Contest & Conversation with TRUE HIGHLAND SPIRIT's Sourcebook Author Amanda Forester

The Endless Inspiration of Medieval Scotland

 by Amanda Forester

Medieval Scotland combines so many interesting aspects of history, customs, and culture, it is incredibly fun to write. Where else can you find arranged marriages, fierce warriors, clan rivalry, political intrigue, warfare, secret lovers, and yes, kilts!

True Highland Spirit, which was released last week, is a great example of how the historical backdrop can play such an important role. Set in 1355, Morrigan McNab is not your typical laird's daughter. She learned to survive with a sword in her hand and she raids neighboring clans to help feed her own. She meets Sir Dragonet, a French knight, who has come with a company of French soldiers to encourage the Scots to wage war against the English. Soon she is not only caught up in a disastrous war, but also in a race against Dragonet to find a secret Templar treasure before it can fall into the wrong hands.

So True Highland Spirit combines a feisty Highland lass, a French knight, a failed war, clan rivalry, treasure hunting, religious intrigue, great medieval costumes, and sexy accents. Where else, but in Medieval Scotland, can you get all that?

So here are my Top Ten reasons why Medieval Scotland provides endless inspiration for romance:

1.      The chivalrous knight in shining armor is not some unattainable ideal, but a reality. And yes, I'm sure all the armor was shining and every knight was gorgeous!

2.      The political intrigue of the times - the frequent wars between Scotland and England along with the constant clan rivalry in Scotland, provides the perfect backdrop for star-crossed lovers.

3.      The accent - I love to hear it in my head - so sexy!

4.      The importance of church and faith, which not only makes for areas of personal growth, but also for conflict with Church officials who do not always act as they should.

5.       Romance is idealized, but marriages are still typically arranged, providing for many a plot twist.

6.      Color and pageantry of the times, including banners, heraldry, tapestries, and the beautiful flowing gowns of velvet or silk.

7.      Even warfare was fanciful with broad swords, jousting lances, maces, crossbows, etc.

8.      Highland warriors make great heroes - fierce, independent, and honorable.

9.      Highland lasses are equally fierce, independent, and honorable!

10.  Kilts! Need I say more?

A

About Author

Amanda Forester holds a PhD in clinical psychology and a Masters degree in theology.  As a psychologist, she has worked as a clinical researcher and a university instructor (what they call you when they don’t want to give you tenure).  None of which has anything to do with writing romance novels.  After trying for many years to stop the internal storylines floating around her head, she finally gave up and wrote one down.  Now when she is caught daydreaming and talking to herself she can just say, “I’m plotting a scene for my next novel,” which sounds so much better than, “I’m hallucinating and responding to internal stimuli.”

Amanda lives in the Pacific Northwest with her officer and a gentleman husband and their two remarkably active, naturally brilliant children.  They share their home with two fiendishly destructive cats and one lazy dog.

The Highlander’s Series represents Amanda's first venture into writing historical fiction, so she would greatly enjoy hearing from readers.

~ CONTEST~

Do you enjoy Scottish romances? Why do you think they are so popular? 

 To enter:  Comment on this blog with why you enjoy Scottish romance novels. Please leave a comment for  Amanda Forester including your email address.

THE PRIZE: Two (2)  copies of TRUE HIGHLAND SPIRIT are up for grabs. 

*Connect with RCJR eZine at:

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Contest is open to ALL

It will runs until March 23, 2012

I will contact the winners directly on March 24, 2012

HAPPY READING! =)