Interview with Allie Pleiter

Captain's Log, Stardate 06.25.2008

Today I'm interviewing Allie Pleiter about her latest novel:

Masked By Moonlight

An English gentleman by day, Matthew Covington became the mysterious crime fighter Black Bandit at night-and nothing could tempt him to reveal his secret identity. Until he met reporter Georgia Waterhouse, who shared his passion for justice. What would become of their growing love if he revealed the truth that lay behind the mask?

And now, here's me and Allie!

How did you get the idea for Masked by Moonlight?

I suppose it started with my fascination for the Zorro character—all those heroic whips and swords. I’ve always been intrigued by dual identities, and wondered what would happen if two people with double identities met on both levels. The late 19th-century San Francisco setting came from the history of journalism, because that place and time was the beginnings of sensationalist newspapers (a necessary story element for Masked by Moonlight). I wish I had a better answer, because as most of my stories contain such off-kilter ideas, I’m often ask where I come up with this stuff. The real answer is that I don’t know. It just comes to me in bits and pieces, sometimes in large chunks. That’s part of the wonder for me—all these amazing people and situations that appear out of nowhere.

Is this your first historical novel or have you written others? Was it a stretch to write a historical romance?

Actually, waaaaay back I got my start writing historical novels. They were mass-market books (not inspirationals) that you can’t even find anymore. But I do love the genre, so I was delighted to be given the chance to stretch those muscles again. Historicals have all the best verbs and all the best clothes. And, I might add, the complicated clever dialogue I just adore.

What's your favorite scene from the book?

Well, I’d have to say I agree with lots of my readers that “the big reveal” from Chapter 36 and 37 is the best scene. I can’t say more about it than that, or I’d ruin it for everyone--but it involves a spectacular kiss, of course. A close second would be the cake scene in Chapter 26, tied with the drugged chickens in Chapter 22. And the romantic masked ball in Chapter 35…See, this is why you should never ask me questions like this—I just start going on and on…

If your heroine were a dessert, what would she be and why?

Why, lemon cake of course. It’s her favorite, and plays an important part in the book (see previous answer). This was a big stretch for me—usually all my heroines share my passion for chocolate.

What's your favorite ethnic food and why?

I love Japanese food. Really good Miso soup with a California Maki roll is one of my favorite meals. I like the artful presentation, that it’s healthy (for the most part), and chopsticks always feel so exotic.

You're off the hotseat! Any parting words?

Well, I’d be silly if I didn’t say “buy the book!”, wouldn’t I? But really, stop by the website www.alliepleiter.com and click on the link by the Masked by Moonlight cover that lets you hear me read Chapter One to you—how cool is that?

Camy here: Thanks for being here, Allie!