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:

***

Contest is open to ALL

It will runs until March 23, 2012

I will contact the winners directly on March 24, 2012

HAPPY READING! =)

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!: Contest & Conversation with HAUNTING EMBRACE's Award-Winning Author Erin Quinn

Today is one of my favorite days for two very special reasons. First, it is St. Patrick’s Day. Wishing all a HAPPY ST. PATTY’S DAY! =) Another reason and why we all have stopped by is to welcome A Mists of Ireland Novel series author herself, award-winning Erin Quinn. From the first word of HAUNTING BEAUTY to the last word of HAUNTING EMBRACE, I was a devoted fan. I am so excited that Ms. Quinn has stopped by to spend the day chatting about her epically enchanting series and the characters that have readers wanting to visit time and again. Enter the world of myths and magic that only Erin Quinn could create.

HAUNTING EMBRACE

Interview

with

Award-Winning Author

Erin Quinn

Why do you write?

I’ve dreamed of being a writer my whole life. I write because I love crafting stories. I love the challenge (when I’m not hating it) and I love hearing from readers who’ve read my books and connected with the stories I’m telling

Name one eye-opening thing you learned from your book research.

Wow, tough question. I’ve learned so many things that I had no idea about. When I wrote Echoes, I read so many diaries from women who had made the journey across our country that I felt like I knew each and every one of them. With my Mists of Ireland, I was at first overwhelmed with the depth of history Ireland has. Do you know that Newgrange is older than Stonehenge? Boggles the mind.

Do you have a favorite motto?

There is no shame in falling down. The shame is in staying down.

Do you have a favorite fictional hero? a favorite fictional heroine?

Too many to list. I don’t think I have one who is my favorite above all others though.

Which fictional character would you hang out with?

I think I’m going to need a glass of wine for these questions, lol. Of my own, give me Rory MacGrath. I wanted him something fierce when I wrote him and I think he and I would get on just fine. J

What is one of your favorite book covers, your own or someone else’s?

Haunting Warrior and the original Echoes covers are my two favorites. I thought the artists captured exactly what the stories were with those.

What would readers be surprised to learn about you?

That I’ve still got a full time job, I go to school, manage a husband, kids and three dogs and only drink occasionally. J Oh, and that I’ve sat in the gas chamber at the Florence State Penitentiary and lived to tell about it.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever learned by Googling your name?

Well, nothing about my pen name, but I have a very unique Irish Mexican married name (Erin Alcaraz) and I discovered that there are more than one of me. I really never expected to see those two names combined by anyone else.

If you could go backward or forward in time which would you chose? Why?

Backward. Why? Because I’ve completely romanticized the past to outright unrealistic proportions and I think it would be grand to see life in such a light. =)

Erin, please share with us more about “HAUNTING EMBRACE” released by Berkley Sensations.

Haunting Embrace was such a rewarding and difficult book to write. I wanted to tie up all the loose ends and also to give readers who’d followed the series the payoff they deserved. There were a lot of characters in the series with complex backgrounds, so it wasn’t easy. But hopefully I pulled it off. =)

I noticed that your Mists of Ireland Novel series is a paranormal time-travel? What is it about this genre that piqued your curiosity?

I have been in love with paranormal before it really had a name. As a young adult, I read a lot of horror and lot of romance. (Literally, I bounced between Stephen King and Harlequin Romances!). I would read Stephen and think—what a great book, if only it had a romance. I would read my Harlequins and think, what a great book, if only it had a little thrills and chills. It was only natural that I would endeavor to write something along those lines.

Okay, I want to give a warm welcome to, Meaghan Ballagh and Aedan. (Waving franticly, trying to get the besotted couple’s attention). I know you two have gone through a lot to get to your happily-ever-after, so I will try to be brief. (Blushes scarlet as she catches the intimate glance between the newlyweds, clears her throat).Okay, so you two are still in the honeymoon stage, I see. I would like to know what each of you thought when you first laid eyes on the other. Was it love at first sight?

Feck no. (from Meaghan of course). I didn’t know what to make of Áedán. Sure he had that sexy smoldering thing going on, but really. The man has more baggage than Aer Lingus.

