interview Archives - Sylvain Reynard

Georgina Guthrie, author of The Weight of Words interviewed by SR

May 23, 2014

NOTE:

Due to the overwhelming response the interview, we posted it early!

Thank you very much to the ladies over at The SubClub books for arranging this. On May 30th, they will have an exclusive interview in which the charming Georgina Guthrie interviews me. There will be many giveaways, including International and US editions of the GABRIEL series as well as autographed copies of Georgina’s novels.

Hello Georgina. It’s a pleasure to have you with my readers and me. Thank you for agreeing to visit us and answer our questions.
Thanks for having me! This is exciting!

Your first novel, “The Weight of Words,” was published last year.
How did you become a published novelist?

After wondering what to do with my completed manuscript for about a year and a half and emailing you once a month to flail indecisively and pester you with probing questions (remember that?—best time ever, right? LOL), I finally queried with Omnific. Luckily, the publisher was interested in the story and then, shortly afterward, requested the sequels.

You’re a Canadian author. Was it important to you to set your novel in Canada?

I love Canada, and I think Toronto is a wonderful, vibrant city, but I don’t know if I set out specifically to write a “Canadian” story. What I really wanted to do was set the story at the University of Toronto. I have such amazing memories of my time there and was eager to revisit those memories. I believed I could recapture the way I felt when I studied there. I hope that’s the case.

Were there particular aspects of Canadian life and culture that you wanted to include in your writing?

I really wanted to include the letter “u” in words like “flavour,” “humour,” “favourite,” “honour,” and “colour.” Alas, I lost this battle. 😉 In all seriousness, I wanted the stories and characters to feel real. Setting events in actual locations allowed me to ground my characters in reality, even if the events do become a bit extreme at times. I hope readers who are familiar with Toronto feel a bit of a rush when they read about a setting they “recognize”. Gotta get at least one Timmy’s reference in per book. 😉

I’m thinking back to the Gabriel series now. Was there anything in particular that you wanted to include when you were writing, or did events just unfold in certain locales quite organically? I’d say that was the case for me. Proximity to Vic, really.

I think Toronto in general and the University of Toronto in particular lend themselves to writing and to film. The landscapes and settings are picturesque and the city has its own character, which is unique from, say, New York or London or Berlin.
I agree with you about Canadian spelling. Every time a Canadian drops a “u” an angel loses a wing.
Tell us about your new novel, which is the sequel to “The Weight of Words.”

Essentially, “Better Deeds than Words” picks up right where “The Weight of Words” left off and continues to follow Aubrey and Daniel’s journey throughout the semester. They aren’t prepared to wait to pursue their relationship and there are some rather unfortunate consequences.

Shakespeare plays an important role in your Words series.
What prompted your interest in Shakespeare? What’s your favourite Shakespearean play? Shakespearean character?

I’ve loved Shakespeare since I read “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” early in high school. I don’t know if it’s my British background, or my romantic sensibilities, but there’s just something magical in the Bard’s words and stories that I never grow weary of. My favourite of the plays? I have to choose one?? Not possible. “Hamlet” is a forerunner, if not for the plot, which can be baffling, then certainly for the language. Hamlet’s soliloquies are some of the most eloquent passages in the English language, which makes him one of my favourite characters, as well. But for brilliance of plot and imagery, I’ve always admired “Macbeth.”

(And even as I’m writing this, my brain is saying, “yes but…” “hey, what about…?”)

What’s your favourite? See? It isn’t easy, is it? I remember when we were trying to read “Measure for Measure” together. What ever happened to that? Did you finish?

Measure for Measure is one of those plays that you can read and re-read and still find something new in it. I suppose that’s one of the reasons why I like Shakespeare so much. I think the same is true of Hamlet and the Scottish play, as well as The Merchant of Venice.
You’re a new novelist. Do you have advice for aspiring writers?

My advice would be to write and read as much as you can, and if you’re looking to publish, talk to people, make connections, ask lots of questions, and be prepared to be patient.

I know you’re a Peter Katz fan. I enjoy his music as well.
Which song is your favourite?

Wow, that’s a tough question. It seems to me that Peter’s music resides in two different camps. There are songs which simply speak to the human condition—to love, loss, longing…My favourite song in this vein is “Posters,” one of his older songs. He doesn’t perform it live very often. I was lucky enough to hear him sing it in a beautiful art gallery in Toronto about a year ago.

