Interview

Today we have Mandy Hubbard, author of Prada and Prejudice here for an interview. Her book has now been released so go buy a copy!

If you were stranded on an island what character from Prada and Prejudice would you want with you and why?
Alex, the Duke of Harksbury! Although it does seem a little weird (he's 19 in the book, and I am 26) so let's assume he's older than me on the island. What? It's MY island, right?

Where did the idea of Prada and Prejudice come from?
In 2005 I read my first regency romance, and gobbled up dozens more quickly thereafter. However, I really wanted to read about someone more like me---someone who thought and talked like I did--so I decided to plunk a modern teen into the setting I'd fallen in love with. The result is PRADA & PREJUDICE.

If you were to write a colaberation sequel with another author who would you choose?
Cyn Balog, author of FAIRY TALE (coming in June from Random House). We're actually working together on an entirely different novel, and our styles gel really well.

Who was your biggest supporter along the way?
Cyn Balog, hands down. My hubby was pretty awesome too (when asked if he thought I'd ever be published, he'd simply answer, "Of course.") but no one can really understand the passion and the rollercoaster ride like another writer/author. Cyn and I were critique partners for years, and then she sold her novel in Fall 2007. By mid 2008, I was feeling left behind--and then sold my book in June. My book actually comes out a week and a half before hers, so we've been able to compare notes all along the way.

When writing do you ever get jealous of the characters you create?
Oh, gosh yes! I am really obsessed with falling in love--which is why I write romantic books--so I always want to be my characters. There's nothing like brand-new love to make your heart race.

I know I have seen a few reviews out there already. Have you had to handle any negative ones?
Not yet! I know they will come, but amazingly, everything has been positive so far. I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop, so to speak.

If you could play a part in prada and Prejudice if a movie came along who would you pick?
I would love to be an extra in one of the ball scenes, wearing the fancy dresses! I'll leave the real acting to people who can, you know, act.

When did you know you had to be a writer?
I didn't start writing until I was 20 years old. It didn't even occur to me that I could "be" a writer until I was 22.