Update:  The winner of a copy of Donna Grant’s DANGEROUS HIGHLANDER is CatsMeow! Congrats!!  And thanks for all the comments!

Today, I’m thrilled to have awesome author Donna Grant as my guest blogger.  Donna, welcome!

Scotland

Maybe it’s because I write historical novels, but one of the most asked questions I get is “would you travel back in time and to where?”

It’s an easy answer for me.  Yes, I would travel back in time, and I’d go to Medieval Scotland.  It would take some getting used to, especially the lack of plumbing, toothbrushes, caffeine, and pasta.

I have no doubt life would be more than difficult.  After all, we’re used to remote control TV, information easily – and quickly – accessible through computers, not to mention cell phones and iPods. We’re the information age with instant gratification.

Our world is so drastically different than Medieval Scotland.  In a few short hundred years, lives went from basic living off the land and seeing people daily to hectic days, buying food from grocery stores, and going months, if not years, without seeing or speaking to your neighbor, much less speaking to people you pass on the street or the mall.

Could we survive in medieval times?  Putting aside the leap in physical hygiene over the ages, life was much simpler back then.  If you had a problem with someone, you faced them instead of texting or emailing them.  If you wanted to call off an affair, there was no hiding behind technology.  You stood before them and said your piece.

There’s a debate in whether medieval life was more violent.  At least in medieval times, you saw your opponent attack and you had time to retaliate or hide.  Now, with bombs that can cross oceans, that silent, almost constant worry hangs over our head.

Still, knowing all of this, I would love to see Medieval Scotland.  I’ve always been drawn to Scotland.  Maybe that’s why I centered my Dark Sword series there.  The second book in the series, FORBIDDEN HIGHLANDER, released yesterday, and I hope you pick up the book to be transported back to another time and place.

So, I want to know – Would you time travel if given the option?

I’ll be giving away a signed copy DANGEROUS HIGHLANDER to a commenter.  Happy Reading!

To find out more about me please visit my website at www.donnagrant.com.  To read more about the Dark Sword series, see pics of the Warriors, take the quiz, download wallpaper, or search characters, please visit www.donnagrant.com/darksword.

hugs,
D

Update: The winner of a SKIN TIGHT copy is…Raelena!! Congrats!! I will email you with prize claim details. Thanks for all the comments!

First, thanks to Cindy for having me today! Today is the release of SKIN TIGHT, which features one of my favorite heroes of fall time. Why? Because he’s an antagonist in the first book, and I love a redemption. He also does something fairly despicable in SKIN GAME, which made for a fun setup for his romance with his heroine. She’s pretty freakin’ mad at him when their book starts. In fact, she’s pretty devoted to the idea of taking him down. How does that change? Well, you need to read the book.

But villain to hero is one of my favorite tropes in general because I love a redemption story. When an author can sell me on the reformation of this character, it blows my mind. That takes true skill, especially if that person aroused your antipathy in a prior volume. Kimberly  Cates does this brilliantly in Briar Rose; Lionel was a wonderful villain, and then he gets his own book.

How do you guys feel about redemption arcs and the villain getting his own story? What are some of your favorites? A random commenter will receive a copy of SKIN TIGHT.

I received some great news this weekend! Several of my books have made it to the finals in some wonderful contests.

First up, my demon Niol has been very busy. MIDNIGHT’S MASTER finaled in the paranormal suspense category of the Daphne du Maurier Contest for published authors (sponsored by the Kiss of Death RWA Chapter), and it also finaled in the paranormal category of the Greater Detroit RWA Booksellers Best Award Contest.

IMMORTAL DANGER is a finalist in the dark paranormal category of the PRISM (sponsored by the FF&P RWA Chapter), and my novella (“In the Dark”) from BELONG TO THE NIGHT is also a PRISM finalist.

Thank you so much to all of the judges. And congratulations to all of the other finalists–I am honored to be in such great company!!

Just scroll down for new posts! Thanks!

