Tag Archives: Ireland

July 12, 2017 · 6:42 am

Author Interview with Mary Morgan ~ New Release: QUEST OF A WARRIOR

Today’s guest, Mary Morgan is sharing a new release, a giveaway, and a great interview!

Welcome, Mary! Thank you for joining me.

Are there any tricks or habits you use when creating a story?

I always begin each story with a brand new journal. It has become a tradition to find the one that feels right. This is where I put all the pertinent character(s) information, settings, and any plot ideas. It’s also a form of reference material and word count. I start with a basic outline, but my characters always take me in another direction. I might begin as the “captain at the wheel,” but in the end, they are the ones guiding the tale.

What’s the main thing that you could get rid of in your life that would give you more writing time?

Marketing my book! It can drain the creativity side tremendously. Yet, after three years, I have found the balance and strive to maintain time to write every day. When I don’t, I find I’m a cranky author. All these ideas/voices are sitting there, so I need to keep the wheels of creativity flowing.

What is one word you would use to describe yourself? What is one word you think others might use to describe you?

Me: Passionate

Others: Supportive

What’s your favorite book of all time and why? What’s your favorite childhood book?

“Hawaii” by James Michener. After reading his book as a young teen, I became fascinated with historical novels. His story launched me on a lifetime of adventures within history.

I was obsessed with the Nancy Drew books as a child. It was a delight to read about a girl solving mysteries. Devoured them all, so there’s no favorite. I consider the entire set as one. 🙂

What actors would you like in the main roles if your book were made into a movie?

There’s only one actor I’ve envisioned for Conn in “Quest of a Warrior,” and that’s Alexander Skarsgard. From the moment Conn stepped forth in my first book, “Dragon Knight’s Sword,” I saw this actor. It’s the way Alexander moves, and those eyes say it all.

What is your favorite quote?

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” ~Eleanor Roosevelt

Thanks again, Mary. I enjoyed the interview. I love that quote. And, Alexander Skarsgard….sigh… 🙂

Check out Mary’s giveaway and her book…

Rafflecopter Giveaway June 30 – July 31 !!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MWUxYzRmNjRlNjU0ZmNkZWI5NTk1MmIwNjFiM2NkOjY=/?

Blurb:

“You met them in the Order of the Dragon Knights. Now, journey to the realm of the Fae and witness their legends!”

Fenian Warrior, Conn MacRoich has traveled the earth for thousands of years, guarding the realm between mortal and Fae. His deeds are legendary. Yet, one mistake will force him on a journey to fix a broken time-line. However, on Conn’s quest, he must face a human female who will eventually bring this ancient warrior to his knees.

When Ivy O’Callaghan inherits her uncle’s estate, she never imagines there will be more secrets to unravel, including the one she hides from the world. With the help of a mysterious stranger, she learns to trust and step out of the shadows. However, nothing prepares Ivy when she learns Conn’s true identity.

As the loom of fate weaves a thread around the lovers from two different worlds, will the sacrifices they make lead them to love? Or will their secrets destroy and separate them forever?

Excerpt:

Conn fought the bolt of desire spearing a path throughout his body. Her touch spoke volumes—an invitation to taste. Never had he longed to kiss a human like this wee lass. His heart beat loudly, and he found himself unable to move. She was a Goddess of the moonlight. It danced off her face and hair, and he trembled before her. Ivy’s fingers traced down his cheek and across his lips. He was helpless to contain the growl that escaped from his mouth.

The rush of passion overtook him, and Conn slammed the door on his mind. Grasping Ivy around the waist, he hoisted her up on top of the bridge. Her lips parted on a sigh, and he lowered his mouth to feast on something he dared not take. The first brush of her soft lips against his own ignited a hunger he could no longer contain. Taking her moan deep into him, Conn glorified in the sensation of her mouth—one filled with a honeyed sweetness.

The Fae warrior became just a man for the first time. Something primal burst within him. Emotions he had never felt left him dizzy, spiraling to a physical plane. He craved them all. His lips seared a course down her neck, to her throat, and then recaptured the velvet warmth of her mouth.

Buy Links:

AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/Quest-Warrior-Legends-Fenian-Warriors-ebook/dp/B072HPBMDM/

Barnes&Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/quest-of-a-warrior-mary-morgan/1126404360/

The Wild Rose: https://catalog.thewildrosepress.com/all-titles/5086-quest-of-a-warrior.html

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/quest-of-a-warrior

Apple iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/quest-of-a-warrior/id1231868317?mt=11

Author Bio:

Award-winning Scottish paranormal romance author, Mary Morgan, resides in Northern California, with her own knight in shining armor. However, during her travels to Scotland, England, and Ireland, she left a part of her soul in one of these countries and vows to return.
Mary’s passion for books started at an early age along with an overactive imagination. She spent far too much time daydreaming and was told quite often to remove her head from the clouds. It wasn’t until the closure of Borders Books where Mary worked that she found her true calling–writing romance. Now, the worlds she created in her mind are coming to life within her stories.

