Mr. DiPasqua: Lila keeps saying I’m having way too much fun here at the A MIDNIGHT DANCE Blog Party. And she’s right! Not only am I enjoying meeting the men behind the romance authors you love (guys I have a lot in common with!), but I’m also enjoying reading your comments each day. Please help me give a warm welcome to today’s RH–Mr. March! Can you tell us who you’re married to and what she writes?
Mr. March: I’m married to the lovely, talented and currently one-eyed Ashley March. She writes kissy face romance books set in Biblical times. I think. Or the same time Charles Dickens was riding dinosaurs. Maybe. I’m not good with math.
Mr. March: I am far too complicated to boil myself down into only four possible categories, so I’ll settle it with being a fellow writer. I was a reporter before I met her and have written for sports (like MMA) for years. Currently I am trying my hand at young adult fiction while being a stay at home father and deleting Ashley’s chapters each night when she goes to sleep.
Mr. March: For legal, ethical and sexy reasons I can’t tell you how we met. Let’s just say I may or may not have been an undercover freelance exotic dancer. I knew she was the one for me when I learned she was state (Texas) spelling champion. I knew right then and there, I wanted a woman who could correct anything I write and most everything I say, FOREVER.
Mr. March: At home. And my reaction? Honestly? Confusion. Ashley has an eye for detail and tells verbal stories in a way that can be…how do you say, long winded. It went something like this, “So the agent said she sold it to this one thing (whatever it was called) which is an imprint of Penguin, and what could happen is this, or that maybe…”
I think I stared and finally said, “So this is good? I should hug you?”
a) Just like you; Mr. March: I am assuming we’re talking about her new book, Romancing the Countess, so no, he isn’t like me. I’m a humor guy, he’s pretty serious. This is why I think he’s such an interesting character for me to see her write.
b) The opposite of you; Mr. March: Very much so.
c) You wish it were you; Mr. March: I am realizing now I was supposed to pick one–again, bad at math. I will tell you that I wish I was like her first hero, Philip, from Seducing the Duchess. Every guy wants to be a sexy cad that is funny and still beloved. Don’t let them fool you.
d) More like Mr. May in the NYC Firefighter calendar. Mr. March: All of her guys are like that. I hate watching her do ‘research’. When I get caught looking at a woman I say, “doesn’t she look like that friend and/or cousin of yours?” When I catch her checking out a hot guy, “Oh, it’s for my next book.” Somehow either way I end up sleeping on the couch.
a) Prince Charming; Mr. March: I think I fooled her but good. I tried to be as charming as I could. I was taken with her right from the first time I saw her and wanted to impress her with how charming I could be. Then I tried to hold her hand. Ask her about that story and how quickly a romantic date can turn badly.
Ashley interjects: Look, I was nervous, too. And my hands were sweaty. I couldn’t hold hands with you when my hands were sweaty! After you got all huffy and offended I wiped them off and explained. And I believe we held hands the rest of the night. =P
Mr. March: e) None of the above, I think “I wonder how Ashley would fit a man with an unfortunate testicular-related accident into one of her stories and how would she make the love scene sexy?”
Mr. DiPasqua: This is getting scary, folks. I’ll just take a big step back to protect the family jewels from any slips of the scissors. Now, then, Mr. March, you look alert enough to answer the next question. 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. March: I think I’ve always been a romance husband. Ashley has always longed for a beauty outside of this world that goes beyond what she gets in the everyday sadness we have. I didn’t know when I first met her this was where her path would go, but pretty soon after getting married she let me know this is what she wanted. The best advice I would give is to not be down early on when failure haunts her. They DO NOT want your actual opinion or advice, just smile and say, ‘Yes’. A new RH should do only one thing during deadline time. Everything. Give her time, and when she asks for your opinion on something, don’t make the ‘wrap it up’ sign as she speaks. Not if you don’t want to end up the research candidate for that one-balled guy I talked about earlier.
Mr. DiPasqua: Sounds like sound advice. Okay, you know I have to go there . . . What’s your response when asked, “So where does your wife get the inspiration for her love scenes?” (Usually by a guy smirking.)
Mr. March: The worst part is, it always comes from my guy friends. It’s really strange and uncomfortable. I actually let people know that she comes up with them all on her own because I want the attention to then turn toward her. That’s right, all of that is in that sweet little blonde curly head over there.