But Peter also writes songs in response to things he sees happening around the world: things that deeply touch him or trouble him. He wrote a song after hearing about the tragic beating and subsequent death of Matthew Shepard in Laramie Wyoming. The song is called “The Fence,” and it’s absolutely heart-breaking, and brilliant. I’m so glad you took my advice and looked him up. I urge all of my readers to check him out. He truly is one of my muses.

I’m grateful you told me about his music. “Forgiveness” is a song that was very meaningful to me. I listen to it regularly. It’s very powerful.

Oh, absolutely—another favourite. That song was particularly inspiring when I was writing the third book in the Words series. One of the things I love best about Peter is the stories he tells to accompany the songs. The events that inspired the song “Forgiveness” are particularly compelling. If I’m not mistaken, the lyrics to the song were recently published in a university text book.

Is there a charity or organization that you support that you’d like to highlight?

I think it’s important for people to back charities that are personally relevant as opposed to throwing their support behind a cause because someone else tells them to. Personally, I donate to local organizations because it’s gratifying to see the positive results that can come from one’s contributions. There is a local palliative care hospice which looks after ailing teens that’s close to my heart as well as a cancer support center which was founded by an acquaintance of mine shortly before she lost her battle with breast cancer.

Where can readers find your first book and its sequel?

The books are available on Amazon in the USA, Canada and the UK. Barnes and Noble is also carrying both, and if all else fails, Ominific’s entire catalogue is available on their site. I’m hopeful that Chapters, here in Canada, will add Better Deeds than Words to their on-line catalogue. Perhaps one day I’ll even see my books on the shelves. (That’s a wee pipe-dream, there…)

Perhaps this is a good moment for Canadian readers to consider sending a tweet or email to Chapters and asking them to stock the books in store.
Tell us about the third book in the series. When will it release? Will it be the last volume in the Words series?

The final installment is called “The Truest of Words,” and I believe it’s due out in November of this year. It follows Aubrey and Daniel’s journey once the school year has wrapped up. As far as I know right now, that’s the end of the series.

What’s next for you as a writer?

Of course, the next few months will involve the editing of “The Truest of Words,” but once that’s wrapped up, I’m not sure what’s next. I’d dearly love to publish the YA book I wrote last year. (Perhaps this is this your subtle way of nagging me about it? LOL). It’s so near and dear to my heart. It’s been professionally edited and for all intents and purposes, it’s ready to go. I just need to take the plunge and start querying. (I’m setting aside a few months to send you flaily emails first, though. Brace yourself, okay?)

I think that’s great news, GG. I’d like to see your Young Adult novel published and I know readers will be happy to hear about that project.

Keep us posted and thanks again for joining us, SR.

Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to chat with you, SR. And it goes without saying that I appreciate your support and encouragement. Now let’s get a drink! 🙂

Georgina’s links:

AMAZON
THE WEIGHT OF WORDS
BETTER DEEDS THAN WORDS

BN.com
THE WEIGHT OF WORDS
BETTER DEEDS THAN WORDS

Social Media
TWITTER
FACEBOOK
SITE

November 2014

Deleted scene from “Gabriel’s Inferno”

July 25, 2013

Dear Everyone,

Recently, I was interviewed by Yel of the Itzel Library. The interview is available in English and Spanish and you can read it here.

Yel asked me about deleted scenes and outtakes from the novel, reminding me of a scene involving Richard and Grace that was cut from Gabriel’s Inferno.

(Spoiler ahead)

The scene takes place after Julia separates from her boyfriend while studying at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. Grace is upset that Julia won’t answer her telephone calls:

Grace sat at her dressing table in her bathrobe, brushing her long hair and thinking. She was upset. She was worried. But she didn’t know what to do.

“Come to bed, love.”

She took her husband’s outstretched hand and followed him to the bed, divesting herself of her robe in the semi-darkness and joining him naked between the sheets. She positioned herself on her side, running her fingers through the light dusting of chest hair that decorated his upper body.

“My love.” Richard grabbed her hand and kissed it softly. “Tell me what’s bothering you before I make you forget your troubles. You’re driving me crazy.”

Grace laughed. He knew her so well. She would absentmindedly glide gentle hands over his still muscular body in order to help her think better, but it had the opposite effect on him.

“Sorry, dear. I was thinking about Julia.”

Richard sighed and waited for her to elaborate, but he knew what was coming.

