Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Paula Quinn's Guest Blog: Inspiration from the Isle of Skye

Hi Regan, thanks so much for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here. Thank you also for including LAIRD OF THE MIST on your top Scottish/Highlander reads. What an honor!

You might be surprised to learn that I didn’t always want to write about Scotland and Highlanders. Let’s face it, writing the perfect man in the perfect setting isn’t easy. (And Scotland and Highlanders are as perfect as perfect gets.) I began my writing career with Norman-French heroes and a Welsh prince. I was perfectly content writing about England and her rich history filled with famous kings…and men who wore leather armor and breeches.
Or so I thought.
Scotland called to me. The Isle of Skye to be exact. I’d never heard of it before, but while I was brainstorming for ideas for another England-set romance, I kept getting pop ups on my computer showing picturesque mountain landscapes and waterfalls with the caption “Come home to Skye.” Really, it started getting a little strange. Every newspaper, magazine, or online article I read had to do with Skye!
At first I resisted the pull. I’ve always felt a heaviness or sorrow whenever I looked at pictures of Scotland’s rugged, isolated landscapes, and don’t get me started on bagpipes and the flood of emotions the sound of them pulls from me. I was afraid to delve into it’s history because I knew it would touch me in a profound way.
I was right.

Eilean a’ Cheò (or, The Misty Isle) is the largest and most northerly island in the inner Hebrides of Scotland. It’s home to the majestic Black and Red Cuillin mountains, the breathtaking and isolated Camasunary Bay, and in my world, it’s home to the most fearsome clan in the Highlands, the MacGregors.

After writing six books about this rebellious clan, it’s safe to say that I’m in love with the MacGregors. From Callum in LAIRD OF THE MIST, to Colin from my latest release, CONQUERED BY A HIGHLANDER, these MacGregor men (and women) all have the same things in common. They’re passionate about what they love. They would give up all for their home, their beliefs, and for the ones who hold their heart. Because of them, Scotland no longer represents sorrow and heaviness to me. Instead, it embodies valor and defiance, romance, and the importance of kin.

Writing about Scotland’s true “Children of the Mist” has taught me much about determination and honor. I have my favorites, each one for different reasons, but I love them all and I plan on writing about the MacGregors for a long time to come.

What is your favorite Highlander book (it doesn’t have to be mine) and why? One commenter will be randomly chosen to win a signed copy of CONQUERED BY A HIGHLANDER.

17 comments:

  1. I adore, simply adore Laird of the Mist....the first one for me (yes that is the first Highlander book ever!) and always holds a special place in my heart.

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  2. My favorite, too, Hope. I love the MacGregor world Paula has created!

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  3. Thank you, Hope! And thank you, Regan for having me guest post on your fun blog!

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  4. Awesome blog Paula! I enjoy EVERYTHING you write ♥ I don't need the book, I have it already :) but I sure enjoyed the op. to read this xxoo Terree ♥

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  5. Thanks for sharing your love of Scotland with us, Paula.
    I just recently searched images of Scotland and found the Hebrides the place I'd most like to visit. Until that day, perhaps I'll pick up one of your novels and get a sneak peak.

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  6. Hai Paula,

    There are alot of highlander romance I loved but Tristan in Seduced by a Highlander captured me. The plot was very interesting and its different from others Highlander romance. I rated 5 stars for all your highlander story cos it's brilliant, wonderful and make me hunger for your writing.

    I love your book and I love Scotland. Thank you for sharing a wonderful of The Isle of Skye

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  7. Hi Terree, thank you for stopping by. I love you! xoxo

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  8. Hi Susan,
    Scotland is truly one of the most beautiful places on earth in my opinion :) I do hope you get a chance to read one of my books!

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  9. Aww, Mrs, thank you so much! I've seen your reviews and am so humbled by them. I'm thrilled that you've loved my books. Tristan is one of my favorite heroes. So glad you love him too!

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  10. Paula, Thanks so much for being a guest on my blog! Having enjoyed all your Highlander romances, I was intrigued to learn of your inspiration. You have made me want to see the Isle of Skye... Though I've been to Scotland 3 times I have yet to do more than sail past it. Let me know who the winner of CONQUERED is and I'll post it!

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  11. I have to say my favorite is Seduced by a Highlander. I was interested from beginning to end and couldn't put the book down. This book was the first highlander book I read and the reason I loved them today. I'm so happy to support you in any way cause you are truly an amazing author.

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    1. Jennifer, I'm sorry to be replying so late...I just saw your comment. My favorite of hers was Laird of the Mist. I'm sure Paula will be pleased to know she has another fan!

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