32 Comments
Leave a Comment
Share:
The Jaunty Quills are excited to welcome New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Sophie Jordan back again. Her newest release is Lessons From a Scandalous Bride, which went on sale yesterday.
Keep reading to find out how to win your copy of Lessons From a Scandalous Bride.
Shana: Welcome back! Tell us about Lessons From a Scandalous Bride. Didn’t I have something to do with the inception of this book?
Sophie Jordan: YES! I owe it to you, Shana! I actually came up with the idea for the FORGOTTEN PRINCESSES series when, several years ago, you gave my daughter a book of fairy tales from around the world (thank you a thousand times!). This book contains a fairy tale from China called The Beggar Princess. In the story, The Beggar King is super wealthy but lacks position/title. He wants his daughter to marry “well” … so he “buys” her a well-bred husband. This groom wants the bridal settlement but isn’t thrilled about being married to the beggar princess. Okay. Are you ready for this? He actually throws her over the side of their wedding barge into the river on their wedding night! I remember being so stunned and horrified as I read this to my daughter.
Clearly, the story stuck with me, and I came up with the idea for the Forgotten Princesses series – illegitimate daughters of the “King of the London Underworld”. Their father wants good matches for his daughters. Only the daughters aren’t the most malleable pawns to his ambitions. Cleo, in Lessons From A Scandalous Bride, is one of those daughters. She agrees to marry someone well-bred and focuses her energies on a very old, decrepit earl – she has her reasons! But then his young, virile, sexy Scotsman comes along to shake up her world, thwarting her plans and tempting her.
Shana: This is the second book in your Forgotten Princesses series. What if readers haven’t yet picked up Wicked in Your Arms? Can they still enjoy Lessons From a Scandalous Bride? And how many books are planned in the series?
Sophie Jordan: Absolutely! You can dive in at any time. The books are stand-alone, although you might prefer to read Wicked in Your Arms first. Actually, the first Forgotten Princess sister is Marguerite, and her book is Wicked Nights With A Lover. There are a total of four sisters. Cleo is the third.
There’s one more Forgotten Princesses book after Lessons From A Scandalous Bride. It’s Annalise’s book – no title yet. The exciting thing about Annalise’s book is that her story will be my actual retelling of The Beggar Princess …yes, that means she will be thrown over the side of the wedding barge by her husband on her wedding night! Obviously, the hero is not the man she married but someone else. I’ve waited so long to tell this story! I can’t wait.
Shana: You also write paranormals as Sharie Kohler and Young Adult novels as Sophie Jordan. How do you manage to juggle all those books and genres?
Sophie Jordan: I just try to tackle it one deadline at a time. I’m on a three book a year schedule. It can be overwhelming during the summer when my kids are home from school, but I’m pretty used to this schedule by now. It also helps to have a supportive spouse that understands my work load/schedule.
Shana: I’ve known you for years, but our readers may not be aware that you have two precocious offspring and an assistant—I mean, husband. How do you manage to find time to write with a busy family life?
Sophie Jordan: My husband started helping me when it became clear I needed an assistant. It has definitely freed me to write more. I think my writing style has adapted to having children underfoot. I don’t need silence or solitude to write. I write when I can … in snatches during the day, and then an hour or two at night when everyone is asleep. Of course, when the kids are in school, I can get a lot more done. Weekends I almost always discount and give to the family. If I write on weekends, it’s almost only at night.
Shana: Finally, tell us what you have coming next.
Sophie Jordan: Next up is the release of HIDDEN, the last book in my young adult Firelight trilogy. If you like the romance in my adult novels, there’s still plenty of romance and adventure in my YA. I also just finished the first draft of my next young adult novel, Uninvited. Here’s a peek at that:
The first in a two-book series pitched as The Scarlet Letter meets Minority Report; in which a teen’s perfect world unravels when mandatory genetic profiling reveals she’s a carrier for HTS (Homicidal Tendency Syndrome), otherwise known as the “kill gene” and she’s forced to question herself, her world, and her love.