Áedán: Love? It’s a myth. At least I thought it was. I knew I wanted her. (insert meaningful glance that’s even making ME blush). I knew that right off. Love took a little longer.

When you met, did you believe in true love? You can both answer. I’m quite curious to know both of your opinions.

Meaghan: Snort. Seriously? Not with all my hang ups. I can sense emotions, remember. And the feelings I got off others…they were never love. Lust, yes. But people lie and to trust someone with my heart… It took an amazing man to get me there.

Meaghan, name the one thing about Aedan that you believe won your heart.

It would have to be his inability to see all that is good within himself. He seemed so broken and yet so very strong. It was a heady combination. (Not to mention…well, have you seen Áedán? A girl would have to be addled not to fall a little head over heels after looking into his incredible eyes.)

Aedan, name one thing about Meaghan that you believe changed your outlook on love.

Hands down, her courage. Meaghan never backed down from a challenge, stubborn woman that she is. And she faced terror that would make most men flee. That inner strength put me to shame. And of course she has all the right curves in all the right places. What red-blooded male could resist that smart mouth on a woman who looks like every fantasy he’s ever had?

Now back to Erin

Erin, while you were writing Meaghan and Áedán’s story was there a scene that popped out the most?

Several, but the first was the scene where Áedán tells Meaghan that he is evil. He believed it to his soul and her ability to see past his own prejudices about himself convinced that I was dealing with the perfect match.

Erin, what is more difficult to write: an intense sexual scene or a heart-wrenching emotional scene? Why?

I think they are equally difficult. The art of a great sexual scene is to make it heart wrenchingly emotional and the art of a great emotional scene is to make sure there is enough sexual tension to keep it from becoming morose.

When you were writing “HAUNTING EMBRACE” did you have music playing in the background? If yes, what type? Does music play an intricate part in your writing?

Music distracts me so I never write to music. I like the quiet.

Which do you find is most important to you as a writer, voice or story? Why?

Voice. When you know your voice, it drives the story.

Erin, please share with desperate readers where they can connect with you in cyber world. =)

I am everywhere! Literally. Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ErinQuinnAuthor  (I may as well fess up. I have 2 FB pages. The one above and one where the word Author is spelled wrong. Long story, there was vodka involved, and I can never get it fixed, lol) Twitter: https://twitter.com/ErinQuinnAuthor  Website: www.erinquinnbooks.com and blog: http://quinnessentials.blogspot.com/

I know this is a difficult question with there being so many amazing authors out there to choose from, but who are some of the GOT-TO-HAVE authors in your TBR pile?

Well my latest find in historical fiction is Kris Kennedy. If you like my books, you’ll love hers. The last one I read was Defiant and I just LOVED it. After that, read all of her titles and I’m such a fan. But as you say, there are just too many authors out there that are fabulous. Kathryne Kennedy (who writes magical historical novels that are WONDERFUL), Gini Koch, (who writes hilarious kick ass science fiction,) Joyce Lamb, (who writes amazing romantic suspense)…I could keep going all day long, lol)

What’s next in the works for you? When can readers expect to see it out on shelves in their local bookstores?

I’ve been releasing some short novellas lately and now I’m turning my focus back to my big novels. I’m not ready to talk about my new series, but I will tell you the title of the first book because I love it: The Five Deaths of Roxanne Love. Can’t give you an ETA on when it will hit bookstores yet, because I’ve been keeping it close and haven’t even sent it in to my publisher yet. J

Erin thanks so much for stopping by and chatting with Romantic Crush Junkies readers and me. It has really been a blast getting to know more about you and your books.

Thank you for the lovely review of Haunting Embrace and for having me as a guest. I am just thrilled to be here!!!

~CONTEST~

RCJR is proud to present Penguin Group  and award-winning author Erin Quin's dynamic  sexy paranormal  A Mists of Ireland Novel series to celebrate St Patrick's Day.   

THE PRIZE: One lucky reader has a choice between eBook or print format of Erin Quinn's wonderful HAUNTING WARRIOR.

