This is Ink & Intrigue—the blog where romance ignites, secrets simmer, and every love story hides a twist. I’m your blog host, Sheila Kell, romance author and lover of plot twists, slow burns, and morally questionable book boyfriends.

Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to an author whose spicy, fast-paced stories may keep you up at night—Carolina Prescott! If you love historical romance with a touch of mystery (think Bridgerton with spies), you’re in for a treat.

Carolina is known for the witty dialogue between her characters—dialogue that is almost always sprinkled with a hefty dose of sarcasm. Her latest release, The Duke’s Denial, is the fourth in the Duke’s In Danger series that began with The Duke’s Decision and also includes The Duke’s Dilemma and The Duke’s Defense. Each of the four books has its own feisty, independent heroine who ends up falling completely for the very guy who makes her crazy—in every way.

In this spotlight, Carolina shares a little bit about her “seat-of-the-pants” writing process and how it feels when she’s “in the zone.” She also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the inspiration behind The Duke’s Decision and why she writes romance.

Whether you write love stories, devour them, or dream of doing both, you’re in the right place. Let’s get into it and give a warm welcome to Carolina Prescott! 💖

Thanks for joining me, Carolina. I’m a historical romance fan and am looking forward to getting to know more about this series and your latest, The Duke’s Denial.

Let’s start with questions on the writing process and craft – 

What drew you to writing romance in particular?

Romances—specifically historical romances—were the very first “grown-up” books that I read. I read every single one of Victoria Holt’s books, starting with Mistress of Mellon. After that I stumbled onto Phyllis Whitney and Gwen Bristow, whose book Celia Garth, really made me want to write.

What’s your typical writing routine like—do you write with emotion or outline first?

It’s funny. One of my best friends is an outliner extraordinaire, and I really wanted to be like her because she always seemed so organized about things. But I’ve learned (am learning?) to accept that I just don’t work that way. I do need an outline at some point, but honestly, most of my books begin with a conversation I overhear between two of my main characters. I start there and just create the story as I go along. Along the way, I come across requirements I have to meet (e.g., if I want someone to have a baby in the spring, she has to get pregnant nine months earlier), which makes it even more fun for me. I like working within parameters and still coming up with a compelling story.

How do you keep romantic tension fresh and engaging across different stories?

It’s different because it’s between different people. I really try to get into the character’s skin and feel what they are feeling. It’s a little easier with the female characters (at least most of them), but it’s getting easier for me to put myself in their shoes—even the men. In many cases, since it is fiction and it is romance, I let myself dream about what I would want in their place. It’s probably the hardest part of writing for me.

What part of writing romance do you enjoy most—the meet-cute, the conflict, or the happily ever after?

I like the meet-cute because you want to be a little surprising, a little different—so there’s a challenge there. This is usually where I start writing my story: with an interaction between two of the main characters.

How do you handle writer’s block, especially during emotional or steamy scenes?

I work on another part of the book in another capacity (e.g., researching or editing). Or I walk away and do something (anything!) else entirely. I’ve found that I solve a lot of problems in my head while doing other things. Sometimes I’ll go for a drive or take a shower. I know it sounds cliché, but you wouldn’t believe the number of things I’ve solved while washing my hair.

That sounds like a great way to solve problems. I’d like to switch to books and themes – 

Can you tell us about your latest romance and what inspired the story?

My latest romance is The Duke’s Denial. It’s the last book in my “Dukes In Danger” series and, as such, it had to tie up some loose ends from the other books. It also had to tell the story of two characters who appeared in the other books, but only as secondary characters. That was my main goal/challenge/inspiration for this latest book.

But a secondary inspiration was my love for maps. All of my heroines have a specialty—Vivian in The Duke’s Decision is a published puzzle maker; Linney in The Duke’s Dilemma is an architectural artist; and so on. In The Duke’s Denial, Eve has become a mapmaker like her father because I wanted to learn more about it. That’s one of the things I love about being a writer: you get to look up and do research on all sorts of fun things!

Are your characters based on real people, or entirely fictional?

Both. They aren’t based on famous people, but I do see my friends and family in some of my characters.

What romance tropes do you love to write—and which ones do you avoid?

