A Guest Post from Royally Screwed Author Emma Chase

When plots and dialogue just sort of appear out of the ether, take shape and solidify in an author’s mind and we think—oooh, that’s good. But other times, we know the creative path our muse has laid out and can clearly trace the origins of that inspiration to a song, an experience, a dream, a book…or even a whole genre of books.
That’s how it worked for me when I was developing the idea for my upcoming release, Royally Screwed, and the entire Royally Series.
Because while I love writing contemporary romance—smart-mouthed, ambitious guys in sharp suits and the strong, driven, beautiful women they helplessly fall for—the first books I ever loved reading were historical romances. The arrogant, broad-chested, Fabio-cheekboned rakes, rogues and handsome-devils whose hearts were forever captured by the delightful, cleverly spirited, ample-bosomed heroines they charm.
There’s almost a nostalgia surrounding the genre for me, a misty perfection when I think of the gowns and waistcoats, the balls and bowing, the carriages and scandals—the Lords and Ladies, pirates and bastards, the Viscounts and Duchesses…and Princes.
And that’s why my exuberance for writing contemporary romance and my enthusiasm for reading historicals were the absolute perfect storm of inspiration for the Royally Series.
Royally Screwed is where my passions collide—creating the story of a dashing, modern-day, panty-melting charmer of a prince bound by old-fashioned rules and traditions. It’s about the gorgeous, outspoken, undefeatable waitress who comes into his life (and throws a pie in his face) and knocks his world off its axis. And it’s all set before a backdrop of centuries-old palaces and castles, politics and family obligation—and the timeless struggle for love to overcome any obstacle.

When, like me, all you know about royalty you’ve learned from reading historical romances—some research is needed. I wanted Prince Nicholas to sound like a non-American royal, but not an 18th century Duke. What do today’s royals do when they’re not playing polo? What is a prince’s last name?
While researching current and past monarchies, Royally Screwed became more than the perfect storm of inspiration—it became a terrific collaboration of fiction and fact. Beyond the romantic elements there were just so many themes and emotions to sink my writing teeth into—from the price of fame to the sacrifices we make for the people we love. And weaved through it all was the humor—the smart, sexy, irreverent humor of these charming and wonderfully likable characters.
I’ve always kind of believed I was born to be a writer. When I look back at the choices and turns in my life, it seems almost fated that I’d end up here—in this career—an author. And now, as I get ready to release Royally Screwed and finish the books that will follow, Royally Matched & Royally Endowed—I get that same feeling. That the Royally Series—books about modern-day royal rogues and the commoners who love them—are stories I was always meant to write.
Royally Screwed is out October 18. You can also read an interview with Emma Chase here.