Mr. DeHart: I’m Paul DeHart (a.k.a, “The Professor”), and I’m married to the exceptionally talented Robyn DeHart. She writes historical romances set in the Victorian period. The series she just finished had an Indiana Jones, action adventure cast to it (or Lara Croft Tomb Raider set in the late 1800’s, if you prefer). The first hero, in particular, was based on my e-true Hollywood story as an action adventure political philosopher.
Mr. DeHart: All of the above . . . Well, I’d probably make a lousy businessman. I’m a scholar both by trade and disposition (but one who definitely has the Indy Jones vibe going for him). I’m a college professor. I work at the overlap of moral, legal, and political philosophy. Sounds, riveting, I know. It’s the same area of study in which Bill Watterson, creator of the magisterial Calvin and Hobbes, got his degree. My back up career was classical vocal performance. I figured that if I couldn’t get a job in one long-odds field, I’d take a shot at an even longer-odds field. I suppose I better start working on my Puccini in case my current job falls through . . .
Mr. DeHart: We met online, on a dating site. Apparently my profile had perfect sentences with immaculate grammar. So she sent me a snarky email. Which caused me to reply right off—apparently I like snarky. We sent a few messages, spoke on the phone a few times, and then had our a first date—at a bookstore and then a restaurant after that. We dated for just over 6 months before we got engaged. And I proposed when I realized she was the sweetest, most beautiful person I’d ever met . . . and also my best friend. I was struck (or moonstruck) by the epiphany that I wouldn’t get enough of her if I spent the rest of my life trying. Of course, she might tell you she married me for my last name . . .
Mr. DeHart: We were still dating (not yet married) when she got the call from the editor at the first house with which she published. As it happens, I was in the Austin airport, returning home from a conference in Michigan. I was getting in a day late, because of scheduling snafu that caused my connection not to leave Chicago O’Hare. As I was about to drive home from the airport and collapse into my bed, my very excited then girlfriend called. It was right after she had spoken with the editor in New York. I was thrilled, of course, but not surprised—I had a sneaking suspicion that she was very talented. And it turns out she’s even more talented than I suspected. I know because I read her books; and not just because we’re married. I’m a fan. Back to the story. After dropping my luggage off at my apartment in northwest Austin, I drove the just-under-an-hour trip down to San Marcos to take her out for a night of fine dining at Red Lobster (I’m sure we had a pricey bottle of wine or champagne brought up from the Restaurant’s wine cellar reserves—Red Lobsters have those, right?). I confess that I still get excited and find myself simply impressed every time I see one of her books in the store and every time I see a review of her work in RT, The Chicago Tribune, or Publishers Weekly.
Both a) and d). But seriously . . . My wife says all of her heroes have something of me in them. And I can see why—they’re all ruggedly handsome alpha males. Of course, my wife also says that beta males make for better husbands in real life. I’m not sure what she means by that. After all, I’m as alpha male as they come—alpha male means “of scholarly disposition,” right? Okay, now where did I put my copy of Plato’s Laws. I mean . . . Now where are my fireman’s hat and suspenders; I’m off to a photo shoot.
Mr. DeHart: Definitely a) and b). I was also very, very smooth. That story about me stumbling and nearly falling on the way into the restaurant is a complete fabrication by those seeking to discredit my reputation as the Indiana Jones of political science. As for the bad boy part . . . well, she figured out how to write authentic bad boys somewhere . . .
Mr. DeHart: I definitely think of the lengthy queues of uncontrollably weeping fans first. After that, baseball and the heart wrenching condition of being a Cleveland Indians fan. Next, a gathering of lords and ladies that, when rendered in written form, always requires very careful coordination. After that—the stupidity of putting King James (the basketball player and not the monarch who used to lecture Parliament on the absolute power of the sovereign) on par with MJ. Sometimes, but only sometimes, cricket (the sport, not the insect) come to mind and that only when I’m contemplating the superiority of baseball to cricket. The reason “a gathering of lords and ladies” doesn’t rank higher is because my wife’s books, historical romances though they are, tend to feature the hero and heroine traipsing through some cave or getting chased in a carriage or on a train by the bad guys.
Mr. DiPasqua: How long have you been a RH? (Romance Husband). What advice would you give new RH’s about what you’ve learned being married to a romance author? What should a new RH do or not do when his wife is under deadline?
