Today we travel to San Diego, California in the United States to chat with Regan Walker. She and I discuss how a career as a lawyer, an Irish Wolfhound, reviewing historical romance books, Margaret Queen of Scots, Winston Churchill, a historical schooner, and the ocean come together as part of Regan’s writing life.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I live in San Diego near the coast and I love it. My career as a lawyer was pretty intense. I still practice law part time but, since 2011, I also am a writer of historical romance novels. For my stories set in the Georgian, Regency and Medieval eras, I do considerable research to make them authentic. Each of my novels includes real history and real historical figures.
In which genre do you write?
Historical romance: Georgian, Regency and Medieval eras.
How many published books do you have?
With this new one, it’s 15 (3 series and related books).
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer and what ignited your author’s flame?
I have always been a writer, even as a child. As a lawyer, I wrote legal-related opinion pieces and articles. But I didn’t turn to writing fiction until 2011 when I did so at the suggestion of my best friend. That led to my first novel, Racing with the Wind.
What is an interesting writing quirk you have, that we wouldn’t know by reading your biography?
I don’t plot for one thing. I let the history and the characters lead me. I like to see how the story unfolds and I’m often surprised. I recall a 5-star review that was effusive in its praise for my “complicated and wonderful plot”… Ha!
What would you choose as your mascot and why?
My constant companion is a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon named “Cody”. I’d choose him or possibly an Irish Wolfhound like “Magnus”, a character in my medieval story, Rogue Knight. It’s comforting to have a big dog alongside you and they are fun to hug, too.
What does your ideal writing space look like?
More room than I have now. I like a large rectangular table (say 5 x 7 feet) where I can set up all my stuff. However, when I moved into a small condo I had to give up that table. Sigh. Deep regrets.
What are you currently reading?
Likely a Victorian romance. I have a blog, Historical Romance Review
(https://reganromancereview.
What do you do when you are not writing or marketing your books?
I practice law part time; I walk my dog on the beach in the early morning; I visit with friends (I make killer popcorn for “movie night”); I read every night; I attend weekly church services; and I watch period historical dramas.
If you could have a fantasy tea or coffee date with an author or famous person from the past or present, who would it be and what would you ask them?
There are so many. I loved Margaret Queen of Scots who was married to Malcolm III, King of Scots (both characters in my novels Rebel Warrior and The Refuge). I would ask her about her faith and the Scotland in which she lived. I would also like to visit with William Wilberforce, the British statesman who led the anti-slavery movement in the Georgian era in England. He, too, was a great man of faith and, having read some of his writing, I would have to ask about his relationship with God. But, since I named my son after Winston Churchill, I have to include him. He was a visionary and a great leader who, more than any man, was responsible for defeating the Nazis in WWII. I’d ask his view on the world today. I’m certain nothing that has happened would surprise him.
What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself through writing?
How much I love the research and look forward to entering the world of my characters. When my legal work picks up, I miss my writing.
What’s the strangest thing you’ve done or experienced to help create a scene?
The most unusual was taking a ride on a historical schooner like those in my novels (many of my books have scenes set on a ship). I wanted to get the feel of the moving deck and the wind in the sails. I did a blog post on it:
https://reganromancereview.
Do you journal write or keep a personal diary?
No, but I do take notes when the muse alights and I keep a yellow pad and pen near my bed for late night inspirations.
What is the most crazy thing that has ever happened to you?
If we are speaking of my writing, it would be when I was writing Rebel Warrior, set in 11th century Scotland. I stumbled across a real historic figure that could have been the hero in my story. He was an Anglo-Saxon who fled William the Conqueror to live in Scotland and rose to be a mormaer, the equivalent of an English earl. He even had a home in the area of Loch Lomond where my hero ends up! It was like falling back in time to realize my fictional character had been a real person.
You are about to speak publicly to a group and read from your latest book. What song do you listen to before speaking?
I always write to music and sometimes for special scenes, I pick a certain song. For the battle scene on the English Channel in To Tame the Wind, I listened to “The Courier” from the soundtrack of Last of the Mohicans. That’s what inspired the scene and likely what I would listen to before reading it.
If you could turn into one of your characters for a day, which one would it be and why, what would you do?
Lady Mary Campbell from Racing with the Wind. I’d go riding on her Friesian stallion and have tea in her grand estate with her good friend, Elizabeth.
Which of your personality traits has been most useful and why?
Courage, determination and perseverance. All three have come in handy.
What’s your favorite place to visit in your country and why?
The ocean near where I live. I love the smell of the sea and the sand beneath my feet. I have traveled to over 40 countries but I always love coming home.
Tell us about your most recent book.
My newest release is Rogue’s Holiday, a Regency in which the bad boy of the Powell family and a spy for the Crown takes a holiday in Brighton as the guest of the new King George IV where he encounters a beautiful hellion and great danger.
It was wonderful learn more about you and your writing style, Regan. Thank you for being a part of MTA! – Camilla
Book Blurb:
Even a spy needs a holiday…
Robert Powell’s work as a spy saves the Cabinet ministers from a gruesome death and wins him accolades from George IV. As a reward, the king grants him a baronetcy and a much-deserved holiday at the Royal Pavilion in Brighton where he thinks to indulge in brandy, cards, good horseflesh and women.
But when Muriel, Dowager Countess of Claremont, learns of Sir Robert’s intended destination, she begs a favor…to watch over an “errant child” who is the grandniece of her good friend living in the resort town. Little does Robbie know that Miss Chastity Reynolds is no child but a beautiful hellion who is seemingly immune to his charms.
Chastity lives in the shadow of her mother and sisters, dark-haired beauties men admire. Her first Season was a failure but, as she will soon come into a family legacy, she has no need to wed. When she first encounters Sir Robert, she dubs him The Rogue, certain he indulges in a profligate lifestyle she wants no part in.
In Brighton, Robbie discovers he is being followed and senses the conspirators who had planned to murder the Cabinet have discovered his identity. Worse, they know the location of Chastity’s residence.
Where to buy the book:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YQ55RNQ
Connect with Regan:
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Regan-Walker/e/B008OUWC5Y
Author website: https://www.reganwalkerauthor.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/regan.walker.104
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6450403.Regan_Walker
Pinterest boards: https://www.pinterest.com/reganwalker123/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RegansReview
Regan’s Blog (Historical Romance Review): https://reganromancereview.blogspot.com/
Regan Walker’s Readers FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ReganWalkersReaders/
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To support this website and the author’s interviewed, visit Support MTA for suggestions. Thank you! – Camilla, Founder and Host
Thanks so much for having me on your blog! You asked fun questions.
You’re welcome Regan! It was great having you on MTA!! All the best to you!