Author Links:

WEBSITE: http://www.marymorganauthor.com

BLOG: http://www.marymorganauthor.com/blog

TWITTER: http://twitter.com/m_morganauthor

FACEBOOK AUTHOR PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/MaryMorganAuthor/

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/mary.morgan.564

GOODREADS: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8271002.Mary_Morgan

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE: http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Morgan/e/B00KPE3NWI/

PINTEREST: www.pinterest.com/marymorgan50/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/marymorgan2/

BOOKBUB: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mary-morgan

22 Comments

Filed under Author Blog Post, giveaway, New Release

Tagged as Award Winning Author, Celtic, Faery, Fantasy, giveaway, Ireland, Irish Mythology, new release, paranormal romance, the wild rose press

March 16, 2016 · 9:44 am

Ten Moments That Changed My Life by Marlow Kelly + New Release: A Woman of Courage **GIVEAWAY

When I was four years old I woke up in hospital, scared and alone. It was the start of six years of childhood illness where I was in and out of hospital and spent most of my time at home, away from other children. I recovered by age ten and have led a normal healthy life since. And although it may seem sad, this was when my imagination bloomed and I began making up stories to entertain myself.

As a teenager I spent summers with my cousins in Ireland. Being away from my parents and sisters in a different culture (Yes the Irish culture is different from the English culture) gave me a new perspective on the world and my ability to be independent in it.

Got a job at British Airways. This was a turning point for me. The selection process was long, difficult, and included; three interviews, a two and a half hour intelligence test, and a role-play scenario. Being selected was a huge ego boost. Getting that job changed me from a small, mousy, timid person into a strong, confident woman.

Travelled the world. That sounds more impressive than it actually is. I have travelled – probably more than most, but less than many. For a young person travelling can be a true eye-opener. I came to realize that the social expectations that ruled my life in England didn’t apply to the rest of the world.

Moved to Canada. When I was twenty-six I moved to Canada. It may surprise you to know that the Canadians didn’t want me; mainly because my work as a check-in agent at British Airways was not a skill they needed, so I became a nanny. Apparently they always need nannies. After two years working as a domestic servant I was allowed to stay in Canada and am now a Canadian citizen.

When I was twenty-eight I was involved in a car accident. The other car ran a stop sign. I broke bones in my pelvis, shoulder and jaw. It was a painful experience that made me aware of how our minds and bodies work in unison. It also had an effect on my story telling. By the end of the book I normally injure at least one of my main characters. No one escapes my stories unscathed.

Met my husband. After years of working indoors, as a nanny, I decided I needed to be outside for a while so I took a job as a courier driver in Vancouver. I was twenty-nine and had decided that marriage and children weren’t for me. Then low and behold I met my husband. He was one of the other drivers and six years younger than me – a mere twenty-three – and I remember being grateful that I could legally go out with him 🙂

Had children. I wrote this list in chronological order, but if I’d written it in order of most important then having children would have been number one on my list. It is by far the best, most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. My family brings me joy every day and makes me realize how truly blessed I am.

Decided to write a book. Unlike most people who write, I didn’t start writing until I was in my forties, although I always had characters dancing around in my head. I guess you could say that writing is part of my mid-life crisis. I woke up one day and realized that if I wanted to put my stories down on paper I had to do it soon. Then, of course, I had to learn how to write, but that’s a whole other blog post.

Contracted by TWRP. After many false starts, half written manuscripts, and six years of struggling to learn the craft of writing – a profession that is profoundly humbling and rewarding at the same time – My novella A Woman of Honour was contracted by The Wild Rose Press. TWRP then contracted the complete series, A Woman of Love and A Woman of Courage. I’m hoping to publish a collection of short stories entitled Murder by Bear and Other Short Stories, in April or May. I’m also working on a full–length contemporary suspense entitled Sun Seeker.

On Sale for $0.99

Blurb:

When an injured Fianna Byrne turns up at Connell O’Neill’s gate twelve years after their separation he knows this could be his last chance to find happiness with the woman he loves.

False accusations against Fianna had strained relations between their clans and forced Connell, under Irish law, to divorce her. Their disastrous three-month relationship left Fianna pregnant and heartbroken. She has avoided Duncarraig and her ex-husband ever since.

But with her home obliterated by the Vikings, Fianna must face her past in order to save her son, and prove once and for all she is a woman of courage.

Excerpt:

Twelve years ago she’d been Connell’s wife. His devastating rejection of her, after only three months of marriage, and their subsequent divorce caused a pain so real it twisted her insides. The hostilities that ensued after their separation, followed by an uneasy truce when she found she was pregnant with their son, Lorcan, made it prudent to restrict her contact.