And now that I’ve completed the draft of Uninvited, I’ve started the final Forgotten Princesses book – yay!
Readers, now it’s your turn. What’s one lesson you think any bride should know? One reader who comments will be randomly chosen to win copies of Lessons From a Scandalous Bride. The winner will be announced on Sunday and contacted via email.
And learn more about Sophie (and all her alter egos) at www.sophiejordan.net
Buy Lessons From a Scandalous Bride at Amazon or your favorite bookstore!
Filed in: Jaunty Guests
Aug 1st
2012
1:52 am
Katherine Garbera Said:
Welcome Sophie! Thanks for stopping by today. I can’t wait to read Lessons from a Scandalous Bride. The one lesson I think brides should remember is to relax and enjoy the day.
-
Aug 1st
2012
4:16 am
Kirsten Said:
I’ve never been a bride but I think she should know not to drink too much. Wear comfy shoes to dance in & have fun every minute of the day
-
Aug 1st
2012
7:13 am
RobynDeHart Said:
Hey Sophie, thanks for joining us today, it’s great to have you back. Wonderful interview and I can totally see how that book Shana gave your daughter was an inspiration. Sometimes I feel like it’s our job as storytellers to take the stinker stories of the world and rewrite them so they go right.
My advice to brides – pick one or two things about the wedding to really care about and let go of the rest. You’re less likely to become a bridezilla if you just focus on a few things. And you’ll enjoy the day more.
-
Aug 1st
2012
7:14 am
Connie Fischer Said:
Hi, Sophie! First of all, I have to say that I love the plot you described in your new novel. It must have been so difficult for children born on “the other side of the blanket” in years past. Today, no one thinks twice about it.
You asked about lessons a bride should know. After nearly 46 years of marriage to my dear husband, I can say that we’ve certainly had our ups and downs. First of all, arguments simply go with any relationship. They are going to happen. How you handle it is how you get it behind you. Busy schedules with work and children can leave us tired and irritable which means we have a short fuse and that can end up in an argument. It’s usually over something silly but you’re taking out your frustrations on your spouse. While I admit it’s not easy, always remember to STOP, take a deep breath and say, “We’ll talk later.” This gives you time to calm down, find a quiet time and sit down and discuss with your spouse whatever the problem is. Don’t accuse and try to keep from saying “You this or that.” Instead, just say that when such and such happens, you feel – whatever you feel. Ask if maybe you might be doing something that irritates him and if so, let’s see if we can keep from doing things that irritate each other. Bottom line, keep those lines of communication open! None of this not speaking to each other.
If all this fails, get yourself one of those heavy pillows with handles on them. It’s good for a threat. I like to tell people I have a patent pending on these and suggest they should be on every bride’s registry!!
Thanks so much for letting me babble on today! Cannot wait to read “Lessons from a Scandalous Bride!”
-
Aug 1st
2012
7:32 am
Melody May Said:
Sophie, there’s a fourth sister. Really. Where does she come in? Did I truly miss her? I tell the bride be prepare for anything. No matter how much you plan, you need to plan for the unexpective. Try not to stress, makes life easier. I’m excited about your new book. My question is this fourth sister mention in another book. If so I need to re-read the books.
-
Aug 1st
2012
8:28 am
Emily McKay Said:
Okay, Sophie, here’s my question … about that original story? Did the Beggar Princess die? Or did she swim away and live a full and happy life somewhere else? Because she died, that’s a horrible story! No wonder you needed to retell it!
Lessons from a Scandalous Bride sounds great. I can’t wait to read it!
Also, Connie, I so appreciate your insight! I read every letter of your post. My hubby and I have made it 19 years, but that’s nothing compared to 47. Congratulations!
-
Aug 1st
2012
8:38 am
Laurie Said:
#1 Enjoy & BE HAPPY! You’re marrying the love of your life! Forget the details, everything else is irrelevant.
