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Boy, do I have a treat for LRP readers! I recently was able to interview Sabrina Jeffries after the RWA Conference. Amidst her busy schedule she was more than kind enough to sit down and respond in depth on the topics broached. Get a cup of tea or coffee sit back and kick up your heels as you read this author interview.
LRP: How did you find yourself writing romance? How did you become an author?
Sabrina: From age 9 on, believe it or not, I read romances, but I only wrote poetry and short stories until grad school. In college I decided I wanted to be a writer, but I thought the best route to that was to go to grad school in English, become a professor so I could have a paying job, and then try to publish stories and poetry. Somehow the academic work took over. Then while I was a visiting assistant professor of English at Tulane University, I sat down to develop a publishable academic work based on my dissertation about James Joyce and found it so boring that I started writing a novel instead. After a while, I realized I was writing a romance novel. It didn’t sell, but the next one did and I’ve been writing ever since. Ironically enough, when I was twelve I told myself that when I grew up, I would write down my romantic fantasies and sell them to people. I guess I knew my destiny deep inside. It just took me a little while to figure it out as an adult!
LRP: What is your favorite type of romance to read? Is it the same as what you write?
Sabrina: For the most part, I do prefer historical romance to any other kind of book, romance or otherwise, and yes, I like sex in the books a lot! I read other things, too, though. I’m not that fond of Westerns or medievals, and I do prefer British or foreign settings, but otherwise I’m not that picky. I also read a little nonfiction, the occasional mystery or science fiction novel, and a lot of suspense, though I don’t get nearly as much time to read as I’d like.
LRP: How do you decide character names?
Sabrina: I have a book (now OOP) called The Oxford Dictionary of English Christian Names. I thumb through that until I find one that appeals to me that is also period-correct.
LRP: What are some challenges in writing romance? Any particular genre of romance more difficult to pull off?
Sabrina: Finding new and different ways to explore relationships is always challenging, too. As for difficult genres, I actually find historicals harder to write, because of having to remember all the period constraints. The other day I caught myself before I could write, “She blindsided him.” Since that started in reference to football in the 60’s, it’s definitely not Regency. J
LRP: What kind of research do you do, if any?
Sabrina: I still have to do research related to everyday life in the period, depending on what will be covered in my book. I research the main events of the year of my setting. I pore over maps of the area and try to find out information about the flora and fauna. I also regularly use a Regency thesaurus. For book-specific stuff, I tap my hundred or so research books and my library of clippings from various sources, as well as Google Books, which is a fabulous resource, because you can find books contemporary to the period. I do most of my research WHILE I’m writing the book. I wait until I need to know something to research it, since I never know when I’m going to need to know something.
LRP: Is there anything you wish you’ve seen in a romance novel — and are you writing it for us?
Sabrina: I can honestly say that I never feel a lack in any of the books I read. If I did, I’d write it. I’m just always pleased when I can be surprised by a book. But do I ever say, “Wow, I wish someone would write about Regency female doctors”? No, not really.
LRP: What advice do you have for others who are interested in writing?
Sabrina: Perseverance is the key. You must keep writing, keep putting your work out there, and keep learning before AND after you get published. Never think you’ve come too far to learn. Even after having written 29 novels, I’m still learning about writing.
LRP: Do you ever get writer’s block? If so, how do you handle it? What do you find difficult, if anything, about writing? And what do you like the best?
Sabrina: I don’t really get writer’s block. I do, however, get stuck on a particular scene or plot or character. When that happens, I try to take some time to relax and just let my thoughts meander. I read another author’s book or watch a movie to get the gearshift unstuck, so to speak. I’m also quite fond of hot showers, long walks, and jigsaw puzzles as ways to lull my conscious mind into letting my subconscious come up with answers I need. And if I’m REALLY desperate, I call my critique partners and bounce ideas off of them until I find a solution.
What I find most difficult about writing is trying to make it interesting time after time. Also, it’s hard to follow your own vision without imposing it on the characters. They become their own people in the course of the novel (if you’re any good, that is), and you have to respect that without letting them take over the book. You have to strike a balance, and that isn’t easy.
LRP: Was it difficult to get published? How did you find your agent? What’s the strategy behind the use of plural author names?
Sabrina: Yes, but not as hard as it is these days. In one respect I got lucky—I happened to join an RWA chapter that had as a member an agent just starting out in her career. That was especially lucky since all the agents I’d queried weren’t interested. I’m still with Pam Ahearn of The Ahearn Agency after nearly 20 years.