“She won’t return my calls. She won’t return Rachel’s calls. Tom says she’s holed up in a tiny apartment near campus and she’ll barely speak to him. I was thinking about driving up there to see her tomorrow and taking a care package.”

Richard was a thoughtful man, a quiet man. He gave his wife’s words his full consideration as she waited to hear his opinion. They were that attuned to one another. They were that much in love.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea. If she’s retreating, it’s because she’s afraid. If you go to her home, you’ll be upsetting her in the one place in which she feels safe.”

Grace rested her hand on his heart. “You aren’t a psychiatrist.”

“That’s right. But we both know Julia is withdrawn and timid. If you threaten her security, you will be threatening her coping strategy. And then she’s going to have to find something else.”

“So what should I do?”

“Why don’t you write her a letter, expressing your concern. Give her some time to process things and respond. And then wait and see what happens.”

Grace rested her head on her husband’s shoulder. “I can do that, but I wish she’d talk to me – let me know what happened that made her want to hide from all of us. And then I could help her.”

“Rachel mentioned something about her boyfriend.”

Grace flinched. “I never liked the way he looked at her. He was proud of how she looked on his arm, but there was something in his eyes.” She reached over and planted a light kiss on her husband’s lips. “He never looked at her the way you look at me.”

Richard smiled at her and caressed the naked curve of her hip with his fingers. “No one looks at anyone the way I look at you because no one loves anyone the way I love you.”

Grace’s worries were momentarily interrupted by a passionate kiss and a pair of strong hands stroking her lower back.

“Julia would have been vulnerable when she started seeing him. Her mother had died, she was away from Selinsgrove. She likely tolerated whatever he was willing to give to her. And gladly.” Richard sighed deeply. “She’s a dreamy romantic, I think, not unlike her mother.”

“Don’t mention that woman to me. She nearly ruined that little girl. When I think of what she exposed her to and —”

He leaned over and kissed her again. “I know, my love. But there’s nothing we can do about it now.”

“I feel helpless,” Grace whispered. “She’s suffering and she won’t let me comfort her. I promised Julia I would be her mother. But she won’t let me.”

“She’ll come back to you when she’s ready.”

“You said that about Gabriel. He never comes home.”

Richard shifted uncomfortably. “He hascome back to us. He’s clean, he has a good job, and if we’re lucky, he’ll meet a nice girl and she’ll straighten him out. You lit a candle for him. Why don’t you light a candle for Julia?”

Grace kissed her husband, but her sadness over her eldest son radiated through her touch.

“Things will work out, my love. I promise. We’ll find a way.” Richard softly kissed her.

And when their contact grew more heated, he looked down at her and traced the soft line of her earlobe, pausing to touch the sparkling diamond in her ear, a gift from long ago.

“You’re upset. You’re sad tonight. I don’t think that we should —”

“Making love with you comforts me, darling. Please.”

He had never denied her any good thing. He could not deny her this. He hovered over her, staring deeply into her eyes. There was no need for words; their gazes said it all.

It was a slow, easy rhythm, the effortless, intimate coupling of a man and a woman who knew each other. The kind of love making that could last for hours or even a lifetime.

“I worship you,” he whispered against her neck, as she arched her back, her hands urging him deeper.

“I love you,” she whispered. “Always.”

The wave crashed over both of them, leaving them breathless and contented.

Grace’s last thought was a silent prayer that one day Julia and Gabriel would each find love.

And then she fell asleep wrapped up in the arms of her beloved husband…

Thank you to Yel for reminding me about this scene, which I’d forgotten. And to the moderators of the international SR accounts, who are providing the translations.

In case you missed it, you can view the cover design for the UK edition of Gabriel’s Redemption here. You can also preorder it through Waterstones or Amazon.co.uk.

All the best everyone and thank you for reading,
SR

www.sylvainreynard.com

Disclaimer: These translations have been made non-profit and with the sole purpose of allowing non-English speaking readers to read the presentation, worldwide. All rights belong to Sylvain Reynard, his publisher Penguin Berkley and additional publishers.

Croatian Translation
Italian Translation
Portuguese Translation
Romanian Translation
Russian Translation
Spanish Translation

Dialogue with the Professor

July 17, 2013

Dear Everyone,

A couple of weeks ago, I posted a dialogue with the Professor, on Facebook and Twitter. In case you missed it, here it is in its entirety:

So the Professor stopped by my flat and without introduction strode into my living room. He sat in a chair, crossed his legs, and glared at me.

(This was not uncommon.)

“SR.” He nodded.

