Meet Marin McGinnis

My guest today in My Writing Corner is Marin McGinnis. Tell me a little of your writing journey.  How did you get started?

I started writing a mystery with a friend from work about 25 years ago, but it never went anywhere; I stuck it in a file drawer and forgot about it. Then one day 6 or 7 years ago I got a story idea stuck in my head, so I sat down and started to write. I’ve been writing ever since.

Did you always want to be a writer?

No, definitely not. I didn’t truly want to be a writer until I hit my 40s. I didn’t even read romance until my 30s.

Your new book is Stirring up the Viscount. How did you come up with the idea for it?

Stirring Up the Viscount is a story of a woman who gathers up the courage to fake her own death and flee her abusive husband. She takes a job as a cook at an English country house, hoping to earn enough money to go to America. Instead, she falls in love with the heir to the estate. Viscount was inspired by a few things: Downton Abbey, a BBC series called The Victorian Kitchen, and from somewhere in the dark recesses of my brain, the Julia Roberts movie Sleeping With the Enemy.

Your story is set in the Victorian era. Why did you choose that particular time period?

I love the Victorian era! It’s such an interesting period. There were so many technological advances during Victoria’s reign, and society changed drastically as a result. There is the aristocracy trying to cling to the old ways, and a new middle class springing up. Absolutely everything was changing, and the world was getting smaller—travel became faster, easier, and much more affordable. Social and sexual mores were changing as well. Everyone tends to think of Victorians as so strait-laced, but they had a racy side. Victoria herself had nine children. By the time Victoria died in 1901, England was a completely different place than it had been when she assumed the throne in 1837. So much for a writer to explore!

What do you like best about your hero?

Jonathan is a sweetheart. He likes to take care of everyone. He takes his responsibility as the heir to the earldom very seriously, but at the same time he’s not afraid to thwart convention when he falls in love with a servant, even after he learns who she really is.

What about your heroine?

Theodora has been beaten down, both literally and figuratively, for so many years it’s kind of amazing that she hatches her crazy scheme to escape. She’s surprisingly strong and resilient underneath her meek exterior and I like that about her.

Was there anything you learned from writing this book, either research wise or about writing?

I learned a lot writing this book! I learned quite a bit about the Victorian era, and the differences between the classes. I tried a few Victorian recipes (my family was not even remotely impressed with my efforts!), and learned how things worked in a Victorian kitchen. I learned a lot about craft, especially editing, as well. This is the first book that I worked on with critique partners, so I learned a lot about critiquing, and how to be critiqued, as well.

What are you working on next?

I finished a second book, about Theodora’s long lost brother, in December, and am currently working on a book about Jonathan’s younger sister, Julia.

How about a blurb?

Seeking to escape an abusive husband, Theodora Ravensdale answers an ad in The Times for a job as cook in a country home. A fortuitous house fire enables her to fake her own death and flee to northern England and live under an assumed name. But Theodora’s refuge is not all she would wish, when she stirs emotions in the heir to the estate, Jonathan Tenwick, and in herself.

Meanwhile, as the connection between Theodora and Jonathan grows, her husband learns she did not perish in the fire, and searches for her. Fearing he is close to finding her, Theodora must flee again to protect the family and the viscount for whom she cares deeply. In the final confrontation with her husband, Theodora learns she is stronger than she ever knew, and love is worth fighting for.​

How can readers reach you or find you online?

Readers can find me at marinmcginnis.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MarinMcG, and on Twitter @MarinMcGinnis.

Thank you so much for having me on your blog, Rebecca!

And thank you for being my guest!  Any questions or comment for Marin. I know I'm looking forward to reading this book.