself on Saturday!! I'd never heard of it, so my friend had her BF call up the original and then the song mix of it. So so funny!

If we were able to take a peek at your nightstand, what book(s) might we find there?

At this very moment, I am sitting next to my nightstand, and I just counted 16 books on it. I won’t name them all, but here’s a smattering: The Forbidden Rose by Joanna Bourne, Surrender a Dream by Jill Barnett, Other People's Love Letters, edited by Bill Shapiro, How to Think Like A Horse by Hill, and Castles, Palaces & Stately Houses of Britain and Ireland, by Charles Phillips.

What is the book that you most want to read again for the first time?

I am a broken record, answering with this – but I think I’d have to say Austen’s Pride And Prejudice. When I first read it as a teenager, I honestly hoped Lizzy would end up with that nice Wickham guy! It came as a complete and utter shock to me when that jerkface Darcy showed up and proposed at Hunsford. I’d love to be able to recapture that feeling of surprise along with Elizabeth.

I LOVE P&P and I'm right there with you in wanting to recapture those first time read feelings with it. 

Are there any books that you might have lied about reading (we promise we won’t judge)?

I honestly can’t think of any off the top of my head… hm. I’m sure I skimmed a great many things in my school years, but I usually actually enjoyed assigned reading. I was a nerd that way.

What’s a book you’ve been a book bully for?

Proof by Seduction by Courtney Milan. Everyone should read it. (This means you.) (Yes, you.) Granted, Courtney is a critique partner of mine, so I am naturally biased. But there are a slew of other people who were shouting from the rooftops what an amazing book Proof is, so you hardly have to take my word for it.

The Zombie Apocalypse has started, do you have a zombie plan? Can you share your plan with us?

Um, I’m not good at planning. I’m always a world catastrophe behind. Like, I’ll probably get a swine flu shot this year, now that the whole panic is over.

*Scratches Tessa Dare from her list of potential people to take shelter with during the zombie apocalypse. Adds note: sure to be toast within days if not hours of outbreak*

Can you share a little of your current work with us?

Um… I am just starting a brand-new series, and I’m a little wary of going into details when all the details are still subject to change. *g* It’s more fun, sexy Regency-set historical romance. The setting will be very important to this series, and I’m about to go on a trip to England to research and scout locations. I can’t wait!

Need an assistant? I totes want to go to England again and I'm small(ish) I can fit in your suitcase....

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Thank you for reading! Really, that’s the one thing I can never say too many times. Without readers, I don’t have a job.


Thanks for stopping by Tessa! I loved reading your responses and I am looking forward to your next series.