Author Mary Wine Talks About Character Building

Delightful author Mary Wine returns to Thoughts in Progress today as the special guest blogger as she makes a stop on her virtual book tour for the latest installment in her Highland series.

Mary’s latest release is HIGHLAND HEAT. Here’s a brief synopsis:  Ruined, Betrayed and Banished…
As brave as she is impulsive, Deirdre Chattan’s tendency to follow her heart and not her head has finally tarnished her reputation beyond repair. But when powerful Highland Laird Quinton Cameron finds her, he doesn’t care about her past—it’s her future he’s about to change.

But It’s Never Too Late for Redemption…
From the moment Quinton sets eyes on Deirdre Chattan, rational thought vanishes. For in her eyes he sees a fiery spirit that matches his own, and he’ll be damned if he’ll let such a wild Scottish rose wither under the weight of a nun’s habit…

With nothing to lose, Deirdre and Quinton band together to protect king and country. But what they accomplish alone is nothing compared to what they can build with their passion for each other…

Thanks to Mary and Danielle at Sourcebooks, I have 2 copies of HIGHLAND HEAT to giveaway to 2 lucky visitors that comment on this post between now and 8 p.m. (EST) on Tuesday, April 5. The giveaway is open to U.S. and Canadian residents only. Be sure to include your e-mail with your comment if it’s not included in your profile.

Mary has answered some questions for me concerning her writing and her current release.

Mason - In what order do your characters come to life - name, physical description, or personality?

Mary - I’d say its personality first. I feel them, hear them and then get a look at them. As strange as it sounds, I get a very deep feeling about my characters. If they are sad, I’m misty eyed, if they are longing for something…I’m crazy until I write it out. It’s their plight which reaches out to me. Maybe I’m a nurturer at heart because I have to write that book in order to take care of them.

Mason - Of the three elements mentioned in question 1, which is the easiest to develop and which is the hardest?

Mary - Well, I’m not sure any of them is hard because when they form in my imagination, they are there. What takes the effort is moving them to the happy ending I want, a few of these Highlanders like to argue with me about that! I’m not just talking about the men either. Deirdre Chattan didn’t want to trust again. She dug her heels in and just refused to budge, now Quinton was doing a grand job of that himself and for a few chapters it felt like the pair were in a ‘last man standing’ competition. Of course, that just made it better when they both fell. Insert satisfied grin.

Mason - How would you encourage someone who has never read historical romance to give it a try?

Mary - I’ve always loved history. They way they lived, the things those folks endured which I wouldn’t want to suffer through. They did so with a grace which enthralls me. The human spirit can rise up and do amazing things. When I write a historical, I try to give you the story of that spirit, that sense of rising above the details and things which try to cage us in. Everyone of us is surrounded by necessities and things we have to get done…reading a historical is a wonderful way to get a grip on all those pressing concerns and boil it down into something you can tackle when the time comes.

Mason - What can readers look for next from you?

Mary - I’m taking myself to Victorian England and beyond for a Steam Punk Romance. Steam Punk is Victorian Science Fiction. I’m building a world of stern manners and technology while writing a wonderful romance. In August, MY FAIR HIGHLANDER will hit the readers hands too. Drop by my website for excerpts and details.

Mary, thanks so much for guest blogging today. It’s interesting learning how your characters come to life.

A bit of background on Mary. She is a multi-published author in romantic suspense, fantasy and western romance; now her interest in historical reenactment and costuming has inspired her to turn her pen to historical romance. She lives with her husband and sons in southern California, where the whole family enjoys participating in historical reenactments. For more information on Mary and her writing, visit her website at http://www.marywine.com.

What are your thoughts on historical romance? Do you enjoy books where the characters seem to come to life?

Sunday Salon: Vivid Adventures and Imagination

Sharing good books is one of the fun things about blogdom. Sunday Salon is a great way to find interesting new books each week that take you off on vivid adventures and stir your imagination.

Get comfortable, make sure you have your cup of favorite beverage handy, and we'll talk books. Today I have two interesting books to share. One is listed as paranormal romance, while the other is listed under historical romance but both contain mystery and suspense.

IT HAPPENED ONE BITE by Lydia Dare

When the feisty Scottish witch Blaire Lindsay went with her brothers to Loch Calavie, she didn’t have a clue how drastic her life would change.

Her older brother, Aiden, had inherited Briancraig Castle and was eager to see it. With younger brother, Brannock, in tow off they went. At the castle, Blair soon finds James Maitland, Lord Kettering, imprisoned in the dungeon. By releasing him, she also discovered though her mother shared much about being a witch - she had secrets she had not shared.