Probably my favorite is when a couple finds out that they are going to have a baby. I love having the hero—usually an arrogant, powerful, confident man—get all squishy when he realizes that he’s going to be a father. This was an area that was a soft spot for me because I had my son as a single Mom and never got to experience the closeness of expecting a child together.

Was there a particular scene or emotional arc that was difficult (or fun!) to write?

The love scenes are almost always difficult to write. I think that’s because I have such high expectations—they really have to be just right. And they really have to ring true. A poorly written love scene can ruin a book and make the reader lose faith in the author. That said, I didn’t have a very difficult time with the love scenes in The Duke’s Decision. Maybe because I felt very close to Vivian? I’m not sure.

You’re right about that. How about publishing and your career?

How did you find your agent or publisher (if applicable)?

Nan Swanson, my wonderful editor at The Wild Rose Press, found me. I had just won a contest where she was one of the judges, and she asked to see the rest of the manuscript for The Duke’s Decision. She has been amazing and so patient with me. I was contracted for only one book at first, but since then, I have published all four books in the Duke’s In Danger series with The Wild Rose Press.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

Just start. I also write children’s books (under another name) and am often asked to speak about writing to older students. I tell them all the same thing. Starting is half the battle. If it’s all in your head, just start writing it down. If you get stuck, you need more details, so do some research. The worst thing you can do is talk about writing a book. The difference between an author and someone who wants to write is that the author started (and finished) a book.

How do you deal with criticism or negative reviews?

I’ve been very lucky to have run into very few of these. I’ve been a technical writer for many years, so I know that feedback and critiques are essential to the process. That said, it’s still hard to hear someone criticize your work. I try to remember that a negative viewpoint is still important, and I try to ignore the hurt so I can get to the nugget of helpful information. The worst case is that they read your book. (Now, do NOT ask me about negative reviews or criticism when the person hasn’t read the book…)

Let’s not talk about them. Instead, let’s move to your personal insight – 

What do you like to read in your free time?

Mysteries, romances, political novels. I love Diane Mott Davidson’s cooking mysteries, and I read a lot of romance writers—both historical and contemporary. I’ve been reading some romantasy (by K.F. Breen) that I’m enjoying a lot, and I also love books set in Washington, DC, and Paris.

How do you balance writing with other aspects of your life?

It’s a challenge. I’m usually “all in” on whatever I’m doing, and so switching from one thing to another takes transition time. I’m still working on finding a good balance.

Before we close, I have one question on looking forward –

Are there any genres you’d like to explore that you haven’t yet?

I think I’ll try to write some more contemporary romances, or maybe a romantasy, or maybe a graphic novel. I love the idea of a series where the main characters are everyday people but have powers (e.g., “Charmed” but more about how things would work out in your daily life, and maybe told in first person). You can’t believe how many times I’ve wished that I could just wiggle my nose and make things happen!

Thank you for answering my writing questions, Carolina. Now, I’m excited to hear from you.

What’s your full name, and do you like it?

Mary Celeste Tillson Putnam (writing as Carolina Prescott)

I do like it. It’s a little disconcerting that the Mary Celeste was also the name of a ghost ship, but I like it because it’s different.

Where are you from, and where do you live now?

I was born and grew up in North Carolina. I moved out to Northern California after college and then moved back to North Carolina about five years ago.

How old are you (or how old do you feel)?

Today I feel old because I’ve been cleaning and everything hurts! But normally, I feel about 30 years younger than I actually am.

How would you describe yourself in three words?

Driven, passionate, kind

What’s your current relationship status?

I’m single, but I’ve found my prince—the man I’m going to be with for the rest of my life. It’s truly amazing to me and I keep shaking my head because I can’t quite believe that we found each other at this stage of our lives. He was definitely worth waiting for.

What’s the biggest event that shaped who you are?

Moving to California after college. That set me on a path to writing as a career and helped me get to know some amazing people who all contributed to who I am today.

A close second? Having my son.

Have you ever been in love?

I was partially in love when I was in college and in my twenties. But in hindsight, it was only pieces of love kinda’ stitched together. There were definitely parts missing. Now I’m in love with a man who provides the whole picture—not just some of the pieces. And it’s wonderful. And quite different from what I had before. And I’ve never felt so lucky before in my life.

And just to answer the next question? Home is where he is.