“Gabriel.”

I glanced in the direction of the kitchen. “Would you like a drink?”

The Professor’s lips visibly thinned.

“This isn’t really a social call.”

“So you aren’t here to borrow milk, then?”

“No, I am not.”

“Can I offer you a towel?”

“I’ll get to that in a minute. First, I want to talk to you.”

“No need to wait. I have plenty in a variety of colours.” I gestured to the hallway. “I’ll just run and get one.”

“As I said, I want to talk to you.”

I opened my mouth to protest, but realized that in his current mood, such protestations were futile.

Averting my eyes from the spectacle that was the naked professor seated on my very nice leather chair, I sat far away from him, feeling very uncomfortable.

Clearly he was agitated and sadly for me, Julia had not accompanied him.

(I pondered the possibility of fetching the Snarky Narrator in order to deal with him, but alas, he was out shopping for a new set of parentheticals.)

“This isn’t an art gallery,” I grumbled. “Or a photo shoot. I’m going to have to have that chair cleaned now.”

“Have you forgotten something?” The Professor’s eyes flared in my direction.

I looked away from him pointedly. “I might have asked you the same question.

“No, I don’t think I’ve forgotten anything, apart from a plastic cover for my leather furniture.”

He leaned forward. “Perhaps my appearance might jog your memory?”

I continued inspecting the fascinating sight that was the bare wall of my condominium.

“I can hardly see what your appearance has to do with me, although you might want to rethink your wardrobe choices. The police aren’t likely to look favourably on a naked professor sauntering down Bloor Street.”

“Allow me to refresh your memory. On June third, you released Chapter One of Gabriel’s Redemption. Then the story stopped. Does this ring any bells?”

“Well, you and Julianne were in the orchard at the end of the chapter, and …”

The proverbial light went on in my head. “Oh.”

“Exactly. Oh. Although in this case, it would be better to say ouch.

“Do you have any idea what it’s like to lie naked in an orchard day and night for weeks on end?”

I blinked as I scanned my memory banks.

There was that one time in Barcelona …

I shook my head.

“Sadly, no.”

The Professor sniffed primly. “Well, it’s damned cold. We only have one blanket. I’m afraid Julianne is going to catch pneumonia.”

“And die,” I muttered.

“Excuse me?” The Professor gave me a look that was so scathing, it could have peeled the paint from my walls.

“Uh, nothing.” I scratched my head thoughtfully. “I could rewrite the scene and add a few more blankets.”

“You’re obfuscating.”

I straightened in my chair. “I most certainly am not. And may I remind you, you stole my thesaurus the last time you were over. I want it back.”

The Professor waved a dismissive hand in the air, as if he were swatting a gnat.

“Forget about the thesaurus. What’s this about Gabriel’s Redemption being released in December?”

Oh, here we go, I thought.

“Et tu, Brute?”

The Professor merely scowled.

I cleared my throat.

“As you know, I hadn’t planned to write a sequel to Gabriel’s Rapture. Readers changed my mind. So the gap between the release of books two and three is wider than between books one and two.” I pushed my glasses up, as they’d begun slipping down my nose.

“Regrettably,” I added.

The Professor gazed at me coldly.

“I’ll say this slowly so that I’m sure you can keep up.

“We’re in limbo, naked, in the orchard until you release Chapter Two or publish the entire book. How do you think that feels?”

I pondered this idea for a moment, since his wife was very beautiful.

“SR?” he prompted.

“What’s that?” I had momentarily forgotten he was there.

His eyes narrowed, as if he were reading my mind.

I looked away.

“I’m sure it’s extremely uncomfortable. Somewhat like having one of your characters show up during lunch unannounced, naked, and truculent.

“And don’t even think about borrowing my Oxford English Dictionary in order to look up ‘truculent.’”

“I don’t need your damned dictionary. I know what it means,” he spat.

Muttering to myself, I wandered down the hall to fetch him a towel, which I dumped unceremoniously in his lap.

“Please give my apologies to Julianne. I’m sorry for the inconvenience and I will go back and write in a few more blankets and maybe a cashmere robe.”

“Thank you.

“Being stuck in limbo until December third is damned inconvenient for both of us. And I’ll have you know that Professor Picton is not pleased about your delay, either.”

At this, I closed my eyes.

Not Katherine, too.

I opened my eyes.

“As I recall, Professor Picton appears in the novel fully clothed.”

The Professor glared at me once again.