Mr. DeHart: I’ve been an RH for 6 years, 4 months, and 6 days. First, there’s no such thing as a calm, easy going deadline. All deadlines—however much the project was ahead of a schedule, however many times she’s revised or even rewritten the story already—are frenzied, whirlwind, “Am I in the middle of a hurricane?” deadlines. No exceptions. Second, if she asks for help brainstorming, most of the ideas you come up with will be things that won’t work—but at least she’ll know what not to do. And every now and then you might even have an idea that makes it all the way into the final version of the book. I’ve had two. Sure, her critique partner (I think they share a brain) has had considerably more suggestions get into the final version. I’m not jealous about that . . . not at all. Third, chocolate always helps during the hurricane (or, if you live near Austin, Texas, Kerbey Lane). Also, sometimes you need to drag her out of the house to a movie or a concert or something. Fourth, the current book she’s working on is ALWAYS the worst book she’s ever written. It’s not true, of course. But that’s what she’ll say. When you reply that she said that about the last book, she’ll tell you that she really means it this time. When you say that she said that about the last book too . . . Well, it’s probably not wise to remind someone on deadline about everything they said or thought while on deadline with the previous book (or with every previous book, as the case may be). As it happens, a lack of satisfaction with the story at all the various stages of revision probably results in a better book anyway. So it’s best to come to terms with the “This is the worst book ever” mentality associated with the book presently in process. Fifth, having a wife who writes loves scenes can make for steamy romance. And, let’s be honest, what husband doesn’t want steamy romance. Sixth, it’s the best thing in the world—especially if you’re a bit of a romantic yourself (okay, so maybe I’m more than a bit). It also makes life very interesting. In what other scenarios are husbands talking with their wives about the best way to kill someone off . . . Okay, in what other legally legitimate scenarios are husbands talking with their wives about . . .
I usually just say that our steamy love life is of course the inspiration for all such scenes—and that I model for most of the covers. That usually gets a laugh—at which point I say that I was, of course, joking . . . about the second thing.
Mr. DeHart: My wife says I’m most like Max, the hero of Desire Me, the second book in The Legend Hunters Series. I think it’s because Max is brooding, intense, and is amazingly strong. But she says it’s because Max is really smart—like, prodigy smart—and something of a smart ass. Apparently she thinks I’m a smart ass. I can’t imagine why.
Mr. DeHart: I would name the love story Sonnet 116, since I think Shakespeare’s words capture the essence of it:
Either that or Socrates and Jane Austin Walk into a Bar . . .
Mr. DeHart: Treasure Me, the last book of my wife’s brilliant Legend Hunters trilogy released this past March. You don’t have to take my word for how amazing the series is. Just ask John Charles, whose reviewed Robyn’s stuff in Booklist and the Chicago Tribune. Or ask Kathe Robin of RT Book Reviews, who gave Treasure Me a 4 ½ star, Top Pick and a KISS Award. The first book of the series, Seduce Me, won an RT Reviewers Choice award and a Readers’ Crown award from RomCon. Last week she also released, in e-format Her Gentleman Thief, which is on Kindle and Nook for 99 cents (and who wouldn’t buy it at least twice for that price).
Mr. DiPasqua: I’m still laughing out loud at your wit, Mr. DeHart. Thanks for coming out! Okay, folks, check out the giveaway that’s being generously offered!
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.
“Scholarly Alpha” sounds just about perfect for a romance hero. They don’t come better than Indy…or Harrison, for that matter! However, Betas are certainly worthy of romantic fantasies. I would like to see a Warrior Alpha Heroine partnered with a hunky, nerdy Beta Hero. They would have to team up in order to save their fabulous fantasy world from dark, demonic invaders. Opposites attract. She lights his hidden fires. He smoothes her rough edges. Kind of a supernatural “showgirl and the professor” type of romance. Oooh…I love it when those spectacles get steamed up…then they come off! A Beta may… Read more »
Awesome interview! I love that you met online. I’m going to have to share this link with some single girlfriends who aren’t sure that guys of quality are online. You easy debunk that myth. You’re adorable!
I haven’t read one of your wife’s book so great contest for me to enter.
MichelleKCanada
@AnotherLookBook
http://anotherlookbookreviews.blogspot.com/
another_look_book_reviews at hotmail dot ca
Great interview boys! I loved it. FYI – I would totally buy a book titled “Socrates and Jane Austin Walk Into A Bar”.
Can’t wait for tomorrow’s interview!
Kathy Ireland
This is so much fun! I’m loving this blog. Mr. deHart, your definition of ‘alpha’ made me laugh out and I too would definitely buy ‘Socrates and Jane Austin Walk into a Bar’. Of course, I’ll also be buying Her Gentleman Thief – great title, great cover. Looking forward to being here tomorrow!
