Quintette asks writers five quick questions. This week’s interview is with Alison Stuart!

Alison Stuart

1. What’s the name of your latest story – and how hard was it to pick a title?

Lord Somerton’s Heir. I find I can’t work with a book unless it has a title – a bit like naming a new pet! You don’t feel it’s yours until it has a name but rather like pets, they can name themselves and sometimes the title is totally unsuitable. This book started out as The Gardener… the original occupation for the hero. He got a little more heroic as time went by.

I can’t recall how the title came to be Lord Somerton’s Heir, but it suits the book and my editor was disinclined to change it.

2. If you could choose anyone from any time period, who would you cast as the leads in your latest story?

This is a particularly hard question because I don’t tend to write with any one person in mind… I like to leave it to the reader to imagine their own likenesses.

Sebastian Alder – In my mind’s eye I have a sort of cross between Sean Bean in Sharpe for the soldier (not quite so rough around the edges) and Matthew McFadyen for the gentleman ( I love, love, loved him in Pride and Prejudice).

Isabel, Lady Somerton – Ann Hathaway (although she is probably a little too modern looking) because she has the ability to be both beautiful and yet look completely plain.

3. What five words best describe your story?

Regency, romance, murder, betrayal, forgiveness…

4. Who is your favourite fictional couple?

I naturally adore all my own fictional couples… I am particularly in love with Sebastian (the hero of this story).

Out in TV world… there are so many wonderful fictional couples from Max and 99 in Get Smart to the ill fated Angel and Buffy… but I think my favourite literary couple dates from the very first “romance” I ever read – Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester.

(I am not a fan of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. I have severe doubts about that relationship… except for the version with Matthew McFadyen…)

5. What song always makes you cry?

Total Eclipse of the Heart by Bonnie Tyler. It’s a song so full of passion and anguish.

This is the full version (which goes for 7 minutes) but it has the lyrics so you can sing along and really get all that angst out…

About Alison

Award winning Australian writer, Alison Stuart is a lapsed lawyer who has worked in the military and fire service. She lives with her own personal hero and two needy cats and writes cross genre historicals with heart.

• Alison’s website: Alison Stuart – Writer

Buy Lord Somerton’s Heir:

• Lord Somerton’s Heir (Amazon)
• Lord Somerton’s Heir (iTunes)
• Lord Somerton’s Heir (Barnes and Noble)
• Lord Somerton’s Heir (Escape Publishing)

Would you like to answer a Quintette interview? Email me at nmharrisheart@gmail.com!