The Monday Muse: Interview with Mandy Hubbard

Today's Muse: Mandy Hubbard

Author of: Prada & Prejudice (review here)

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Bookworm: Welcome, Mandy! Let's start off with this very important question: how did you get the idea for Prada?

Mandy: I love reading regency romances. Call me crazy, but there's just something about a guy with money, a title, and a giant estate that seems appealing. What happened to all the dukes and earls and viscounts? The one trouble I have with regency romances is that the heroines come from another era. They react to situations differently than I would. So I decided to plunk a modern girl into 1815 and see what happened. As it turned out, a lot happened. 

Bookworm: How are you and Callie, the main character, alike? How are you different?

Mandy: She can be super shy and awkward, which is totally me. There's a Demi Lovato song where she says "I am confident--but I still have my moments," and that's me, for sure. However, I think I'm a little TOO passive or nice sometimes--I don't know if I could do everything Callie does while she's in 1815!

Bookworm: If you could travel back in time, which time period would you choose to visit?

Mandy: As you might guess, I'd love to be a regency gal for a few days. I want to wear pretty ballgowns and dance until dawn!

Bookworm: What's your favorite line from the book?

Mandy: "Until then, my name is Rebecca. I am a prim and proper regency girl. I wear dresses and curtsy. I belong here." That's the moment Callie decides to pretend to be Rebecca, to buy herself some time as she figures out what to do next. 

Bookworm: Do you own a pair of Prada shoes like Callie's?

Mandy: No, but I held a pair once, does that count?

Bookworm: What is your favorite pair of shoes?

Mandy: Right now, these cute little camo Converse I bought for a friend's wedding. (We all wore Converse under our dresses. It was SO awesome). 

Bookworm: Back to books...What three 2009 YA book releases are you loving so far this

 year?

Mandy: I thought The King's Rose by Alisa Libby was amazing (a historical set in the Tudor era), and I loved Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols (heavy on the romance, if you're a romance nut like me!) and finally, I can't wait for Fairy Tale to come out on the 23rd! Cyn Balog is my critique partner and I read it a couple years ago before she sold, and I can't wait to read it in book form!

Bookworm: What's next for you, writing-wise?

Mandy: I have a romance novella coming out from Harlequin in June 2010, and a few assorted YA projects in the works. I'll announce more as soon as I can!

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Thanks so much, Mandy! 

Prada & Prejudice is being released on June 11, so definitely check it out!

Want to stay updated? Check out Mandy's blog!