I have bookmarked this blog for my RH to read..
I am having so much fun reading about you husbands and how you support your wives.
Loving the Wedding Pics. This is so much fun. I love the answers. I’d like to know if anyone is giving Jimmy Thomas-the cover model on Her Gentleman Thief away ? lol I’m looking forward to reading tomorrow’s .Thanks for sharing.
Carol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
Since you are a huge fan of your wife’s work Mr. DeHart, how do you keep from peeking while she’s working on her next book? I think the fact you took her out to celebrate THE CALL was wonderful considering how tired you must have been. Shows an understanding husband (to-be at the time).
What a cool interview. Your wedding photo is great. Has your wife ever been a guest speaker for one of your classes?
Love the wedding photo and love Calvin too… My worry is that I’ll have a little boy like Calvin one day and I’ll end up being like his mom in the comics…
I’m going to love reading about my favorite authors husbands! What a fun idea! Thanks for sharing with us today! I love your title suggestions!
evjochumo[AT]aol[DOT]com
Indiana Jones of political science.
I like it 🙂
Hobbes is imaginary??? You dudes are rockin my world.
That said, any man who recites Shakespeare is AOK in my book. Wow, you give me hope, boys.
Hugs, thea
Phenom Interview! Mr. Dehart quotes Shakespeare! Robyn is a lucky lady.
Now to my question:
Mr. Dehart, morally is reading romance novels cheating on a spouse?
I know it’s silly but you be surprised of the different arguments I hear when this question is posed by friends and hubby’s of said friends.
Thanks for all of the great information and awesome wedding photo.
Mr. DeHart, or I should probably say, Dr. DeHart, you are too funny! I too would read Shakespeare and Jane Austen walk into a bar, and beta males definitely make better husbands, as do profs.
Great interview and I loved your personal romance title Socrates and Jane Austin Walk into a Bar haha
GFC follower
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Joined Lila’s Yahoo Newsletter group
lilazncutie1215[at]yahoo[dot]com
Very funny, Mr. DeHart! Since you are of the scholarly persuasion, and I know you enjoy reading, did you read romance before you met Robyn? Do you read any romance authors besides your wife? if not, who are your favorite authors?
Oh my, what’s that saying about when the cat is away, the mouse will play? You boys are incorrigible. Glad everyone is enjoying my DH’s answers. Right now The Professor is at school teaching summer classes, but he’ll be back this afternoon and will check in to answer all of your great questions.
Hi everyone! I just wanted to stop by and thank you, Mr. DeHart and Robyn. We’re all enjoying this interview very much. It’s a pleasure to have you both here.
Thanks to all the commenters! It’s as fun reading your responses as it is reading the interviews! Glad everyone is having a great time!
Hugs,
Lila
Mr. DeHart –First of all thanks for mentioning that your favorite writer is Plato. I am printing out your interview to show my husband. We have been married for 41 years and when we first met one of the first things he asked me was “What is the most intresting author you ever read”. I told him that Plato’s Dialogues describing the trial and death of Socrates was wonderful and he should read it. He almost didn’t ask me out again. I’m so glad that I “discovered” Robyn and read The Treasurer Hunters trilogy. Please send her my thanks for… Read more »
Mr. DeHart – very thoughtful responses – here’s my questions:
1) you mentioned singing – how often do you sing to Robyn?
2) Your response to the question on suggestions to other RH’s was very thorough – did you have that all thought out before this interview or did you really think them thru when asked the question here?
sallans d at yahoo dot com
Mr. DeHart, I loved your interview! Your reference to Socrates and Jane Austen walking into a bar was priceless and I loved your Shakespeare’s Sonnet 116. How did you propose to your wife? You RH’s rock!
I loved your answers. I believe every woman wants a ruggedly handsome alpha male with a scholary disposition. What the use in having the eye candy if you can’t have a conversation with them.
What an interview! =)
Good choice on Kerbey Lane!
Q: Some authors create a playlist for their books while they write. Do you sing to Robyn when she’s writing?
_____
GFC: Kati R @Romancing Rakes
romancingrakes(at)gmail(dot)com
US
love the advice 😉 and think it’s great you’re a big fan of your wife’s work. does she let you read as she writes or only after edits?
follower (FB-da kenney & blog)/newsletter group/US
gamistress66 (at) aol (dot) com
Fantastic interview. I think it’s cute that you first date took place in a bookstore, that is actually where I would like my first date to be too. So many ways to strike a conversation. I’m really looking forward to reading “Her Gentlemen Thief” among her books because I like heroines who are amateur sleuths.
