Interview with romance author Eliza Hampstead

Romance author Eliza Hampstead chats with me today about her new time travel historical romantasy, A Code of Knights and Deception.

During her virtual book tour, Eliza will be awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner’s choice) gift card to a lucky randomly drawn participant. To be entered for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit her other tour stops and enter there, too!

Bio:
Award-winning author Eliza Hampstead is a scientist by training but a storyteller at heart. When she’s not lost in writing (or researching obscure medieval facts she swears are relevant to the plot), she’s fully embracing her geeky side—whether that’s strategising over a board game, getting emotionally invested in an RPG, or conquering virtual worlds.

A lifelong fantasy lover, she’s always dreaming up her next adventure—both on the page and in real life. If time travel were possible, she’d already be in medieval England, probably getting into trouble with a sword. Until then, she’ll settle for writing stories filled with forbidden love, surprising twists, and just the right amount of spice.

Welcome, Eliza. Please tell us about your current release.
My newest release is A Code of Knights and Deception—a time-travel romance that throws a modern woman into the brutal and beautiful chaos of 15th-century England. It’s got all the things I love: sword fights, secrets, forbidden love, and the question of what’s real and what’s not. It’s gritty, emotional, spicy, and deeply character-driven. If you love Outlander with a darker twist and a hint of Black Mirror, this might be your kind of story.

What inspired you to write this book?
This story actually began twelve years ago. I was going through a major life change and had just started learning sword fighting (yes, with real longswords!). The idea came from wondering what it would feel like to suddenly wake up in medieval England—and not the romanticised version, but the raw, unforgiving, cold one. The concept grew from there. I’ve always loved history, especially the late medieval period, and I wanted to write a heroine who uses her mind—her science, logic, and stubbornness—to survive. Plus, I needed to know what would happen if she fell for a knight with too many secrets…

Excerpt from A Code of Knights and Deception:
I tensed up, unsure of what would happen next. Would they really go through with it? Beating someone up for a believable story was one thing, but they wouldn’t kill an actor, would they? No, they wouldn’t go that far; I was sure of it.

Before I could process the thought, two soldiers brought forth a rope, swinging it over the tall branch of an oak in the square. They couldn’t possibly stage this, could they? Hanging someone without harm wasn’t possible. Using the fake hand and stage blood was one thing, but hanging someone? That could go wrong very quickly! Surely, any moment now, a rider would burst through the crowd, interrupting the execution. But no such intervention came. The dreadful scene continued.

Helpless and sick, my stomach churned as the farmer was led to the tree, and the noose was placed around his neck. A priest stepped forward, reciting a brief Latin prayer, his voice audible amidst the oppressive silence. Was this really happening? They couldn’t just sentence him one minute and hang him the next! There had to be some sort of protocol or waiting period, right?

As time ticked by and nothing happened, it became clear that this was not a show or a performance. This was a real execution, taking place right before our eyes in a matter of minutes.

What exciting project are you working on next?
Right now, I’m working on the second book in the Code of Knights series. It picks up after a huge cliffhanger and explores the deeper emotional fallout for both Sophia and Ethan. The world expands, new layers of reality are revealed, and the core question becomes: what makes us human? I’m really excited to dig deeper into the sci-fi elements, while keeping the romance and emotional stakes front and centre.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Honestly, it was after I published my first book. Until then, it felt like a dream I kept chasing. But once it was out in the world—and readers connected with the characters—I finally allowed myself to say: “Yes, I’m a writer.”

Do you write full-time? If so, what’s your workday like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
No, I’m a scientist in my full-time job. Writing happens in the early mornings, late nights, or on weekends. I’ve learned to protect that creative time like a dragon guarding her hoard. It’s not always easy, but when you love something enough, you make the time.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I always write scenes out of order. It usually starts with that one emotional or spicy moment I can’t get out of my head, and then I work my way around it like assembling a puzzle from the inside out. Oh—and I talk to my characters. A lot.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
An archaeologist, thanks to Indiana Jones. I was obsessed with dusty tombs, forgotten relics, and the idea of discovering hidden worlds. Later, I also wanted to be an actor. Turns out writing is the perfect blend of both—I get to uncover stories and live a thousand lives.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
Just a huge thank you. Every message, review, or comment means the world. Writing can feel like a lonely mountain climb, but hearing that a reader connected with something I created—that they felt seen, entertained, or moved—that’s the true reward. And if you like your stories with swords, secrets, and spice… come join the adventure.

Links:
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