married to her own tall, dark and very patient hero for over twenty years, and has six children.
She began to read Mills & Boon® books as a teenager and, throughout the years of being a stay-
at-home mum to her brood, found romantic fiction helped her to stay sane! She enjoys reading
and writing about strong-willed, feisty women, and even stronger-willed sexy heroes. Chantelle
is at her happiest when writing. She is particularly inspired while cooking dinner, which
unfortunately results in a lot of culinary disasters! She also loves gardening, walking, and eating
chocolate (followed by more walking!). Catch up with Chantelle’s latest news on her website,
www.chantelleshaw.com.
Read on for our exclusive interview with
Chantelle Shaw!
We chatted to Chantelle Shaw about the world of THE ROYAL HOUSE OF KAREDES. Here
are her insights!
would you prefer to live on Aristo orcalista? what appeals to you most abouteither island?
I think I would prefer to live on Aristo – known as the jewel in the Mediterranean – because it
has stunning scenery, fabulous beaches and fantastic shopping and nightlife. Who wouldn’t want
to live in a millionaire’s paradise! But the wildness and beauty of the desert on Calista appeals to my romantic nature.
what did you enjoy about writing aboutThe Royal House of Karedes?
I liked the fact that the stories and characters in the Royal House of Karedes are all interwoven,
and yet at the same time I was given the opportunity to make the storyline I was given my own.
The locations and the fact that the stories were set around a royal dynasty meant lots of Presents
glamour which was great fun to write!
How did you find writing as part of acontinuity?
It was the first time I have written a continuity book, and rather daunting when some of the other
authors are so much more experienced than me. But it was a great honour, and I enjoyed taking
part. I can’t wait to read all the other books in the series.
when you are writing, what is yourtypical day?
On a typical day I write from 9.30am until 3.00pm while my children are at school. In the
evening, after sorting out dinner, homework and after-school clubs, I often write for another hour
or so, and I try to snatch some time at weekends, especially as my story develops and I want to
know what will happen next.
where do you get your inspiration for thecharacters that you write?
Inspiration for my characters is difficult to explain. They usually just come into my head and I
know exactly what they look like – hair colour etc, and usually they arrive with a name, but
sometimes I look through a name book and one will jump out that I know instinctively is right
for my character. I think about the character’s background right back to childhood and I make
loads of notes that I don’t often use in the book but help me to really know the person I am
writing about. I also spend quite a lot of time thinking and researching the character’s job,
interests and talents.
what did you like most about your heroand heroine in this continuity?
I liked my heroine, Kitty, because she seemed a very real person, and like many of us she was
insecure about her body and how she looked. Her lack of confidence made being in the public
eye an ordeal for her, but despite her shyness she forced herself to carry out her royal duties. Her gentle demeanour hid a strong will and she also had a deeply compassionate nature. My hero,
Nikos, seemed like a ruthless businessman and a playboy, but underneath his vulnerability made
me like him. He had developed a tough shell because he had been hurt by so many things in his
past. Not knowing the identity of his father troubled him and made him feel as if he was only
half a person – and later he had been devastated when he was cruelly betrayed by his first wife
who he had loved.
what would be the best – and worst –things about being part of a royal dynasty?#p#分页标题#e#
The best thing about being part of a royal dynasty would be the glamorous lifestyle and the
opportunities for travel. The worst would be constantly being in the public eye with your every
move scrutinised by the media (Prince William and Kate Middleton spring to mind).
Are diamonds really a girl’s best friend?
Are diamonds a girl’s best friend? Well – I have been married to my lovely husband for twenty-
six years – and I’ve never owned a diamond. When we got engaged all those years ago he
couldn’t afford an expensive engagement ring. Something sparkly would be nice – but he is
definitely my best friend, and for me love is more important than “things”.