LOL, okay. I’ll skip that one. What’s something you’re really good at?

Organizing. Managing. Making a house feel warm and inviting. Arranging flowers. Writing. Loving someone wholeheartedly.

What’s a weakness you try to hide?

I’m very impatient. I’m working on it, but it’s a bit of a paradox to say that I want to be more patient right now, isn’t it?

Are you more of a leader or a follower?

I am generally more of a leader (mostly because I can be bossy—WHAT?), but I can also be an excellent follower—assuming that there is a good leader running the show.

What’s one thing people often misunderstand about you?

That I’m an introvert. I’m good at speaking and I tend to play hostess no matter where I am, so people automatically assume that I’m an extrovert and like being in the spotlight. The truth is that I always prefer small gatherings of friends to large anything. I can do the spotlight thing and, as a friend of my explains, if there’s a vacuum, I will fill it, but it really wears me out.

Morning person or night owl?

Night owl who every once in a blue moon likes to get up early.

Coffee, tea, or something stronger?

Tea with lemonade, original Coca-Cola, chai tea, and Jack Daniels

Favorite way to spend a day off?

I’m working on it…

Do you have any habits, tics, or superstitions?

Too many, but none that really govern my life. I like the idea of it though.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Starbucks venti chai tea latte with nonfat milk, no water, no foam, extra hot, and seven pumps of chai.

Now, that’s a drink! On to the next question—Who has challenged you the most?

Probably me. I have ridiculously high standards, unrealistic expectations, and a low tolerance for not accomplishing things. I seem to disappoint myself a lot, but that’s something I’m working on.

If your life were a movie, who would play you?

I’d love it to be Sandra Bullock or Anne Hathaway or Annette Benning, but it’s would probably more accurate to have me played by Melissa McCarthy.

What’s your go-to karaoke song?

I have never done karaoke, can you believe that? I think I would need to be very… uninhibited at the time. But, if I did, then I’d want to sing something like “I Feel Lucky” by Mary Chapin Carpenter.

What’s something people would never guess about you?

That I write romance novels!

If you could trade lives with another character in your book for a day, who would it be?

Vivian from The Duke’s Decision. I love her because she is all the things that I want/try to be. She’s competent, kind, smart, and loving. She’s fierce, but she’s also learning to be vulnerable with Whit. She also manages to have a career, escape a kidnapper, foil Napoleon’s spymaster, and get the guy all in a single book. I, on the other hand, continue to be a work in progress.

What’s your personal motto?

My niece gave me a picture for my desk that says, “Actually, yes I can and yes I will.” That seems to sum things up for me.

Thank you, Carolina. That was fun! Before we close, I was curious if you have a favorite line or two from The Duke’s Denial.

One of my favorite quotes from The Duke’s Decision is from the duke himself, trying his best to be humble, agreeable, and apologetic. He and Vivian have already had a tiff during which she accuses him of skulking about the bookstore where they first met. Now, thrown together by a downpour at the house party they are both attending, Whit tries to be charming and funny.

“I feel obliged to let you know that you have once again caught me skulking about.”

The familiar voice sent shivers up her spine. Shivers that had nothing to do with the inclement weather.

Carolina’s Bio

Carolina Prescott writes historical romance, but enjoys reading them just as much. The first “real” romance novel she read? Victoria Holt’s “Mistress of Mellyn.” One spunky governess and one brooding hero later, she was hooked. Carolina Prescott’s penchant for history, coupled with her love of happy endings, makes writing historical romances a wonderfully logical career choice.

Carolina Prescott can be found writing wherever she is—in Northern California, Upper Michigan, Southern Virginia, or her native North Carolina, where she has a lot of room for family, visitors, and a very understanding Brittany spaniel.

I hope you loved getting to know Carolina Prescott and hearing about her unique story. Her latest release, The Duke’s Denial, a historical romance, is available now. If you haven’t added this to your TBR yet, now’s the time—trust me, you won’t want to miss it. 💖

You can connect with Carolina Prescott here:

Website/Blog: carolinaprescott.com

📱 Socials: Facebook: www.facebook.com/Carolina-Prescott-Writes-100193631711907
Instagram: www.instagram.com/carolina.prescott/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cprescottwrites

Until next time—keep reading, keep swooning! 💖