#RomancingSeptember Day 13 Twins Of A Gazelle by Margaret Cullingford @CullingfordMags

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Welcome to Day 13 of #RomancingSeptember

2015 cover

Our guest today is Margaret Cullingford and her book Twins of a Gazelle

Twins of a Gazelle MEDIUM (2)

Where is your home town?

I live in Leicester in the UK.

How long have you been writing romance?

This is not as easy to answer as you would imagine. Although billed my second novel, Twins of a Gazelle was the first one I attempted to write. I finished its first draft ten years ago when it was part love story – four interwoven in fact – and part mystery/intrigue. Needless to say, it failed to fit neatly into a particular genre. “Multi-layered” one kind critic said. It survived a couple more transformations, and finally, on editorial advice, I re-wrote it and it became a romance with edge.

 

What is your favourite sub-genre of romance?

I guess it is a love story with issues similar to the sort of story I write myself. My reading overall is quite eclectic – from literary through detective stories/crime, as well as romance, also historical-literary, -romance and -crime. Depends on how my reading fit takes me.

Where is your book set?

Twins of a Gazelle is set in Leicestershire, and on the Greek island of Ithaca, but also visits London, the area around St Katharine’s Dock.

Why does Callista think she’s married the wrong man?

Calista, after marrying Adam, is soon disillusioned. She was his mistress for a while before he divorced his first wife and persuaded Calista to marry him. She also knew a great deal about his financial dealings, and therefore, mistakenly, thought she knew him. Once married, she realizes she doesn’t know him at all. She also suspects he subscribes to the notion, marry your mistress, you create a vacancy. It isn’t too long before she discovers her misgivings are well-founded.

Who is P.J. Wood?

P.J. Wood is an enigma, a lone yachtsman Calista meets one evening at a taverna in Kioni, the small Ithacan port where she and Adam are on holiday. Adam has left her alone to go on an all-night fishing trip. By the end of their first meeting, despite knowing very few facts about PJ – she doesn’t even know what he does for a living -Calista feels as though she has known him all her life.

Your book is called Twins of a Gazelle, what is the significance of the title?

“Twins of a gazelle” is a phrase from a quotation, and what PJ calls to her at the end of their second, briefer meeting as he rows his dinghy towards his anchored yacht. By then, he’s too far out for her to ask what he means. By the time the quotation is given in full, I hope it shows the reader the essence of Calista and PJ’s relationship.

Which part of the research for your book did you enjoy the most and why?

The part of my research for Twins I enjoyed most, though accidental at the time, has to be immersing myself in the sights and sounds, the scents and tastes of Ithaca which encapsulates all things Greek – rugged coastline, rocky outcrops, mountains, olive groves, white-washed village houses, vibrant flowers, goats and sheep, ancient mythology through more recent history to present-day life. I’ve had a love affair with Greece ever since I first visited Athens, Delphi and Olympia in 1984,

What are you currently working on?

I am currently well into my as-yet-untitled third novel, which begins: Alexandra Neave, You now have something valuable, very valuable which by rights is mine. That one line is the first of four anonymous letters each more sinister than the previous one. The first short chapter ends, As Bel’s only child and, in lawyer-speak, sole beneficiary whatever the anonymous letter-writer claimed she now had must be down to Bel’s sudden death. There’s mystery and danger for Lexie Neave, and romance too in her tension-filled relationship with private investigator Forbes. Romantic suspense, or just plain chicanery, a mystery needing a solution? Watch this space.

Where can readers find out more about you?

Windswept, Moi?

Readers can find out more about me on my website, on my Facebook pages – my writer’s page and friends’ page, also on the New Romantics Press website.

Website – http://www.magscullingford.com

Facebook – https://facebook.com/MagsCullingfordwriter

https://facebook.com/magscullingford

Twitter –   https://twitter.com/CullingfordMags

Website – http://www.newromanticspress.com

Twins Of A Gazelle

Available from Amazon – eBook and paperback

http://tinyurl.com/qj2hzlf

http://tinyurl.com/ojmm8z5

For more about Margaret and all our authors go to Stephanie’s blog, she’ll be posting in just a few hours at http://stephanie-hurt.com/

23 thoughts on “#RomancingSeptember Day 13 Twins Of A Gazelle by Margaret Cullingford @CullingfordMags”

  2. I always enjoy Mags’s novels as she writes about the complex issues which are bubbling beneath the surface of all relationships. This one has the advantage of a great hero (P>J> Wood) and an idyllic secondary setting – Ithaca. One to download and savour during the cold autumn evenings. .

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    • Thank you, LIzzie – Must say nothing I enjoy more than escaping into a good read as days shorten. Your Scotch on the Rocks beckons, and a scotch!

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  3. Publishers never seem to like ‘multi-layered’ do they? I think they need the square pegs in square holes for marketing purposes – funny how indie writers (who often write multi-layered) don’t have the same marketing issues! But good for you for sticking with what you knew in your heart was a good story itchlng to get out! I threw away a lot of my early ideas, I wish I hadn’t now. Mind you these were penned (literally!) pre computer days so were all hand written. And probably weren’t any good anyway. LOL one was a romance set in space (era of Star Wars FIRST time out!) I left my protagonist trapped inside the memory of a computer (very much pre Matrix days as well!) I wonder if he ever got himself out and was reunited with Electra, the love of his life? Or if he’s still there…. 🙂

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    • Thanks you for your comment, Helen. A romance in space doesn’t sound that way out (no pun intended) these days with people queuing to incarcerate themselves in a metal tube to go to Mars. Perhaps you should revisit your early inspiration again. With a computer writing, re-writing and editing, no sweat – well not so much it isn’t fun.

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    • Thanks, Ade – and returning the compliment I’m looking forward to Scandal at the Seahorse Hotel – Seahorse is Ippocampus in Greek and I’m always reminded of Greece when I hear the title of your latest..

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  5. Thank you for inviting me to participate in Romancing September, Rosie. I’m really enjoying everyone’s posts – all those talented writers out there – awesome.

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  6. Great post, Mags & Rosie. I’ve still to read Twins of a Gazelle (fab title!) and have heard so many good comments about it, I can’t wait to dive in! Lovely to read about the research side of it, Mags. I also love the sound of the novel you’re currently working on. Best of luck with it. 🙂 Xx

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  7. After reading this novel, I suggested that Mags write for the Greek tourist board – the sights, sounds, smells of Ithaca are so beautifully evoked. She is such a clever storyteller; both of her books have been great reads. Am eagerly awaiting the next!

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  10. Another wonderful interview from a fascinating author! Happy to meet you through Romancing September, Mags. The title of your book is intriguing, and the cover is lovely as well. Have shared your post and followed you on social media.

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    • Thank you for your kind comments, Linda. Must say the cover fills me with nostalgia – I’ve had a love affair with Greece and her islands for quite some time.

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