Heather’s Bookshelf: Author Interview with Gini Grossenbacher
Book Title: Madam in Lace
Released: 11/29/21
Genre: Historical Fiction
Interview by Heather L. Barksdale
What inspired you to write “Madam in Lace”?
Grossenbacher: In my first novel, Madam of My Heart, my French brothel worker, Celeste, desires to find her mother in France after her aunt sends her to New Orleans at her mother’s request. I fell in love with the character Celeste, as sometimes happens in my novels, so I wanted to dedicate an entire story to her search for her mother in Paris and northern France. I also discovered that there had been a plot to assassinate Emperor Napoleon III at the same time, so I wove her search together with the fictional band of revolutionaries who befriend Celeste and offer her aid in return for her spying for them.
How did you come up with the names of your main characters?
Grossenbacher: I looked up French names from the 19th century and Italian ones, too. I also used the actual names of some characters since they were in the historical record. Names are important since they convey the character’s personality.
Is there anything that you want readers to know about you, your writing process or your book?
Grossenbacher: Since I was little, I‘ve looked at the places around me and wondered what came before. What did the people wear? What did they eat? How did they talk? I love going to the historical settings where my books take place and getting a feel for the culture: food, art, people, and language. I visited the French locations mentioned in the novel and included many observations in the descriptions. I love France and its people and wanted to convey that through the story of the woman’s struggle.
If "Madam in Lace" was adapted into a movie, who would you like to see cast to play your lead characters?
Grossenbacher: I would choose British actress Lily James to play Celeste. Lily played the role of Lady Rose Aldrige in Downton Abbey. She has the strong personality required to sustain the prostitute-spy-daughter role. American actor Jamie Dornan has the actor’s passion for playing Carlo di Rudio, and Seth Rogen would make an ideal rough-spoken Odéon.
When you encounter writer’s block, what do you do to break yourself out of it?
Grossenbacher: I like to take walks, work out at the gym, go to lunch with friends, and clean the house. Sometimes when I’m struggling with a scene, the best thing to do is take a rest from it. I can’t force the process. Invariably when I return, the writing flows better, and the muse has more energy.
Are there any tips that you would like to share with other aspiring authors?
Grossenbacher: Since writing involves lots of solitude, surround yourself with the community of other authors. Share ideas with them; have them critique your work; invite them to read-ins at your house; publicize their successes along with your own. Slowly you will build strength, and people will know you.
What is your favorite genre, book, and/or author?
Grossenbacher: I read widely across the genres, fiction, and non-fiction. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr, The Hotel at the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford. Anything by Amy Tan and Barbara Kingsolver. Right now, I’m immersed in David Grann’s non-fiction historical, The Wager.
What are you working on next?
Grossenbacher: I’m drafting a new historical novel series entitled “Artistic Women.” The first novel features a young, orphaned woman, a glassblower’s daughter from Venice who comes to San Francisco in 1868. The story of artistry, adventure, and romance will go to my editor this fall. The title is still in process. I’ll be keeping you updated on my Facebook author page.
Learn More About the Author and Madam in Lace:
https://www.ginigrossenbacher.com/
Interested in checking out the book for yourself?
Find it for purchase here or Kindle Unlimited
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