The Interview - Doug Boren

Today I have the author, Doug Boren, talking about his array of swashbuckling tomes: "The Alexander Family Chronicles"

 

Pirates Revenge, Patriot’s Point, Beyond the Horizons, and

The Final Voyage of the Sea Explorer.

 

 

 

 Douglas Boren has lived a full and exciting life. A retired Physician Assistant, he has lived from Alaska to Florida, from New York to New Mexico, and many places in between. An avid Master scuba diver, he divides his time between the Caribbean and his home in North Carolina. He has always had a profound fondness for history, believing that rather than just a series of dates and events, it is a living record of real people, much like ourselves, how they live, and their impact on those around them and their role in the unfolding story of life.

Towards that end, his writings have focused on a particular family through the generations. He informally calls them the Alexander Family Chronicles. From 1600's England, to 1700's Caribbean, to the American Revolution, to the American Civil War, right on up to present day, you can follow the exploits of these remarkable men and women as they face their unique challenges and overcome incredible odds.

 

Questions:

 

(1) What actually inspired the writing of your novel(s)?

 

Ever since I was a teenager, I have loved reading.   Over the course of time, I felt like, “Gosh, I know I can writer as good as that… maybe better.”  So I have always dreamed of writing. One day about 14 years ago, I was brainstorming about what kind of scenario would make a good basis for a book.  I finally came upon the idea of an isolated individual beset by hostiles.  This could mean almost anything, but it eventually became a section of my first book, Beyond the Horizons.This is set in the American Civil War, and shortly thereafter, and I knew that historical fiction was the genre for me. My next book saw more of the Alexander family, so I determined to write about a different generation of that family.  To follow the adventures, the trials and tribulations of these remarkable people in remarkable times.

 

(2) Alpha or beta hero –profession/title/rank?– brief description!

 

My main characters are very much the alpha hero, but there is a very generous addition of many secondary characters who are in supporting roles, who are of various types.  And they all come to be admired, even loved by the reader.

 

(3) Can you describe your heroine’s personality- title/rank?– description!

 

Most of the female characters are somewhat proper, maybe even a bit naïve, at least at first.  They all have an incredibly good heart that easily sets them apart from their peers.  But one female character was definitely nor of that ilk.  The Black Widow was the Queen of a pirate nation, and she is as ruthless and daring as any man… maybe more so.

 

(4) Are there secondary lead characters with important roles?

 

The incredible bond of friendship between the main character and the secondary ones is a hallmark of my stories.  There is loyalty, and even love shared, and the reader comes to care as much for them as they do the main character.

 

(5) Where is the novel (s) set? – time-frame – country etc.

 

Pirates Revenge begins in England in 1700, and progresses to the Caribbean for the next three decades.  Patriot’s Point is set during the American Revolution in North Carolina.  Beyond the Horizons takes places during the America Civil War in New Mexico, and after the war, in Arizona, during the Apache wars, during the 1870’s.  The Final Voyage of the “Sea Explorer,is set in the present day, in the Bahamas.

 

(6) What is it about your chosen era/periods that you most enjoy?

 

I love history.  I always have.  I like to make history come alive in the imagination of the reader so they can be educated and see how people lived and struggled in times not their own, but in reality dealing with many of the same problems and emotions that we do today.

 

(7) Which if any of your characters do you dislike, and why?

 

I have written about some pretty despicable characters.  Two in particular stand out.  In Pirates Revenge, Ramirez is evil personified.  He is vile, sadistic, ruthless, and cunning and you come to really hate him for all the terrible things he does.

 

In Beyond the Horizons, a renegade Apache named Chactoke slaughters countless people wantonly, and tortures them with a vile sense of religious fervour.  You can’t wait for him to be killed… or can you?

 

(8) Do you avoid sex scenes, gross violence or other in your works?

 

I usually include one or two erotic scenes, if I think they will advance the story, and edify the characters to the reader to the point of identification.  I take great pains to make them tasteful, not pornographic.

Gross violence is certainly something I embrace. I write about some very rough and terrifying times, places and people.  To avoid the real essence of that and water it down would be a disservice to the reader.  There is something to be said for “shock value”.

 

(9) How would you rate your novel – historical fiction, romantic fiction, tear-jerker, emotional drama, swashbuckling adventure, or...?

 

The overall genre is historical Fiction. 