But even after landing an agent, I had 10 rejections on the first book she represented (the second book I’d written) before Leisure bought it. Over the years, I’ve received a number of rejections for a number of my books. Pirate Lord was rejected by five publishers, and that was after I’d already had 11 books published as Deborah Martin and Deborah Nicholas! I sold the 12th book I wrote, and then my publisher at the time gave it back to me—it’s still unpublished, mostly because it needs work and I don’t have time for it.
About the pseudonym thing, I wrote as Deborah Martin and Deborah Nicholas because my respective publishers didn’t want my growing career at one publishing house to be affected adversely by my numbers at the other house, and since I was an unknown author at the time, they weren’t taking any chances, so they insisted on my having two different pseudonyms. Then when I decided to write a completely different kind of historical, my new publisher wanted me to take a new name to reflect the new style and voice. By that point, I was an experienced writer, and I realized that I’d be better off choosing something catchy rather than something close to my real name.
Incidentally, that would be my advice to any new genre author—if you have a catchy real name, use it. If you don’t, choose something interesting and unique as a pseudonym because your name is part of the marketing package. And unfortunately, marketing is everything in today’s publishing world. Taking a pseudonym the third time around was the best thing that ever happened to me—but I did lose most of my old readers because they couldn’t find me. Sometimes, however, booksellers are more eager to take a chance on a debut author than an established one with lackluster sales, so you have to weigh whether to take a pseudonym in terms of marketing.
LRP: Do you work on deadlines now? How long does it usually take you to write a book? Have you written a book that seemed to write itself or a book that you had to drag out kicking and screaming?
Sabrina: Yes, I still work on deadlines. The shortest time I’ve ever written a book in is 4 and a half months (Night Vision). The longest is about 9 months, but I always aim for 6. Right now, I’m writing the book that is seeming to write itself, but I think that it’s because I know Charlotte and Cousin Michael so well that they’re just writing the book for me. To Pleasure a Prince was also easier to write, as was Beware a Scot’s Revenge, but NONE of them are easy. The hardest one was probably Let Sleeping Rogues Lie. I had a lot of issues to deal with and juggling them all was difficult.
LRP: What about bedroom scenes? What makes a good one?
Sabrina: Good ones are those that are so inextricably entwined with the story and the characters that they compel the reader to read them. It’s the people and their concerns that make love scenes interesting. Plus, I tap into every fantasy I’ve ever had. Fortunately, I’ve always had an active fantasy life where sex is concerned, and I haven’t even come NEAR to touching on all my fantasies.
Although honestly, I could spend hours on this subject. I do a whole workshop on it.
LRP: How do you define love?
Sabrina: Geez, you don’t ask the easy questions, do you? I couldn’t begin to define love. I just know what it is when I feel it. Plus, there are so many different kinds, aren’t there?
LRP: What do you hope your readers will gain from your books?
Sabrina: Joy and a release from the everyday troubles of life. I write to entertain, and if I succeed at that, then I feel I’ve done my job.
LRP: What do you do to relax and get away from writing? Is there something that really gets you away from it all?
Sabrina: I enjoy making jewelry, gourmet cooking, and reading (of course), but I also like to watch movies and listen to CDs a lot. I’m addicted to spider solitaire, so I have to watch how much I play it. And nothing relaxes me more than a good jigsaw puzzle, believe it or not. My idea of heaven is being able to do nothing but puzzles for a couple of days.
LRP: Could you provide a picture of your workspace? We’d love to see how and where you write!
Sabrina: This one is where I do the actual writing (it also doubles as a guest bedroom). I don’t have a nice bright window like this anywhere else upstairs, and I prefer to look out a window while I write, so this was the only option:
BUT, my official office is what the former owners used as a bonus room (across the hall from this room). Since my dh has knee trouble, he doesn’t climb the stairs, so we can’t use that room as a bonus room, which is why I took it for my office. It’s FABULOUS. It’s just too dark for me to stand to write in. But I’m doing this at it right now. I do all my business stuff in it, plus some reading. I took 3 pics of IT.
The first pic is of the part of the room (there when we bought it) that has a “stage.” Apparently, the former owners had 3 teens who played in a band. My desk now sits on the stage in front of the built-in bookshelves.
