Showing posts with label historical romance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label historical romance. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Christine Young - Highland Honor - Author Interview

My thanks to Christine Young for stopping by The Plot Thickens for a guest post during the blog tour for her book, Highland Honor.

Author Interview

1. Who is the plot based around?
Hawke and Callie are the primary characters in Highland Honor. Their journey and how they overcome the demons that chase them is the basis for this story.

2. What is the main idea of the plot?
Callie is the daughter of James Whitcomb. Hawke believes Lord Whitcomb tried and convicted his father of treason against the English King. And he further believes his father was innocent of any wrongdoing. When Hawke and Callie first meet there is instant chemistry between them. But Callie doesn’t know Hawke seeks revenge against her family. All is thrown asunder when the most unlikely couple fall in love.

3. When does the plot take place?
November 1512

4. Where does the plot take place?
Scottish Highlands, Boars Head Inn, and the clan MacPherson castle.

5. Why did the plot develop the way it did?
Both Hawke and Callie were on a mission. They both wanted to prove their fathers innocence and they both needed to discover who was responsible for framing their fathers.

6. How did you come up with the idea for the plot?
The characters seem to write their books. First I write the conflict. If the conflict doesn’t carry the story, the story will lose interest. I love to write bad guys and so the plot develops with the antagonist in mind and the protagonists have to come up with the answers to ultimately win. In Highland Honor both antagonists, yes there are two, want money, land and power. One believes he will gain all this by marriage and the other by the death of the heroine. They are both totally deranged.

I usually have a beginning, middle and end in mind. But sometimes the characters will say, “Hey, wait a minute. I don’t like the way this is going.” In this case they begin to write the story for me. It’s great when this happens because it makes the story easier to write and I don’t get bogged down in a mire looking for a way out.

About the Book
Highland Honor

Book Details:
Publisher: Rogue Phoenix Press
Genre: Historical Romance
Format: ebook
Price: $5.99
Buy Links: Kindle

Blurb:
Willfully stubborn, innocently courageous, Callie Whitcomb braves a journey through the treacherous highlands to the MacPherson castle. Callie flees from an unwanted marriage as well as her ruthless half brother. Naively she believes Colin MacPherson, the head of the clan, is loyal to her father and will give her sanctuary, protecting her from the vile plans that have been made for her.

As hard and as unyielding as the winter storms that sweep through the countryside, Colin is irresistibly drawn to the impetuous beauty who has magically appeared on his doorsteps. Despite his vows of revenge against her father, she stirs his passion as well as his sense of justice...but to love her would violate all his vows of revenge.

Excerpt:
"Where are we going?" she asked as they rode side by side across a vivid green meadow. Even before she asked the question, she had guessed his intentions. They were two-fold.

"To find a private spot, a place where we can eat and," he paused thoughtfully as he turned to look her way. Then his roguish smile captured her heart. He could make her heart melt with just a smile.

"And?" she queried even as her cheeks heated, knowing the answer before he spoke.

His grin widened, then he winked. "Race ye to the trees." He waited silently for her
to accept the challenge he tossed her way.

"Ye would like that wouldn't ye? But I won't fall for the bait ye toss my way. We both know who has the fastest horse."

"And who would that be?" he asked, laughing.

"I do." She had waited long enough for him to drop back a few strides, giving her more of a head start than she knew he would have allowed. She gave a silent command to her horse. The mare lunged forward.

"Callie--" she heard him cry out her name, laughingly. "Cheater. I'll get my revenge."

About the Author
Christine Young

Born in Medford, Oregon, novelist Christine Young has lived in Oregon all of her life. After graduating from Oregon State University with a BS in science, she spent another year at Southern Oregon State University working on her teaching certificate, and a few years later received her Master's degree in secondary education and counseling. Now the long, hot days of summer provide the perfect setting for creating romance. She sold her first book, Dakota's Bride, the summer of 1998 and her second book, My Angel to Kensington. She is the author of 10 published romance books and 2 novellas. Christine is a retired high school math teacher. Her teaching and writing careers have intertwined with raising three children. Christine's newest venture is the creation of Rogue Phoenix Press. Christine is the founder, editor and co-owner with her husband. They live in Salem, Oregon.

Connect With Christine:
Blog 1
Blog 2
Publisher


GIVEAWAYS:
* a $50.00 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter for the blog tour.
* a Clan MacPherson book mark awarded at each stop to one randomly drawn commenter.
* Antique Gold Double Thistle Broche for the blog host with the most comments (excluding Christine's and their own).

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Monday, November 14, 2011

Carla Kelly - Marian's Christmas Wish - Author Interview

My thanks to Carla Kelly for stopping by The Plot Thickens for an author interview during the blog tour for her book, Marian's Christmas Wish.

Author Interview

1. Who is the plot based around?
Marian Wynswich's determined effort to see that even if the family estate is going to be lost at Christmastime, there's no reason why one of the diplomats who came home with her brother from treaty talks in Ghent, Belgium, shouldn't have a Merry Christmas with his family. He's been shy about going home, because he was injured in an incident of war. Marian is also falling in love with him.