So what if it rains, the wedding party gets drunk, your uncle’s late…small stuff in the overall scheme of things.
#2 Get your partner to help out at home. You’re probably both going to be working. He can wash dishes, vacuum, do the laundry etc. Do jobs as a team and they’ll be done more quickly, reward with a fun treat: go to the movies, take a bike ride or walk together, eat out.
#3 If there’s an issue that’s bothering you don’t let it fester. Ask questions. This stands for him too. There is a lot of compromise in marriage!
-
Aug 1st
2012
9:35 am
CrystalGB Said:
Great interview. I love the cover to Lessons From a Scandalous Bride.
1. Compromise and communication are very important for a successful marriage.
2. Keep the romance alive.
3. Choose your battles. Don’t nag about the small stuff.
-
Aug 1st
2012
9:48 am
Cassandra M Said:
Wow.. I’ve only ever read Sophie’s YA books but these sound great, I will definitely need to pick them up!! Great interview.
One lesson every bride should know is that yes, it’s your day but don’t turn into a bridezilla because no one is going to wait on you hand and foot. Enjoy the preparation and the big day…some people only have one.
-
Aug 1st
2012
9:57 am
Molly Said:
Marriage isn’t 50/50; it’s 100/100. That’s the lesson I think new brides should know.
-
Aug 1st
2012
10:09 am
eap Said:
Focus more on working on the marriage then making it a perfect day. You won’t remember much of the day itself.
-
Aug 1st
2012
10:57 am
Rebe Said:
I want to hear more about the Beggar Princess as well! I can’t believe she was tossed over the side of the barge! I think she would definitely be justified in becoming a bridezilla. As for advice for a bride, I’d suggest getting a massage the weekend of the wedding so you’re not too tense!
-
Aug 1st
2012
10:59 am
Sophie Jordan Said:
Seriously great advice, all! Taking mental notes… even after 12 years of marriage.
Melody, the final sister is introduced in LESSONS FROM A SCANDALOUS BRIDE – you didn’t miss her in previous books.
Emily, the Beggar Princess didnt’ die … at the end she forgives and reconciles with the husband who attempted to kill her! Horrible, right? The story definitely deserves a retelling.
-
Aug 1st
2012
11:16 am
Pam B Said:
Hi
Great post. I have recently found your books and have enjoyed them. Looking forward to more
One lesson (maybe two) enjoy the day and do not sweat the small stuff.
Thanks
Pam
-
Aug 1st
2012
11:38 am
Sophie Jordan Said:
Excellent lesson, Pam! That’s my motto!
-
Aug 1st
2012
11:48 am
catslady Said:
Communication, communication, commnuication! I married a silent type so I know from experience lol. This sounds like a wonderful series and I like the fact that they don’t necessary have to be read in order. Sad to say some books languish in my tbr pile while I’m waiting for all the books but this way if I enjoy one, I can get the others knowing I will enjoy them. Lovely cover too!
-
Aug 1st
2012
12:06 pm
Shana Said:
Hi Sophie! I’m so glad you’re here and finally give me credit for everything! That was implied, right?
Last night Ultimate Sportsfan was watching the HEA interview with you, and when you discussed the fairy tale book that inspired LESSONS and how you were reading it to your daughter, he said, “Who gave her daughter a book like that?” I had to smile and say, “We did.”
It’s a great interview, if any of you want to watch.
http://books.usatoday.com/happyeverafter/post/2012-07-30/sophie-jordan-video-interview-lessons-from-a-scandalous-bride/815115/1
-
Aug 1st
2012
2:00 pm
Lora Patten Said:
Sophie, I adore your books from any genre! The best advice I can give to a bride is to not marry expecting to be able to change your spouse after you marry him
It still amazes me how many women get married with the expectation that things (meaning their husband) will change (meaning they can force this to happen) after the vows are spoken. If you want to change the person you are marrying, then frankly you shouldn’t be marrying the person you are trying to change 
Most people say that marriage is a two way street, but I believe that marriage is a one way street and you BOTH have to be going the same direction 
otherwise you are going to collide headfirst and the damage is usually irreparable 
-
Aug 1st
2012
2:05 pm
Betty Hamilton Said:
A wedding is not the end of courtship… it is really the beginning. Successful marriages are worked on daily by both participants in order to stay healthy.
