Mr. DiPasqua: Do you have your dancing shoes on? My A MIDNIGHT DANCE Blog Party continues! Lila, the alpha male in me seriously loves being in total command of your blog. I may not relinquish it. (She’s so cute when she furrows her brow like that and vehemently shakes her head at me.)
Everyone, please help me give a warm welcome to today’s wonderful guest–fellow RH, Mr. Cornick!
Mr. Cornick: Thank you very much for inviting me to the A Midnight Dance Blog Party!
Mr. Cornick: I’m married to Nicola Cornick and she writes historical romance set in the Regency period.
Mr. Cornick: I used to work in business and now I work as a therapist. In my spare time I enjoy photography and natural history. And I have become accustomed to being addressed as “Mr Nicola” when I attend RWA conferences!
Mr. Cornick: We were at university together and first met at a party where I had taken another girl (sore point!). It was a pancake party and Nicola was the only person who could toss a pancake perfectly. That impressed me.
I knew she was THE ONE when at another party (that was university – all parties and no work!) everyone else went on to the movies and Nicola and I chose not to “go with the crowd” and sat up all night talking before watching the sun rise over London.
Mr. Cornick: I remember lots of calls! Early on there were several variations of “don’t call us, we’ll call you” before the Big One. Nicola never gave up on getting published and I admired her for that so I was very happy for her when it finally happened.
The event I most remember is seeing the book in the bookstore for the first time and being incredibly proud of what Nicola had achieved.
Mr. Cornick: a) and d) because I was Mr. May – albeit in January 1990!
Mr. Cornick: I think I probably aspired to be a) but ended up being d). Fortunately whatever I did was at least good enough to get another date.
Mr. Cornick: Well, being British I would have to add e) Cricket Ball! Cricket has been a lifelong passion of mine. C) doesn’t happen in the UK because we are all so British. A brisk handshake and a “how do you do” counts for an effusive greeting from fans and that is absolutely fine because we are all comfortable with that. I’ve been to a few of d) but would generally keep well away – dancing is not my strong suit!
Mr. Cornick: Uhm, tough question! I’ve been a romance husband a long, long time. My advice to new RHs – First KNOW EXACTLY when the deadline is and plan accordingly. Buy in extra wine to get the creative juices running and hoard food. Don’t speak, just do, and most important NEVER EVER ask “so dear, how’s it going”? Finally enjoy seeing your Romance Wife in the limelight. I’m incredibly proud of Nicola and love seeing her in the spotlight. …. Oh and buy lots of easy-carry luggage!
Mr. Cornick: As I am a therapist I assume a quizzical expression and a special therapist’s voice and ask: “Tell me why you feel the need to ask questions about sexual performance.” They usually back off pretty quickly after that.
Mr. Cornick: Definitely Prince the loyal, slightly dim but rather aristocratic family dog!
Mr. Cornick: Nicola is a professionally trained singer. In her youth she traveled the world as a member of a prize-winning choir.
Mr. Cornick: Nicola Cornick’s upcoming release is called Notorious, it’s on sale from 26th July and it features a heroine who breaks hearts for a living. My cover quote would be: “It’s great, she’s great, buy a copy now – the author’s husband.”
Mr. DiPasqua: Hey, that’s a great idea, Mr. Cornick! They SHOULD start asking husbands for cover quotes. How many of you out there agree? 🙂 Folks, check out this great giveaway!
RULES:
To win you must:
1. Ask a question or leave a meaningful comment below—We’re men. We can take it. So fire away! 🙂 Remember: the more you comment, the greater your chances at winning the GRAND PRIZE.
2. You MUST be a follower/subscriber of Lila DiPasqua’s blog (through Google Friend Connect).
3. Must be at least 18 years of age.
4. Winner will be selected at random on SUNDAY.
Ways to increase your odds at winning are found at the very bottom of this blog.
Everyone, we’ll be taking a break from the A MIDNIGHT DANCE Blog Party tomorrow (Saturday) but I’ll be here Sunday to announce this week’s winners!! Make sure to join us Monday for another week filled with more entertaining RHs! And more GIVEAWAYS!
Now, let’s hear your comments or questions! 🙂
Whoo Hoo Mr Cornick loved those questions and answers LOL and I also love Nicola’s stories I am soo looking forward to reading Notorious.
Mr Cornick
Do you enjoy checking out the covers of Nicola’s books (Notorious is one hot cover) and other than supporting her while she is writing to you give any help with story lines ?