Here’s the rest of the office, the part not on the “stage.” I know, most people would kill for an office this big. I love it. Just can’t write my books in it. *G*
And…
LRP: Oh! How wonderful! Thanks for sharing your space with us. What are your hopes for the future?
Sabrina: I just hope to be able to keep writing books for years to come!
LRP: Is there anything else you’d like to share with us? When can we expect your next book?
Sabrina: A reissue of my first Sabrina Jeffries book, The Pirate Lord, will be released August 26, 2008. Then, on October 28, 2008, comes Snowy Night with a Stranger, a Christmas-themed anthology with stories by Jane Feather, Julia London, and me. The heroine of my story is Elinor Bancroft from Let Sleeping Rogues Lie. Then, in July 2009, will come the fifth novel of the series, about Lucy Seton from Let Sleeping Rogues Lie. It will be followed by Charlotte and Cousin Michael’s romance in August 2009. No titles for these yet, but all will be revealed in that final book, so keep an eye out for both books in the summer of 2009!
LRP: Thanks so much for answering all these questions Sabrina! Good luck and many happy sales!
Got a burning question to ask Sabrina? Leave a comment!
Highlander romance is a subgenre of historical romance. Not to be confused with the show, highlander romance is all about those sexy warrior men. The setting for these romances usually takes place in Scotland or Wales. You may be familiar with the 2008 movie Made of Honor; it was a movie that pitted the typical Highlander, Scottish, hero against a trust fund city slicker. An exemplary novel of this genre is Julie Garwood’s The Bride. Overall, Highlander romances are as formula based as any other genre in romance or fiction.
What are the Clans/Tribes involved in Highlander romance?
I am sure there are more, and if you know of them inform me and I’ll flush out this section!
Celtics
Saxons
Scottish
Welsh
Highlanders
Lowlanders
The lore behind Highlander Romance:
Most Highlander romances will use a Romeo and Juliet theme where the clan/tribe/family rivalry and hatred separate the two lovebirds. They will either fall in love in spite of the mutual dislike or be forced into it by another typical plot line such as the girl’s family being indebted to the hero or his family. The debt will be settled by marriage and unwilling or not family honor must be upheld. Luckily for the main leads, they end up liking each other.
There are also plenty of curses and cursed heroes and heroines alike in Highlander romance. A cursed hero will be destined to lose his love or perhaps has already lost his love and finds a new one. He might be cursed to never find love, get married, bear children, etc. The heroines could face similar curses.
Highlander romance also includes a lot of vendettas and bride stealing.
If you would like to add to this section or review a Highlander romance please contact me!
Originally posted 2008-07-09 21:12:11. Republished by Old Post Promoter
What is regency romance and how does it differ from historical romance?
You may well recognize Jane Austen as a regency romance writer. She is best known for works such as Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility.
So what makes a regency romance?
Well if you look at Pride and Prejudice you can see quite clearly the basic setup of a regency romance. Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy and Miss Elizabeth Bennet stir the hearts of readers as they bicker and dance around each other, but a key element to the novel is that their romance is not the only one. Miss Jane Bennet and Mr. Charles Bingley also fall in love in this classic tale, though perhaps with fewer hindrances on the characters’ part.
To break it down:
Regency romance is based in the early 19th century and will normally revolve around a comedy of manners. The romances are very chaste and do not include conversations about sex between the main characters. In several cases, there will be a side romance to the main one.
The monarchs you will find in regency romances are George IV and William IV. Some novels may be included in this genre, even if George III is ruling, though technically speaking he is not part of this era. George III is before the regency era. The period starts when he was declared insane by the Parliament Regency Act and his son was placed on the throne as acting king. The regency (and post-regency) period ends prior to Queen Victoria’s reign.
Time Frame: 1810-1820, generally speaking.
Historical Romance on the other hand is considered to be everything prior to WWI in history. Contemporary attitudes usually color the writing enabling the female lead to be more educated, witty, or relatable. There are many sub genres to this type of romance including but not limited to pirate, colonial United States, and western.
In conclusion, regency romance is included in theme of historical romance as a separate genre.
Originally posted 2008-06-11 05:27:41. Republished by Old Post Promoter
In the comments I explored what I thought made the difference between a sexy romance and an erotica romance and then I thought it deserved to be explored some more.
I agree with Evangeline that the lines are blurring but will the line ever disappear? My guess is not anytime soon.
How are sexy romance and erotica romance the same or merging?