During their short marriage he had weakened her in a way no other man could. She’d transformed into a woman so overtaken with lust she’d been blind to everything, including his true feelings. With Connell all her instincts, control, and intellect became like overcooked oats, a sludge that thought of nothing except him.

Her breath caught when her former husband strode out of the large central house, marching toward her. His long limbs and easy stride accentuated the rippling muscles of his legs. Every movement emphasized his grace and strength. He was still tall and broad, with long, smooth, black hair and a black beard to match. He would have been too handsome, too pretty, if it hadn’t been for his large crooked nose. That imperfection added to his allure, making him more appealing. Her pulse quickened, and her body warmed with need. She forgot her reason for being here, forgot everything except him. Damn it. Even in her injured state, with everything she had endured, he still had the ability to turn her mind to mud.

Buy links:

TWRP:

http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=195&products_id=6490

Nook:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-woman-of-courage-marlow-kelly/1122768047?ean=2940150869141

Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Woman-Courage-Honour-Love-ebook/dp/B0166THBB4/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

ARe

https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-awomanofcourage-1904514-365.html

Giveaway:

Marlow will award a $20 Amazon gift card to one lucky winner at the end of the tour. (Click on Rafflecopter link below) Follow the tour and comment the more you comment the more chances you have to win. Tour stops can be found at: http://www.marlowkelly.com/appearances-giveaways-and-news.html

Rafflecopter link:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author Bio

After being thrown out of England for refusing to drink tea, Marlow Kelly made her way to Canada where she found love, a home and a pug named Max. She also discovered her love of storytelling. Encouraged by her husband, children and let’s not forget Max, she started putting her ideas to paper. Her need to write about strong women in crisis drives her stories. You can visit Marlow at www.marlowkelly.com

Social Media Links

Website: http://www.marlowkelly.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marlowkelly?ref=hl

Twitter: https://twitter.com/want2write

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/Marlowkelly14/

22 Comments

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as 10 Moments that Changed My Life, 99 Cents, giveaway, Historical Romance, Ireland, Second Chance Love, steamy, the wild rose press, Vikings

August 6, 2014 · 9:58 am

M.J. Schiller Shares What She Knows About Ireland and Her New Release, DAMAGE DONE

Write what you know, they tell me. And you can find pieces of me in all of my books. My marriage proposal? See UPON A MIDNIGHT CLEAR. That bike jump over the creek my brother did when I was eight? HOMETOWN HEARTACHE, coming next year. And every one of Heath’s ex-girlfriend’s in BETWEEN ROCK AND A HARD PLACE is my bestfriend, Kelly. She also has a prominent role in a few of my other books. So what parts of me pop up in my newest release, DAMAGE DONE? My trip to Ireland, of course!

In 2003 I was lucky enough to go to Ireland with my big sister, my mom, and her friend, Joanne. We flew into Shannon airport and headed straight to our bed & breakfast. We were exhausted from the flight as even I—who can usually nap anywhere, anytime—was unable to sleep on the plane. The b&b’s owner, who was cutting her husband’s hair in the kitchen when we arrived, shooed us off, warning us that jet lag would “be the death of us” if we so much as closed our eyes. So we were off to Bunratty Castle and Durty Nelley’s, a pub. We had a traditional Irish dinner at the castle and were entertained by Irish dancers. The next day we did the obligatory visit to Blarney Castle and kissed the great stone. (Which is a terrifying experience, for those who haven’t done it. You lie down and bend backward, scootching until your rump is off the castle stone, hanging out in thin air, with no one holding your legs, stories up. I still can’t believe I did it!)

From there we headed to what was to become our home base of sorts, our cottage on the Old Head of Kinsale, where a great deal of the action takes place in DAMAGE DONE. There is a grotto there, as described in the book, and a church and store. Hurley’s which soon became “our pub,” is what Tad McGregor’s pub in the book is based on, although Tad’s place is different in a number of ways. Our hero Michael and heroine Tess run off to Cork together, one of the next stops on our 2003 trip. I used what I could from my memories, and did some research for the rest. Some of the characters’ names are from my own family tree.

Here are some photos from our trip…

Beautiful windows in Bunratty Castle Bunratty Castle

Our pub, Hurley’s

Kinsale Lighthouse on Old Head of Kinsale Our cottage on the Old Head of Kinsale

Tower near Blarney Castle

Much of the story is from my own twisted imagination, though. 🙂 I’ve never seen a lighthouse home such as Teddy and Gabby share, and don’t know where that came from. I’ve never made a sand octopus or stolen groceries from the back of a pickup truck. I’ve never even taken a bike ride like Sean and Gabby do, but I’d like to think I captured a taste of what it would be like. From where I stand, a little mishmash of fact and fiction makes for a good story. So here’s a blurb and excerpt from DAMAGE DONE. I hope you enjoy it!

