Guest Post: Lisa Carlisle

Hi, I’m Lisa Carlisle, visiting today to share the setting for my series Chateau Seductions, which are romances set at an art colony on a remote New England island. A couple of years ago, I went to a writing retreat in Vermont and found the concept of having a few days to solely concentrate on your art fascinating. When you’re a mom who works full time, you have to be flexible to find time to write—I often have my laptop propped on my lap sitting on hard bleachers during my daughter’s swim practice!

I thought about creating an art colony, not just focused on writers, but all artists. It would have to be set at an isolated setting, far from the intrusions of everyday life. Where else, but an island! The living/working quarters would need to be inspirational in itself. There the castle setting fit in. I’ve visited a medieval-style castle in Gloucester, MA, right on the ocean that came to mind. Many museum visits also helped me form the interior of the castle, especially smaller and more intimate ones. Then I began to write about the Chateau DeRoche, an art colony created by the dashing Antoine, a mysterious sculptor with a dark secret.

If you could attend a setting like the Chateau DeRoche, what would you focus on? How long would you like to spend there to work on your art or hobby?

 The Chateau Seductions series began with Dark Velvet. The latest release is Dark Muse and I’m working on the draft for Dark Stranger. Here’s more on the latest in the series:

Dark Muse

Chateau Seductions series

It takes time before Gina Meiro warms up to people and her shyness is often misunderstood. She hasn’t had to worry about meeting new people at a remote art colony until a new resident arrives—a rock guitarist more suited for a billboard. Her carefree days of painting at the medieval-styled castle on a remote New England island are shattered when she stumbles right into his welcome gathering.

After a falling out with his band, Dante Riani wants nothing more at Les Beaux Arts on DeRoche Island than solitude to work on new songs. When a shy young painter asks to paint him at sunset, he’s tempted by the opportunity to be alone with her.

Someone at the colony claims to know what Dante is and asks for his help. Dante fears his plans are coming undone, especially as grows more drawn to Gina. Her scent and vulnerability are too difficult to resist. But he must stay away from her—she would never understand his secret.

Excerpt

Gina bit her lip, building up the courage to speak her mind. “Actually, I was thinking something,” she confessed.

“Go on.”

“It may sound weird, and feel free to say no if it is.”

Dante’s eyes widened. “Something kinky?” he teased.

“No,” she swatted his arm. “Nothing like that.”

“How disappointing. So what’s on your mind?”

“I noticed you when I was inside the castle.” She left out the part about how long and how many days she had done this. “The silhouette of you playing guitar against the sunset is a perfect juxtaposition. Dark against light. The color contrast. The musician playing into the sunset. Brilliant.”

“Hmm.” He cocked an eyebrow. “I’m wondering where this is going.”

“Would you mind if I painted you one day?”

A smile crept from the corner of his decadent lips. “You don’t paint people often.”

She raised her chin. “I make exceptions when I see something worth painting.” Was she flirting? Time to shut the hell up. Heat rose in from her chest up to her cheeks. Always one to throw an awkward statement, she added, “Nobody would have to know it was you,” she added. “I’d hide your face.”

“You don’t like my face?” The hint of a smile developed into a full blown smirk.

“No!” She protested. “I do.” Shut up, Gina. You’re making it worse. “I meant for your privacy.”

“So you do like my face?” He grinned.

“I’m a p-painter,” she stammered. “I’m looking at this strictly as an artist not letting an opportunity slip her by.”

“So it’s for art, eh?” His eyes twinkled with amusement.

She nodded. This was a better move than trying to speak.

“I’ll think about it. Had plenty of photo shoots with the band, but never a painting. That’s kind of cool.” He stood up, picked up his guitar, and took a few steps toward the castle. Then he stopped and turned back. “I’d be careful about watching me too closely.”

“Why?” She smiled to match the sassy tone in her voice.

The smirk that had lingered on his face dropped away, replaced by a serious expression. “You might not like what you see.”

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About Lisa Carlisle:

Lisa Carlisle is a USA Today Bestselling author of romance and suspense. She loves stories with dark, brooding heroes and independent, caring heroines. Her romances have been named Top Picks at Night Owl Reviews and All Romance Ebooks. When she was younger, she worked at a variety of jobs in various countries. She backpacked alone through Europe and lived in Paris before returning to the U.S. and draws on her travels for inspiration for settings. Lisa also owned a bookstore for a few years as she loves to read. She’s now married with two kids, has a cat and many fish.


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