I’m delighted to welcome Harlequin Historical Romance Author ELISABETH HOBBES to Rakes and Rascals today for an exclusive interview.
Thank you for inviting me onto the blog. It’s great to be here.
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R&R:
Could you tell us where you were born and what it was like growing up there?
Elisabeth:
I was born and grew up in York. It was such an interesting place to live and my love of history definitely comes from being surrounded by medieval walls, Roman remains, Viking archaeological sites, Regency crescents and ghost stories. York is also famous for having over 360 pubs and a lively music scene so as an older teen it was a fun place to hang out with friends and see which of us looked old enough to get served (better not show this to my mum)!
As well as being close to the town we were lucky enough to be within distance of the North York Moors (which I featured in The Blacksmith’s Wife) and the coast including Whitby, famous for Dracula and the best fish and chips in the country. My mum took my sister and I on lots of day trips to castles and stately homes, so it was inevitable I was going to end up doing something related to History.
Medieval walls of York where I grew up
R&R:
How would you describe yourself – temperamental or easy-going?
Elisabeth:
Definitely temperamental. I have two children on the Autistic Spectrum and am trying to combine a writing career with 4 days a week teaching Primary Year 1 and running the house so I’m continually frazzled. I always promise myself I’m going to spend some time each week relaxing with a face mask on and listening to something calming but I never seem to find the time. I suffered very badly with postnatal depression after both children and one thing that is guaranteed to get me ranting is the appalling lack of funding and provision for mental health care in the UK, especially in young people.
R&R:
When it comes to food do you like sweet or savoury or both?
Elisabeth:
Definitely a savoury person. I’ll always go for a starter rather than a pudding and can eat my own bodyweight in spicy chicken wings. When I was pregnant I used to get the train into Manchester to get hot & sour soup. I do like chocolate but I can take or leave it. Crisps on the other hand…
R&R:
What is your most treasured possession?
Elisabeth:
I don’t think I can call my children possessions, though they are my most treasured thing, so I’ll say my laptop. It’s the first thing I would rescue in a fire (after my children are safe of course) because as well as all my manuscripts, lesson plans and resources, it is where all of my photos of my children are stored and I’m aware how much I would lose if it ever dies. I always mean to print them and put them in albums but as I said before, time gets away from me.
R&R:
If you could afford a second home anywhere in the world where would you choose and why?
Elisabeth:
I’d have a chalet in Monetier les Bains in the French Alps. The medieval village is beautiful, the skiing is great and there are some amazing restaurants. My husband and I have visited the same resort for years and know it really well now and have recently started to take our children with us when we go skiing (they’d stayed with grandparents up till now). I could ski all winter and go cycling or walking in summer and look at the view when I get writer’s block. Maybe I’d answer your earlier question differently if I lived somewhere so relaxing!
Relaxing in Monetier les Bains in the French Alps.
R&R:
Finally, what has been your most embarrassing moment?
Elisabeth:
I have a very high embarrassment threshold (much to my daughter’s horror). I’m always the mum who dresses up for Halloween and gets on stage to do karaoke first. I can’t think of anything major but given that I spend most of my week standing in front of thirty children putting on silly voices, arguing with hand puppets and pretending to be unable to understand why my sums are wrong, I hate speaking in front of adults and go bright red and speak too fast whenever I have to.
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Thank you for taking time out to be here today and sharing these interesting facts about yourself, Elisabeth.
It’s been a pleasure. Thank you for inviting me and asking such interesting questions.
If you would like to find out more about Elisabeth and her books, here are the links:
Rakes And Rascals 