When I write, I see a movie in my head. My kids teased me at the stack of blankets and sweaters I’d accumulated in my writing cave in the heat of summer when I wrote Fitzwilliam Darcy, Traitor. My story was set in late November/early December, and there was snow. I was cold.

The characters, too, become as real as the weather. In my mind, they’re Hollywood actors. And what do actors do when they release a new movie? They do interviews!

Do you want a sneak peek behind the scenes? A one-on-one with the lead actors? A glimpse into the making of their story? Then, I invite you to read on!

Hey guys! Your latest adventure just released this week. How does it feel to have starred in another story?

(Elizabeth looks over at Darcy, pinching her lips together, her body shaking with her effort not to burst into laughter.)

(Darcy openly glares at me. I know I’m in for it. This has been a long time coming.)

Darcy: Did you have to beat me up in every scene? I felt like Clint Eastwood.

Elizabeth: Don’t be so dramatic, Darcy.

Darcy: I’m an actor. It’s my job to be dramatic.

And it’s my job to give you conflict. Without conflict, there’s no story. Besides, no actors were hurt in the making of this book.

Elizabeth: The bruises were only make-up.

Darcy: I didn’t need make-up by the end of this story with all of the bumps and bruises covering my body!

(I get another smoldering glare.)

You could’ve used a stunt double.

Darcy: I do all of my own stunts. You know that.

I admire your dedication. You did amazing, and I have to admit that watching you perform all of these heroic acts was thrilling to see.

Elizabeth: I swooned. Many times.

Darcy: I won’t be appeased by flattery. I’m not a piñata.

Elizabeth: No, but you are a great kisser. (She shivers and grins.)

The first kiss was my favorite to write. What were your favorite scenes?

Elizabeth: The bathtub scene! Hands down.

(Darcy rolls his eyes.)

What did you like so much about that scene?

Elizabeth: I got an insight into Darcy’s soul, and I realized what an amazing man he truly is.

(Darcy tries not to smile. It’s growing increasingly difficult for him to stay grumpy.)

What about you, Darcy? What was your favorite scene?

Darcy: Several, really. I enjoyed the whole sequence when we were trapped in the abandoned cottage during the snowstorm. It gave us the chance to talk and clear our misunderstandings early on.

Is that when you fell in love with Elizabeth?

(He blushes and reaches over to hold Elizabeth’s hand.)

Darcy: I knew there was something special about her the moment we met, but yeah. I would say that the cottage was where it really started for me. (Looks over at Elizabeth.) What about you?

Elizabeth: I was so confused, I didn’t know what to think of you. In hindsight, I think I started to notice you differently at the highway robbery scene. My heart went out to you then, but it wasn’t until after I sprung you from jail and we were stuck together in London that I really came to know you. Right around the bathtub scene. That was when I knew.

No wonder you two have starred in so many stories together. You’re a lovely couple. So, readers want to know, what’s next?

Darcy: Well, that really depends on you, doesn’t it? But if you’re open to suggestions, I would love something calmer. Like You’ve Got Mail or While You Were Sleeping (Jack, not Peter) or The Proposal.

Elizabeth: I love it that you know those movies.

You want a romantic comedy? I’ll see what I can do! Thank you so much for chatting with me today!

Elizabeth: It’s always fun. I feel I need to warn you, though. I swung by Lady Cat’s and she’s miffed that she only got two mentions in this story — and one of them was an insult from her sister-in-law.

Darcy: You might want to send a fruit basket or something.

Thanks for the tip. I appreciate it. See you soon!

Darcy and Elizabeth: We certainly hope so!