However, one could safely say they are also action/adventure, thrillers, and often have elements of a real tear jerker.  Every time I read Patriot’s Point I am brought to tears, and heck, I wrote the darn thing.

 

 

 

  Back cover blurb:

 

Imagine a fatherless boy, the result of a brutal rape, growing up in London’s worst slum in the 1700’s.  Think of him becoming a man of the sea, knowing nothing but the company of pirates, as he becomes the consort of the Black Widow, queen of the largest pirate fleet the world has ever known. As the need for vengeance nearly consumes him, will he be destroyed or will he find salvation from the most unlikely of sources?  This is Rafe Alexander!

 

And what of a young man growing up on the eve of a new nation, who is willing to give his life for his beloved country, the United States of America?  Deeply embedded in him are the

principles of liberty, freedom, justice, and equality.  He wants nothing more than to live in a free country with his beloved family, but will the forces that guide his life let him?  Meet Trey Alexander!

 

The descendants of these men navigate their way through turbulent times, reaching a climax in the American Civil War.And even after surviving the horrors of that conflict a certain young man must survive the most vile and terrible foe of all as he tries to live with his beloved in the Arizona Apache Wars.   This man cheats death in more ways than can be imagined.You will marvel at Mace Alexander!

 

And finally, what of the young man, just barely past being a boy, caught up in the treacherous

currents of intrigue in the crystal clear waters of the Bahamas?Naïve to the forces that are bearing down on him, the past of his ancestors catches up to him. He is driven to honour them, if he can survive.  This is Josh Alexander!

 

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the Alexanders. Remarkable people in remarkable times.

Douglas’ profile page at Amazon where you can view all his listed books.

Amazon

 

Author website: www.dougboren.com

 

Thank you, Francine, for the opportunity to be interviewed by you.

 

Douglas Boren

 

-------

Thank you.

Today I have Heather King revealing aspects to do with her historical romance novel,

 

“A Sense of the Ridiculous”.

 

 

 

 

 

Heather prefers to remain anonymous!

 

From the age of about seven, when I won a third prize from Cadbury’s for a short story I had written at school, I was hooked on writing and stories. I was a dreamer and could go off into a make-believe world for hours, but I also loved art, reading and animals. For a long time writing was just another leisure activity, particularly during my teenage years. I worked in various jobs before getting the chance to train in a professional yard and pursue my dream of a career with horses. For all I swore never to be a teacher, I love training and schooling!

 

Family commitments brought about a move from the north to Worcestershire, where I now share my lovely home with various life-forms, including two ponies, three cats and a boisterous new addition in the shape of a rescued ‘Staffie X’. I like to write warm, humorous romances, mostly in the Regency and Paranormal genres. I love Georgette Heyer’s Regency novels and whilst writing in my own voice, my aim is to follow (albeit with tiny steps) in her magnificent wake. I have just completed a shape shifter novel and am currently polishing a collection of Vampire Romance short stories ready for publication. A Sense of the Ridiculous is my debut Regency novel, but I have others at various stages of completion as well asmy second work, An Improper Marriage,due to be published sometime this summer.

 

When I’m not looking after the family or frowning over notepad or keyboard, I can be found walking my dog, fighting a losing battle against weeds and lawn, reading or baking chocolate and banana cake.

 

 

 

“The Interview”

 

 

 

(1) What actually inspired the writing of your novel(s)?

 

A love of the Regency and the Yorkshire countryside, coupled with enforced time off due to the Foot and Mouth crisis gave me the background and opportunity. Then, whenmucking out one morning, my pony charged across the field andI started to wonderwhat might happen if my heroine’s horse bolted and she found herself in unfamiliar country.

 

(2) Alpha or beta hero –profession/title/rank?– brief description!

 

 

Richard is definitely an alpha hero, yet he has beta characteristics too. He is an innkeeper, but unbeknownst to him at the start of the novel, he has more exalted connections. Aged 27, he is a handsome and personable man, with brown wavy hair and thoughtful blue-grey eyes. He likes a woman to know her own mind!

 

(3) Can you describe your heroine’s personality- title/rank?– description!

 

 Having lost her mother when still a child, Jocasta (20) has had an unconventional upbringing under the casual guidance of her father, bluff country squire Sir Thomas Stanyon. She has run semi-wild with her brother and his friends for much of her life. She loves dogs and horses and is an excellent rider, but is sometimes impetuous, which leads her into scrapes. She tries hard to be good, but is a little impatient of some the restrictions now imposed on her. She is also frustrated by the dull men in the locality, one of whom her father favours as a suitor.