-
Aug 1st
2012
2:35 pm
Kim Said:
Enjoy the day and don’t worry over every little detail. Nothing can go exactly according to plan, so don’t get upset over every little thing.
-
Aug 1st
2012
2:40 pm
Elise Rome Said:
Hi Sophie, and congratulations on the release of LESSONS FROM A SCANDALOUS BRIDE! I love the story about how the series came to be. =) The first thing that pops into my head to tell a bride–albeit a modern day one–is to remember that her husband can do half the chores (which includes his own ironing!). I’m feeling a little feminist today.
-
Aug 1st
2012
3:41 pm
LilMissMolly Said:
Don’t expect earth shattering love feelings all of the time. It can get pretty mundane at times.
-
Aug 1st
2012
3:50 pm
Gayle Cochrane Said:
Can’t wait to read about the beggar princess, though all of your books sound great. My advice to the bride is, that not everyone has to be a bride to have a fulfilling life. Love all the advice people have given in this post. Congratulations on your new release.
-
Aug 1st
2012
4:09 pm
Cathy P Said:
Hi Sophie! Love your books! Advice to a bride:
Communicate and compromise.
Enjoy each day as it comes.
Make sure you know how to cook, keep up the check book, and pay bills.
Never go to bed angry.
Save as much money as you can instead of spending it for everything you want as you want it. Otherwise, pick and choose what you really, really want.
-
Aug 1st
2012
4:53 pm
infinitieh Said:
Learn how to swim just in case your new hubby toss you off the barge?
Hugs and cuddles are important. They may not resolve any communication issues but they will calm one down enough to be coherent (unless one’s already spitting mad). All that oxytocin will help the pair bond in a way that isn’t just sexual (because after the initial lust burns down, there has to be more to keep people together).
-
Aug 1st
2012
7:54 pm
Nancy Robards Thompson Said:
Hi Sophie, thanks so much for joining us today! My best advice for brides is realize that it’s not always going to be hearts and fireworks. Even at its best marriage is challenging. Communicate with each other and ever give up.
-
Aug 1st
2012
9:00 pm
donna ann Said:
congrats on so much good happenings
as for one lesson for a bride, how about: something will prob go wrong, but the day will still be perfect if you just remember its the start of you new life together & that’s what’s important. 
-
Aug 1st
2012
9:04 pm
bn100 Said:
Congratulations on the book! Brides should enjoy the day.
-
Aug 1st
2012
9:53 pm
Barbara Elness Said:
I think the one lesson any bride should know is that your wedding day should be about you and your husband-to-be in an enjoyable, relaxed event surrounded by those you love. It shouldn’t be about how much money you can spend and who you can impress or please by doing what they want.
-
Aug 1st
2012
10:16 pm
Sophie Jordan Said:
Thanks so much for having me here today… it’s been such fun and I loved all the great advice. Never hurts to be reminded of these things. Not just lessons for the bride! Lessons for life!
-
Aug 2nd
2012
1:26 am
Fedora Said:
Hmm… lots of good advice offered so far! I do think that it’s important to remember that the most important part of the wedding is that it’s the START of your life together–all the rest is little details, even if they feel incredibly important at the time… few if any guests will remember anything about your day, so don’t stress it!
-
Aug 2nd
2012
5:13 pm
Terri Brisbin Said:
Sorry to be late…. I always think that weddings and funerals bring out the best and the worst in people, so I would warn a bride not to worry about any craziness at the wedding. Family feuding, drunken relatives or friends, secrets being revealed, etc… LOL!
Sophie – thanks for visiting with the Jaunty Quills!
-