Mary Wine | What was the most fun about writing HIGHLAND HEAT?
March 21, 2011
Without a doubt it was the taming of Quinton Cameron. Oops…sorry, had to duck and run there because that big, highland earl didn’t
take too kindly to me announcing that he’d been tamed. Now Deirdre found it
rather amusing. The curse of being a writer is that your characters are always
with you and not always at the end of their story. HIGHLAND HEAT was
a fun book to write. But it was also stressful. Both Deidre and Quinton were
hard nuts to crack. They’d both loved and lost, through bitter betrayal. The
sort which leaves a painful scar across the heart. More importantly, neither
wanted to trust their tender affections to another again. Those are points I
often find myself pondering when I write a historical—trust and affection. These
people lived vastly different lives than we do today. Marriage was a business
first. A matter for level headed consideration and not because women were
chattel. That was certainly part of it, but think about it for a moment… You
have a daughter and the average life span is less than fifty. There are few good
employment professions for women so that leaves you knowing you will not be
around to help her and wanting to know she’s in a secure position (warm,
well-fed, protected). In the case of Deirdre, she was the first born daughter of
a laird. Marriage might secure peace for the clan, while many might look on
wedding for that reason as cold hearted, I could see the argument from the other
side. Could you turn your back on ensuring the people around you didn’t have to
fend off attacks? So the reasoning of the time was to wait until you married to fall in love.
Something Deirdre failed to do. She was young and impressionable and believed
the first tender words whispered in her ear at a spring festival. When that man
turned out to be a villain, she ended up in a convent but still confident in her
choice. Quinton was tossed over for a more titled man by the woman who’d stolen
his heart. Bringing these two together was fun. They were both rock solid but needing to
learn to trust again. Deirdre refused to bend to the earl and Quinton didn’t
know how to cast off his title and return to being just a man. He’d been using
his position as a shield and I had to find a way to get him to lower that
defense. Deirdre wouldn’t accept him any other way either. If she’d only craved
position out of her life, she would have wed the man her father contracted her
to and never allowed anyone to sway her with honey coated words. But her heart
needed more. That was the quality Quinton found impossible to ignore, her
willingness to seek out emotional satisfaction before all the essentials of
life. To ignore his title in favor of his heart. We all have hopes and goals and dreams but my grandmother used to tell me that
the only things you truly own are your friendships and faith. Highland
Heat was written with those truths in mind. I’m thinking a little more about
these facts as I look at the devastation in Japan …What do you have when your
house is ripped off the surface of the planet in mere seconds? You have your
friends and, hopefully, your family, you have your faith in making tomorrow just
as bright as you assumed it would be before the disaster struck because of the
talents and skills you have inside you. You have the power to become a part of
the tea effort to rebuild and when I write my books… I try to make that spirit
shine through. Thanks for having me over to blog today! Remember, you have the
power to make someone smile today…. use it without mercy! HIGHLAND HEAT BY MARY WINE – IN STORES
MARCH 2011 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… ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mary Wine 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, please visit http://www.marywine.com.
Comments
56 comments posted.
Re: Mary Wine | What was the most fun about writing HIGHLAND HEAT?
