Looks Who’s Going to RT: Tessa Dare

Tessa DareCan you introduce yourself to my readers a little?
I’m the RITA-finalist author of six Regency-set romances, including my 2009 debut, Goddess of the Hunt, for which I was honored to receive RT’s Reviewers Choice award for Best First Historical last year. In addition to being an author, I’m a librarian by education, and a mom to two young kids. I live in the LA area.

Can you introduce us to the world that you have created?
Well, I write in the familiar English Regency time period–an era historical romance readers know and love well. I’m very excited about my new series for Avon, debuting this September. The series takes place in a fictional seaside village called Spindle Cove. In Spindle Cove (or “Spinster Cove,” as it’s jokingly called), all the ladies are intelligent, unconventional women, and red-blooded men in their prime are…nowhere to be found. Until the militia marches into town, that is.

Will this be your first RT or are you a veteran? Any advice for those who are going for the first time?
This will be my second RT convention, so while not a virgin, I’m still relatively innocent. My advice is just to soak it all in and enjoy. Whether you’re a bookseller, reader, or aspiring author, don’t hesitate to strike up conversations with authors–even the shy-looking ones. We’re there to meet you!

Are you speaking on any panels during RT? Are there any you are looking forward to?
I’ll be participating in two different panels on Wednesday. One is a panel about earnings in digital publishing called “Money Matters! ‘Nuff Said” with Lindsey Faber, Jackie Barbosa, and Shelli Stevens. The second is a panel about how to write, market, and survive a “Quick Release Trilogy”, with Monica McCarty, Stefanie Sloane, and Christy Reece. On Thursday, I’m very much looking forward to a just-for-fun reader event called “Purple Prose Taboo”, which I’ll be hosting with Courtney Milan and Victoria Dahl. Come ready to laugh!

If someone were wanting to meet up with you at RT, who should they look for?
They should look for the shy, quiet author in the corner, wide-eyed and admiring all the vampire and fairy costumes. Somehow, my badge always gets turned backward. Also, chances are good I’ll be wearing a shirt-dress. I seem to be fond of those.

About Jackie 3282 Articles
I am a 30-something SAHM with two adorable boys and a supportive husband who is very tolerant of my reading addiction. I love to read and easily go through about a dozen books a month – well I did before I had kids. Now, not so much. After my first son was born, I began to take my hobby of reviewing a little more serious and started Literary Escapism to help with my sanity. I love to discuss the fabulous novels I’ve read and meeting all the wonderful people in the book blogging community has been amazing.