The chemistry between Blaire and James is entertaining and keeps your pulse pounding from one encounter to the next. Though their history sees them enemies, they are perfect for each other.

IT HAPPENED ONE BITE is the first in author Lydia Dare’s new vampyre series. A number of characters from the author’s Westfield series help make the transition from werewolves to vampyres smooth. Readers don’t have to have read the Westfield series to keep up, but will be missing out on a lot of enjoyable reading if they don’t.

Blair and James, along with members of her coven, face not only the secrets from long ago, but demons chasing James. This is a fast pace adventure that will draw you in and keep you breathless till the end. Another tantalizing series with characters you can’t wait to learn more about.

Author Lydia Dare’s website is http://www.lydiadare.com/

It Happened One Bite by Lydia Dare, Sourcebooks Casablanca, @2011, ISBN: 978-1-4022-4507-7, Paperback, 416 pages

FTC Full Disclosure - I requested this book and it was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

HIGHLAND HEAT by Mary Wine

Acting first and thinking later has gotten Deirdre Chattan into trouble. This time she’s disgraced herself and her clan.

When her father gives her dowry to the church, there’s nothing left for Deirdre except to go to the convent where her sister, Kaie, is studying to be Mother Superior. Deirdre won’t become a nun, but at least she has a place to stay.

Highlander Quinton Cameron arrives at the convent searching for Joan Beaufort, queen of Scotland. It appears there are those who would hold the queen hostage in order to control the boy King, her son.

Deirdre and Quinton share a brief past or rather one passionate kiss. Sparkles once again fly between the two. Quinton, it seems, doesn’t disapprove of Deirdre but finds her independent streak intriguing.

Later the queen does arrive at the convent and ask Deirdre for help. The queen is trying to make her way to the man she loves. Since Deirdre looks a lot like the queen, she agrees to lead those who would harm her on a merry chase. Thus the adventure begins.

The chemistry between Deirdre and Quinton is electrifying. Author Mary Wine puts a great deal of feeling into her characters. In addition, her detailed description of the land and the era will have you believing you’re there. While the Scottish dialect is a little difficult at first, it adds authenticity to the story.

HIGHLAND HEAT will grab your attendance from the first paragraph and hold you captive until the very end.

Author Mary Wine’s website is http://www.marywine.com/

Highland Heat by Mary Wine, Sourcebooks Casablanca, @2011, ISBN: 978-1-4022-3739-3, Paperback, 384 pages

FTC Full Disclosure - I requested this book and it was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

Any good books you'd like to share? What are you reading today?

Mary Wine - Guest Blogger

Please join me today as I welcome author Mary Wine back as the special guest blogger here at Thoughts in Progress as she makes a stop on her virtual blog tour.

Mary’s latest release is HIGHLAND HELLCAT, the second installment in her sexy Scottish Highlander trilogy. Thanks to Mary and Danielle at Sourcebooks I have 2 copies of HIGHLAND HELLCAT to giveaway today to 2 lucky visitors who comment on Mary’s post between now and 8 p.m. (EST) on Monday, Oct. 25. Be sure to include your e-mail address in your comments if it’s not included in your profile.

With her extensive research and love of period attire in writing her trilogy, I ask Mary if she could live in any era which would she pick.

If I could live in any era?

Oh my…that brings up such wonderful possibilities. I’m not sure I could choose. I adore the current time, hey music at our fingertips, dentists and fresh food all year round. What’s not to like? But I wonder if the future would hold cures and easy fixes for aches and pains and sports injuries…now that sounds grand. But there is also something to be said for the style of eras past.

I believe I would have loved to see the wonderful colors of the courts of Henry XIII. The pageants performed for him and the feasts laid out on the grand tables. People must have enjoyed the banquets more because it was the only place there was music and dancing and entertainment. It must have been something you looked forward to because the rest of the nights were quiet, unless you played an instrument yourself and could afford the time to practice. Life took a lot more out of your day back when you had to sew your clothing, sometimes weave the cloth.

Another time period I think of is the Titanic era. What a stately time. I’m not drawn to it just because men were gentlemen…but because women were ladies…not always a simple thing. If you want a man to open a door for you, you’ll need to give him the opportunity by not reaching for it. This was also a period of men challenging the elements. Yes, the Titanic sank but she wasn’t the worst disaster of the period, simply remembered because of how many high society passengers were on her. But the engineers who dreamed her up were visionaries and laid the ground work for the comforts we have today.

Lastly, I’ve got to say I adore the Celtic Highlanders. They must have been a sight, coming down from their highland strong holds when the time was right. These men had strong spirits, which is something I admire.

