Our guest in the New Faces column this time is Patricia Frances Rowell, whose first historical romance is A Perilous Attraction from Harlequin Historicals. Welcome, Patricia!

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I grew up in Texas. My parents lived in Austin, and my grandparents lived in east Texas, and I spent a lot of time in both places. I have a BA from the University of Texas in theoretical mathematics. (Believe it or not!) I have tried a little of everything in my life--all sorts of studies and sports.

Are you coming to romance writing from another job?

I am presently retired from other jobs. I was in the telecommunications business for about twenty-five years. My husband and I sold our private telecommunications service and wiring firm in 1998, and I have been writing full time since then. I was in the bridal business for a few years, too.

What led you to write romance?

Oh, yes! I have been a reader ever since I was able to read. My mother read to me before that. And yes, it was reading that led me into writing. That and a family penchant for liking to tell stories or say things in an entertaining way.

Tell us about your road to publication.

I wrote my first novel more than thirty years ago, but at that time I didn't know how to get published, and I needed a day job too badly to have the time to learn. When I retired from the business, I joined the North Louisiana Storytellers and Authors of Romance. (Learn more about us on my web page.) Those lovely, generous friends taught me how to use contests to get published. I was very fortunate to be published so quickly. I won the unpublished division of the Daphne in 2001, but I had already sold the book as a result of being a finalist in the Suzannah.

What kind of research was involved for your first book?

I have been an avid reader of Georgette Heyer for decades. Her thorough knowledge of the Regency period provided me with wonderful details. There are also several excellent sites on that period on the net. I read a bit of Jane Austen. In 1998 I traveled to England and had a first hand look at the territory, including the Yorkshire Dales, where A Perilous Attraction is set. I also visited Cornwall, where my second book is set.

Tell us about your debut book.

Catherine Maury, a fiery activist for children's welfare, is forced to marry to save herself when her uncle squanders her fortune. Thanks to some clever plotting on the part of Charles Randolph, Earl of Caldbeck, she is forced to accept his offer and marry in the same day. She fears this is the greatest folly, because not only is his lordship a virtual stranger, he never shows the slightest emotion of any sort--a poor match for her emotional demeanor. She fears that, in trying to live together, they are both headed for Bedlam.

But opposites do attract. The ice in his most restrained lordship's expression, happily, does not extend to his blood. While they are getting to know one another during a passionate honeymoon, a mad killer begins to murder Charles's female tenants, and then to stalk Catherine. As Charles searches for the culprit, he learns a great deal about expressing his feelings from Catherine, and she begins to see the benefits of restraint.

The theme of this book is Fire. The theme of my next one is Water.

Who are your influences as a writer?

I've already mentioned Georgette Heyer. I am also a great admirer of Mary Jo Putney. But I read many genres. I love Tony Hillerman and Nevada Barr. I enjoy Patricia Cornwall. I like action and adventure stories and stories with an archeological twist.

What does your family think of having a romance author in their midst?

Oh! They are so proud of me. It's lovely. Between us my husband and I have seven children, numerous children-in-law, and eight grandchildren. They are my staunchest supporters. My own three sons all write, as does one of my stepdaughters-in-law.

Tell us about plans for future books.

My next book, A Dangerous Seduction, is scheduled to be released in August of 2003 by Harlequin Historicals. It is set in a castle on a Cornish seaside cliff. It features an angry hero focused on revenge, and a gentle lady who hits him like a bucket of warm water. Ship wreckers and smugglers provide the villainy and a lot of excitement.

I have planned a group of four books whose themes are Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. As I said earlier, A Perilous Attraction is the Fire book. A Dangerous Seduction is the Water story. I will soon be starting the Air book, and the Earth book is in the works. All of them will be set in the early 1800's.

How can readers get in touch with you?

They may learn more about me at www.patriciafrancesrowell.com, or e-mail me at chattipattirom@juno.com. Thanks for having me here.

Patricia, best of luck with your series! Readers, we have a review of A Perilous Attraction here in our Historical section. November 3, 2002