Donna, thanks so much for being a guest on my blog! I recently finished reading your latest release, Elizabeth Barrett & Cupid’s Brooch, and I’m excited to learn more about it! Where did your inspiration come from when you wrote the book?

The idea was inspired by a group of business women. We were given this table topic: If you could go back in time and change one thing, what would you change?

At first I could only think of deleting my ex-husband. But how could I change him and still have my sons? My reply was some vague answer only…

The question grabbed my attention. 

Wow, that’s definitely a heavy question! You can only choose one thing? I’m cringing at all the dumb things I’ve said and done in my past haha! Wish I could delete them all.

What research did you do for the story? What was your favorite thing you learned?

I always like to add an interesting fact when writing something historical. I decided to include the Elgin Marbles which were hotly debated during that time period.

I just love the tense relationships between Elizabeth and Lady Coldwell, and Liz and her father, and the fact that when they switch bodies, they try to repair those relationships. Is there anything you wanted your readers to know about this? Any underlying themes?

We all have the power to repair relationship issues yet, most of us can’t look at the situation from a different perspective. Liz reacted to her father while Elizabeth tried to understand him. The changed point of view of these two different personalities created a space of allowance so that Elizabeth and her father could heal.

I wanted both women to grow into a better version of themselves. Liz became less impetuous when she decides to help Lady Coldwell and Elizabeth learns how to speak her truth.

Which character do you identify the most with?

I’m like Liz – impetuous, hot tempered, and head-strong. I’ve mellowed over the years but I’ll never be soft and gentle like Elizabeth.

Liz was so much fun to read! Her interactions with Lord Whittington were entertaining. I would have to say I’m more like Elizabeth.

Did you edit anything out of the book?  

I generally start writing the back story – who, what, when, where, and how the person is. Next I have to figure out how to weave who they are into the story.

What was your favorite scene to write?

I loved playing with Purgatory. Laughed my ass off when Elizabeth thought the ambulance was a conveyance with banshees wailing overhead. The hospital became an in-take room and I took my time imagining how someone from 100 years ago would feel if they were propelled through time.  The changes would be confusing, especially since time travel was not a concept in the early 1800s.

I loved that part in the story. When Liz went back in time to 1812, her mind automatically tried to make sense of everything by thinking she was on set. Elizabeth’s mind had no idea how to make sense of her surroundings in 2012. Therefore, she must be dead and in purgatory. Love it!

What are your top five favorite books?

I read fiction for pleasure and have long time favorites like Elizabeth Peters, Jim Butcher, Jude Deveraux, Nora Roberts, James Patterson… yet I love, love, love self-help books and never, ever give them away. Top favorites are:

You Can Heal Your Body by Louise L. Hayes
The Aromatherapy Book by Jeanne Rose
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
Hiring the Heavens by Jean Slatter
Talk to The Animals by Gary M. Douglas & Dr. Dain Heer

The latest fiction author who I’m enamored with is Liane Moriarty. She wrote The Hypnotist’s Love Story, which was given to me by one of my clients. I can’t believe I just found her. 

Some great choices! I’m always looking for new books to read, so I will have to check them out. Are you working on any projects right now?

Currently finishing a contemporary romance. Elements include an unexpected divorce, steady female friendships, espionage, and an inept killer. Workplace rules state Charlene can’t date her boss, much less fall in love, especially when someone is trying to kill him.

Oooh, sounds intriguing! Can’t wait to see the finished product! Thanks again for being a guest on my blog. This was fun!

Blurb for Elizabeth BarretT & Cupid’s Brooch

Legend has it Cupid’s Brooch sends you to your one true love…

Actress Liz Barrett, adored by millions, wields Cupid’s Brooch and trades places with Miss Elizabeth Barrett of 1812, a young lady without connections who fears having no choice in whom she must marry.

Either Liz’s rabid fans have made up this crazy story, while Elizabeth suffers what is surely purgatory, or they’ve traded places in time and perhaps even fallen into the arms of their one true love.

But what will Lord Whittington and Dr. Demfry do if fate is determined to switch them back?

Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble

About the Author

Donna Ann Brown plans to write until she drops. Currently she works during the day and writes romance in between clients. She has been known to laugh at silly jokes and tells bad puns. An avid reader of self-help books, romance, fantasy, mysteries, and thrillers makes her Goodreads account diverse. She happens to be that Texan who doesn’t wear boots yet has big hair. You are invited to come play in her imaginary world.