The Inside Scoop!
Siri Mitchell
and her historical romance
Flirtation Walk
Bethany House
********
I grew up in…a family that moved a lot. I lived in Washington state, Delaware, Oregon, and two provinces in Canada (New Brunswick and Ontario) before I graduated from high school.
I was inspired to write my first published novel by…British author Noreen Riols. She attended the bi-lingual church I went to when I lived in France. I consider her my mentor. My first novel Kissing Adrien, was inspired by a non-fiction manuscript I wrote about life and faith while I was living in Paris.
The books that have most influenced my life are…ones that are outside the norm. Possession by A.S. Byatt influenced Chateau of Echoes, with its idea that the past can reach forward to touch the present. Whitethorn Woods by Maeve Binchy inspired my experimentation with multiple points of view in my Iris Anthony novels with the realization of the sheer number of people who can share a story. Coast Road by Barbara Delinsky helped me consider what life looks like from a different point of view, how to look at a story the other way around. And when a book can influence the way I perceive Story, it influences the way I perceive Life.
My biggest challenge when writing is…accepting that my manuscript will never match the vision in my head.
One of my favourite authors is…Maureen Lang. She does everything well: plot, romance, research. It’s really not fair!
If I wasn’t a writer, I would be…a history teacher.
The superhero talent I would love to have is…more of a superhero accessory: Wonder Woman’s invisible plane. I might actually learn to love travelling again!
Flirtation Walk
Trying to escape the shambles her con-man father has made of their reputation, Lucinda Curtis arrives in West Point, New York, determined to land a husband from the military academy. Campbell Conklin is first in his class and preparing to embark upon a storied career in the U.S. Army. Lucinda thinks Campbell will make the perfect husband . . . as long as he does not find out about her father.
Seth Westcott also has taken a liking to Lucinda. He’s kind, smart . . . and working extremely hard to graduate last. Tradition states that the worst cadets are assigned to the cavalry out west. And west is where Seth must head to track the swindler who stole all of Seth’s mother’s money. Seth is smart enough to vie for the top spot, but life isn’t fair and this is his chance to catch the man who ruined his family. It’s too bad Campbell is all shine and no substance, but Lucinda will surely see through all of that, won’t she?
My latest novel can be described by these 5 adjectives…light-hearted, humorous, unexpected, military, moving
My main character is…Lucinda Pennyworth, daughter of a con-man. She’s quite the con-woman herself, but after her father dies, she leaves her past behind and presents herself as a respectable woman. My hero is Seth Westcott, a cadet at West Point who is at the top of his class. He’s smart, honest, trustworthy, reliable, and well-liked…but unfortunately, those traits will only get him a plum assignment to England after graduation. What he really needs to do is go out West to the American frontier instead…so he sets his sights on failing his coursework just as fast as he possibly can.
My main 
characters resemble….these photos.
A previously unknown fact about this novel is…I have never actually visited West Point. There – I said it! In fact, I’ve found that when I’m writing a historical (like this one and A Constant Heart), so much of the landscape and physical landmarks have changed in modern times that it’s almost counterproductive to visit the actual location. I relied on historical photos and descriptions from 19th century cadets.
My story’s spiritual theme is…truth; forgiveness and redemption.
While writing this novel I was challenged by…the fact that my two main characters were lying to others about themselves. My heroine is a con-woman and my hero, the quintessential good boy, is trying to convince everyone he’s actually a bad boy. In the general market, no one would really care, but in Christian fiction, how was I supposed to make these characters sympathetic? And how was I supposed to get them to do things like, oh, I don’t know…tell the truth? In Christian fiction, lies are supposed to have consequences. And when these two characters combine forces to try to con a con-man? How can you have a con with none of the characters lying? Or cheating? Maybe this is why I felt so emotionally and mentally exhausted after writing this book!
The title was chosen by…me. I actually had the winning submission this time. Normally my editors have much better ideas for titles than I do. Flirtation Walk is a sort of ‘Lover’s Lane’ at the U.S. military academy at West Point. There was also a movie by that name in the 1930s.
As an author, the hardest scenes for me to write are…As a historical author, the hardest scenes for me to write are the romantic ones. I don’t feel like I had this problem with my contemporary novels, so I think it’s the influence of the time period. Depending on class, country, and era, relationships between the sexes could be quite restrained. It doesn’t feel honest to me to develop a historical relationship in the same way I’d develop a contemporary one. My editors usually want me to write more romance in my manuscripts; it’s a standard edit note for me. It’s not that I don’t want to. It’s just that in the timeline of a relationship, touch (in all its manifestations) happened much later in many cases in the past.
The story I’m currently working on is…um…actually, I’m taking a break from writing at the moment. After publishing this sixteenth novel, I needed some time and space to consider the direction I want to head in my writing. The only thing off the table? A sequel to Kissing Adrien {sorry!}.
You may not know this about me, but I…make really good chocolate chip cookies.
If I could be a character in any novel, I would want to be…Lucy in the Narnia books because then I’d get to meet Aslan.