 

(4) Are there secondary lead characters with important roles?

 

 Yes. It is partly because of heraunt, the Countess of Harford, that Jocasta finds herself lost. Harry, her brother, is instrumental in her separation from Richard. Richard’s mother, Meg Cowley, also has an important part to play, as her actions affect the final outcome.

 

 (5) Where is the novel (s) set? – time-frame – country etc.

 

 Regency England, autumn 1817; specifically the countryside around York (Yorkshire), although some action takes place on the road to London and in the capital itself. The novel covers a period of several weeks, with an epilogue set about three years later.

 (6) What is it about your chosen era/periods that you most enjoy?

 

I love the style, elegance and courtesy of the Regency era (as well as men in neckcloths, breeches and top boots!) I also like the quieter pace of life then. Although I sometimes think I should have been born in an earlier age, I like my mod cons too much!

 

(7) Which if any of your characters do you dislike, and why?

 

I wouldn’t say I dislike him as such, but Harry is annoying because he is selfish and thoughtless. He isn’t deliberately unkind; he just sees the world purely from his own perspective.

 

 (8) Do you avoid sex scenes, gross violence or other in your works?

 

In my Regency novels, while I touch on sensual feelings, I do not have sex scenes unless the characters are married and even then with no graphic detail. It is more emotional. In a contemporary novel, I have no problem with including a love scene if it is pertinent to the story and the characters are in love, but I prefer to leave much to the reader’s imagination.

 

 (9) How would you rate your novel – historical fiction, romantic fiction, tear-jerker, emotional drama, swashbuckling adventure, or…?

 

A Sense of the Ridiculous is romantic historical fiction; a light-hearted romp in the best tradition of the Regency genre, which I hope leaves readers with a smile on their faces!

 

 

 

Back cover blurb:

 When a prank goes wrong, headstrong squire’s daughter Jocasta Stanyon wakes up in the bedchamber of an inn with no memory of who she is. The inn is owned by widow Meg Cowley and her handsome son, Richard, who proves to be more than a match for the unconventional Miss Stanyon. Initial attraction leads, through various scrapes and indiscretions, to love, but their stations in life are far removed from each other and fate tears them apart with a cruel hand. Forbidden by her father to have any contact with Richard for six months, Jocasta is horrified when she is then summoned to receive the addresses of a fashionable stranger..

 

Heather’s author blog  http://regencywriter-hking.blogspot.co.uk

 

http://creative-babble-writing@blogspot.co.uk

(Creative Babble ~ The Online Writing Workshop)

 

Thank you.

"The Interview" - Angela Christina Archer.

Today I have the lovely Angela Christina Archer talking about her historical novel

 "The Woman on the Painted Horse".



Living in a small town in Oklahoma with my husband and two daughters, I spend my days enjoying the outdoors with my family and chasing around two horses, four goats, six chickens, a dog, and two cats. I live life on a farm, milking goats, collecting eggs, and cooking and baking from scratch. It's hectic, at times, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

 

Growing up, I always wanted to write a novel. I never believed I could, though, so every time the desire flickered, I shoved the thought from my mind. Burying it deep down and ignoring it until one morning I awoke with the determination to finally follow my dream. 

"The Interview"

(1) What actually inspired the writing of your novel(s)?


Honestly, I have no clue. When I started toying with the idea of writing (something I had always wanted to do, but never thought I could), I knew I wanted a story with William and Alexandra, I just didn't know what their story would be until I started my research. 


(2) Alpha or beta hero – profession/title/rank?– brief description!


William is definitely an alpha hero, but in a very lovable way. I tried to give him a few flaws because perfect can be boring, which he is not, but he doesn't have so many that he wouldn't be loved. Protective, driven, down to earth, he knows what he wants and will fight for it. 


(3) Can you describe your heroine’s personality- title/rank?– description!



Alexandra can annoy a little, and yet draw you into her world all at the same time. She is every bit a young lady, but also a seventeen year old who has moments of weakness followed by moments of an inner most strength that gives her a poetic beauty, blending softness and harshness all at the same time.


(4) Are there secondary lead characters with important roles?



