Give Me a Highland Holiday Romance! By Mary Morgan

 

I love the holidays! It starts in September with the Autumn equinox—second harvest. The first is August 1^st. In truth, I always feel the tug within my soul around the third week of August. Part of me blames it on my former life as a bookseller for Borders Books. The children’s holiday books and merchandise would start to arrive around this time. We’d frantically have to make room for everything. Most of us would groan, but I would be giddy with anticipation. Without a doubt, September through December is a favorite of mine.

So, how did my love of this time correspond to my Highland holiday romances? Not as you would think, my friends. Even though I do love the holidays, I didn’t always plan on writing a holiday story. Now I have three published. 

Let’s travel back in time when I completed the last book in the Order of the Dragon Knights, Dragon Knight’s Ring. This series was an emotional roller coaster—from start to finish. Years of plotting, visiting Scotland for research, and being in the head of so many characters, including an evil villain! 

When I finished writing Dragon Knight’s Ring, I required an emotional cleansing. And I knew the answer: a magical, time-travel, romance with a Winter Solstice theme. Mix in the ever-meddling Fae and I gave the world my first holiday romance, A Magical Highland Solstice. From that first book, a second and third one was written. Not only were they my way of celebrating the season, but also a chance to write without battles, deaths, and villains weaving their way throughout my stories—and in my head! 

Sadly, this year was one which I needed to take a break from writing. Life caught up with me, along with family issues. Therefore, the book I intended to have out this season is delayed until next year. Yes, there will be another holiday book for next year—one filled with Fae magic, a feisty lass, and a Highland chieftain determined not to find love. 

Until then, my latest holiday romance, To Weave a Highland Tapestry is on sale for 99 pennies!

Happy Holidays! xo

Available at AMAZON

Meet The Wolves of Clan Sutherland by Mary Morgan

 

I’m excited to share my upcoming new release, Rorik, The Wolves of Clan Sutherland, Book 2! Before we take a peek at the Dark Seducer’s story, I want to introduce you to the Norse and Scottish men who are rumored to be part wolf. They are the elite guard for King William of Scotland. Their bloodline flows with the magic from both countries, giving them unique and powerful qualities.

 

Meet the Wolves of Clan Sutherland!

Magnar ~ The Barbarian. As leader of the Wolves of Clan Sutherland, Magnar is a fierce ruler for those under his command. Beware if you should become his enemy, since his motto is to strike first and ask questions later.

 

Rorik ~ The Dark Seducer. His smooth charm and power of persuasion has enticed many women to his bedchamber. Pleasure is his motto as he obtains secrets for the king. Love is simply a weakness. Rorik’s heart is as frozen as the steel of his blade.

 

Steinar ~ The Pirate. Known for his exceptional battles fought at sea, this man seeks the ultimate treasure for Scotland. A prize valued by both—Norse Gods and Kings.  

 

Gunnar ~ The Thief. His highly praised skill in retrieving any object required by the king has left this one believer of Christ seeking penance at every holy shrine he encounters. He is the sole wolf who also refuses to acknowledge the Norse God Odin.

 

Bjorn ~ The Mercenary. As he secretly takes coin from another king to kill this king’s enemy, Bjorn’s ruse is to help those who have fallen under the trap of the King of England and bring them home to Scotland. 

 

Ivar ~ The Rogue. His loyalty is questionable at times. If given a choice between obeying his leader, the king, or his wolf, this rogue would choose his beast.

 

Thorfinn ~ The Traitor. Given away to another family shortly after his birth, he has despised his twin, Magnar most of his life. His enemy is the King of Scotland, and the Wolves of Clan Sutherland. 

The Dark Seducer is known throughout Scotland as a man who charms many women into his bed. Pleasure is his motto as he obtains information for his king. Yet Rorik MacNeil harbors one secret buried beneath his heart of steel. An unfulfilled conquest plagues both man and his inner wolf, and Rorik would rather suffer death’s sharp blade than confront his greatest fear.

As the Seer for the Orkneyjar Isles, Ragna Maddadsson confronts an unknown destiny when she travels across the North Sea to Scotland. In her quest to deliver a message from a powerful vision, she fears the warrior will not listen. If Rorik ignores her warning, Ragna must find a way to forestall his impending death. If unsuccessful, she risks having her heart cleaved in two.  

To unravel their true fates, Rorik and Ragna must trust in the power of the wolf.  

Release Date: 6.30.21

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A Writer’s Quirky Habits by Mary Morgan

 

One of the many questions I’ve been asked in interviews is to share any quirky writing habits I have with their readers. I have too many to list here, so I won’t bore you. Yet there are a couple that make me smile and set the mood when I descend into my writing cave. It’s almost like entering another world for me—full of brave, stubborn warriors, and strong, feisty women. In addition, a few magical dragons, an occasional evil druid and or seer, and lots of wolves.

I don’t consider this one a quirky habit, but rather a tradition—a leather journal. It’s one that has to be purchased before the start of each story or series. I have to find the right one that feels right in my hands. This is where I put all the pertinent information for the world of my story. My collection started with my first purchase at a Renaissance Faire years ago. Now, I’m able to find really lovely leather journals at Barnes & Noble.

The photo of the journal below is for my current series The Wolves of Clan Sutherland.

 

Though some might argue it’s odd and suggest any random notepad or writer’s computer program will do the job more easily, I cannot. For this writer, it’s leather journals all the way! Also, I believe each writer is unique and has their own special technique that works for them.

Another quirky habit is to hold one of my crystals in my hand and take three deep cleansing breaths before I start writing. I’ve found when I’m in a hurry to get into the story and don’t do this ritual, I’m not as focused.

So my writer friends, what quirky habits do you have? Do share!  

Available at AMAZON.