Both types of romances can have vanilla or kinky sex. It can be explicit and it can be blush inducing… it can turn you on and rev you up. Yummy.
How are they different?
As I said it’s not so much anymore that the sex is there and is explicitly described; both types of romance write it and write it well. The main difference that I see is language. The diction between sexy romance and erotic romance are two very different types of words.
Sexy romance still uses in many cases the tame terminology romance has used since the beginning. I say tame because it’s many times wrapped in euphemisms. It’s still polite.
Examples: cock, center, sheath, thrusting, pumping, bundle of nerves.
Erotica romance takes the words people use today and waves it like a banner. It’s not your mother’s romance in other words… pardon the pun. Modern/urban colloquial terms are the cornerstones of erotica.
Examples: cock (hey it’s versatile!), dick (even though old romances used it, it’s not used now in sexy romance [or if it is I haven’t seen it]), cunt, pussy, twat, fucking.
Wrapping up:
They are also different because erotica romance also has a history of ménage a trios/multiple partner sex. Same sex stories currently fall under erotica. Do I expect this to change? Yes and no. I expect the forbidden aspect will fall to the wayside and some sexy romances will start incorporating multiple partners/same sex. However, I doubt sexy romance which is firmly entrenched in romancelandia will ever buy into more than one soul mate at a time as romance’s cornerstone is the perfect match, the happily ever after.
How about you? Do you think the lines are blurring or have blurred all they’re going to blur?
It’s a tough job but somebody had to do it! This is part two of five for the Top 50 Romance Blog list. Big names and small names and all in between compose the list. Be sure to leave a comment and direct me to any blogs you think I may have missed!
Dear Author- Romance Novel Reviews, Industry News, and Commentary.
Desert Island Keepers- The island where women can go to escape their everyday lives. Where their favorite books are waiting and the heroes are naked… (or at least they are in our huts~)
Erotic Horizon- Books that make you think and books that are heavy on the erotic and big on alpha males and feisty heroines.
Fierce Romance- Group author blog sharing a few thoughts, ideas, inspirations, motivations, and more on romance.
Harlequin’s Paranormal Romance Blog- Harlequin on their many paranormal books, authors, and imprints and any books that fall into the paranormal romance genre!
I Heart Presents- A team of fans of Harlequin Presents, many of whom also happen to work at Harlequin.
Jane Austen Today- This blog explores Jane Austen as we see her today in movies, print, sequels, web sites, and other modern day media.
This is the sequel to part one. We will discuss two more tips to help with creating a smashing sex scene. It doesn’t end here though. There are hundreds of tips for writing sex, and writing for that matter. If you have one leave a comment or submit it as an article.
3. Dialogue.
Talking is foreplay. This goes back to the five senses bit in tip two. Keep the dialogue in the first half of the sex scene and gradually weed it out to focus on sensations of touching and feeling.
You can still focus on sound, but you’ll be writing about it differently. Sighs and whispers will become more prominent. Just keep the manly husky groans and feminine sobs of delight to a minimum otherwise they’ll sound like barn animals.
When you write dialogue for your sex scene keep the leads in character. How would they approach sex? Think about it? Talk about it? Not sure?
I bet they don’t speak in pornographic phrases like, “Oh baby, suck it, suck it deep….urrgnnnga.” Of course they might, but you wouldn’t find that turn of phrase in a historical. Speaking of which, unless you’re writing a historical romance I’m also sure the heroine won’t exclaim in maidenly fright that the size of his manroot will split her in two or not fit.
Conclusion: Approach dialogue with a little common sense and you’ll end up with great authenticity.
4. Foreplay and Gratification.
Foreplay is an absolute must in any sex scene. Very few women are ready for sex the minute the man releases his raging tumescence. I think the only character I can name that’s ready for hardcore sex at a moment’s notice is Anita Blake… and she has some metaphysical sexual power that makes it possible by preparing her body.
Foreplay is important for first times and one-hundredth times. Many romance novels focus on the first time between couples. It is all about desire and exploration. Tease readers with the reveal. Think of this part of the sex scene as a striptease. We know the eventual conclusion but how you do it can be very unique and exciting.
The gratification part of the encounter is from the point the hero first enters the heroine to the end when they climax. Oh pardon, too clinical, how about to when they explode past the point of decency and land in the stars above… no wait that sounds silly. For all the thrusting, plunging, rutting, and pumping going on remember that describing the release of your characters should be gratifying. He brought her to orgasm is okay, but you can do better.