To enter: Please leave a comment for  including your email address.

Read review of HAUNTING EMBRACE at

RCJR eZine

*Connect with RCJR eZine at:

***

Contest is open to ALL

It will runs until March 23, 2012

I will contact the winners directly on March 24, 2012

HAPPY READING! =)

Contest & Conversation with DIRE NEEDS's National Bestselling Author Stephanie Tyler

DIRE NEEDS

A Novel of the Eternal Wolf Clan

Interview with

National Bestselling 

Author

Stephanie Tyler

Why do you write?

Because I can’t not write.  It’s a part of me – the stories, the characters are in my head all the time.  My mind never turns off but the upside is that I’m never bored. 

Name one eye-opening thing you learned from your book research.

If I do, it will be a spoiler for Dire Needs =)

Do you have a favorite motto?

Don’t mistake kindness for weakness.

Do you have a favorite fictional hero?  Favorite fictional heroine?

Hero - Shade from Larissa Ione’s Demonica Series.  Heroine – Mercy from Patricia  Briggs’ series.

Which fictional character would you hang out with?

Barrons from Karen Marie Moning’s Fever series.

What is one of your favorite book covers, your own or someone else’s?

I ADORE the Dire Needs cover – I think it’s my best one yet!  Although honestly, now that I’ve seen the Dire Wants cover, it might be a tie.

What would readers be surprised to learn about you?

I never know how to answer this…=)

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever learned by Googling your name?

That there’s a transsexual hooker with the same name.  Thankfully, my name comes up before hers.  Or his. 

If you could go backward or forward in time which would you chose?  Why?

If I didn’t have to stay there, I’d go forward, because I’m insanely curious and too impatient for instant gratification.

Stephanie, please share with us more about DIRE NEEDS released by Penguin Group.

Dire Needs is about a group of immortal Dire wolves – they’re alpha and they’ve been around for centuries.  There are six surviving Dires and they’re charged with helping keep humans and the Weres safe from other supernatural evils.

The books in your Eternal Wolf Clan Series are contemporary paranormals. What about this genre that piqued your curiosity to write a paranormal?

 

Well, I’ve actually been writing paranormals as long as I’ve been published in suspense – I was writing as Sydney Croft at the same time I was writing for Blaze.  So I’ve always loved writing paranormals – I believe that there are so many unexplained things around us and I love coming up with explanations for them.  Plus, no one can say, oh, a werewolf wouldn’t do that, because honestly, how would they know?

 

Name a few fascinating thing you learned about the lycans.

Well, I’ll give you 5 fascinating things I learned about my Dire Wolves, since it might or might not differ from the lore that’s out there (any more and I might give too much away):

1. Dires / Weres are both born, not made.  A wolf bite will hurt you but won’t turn you.
2. Dires and Weres are different – Dires are stronger, live in harmony with their wolves whereas Weres are harder to control and when they turn wolf, they’re all wolf. 
3. Dires are truly immortal.  Nothing can kill them, but they can be immobilized.
4. Wolves don’t like witches.
5. Wolves don’t like vampires.

Okay, I want to give a warm welcome to, Gwen and Rifter, the leader of the Dire Wolves clan. (Waving franticly, trying to get the besotted couple’s attention). I know you two have gone through a lot to get to your happily ever after so I will try to be brief. (Blushes scarlet as she catches the intimate glance between the newly mated couple, clears her throat). Okay, so you two are still in the honeymoon stage, I see. I would like to know what each of you thought when you first laid eyes on the other. Was it love at first sight?

Gwen:  I really wasn’t thinking about love – I really just wanted to sleep with him.  I mean, look how tall he is.

Rifter:  Nods with a smug look on his face at Gwen’s answer. I didn’t know what it was – but it hit me hard.

When you met, did you believe in true love? You can both answer. I’m quite curious to know both of your opinions.

Rifter:  Not for me.  I believe in being fated, but hell, I’m supposed to mate with a Dire, not a human.

Gwen:  I didn’t think it was possible for me – I was concentrating on living. 

Gwen, name the one thing about Rifter that you believe won your heart.