Hello Mary! Highland Heat sounds lovely. I like that the heroine didn't just follow duty but instead followed her heart even though she paid a price for it. I like the hero already for not judging her. (Stacie Deramo 8:03am March 21, 2011)
I love that.."you have the power to make someone smile today" That is a great quote and so very true! Thanks for sharing and have a great day! (Dawn Staniszeski 8:44am March 21, 2011)
Your book sounds interesting with characters I'd like to get to know (I'm a fan of strong individuals). Your grandmother sounds like a very smart woman with excellent advice there, thanks for sharing & reminding us of that. (d Kenney 8:59am March 21, 2011)
Wow! This sounds like a great book. I love the cover and the picture of you. (Renee Pajda 9:31am March 21, 2011)
It looks like there are two strong characters in your story, something I really enjoy. (Maureen Emmons 9:33am March 21, 2011)
Thanks for the wonderful post Mary! Your book sounds very intriguing! I love how you say Deirdre tamed Quinton, but it sounds like Quinton might have tamed her a little bit too :) Your grandma sounds like an incredible woman :) Thanks again for the post!! (Ashley Applebee 9:39am March 21, 2011)
I love it when strong characters stay true to their hearts. Thanks for visiting today. (G S Moch 9:46am March 21, 2011)
WHAT A GREAT COMBINATION SINCE THEY BOTH HAVE BARRIERS TO LOVE! (Silvana Moscato 9:55am March 21, 2011)
Thanks so much everyone! Deidre and Quinton were true to their hearts but they had to decide just what their true feelings were and admit them....that is the fun part of the story... (Mary Wine 10:14am March 21, 2011)
Deidre isn't the first girl to believe those little whispers in the ear at a fair.... glad to know that the outcome will be wonderful for them both! (Cate Sparks 10:20am March 21, 2011)
Sounds like this would be fun to read since you had fun writing it. I just can't get enough of the highlanders! (Beth Melito 10:33am March 21, 2011)
I really enjoyed reading your post, and due to life's circumstances, I'm a little behind the times as far as reading certain authors. Your post put you on my TBR list. I found when I lost my house 2 years ago, after my husband lost his job, along with most of my belongings, I couldn't depend on my family, even though I was always there for them when they needed me. I had to depend on my faith, my heart, my Husband, my friends, and lastly, my intuition. I regret that blood is not thicker than water, but I have made the most of a bad situation, and am happy where I am living now, considering we had to spend part of our time living in a pop-up camper. God had plans for us, and continues to do so. We just have to open our eyes and watch for signs. I may not have much now, but I have made lemonade out of lemons. I've also gotten involved in my new community with volunteer work, so things are good. Good luck with your new book. I'm sure it will do well. (Peggy Roberson 10:52am March 21, 2011)
Mary, your excerpt is HOT! Your technique of the useage of prose make a reader become the character not a mere observer of a scene. I immediately became enmeshed in the story and give it two thumbs up. (Susan Lathen 11:01am March 21, 2011)
Hi Mary Sounds like a great read! I love books about the highlanders, such an interesting time (Julie Parrish 11:42am March 21, 2011)
This book sounds great. I love that the characters follow their hearts. (June Manning 12:17pm March 21, 2011)
Can't believe its almost April. Where has this year gone already. Know I've read lots of books. (Pam Alderson 12:18pm March 21, 2011)
YOur heart certainly can get you into trouble if you don't carefully listen to what it's really saying and only listen to what you want it to say. Big difference. (Heather Pearson 12:35pm March 21, 2011)
This sounds like romance and adventure wrapped into a fascinating story. (Anna Speed 12:39pm March 21, 2011)
I hope I win! This looks like a great book! (Judith Mor 12:40pm March 21, 2011)
Your characters sound like they would be grand fun to read about. And your last sentence in the post is one I plan to take to heart! (G. Bisbjerg 12:47pm March 21, 2011)
It makes me smile to read historical romance. Yours will do that for me I am certain. Blessings, Marjorie (Marjorie Carmony 12:55pm March 21, 2011)
The setting alone speaks of love, passion, treasure, honor, truth, loyalty, and heart. The romance sounds fantastic and will be a heck of read. (Anthonia Sharp 12:56pm March 21, 2011)
Your book sounds great and, there's nothing sexier than a man in a kilt. (Diane Diamond 1:10pm March 21, 2011)
Hi, Mary! Loved your blog! Your grandmother was a wise woman.
