Lawyer Turns Author to Write Historical Fiction Novel, MISTRESS OF THE REVOLUTION

Interview by Dorothy Thompson

Catherine Delors was born and raised in France. She graduated from the University of Paris I-Pantheon-Sorbonne School of Law and became a member of the Bar of Paris at the age of twenty-one.

She moved to the United States and became a member of the State Bar of California. She worked at a few large law firms, then, after the birth of her son, set up a solo practice. She now splits her time between Los Angeles and Paris.

She just completed her second novel, a historical thriller about a terrorist attack in 1800 Paris, at the beginning of Bonaparte's reign.

Thank you for this interview, Ms. Delors. How do you find the time being a lawyer and writing books, too?

Well, I write during my "free" time from my law practice, which means late at night and whenever I have any down time during the day. I make do with very little sleep.

Do any of your clients realize you are an author of one of the greatest historical fictions of all time and, if so, can you tell me what their reactions are?

You are flattering me! I do try to keep my two careers separate, so most of my clients do not know about "the other me." Sometimes a client becomes a friend, and once her case is over, I tell her about Catherine Delors the novelist. What is the reaction? People are usually very surprised to discover this other side of me, which I apparently manage to hide quite well, and they are also pleased and supportive.

You travel quite a bit to France. Do you have family there?

My Mom, my brother and his family, aunts, uncles and an army of cousins live there. Sadly I have no family in the United States, other than my son. I have many very dear friends in this country, though.

Do you find the French countryside to be inspiring? Is that why you write using French characters in your books?

Not only the French countryside, but also Paris. Yes, I find these places very inspiring. In fact, I find that I can only write about places I know and love. I have never written about Los Angeles yet, but I might.

Tell us about your life in America. How different is it from your native France?

The place I know really well in America is Los Angeles, and some tell me that it doesnīt even qualify as America! Paris and LA have about the same number of inhabitants, they both have magnificent museums. Both have numerous and diverse immigrant populations, and both are vital artistic centers.

A Mexican friend once told me that the misunderstandings between America and France come from another similarity: both countries have huge superiority complexes. He was joking, of course, but maybe he was on to something.

You passed the bar at the young age of 21. Did you have anyone who played the part of mentor to achieve that position at such a young age? Is there anyone who guided you?

I suffer from dyslexia, which is a lifelong learning disability. I was doing very poorly when I entered 1st Grade. I had a vicious teacher then who constantly humiliated me. I spent the school year without recesses because I was always grounded. She publicly made fun of me because I couldnīt write, because of my homemade clothes, of my hair, of my voice, and she encouraged the other kids to do the same. I became the class freak. I despised and hated that teacher with a passion, but her meanness instilled in me the drive to overcome my handicap. The following year I was at the top of the class and soon managed to skip grades.

I have always pushed myself very hard, without any need for a mentor. You could say that I had something to prove, to myself and to others.

If you could give up your life as a lawyer and just write books, how would that make you feel?

It would make me feel that I won a permanent vacation. Imagine that: only one job! But we are daydreaming here…

Do you have any words for aspiring authors who would love to be in your shoes?

Donīt even try this if you are thin-skinned. Take criticism in stride and work harder at your writing. Start a second book. And donīt forget to enjoy life. It is short and beautiful.

Thank you for this interview, Ms. Delors. Would you like to tell everyone where people can purchase your novel, Mistress of the Revolution?

Readers can find Mistress of the Revolution at Amazon, Barnes &Noble, Borders, on the website of Penguin, my publisher, and of course at many fine independent bookstores. It is also available in ebook format.

MISTRESS OF THE REVOLUTION VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR '08 will officially begin on March 1, 2008 and continue all month. If you would like to follow Catherine's tour, visit www.virtualbooktours.wordpress.com in March. Leave a comment on her blog stops and become eligible to win a free copy at the end of her tour! One lucky winner will be announced on this blog on March 31!

Catherine's virtual book tour is brought to you by Pump Up Your Book Promotion Virtual Book Tours at www.pumpupyourbookpromotion.com and choreographed by Dorothy Thompson.