Thanks so much Mr DiPasqua I am really enjoying this party and whoo hoo 10 days till Lila’s new book can’t wait.
Have Fun
Helen
A fellow Brit! I enjoyed your interview especially the bit about a brisk handshake which is so true! Have to disagree on the cricket though, very dull sport which i do not understand!
Facebook follower
Mr Cornick
I forgot to say how much I love watching a good game of cricket I am an Aussie and a good test match or a one dayer and even the 20/20 games love them all
Have Fun
Helen
“Definitely Prince the loyal, slightly dim but rather aristocratic family dog!” Loved this answer. I don’t know many men who would feel so connected to the dog.
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Follow on Twitter (+5)- maryloucoolumralph
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Good morning! Thank you to Mr DiPasqua for hosting me and thank you for all the comments. Helen,I’m delighted to meet another cricket fan. The Aussies are a great cricketing nation. I’m glad that despite our national rivalry you still enjoy Nicola’s books! You mentioned the covers – I had noticed that they do seem to display a great deal of cleavage. Of course this in no way influences my opinion that they are GREAT covers! I feel I give Nicola a great deal of help with story lines but she doesn’t seem to agree with me. She says my… Read more »
Elizabeth, it’s good to meet a fellow Brit even though I am gutted you are not a cricket fan. I’m glad you enjoyed the interview. It’s good to chat to someone who understands about the famous British reserve!
Mary,I have a deep affinity with dogs!
Hello, Mr. Cornick! Thanks to you, I now have an image of Nicola as a singing pancake tosser embedded in my mind : ) As a therapist, are you an analytical reader, or are you able to immerse yourself in the story line and characters and read for pure enjoyment?
US Resident, GFC Follower, Subscriber
gcwhiskas at aol dot com
Mr. Cormick
I loved your answers. I am curious, do you ever find yourself psychoanalyzing your wife? And how does she react?
Nicola Cornick
After becoming a successful writer, did you ever feel, even if it was for one moment, wanting to gloat to the editors who decided not to publish your work and let them know they were wrong?
I don’t know, Lila – perhaps you could share your blog with your very talented and very funny husband??? Great answers to great questions, Mr. Cornick! I’m looking forward to Notorious and – this of course goes without saying – grabbing my edition of A Midnight Dance. 10 more days! I can hardly wait!!!!
That’s hilarious. I love these blogs… I love Lila but her husband should guest blog more often! 🙂
Mr Cornick has headed back to work leaving me to deputise for him, but he’ll be back later for more questions! Virginia, that’s a great question as to whether he is an analytical reader. We’ll see what he says later but I would say not. I think Andrew has the happy ability to read for enjoyment. I say that because there have been unfortunate experiences at the cinema where I have hissed “plot device!” Or “I know what happens next!” Which I can see must be very annoying (No wonder we never go to the movies these days!) So whilst… Read more »
Oh my! I think I’ve enjoyed this interview the most so far! Great answers Mr. Cornick. I love the advice you’ve given to new RH’s – very practical.
Have a great weekend!
Kathy Ireland
Toronto
Ora, oh how I loved your question for Mr Cornick! Does he psychoanalyze his wife and how does she react? We’ll definitely leave that one for him to answer – and I hope he doesn’t get himself into too much trouble as a result. Once I was published I honestly don’t think that I ever wanted to gloat to the publishers who had turned me down during the previous 12 years. Partly this was because I was just so happy to be published at all, partly it was because I know that not all publishers are looking for the same… Read more »
Thank you, Carolyn, thank you, May. I am thrilled you enjoyed Mr Cornick’s interview. I totally agree that Mr DiPasqua is a natural at this blogging thing and a total star!
Great interview. I love how you answer the question about love scenes.
