March 29th, 2007 by 
Alyssa
Alyssa: Hey, Megan. Thanks so much for joining us! I received several interesting questions, so let’s get started. Gram wants to know what you think of living in NY vs. New Hampshire.
Megan: Well, I haven’t lived in NH since sixth grade, but the town we lived in was tiny–only about 1,000 people–and the nearest McDonald’s, even, was thirty minutes away. It was very quiet, very conducive to reading a lot. Which I did, since we didn’t have a TV. I love NY, but I’m not living the typical “NY” life: I’m home every night, I don’t eat out, I’m just a stay-at-home mom who happens not to own a car.
Alyssa: Joelle asks a similar question–how did you decide to settle in Brooklyn?
Megan: I used to live in Manhattan, and when my boyfriend and I broke up, I could only afford Brooklyn. I love it–it’s like Manhattan without the tourists. Very diverse, and culturally interesting, and there are, indeed, trees.
Alyssa: Kristie’s question is one I’ve wondered about, so I’m glad she asked! She says, “I love reading about your life with your son and husband. My question is what is the story behind your real life romance and how did you meet your husband?”
Megan: I met him when I was working at a music magazine and he was the music director of his college station. He ended up interning for me, and we were friendly then, although we were both living with people. Then I moved out to Brooklyn, ran into him at CBGB’s, and invited him to my housewarming party. We started dating soon thereafter, and we’ve been together since–18 years later. We’ve been married for 12 of those years now, and our son is seven.
Alyssa: Ellie asks if you intended to write when you were pursuing your education. What motivated you to write?
Megan: I always loved reading romances, and (to respond to Sharon, below) I read Regency romances in particular. I got laid off after 9/11, and decided if I was going to be a stay-at-home mom, I’d be a SAHM who wrote. I thought if not now, when? And it was as simple as that. I had no intention of writing when I was in college, although I did major in English literature.
Alyssa: Sharon’s question: How did you decide to write romances and to write about that particular era?
Megan: See answer above.
Alyssa: Jackietoo asks this question: “I’ve been wondering about Regency romance heroine beauty/hygiene habits. I mean, the ladies always have skin like rose petals, sweet breath, and hair like sunshine. What’s up with that? They have no AC and they’re all stuck together in those ballrooms under hot candles or riding behind stinky horses. How do they do it?”
Megan: The magic of fiction! Nobody smells, unless it’s manly musk-type smell, and our heroes and heroines always have the oddball habit of bathing every day. The one that always throws me is when the hero runs his hand up the heroine’s leg–all that leg hair! I just open my suspension of disbelief eyes and move along.
Alyssa: Pearl wonders how much reading you do now that you are writing. What is your favorite kind of book?
Megan: Romance, especially Regency and paranormal. I read a lot still, which probably means I’m not writing as much as I should be.
Alyssa: On a similar note, Principessa wants to know your favorite classic book.
Megan: Jane Eyre or Pride And Prejudice. Very standard for a romance writer.
Alyssa: Bamabelle asks if your heroes are inspired by people you know or celebrities.
Megan: Both; my characters always look like celebrities in my head, but their character flaws are drawn from people I know, including me.
Alyssa: Traveler’s question is whether an author or mentor influenced your writing.
Megan: Yes, several; Jessica Benson helped me when I was just starting to figure out how to write Regencies, Marianne Stillings got me on the path to finding my voice (and remains a good friend), and along the way I’ve been helped by many, many authors, including Eloisa James, who gave me a cover blurb for A Singular Lady.
Alyssa: Wylie Kinson poses this scenario: there are only two male models left in the world. Who do you pick for your cover - McDreamy or McSteamy?
Megan: You know, I don’t know because I don’t watch TV that much. I probably seem like a snob, but I’ve been watching Rome on Sunday nights–I know who McDreamy is, but not McSteamy. I’d pick Lucius Vorenus for his hard-assed attitude.
Alyssa: Now, I’d love to hear what you’re working on now.
Megan: I’m in the midst of writing Road To Passion, a Regency-set historical with an opium-addict hero, a Marquess, and an illegitimate vicar’s daughter. She’s of high morals and low-class, while he is the opposite. It’s a marriage of convenience/road romance, and it’s a boatload of fun to write. I hope to be finished with the first draft in a couple of months.
Alyssa: Oh, this story sounds terrific! I hope it’s picked up by a publisher so I can read it.
And finally, share a little about the mystery prize you’re giving to the contest winner.
Megan: Well! It is a movie based on a Barbara Cartland novel called The Lady And The Highwayman, and it is quite possibly the worst movie I’ve ever fast-forwarded through. It stars a young Hugh Grant, who’s got this weird high-pitched voice, and acting as bad as a second-grade pageant. It is a hoot, if just to horrify yourself at how bad it is.
Alyssa: LOL! I may have to see if I can get it through my local library so I can have the pleasure of fast-forwarding through it.
Thanks, Megan, for taking time to answer our questions.
Megan: Thanks for asking the questions, all, and thank you, Alyssa, for hosting the contest!
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