Currently, I am at the point where “Idea Person Writes Book.” To be really specific, I am at the point where “Idea Person Decides To Write Regency Romance Incorporating Funny Animal Videos From YouTube.” Soon, I will be praying that my editor does not quit and start a goat farm. But if she did, I hope she makes funny animal videos and posts them on YouTube.

Chatty Question:  So, is this how you imagined the publishing process?

Serious Question: Any ideas for Charlotte’s story? 

Check out excerpts and deleted scenes at www.mirandaneville.com

What’s a heroine-eque quality you wish you possessed?

Apart from being too thin with a mouth too wide for fashion? Having the courage of your convictions. I am too easily swayed. When I do (or don’t do) things I regret it’s often because I’m anxious to please someone and let myself be persuaded, sometimes against my better judgment. I admire a heroine who damns the torpedoes and goes full speed ahead. On the other hand, a little caution and modesty can also be a good thing ….

 Who’s a heroine you admire (either real or fictional)? 

I’m a huge admirer of women like Hillary Clinton, Madeleine Albright, and Condaleeza Rice, who have made great contributions to the world despite the challenges women face. But all of us in the western world have it relatively easy. I’m going to pick Aung San Sui Kyi, the Burmese dissident leader who spent 15 years under house arrest for standing up against one of the world’s most brutal regimes. Her father was the leader of the Burmese independence movement until he was assassinated. What’s fascinating is that his wife and daughter were the ones who carried on his work. His son moved to California and became a US citizen. Not that I judge him for that, but I admire the sister for not taking the easy way out and sticking to her determination to help her country, facing privation and danger of death to do so.

In romance I think Loretta Chase writes the best heroines. They are always strong and prepared to tackle their own problems with humor and grace.

What’s an important life lesson you’ve learned from romance novels? 

Romances celebrate the best human qualities: kindness, tolerance, loyalty, determination in overcoming obstacles. And while in real life we may not achieve a hot duke and an HEA, we can all aspire to something like it. Have faith and exercise those better qualities and life will be better.

Tell us about the heroine of your new book!

Minerva Montrose, the heroine of Confessions from an Arranged Marriage is definitely a “damn the torpedoes” type. She spent her youth preparing herself for life on the world stage – which as a woman she can best do by marrying a man of influence. She plans to marry an up-and-coming politician and help him become Prime Minister. Actually she’s a bit of a Lady Macbeth, only without the murder and violence. Who she gets, by accident, is Lord Blakeney. Blake is the heir to a powerful political duke, but he’s a jock with no interest in the family business.

While Minerva enjoys the process of politics, she’s serious about improving the country. Writing the book I was determined she wouldn’t have to give up her ambition. Falling in love changes and improves both Minerva and Blake, as it should, but they also both get what they want.

Discuss: What are some your favorite things about arranged marriage/marriage of convenience plots? Any favorite novels that feature this kind of relationship?