Crystal816[at]hot[dot]com
I have never read your wife’s books before but I will be now! Her next book sounds awesome! “Breaking hearts for a Living.” WOW, I love it! The sexy cover alone would make me buy it! Thanks for sharing a bit of yourself today! Having lots of fun here!
evjochum[AT]aol[DOT]com
facebook follower
Mr. DiPasqua, once again another great interview! Have you considered changing careers and getting a position with one of the networks? It would be much more interesting than what they are offering now. Of course that might cut into the time we all spend reading Lila and Nicola’s books since they are much more interesting than anything that is offered on TV. Mr. Cornick, I have a question I need to ask you as a therapist. My husband gets very testy when I start one of Nicola’s books because I have a habit of forgetting to do things like cook… Read more »
I have to say that this blog was my most favorite one this week also. Mr. DiPasqua, you could indeed make a living out of doing blogs, and Lila is great to share you with us. Mr. Cornick, I loved all your answers. Nicola is one of my all-time favorite authors, as is Lila, of course. You said you were Mr. January in 1990. Were you a firefighter in England at that time? Also, how did you propose to Nicola? Also, did you marry in college or after graduation? My DH never proposed — we just knew we were destined… Read more »
Hello Ora, Mr Cornick here. Thank you for your question! Do I psychoanalyze my wife? Ha! Lesson 1 of Day 1 at Therapy School – NEVER analyze your family and friends if you wish to a) remain married b) have any friends. However, having said that, it’s hard not to. I do tend to see hidden meanings in Nicola’s storylines – but then I see hidden meanings in the grocery bill as well!
I’m very pleased you enjoyed the interview, CrystalGB. Thank you.
Johanna, I hope you enjoy the book. It’s great!
I see that Mrs Cornick has created a special separate identity for me on here. I’m not just an extension of my wife’s identity – I’m a person in my own right. (Sorry, Freudian joke there!)
Dear Jeanne M, normally I charge for this sort of advice but as you enjoy Nicola’s books, it’s a pleasure to be of help!
Following Mr DiPasqua’s structure, here are threee multiple choice options you might try on your husband:
a) Total honesty – fantasy is more exciting than real life;
b)Tell him that having time for yourself allows you to fully commit to feeding him the rest of the time;
c) Tell him you are looking for “ideas and inspiration” whilst giving him an enigmatic look.
Hi Cathy, no sadly Mr January 1990 was part of my fevered imagination although as a small boy I did harbour ambitions of being a firefighter.
I proposed to Nicola on top of a hill. It was an Iron Age hillfort which I felt was appropriate. Although we met in college we didn’t get married until three years later. We were working in different parts of the UK and used to write letters to one another. It was very romantic.
Congratulations on being married for 38 years!
Jeanne, I will definitely include Prince, the dim but loyal dog, in my next book!
Thank you so much to everyone for all the lovely comments about my books and for all the great questions for Mr Cornick! He’s having a ball!
Mr. Cornick and Nicola–It’s such an honor having you both here! Mr. Cornick, your answers were so delightful and entertaining! I especially adored your date involving the sunrise over London. 🙂 Thank you everyone for a week of fun! Make sure to return for more next week. And check in on Sunday for this week’s winners!! We so appreciate all the lovely compliments about this unique blog party. Mr. DiPasqua will be here later to comment. Oh, and, yes, he *will* be relinquishing my blog. Though he may have started a RH Fraternity that might spill over onto the internet.… Read more »
Hi Mr. Cornick!
How you and wife met is a very cute story and what I liked even more was the time you knew she was the “one” for you. It sounds very romantic the way you and Nicola spent all night talking and watching the sun rise. I can see where she gets some of her romantic notions 🙂
And Nicola, congratulations on the upcoming release of Notorious!
I am loving these interviews. The hubby’s are hilarious. I especially love how Mr. Cornick says to Never Ever ask how his wife is doing during a deadline.
I think it’s so romantic that you stayed up all night talking and watched the sun come up. *Sigh*
Danielle @Ramblings From This Chick
Mr. Cornick, I really enjoyed your interview. I could actually ‘hear’ your accent in the responses, which was ever so delightful! :o)
Does Mrs. Cornick have any special rituals when she writes? What do you and Mrs. Cornick do in your free time to relax?
Thank you for sharing!
kacbooks at hotmail dot com
I’m fascinated by the concept of a pancake party and desperately want to attend one now!
And I love the idea of spouses attending RWA conferences to show suppport. Am going to tell my DH about that requirement as soon as I log off.
Am intrigued by the premise of marriage breaker, and think the cover is gorgeous.
Maya
mayamissani AT yahoo DOT ca
I follow and live in Canada
Mr. Cornick,
Your wedding picture is so cute! It’s lovely. I want to go to a pancake party! Sounds like so much fun. I don’t know how well I would do flipping the cakes though.
cindersmaria AT yahoo DOT com
GFC Follower
US Resident
Facebook Friend
Helen: Glad you’re having fun at the blog party! Trust me, you’ll love A MIDNIGHT DANCE! 🙂
Carolyn: I’m totally cool with sharing anything with my wife. However, not sure I’d do as good a job on a regular basis as she does.
