Christine Wells
Author Interview - Christine Wells
Author of The Lost Perfumes of Paris
Set against the backdrop of mid-century Parisian glamour and the timeless art of perfumery, a captivating tale of resilience, love, and the intoxicating pursuit of passion.
Élodie Limeaux's beloved mother, Aurore, was the most legendary perfumer in France before World War II, renowned for the exquisite fragrances she created for the family company, the House of Limeaux. Now in her twenties, Élodie longs to join the family business. Her father, however, has refused to let her follow in her late mother's footsteps and Élodie has had to fight to become a mere lab assistant at Limeaux.
But Élodie plans to enter the Essence of Paris contest run by the French Perfume Institute, hoping that a win will secure investment from Swiss banker Monsieur Caspari, who is looking to launch a new scent for women—and possibly to buy the House of Limeaux.
Impressed with Élodie's drive and talent, Caspari agrees to back her, provided that she collaborates with his son, Marcelo. Élodie is forced to agree, although Marcelo strikes her as a wealthy dilettante—albeit an extremely charming one.
When they join forces, though, Élodie is surprised to discover Marcelo's passion for perfume is genuine, his obsession as deep as hers. With Marcelo by her side, Élodie battles family betrayals and corporate sabotage, searching for that elusive essence of Paris that will launch her career...and possibly the love of a lifetime.
Author Interview - Christine Wells
Author I draw inspiration from:
I admire John Le Carré immensely—his prose is a joy to read but it is always in the service of a gripping story.
Author Interview - Christine Wells | Author I Draw Inspiration From
Favorite place to read a book:
As a child, I wanted to be like Anne of Green Gables and read while sitting in a tree. These days, I love to read in my sunroom in a comfortable chair with a cup of good coffee at my side. Another favorite place is in bed before I go to sleep.
Book character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with:
I am slightly claustrophobic so I think I would like to be stuck with someone calm and capable such as Jeeves from P.G. Wodehouse’s novels or resourceful like Eva in William Boyd’s Restless.
Author Interview - Christine Wells | Book Character I’d Like to be Stuck in an Elevator With
The moment I knew I wanted to become an author:
I think this happened in childhood for me—I was about nine when I wrote and illustrated my first “novel.” However, I felt I had to qualify for a real career first, so it wasn’t until I was in my twenties that I began to pursue writing seriously.
Hardback, paperback, ebook or audiobook:
They are all different for me. I love the immediacy of ebooks—I can buy most books and have them on my ebook reader in moments but I don’t love the experience of reading one overly much. I have hundreds—probably more than 1,000—audiobooks and listen to them as I go about my daily life. For me, a paperback or hardback feels like a holiday. It forces me to slow down and not look at screens and I think that is a very good thing in this world.
The last book I read:
Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett. My friend, author Allison Rushby recommended it to me and I thought it was enchanting, such a refreshing break from the current news cycle!
Author Interview - Christine Wells | The Last Book I Read
Pen & paper or computer:
I always plan and dream about a book with pen and paper—specifically with a purple ink Uniball pen on an Erin Condren notebook that I always personalize with a pertinent writerly quote like “Writers write. Everyone else makes excuses” (Jack Bickham). Or “Everything stinks until it’s finished” (Dr Seuss). When it comes to writing the book itself, I turn to the computer. I use the software program, Scrivener, because I like the way it allows me to see the story structure and move scenes around. This is particularly valuable when I’m writing dual timeline novels.
Book character I think I’d be best friends with:
I am very happy with my real friends, but if I must choose someone from the fictional universe, I would like to be friends with Elinor from Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility. Elinor is practical and steadfast, but she has a keen sense of the ridiculous, as Jane Austen might say, and is an excellent judge of character. She is also loyal and honorable to a fault, which are qualities I prize highly in a friend.
Author Interview - Christine Wells | Book Character I’d be Best Friends With
If I weren’t an author, I’d be a:
If I wasn’t an author, I would love to be a painter—a visual artist, not a house painter, that is. I love to support friends who are artists and enjoy the fruits of their genius, but I don’t think I have much talent in that direction, sadly.
Favorite decade in fashion history:
I would have to say the 1950’s for women because I am a huge fan of Christian Dior’s genius and the exquisite gowns he designed for what became called “The New Look.”
Place I’d most like to travel:
There are so many places, but I will choose Egypt because I’ve never been, and I’m fascinated by that ancient civilization and the new discoveries archaeologists are making all the time.
My signature drink:
Pink champagne. My favorite is Veuve Clicquot sparkling rosé.
Favorite artist:
I love the paintings of Margaret Olley, an Australian artist who painted mostly still life in vibrant oils with textured brushwork.
Find more from the author:
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About Christine Wells:
Christine Wells
Christine Wells writes historical fiction featuring strong, fascinating women. From early childhood, she drank in her father’s tales about the real kings and queens behind popular nursery rhymes, and she has been a keen student of history ever since. She began her first novel while working as a corporate lawyer and has gone on to write about periods ranging from Georgian England to post World War II France. Christine is passionate about helping other writers learn the craft and business of writing fiction and enjoys mentoring and teaching workshops. She loves dogs, running, the beach, and fossicking for antiques, and lives with her family in Brisbane, Australia.