Mr. March: Now this one I’m excited about. It’s going to be the lead character in the book she just finished writing. Can’t tell you more than that, but I love him.
Mr. March: I could look to her for this, but I want it to be from me. Her next novel comes out on September 6, 2011. Romancing the Countess is a big leap for her. It is fascinating in how equally dark yet loving it is. This is a deeply personal book for her, even if she doesn’t realize it. I think of everything she has ever written, and I’ve read things none of you ever will, this is probably her best prose and most moving story. With every word, sentence, paragraph, chapter and arc she is becoming a better writer and the story teller that we who know and love her always knew she could be.
GIVEAWAY: I’ll be giving away a copy of Ashley’s 2010 debut, SEDUCING THE DUCHESS. Open WORLDWIDE.
RULES:
To win you must:
1. Ask a question or leave a comment below—We’re men. We can take it. 🙂 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.
Mr. DiPasqua: This was a lot of fun! NOTE: No RHs were harmed during this interview. Now, let’s hear your comments, folks! 🙂
I can’t get the smile off my face love those answers Mr March it must be lots of fun at your place.
Love the sound of Ashley’s books I do have the first one on the TBR pile need to move it up I am sure it will keep me warm down under.
Have Fun
Helen
Hmm, that was interesting, I loved it 😀 Thank you for the post 🙂
I’m a follower as mikki-mano 🙂
Ok I admit the title of this interview had me smiling befor I even began to read it, sounded like you were welcoming a guy from a calendar…you know the kind where they are very scantilly clad. Hahaha!
I actually just received Romancing the Countess ARC through Goodreads and am very excited to start it! Ihave never read a March book, can’t wait to spread word at the blog/web sites I review for! Good luck with it!
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Great interview! I liked mrs March Joining in 🙂
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Great interview! I bet you can always make Ashley smile when she needs it most.
When you were a reporter, did you write for a newspaper or magazine? Did you write about the fights and/or interviews with the MMA fighters? Did you cover any other types of sports? My eldest would be so jealous. He a sports fanatic, especially loves contact sports.
With writing for young adult, what genre do you write, and have you been published yet?
Hello, Mr. March! You are a very lucky RH! Ashley is a sweetheart, and a very talented author. I greatly enjoyed “Seducing the Duchess”, and I so look forward to reading “Romancing the Countess”! Oh, and by the way, I think Ashley is quite lucky to have you too ; )
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Too funny…I bet y’all are just a hoot in person.
Hehe… you romance husbands are all too funny. 🙂
I love Ashley’s books! 🙂 I enjoyed Romancing the Countess a lot. I followed Ashley on Facebook too. I hope your daughter is sleeping better now… 🙂
Hi Mr. March@ You have a great sense of humour. A little scary perhaps, but great.:) You too Mr. diPasqua – love your notation that no RH’s were harmed! I’m looking forward to reading “Seducing the Duchess”.
Mr. March here! I am very lucky indeed to be married to her. I try to keep her laughing, but I keep more focused on keeping myself laughing. Funny story though, two nights back I woke up at about 3am because I heard something. I assume it was one of the children. I stayed awake for a while, listening to Ashley sleep, when suddenly she began to laugh in her sleep. A seriously, scary laugh. I stayed up the rest of the night frozen in fear.
And by the by, I am really hoping that Helen is from Australia.
Wait a second! I just got a chance to read the entire interview, I didn’t see Ashley’s comments before. I had no idea my jewels were threatened. Oh well, I regret nothing!
Actually, I regret my answer about Mr. May in the calendar. I should have said; “Who needs Mr. May…when you have Mr. March?” Right ladies? Are you with me? Is this thing on?
What great and juicy fun that was……thanks for the morning laugh. I can’t wait to read Ashley’s new series next year……NEXT YEAR….what a tease guess I’ll just have to go buy her new one in September to hold me over !
