The Writers Who Read series continues this week with historical romance author Anna Bradley.
Who are you?
My name is Anna Bradley and I’m a historical romance writer. My debut novel, A Wicked Way to Win an Earl, was just released by Berkley on Nov. 3. It’s the first in a four-book series called Sutherland Scandals.
Which book or series was your gateway into the world of reading?
I got hooked on romance with the classics. Jane Austen, the Bronte sisters and Edith Wharton are some of my favorites. I defy anyone to find a historical romance writer who wasn’t influenced by Jane Austen! Like many historical romance writers, I transitioned into mainstream romance with Georgette Heyer, who is still one of my all-time favorite writers. I’ve read all her books.
Nowadays, what makes you crack open a book instead of pressing play on your favorite Netflix show?
Even before I became a professional writer I was always more likely to pick up a book than turn on the TV. It makes me terribly boring to talk to at parties, because I’m never up on any of the popular TV shows (though I have seen the BBC’s Pride & Prejudice more times than I can count!). I think for me it’s always been that the story in my head is more powerful than anything that’s been visualized for me on TV or in movies.
Which authors are auto-buys for you? Why?
Julie Anne Long, for sure, because her characters are so well developed and she makes us love them, despite their flaws. I’m a big fan or Loretta Chase, too, because she tends to write strong alpha heroes (my weakness!) and because her books have such rich period details. She knows her history, and I always learn something from reading her books. I’m a fan of Elizabeth Hoyt, Madeline Hunter and Tracy Anne Warren, as well. I also read literary fiction—Kate Atkinson and Neil Gaiman are two of my favorites.
What is your book kryptonite–those unique settings, tropes, or character types that make you unable to resist reading?
I really like strong alpha heroes, so I tend to gravitate towards the tall, dark and wicked types who have deep flaws and lessons to learn. Of course that also means a strong heroine who can put the alpha hero in his place! In terms of tropes, I’m a sucker for the ugly duckling turned swan or the overlooked bluestocking heroine. I’m pretty sure I would have been considered a bluestocking myself, had I been born during the right era. I admit to a little weakness for Cinderella-esque stories, too, though with a modern twist where the heroine saves herself, of course. I must have read too many fairy tales as a kid!
What is your ideal time and place to read?
At night, in bed on my Kindle, with the lights off. Without a doubt. I get all tucked into my covers and fall into my story. It’s like therapy!
Are you a re-reader? Why or why not?
I love this question because I’ve never really considered it before. In general I’m not a re- reader, no. I’m not entirely sure why not, but I think I get so heavily invested in both the suspense of a good story and the emotional payout that it ruins it for me if I already know what’s going to happen. That said, I do have a few select favorite books that I’ve re-read. Austen, of course! I think I’m overdue for a Georgette Heyer festival of re-reading, as well.
Which books have had the biggest influence on your writing?
I’m sorry to be so predictable, but we’re back to Jane Austen again! I truly love the classic romances. Books like Pride & Prejudice and Mansfield Park are the reason I became a writer. I had to have more of those stories, even if it meant I had to write them myself! I admire a lot of current romance writers, too. I was blown away by Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series, for example, and Julie Anne Long’s Pennyroyal Green series was also a major influence on me.
What makes a book a satisfying read for you?
Deep character arcs. The character have to go through dynamic change during the book. I’m not satisfied unless everyone gets tortured and then comes out better for it in the end! I need a story that’s motivated by character rather than plot, and engaging, fast-paced dialogue.
What are you reading right now?
I just finished Tracy Anne Warren’s The Bedding Proposal, which was a fun read, and I’ve just started Julie Anne Long’s The Legend of Lyon Redmond, which I’ve been dying to read since it released. Oh, and my son and I are on the very last Harry Potter book. I’ll be sad when we’re done – it truly feels like the end of an era to finish the entire Harry Potter series. I think we’re moving onto the Percy Jackson stories next. I still read to my kids even though they’re old enough to read for themselves now. I can’t be a writer and have kids who don’t read, right?
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Anna Bradley has been an avid reader, writer and book fondler since childhood, when she pilfered her first romance novel and stole away to her bedroom to devour it. This insatiable love of the written word persisted throughout her childhood in Maine, where it led to a master’s degree in English Literature.
Before she became a writer, Anna worked with a rare books library featuring works by British women writers from the 1600s through the Regency period. Here she indulged in her love of stories, fondled smooth, leather-bound volumes to her heart’s content and dreamed of becoming a writer.
Anna writes steamy historical romance (think garters, fops and riding crops) and squeezes in a career as a writing and literature professor on the side. She lives with her husband and two children in Portland, OR, where people are delightfully weird and love to read.
You can find out more about Anna on her website, including how to get A Wicked Way to Win an Earl.
Want to read about other romance writers who read? Tap here.
Jen
Love all these recs! Yay for ugly ducklings 🙂