Mr. DeHart, being the scholarly aplha male that you are, I was wondering which part of your wife’s writing process do you participate in the most? The outlining, plotting, editing or…?
GFC follower
Cambonified(at)yahoo(dot)com
Kati R, you have my favorite question so far – I totally laughed out loud when I read it – does he sing to me while I write? No. I realize you asked him and I’m sure he’ll have a thing or two to say about it, but I actually like it quiet when I write. That being said, I do use my earbuds when I need to close myself into my writing world and I rely almost exclusively on instrumental movie soundtracks for my writing time. Words distract me. I’m still chuckling though at the thought of him signing… Read more »
I love meeting my favorites authors spouse. Love your wifes books. When your wife is in her writing zone do you leave her to it or do you demand some of her attention too?
lead[at]hotsheet[dot]com
Great interview! I love how you talk about your wife, it’s the way it should be!
More great questions and answers it is so nice meeting the men behind these wonderful authors. I have to say I have all of Robyn’s books and have loved them all. Oh to have such a romantic husband.
Have Fun
Helen
Hello Mr. DiPasqua! I’m visiting because Margie Lawson told me I should look up your wife, Lila. Glad I did because Lila and I exchanged a couple of emails last month, and because we did that her name is now stuck in my noggin’, and because it is stuck in my noggin’ I paid attention to the post on the TRW loop. What a cool idea to promote Lila’s latest book, and how generous of you to take part in such a hands on way. Kudos to you and all the husbands. I am so impressed. Many husbands would not… Read more »
I am loving these interviews. The RH’s are just so funny.
Mr. DeHart, I love your wife’s books and I love that you love reading them too.
What great comments! To my sweet wife . . . Of course we boys are incorrigible. We are boys after all. To our friend Shana Galen, does Dostoevksy’s Crime and Punishment count or maybe certain of Dorothy Sayers entries in the Peter Wimsey series? But, in sackcloth and ashes, with garment rent, I confess I did not read romance proper until my wife. Beyond my wife (and Jane Austen), I haven’t read other authors. But I have a list of some I would like to try. Pam Morsi and Teresa Medeiros come to mind. My wife thinks I would like… Read more »
Oh yes, and I’ll be back later. Time to take the wife to dinner . . .
“Alpha Male means…..of Scholarly Disposition” Brilliant – Hillarious answers Mr. DeHart! How can one not walk away laughing after reading this interview. I must be the only ‘dodo’ who has not had the fortune of reading one of Robyn DeHarts books as yet! Well count me a fan getting to know her RH. 6yrs, 4mnths, 6dys – wow, another fine answer! So here’s my question: Which of your wifes books would you recommend as my introduction to her works? CHEERS!
Mr. DeHart,
I see that you quoted Shakespeare, but have you ever written poetry for Robyn? And what is Kerbey Lane?
Another great interview today!
cindersmaria AT yahoo DOT com
GFC Follower
US Resident
Facebook Friend
Oh these just get better by the day? Mr DeHart your wife is very lucky to have you or should I say you are very lucky to have her….now I know you cook and change dirty diapers … Especaily during hurricane season… Soooo Professor how do I enroll my other half in these classes?
Also does your wife have a facebook account?
*waves at Lila*
Susperia(at)hotmail(dot)com
Canada
Facebook follower
Shared interview on group wall The book pimps
I should let my wife guest lecture–to teach my students about writing as an art. Perhaps she lectures vicariously. After all, when I’m preparing my undergrads (and, anymore, graduate students), for the first essay they turn into me, I borrow lines from her revision workshop (one she’s frequently given with Emily McKay)–the quotes she uses about all writing being rewriting and easy reading being damn hard writing (which has been variously attributed but which I’ve seen most commonly ascribed to Nathaniel Hawthorne). Or I could just let her lecture because, well, in a political theory or a Con Law class,… Read more »
Professor,
Great interview. Nice to hear about the life of a fellow RH. I totally see you as the Indiana Jones type of professor.
Mr. D,
You have thrown two great parties. More to come I am sure.