Blurb ~

When an unhappy youth leaves him damaged, will Teddy Mckee be able to find love?

“Teddy Passmore McKee was born in Cork, Ireland, with a limp and a chip on his shoulder that threw his balance off all the more.” When he falls in love with the dark haired beauty born of an Irish father and a Spanish mother, will Gabrielle Quinn be able to restore his balance? And what about the charming Sean Hennessey? When Gabby catches his eye, too, will Teddy’s playboy best friend cause his own damage?

Fourteen years later, will Teddy and Gabrielle’s son be able to overcome the damage done to him in his childhood?

“Even through bloodshot eyes he could see she was different.” But can Michael leave behind the bottle, and his womanizing ways, to win over the lovely Tess Flanagan? Tess has sustained some damage of her own. Can she and Michael overcome the terrors of the past and learn how to love each other?

And if they do, will they be able to elude those after them who want to create their own damage?

On the run after an altercation leaves their boss in a pool of blood, will Michael and Tess be able to stay one step ahead of their pursuers? Or is it simply too late to correct the damage that has been done?

Excerpt ~

“Tessie…” He offered again. “We have to get out of here.”

She remained frozen in her spot, staring blindly over the cliff. He moved a step closer and gently grasped her elbow. “Tess—”

She whirled around and his heart caught in his chest as he stared into her wild green eyes. Tears shone on her damp cheeks, glimmering in the moonlight like trails of scattered diamonds. “Nay, Michael,” she said, her words coming out choked. “I have to tell them the truth. It’s my fault. …I k-killed him.” She sobbed.

He looked at her sadly, begging her, “Let me help you.”

The back door creaked open and light spilled out from the bar across the grass, startling them. He saw Jimmy Flynn’s outline in the doorway. “They’re out here!” he yelled.

Without waiting for a response, Michael took Tess’s arm and steered her along the cliff’s edge. He stepped over the railing and helped her to the other side as well. They stood on a narrow ledge. To the left a trail dropped off toward the sea. He led her skittering down the path, loose rock pebbling the beach far below. He had taken the pathway many a night when he was drunk and feeling particularly reckless. Tonight he hurried over it with only self-preservation and Tess’s safety in mind.

They heard voices above them, coming from every direction as searchers fanned out along the top of the cliff. Their eyes met. They hardly dared to breathe. A flashlight beam ventured over the railing and along the cliff face. She clutched his hand, squeezing it until he lost feeling in his fingers. He tried to flatten himself even more tightly against the rock face, wishing it would somehow melt and absorb them. Several seconds passed and the beam of light was joined by another, and another, each swinging away, and then toward them again.

He grabbed a quick look at the churning sea below then closed his eyes for a second, and his stomach dropped. He took a deep breath before turning his head to look at Tess. Her eyes were closed and her lips were moving fervently, but she emitted no sound. He swallowed, wondering again why the sight of her affected him so. After several minutes a voice called out, “You won’t get away with this, Mikey.” Had someone seen them? He heard Jimmy Flynn mutter, “Wherever they are, we won’t find them tonight.” One by one the lights disappeared until only a solitary beam shone.

Author Bio ~

MJ is a lunch lady in the heart of Central Illinois. My gosh! Can you get more folksy than that? She met her husband at the University of Missouri-Columbia and now she has a nineteen-year-old (how did that happen?) and seventeen year old triplets! She loves to read, karaoke (where she can pretend she is a rock star) and spends WAY too much time on Facebook. She grew up in St. Louis and still has family there.

Links ~

You can find M.J. at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/MJ-Schiller-Romance-Author/286382241460365?ref=hl

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/mjschiller/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mjschiller

Tumblr: http://mjschilz.tumblr.com/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/mjschiller

Google + : https://plus.google.com/u/0/110797684036386240402/posts

You can find DAMAGE DONE at:

Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00LU7719K

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/damage-done-mj-schiller/1119955011?ean=2940149795697

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/damage-done-1

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id899251690

And for a limited time ~ you can get THE HEART TEACHES BEST, the first book I put out in the REAL ROMANCE COLLECTION, for free! Download your copy here:

You can buy THE HEART TEACHES BEST at:

Amazon : http://www.amazon.com/HEART-TEACHES-BEST-ROMANCE-COLLECTION-ebook/dp/B00IGAGKXM/

Barnes and Noble : http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-heart-teaches-best-mj-schiller/1118627507?ean=2940148212386

Kobo : http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-heart-teaches-best-1

iTunes : https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/heart-teaches-best-real-romance/id825996257?mt=11

19 Comments

Filed under Entertainment, For Writers

Tagged as DAMAGE DONE, Ebook, Ireland, M.J. Schiller, Romance, romantic suspense, THE HEART TEACHES BEST, travel