2. What is the main idea of the plot?
To save the family home with an advantageous marriage for Ariadne Wynswich (who already has a suitor she prefers, even if he is poor), and Marian's determination to have a Merry Christmas and help out Gilbert Collinwood, Lord Ingraham, a diplomat who came home with her brother for Christmas. Gil turns out to be more than he seems.

3. When does the plot take place?
The story is set in 1814, right at the time that the British and Americans were holding treaty talks in Ghent, Belgium, to end the War of 1812. The events happen right around Christmas, first in Devonshire at the Wynswich family estate, and then in Bath, a particular favorite spot of mine in England.

4. Where does the plot take place?
Well, the story takes place in Devonshire, one of England's loveliest shires, located in what is called The West. The plot takes place within the novel.

5. Why did the plot develop the way it did?
Because to be an effective writer, A is followed by B, which logically leads to C and so on. The idea of a novel is to start the ball rolling, and see where it goes, to reach a logical conclusion. I like to use history as a framework, because of my background as a historian.

6. How did you come up with the idea for the plot?
That's what writers do. I sat down and thought about it. I enjoy Christmas to some extent, and knew readers did, too. My editor at SIgnet back then (I wrote this book in 1989, and this is a reprint from the Signet edition) claims that this is the first Regency romance to devote an entire book to a holiday. Also, a writer sets up a conflict that needs resolution. As simple as that. And as complicated, I suppose.

About the Book
Marian's Christmas Wish

Book Details:
Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc.
Published: September 2011
Genre: Historical Romance, Holiday
Format: Paperback, ebook
Price: $8.99 paperback, $2.99 ebook
Buy Links: Amazon, Kindle

Blurb:
Miss Marian Wynswich is a rather unconventional young lady. She plays chess, reads Greek, and is as educated as any young man. And she s certain falling in love is a ridiculous endeavor and vows never to do such a thing. But everything changes when she receives a Christmas visit from someone unexpected--- a young and handsome English lord.

About the Author
Carla Kelly

Carla began to write novels in the first grade, with “The Old Mill,” written on her mother’s typewriter. The book had only two sentences, but there was a plot.

In her writing career, which began in 1984 with Daughter of Fortune (set in colonial New Mexico), Carla has written some 26 novels and umpteen short stories, as well as scholarly works about the fur trade and the Indian Wars: her “footnote projects.” Many novels have been Regency romances, simply because a long-ago editor suggested she try that genre, and because Carla has a scholar’s interest in the Napoleonic Wars. The Regencies have large international audiences, so she’s been a bit typecast, writing Regencies.

She writes mainly about ordinary people, because she believes somewhat in the dictum that an author should write about what she knows. She knows the sea, too, as well as the Indian Wars, earning a master’s degree in that subject from the University of Louisiana – Monroe.

The daughter of a naval officer, Carla has a real affinity for life on the rolling main. Her recent Channel Fleet series took on captains, surgeons, marines, a retired admiral, and finally, an American POW in Dartmoor. She is now turning her attention to the American West, specifically, the Indian Wars, which she knows well from work at historic sites with the National Park Service, and various monographs.

Carla has two Rita Awards for Best Regency of the Year from Romance Writers of America; two Spur Awards for Best Short Story of the Year from Western Writers of America; a career achievement award from Romantic Times; and good will from readers. Carla only writes books she’d like to read; she’s selfish that way.

She’s recently taken a fond look at her own religious background, with Borrowed Light, about a Mormon chef from Utah who hires out to cook for Wyoming cowboys. Poor thing. A sequel is in the production stages now. Next up is a book set at Fort Laramie due for Harlequin Historicals, and then two more works of fiction for Cedar Fort, Inc.

Martin and Carla Kelly spent the past 13 years in North Dakota, where Martin was Director of Theatre at Valley City State University, and Carla was an adjunct professor, and then a ranger at Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site, on the North Dakota-Montana border. After Martin retired in 2009, they moved to Wellington, Utah, in Carbon County, because they like wide open spaces and empty roads. The Kellys are the parents of five adult children.

A recent addition on their house means Carla now has her own office. It’s a step or two up from the laundry rooms and furnace rooms where she used to write. Carla volunteers at the Western Mining and Railroad Museum in Helper, where she does research and writing for the museum.

Connect With Carla:
Blog

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Saturday, November 12, 2011

Prudence Bice - The Kissing Tree - Author Interview

My thanks to Prudence Bice for stopping by The Plot Thickens for an author interview during the blog tour for her upcoming book, The Kissing Tree. (release date: December 8th)

Author Interview

1. Who is the plot based around?
The main plot of The Kissing Tree revolves around Georgiana, the main character, Ridge, and others that are left behind when she leaves her hometown to live in the city for five years. There are also several subplots woven into the story.