*ahem* Look, I promise I will never hurt you. And I also promise I’m not as crazy as I just sounded in that interview, lol. This is what happens when you ask your wife to “edit” before sending something and when your wife is doped up on medicine and thinks she’s being funny. *sigh* =P
lol lol “And by the by, I am really hoping that Helen is from Australia” I was hoping the same thing Mr. March. lol
You have a great sense of humor and I noticed that every DH has lots of love for their ladies and are very witty. This should be an on going theme when Lila writes each book. :)Ashley, I loved your book and look forward to the next. Scissors and medication can be very scary. lol Especially for Mr. March lol
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I am still chuckling from your great interview, Mr. March. Love yours and Ashley’s sense of humor.
I am new to Ashley’s books, so need to get out and buy one.
You mentioned that Ashley is currently one eyed. What happened?
Since you didn’t really tell us how you met, can you tell us how long you dated before marrying and how you proposed. I always love to hear that. Thanks for the great interviews and your answers.
Cathy P: She is one eyed because of a very unfortunate fondu accident. Actually, she got an eye infection. We dated for…a while? (Great, now I look terrible). I can say how I proposed (because I remember!). We use to wear these necklaces with a grain of rice in them that had our names on them. I had a matching one made unknown to her that on the rice was written, “Will you marry me”. We were watching a movie one night and I switched them out and somehow the topic came up about when was I finally going to… Read more »
Hi Mr. D and Mr. M–
Great interview–very funny! I am very much looking forward to reading Romancing the Countess (which comes out next month) and already have My Lady Rival on my Wish List (coming out in May).
I am a big fan and would love to win a copy of her book. Please enter my name in the giveaway:
Laura T
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“kissy face romance” -bwahahaha!!! Too funny! Glad to hear that the family jewels are still in one piece, too!
Oh my, I got a little weepy reading this interview. You two are so sweet! Thanks for sharing with us today!
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Awh, I loved this interview! Great answers and I’ll look for her book in Sept. I’m already excited. 🙂
Mr. M. – since you are both writers, do you help each other out with any aspect of your writing (other than Mr. M participating in this blog. Do you write at the same time – like one on each side of a partner desk. Or do you keep your writing totally seperate? Ps. Now I know what to tell the fam to get me for my birthday (which is also Sept 6).
Once again a great interview Mr. D! I think we should all call the networks and have you and Mr. March have your own TV show – it would be better than anything they are offering right now. Of course there being nothing worth while watching means all the more reason for us to buy and read both your wives books might discourage you doing that!Maybe you’d better both keep your current jobs. Mr. March, I need your sage advice. When my husband claims I’m wasting too much time reading Ashley’s books and he’s tired of waiting for me to… Read more »
OMG, I can’t stop laughing. Mr. March you truly crack me up. I think it’s great that both you and Ashley are so supportive of eachother and I had no idea that she was a spelling champ. That is awesome. Can you give us more insight into the young adult novel that you are working on?
Danielle @Ramblings From This Chick
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**Don’t enter me to win a copy of this book. I already have one**
Yes I am an Aussie LOL
Have Fun
Helen
A few answers I missed. 1) Kissy Face Romance is a new sub-genre I want to make. You think it would be popular? 2) We often make people weepy, mostly because we like to sneak pepper spray people. 3) We do write at the same time. Many times we like to do writer’s retreats together. We pick random cards out of a pile and a number and prompt each other on a time limit and then read what we wrote to get the juices flowing. All of that sounded dirtier than I meant it to. Juices. 4) You think we… Read more »
Mr. March may perhaps be TOO good of a RH. The books I want to read now are his!
However I’ll take his word on the brilliance of his spouse and will look forward to picking up one of her titles.
Very, very funny post gentlemen! Thank you for helping us kick off the weekend with some chuckles. I do think that ‘kissy face romance’ has great potential for a new sub-genre. And since my birthday is in March, I’d definitely forego Mr. May for Mr. March! I was going to go for a different question today, but with your sense of humor, I would really love to hear the answers (the other RH’s have had some pretty great vacations). What is your favorite family vacation? What is the most romantic vacation you and Mrs. March have taken? Thank you. kacbooks(at)hotmail(dot)com… Read more »
Great post Mr. March, loved your answers. I take you do read your wife’s books then, just from the way you talk. Most guys want read a romance book. I think its great that you do.
lead[at]hotsheet[dot]com
I missed an earlier question regarding a comeback to a husband that isn’t patient with the beef-a-roni meal preparation. Allow me to assist. Responses: 1) It will take longer to cook if the can is thrown through the windshield of your truck. 2) Oh, I guess I can stop reading. Just when they were getting to the part about teaching me how to be more spontaneous in bed. Oh well..I’m sure I’ll get it to later. 3) Are you hands broken? No? Then I fail to see why you can work the microwave. 4) Start reading aloud, and I mean… Read more »
What is your favorite family vacation?