Thanks, dear Siri
Relz Reviewz Extras
Reviews of The Messenger, A Heart Most Worthy, A Constant Heart and She Walks in Beauty
All Things Siri @ Relz Reviewz
Visit Siri’s website
Buy at Amazon: Flirtation Walk or Koorong
March 7, 2016 at 3:20 pm
It is a bit difficult to choose my favorite novel by Siri since I’ve enjoyed all of them that I’ve read so far. I do remember liking “A Heart Most Worthy” very much so that is the one I’ll choose. I’d love to win a copy of “Flirtation Walk”.
March 7, 2016 at 3:22 pm
I’ve only read one Siri Mitchell novel so far, Like a Flower in Bloom. I adored it. Thanks for the chance to win Flirtation Walk.
March 7, 2016 at 4:04 pm
I don’t believe I have read any of Siri’s books but this one sounds great. I need to become acquainted with Siri Mitchell, before she heads off into who knows what direction! Great interview and if we lived close I would ike to sample her chocolate chip cookies!
March 7, 2016 at 4:23 pm
I really enjoyed She Walks in Beauty. The history in A Constant Heart was fascinating. Thank you for sharing this interview and for the giveaway.
Stephanie C.
March 7, 2016 at 4:26 pm
I haven’t read any Siri Mitchell books yet. If I win Fliritation Walk it will be my favorite and then I am sure I will want to read more of her books.
March 7, 2016 at 9:50 pm
I love Siri’s books. I think my favorite would have to be She Walks in Beauty, but they are all good. I’d love to win this one!
March 8, 2016 at 12:29 am
Pick a favorite by Siri?? That’s almost an impossible question, but I’d say that She Walks in Beauty is one of my all time favorites, probably topped only by the Cubicle Next Door–which I’ve read a couple of times now. 🙂
March 8, 2016 at 2:18 am
Ah yes, Casey!!! I loved the Cubicle Next Door as well *sigh*
March 8, 2016 at 1:17 am
I think I’ve read every one of Siri’s books. My favourite would be The Cubicle Next Door or Kissing Adrien. I’ve read those two multiple times and enjoy them more than the Historical books. Looking forward to reading this one.
March 8, 2016 at 1:39 am
I love her contemporary novels – Kissing Adrien is definitely my favorite. Close behind are The Cubicle Next Door and Moon Over Tokyo!
March 8, 2016 at 2:17 am
I totally agree Jessica!!! You named my favorites too 🙂
March 8, 2016 at 2:17 am
I would say that Kissing Adrien was one of the most influential books in me really loving Christian fiction. Crazy right? I read it and was soooo refreshed by the honesty with which drinking was discussed as well as a refreshing look at life and faith. To this day it’s still one of my favorites. I’m not as much a fan of historical romance (I know, shame on me, right?) but Flirtation Walk does sound good 🙂 If I could put in a small, slight (but not so subtle) plea that Siri write another contemporary…I would do that…HERE. 😉 *Runs off to go read Kissing Adrien again*
March 8, 2016 at 3:00 am
Thanks, Narelle, for hosting me! And for those wishing for more contemporaries…that’s one of the possibilities I’m considering…
March 8, 2016 at 3:11 am
I liked Siri’s book “She Walks In Beauty”. I really like the premise of this new one. Thanks for the interview and giveaway!
March 8, 2016 at 3:12 am
I am new to this author but would love to read some of her books.
March 8, 2016 at 3:29 am
She Walks in Beauty is my favorite Siri Mitchell novel. Thanks for the chance to win!
March 8, 2016 at 3:53 am
New author for me don’t have a favorite yet.
March 8, 2016 at 4:09 am
I loved ‘Love’s Pursuit’ It was hauntingly beautiful. It’s one of those rare novels that have stuck with me.
Thanks for the giveaway!
March 8, 2016 at 4:23 am
It’s so hard to pick a favorite! But honestly Flirtation Walk is way up there. I was utterly charmed the entire time I was reading. I love how Siri’s books are always light and fun, but also touch on a real truth. Combine that with winning characters and unique historical settings, and I am hooked!
I also loved Like A Flower in Bloom, and have a special place in my heart for Love’s Pursuit. But then there’s A Heart Most Worthy and She Walks in Beauty too…did I mention it’s hard to pick??
Of her contemporaries, I’ve only read Kissing Adrien and Chateau of Echoes, and they are both great! I own the others, just haven’t gotten to them yet.
March 8, 2016 at 5:43 am
I have to admit that I’ve not read any of Siri’s books yet. *hangs head*
March 8, 2016 at 8:28 am
Siri’s books are new to me. I love the title Flirtation Walk and it reminds me of a Lover’s Lane near my hugh school.
March 8, 2016 at 8:29 am
I haven’t had the pleasure yet to read her books – but this sounds like an awesome read! Thanks for doing this giveaway for your readers! Have a Blessed day!
March 8, 2016 at 8:53 am
I cannot remember if I have read a book by Siri Mitchell but my goodness they all sound so good. I would love to win a copy of Flirtation Walk. It sounds awesome.