2. What is the main idea of the plot?
The story is of a young girl, Georgiana, who is torn from her grandparents, friends, and childhood crush by her grieving mother, and taken to live with her mother’s heartless, calculating sister in New York. After five years, she is allowed to return home to give aid to her widowed grandfather. Upon her return, she is reunited with the boy she stole a kiss from on the day her departure, five years previous. She didn’t realize when she stole his kiss, she left heart behind. Over the weeks that follow, Georgiana slowly comes to understand that Ridge has kept her heart safe all this time, and that it would always belong to him. Though Georgiana’s fiery Irish sometimes gets in the way, and things are complicated by the appearance of another man, eventually the two share a happily ever after.

3. When does the plot take place?
The time period of the novel is the late 1800’s. The death date on Georgiana’s father’s tombstone is 1892. Since she left Colorado the year after her father died and returned five years later, that would place her return in the year 1898.

4. Where does the plot take place?
The story takes place in a small town called Crystal Creek, Colorado. Though Castle Rock, the other town mentioned in the book is an actual city located outside of Denver, the town of Crystal Creek is fictional. When I was writing the story, I could not find a town with a name that worked for me. After much searching, I saw Crystal Creek Reservoir on a map of Colorado in the general vicinity I was looking at. I decided that was the perfect name for the town in Georgiana’s story.

5. Why did the plot develop the way it did?
I’m afraid I can’t explain that. When I write, the story just takes over. Characters walk in and out of my head and do what they will. I do struggle sometimes, and the writing feels more forced. Thankfully, however, if I give myself back up to the story, it smoothes itself out.

6. How did you come up with the idea for the plot?
I’ve heard it said creativity fosters creativity. I wholeheartedly believe that because the idea for The Kissing Tree came to me in the middle of writing my first book. Because I was otherwise engaged, I wrote out only the prologue to the story and a quick synopsis. When I was finished with my first book, I returned to The Kissing Tree. It was absolutely fun to write, though not so fun to edit. Still, it is my favorite so far. Since I’ve become a writer, I have much deeper respect for editors.

About the Book
The Kissing Tree

Book Details:
Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc.
Release Date: December 8, 2011
Genre: Historical Romance
Format: Paperback
Pages: 272
Price: $15.99
Buy Links: Amazon

Blurb:
After five long years, Georgiana McLaughlin returns to the only place she's ever considered home---the same place she stole a kiss from Ridge Carson under the kissing tree; But this time he's a man, and reconciling their past is just the beginning. You'll find yourself applauding each new chapter filled with fun, romance, and adventure in this captivating, heartfelt tale of love, friendship, and finding your way back.

Extended Look:
“Can two young hearts, separated by chance and circumstance, overcome the new challenges that come their way? Or does fate still hold a claim on their future?”

Ridge-

“Pig Tails, ribboned braids, and stolen kisses are what come to mind when Ridge Caron learns his boss’ daughter will be returning to Crystal Creek. At first glimpse, there’s no mistaking she isn’t a child any longer. After years of trying to forget his lost love, in an instant, the old yearning is back. But this time he’s man and she is the most delicious thing he’s ever seen. But she’s changed in more ways than one. Are her new manners and big city ways too high class for a homespun country boy, or will they be able to rekindle the friendship and hidden love they once shared?”

Georgiana-

“Finally, after five long years, Georgiana McLaughlin is returning to the only place she’s ever really considered home. When she literally falls in to the arms of the man she has predetermined to avoid at all cost, Georgiana is forced to search deep within herself to find the real reason she has never been able to commit to any man. Could Ridge still hold of piece of her heart? And if he does, what does that mean for the handsome and outrageously wealthy Dawson Alexander, anxiously waiting back in New York for her answer to his proposal?”

In order to decide their future, they must first unravel the past.

In this captivating, heartfelt tale of love, friendship, and finding your way back, you will laugh, cry, and find yourself applauding each new chapter filled with fun, romance, and adventure.

Don’t miss a word of this second novel by author Prudence Bice, and don’t worry, all bets are off until the preacher says “man and wife.”

Excerpt:
“Ridge! It’s really you!” Georgiana thought.

Her eyes were drawn to his mouth, and she remembered the last time she had seen him five years ago…Now here he was rescuing her from a most humiliating circumstance, and all she could think about was that kiss.

About the Author
Prudence Bice

Prudence Bice has loved writing her entire life. Born in Orange County, California, one of eleven children, she always felt drawn to stories that spoke and enkindled her romantic heart. Having overcome tragedy in her own life, inspiration for her first novel was spark by her desire to ignite true romantics everywhere with a wholesome, feel good story about the power of love, rising above the pain and suffering from loss and circumstance.

She resides in St. George, Utah with her husband Ray and their five children, four daughters and one son. Her hobbies include drawing, photography, music, writing, and of course reading anything she can get her hands on! Currently she is majoring in English at Dixie Sate College and loving it. The future is bright, she says, every day I wake up with a prayer in my heart and story in my head. I never thought life could be so good!

Connect With Prudence:
Facebook

About the Tour

Cedar Fort Blog Tours

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