When I started this blog, I mentioned the Oxford Blue Series by Pippa Croft and recommended it. For those of you who haven't discovered this 3 book series yet - you are in for a treat! All three books are available in paperback and on kindle, I'll put the links to Amazon after the interview.
So.... here it is :) An interview with Pippa Croft (a nom de plume for Phillipa Ashley).
1 1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your writing career?
Although I've worked as a journalist and copywriter since I left
university, I didn’t start writing fiction until I was 42! It’s my one regret
about writing, I so wish I’d had the nerve to do it sooner. Since then, I've written 12 books, ranging from contemporary romance to erotica. The highlights
have been having one of my books made into a Lifetime TV movie and being
published by Penguin. I still can’t believe that iconic little bird is on the
cover of my books.
2. How do you come up with the ideas for The Oxford Blue series -
the theme is a departure from your books published as Phillipa Ashley?
I've always written sexy books, but since 50 Shades, the market for very
hot and erotic fiction and series has opened up many more opportunities. The
time seemed perfect for this series and for me to indulge my love of gorgeous,
moody Alpha heroes, sassy heroines and glamorous settings.
3. Why did you set it in Oxford?
I've wanted to set a book there for a very long time and this series
seemed the perfect way to do that. I felt I was actually back there, walking
along the cloisters and streets while I was writing it. Pure bliss.
4. Is it unusual to have a serving army officer studying at
Oxford? What gave you that idea?
It’s certainly not that unusual and I know a few officers who are
studying for masters in International Relations at Oxford and Cambridge. The
Army sends them as part of their career development. I even know one who’s
applied to the SAS! However, they probably wouldn't go into action during the
course but Alexander is always a special case. J I wanted to show his devotion to
serving his country and the angst that causes in his personal life because he
has to choose between love, family and duty.
5. Alexander is the moodiest, sexiest man on the planet. Is he
based on anyone in particular? Or a combination of men - if so who??? ;)
Sadly, he is a complete figment of my imagination. He’s the most Alpha,
the most wealthy and the most troubled of all my heroes and I've loved writing
him! Lauren is probably the only woman who could handle him or truly get under
his skin. She’s independent, and not impressed by his title and wealth but even
she can’t help being swept away by his charisma and forcefulness. What
Alexander wants, Alexander gets – or does he?
6. Will there be a fourth book? I've spoken to several readers who
all say that there is unfinished business.
I’d love to write a fourth book, as I think there’s unfinished business
too! It’s up to my publisher – and the best thing readers can do to make it
happen is to buy the series.
7. What's next for Pippa/Phillipa?
I’d like to write a
fourth novella to round off the series, and also I'm working on a new single
title contemporary romance.
Here are the links, as promised: Amazon UK - The Oxford Blue Series
And Amazon US - The Oxford Blue Series
Please read these - you really won't be disappointed! And then we can start on Penguin for a fourth book! Over the next 3 days, I'll review each book in turn. They are a series and so do have to be read consecutively. If I could give more than five***** I would!
Thanks for the honour of being your first interviewee and for reading the series, Ann. Happy blogging!
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to be interviewed :)
DeleteI second the love for the Oxford Blue trilogy - Alexander is just the right kind of Alpha male for me, he's flawed and delicious!
ReplyDeleteYour very small cheque is in the post, Jane, Thanks xx
ReplyDelete