Conclusion: Build the tension and then let loose, just like you would in real life.
I was really excited by the prospect of indulging in a little Native American historical romance, but the anticipation was not matched by the experience. I want the hours I spent reading this book back. It wasn’t completely atrocious it was just so entirely lacking in depth. I felt nothing for either character; their falling in love was too quick, followed by too much drama afterward to drag out the novel. I’ve never said this about a romance novel before, but there was way too much sex, which if I was emotionally involved with the characters or if it was written well I might have enjoyed thoroughly.
David hates being poor. Not hate-hate where he’s entirely possessed by the fact, but hating poverty enough to try to control who his sister marries. He wants her to live a better life and he knows just who to marry her to too. However Christa is not inclined toward the overweight, heavily perspiring, and twice her age wealthy man. Instead she is attracted to an Indian brave called Tall Cloud (who as this usually turns out is the Indian chief of the Suquamish tribe). They fall in love quickly and consummate their love for each other. But just because they love each other and know it does not mean the rest of the world will accept. It is one obstacle after another from kidnapping, raped younger sisters, enemy tribe attacks, death, fires, and stubborn brothers. It’s a wonder they have time at all for lovemaking, really.
Rating: 2 Stars
PS. The model on this cover is gorgeous. I think all men should grow their hair out and wear headbands with feathers on them… whew… fans face.
Last night was the last chance to enter the DIY Highlander Cover Contest and this morning and all day is set aside for voting. You vote by leaving a comment on the entry you like the best for both cover and background. We have two great entries by two great artists.
Sasha presents Laird of the Manor, a contemporary romance with a historical background centered around mock battles.
Zarabeth presents The Highlander’s Heir, a historical romance featuring a feisty plump heroine and a hero with a mission.
Also take a moment to think about the next DIY cover. What would you be interested in see next? We’ve had Pirates and Highlanders, perhaps we need Vikings or werewolves? Maybe corporate bosses and their secretary mistresses? Leave a suggestion!
Virginity in a contemporary novel is particularly frowned on as being unrealistic. Speaking as a virgin in this modern society, I am proof we do exist.
Why is it considered practically a sin to mention you are a virgin? I have even been told not to be proud of my status as one. Why are women and men being so judgmental on those that choose to stay chaste? Why is waiting for the right partner or waiting for marriage deemed inappropriate?
Being a virgin is as natural a state to be in as is the opposite. Experienced or inexperienced should make no difference to the right people. Intimacy is not found only in the bedroom. It’s built out of little moments, secret moments between one soul and another.
I choose to wait because I value it. I do see it as a sign of love to wait for the right man. Call me a hopeless romantic, I don’t care, I’ll be the first to admit it. Others value their virginity for religious or cultural reasons. I know of men who wait for the right woman, and while virgin males in real life are rarer than male virgin leads in romance, they are out there. They do appeal and they won’t always be the nice guy who finishes last.
A woman can be sensual and kind and loving without having given it up. The same for a man. Virginity does not automatically equal to being frigid or a prude. Opposed to heroes and heroines of historical romance, contemporary leads and real life virgins are vastly more knowledgeable… after all there’s any number of books, videos, courses, etc. on human sexuality.
Some say that staying a virgin (representing optimism/idealism) is to be on the opposite extreme as a man-hating woman (representing pessimism/cynicism) and that both are just as bad. Based on that I must wonder then if the middle ground, being a realist, is the only type of person to be interested in? I very much doubt that.
Virgin or not, I just don’t see the point in getting emotionally entangled with someone just to stay in the game. Does that mean I think less of those that want to be actively in the game or that my bar for a man is unbearably high and impossible to reach? I don’t think so… all women/men are different, we all have different opinions on relationships and want different things for ourselves. I feel a relationship should be built on mutual attraction and compatibility. Good chemistry in both aspects is easy to spot before you get to the bedroom. If it’s not there why start something that will ultimately fail? Or as a pushy partner might say, lead them on?
I know what I need in a man: sexual appeal, compatibility, and stability. In addition to those needs I would like several other things in a man and yet understand that what I want I may not get. Would I mind if he was a wealthy, charismatic, world trotter that was impossibly arrogant with a tender side devoted just to me? Not at all, but I’m not holding my breath on the chance that I’ll score the next (Harlequin) billionaire.
