We chat with author Maureen Marshall about The Paris Affair, which is a queer historical romantic suspense novel about a young engineer working for Gustave Eiffel caught in a web of deceit that could destroy both him and the famous tower.
Hi, Maureen! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
I’m the quintessential Gen-X gal who spent her formative years dancing the night away in queer nightclubs. I’m a social introvert who lives to travel, dig deep into obscure research, and decorate everything in shockingly bright colors.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
When I was a kid, I made up stories all the time for my toys. Eventually, my grandmother started buying me notebooks to write them down. My teacher Mrs. Ludwig read a story I wrote to the entire third grade and announced at the end I was going to be a novelist, which sealed my fate.
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: One of the Famous Five books by Enid Blyton as I was living in Scotland when I learned to read
- The one that made you want to become an author: Old cliche, but hands down, Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: It’s not perfect but I could read anything in the voice of Maeve from The Passion of Mary Magdalene by Elizabeth Cunningham forever
Your debut novel, The Paris Affair, is out May 28th! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Queer, twisty, Parisian, historical, hopeful
What can readers expect?
Though it’s not explicitly stated, my main character Fin Tigue absolutely suffers from C-PTSD from a horrible childhood which leaves him in disbelief that he is worthy of being loved. At the end, he finally accepts that maybe he is. Balancing his self-criticism and still making him sort of sexy and brave enough to keep moving forward was very pleasing to me.
Where did the inspiration for The Paris Affair come from?
My absolute passion for ballet, coupled with (to me) fascinating family folklore about the illegitimate child of a servant and the son of an aristocratic family. Also, my beloved grandmother’s childhood growing up in Goole, Yorkshire.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
Victoire might be my favorite. It was vital to me to have a transgender character who lives her life without massively suffering for it. I also really enjoyed the scenes with Gilbert Duhais who would be a very fun person to be in real life.
This is your debut published novel! What was the road to becoming a published author like for you?
Years of poring over my keyboard. I drafted this book six years ago, but kept being told the market wasn’t ready for a thriller with a queer protagonist that wasn’t focused on his identity. I was very lucky to sign with my agent Caitlin Blasdell who saw the book the same way I did, and even luckier that Kirsiah Depp from Grand Central fell in love and helped me polish the book to a shine. Still, it’s been tough because the book doesn’t easily slot into any one category.
What’s next for you?
I’ve got a drawer full of manuscripts, but I am currently writing a Sapphic Regency series based on old school Austen vibes and the backdrop of the Napoleonic wars. I went to France to research an idea I am in love with for the future. A real-life medieval Countess falling for a Stevie Nicks inspired Cathar troubadour. My ADHD brain is always weaving plots!
Lastly, are there any book releases that you’re looking forward to picking up this year?
One of my BFFs is Rose Sutherland and have loved A Sweet Sting of Salt. I can’t wait to read The Assassin of Venice by Alyssa Polumbo, and You’re the Problem, It’s You by Emma Alban.