While most authors would probably tend to say their lead characters are their favourite characters, I have to admit that mine is John, Alexandra's brother. When I first wrote him, he was mean, arrogant, and I fought with him daily. I didn't like him and he didn't work well at all. When I finally had the light bulb moment to change him into a kind and caring person, he flourished, and he lights up every scene he is in.


(5) Where is the novel (s) set? – time-frame – country etc.



Montgomery, Alabama in 1861.



(6) What is it about your chosen era/periods that you most enjoy?



I've always loved the Civil War era. I don't know why, I just have. Although, I will say in writing in other time periods, I have discovered other eras I equally love. I just love history and diving into research is probably my favourite part of the process.



(7) Which if any of your characters do you dislike, and why?



I wouldn't say that I dislike any of my characters, but I would say there are a few I really don't know very well. Although, I developed each one as I should, I never spent a lot of time with Alexandra's parents.



(8) Do you avoid sex scenes, gross violence or other in your works?



I would love to say I avoid sex scenes since I can't stand writing them, but it's a romance, so I had to have a few in the novel. They are not explicit, though, very behind closed doors. I don't have much violence in the novel, either, however, dealing with slavery, I did have a few scenes that I've been told were hard to read. Not because of the details I wrote, but because of the realness in the issue at the core. 



(9) How would you rate your novel – historical fiction, romantic fiction, tear-jerker, emotional drama, swashbuckling adventure, or...?



Historical Romance. I think one of my reviews says it all. "Debut author, Angela Christina Archer, took me back to a genteel age which is now an all-but-forgotten era, Southern life in the mid 1800's and the build up to the War Between the States. I was vested in the story early on, and the author's voice kept me turning the pages to find out what happened next. I especially love how this author handled major issues of that time (which are still issues in today's world) of slave runners, mixed racial relationships, and how those Southern attitudes and traditions throttled so many--yet, they persevered." 

 

 

Back cover blurb:


Alexandra Monroe is a slave smuggler, smuggling slaves north to Tennessee where they can live as free people. Her crime is sedition and her punishment, if caught, is death. The daughter of one of the wealthiest men in Montgomery, Alexandra lives a life not by her own accord, but a life she willingly accepts for her secret quest to save the lives of slaves. Her ultimate sacrifice is to marry the town's most eligible bachelor, Thomas Ludlow.

One afternoon, Alexandra comes face to face with handsome William Graysden. He captivates her, and her thoughts confuse her. Born a Creek Indian, not only is William forbidden because of his race, but also because Alexandra is a closely betrothed young woman. William and Alexandra fascinate one another, finding in each other a bond they don't wish to ignore. After a series of events; however, William is forced to face the choice to continue the dangerous pursuit of Alexandra's affections or forget about her.

THE WOMAN ON THE PAINTED HORSE weaves through the social disparity in Deep South 1861—a time where blackmail, money, and greed could be more powerful than love.

Author web site/blog/s.

 

Angela Com   Angela Wordpress

Thank you.

The Interview - C.W.Lovatt on his hero and The Siege of Louisburg.

Today I have historical novelist C.W.Lovatt,  author of the best selling novel "The Adventures of Charlie Smithers", and co-author of the noir collection, "Wild Wolf's Twisted Tails". Josiah Stubb is his latest book, as revealed from within the interview chair.

C.W. Lovatt lives in Canada, and is the self-appointed Writer-in-Residence of Carroll, Manitoba (population +/- 20.)

“The Interview”

(1) What actually inspired the writing of your novel(s)?

After I’d finished writing The Adventures of Charlie Smithers, followed by a handful of short stories, I felt ready to tackle another novel. By now I’d been sending Charlie Smithers around the circuit of publishing houses, and was receiving replies along the lines of “Loved your story, but unfortunately we don’t publish historical fiction,” which was very enlightening, as well as very frustrating. Naive fellow that I am, I’d always thought that, if a book was good, it would be published. Not necessarily so. The message I was receiving was that they acknowledged that I could write very well, but they couldn’t publish because of the genre. Therefore I resolved that my next novel would steer well clear of historical fiction…and ended up writing a pretty darn good story based on the Siege of Louisbourg of 1758, which is about as historical as you can get. Why? The period has always interested me, as well as the siege.

 

 

Bottom line: if you want to grab a reader’s interest for any length of time, make sure that the subject you choose is one that will grab your own interest. Otherwise both of you will be bored to tears.

(2) Alpha or beta hero –profession/title/rank?– brief description!