As a virgin with limited relationships, I don’t feel that I lack the life experiences necessary to spot a prince. Frogs and toads can be avoided without having to kiss them first. Princes can be missed while being distracted by frogs. Ultimately, what I most hear as a virgin on ‘game’ advice is this: if you’re not shopping around how will you know what fits and doesn’t fit? Shouldn’t you at least check him out in the changing rooms? The answer I have for that is my gut reaction, inner instinct, or women’s intuition. Call it what you will.
I’m tired of being thought of as every parents’ dream, many an experienced woman’s object of scorn or pity, and every man’s worst nightmare. Virginity has merit; it’s time society remembered that.
As you probably know, Meg Cabot is the author of the Princess Diaries series. This set of books was made popular by two movies, The Princess Diaries and The Princess Diaries 2 - Royal Engagement, starring the beautiful and lively Anne Hathaway as Mia Thermopolis. This modern fairy tale is at an end with the release of the last book, Volume X: Forever Princess, in Mia’s high school career. Cabot adds, “I really didn’t plan anything beyond when she was 18.”
Just how young was Mia at the start of Princess Diaries? She was 14. At the tender age boys, teenage hormones, friends, and high school should have been all Mia had to cope with. But instead of leading a normal teenage girl life, Mia finds out that her worries and stresses increase with the added pressure of being a princess to a small country known as Genovia.
Fun Fact: In the last novel Princess Mia authors a historical romance novel as her final project. Entitled, Ransom My Heart by the Princess of Genovia Mia Thermopolis, was written with help from Meg Cabot and is available for purchase as well. Proceeds of this novel go to Greenpeace. The plot is about a young woman, Finn, who wishes to help her pregnant sister become financially well off, as the true father has run off. The plan is to abduct a wealthy gentleman and hold him for ransom. Set in England 1291.
Cabot’s final thoughts: “It’s a lot harder than I thought it would be to say goodbye… and maybe someday you’ll be hearing about Princess Diaries: The College Years.”
That’s right cash! You could win $100 Amazon prize money and one of 10 copies of Flat Out Sexy by Erin McCarthy. The loot as they say is up for grabs. This contest is sponsored by Sarah from Smart Bitches, Jane from Dear Author, Berkeley, and Erin McCarthy.
So how do you enter?
Sarah and Jane have posts up about their contest simply comment in their posts and you’ll be entered. Make sure to comment in both for two chances to win.
To win the $100 Amazon Gift certificate you will have to spread the word and post the widget or banner somewhere.
That said I’m all up for the prize money and the book have commented and now spread the word on contemporary romance! Think of all the books one could buy with the gift card! Swoon.
Why contemporary?
Contemporary romance is a tough genre right now. It’s become diluted with paranormal to keep it afloat as more and more readers want something else. Partly I think this is because readers want escape from their daily stresses and problems and contemporary has a hard time doing this as it is all about the current daily stresses, situations, and problems of life. That isn’t to say reading historical or some other romantic sub-genre won’t cause you to relive situations that parallel normal life. Historical romance is known to support female characters that act remarkably like contemporary women.
Why Flat Out Sexy?
Because Jane and Sarah both love it! It’s a NASCAR novel, which might be a deterrent for some, but with the double promotion and sponsorship I can pretty much guarantee this is a book worth reading. Briefly summarized, Flat Out Sexy involves a single widowed mother and a younger man. There’s also a bit of a Romeo and Juliet blood feud in the background that started with their fathers. Sarah has a bit to say on this so check our her review.
What are you waiting for? Go out and get your racing stripes! Good luck!
. 
This post is in response to 
(releases in May 2009).
Virginity in a contemporary novel is particularly frowned on as being unrealistic. Speaking as a virgin in this modern society, I am proof we do exist.
As you probably know, Meg Cabot is the author of the Princess Diaries series. This set of books was made popular by two movies, 
and 
, starring the beautiful and lively Anne Hathaway as Mia Thermopolis. This modern fairy tale is at an end with the release of the last book, 
, in Mia’s high school career. Cabot adds, “I really didn’t plan anything beyond when she was 18.”
by the Princess of Genovia Mia Thermopolis, was written with help from Meg Cabot and is available for purchase as well. Proceeds of this novel go to Greenpeace. The plot is about a young woman, Finn, who wishes to help her pregnant sister become financially well off, as the true father has run off. The plan is to abduct a wealthy gentleman and hold him for ransom. Set in England 1291.
