As promised, we are featuring this great new novella collection based on three of Shakespeare’s plays. Today, we’ll talk directly to the authors of the three stories. I have a feeling that you will never think of Shakespeare’s plays in the same way again!
They’re all here, so let’s dive right in.
Jenny: Hello ladies. I’m so glad to get a chance to visit with you. Linda, we’ve known each other for longer than either of us wants to admit. I’ve loved meeting and working with you, Susan, as a fellow Scrivenings Press author. It’s so great to get to visit with you for the first time, Shannon.
This is such an interesting idea for a novella collection. I’m interested to know which play you each based your story on, and why you selected that one.
Susan: The Tempest. I had three reasons for choosing this. First, I could set it on an island, and I enjoy writing about those because they limit the characters and have a dramatic land/seascape. Second, I could place it close to where I grew up in Maine. Third, my son appeared in The Tempest when he was in college, and I thought it would be fun to revisit that play.
Shannon: My novella is inspired by The Merry Wives of Windsor, a play I knew almost nothing about. When I read the plot, it seemed ripe for the small-town hijinks that are so prevalent in my Sweetheart Series. The original storyline is racier in that bawdy way Shakespeare has, so I had to clean it up a little.
Jenny: And yours, Linda?
Linda: Mine was inspired by Much Ado about Nothing. I’d seen the movie with the all-star cast, including Emma Thompson and Denzel Washington. It had a bit of everything—humor, betrayal, a bit of mystery, and, of course, romance. The “enemies to lovers” trope offers so many opportunities.
Jenny: I have to confess I’m not super familiar with any of these. Your stories may just prompt me to take a look at the original plays again. And of course, watch the Denzel Washington movie. I can’t imagine him doing anything I wouldn’t like.
As a follow- up- Do you feel Shakespeare’s work is still relevant today? Is it worth another look?
Linda: He created great characters that most people can relate to. His works address relationship topics that are as current today as they were hundreds of years ago. Plus, many phrases he coined continue to be everyday phrases, such as “good riddance,” “break the ice,” “wild goose chase,” and many more.
Jenny: That is so true. So many things in his plays are part of our language today. Susan?
Susan: Absolutely. Emotions and motivations are the same today as they were in Shakespeare’s time. The clothes and technology are different, but we can still relate to the characters. Right, Shannon?
Shannon: My education would have been sadly lacking without him, but I do wish my high school teachers had chosen at least one of his comedies. They were all about the tragedies. He’s too good at making people laugh. And then he can turn it on a dime and say something poetic and beautiful in the next sentence.
Jenny: Agreed. I loved our study of Macbeth, and of course what teenaged girl is not captivated by Romeo and Juliet, but I don’t remember hearing about the comedies until I was an adult.
So what is one thing about each of your stories that might surprise our readers?
Susan: Hmm, if I tell you here will it still surprise them? (Everyone laughs). Well, I can say there are no creatures like Caliban or fairies like Ariel in my story.
Linda: You want me to reveal a spoiler? I’ll just say that the main characters (who were once engaged but broke up six years before this story begins) discover a connection neither one was aware of.
Jenny: Time out! I’m not wanting spoilers. I guess I was just curious about your stories differ from the Bard’s versions.
Shannon: Perhaps how over-the-top the plot grows. Readers who’ve seen Shakespeare on stage, probably know how silly things can get. But I hope I’ve kept a thread of genuine heart and emotion, even in the most hilarious of situations.
Jenny: Thanks, y’all. In a more serious vein, this collection is all about romance after all. Can you each give us one thing that has happened to you or something you witnessed that impressed you as romantic? Why do you think this memory has stayed with you?
(Contemplative pause)
Shannon: Okay, I’ll start. I remember interviewing an elderly couple who was reminiscing about how they met. One of them said something that has stuck with me all these years later. “I don’t believe in love at first sight. But it happened to me.” Isn’t that what we all hope for? We can laugh at cheesy rom-coms and claim we know it’s all pretend, but don’t we all secretly wish it would happen to us?
Susan: Here’s what I thought about- When we were first married, we lived in Oregon—Jim’s home state—for a year. Then we bought land in Maine—my home state. We set out to drive across the country in a large U-Haul truck full of our things, including a tractor. To me, it felt as though we were pioneers in reverse.
Jenny: What an epic trip. That could have been very romantic, or just the opposite.
Linda: My husband and I were both married before. When I was a single mom going through a divorce, we met at church and became friends. He never asked me out, though, because I was still legally married. On the day my divorce was final, he sent flowers to me at work. We went on our first date that night. That was just over 30 years ago.
Jenny: And the rest is history! Those moments underly everything romantic we write, don’t you agree? So, what’s next for each of you? Should we be watching for a new project, or will you be taking a break?
Susan: I’m working now on the eighth book in my Maine Justice series. I hope it will see daylight soon. I’m also working on a light cozy mystery with one of my daughters.
Jenny: Two books at a time? I guess that’s how you have been so prolific over the years.
Linda: I’m working on another novella for a collection of romantic comedies, which is such a fun genre. The title will be “Pets Amoré,” and each story will revolve around pets. My story (working title “No Butts about It) will be about a woman who runs a goat rescue. A fun fact about me is that my husband and I were once card-carrying members of the National Pygmy Goat Association and were registered breeders. I have SO many goat stories because goats have such great personalities. So, some of the scenes in this story will be inspired by personal experience. It’ll be fun. (The book is scheduled to release in February 2025.)
Jenny: Sounds great! Shannon?
Shannon: I have a high seas romcom coming out May 21st called Love Overboard. This book is near and dear to my heart. I adore my main characters called the Shippers. These are four golden girls who retire on a cruise ship and spend their days matchmaking the young people and catching drug smugglers on the side. I’ve been told it causes snort-laughter (which I take as a huge compliment.)
Jenny: I’m always up for a good snort inducing laugh! As a “golden girl” myself, I can’t wait for this one!
Thanks to all three authors for participating in this interview. I wasn’t sure how three at a time, but I think it went well. I guess as collaborators on a novella collection, you have already learned how to work together.
Thanks also to our readers for spending time with us today. I hope you will take this chance to order Much Ado about Romance. You should have a new perspective on Shakespeare after you grab a copy of this great book.
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