I need to read Highland Heat. It sounds like Quinton and Deirdre have quite a journey together. (Cathy Phillips 1:37pm March 21, 2011)
Fun blog! I enjoy reading about Highlanders. (Diane Sadler 2:29pm March 21, 2011)
It makes me wonder how Quinton got Deirdre out of the convent. Did he steal her away? Must read this love story. (Cynthia Netherton 3:03pm March 21, 2011)
I enjoy love stories with strong characters--so I guess I'd better go find this one at the book store. (Sue Farrell 3:10pm March 21, 2011)
Their journey together sounds like it is a great read... Love Historicals! (Colleen Conklin 3:25pm March 21, 2011)
This sounds like my kind of book! Thanks. (Sandra Spilecki 3:26pm March 21, 2011)
Now this is my kind of story -- the heroine "tames" the hero! Love characters who strong yet vulnerable. (Laura Henderson 3:40pm March 21, 2011)
This is a fantastic sounding read!! Hot!!Hot!! I also love the cover!! (Judy Cox 3:59pm March 21, 2011)
He ignore his title in favor of his heart, makes me weak in the knees. (Deb Pelletier 4:01pm March 21, 2011)
Hi Mary, This book sounds like and intriging read. Thank you for sharing their insights on how you worked to acheive the personalities of the characters. (Cindy Olp 4:11pm March 21, 2011)
Yummy! I can't wait to read it. I loved reading the Dream series so I am sure I will enjoy this as well. (Angela Bartlett 4:12pm March 21, 2011)
I love the cover too...isn't it...well....just isn't it...
Hey Peggy, I'm glad to see you moving forward. I really love to write books like this one because it's not about the things these people had, which was quite a lot...but about the things they couldn't buy but longed for...and Deidre left the convent herself....to seek out her furture. (Mary Wine 4:13pm March 21, 2011)
Hi Mary... sounds like great book, I would love to read this book. (Dinda Lestarini 5:23pm March 21, 2011)
I do love my Highlanders. They have a little something extra. The book looks wonderful. (Mary Preston 6:36pm March 21, 2011)
Thanks for the insight into this couple. It sounds like a wonderful book and I would love to read it. (Maude Allen 6:44pm March 21, 2011)
Clans, lairds, brogues, Oh My! Sounds like pages I want to turn to see what happens. (Alyson Widen 8:49pm March 21, 2011)
The book sounds fabulous! I would love to read it. (Brenda Rupp 9:21pm March 21, 2011)
I really enjoyed that blog so I know I'll love your books; besides, it's got a Scottish Hero - one of my top picks! (Diane Sallans 9:29pm March 21, 2011)
I loved reading your blog and your book sounds fantastic! (Edwina Cowgill 9:32pm March 21, 2011)
Sounds like a good book and I can't resist a man in kilt. Please enter me in your contest. (r w 9:34pm March 21, 2011)
I love your Highlander series! I just started reading your books,oh about 3 weeks ago! I think I am hooked. (Robin Krane 9:40pm March 21, 2011)
I appreciate that you said the characters are with you even after the story is over. Looking forward to reading your book. Thank you (Rachel G 10:05pm March 21, 2011)
From the excerpt...Another HOT HIGHLANDER READ! Will definitely look for this one at the bookstore. (Margaret Murray-Evans 10:25pm March 21, 2011)
This book sounds great, and I can't wait to see what else you will write! (Robin Daily 11:12pm March 21, 2011)
Congratulations on your new release! I love Highlander stories! (Molly Wilsbacher 11:30pm March 21, 2011)
Your book sounds great. Thanks for giving me a chance to win it. (Linda Hall 11:49pm March 21, 2011)
Sounds like a great book and in my opinion there's nothing wrong with taming that highland earl *lol*. (Birgit Lehner 5:05am March 22, 2011)
I cannot wait to read this book...I love any Highlander story.... (Leisa Prater 9:42am March 22, 2011)
Loved the first two books and have been waiting for this story. (Lindsey Ekland 11:26am March 22, 2011)
An AWESOME author. HER BOOKS & characters just get better and better. I am Irish & enjoy any thing about SCOTLAND and IRELAND. (James Lynam 11:43am March 22, 2011)
I love the "taming" part, I think my husband is adverse to that word too. This looks great for a future read, and I love your blog words "you have the power to make someone smile today…. use it without mercy!" Very true for all of us to remember!! (Debra Simning-Chapman 1:01pm March 22, 2011)
Mary - This sounds like one of your best books yet! Your writing is devine and not to be missed! (Jeanne Miro 1:12pm March 22, 2011)
I love to read historical fiction and I don't know if I should say I don't like romance, never mind as long as I enjoy reading things. Bwahaha! Good luck! (Kwesi Ian Jay Junsan 6:35pm March 23, 2011)
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