I think that Josiah is a bit of both. While possessed with the makings of a dyed-in-the-wool type of hero (courage, good looks, et al) his beginnings were of the most humble imaginable. His mother is a prostitute, and by way of incest, led him along a similar path. Much of the story deals with Josiah’s struggle to break free of that degenerate cycle.

(3) Can you describe your heroine’s personality- title/rank?– description?

In many ways Elizabeth is the opposite of Josiah. Born with all of the advantages that were denied him, she has the will, and the courage, to attempt to bridge the yawning social gap between them.

(4) Are there secondary lead characters with important roles?

Oh yes. Isabelle Dawe is essential to the story, as well as Captain Beaumont. Both must be dealt with before Josiah can overcome his past.

(5) Where is the novel (s) set? – timeframe – country etc.

The second siege of Louisbourg in 1758, during The Seven Years War, in what is now part of Nova Scotia, Canada.

(6) What is it about your chosen era/periods that you most enjoy?

The Seven Years War had a lasting impact that is still felt today.
I’m fascinated with the struggle between Britain and France for control of what is now my country. Also, my American friends might take note, without it their revolution might never have happened.

(7) Which if any of your characters do you dislike, and why?

Although it’s never referred to specifically in the book, it is noticeable from her speech that Isabelle Dawe was of common origins, who gained social status through marriage, yet begrudged the same advancement to anyone else, specifically Josiah. Once her own position was secure, she was prepared to go to any lengths to keep her heel on the necks of the downtrodden, to make certain that they remained in the gutter.

(8) Do you avoid sex scenes, gross violence or other in your works?

I certainly don’t avoid such scenes, but I do try to contain them. For example, Josiah Stubb isn’t all about sex, nor is it entirely about violence, but they do form a significant part of the story. Therefore they need to fit within those confines, without taking away from anything else.

(9) How would you rate your novel – historical fiction, romantic fiction, tear-jerker, emotional drama, swashbuckling adventure, or...?

As much as I hate labelling a story, I’ve always considered Josiah Stubb to be historical fiction. However, to a greater or lesser degree, there are elements of everything else you’ve listed.

 

 

 





Back cover blurb:

 

 

It is 1758 and The Seven Years War is raging. The military might of the British and French empires collide in a desperate bid to control the key strategic Fortress of Louisbourg and, in turn, Quebec and French-held North America.

 

 

One man caught amidst the bloodshed is the young grenadier, Josiah Stubb. Raised by a whore amidst poverty and incest, Josiah seemed doomed from birth to a life in the gutter. His attempt to leave his sordid past behind leads him to Louisbourg, but it comes back to haunt him in the form of a gifted officer, battling his own inner demons.

 

 

As the siege blazes towards its inevitable bloody climax, will Josiah live to overcome the formidable obstacles that keep him chained to his past, or will his aspirations for a better life die with him on the brooding shores of Ile Royale?

Author web site/blog

 

Amazon UK    Amazon US

Thank you.

The Interview! - with Time-Travelling Anna Belfrage

Today I have the lovely Time-Travelling author Anna Belfrage, who bravely stepped from the whirl of  her time-slip series "The Graham Saga" to answer my questionnaire.

 

 

 

 

 

A little about Anna...

Born in Sweden, I was still a baby when my parents decided to move to South America – at the time as distant from Sweden as the moon. My childhood was spent in various South American countries, and as a consequence I grew up tri-lingual and with a fondness for spicy food, Salsa and hammocks.

Had I been allowed to choose, I’d have become a professional timetraveller. As such a profession sadly does not as yet exist, I settled for second best and became a financial professional (I like numbers – AND words) with two absorbing and time-consuming interests, namely British History and writing. These days, I spend almost as much time writing and researching as I do working, which leaves little time for other important pursuits in life such as cooking, baking and buying new rose varieties.

“The Interview”





 

 

(1) What actually inspired the writing of your novel(s)?

It all began in 1624, when a twelve-year-old boy named John disembarked in Gothenburg. He was a Scot, of noble birth, but something had forced him and his mother to flee their homeland, leaving behind the boy’s father.

Approximately 370 years later, I married the descendant of that boy – yet another John, but with the name’s Swedish version. My husband brought a lot of admirable qualities to our marriage – and as the icing on the cake, he came with this fascinating family history, manna from heaven for a history nerd like me.