Mr. Galen
Artemis– I have written my wife love letters though not love poems. When it comes to the affairs of the heart and written word, I’m rather better at prose than poetry. Though I have an undying affection for truly good poetry of all sorts (whether Sonnets or Epic). Kerbey Lane is an outstanding restaurant (now a chain) in Austin, Texas. It’s most known for pancakes but really everything there is good (the salsa is outstanding). Connie– Any of her books will do. And she might suggest Treasure Me, the final installment of her most recent series. But I say, start… Read more »
What is the most romantic thing Robyn has ever done for you?
BTW, Austinite here as well and S. Lamar is my fave KL. 🙂 They finally put the lemon poppyseed pancakes on the menu permanently. I’m happy. 🙂
Mr. Galen (aka Ultimate Sports Fan),
Please tell my students that. Or maybe I should just start wearing the hat and carrying the bullwhip into the classroom (I’m guessing there’s probably some university policy against doing the second thing).
I thought you and Mr. DiPasqua set a hi bar . . . So I did my level best to reach it. Speaking of which, we should raise mugs in a bar sometime to toast the adventurous life of RHs.
Loved the post. I had to laugh at the question about what do you immediately think about when you hear the word “ball”? My DOH has learned to appreciate historical romance over the years. After 20 years of marriage, he’ll actually suggest watching a Jane Austen flick (we own them all and several versions). So my question is: How many times have you watched a Jane Austen flick and can you name them all (i.e., how many books did she write)?
lvsgund at gmail.com
Hi everyone–
Glad you’re having a great time! The A MIDNIGHT DANCE BLOG PARTY is definitely unique. I’m glad to see my guests’ dance cards have been filled. 🙂
Sherry Isaac–I can’t think of anything more fun than jumping into romance infested waters!! 😉
As for stars aligning, I’m the one whose truly blessed to have Lila.
Mr. Galen–You’re right! Two great dance parties, and definitely more to come!
Mr. DeHart–Thanks again. Enjoyed all the scholarly…I mean, alpha male banter.
Mr. D
The most romantic thing my wife has ever done for me . . . Well, there’s not just one thing. There’s the ring she gave me for our engagement (which she gave me shortly after I proposed and give her a ring; do you think she knew the proposal was coming?)–which has the passage from the Solomon’s Song engraved on the outside. Then there’s the pocket watch she gave me as a wedding present–with our engagement picture on the inside and our anniversary carved on the back. Then there’s the book of love letters she’s written me–with blank pages so… Read more »
LilMissMolly, I am indeed aware that every Jane Austen book has been depicted in film. My wife owns them all (I think–she says most all but she got for Christmas one year a BBC collection that either included all of them or filled in all the gaps). I’ve seen Persuasion, Pride and Prejudice (both versions, I think), and Sense and Sensibility. I’ve even seen Becoming Jane. As an Indy Jone’s esque alpha male I originally watched them hoping to see horse and carriage chases, much like car chases in today’s action film. Imagine my initial disappointment when, lo and behold,… Read more »
Artemis, as you might have noticed Mr DeHart is a tad too wordy to be a poet, but he is rather romantic and writes beautiful love letters. Landra, I know you didn’t ask me, but I have this disease where if I have an opinion and a platform for said opinion, I must share it. 🙂 But you asked about whether or not reading romance could be considered cheating and I know there’s been a lot of similar talk in the news lately – the dangers of reading romance. Are we to assume too that those who read fantasy books… Read more »
Mr. DeHart:
How do you help Mrs. DeHart when her writing muse takes an unathorized vacation? What tricks do you use to help her get back on track? Are they similar to what you do for deadlines?
Very nice interview – I do love a dry sense of humor!
kacbooks at hotmail dot com
Karen, Well, seeing as I’m her muse and I never take a vacation, she’s always inspired. But seriously, my wife’s says there’s no such thing as writers block. She has this quote (maybe from Jack London): something like, I only write when I’m inspired and so I make sure I’m inspired every morning at 8 a.m. Her disinclination to embrace the notion of writer’s block notwithstanding, she does sometimes say that she’s “stuck.” On such occasions I generally try to get her to do or think about something else. Usually a good movie or a meal out at a restaurant… Read more »
Thanks Mr. DiPasqua for hosting the Midnight Dance Blog party . . . and, of course, to Lila DiPasqua (whose novels are also on my “to read list). This has been a great fun. And it is always a great pleasure to interact with romance readers and other RHs. A number contributors to the thread said how much they enjoyed Robyn’s books or that they were going to get a copy straight away. And I can’t tell you how happy I am when I read such comments. The books comprising her oeuvre are wonderful, touching, and adventurous love stories imbued… Read more »