Gwen:  His compassion for me when he knew I was sick / dying.  He took me in because he knew I was alone and in danger – but I think he would’ve taken me in without the danger.

Rifter, name one thing about Gwen that you believe changed your outlook on love.

Rifter:  Everything.  Just everything.

Now back to Stephanie.

Stephanie, while you were writing Gwen and Rifter’s story was there a scene that popped out the most?

Probably the scene in the rain when Rifter realizes that he loves her and she’s going to die (don’t want to say much more because it’s a bit of a spoiler) but Gwen realizes how much she’s hurt him the way she’s talking about it and she runs after him.  I love angsty scenes like that.

Stephanie, what is more difficult to write: an intense sexual scene or a heart-wrenching emotional scene?  Why?

Actually, those are both two of my favorite kind of scenes to write, so neither!

When you were writing DIRE NEEDS did you have music playing in the background?  If yes, what type?  Does music play an intricate part in your writing?

Oh, definitely!  I make soundtracks for each of my books and this was no exception.  I actually have a partial playlist here(http://www.stephanietyler.com/soundtracks.php#needs) – and you can click and listen to samples of each song.  I’ve also written more about music and the Dire series here (http://us.penguingroup.com/static/pages/specialinterests/paranormal/2012/tyler_dire_needs_playlist.html).

Which do you find is most important to you as a writer, voice or story? Why?

Well, I think it’s both – but I think…in order to have anyone pay attention to the story, you have to have the voice, you know?  So it’s kind of combined.

Stephanie, please share with desperate readers where they can connect with you in cyber world. =)

I LOVE connecting with readers!  Definitely my website / blog (www.stephanietyler.com) but also Facebook (www.facebook.com/authorstephanietyler) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/stephanietyler).

I know this is a difficult question with there being so many amazing authors out there to choose from but who are some of the GOT-TO-HAVE authors in your TBR pile?

Right now, it’s Patricia Briggs (love her newest!) and Karen Marie Moning. 

What’s next in the works for you?  When can readers expect to see it out on shelves in their local bookstores?

Dire Wants is book 2 in the series and it comes out November 6^th.  I’m working on my new romantic suspense series that begins in April 2013 – and the final Shadow Force book that will come out the month before and pull everything together. 

Stephanie, thanks so much for stopping by and chatting with Over the Edge readers and myself; it has really been a blast getting to know more about you and your books.

Thanks so much for having me here!!!

Product Details

• ISBN-13: 9780451236234
• Publisher: Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated
• Publication date: 3/6/2012
• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Pages: 400
• Sales rank: 37,452
• Series: Eternal Wolf Clan Series, #1

Publishers Weekly

Tyler moves from romantic suspense (Night Moves) into paranormal romance with the derivative first Eternal Wolf Clan book. The immortal Dire Wolves are the toughest badasses of the werewolf world—but there are only six of them left, all male, all reluctant to mate with lesser beings. Rifter, their leader, discovers that his inner wolf personality is strangely drawn to Gwen, a human medical resident dying from unexplained seizures that carry the scent of shape-shifting. Charged by a quartet of mystical Elders with protecting humanity, Rifter must sort out a deadly plot involving rogues, witches, black magic, and weretrappers while grappling with his unlikely longing for Gwen. Readers familiar with paranormal romance and urban fantasy will recognize elements of at least half a dozen series by other authors; those able to set this aside will get a fast-paced read with a frankly sexual and modern sensibility. Agent: Irene Goodman, Irene Goodman Agency. (Mar.)

~CONTEST~

RCJR is proud to present Signet Eclipse and National bestselling author Stephanie Tyler's first installment in her dynamic  sexy paranormal  A Novel of Eternal Wolf Clan series, DIRE NEEDS, released earlier this month.   

THE PRIZE: Two lucky readers will win their very own copy of DIRE NEEDS

To enter: Please leave a comment for Stephanie Tyler including your email address.

*Connect with RCJR eZine at:

***

Contest is open to ALL

It will runs until March 23, 2012

I will contact the winners directly on March 24, 2012

HAPPY READING! =)