Today I’m welcoming Téa Cooper, author of Matilda’s Freedom. Thank you for stopping by, Téa!

All about Téa. . .

Téa writes contemporary and historical romantic fiction featuring strong-minded women and sexy Australian men. Love and life Down Under isn’t always easy. Her heroes and heroines have to fight long and hard for what they believe in before they reach their happy ever after.

Matilda’s Freedom is Téa’s second Australian historical romance. Her first Lily’s Leap is available now and she is currently working on her third Face of an Angel set on a schooner somewhere between Hobart and Sydney.

Téa’s three contemporary romances Tree Change, The Protea Boys and Passionfruit & Poetry are available on Amazon.

To keep up with all of Téa’s news visit her website www.teacooperauthor.com where you will find links to her blog and social media pages.

1. How did you come with the idea for your current story?

Matilda’s Freedom is my second Australian romance set in a small historic village called Wollombi, about two hours north of Sydney. That’s where I live and that’s where my muse lives too. The idea for both of my stories originated in the Museum – characters that once lived in or around Wollombi. There was Patrick Bruin the bushranger who made the mistake of bailing up the local JP – he was the starting point for Lily’s Leap and interestingly a man called John Portus was the inspiration for Matilda’s Freedom. He visited the Exhibition Universelle in Paris in 1855 and brought a lot of machinery back to the Hunter Valley – I don’t think he met Matilda though, but Mr Portus does get a passing mention in the book.

2. Tell us about your writing process. Do you outline, or are you more of a seat of your pants type of a writer?

I started writing the same way I do everything by the seat of my pants but I rewrote that first book Tree Change so many times I promised next time I would plot. However I’m not very good at keeping promises to myself and my current WIP (Face of an Angel) is the first, I have actually plotted from beginning to end – mind you I’m about as good at sticking to an outline as I am keeping promises so I’ve come to the conclusion I’m a panster with good intentions!

3. What is your favorite scene in the book? Why? 

My favourite scene in Matilda’s Freedom is the opening chapter, I can just see them at the dinner table…there’s an excerpt further down.

4. What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?

Write, write lots and then find a critique partner you trust who will be brutally honest. Your CP is your first reviewer and although writing might be a solitary task, one day, hopefully, your story will face the outside world.

5. How do you spend your free time? Do you have a favorite place to go and unwind?

I’m spoilt – well and truly spoilt. I live in a little stone cottage slap bang in the middle of 100 acres of Australian bush. It’s still only ten minutes to Wollombi village but it is wonderfully isolated and that is my favourite spot. I spend a lot of time in the “garden”. Wandering around checking up on the local wildlife – currently there is a large wombat trying to build an apartment block around and behind my vegetable garden.

6. Can you share with us something off your bucket list?

Writing a romance novel was #1 on my bucket list and I’m happy to say I can cross it off now. So what else is in there…flying lessons, a trip to Antarctica and, still on the writing theme, a contract with one of the Big 5. Not a lot really!!

7. What do you have in store next for your readers? 

As I said I’m working on another historical romance at the moment but not set in Wollombi as my other two have been. I’m about half way through. I still have a stack of research before I can tie up the loose ends. Sadly some of that research involves a bit of sailing and hopefully a trip down the NSW coast and onto Tasmania (maybe I’ll sign up for the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race) which just goes to prove I don’t spend my entire time hiding in the Australian bush!

Matilda’s Freedom

An unconventional woman turns a society family upside down in this Australia-set historical…

Matilda has lost everything, so it feels like a miracle when Christopher Matcham turns up, offering her security, a place to stay, and a position as companion to his teen-aged sisters. Though Christopher likes her fresh outlook and unusual ideas, his family view her as a threat. Christopher has responsibilities – and those include a good marriage that will improve the family’s connections and finances. After all, love is just for the lower classes.

Book Extract 

Sydney, Autumn 1856

‘Paris is a city of contradictions—rich and poor, the glamorous and the debauched—and I loved every moment of it.’

Christopher Matcham turned his head as the girl’s breath caught, although he was uncertain whether the sound was from shock or delight. In another situation, he might have interpreted it as a sign of pleasure. Rocking back in his chair, he stared across the table at the delectable Miss Matilda Sweet.

Matilda radiated vitality and vivacity. In the flickering candlelight, her skin had an almost amber hue, highlighting her honeyed hair. Her wide eyes beckoned to him, and a tiny pulse flickered along her elegant neck. She might be a currency lass and of convict stock, but her looks were far from disappointing. She was so different from the women of Sydney society—and that of Paris.

‘Kit, I think you’re getting worse with age instead of better. Remember, there are ladies present.’

The delighted grin on Emily Bainbridge’s face belied her husband’s words. ‘Richard, don’t be such a stuffed shirt. I would love to hear about Paris. We get so little news from elsewhere, and I’m sure Matilda doesn’t mind.’

The girl smiled and lowered her eyes behind lashes that would have done a courtesan proud. Her hand fluttered to the column of her throat.

‘I am totally fascinated. I cannot imagine what Paris must be like. They say half the world visited the city for the Exhibition Universelle.’

Matilda’s low contralto rippled across his skin like a warm brandy, and the temptation to lean across the table and inhale her scent was almost overpowering. Clearing his throat, Christopher dragged his eyes away from her generous mouth and made an effort to pay due attention to his host and hostess.

‘Paris is certainly a fascinating city, full of intriguing layers. The upper classes cling to the skirts of the Emperor and Empress while on the seamier side, the commoners flex their muscles and enjoy life. The cafés are open day and night, and the entertainment is outrageous. La chahut dancers have claimed the streets as their own. Their acrobatic skills are phenomenal. The dancers kick their legs so high they can remove a man’s hat and then, of course, display delightful glimpses of their under—’

Connect with Téa Cooper