 

As a consequence, I started reading a lot about the 17th century, trying to discover why John and his mother fled in 1624. So far, the precise reasons remain unknown, but John himself cited religious upheaval. Whatever the case, thanks to long dead John, I developed a fascination for the 17th century – and particularly for all those religious conflicts that so plagued the century.

 

This is the very personal reason for me setting my books in the 17th century – and for having a male protagonist for whom religion is a big thing. Okay, so most people back then considered religion a big thing – especially along the lines of “are you with me or against me?”. Catholics persecuted Protestants, Protestants persecuted Catholics, and Christians persecuted Jews and Muslims – in general a heady brew with not one jot of tolerance in sight. Which was why I was so delighted when I came upon the Colony of Maryland and their innovative Act of Toleration, dated 1649, allowing all Trinitarian faiths to co-habit.

 

By now, I was starting to see a certain structure to my story: Presbyterian Scotsman must ultimately end up in Colonial Maryland. Said Scotsman is an attractive man, veteran of the English Civil War, a man of integrity and convictions. Borderline staid one could argue – which is why I threw dear Matthew Graham a curve ball by gifting him with a time-traveller wife.

 

Alex is a woman Matthew is helplessly attracted to, can’t live without, and who challenges his predefined notions over and over again. She is also brave and resilient, willing to risk everything for him, and being a man, Matthew is of course most flattered by her devotion and love.

(2) Alpha or beta hero –profession/title/rank?– brief description!

My hero - Matthew Graham – a most untitled Scottish Presbyterian is gifted with magical hazel eyes, a tall physique and a certain similarity to granite – quite recalcitrant in certain matters, principally those that have to do with his faith.

Due to his background as a soldier in the Commonwealth armies, Matthew can hold his own against more or less anyone with a sword. He is an excellent marksman, has a love for horses, but is first and foremost a farmer, in love with that little piece of Scotland he calls home. A man of integrity and convictions, Matthew is a tad too stubborn at times. And should anyone threaten his adored wife – or his beloved bairns – well then God help them, because Matthew Graham will stop at nothing to see his family safe.

At times, Matthew finds his wife somewhat of a challenge. Opinionated and outspoken, Alex ends up in a number of scrapes, and Matthew lives in constant fear that someone will find out she’s a time traveller – or even worse, that the ground will open at her feet and attempt to swallow her back, yank her away from him. To Matthew, Alex is his own, very personal miracle – a gift from God, no less.

(3) Can you describe your heroine’s personality- title/rank?– description?

Alex Lind is the daughter of a Spanish time travelling witch and a Swedish botanist – not that Alex is aware of her mother’s time travelling background, at least not initially. Her mother has been hop-scotching through time for ages, trying desperately to get back to 15th century Seville, and Alex’s father has his suspicions about his exotic wife but loves her too much to push too hard.

Alex is tough, agnostic and realistic – all qualities that help her come to terms with the very sudden change in fate she experiences on that momentous August day when she is sent spinning through time to land at Matthew Graham’s feet. She is also spontaneous and warm-hearted, and at times these rather likeable traits land her in all sorts of problems. Fortunately, she has Matthew watching her back (like a hawk).

 

Rarely does Alex yearn for the life she’s left behind – at least once she is over the initial shock. After all, had she not been dragged back in time, she’d never have met Matthew, and that would have been a major loss. But she is painfully aware of how much more fragile life is in this her new environment, and her man doesn’t exactly make things easier, what with his propensity to go gallivanting about on the moors to protect ousted ministers or his stubborn refusal to kow-tow to the Anglican Church. Alex makes it her own personal mission in life to keep her man safe – no matter what the cost. Matthew is touched and irritated by her protective streak; in his world, the man does the protecting, even when gifted with a wife who has a black belt or two in martial arts.

(4) Are there secondary lead characters with important roles?

 

Oh, yes, there is a whole set of secondary characters, starting with Matthew’s lawyer brother-in-law, Simon Melville and that force of nature, Mrs Gordon (Mrs Parson in the later books – the lady might be somewhat long in the tooth, but she is quite the guy magnet) who is the closest thing Alex has to a mother and best friend rolled into one. As the story develops, the Graham children come to play important roles, as do a number of ministers, some likeable like Julian Allerton, others narrow-minded worms (Alex’s words) such as Richard Campbell and the imposing Gregor Macpherson. Plus, of course, once the Graham family settles in the Colony of Maryland, we have Qaachow, Susquehannock chief, and the very nasty Burley brothers who make Matthew’s life hell on more than one occasion.