Read the rest of this entry–>

Update:  Thanks for all the comments!! The winner is…Rhonda! Congrats, Rhonda! You’ve won a copy of SEX AND THE SINGLE EARL.

Hi, everyone! Today I’m very excited to post an interview with fabulous author Vanessa Kelly.  Vanessa has a wonderful new book out–just look how awesome:

I love that title.  🙂

Now on to interview fun!
1.    What inspires you?

I spent several years in graduate school studying women writers of the Georgian and Regency period.  Many authors like Fanny Burney and Maria Edgeworth were the popular novelists of their day.  They wrote some truly fantastic, page-turning books, sometimes under very difficult circumstances.  Most of these authors are no longer familiar to us, which is such a shame.  Women like Burney and Edgeworth, and Eliza Haywood helped to create the novel as we know it today.  Studying their lives and work was very inspiring.

I was also totally inspired by my reading as a teenager, which included Mary Stewart, Georgette Heyer, and Victoria Holt.  Those gals wrote damn fine books!  Who wouldn’t want to be like them?

2.    What is the best part of the writing life?

Finishing a book.  Seriously, I am such a slacker.  I don’t find writing to be an easy process, so I’m always profoundly grateful when the book is in the can.  And it is totally awesome to see your book in the bookstore.  I’ll never get over the thrill of that.

The second best part of the writing life is that it gives me an excuse to drink coffee.

3.    Okay, flip it. What is your least favorite part of the writing life?  What do you dread?

I dread having to come up with ideas for my next book.  Some of my friends are idea factories when it comes to thinking up new projects.  I have to pull them piece by agonizing piece out of my brain.  Fortunately, my husband and my critique partners are very creative, so they help me thrash out the ideas that eventually form the basis of my plots.

4.    What’s the best book you’ve ever read—why?

Hmmm.  I guess I’d have to distinguish between the best book I’ve ever read and my favorite book – or books.  I don’t think I could pick just one.  I think the best book I ever read was Moby Dick.  Melville’s command of the English language, the epic sweep of the novel, the bizarre but fascinating elements that make up the story, and the wonderful characterizations all knocked me over when I first read it.  Back in grad school, I adored everything I ever read by Melville.  Unparalleled awesomeness!

My favorite book?  Actually, I think I would have to list two.  The Grand Sophy, by Georgette Heyer, and Lord of Scoundrels, by Loretta Chase.  For me, they epitomize everything wonderful about Regency romance which is, of course, my favorite genre!

5.    Tell us about your current release.  How did you come up with the premise for this story?  Did you plot the book out from the beginning or did you let the story lead you?

I actually have one book that just came out, and one book soon to be released.  My Regency-set historical romance, SEX AND THE SINGLE EARL, came out in the beginning of May.  It’s the second book in my series, which started with MASTERING THE MARQUESS.  It’s a friends-to-lovers story which takes place in Bath, England.  Sophie was a really fun heroine to write, especially since she keeps my hero, Simon, running in circles throughout the book.  And, yes, I plotted the book out from the beginning.  I find it much easier to write when I have a game plan.

The other book I have coming out is called CADDYGIRLS, and it’s a contemporary romance I wrote with my husband under the pen name of VK Sykes.  It’s being released by Carina Press, which is Harlequin’s new digital imprint.  I’m so thrilled to be part of the first wave of authors for Carina, who I think is going to take the publishing world by storm.

6.    What’s one piece of advice that you would like to give to aspiring authors?

Educate yourself on the business of writing romance.  Join the Romance Writers of America, and follow some good agents and editors on their blogs or on Twitter. It’s a jungle out there, and the more you know the likelier your chances of success.  Oh, and write lots.  The more you write, the more accomplished your writing becomes.

7.    Any other wisdom you’d like to share!

Don’t take yourself too seriously, but take the business of writing seriously.  I find that’s a good combo for keeping my sanity intact.  At least I think it’s intact!

Thanks, Vanessa!

Do you have a question for Vanessa? Ask away! I’ll pick one commenter and send that lucky person a copy of Vanessa’s book via Amazon.com.