Behind the Scenes
The question writers are most often asked is where they get their ideas. Go “behind the scenes” of each of Candice’s books to find out what inspired her stories.
Behind the Scenes from
A Proper Companion
This was my first published book, and the first book I ever wrote. In its early stages, it won several local RWA contests. One of those contests, Romancing the Novel, sent the winners in each category to an editor. Mine went to Judy Stern Palais at Berkley/Jove. She liked the entry (two chapters) enough to request the whole book. Unfortunately, I had not yet completed the book. So I sent her the chapters I’d completed (about a third of the book) and she offered me a contract. I was extremely lucky to sell a book without a completed manuscript, and I will forever be grateful to Judy for jump-starting my writing career.
I confess that the first character to be fully developed for this story was the dowager countess. In my head, she had the distinctive drawling voice of my friend’s Great Aunt Ruth. And so the dowager came to life first as a voice, then as a complete character.
I created this story with sequels in mind. The hero, Robert, has two best friends and I planned a book for each of them. Jack’s story became A Change of Heart and Sedge’s story became An Affair of Honor.
Behind the Scenes from
From This Moment On
This idea for anthology was developed when three of the four participating authors were seated near each other on a long bus ride. Read more about how the concept was born, and how Candice was able to give another Merry Widow a happy ending.
From Candice's Regency World:
Find out more about the real historical world in which Candice’s books are set.
Morning Dress, April 1816
"A round dress composed of cambric, and finished at the bottom with a number of small tucks, and a very richly worked flounce with a heading ... Read More →
Half Dress, February 1809
"An Egyptian head-dress of silver and pearls, one point falling on the left shoulder, finished with a tassel; the hair in loose ringlets; pearl ear-rings, bracelets, and necklace ... Read More →
Visit the Regency World →
Frequently Asked Questions
Readers ask authors questions. Questions about the books, about writing, about the author herself. Candice has collected dozens of questions that have come in over the years. They are sortable and shareable for your convenience.