baronessekat | answers to hearne's questons

1) Why Russian?

I’ve always been fascinated by the culture, something about it calls to me. I like the grandness of the Imperial Courts of the Tzars, the independence of the Cossacks, the tenacity of the people in general. It’s a rich and beautiful culture and land.

2) So, since we all know your opinion of N.B., what is your FAVORITE story and why? :)

If it’s classified N.B. it means I don’t like it. But if you are asking what is my favorite romance story in general, it’s a tough call. I really like Amanda Quick’s later writings. I enjoy the regency era of the romance stories so long as the female leads are not simpering bubbleheads but also not so fiercely independent that when they succumb to the love/lust it seams out of place. I like the male leads to be strong natured without being too domineering. It really is a thin line. I also expect a level of historical accuracy.

And of course the description of the actual act needs to not be full of purple prose. "Ripples of Woman-joy" are right out.

3) What is the first line of the mystery/romance that you write yourself? "It was a dark and stormy night" is already taken. :)

Hmmmm….. I’ve got a bunch of first lines written for use at some point. I kind of like “This is NOT how s/he expected it to go when…”

4) Life: one shot deal or revolving door?

I believe in the wheel. This is not my first turn on this plane of existence nor do I believe it to be my last. There are always things to be learned and experiences to be had.

5) Follow-up from Swordandmug's question: Tell me about your image of Queen Ekaterina (or would that be Czarina?)

Oh it would be Tzarina if I am attending an event alone. If I was listed as Tzarina on scrolls and official documents would all depend on the person of the man who put me on the throne as well. As princess I would definitely go by Tzarinova as well, again how often would be depending on my consort’s persona.

I would not want to be anything but a Winter Queen. Sorry, I refuse to be Queen at Pennsic. I’ve seen the headaches that come from that.

But, I’m not sure really how I picture the Tzarina. I’d like think a combination of regal but approachable. I also know how I would sign scrolls as there have been found coins, signets and one document from Catherine the Great (who is in Russian is Ekaterina) that have her signature. Or rather, she signed with just her first initial E and I would mimic that.

I would like to do at least one high Russian court, both Tzar and Tzarina in full 15th Century Russian Court Garb, which does look a lot like High Byzantine. Preferably a 12th night.