What would I have been? I doubt an author, although in the first two periods every lady was expected to keep up correspondence for the family. Most likely, I would have been a seamstress. Fabric fascinates me and I love constructing garments. Writing HIGHLAND HELLCAT was great fun because I was able to put to use some of my knowledge of period attire and custom. I do read history for fun but it’s always a challenge to find anyone willing to listen to me babble about the way women dressed four hundred years ago. HIGHLAND HELLCAT allowed me the chance to use some of that knowledge and it was great!

I hope you all enjoy it. Drop by my website for excerpts of HIGHLAND HEAT…coming your way in March and to see what else I’ve got releasing soon. Marywine.com.

Mary, thanks again for stopping by today. It is fun to think about what era we would live in if given the chance.

Here’s a brief synopsis of HIGHLAND HELLCAT - He wants a wife he can control…
Connor Lindsey is a Highland laird, but his clan’s loyalty is hard won and he takes nothing for granted. He’ll do whatever it takes to find a virtuous wife, even if he has to kidnap her…

She has a spirit that can’t be tamed…
Brina Chattan has always defied convention. She sees no reason to be docile now that she’s been captured by a powerful laird and taken to his storm-tossed castle in the Highlands, far from her home.

When a rival laird’s interference nearly tears them apart, Connor discovers that a woman with a wild streak suits him much better than he’d ever imagined…

For a little background on Mary. She is a multi-published author in romantic suspense, fantasy and western romance; now her interest in historical reenactment and costuming has inspired her to turn her pen to historical romance. She lives with her husband and sons in southern California, where the whole family enjoys participating in historical reenactment. For more information, please visit her website at http://www.marywine.com/website/.

Highland Hellcat by Mary Wine

If you’re looking to be whisk away to a different time and place to enjoy a bit of romance with a twist of intrigue, I have just the book for you

HIGHLAND HELLCAT by Mary Wine  takes readers to Scotland where the Highlanders rule. There are warring clans and men dressed in kilts.

Deirdre, the eldest daughter of the Chattan clan, has been promised to laird Connor Lindsey, but she decides to sneak out of the castle to see a man she believes loves her. But, Melor Douglas was only using her to taunt Connor Lindsey who wants a virtuous bride.

Meanwhile the middle daughter, Kaie, has been promised to Roan McLeod and the youngest, Brina, has been promised to God and the church. Brina, having been raised to serve the church, is a bit of a rebel as she can hunt and ride astride a horse. She also a bit of a temper and stubborn streak.

Brina is enroute to the abbey when she’s kidnapped by Connor. The push and pull between these two characters will keep you reading “just one more paragraph.”

This is a historical romance that will leave you breathless. There are intense and steamy scenes between the leading characters. This is the second in a trilogy of sexy Scottish Highland romances, but it is a stand alone book. Connor Lindsey was mention in the first installment, TO CONQUER THE HIGHLANDER, and now author Mary Wine has given him his own story.

The Scottish dialect may be difficult for some to read. However, once you get accustomed to it, it will draw you in and make you forget where you are. It’s like the icing on the cake.

Mary Wine’s website is www.marywine.com and she also blogs occasionally at Casablanca Authors.

Highland Hellcat by Mary Wine, Sourcebooks Casablanca, @2010, ISBN: 978-1-4022-3738-6, Paperback, 352 pages

FTC Full Disclosure - I requested this book and it was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

To Conquer A Highlander by Mary Wine

To travel to a different time and place all one has to do is pick up a copy of Mary Wine’s TO CONQUER A HIGHLANDER.

Laird Randal McBoyd raids McLeren land in an attempt to show the Earl of Atholl that he is on his side in his bid to be King of Scotland. McBoyd assumes Atholl will send more men to help fight off the Highlanders when they retaliated. McBoyd promises his daughter to Atholl’s nephew to seal the bargain.

Shannon McBoyd is awaken and told she is being sent to Atholl’s nephew to wed. Though she knows her place, Shannon questions her father’s actions and feels his rage with a slap to her face.

Meanwhile, Laird Torin McLeren is enroute to confront McBoyd for his actions. When McLeren discovers Shannon enroute to wed, he decides to kidnap her.

That’s when the fun begins despite the warring between the clans.

Shannon is a strong minded, independent woman in an era when women were less than second class citizens. She worked hard, but always felt women should be equal to men.

Torin is a handsome, brave Highlander who protects his people and rules with compassion. He believes in love in a marriage, not just an arrangement to further clans and land holdings.