May: Thank you very much for the compliment!
Nicola: Total star?—Now that’s going to go to my head. 🙂 It was such a pleasure having you and your husband here today!
Jeanne M: Thanks for the vote of confidence!
Cathy P: Thanks so much!
Mr. DiPasqua
Oh Mr. Nicola. What an awesome laugh out loud interview that was. =) And I say YES! to cover quotes from RH’s. I bet there would be some very witty ones.
Mr. D, you may just have to keep blogging, if not on Lila’s blog, you could start your own. I’d be the first in line to follow it. =)
________
Kati R @Romancing Rakes
romancingrakes(at)gmail(dot)com
US
I like Mr. DiPasqua’s answers, he sounds like a great husband!
Robin D
robindpdx (at) yahoo (dot) com
Great interview! LOL You guys know how to have a party. I loved the questions and answers. 🙂 As for my question: Mr Cornick, do you and Mrs Cornick share the same taste in book genres and authors? Thank you for the delightful chat. 🙂 (Wonderful wedding photo! You both look beautiful together)
shadow_kohler(at)att(dot)net
Great interview- I love seeing how your love for your wife just shines right through it 🙂 I’m sure she appreciates having a supportive husband who loves what she does!
GFC: Brenna
brennablu(AT)gmail(DOT)com
After reading the interview plus all the questions & answers I have to admit that I too had a good laugh over some of the answers Mr Cornick gave. He sounds to me like a wonderful man.
Congratulations to you both & I have just finished reading “whisper of Scandle” which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Hello Kathy! Thank you for your comments on the interview. Mr Cornick has had a lot of fun! And Pamela S, I’m so pleased you have enjoyed Whisper of Scandal. Thank you! Lovely to see you here, Na, and Danielle and everyone who commented on how romantic it was us watching the sun come up together than night, I still remember it after all these years and yes, it was lovely! Mr C os going to call in soon to answer the rest of the questions. In the meantime I’d like to thank Lila for inviting us and Mr DiPasqua… Read more »
Good morning, Karen. You asked if Mrs C has any rituals when she writes… The thing that immediately springs to mind is that she gets hooked on particular pieces of music. Initially it is rather nice to hear a track one enjoys once or twice but when the play count is into triple figures I never want to hear it again. Recent casualties have been as varied as Burning Love by Elvis Presley and The Pretender by the Foo Fighters. Hopefully in a few years time I shall be able to listen to these again. What do we do in… Read more »
Katie R, I do believe that cover quotes from RHs would be an excellent idea. I’m very flattered by all the kind comments about my blogging prowess and am thinking of taking it up permanently, although Mrs C doesn’t appear to think that would be such a good plan (Comment from Mrs C: “Lila and Mr DiPasqua you have certainly started something here!”) Brenna, I’m very happy that you could tell from my interview just how proud I am of what Nicola has achieved. I think we are both very supportive of the other. Shadow, Mrs C and I do… Read more »
I love these interviews! I’m already getting Notorious and can’t wait to read it!
I’m a FB Follower,
became a Twitter Follower,
Tweeted about this Blog Party!
sallans d at yahoo dot com
What a delightful interview, gentlemen!
LOVE the story of how the two of you met and came to know how perfect you would be together! Very romantic!
And “Mr. Nicola” it seems as if you have quite a handle on how to handle a romance writing spouse!
Do you get dragged along on research trips or do you enjoy them?
And do tell the other man in Nicola’s life, dear Monty, hello from me!
Was your wife already an author when you met in college?
lvsgund at gmail.com
Hi Louisa – and a big hello from Monty too!
Fortunately I do enjoy research trips so I tend to go along on them unless Nicola is researching something like Regency dancing, at which point I literally bow out.
LilMiss Molly, Nicola was already a writer when we met at college but it was ten years after we married that she became published. So I was already accustomed to her spending a lot of time writing before she was published and I was already well into the training of a RH!
Thank you very much for the questions!
I am a GFC Follower, librarypat.
I am sorry I didn’t find out about A MIDNIGHT DANCE PARTY sooner. I have been reading Nicola’s books for a while and have enjoyed them.
NOTORIOUS came out today. I hope the release goes well and we see many more enjoyable books from her.
librarypat AT comcast DOT net