March 8, 2016 at 9:51 am
I really liked The Messenger by Siri, but I would love to read more of her books!
March 8, 2016 at 11:34 am
It is quite difficult to choose a favorite Siri Mitchell novel. I’ve read seven of them (have gotten a bit behind) and liked them all. Looking back on them, I’ll choose A Heart Most Worthy and The Messenger. All of them moved me, but these two especially. Thanks for the chance to win Flirtation Walk and the interview with Siri.
March 8, 2016 at 1:01 pm
I’m a huge Siri Mitchell fan. Australia’s biggest Siri Mitchell fan. (Ok, a self appointed title, but I have the books to prove my admiration and delight in this author)
I’m thrilled there’s a new Siri Mitchell book out there. Love’s Pursuit was my first and holds a special place in my reader heart. I keep it face out on my shelf as a reminder if what I aspire to as a writer.
So sorry to hear you’re taking a break, Siri. Hope you return to feed us hungry readers SOON!!!
Thanks for the interview, Rel. xx
March 8, 2016 at 2:30 pm
I am sad to say that I’ve only read Like a Flower in Bloom, but I LOVED it. I’ve been excited about this book since Rel posted the cover reveal. Thanks for this opportunity!
March 8, 2016 at 3:18 pm
I’ve never read any of her novels, but this one sounds intriguing.
March 8, 2016 at 10:55 pm
I don’t think I have ever read any of Siri Mitchell books yet. I would love to read this as it looks wonderful. So glad to learn about this author
March 9, 2016 at 4:24 am
I have not read any of Siri’s books yet but have at least seven of them on my TBR/WishList. I love the covers and the blurbs sound like something I’d love. I really need to read faster so I can plug through that list faster!
wfnren at aol dot com
March 9, 2016 at 8:17 am
I haven’t had the chance to read a book by Siri yet. But this one is definitely on my must read list!
March 9, 2016 at 8:34 am
Being in love with wildflowers, I especially enjoyed Like a Flower in Bloom.
March 9, 2016 at 8:58 am
I’ve read several of Siri’s novels and enjoyed them sll, but probably enjoyed The Messenger and A Heart Most Worthy the most.
March 9, 2016 at 9:07 am
My first Siri novel was Chateau of Echoes, and I loved it! I’ve read several of her other novels and enjoyed them. The only one that I will never read is Something Beyond the Sky. I hope that Siri’s better educated herself on the Mormon faith since writing that one. 😉
March 10, 2016 at 12:09 am
Pick my favorite Siri Mitchell book? That’s like asking me to pick which one of my children I like best. I read “A Heart Most Worthy” first and have loved everything since.
My son is a West Point graduate, so I’ve actually been on Flirtation Walk. The campus is beautiful, especially when the leaves are turning, with the view of the Hudson River everywhere. I’d love to win a Siri book set in a place I’ve been!
March 10, 2016 at 3:04 am
Siri is a new author for me. I don’t have a favorite just yet….
Thanks for the giveaway!
March 10, 2016 at 10:01 am
So far I’ve only read Like a Flower in Bloom which I enjoyed. I think The Messenger is probably the time period that most interests me but I’m also excited about Flirtation Walk.
March 10, 2016 at 2:25 pm
I haven’t read a Siri Mitchell novel, yet. When Flirtation Walk came up for pre-order a few months ago, I knew that I wanted to read this one.
March 10, 2016 at 5:04 pm
I’ve read most Siri’s books but my favorite would have to be She Walks in Beauty and The Messenger! I can’t wait to read this one
March 11, 2016 at 11:31 am
Kissing Adrian. I LOVED that book. It is on my list of books I will make my daughter read. Not only is it one of the best romances I have ever read, it carries such a good message about how girls should act/think.
March 11, 2016 at 12:49 pm
I did love The Messenger. Most of her books are wonderful.
March 11, 2016 at 2:40 pm
I think A Heart Most Worthy is my favorite so far. It was also the first one I read and I was captivated!
March 11, 2016 at 4:49 pm
I haven’t read them all–yet!–but so far, my favorite Siri Mitchell book is A Constant Heart. It was such a fascinating time period to glimpse, and I appreciated the theme of comittment that leads to real love that ran throughout. The conflicting duties the characters had to navigate were so complex, and it is such a foreign context for contemporary society and relationships to imagine; yet I appreciate that the struggles are rooted in similarly dilemmas, even if their surface appearance seems wholly different.
March 12, 2016 at 1:03 am
I haven’t read any of her books yet but I definitely want to!
March 12, 2016 at 6:06 pm
Siri is a new author to me, so I don’t have a favorite book yet, but I would love to read Flirtation Walk.
March 13, 2016 at 11:12 am
Such a tough question. Possibly a tie between ‘The Messenger’ and ‘The Cubicle Next Dooor’ and ‘Love’s Pursuit’. Siri is so fabulously talented, she nails both voices in the Messenger, I couldn’t stop laughing in ‘The Cubicle Next Door’ and I went on an emotional rollercoaster with ‘Love’s Pursuit’.
March 13, 2016 at 4:41 pm
Like a Flower in Bloom