Guest Blogger, Paula Quinn

Please join me in welcoming author Paula Quinn as the special guest blogger here today at Thoughts in Progress as part of her blog tour.

Paula’s latest release is RAVISHED BY A HIGHLANDER. Thanks to Paula, Anna and the Hachette Book Group I’m able to offer five copies of the book. Please see the giveaway guidelines at the end of the post.

Paula is here to talk about her writing and why she writes historicals.
 
I’ve always loved the past. Even as a kid, history was my favorite subject in school. Maybe it has to do with my astrological sign (Cancer). They say us crabs live and learn our lessons from yesterday and while I hate being lumped into such a generic mold, I am, in fact, inspired by past events and by the lessons those events have taught us. Whenever possible I try to incorporate real historical facts and people into my books. England’s kings, for some reason, really get my muse up and about. I don’t love them all, but I love reading and writing about them—and I love the heroes of their garrisons even more. These guys are tough, alpha males who have looked down the length of a bloody sword, saw death and grinned in its ugly face.

They’re not mad, as laughing down the barrel of a gun might be considered in a contemporary. They’re warriors who are use to fighting a foot apart. Romantic? It certainly is when these same men lose their valiant hearts to lady. Sure, there are heroic modern men who are just as courageous, just as drool-worthy when they fall in love—or are heedlessly trying not to. But I prefer a castle setting, where the sound of a destrier’s hooves signals a knight’s return and sets his beloved’s heart to thrashing with anticipation.
 
And who says ‘beloved’ anymore anyway? If ever a more romantic word was uttered, I haven’t heard it. Which brings me to another reason I write historicals. My heroes get bloody but they’re honorable and chivalrous, with knightly values—even the rogues. Well, most of them. I like sappy, old-fashioned tales of love. The kind that makes you wait for that touch, that kiss, until you sigh right along with the heroine and dream about yourself being kissed the same way. I’m all for good, hot sex between the H&H, but if it’s the desert at the end of the satisfying meal, then let’s delight in the toppings. Passion, emotion, devotion, commitment. It’s the whipped cream, the cherry, and the nuts. In today’s market, unless you’re writing inspirational romance, the first sex scene on page 275 isn’t going to cut it.  In today’s world, it’s less believable than in an historical.
 
One thing I do love about the present is that publishers are no longer looking for the typical damsel in distress waiting to be rescued. Historical women were strong and brave enough to face armies. Remember Queen Elizabeth and Joan of Arc? Don’t get me wrong, I’m a full-blooded, crybaby romantic. I like a guy who is strong and brave enough to rescue his woman, and a woman who is skilled and courageous enough to rescue her man.
 
So what’s your favorite characteristic in a hero or heroine? Are there any other time periods you would like to see in a romance that aren't out there?

Paula, thanks so much for stopping by and giving us a glimpse at why you write historicals. Here’s a brief blurb about RAVISHED BY A HIGHLANDER: “Davina Montgomery is no ordinary English lady. For her own protection, she's been locked away from society, her true identity the Crown's most closely guarded secret. Until a shocking betrayal--and a bold rescue--land her in the arms of a fierce Highlander, a powerful warrior whose searing gaze and tantalizing touch awaken her body and soul.

As the firstborn son of a powerful Scottish laird, Robert MacGregor has no loyalty to the English throne, but he's not the kind of man to leave a woman in distress, even if she is English. He vows to deliver Davina to safety, unharmed and untouched. Yet one stolen kiss leaves them both smoldering with desire...and desperate for more. With Davina's secret threatening to destroy his clan, Rob must choose between everything he holds dear and the one woman he can't live without.”

Now for the giveaway, I have five copies of RAVISHED BY A HIGHLANDER to giveaway. The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada only and no post office box addresses can be accepted. The deadline for entering the giveaway is Tuesday, May 11. To enter, send me an e-mail (mcbookshelf@gmail.com) with “WIN Ravished” in the subject line and include your name and address in the body of the e-mail.

For more information on Paula check out her website.