(5) Where is the novel (s) set? – timeframe – country etc.

 

The saga is set in the second half of the 17th century. It starts off in Scotland, does a most involuntary trip to Virginia (Matthew is sold as bonded labour by his nefarious brother), returns to the Scottish lowlands when His Restored Majesty, Charles II, decides to force all Presbyterians to foreswear their Kirk (and Matthew isn’t about to sit on his hands when the ministers of his kirk are persecuted, leading to a lot of tension), and finally makes for the somewhat safer Colony of Maryland, where Matthew and Alex set about creating a new home for themselves and their family. Not that they’ll remain welded to the ground, as adventure calls them off to Jamaica and Barbados – and back to Scotland, just in time for the Glorious Revolution. See why I need so many books to tell this story?

(6) What is it about your chosen era/periods that you most enjoy?

 

What is there not to enjoy about the 17th century? In many ways, it’s a breaking point between the old and the new, and by the time the century ends, the world has seen its first Bill of Rights, a recognition of every man’s worth (emphasis on man; women didn’t quite count – not yet). Plus,I find the religious strife that plagued the century fascinating –the relatively young Protestant factions facing off against the impressive might of the Holy Church.  Also, this is the century in which the colonies in the New World were established, and I have always admired all those people who were brave enough to cut all ties with their homelands to cross the Atlantic in ridiculously small and fragile ships and then, once they’d made it over, reinvent themselves in an entirely new place.

(7) Which if any of your characters do you dislike, and why?

 

Quite a few, actually, but to pick one from the heap, Matthew has a brother who doesn’t exactly win any brownie points – at least not in the first three books. Luke Graham is violently jealous of his older brother, and when he comes home from the wars to find Matthew wed to Luke’s sweetheart… (This is before Alex shows up. Once she does, Matthew never looks elsewhere again. “Hmph!” Alex snorts. “We both know that isn’t true.” Well, no, but Matthew only turned to pretty Kate because he despaired of ever seeing Alex again. “Hmph,”Alex repeats, but her face softens, and she leans towards her man, resting her hand for an instant against his cheek) Where was I? Oh, yes, Luke comes home, finds Matthew married to his Margaret and is so enraged by this that not only does he woo Margaret back (easily, as Margaret loves Luke, not Matthew. She only married Matthew because she believed Luke would never return) but he also sets Matthew up, having him accused of being a Royalist traitor. Sort of amusing, seeing as the Royalist is Luke

(8) Do you avoid sex scenes, gross violence or other in your works?

 

Gross violence yes. Sex scenes absolutely not – but I try to not be gratuitous about it.

 

(9) How would you rate your novels – historical fiction, romantic fiction, tear-jerker, emotional drama, swashbuckling adventure, or...?

 

Historical fiction with sizeable pinches of romance, emotional drama and swashbuckling adventure (Now didn’t I do an excellent job of using up almost all the options?) Seriously, The Graham Saga follows a family through a tumultuous time in history – the 17th century was no walk in the park, neither in Scotland or in the New World – so there is plenty of room for adventure and drama.

The Graham Saga (published so far: A Rip in the Veil, Like Chaff in the Wind, The Prodigal Son, A Newfound Land, Serpents in the Garden. Coming soon: Revenge and Retribution)



Blurb: The Graham Saga: This is the story of Alex and Matthew, two people who should never have met - not when she was born three hundred years after him.

 

It all began the day Alex Lind got caught in a thunderstorm. Not your ordinary storm, no this was the mother of all storms, causing a most unusual rift in the fabric of time. Alex was dragged three centuries backwards in time, landing more or less at the feet of a very surprised Matthew Graham.

In a series of books we follow the life and adventures of the expanding Graham family, both in Scotland and in the New World - and let me tell you it is quite an exciting life, at times excessively so in Alex's opinion.

 

 

 

 

 

It isn't always easy. At times Alex thinks Matthew is an overbearing bastard, at others he's sorely tempted to belt her. But the moment their fingertips graze against each other, the moment their eyes meet, the electrical current that always buzzes between them peaks and surges, it rushes through their veins, it makes their breathing hitch and ... She is his woman, he is her man. That's how it is, that's how it always will be.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Thank you...