I shifted my weight awkwardly. “Not that she isn’t attractive. Um, should I expect a visit from her as well?”

“No, she’s in Oxford, where you left her.”

“Oxford is a bit like limbo. Although perhaps the food is better. I’m not sure.”

Gabriel snapped his fingers. “Try to stay focused, will you? You have the attention span of a fruit fly.”

I straightened myself to my full height.

“I beg your pardon. I am completely focused. And you might want to rethink your attitude given the fact that your destiny rests in these hands.”

I crackled my knuckles in what I hoped would be a menacing fashion.

The Professor snorted like a horse.

“I think my destiny rests more in the hands of readers, but carry on, oh God-like third-person author.”

I narrowed my eyes at his sarcasm.

“Allow me to explain how this works. Readers can pre-order our novel, which means they’ll receive it immediately on its release. In some cases, it’s delivered to their Kindle at the stroke of midnight. So pre-orders will certainly hasten your freedom.

“And because Julianne is – ah – cold, I’ll release Chapter Two. But after I’ve given her a bathrobe.”

I gazed into the distance, as I began thinking aloud.

“And maybe one of those things … you know… with lace and straps. And some …”

“Watch it,” he growled.

My attention immediately returned to the Professor.

I gulped.

“Right. Just a robe. But a nice one. Cashmere. Very warm.”

The Professor checked his watch. “I should leave so you can get on with it. We’ve waited long enough.”

He stood to his feet, affixing the very large black bath sheet around his waist.

“I don’t like to be kept waiting, especially with this book. You know what’s at stake.” He gave me a significant look.

I nodded, keeping a safe, respectful distance. “I promise to do my best.”

“Is this to be the last book?”

I scratched my head. “I think so.”

“You think so?” he repeated. “You don‘t know?”

“Well, you know what happened the last time I said ‘this is the final book in the series’…”

He shook his head.

“For an omniscient author, you know precious little.”

I sighed deeply. “I get that a lot.”

“I’ll see myself out. Enjoy your lunch. And SR…”

“Yes?”

“Put on some clothes, for God’s sake.”

He grimaced at the sight of my Superman pyjamas (of dubious origin) and quickly withdrew, leaving me to my solitude and my writing.

I’m going to have to burn that chair, I thought.

Or perhaps I can sell it on Ebay…

Fin.

As mentioned above, I posted Chapters One and Two of Gabriel’s Redemption on my website. If you preorder the book, the Professor has a gift for you. You can learn more here.

The Professor, Paul, and the Snarky Narrator were recently interviewed by the Sub Club Books site. You can read the interview here. They’ll also be posting a transcript of July 13th’s Twitter chat with the Professor, #Lust102.

Finally, UK readers can see the cover design for Gabriel’s Redemption and preorder it here.

In order to pass the time between now and December 3rd, (when Gabriel’s Redemption releases), I have a number of extras and surprises for you. Please stay tuned and thank you for reading, SR

www.sylvainreynard.com

Interview with Sylvain Reynard – Part V

June 14, 2012

Dear Everyone,

Since “Gabriel’s Inferno” and “Gabriel’s Rapture” entered USA Today’s Bestseller list last week, they’ve each been afforded a page on the USA Today website.

Here’s the link for a description and reviews of “Inferno:” http://books.usatoday.com/book/sylvain-reynard-gabriels-inferno/l47145

Here’s the link for a description and reviews of “Rapture:” http://books.usatoday.com/book/sylvain-reynard-gabriels-rapture/l47258

What follows is the fifth and final instalment of my interview with Serendipitous, a long time reader. Her words are in bold below:

You’ve posted teasers for “Gabriel’s Rapture” on several blogs, including your own. Is there any other information you can give us about it?

“Gabriel’s Rapture” was released 22 May 2012. Here is the summary:

Professor Gabriel Emerson has embarked on a passionate, yet clandestine affair with his former student, Julia Mitchell.

Sequestered on a romantic holiday in Italy, he tutors her in the sensual delights of the body and the rapture of sex. But when they return, their happiness is threatened by conspiring students, academic politics, and a jealous ex-lover.

When Gabriel is confronted by the university administration, will he be forced to share Dante’s fate? Or will he fight to keep Julia, his Beatrice, forever?

Since the publication of “Gabriel’s Inferno,” you’ve been actively advocating on behalf of charitable work. You promote different charities on Twitter every day, and you encourage your readers to volunteer or otherwise donate. What inspired you to promote these good causes?

