Friday, December 13, 2013

Highland Homecoming by B.J. Scott - Interview and Giveaway


This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. B.J. will be awarding a $50 Amazon gift card, Scottish shortbread cookies, can cooler and mouse pad (US/CANADA ONLY) to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour, and a beaded book thong with silver charms, book marks, pen, and canvas tote to a randomly drawn host (US/CANADA ONLY). Click on the tour banners to see the other stops on the tour.

Welcome, B.J., for being foolish brave enough to answer our questions. Why do you write in your genre? What draws you to it?

Given my Scottish, Irish and English ancestry, I have always been fascinated with anything Scottish or Celtic. I love reading historical fiction and romances. I am also enjoy visiting museums and historic sites, researching my favorite time periods, finding new and interesting facts that I never knew before and can share with my readers. Historical Romance was the logical choice for both reading and writing.

What research (or world-building – for fantasy/paranormal/Sci-fi) is required?

World building is important in any genre. Especially in historical romance. In order to make the experience enjoyable and believable for the reader, you need to transport them back in time. Having a setting, dialogue and activities that are historically accurate is an essential part of writing a historical romance. Those who love the genre are often well versed in the customs and specific time periods and they will notice if you are not accurate in your world building.

Do you have any odd or interesting writing quirks, habits or superstitions?

I have a very busy schedule. Balancing work, a small business, real life and writing can be tricky so I must write when and where ever I can find a spare minute. I don’t usually seclude myself or hole up in a quiet secluded place. I need some activity and noise in the background. But when I am stuck on a plot issue or chapter, I find I can resolve most problems by filling my claw-footed tub with hot water and lavender, that soak for as long as it take to work out the issues. I have been known to write some of my favorite chapters in the tub or to spend hours in there working through a problem spot in my book.

Are you a plotter or pantser?

A little of both. While I usually have my story outlined and a general idea of how my story will go, my characters and the outcome, nothing is set in stone. As I flesh out each chapter things change and characters change. Not until I am finished the book is done. But I have to admit that even after it is published, I see things I wish I had changed or thought of while writing the book.

Look to your right – what’s sitting there?

My dog is curled up on the couch beside me.

Anything new coming up from you? What?

I am currently working on another Scottish historical romance, Bedded by Her Highland Enemy. I am very excited about this new book and hope my readers will enjoy it as much as I am writing it. After that I am straying slightly from the Scottish historical to finish another work in progress, a paranormal time travel with ties to the American Civil war. I have shared the story with a few people and everyone has told me they can’t wait for me to write this one.

Do you have a question for our readers?

The readers play such an important role in an author’s life. Without them there would be no books. I am often interested to hear people’s view on series or sequels. Do you prefer a standalone title or do you like to read more about a specific group of characters? If so how many books do you think is enough for one series? What makes a good series in your opinion?

About the Author:
With a passion for historical romance, history in general, and anything Celtic, B.J. always has an exciting work in progress. Each story offers a blend of romance, adventure, suspense, and, where appropriate, a dab of comic relief. Carefully researched historical facts are woven into each manuscript, providing a backdrop from which steamy romance, gripping plots, and vivid characters—dashing alpha heroes and resourceful, beguiling heroines you can’t help but admire—spring to life. A member of RWA, World Romance Writers, Celtic Hearts Romance Writers, and Savvy Authors, B.J. also writes contemporary, paranormal, time travel, and romantic suspense.

C.S. Lewis first captivated B. J.’s imagination in the fourth grade, and her desire to write sprang from there. Following a career in nursing and child and youth work, B.J. married her knight-in-shining-armor, and he whisked her away to his castle by the sea. In reality, they share their century-old home in a small Canadian town on the shore of Lake Erie with three dogs and a cat. When she is not working at her childcare job, on her small business, or writing, you will find her reading, camping, or antique hunting.

http://www.authorbjscott.com/home
http://www.soulmatepublishing.com/highland-homecoming/
http://www.amazon.com/B.J.-Scott/e/B006NSQR9G/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
http://authorbjscott.wordpress.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-BJ-Scott/308663055834706

The last thing Alasdair Fraser expects to find on an isolated beach in Northern Scotland is a beautiful, unconscious lass. Unable to turn his back on someone in need, he delays his journey and tends to her injuries–an act that has him questioning his destiny and his plans to rejoin the fight for Scotland’s independence.

Will he drop the shield that guards his heart or will the secrets she fails to reveal and his own stubbornness keep them apart forever?


Highland Homecoming( book 3 of Fraser Brother Trilogy): http://www.amazon.com/Highland-Homecoming-Brothers-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00F9U3SBO
Highland Quest (book 2 of Fraser Brother Trilogy): http://www.amazon.com/Highland-Fraser-Brothers-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00AQKYPU0
Highland Legacy: (book 1 of Fraser Brother Trilogy): http://www.amazon.com/Highland-Legacy-Brothers-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B0065KX8P8

11 comments:

  1. Thanks for hosting me today and allowing me to share my recent release with your visitors

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  2. Five books makes a good series! I love reading so much I don't mind reading a standalone story or a series. The problem with series, is sometimes that I have to wait too long to find the next book. I love historical romances, specially the ones with a touch of Beautiful Scotland. nlaverdure88@videotron.ca

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    1. Thanks Nicole
      I agree about the wait for another book can be a long one. Problem is, unless the author has all for them written when the first one come out, it usually takes close to a year for a publisher to put out the next one. Self-pub has its advantage in that area. Have to agree with you when it comes to Scottish ;)

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  3. You sound busy

    bn100candg at hotmail dot com

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    1. I live and thrive in chaos lol but somehow it all works out in the end. Mind you. I do not have much time to sleep or for other things lol

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  4. I love both for different reasons. I enjoy stand alone because I know once I close the novel I will have closure. But I love series because I know once I close the book I'll get to re-visit favorite characters. :-)

    justforswag(AT)yahoo(DOT)com

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    1. I like both too. This became a trilogy by need rather than choice lol but the one I am working on now is stand alone. I like a short series because I find that if I love the first book, I expect more of the ones that follow. Some authors deliver and others fall short and I don't want to disappoint my readers. My second book is my least favorite of the three but the third is my favorite so hopefully, I ended it on a good note

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  5. I like a series. I love to see the characters again. If I really like the characters I like the series to keep going on.

    Kit3247(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. I agree Rita but think a series does need to end or the story becomes stale. As a writer, I find keeping the story fresh and coming up with new ideas when confined to a series difficult at times. One reason I limited mine to three books. However nothing is written in stone and there is always the possibility of more books in the series at a later date. The children picking up their fathers' gauntlets ;)

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  6. I love both!
    I love series because I can keep getting lost in my favorite characters worlds and I love stand-alones because you get an ending in the first book.
    Thanks for the chance to win!
    natasha_donohoo_8 at hotmail dot com

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  7. You sounds busy busy! Glad you have time to write!! ghwasd at gmail dot com

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So... inquiring minds want to know: what do you think?