Welcome to today’s tour stop with Mimi Matthews for her latest book, The Siren of Sussex.
Before we get to the interview, read a little bit about this book:
Victorian high society’s most daring equestrienne finds love and an unexpected ally in her fight for independence in the strong arms of London’s most sought after and devastatingly handsome half-Indian tailor.
Evelyn Maltravers understands exactly how little she’s worth on the marriage mart. As an incurable bluestocking from a family tumbling swiftly toward ruin, she knows she’ll never make a match in a ballroom. Her only hope is to distinguish herself by making the biggest splash in the one sphere she excels: on horseback. In haute couture. But to truly capture London’s attention she’ll need a habit-maker who’s not afraid to take risks with his designs—and with his heart.
Half-Indian tailor Ahmad Malik has always had a talent for making women beautiful, inching his way toward recognition by designing riding habits for Rotten Row’s infamous Pretty Horsebreakers—but no one compares to Evelyn. Her unbridled spirit enchants him, awakening a depth of feeling he never thought possible.
But pushing boundaries comes at a cost and not everyone is pleased to welcome Evelyn and Ahmad into fashionable society. With obstacles spanning between them, the indomitable pair must decide which hurdles they can jump and what matters most: making their mark or following their hearts?
I just love these kinds of stories about couples kept apart by social expectation and how they can overcome them.
Please welcome Mimi Matthews:
What has your writing journey been like? When and how did you start writing and what keeps you going?
I started writing very young, finishing my first manuscript at thirteen and signing with my first agent at eighteen. After that, my writing career was on hold while I finished college and law school, worked, and traveled a bit. It wasn’t until I suffered a serious neck injury that I returned to writing fiction. I love researching and writing about nineteenth century history. It’s a passion for me as much as it is a job.
How has self-publishing prepared you for publishing with a traditional publisher? How are these journeys similar and different?
I was traditionally published first, for my nonfiction history books. I think that’s part of the reason I had confidence to give the indie world a try. I had received an offer for my novel The Lost Letter from a smaller publisher, but ultimately decided to put it out myself. It was one of the best decisions I ever made.
The biggest difference between traditional and indie publishing is the level of control the author has over what happens to their manuscript. As for similarities, it really depends how you approach the indie publishing journey. I tend to follow a traditional publishing model, so it actually feels quite similar to me.
You’ve written historical fiction, what is your favorite time period to write about and why?
The Victorian era is my favorite time period. It was an era of enormous change. I love delving deeper into how people responded to those changes.
Your latest novel, The Siren of Sussex, has a very independent woman in the lead during a time period where women weren’t too much in control of their own lives. Why is it important to shed light on these independent women? How hard was it to keep modern sensibilities in check while writing a woman’s story during the Victorian age?
I love to write female characters who don’t fit the stereotypical Victorian mold—women who are independent minded, who think about bigger issues like race and class, and who manage to carve out unique niches for themselves in a society that exerted unrelenting pressure to conform.
Modern sensibilities don’t even come into because women like this actually existed in the Victorian era.
Tell us a little bit about the Siren’s main love interest, Ahmad Malik, and what some of the obstacles are facing this pair.
Ahmad Malik is a brilliant tailor who dreams of becoming a society dressmaker. Born of a Muslim Indian mother and an English father, he’s spent most of his life as an outsider.
When he meets Evelyn Maltravers, he sees a way to improve both their fortunes. He doesn’t anticipate falling in love with her. To make a success of his work—and his burgeoning romance with Evelyn—Ahmad must face the prejudice of some members of fashionable society; He must also overcome his personal qualms about becoming involved with a lady of a different race and class.
Lastly, if you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring writer, what would it be?
Write what you love. You won’t stick with it otherwise.
Thank you, Mimi, for agreeing to the interview.
It’s wonderful to know that forward-thinking women have not been lost to history and that we can shed light on them through fictional characters.
About the Author:
USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning proper Victorian romances. Her novels have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, and Kirkus, and her articles have been featured on the Victorian Web, the Journal of Victorian Culture, and in syndication at BUST Magazine. In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes a retired Andalusian dressage horse, a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats. Follow her on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, BookBub, and GoodReads.
GIVEAWAY: Jan. 4, 2022 to Feb. 7, 2022
Terms & Conditions:
Giveaway hosted by Mimi Matthews. No Purchase Necessary. Entrants must be 18 years or older. Open to U.S. residents only. Void where prohibited.
The Giveaway Package: ENTER HERE
1 winner (selected at random by Rafflecopter) receives the following:
- Signed print copy of The Siren of Sussex
- Horse scarf
- Pewter sidesaddle brooch (made in Sussex, England!)
- The Siren of Sussex tote bag
- Three candles in scents: Fresh Hay, New Saddle, and Winter Ride
- Box of Ahmad Tea (60 count, assorted flavors)
- The Siren of Sussex bookmark
The winner will be announced on Mimi’s blog at 8:00 pm Pacific time on Feb. 8, 2022.
Thank you for the post and and look into the story. Looking forward to reading this new stroy from Ms Matthewa
Thank you for sharing the interview, Serena. Mimi is a talented writer and I have enjoyed several of her books. It is always interesting to learn more about their writing process and insights to their latest work. I am looking forward to the next book in the series, The Belle of Belgrave Square.
Thanks, Laurel Ann, for having me on the tour.