Several causes are charities I’ve supported for years. Some of them are newer charities that I was introduced to through my readers. In all cases, my goal is simply to encourage charitable giving and volunteerism and to encourage my readers to do the same through their social media accounts. Working together we can make a difference.

And now for something completely different: a short list of your favorites…

Season? Fall

Holiday? Christmas

Pair of shoes? Black, made by Florentines

Movie? I think today it’s “Casablanca.”

Quote/saying? Angelfucker.

Time of day? Morning.

Snack? Pain au chocolat

Sport/recreational pastime? Hockey.

I’d like to thank Serendipitous once again for conducting the interview. It was a pleasure.

For my Canadian readers, I should mention that “Gabriel’s Rapture” is now available on Amazon.ca and Chapters.ca.

Also, a group of readers have put together a Twitter account for readers to share information, photos, music, art, etc., related to the books. You can find them here.

Thank you for your continued support and for telling your friends and family about the novels. I truly appreciate it. All the best,

www.sylvainreynard.com

Interview with Sylvain Reynard – Part IV

June 9, 2012

Dear Everyone,

I’m pleased to announce that both of my novels have been included in the USA Today’s Best-selling Books list of 7 June 2012 (representing combined print and e-book formats). “Gabriel’s Inferno” is ranked #108 and “Gabriel’s Rapture” is ranked #113. This week, “Gabriel’s Rapture” earned the #2 spot on the Brisbane Courier Mail’s Best-selling list of e-books, up from #4 last week. Thank you, everyone, for reading and recommending my stories. Thanks to you, I’m receiving messages from people all around the world and I’m very grateful to you all.

I have a favour to ask you, however. If you are on social media, will you join with me in trying to raise awareness about the many charities, causes and organizations around the world that are working tirelessly to make the world a better place? I have a few that I support and I’m sure you do as well. Together, we can spread the news of their good works and their needs to a wider audience. Thank you.

What follows is the next instalment of my interview with Serendipitous, a long time reader. Her remarks are in bold.

Julia is a woman of some contradiction. She has insecurities and low self-esteem, though her innate charity never wavers. And there are times when she stands up to Gabriel, for her own sake as well as his. What are they key qualities you thought were necessary for the woman who would pierce Gabriel’s hard exterior?

I envisioned Julia as having the character qualities that would inspire someone to love her. I pictured her as being gentle and kind, giving and loyal, and having the intestinal fortitude to protect herself.

Gabriel and Julia spend a lot of time in bed together before they become fully intimate. It seems easier for them to speak from the heart when they share a bed innocently, and allows them to have some very necessary conversations as their story progresses. Do you think sex would have ruined their early, fragile relationship – or at least, got in the way?

Gabriel needed to woo Julia, especially after he’d treated her so badly. She didn’t trust him, although she certainly cared for him. If they’d had sex immediately, it would have short-circuited the strides he needed to make in order to repair his relationship with her and she would have assumed he wanted from her what he wanted with all the other women he’d slept with.

He won her love, but winning her trust was a whole different matter. Gabriel seemed to understand that once they grew closer. And he had to work hard at it. I think it was part of his journey.

It must be difficult to maintain a consistent tone when you’re writing a book. Your mood and inspiration can be different each time you resume your work (unless you’re able to write it all in one sitting…). Do you find it challenging to slip back into a particular frame of mind when you write?

It can be challenging, but since the character of the Professor is so strong I find it easy to write him. I can hear his reactions and my head (which is slightly disturbing).

Quite a few readers would gladly take your place if it means having the Professor around all the time!

Can I quote you on that? He’s quite the annoying neighbour and is constantly borrowing milk.

The final chapter, set in Florence, is exquisite. You’ve often said you love the city, and you showed your readers its extraordinary beauty through the couple’s eyes. Are there other reasons you chose this location? It seems significant that Gabriel and Julia became intimate in a place that’s far removed from the highly charged atmosphere of the university.

To me, Florence is the epitome of a beautiful city. There are fantastic restaurants, magnificent vistas and a large treasure trove of Renaissance art.

What would you like your readers to take away from reading “Gabriel’s Inferno?”

The central idea is that redemption is possible even for two broken people.

I’d like to thank Serendipitous once again for interviewing me and agreeing to share our questions and answers with you. I’ll be posting the final instalment of our conversation on Tuesday.

All the best and enjoy your weekend,

Georgina’s links:

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About The Author