Look Who’s Going to RT: Lila DiPasqua

Lila DiPasquaCan you introduce yourself to my readers a little?
My name is Lila DiPasqua. I write steamy historical romance. I’m best known for my Fiery Tales series. In it, I blend historical romance with fairy tales. Awakened by a Kiss hit the shelves last summer followed by The Princess in His Bed in November 2010. These books are collections—retellings of three classic fairy tales in each novel, with my own sensual twists. My first full-length Fiery Tale, A Midnight Dance will be released August 2011. It’s a retelling of Cinderella as it’s never been done before! :) To learn more about me and my books, visit my website: http://www.LilaDiPasqua.com

Can you introduce us to the world that you have created?
I’ve written something that will feel familiar to historical romance readers, yet at the same time offer them something fresh and different! I’m not your typical historical romance author—In fact, I’m the odd one on the block. Yes, it’s true! When other new authors have landed on the scene with historical romances set in England or Scotland—I picked seventeenth century France.

“Why, Lila?” you ask? Well, it’s because my Fiery Tales series is about…well, fairy tales. Yes, you get three sinfully seductive rakes in both Awakened by a Kiss and my newest release, The Princess in His Bed!

I know what you’re thinking; that doesn’t explain the setting. Seventeenth century France? Really?

Yes, really. Here’s why. I love history. I love Regency England, and I love fairy tales. How do these connect? Allow me to briefly explain.

Long before the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen, 17th century French lawyer/writer Charles Perrault did something no one had done before. He was the first to write down folklore and add morals to his stories—stories like Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty, to name a few. He was the creator of THE TALES OF MOTHER GOOSE! Perrault’s world was just as elegant and refined as. . .Regency England. I kid you not! Full of decadence, you had distinguished lords and lovely ladies who lived in city mansions and sprawling palatial country estates. There were spectacular ballrooms and elaborate masquerade balls. Theater—and plenty of scandalous behavior. All those elements you love about the Regency period are found in the very time and place when the genre of fairy tales was born!

“But, Lila, will I really be able to connect with this different time period?” Of course! My books have “strong- minded heroines you can relate to” and “breathtaking carnally gifted male leads”. (Fresh Fiction) Dare to step into the world of fairy tales? Be prepared to be scandalized! Once upon a wicked time. . . I hope you’ll check out these fun, sensual stories.

Will this be your first RT or are you a veteran? Any advice for those who are going for the first time?
I don’t have any advice for anyone who will be attending for the first time. I’m a novice myself. I consider this my first RT, though I did attend RT once before in 1999. It happened to be in my hometown and at the time I was still toying with the idea of pursuing publication. This year I’ll be attending as a published author, and can’t wait!

Are you speaking on any panels during RT? Are there any you are looking forward to?
I’m not speaking at any panels this year, but I will be at Club RT Thursday April 7th, 11:45am and Friday April 8th, 11:45 am. And I can be found at the Book Fair on Saturday April 9th. Any updates to my schedule can be found here: http://www.rtconvention.com/profile.php?pid=7075

If someone were wanting to meet up with you at RT, who should they look for?
A 5’-7” brunette with the nametag, Lila DiPasqua. :) In all seriousness, I’d love it if you’d come say hi at the Book Fair as well as Club RT. Oh, and if you see me walk by, stop me! I love meeting my other writers and readers of romance! Especially my readers!

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.