We haven’t really taken one since our daughters started selfishly started requiring 24 hour maintenance. But before that, probably our trip to Virginia/South Carolina.
What is the most romantic vacation you and Mrs. March have taken?
Probably the same one. Walking along the beach together was a terrific memory for me. Oh wait, our honey moon was wonderful. Well except for….the incident. If Ashley wants to talk about…the incident, I’ll let her.
I was very hesitant to read my wife’s book, Virginia. I was brought up, like her, in East Texas where the only things we were allowed to do was read up and learn about things we were not allowed to do. My perspective on romance novels was one of sweaty and much more well endowed men than myself. Why would I want to be a part of that world? So when she started writing I was not anxious at all to read the books, but I promised her if she ever got published I would. From the first few pages… Read more »
Had a few type o’s before. Here they are corrected. My apologies for the confusion.
3) Are your hands broken? No? Then I fail to see why you can’t work the microwave.
4) Start reading aloud, and I mean LOUDLY. Something very dangerous. I have found the following words make men uncomfortable. * Shaft * Thrust * Moist * Unselfish Lover
I have to go do manly things for a while, going to see Cowboys & Aliens! Of course…I’m going to a wine and cheese bar with my sister and her friend first…..but I’m still manly.
I AM!!!
Did I miss it but how long y’all have been married?
BTW, awesome interview, and Ashley’s feedback was just the bomb (one-eyed pirate princess).
So how something like this would come across from my husband and I. I’ve read Romancing the Coountess and I agree with you Mr. March, so you aren’t just tooting your wife’s horn it was an amazing story. I won the ARC from Mrs. March’s facebook fan page.
Dang iPad typing 🙁 Countess not Coountess.
Hi Pam! Since Mr. March is at a movie, I thought I’d answer this. =) We celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary in June. =) And thank you again–I’m so glad you loved RTC!
Hi Cathy P! I had pink eye in both eyes this week. =P I was one-eyed because when it was just the left eye I had to take my contact out, and it was easier to see with only my right than with my right and a contact-less eye, so I put an eye patch on my left eye. I was very dashing. 😉
ROTFL!!! Mr. March you are, hands down, hilarious. Your comments are even funnier than the interview! LOL!!
I want to thank you and Ashley for being here today. What fun! I’m still giggling while typing this. lol.
Hugs to you both,
Lila
What a great sense of humour! LOL.
The part where you knew your wife was the one was when you learned she was a spelling champion is very sweet.
Thank you for joining the dance. May you two have many fun moments over scrabble.
Cambonified(at)yahoo(dot)com
Mr. March has a great sense of humor! It was so funny when Mrs. March interjected. LOL @ calling looking at a hot guy “research”. That sounds like the best kind of research. Definitely a major perk of romance authors!
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Mr. March, Thank you for an enjoyable interview. It was fun to read. You are obviously a good match with a good sense of humor.
I have just read the excerpt from ROMANCING THE COUNTESS. Excellent. I really like her style. I will be putting her books on my must read list from now on.
I am sure the release of ROMANCING THE COUNTESS will go well.
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LOL oh my first i was getting a kick out of Mr. March’s answers especially the undercover freelance exotic dancer….then i had to say it was the cutest thing when Mrs. March kept interjecting you can see the play between them and love. i bet its a riot to be around them in person
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I love this interview, what a great RH! And Mrs. March’s upcoming books sound great!
Robin D
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Mr. March you are one funny RH and I am sure you give your wife alot to work with. Can’t wait to read Mrs. March’s new book.
What a great interview, I enjoyed hearing from Mr March, who sounds like a great guy!!
Looking forward to the new series but patience is not my virtue *lol*
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Very funny, Mr. March! Ashley, you look about 12 in that wedding photo. Wait, I think you were twelve when you met, right 😉
Awesome interview! And your wife’s books are great!
Great interview, I have not read anything by Mrs March can you recommend a book?
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