The back and forth bantering between Torin and Shannon makes for most enjoyable reading. Author Mary Wine’s beautiful descriptions of the countryside and wonderful dialect transport the reader to Scotland.

TO CONQUER THE HIGHLANDER is a historical romance that will take your breath away. Some scene are quite intense and will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next.  This is the first in a trilogy of sexy Scottish Highland romances.

Mary Wine’s website is www.marywine.com.

To Conquer A Highlander by Mary Wine, Sourcebooks Casablanca, @2010, ISBN: 978-1-4022-3737-9, Paperback, 352 pages

FTC Full Disclosure - I requested this book and it was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

Guest Blogger, Mary Wine

Please join me in welcoming acclaimed author Mary Wine as the special guest blogger here today at Thoughts in Progress.

Mary’s latest release is TO CONQUER A HIGHLANDER and will be released on Tuesday, July 6. Thanks to Mary and Danielle at Sourcebooks I have two copies of TO CONQUER A HIGHLANDER to award to two lucky visitors commenting on Mary’s post between now and 8 p.m. on Friday, July 9. Be sure to include your e-mail address if it’s not included in your profile.

Mary has agreed to answers some of my crazy questions about her writing and give us some insight into her background. You might be surprised as to what she collects and what she enjoys making.

First, could you give the readers a quick summary about your upcoming book and the series?   
   
To Conquer a Highlander is the launch book for a great set of Highland romances set in 1437. James the first of Scotland was murdered and it set in motion a period of unrest. These books are written against the backdrop of a world in unrest and I think it makes the love story even better.

What drew you to write about Scottish Highlanders?    

I guess I just love to see a place where people grow stronger both physically and mentally. The sense of loyalty these people had for their kin is amazing and their ability to live in such a rugged setting is also impressive. But most of all, I loved their enjoyment of life. Their music, dance and art. They were the men Rome never conquered.

What do you see as the pros and cons of writing a series?  

The advantage is that I get to tell the stories of the other characters. When you’re writing one story, there are always people that your

hero encounters which demand their own tale. That’s sort of the down side of it too because sometimes, those other stories don’t want to wait for the author to finish the book they are working on.

I understand you have a collection of sewing machines and enjoy making historical garments. Could you tell us a little about that?    

I’ve always enjoyed making dresses from the past. Even when I was a child, I was trying to dress up my dolls in fancy ball gowns. I used to sit in the history section of the library and just read the books because I loved the garments. Through the years, I’ve worked on my skills of reproducing the garments by using tailors notes. It’s an interesting process and wearing the clothing gives me a unique insight to how these people lived.

Ever consider writing a book or series about a seamstress?  

Yes, in fact, I’m working on it now.

You write in a number of genres, you enjoy sewing, have a second degree black belt in marital arts, how do you schedule it all? Do you have a writing schedule you follow or just write whenever you can?  

I’m strict about my writing. I do it as I would any full time job because other wise I wouldn’t have any books out there. But just like everyone else that works…exercise is important. I began doing martial arts with my sons and it’s been a very rewarding challenge.

What's next for you? 
  
I’ve got a wonderful line up coming…You know about To Conquer a Highlander this month, August will see another Brava, Bedding the Enemy and in October the follow up book to To Conquer a Highlander, will release: Highland Hellcat. Folks can check my website for excerpts and the book that will come after these titles.

Anything we haven't covered you'd like to let the readers know about? 

That I love hearing from my readers. You can email me at Talk2MaryWine@Hotmail.com. I often decide what book to work on next by my emails.

Mary, thank you so much for stopping by today and giving us a look at your writing and what’s ahead for you.

Here’s a little more information about Mary. She has written nearly twenty works of erotic fantasy, romantic suspense, and historical romance. An avid history-buff and historical costumer, she and her family enjoy participating in historical reenactments. Mary lives with her husband and two sons in Yorba Linda, California. For more information, please visit her website http://www.marywine.com/. 

Now for a brief synopsis of TO CONQUER A HIGHLANDER:
A fierce Highland laird ready to kill for king and country…
When Torin McLeren discovers his neighbor’s plot against his king, he takes their daughter as his prisoner, thereby stopping her father’s plot from going forward. But that leaves him with a woman under his roof whom he can’t ignore, and not just because she’s his enemy’s daughter…

A woman who’s as much trouble as she is temptation…
Shannon McBoyd decides to use her captor to experience passion for the first time, and then to destroy him. But her plan goes awry because once she has lured Torin into her bed, she no longer wants to hurt the one man who seems to value and understand her…

Even if her father will kill him—and her—when he discovers what they’ve done...