We’ve made it to another Friday. Today my guest is Regan Walker. I’ve asked her some questions that I know you’ll find interesting. Enjoy her post, excerpt and the July Fourth weekend.
1. How did you come up with the idea for your book?
As I was writing the first two books in my Medieval Warriors series, The Red Wolf’s Prize and Rogue Knight, I could feel the history pulling me to Scotland. With all the Anglo-Saxons fleeing north as their country was overrun with rampaging Normans, I just knew Scotland had to be an interesting place. In the later 11th century, the King of Scots, Malcolm Canmore, a rough warrior king, had married a devout Saxon bride, Margaret of Wessex. A real beauty and beast match. And then in 1072, the year of my story, William the Conqueror invaded Scotland. So I took the plunge into the Scotland of the past to tell the love story of Steinar and Catrìona.
2. Is there a playlist you’d recommend for reading your latest release?
I always write to music, either using a playlist or an album that speaks to me of the era. For Rebel Warrior, it was the soundtrack from A History of Scotland, the BBC production. You can hear the music and see some beautiful images of Scotland here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yyM4CLZcbM
3. What sound or noise do you love?
Though many of my novels are set in the summer, some have winter scenes (Rogue Knight comes to mind). But for me, I love the sound of rain falling and thunderstorms, particularly when I’m curled up by a fire or tucked up in bed with a good book. Like a cat, I prefer not to get wet.
4. What are your favorite movies of all time?
My favorite movie has changed over the years. At first it was Casablanca. Then it changed to The Lord of the Rings (The Fellowship of the Ring in particular). A lot of people see that only as fantasy, but it’s also a great romance between Aragorn and Arwen. Each was willing to give up happiness for love of the other. Once I began writing Regencies, Pride & Prejudice (the Keira Knightley version) captured me. I still love that movie and frequently watch it. But my latest favorite, I suppose, would be Last of the Mohicans. I love it for the splendor of the history, the adventure that kept me glued to the screen and the love between Hawkeye and Cora that survived tragedy of monumental proportions. And need I say all but the first had a happy ending for the couple?
5. Is writing or storytelling easier for you?
So many of my readers tell me I am a storyteller that I have come to see they are right. It’s the story that pulls me to the page, that keeps me writing. So, I guess I’d have to say it’s storytelling.
6. If you were given a chance to travel to the past where would you go and specifically why?
I would choose either Scotland during the clans when they were not fighting off the English or America just after the Revolutionary War when the young country was bursting with excitement for the future. But I believe we were born in the time we were meant to occupy so I’m not unhappy about where I am in time.
7. Which of your characters would you most/least to invite to dinner, and why?
I think it might be Queen Margaret from Rebel Warrior. She was an intelligent, creative entrepreneur and a humble servant of the poor and exiled. An amazing woman who has a lot to say to the women of any time. But Emma of York, the heroine in Rogue Knight was a very special lady, too, one I would gladly call friend.
8. What drew you to write in the genre you do?
When I first discovered romance, it was paranormal stories I read, but some of them were a bit far out there for my taste. Then I discovered a paranormal series that was based in different eras of the past. And I was hooked on the historical romance aspect. Once I discovered historical romance, I never looked back. When my best friend told me I thought like a writer and must write a story of my own, I knew it had to be historical. My first novel, Racing with the Wind, book 1 in the Agents of the Crown trilogy, is a Regency, set in London and Paris in 1816. Now I have six Regencies out and a Georgian, To Tame the Wind, that is the prequel to the Regencies.
9. Tea or Coffee? And how do you take it?
I used to be a dark roast coffee lover, but several years ago, I converted to organic green tea with jasmine and now, except for the occasional excursion to Starbucks for a mocha, I drink green tea, preferably with a side of dark chocolate.
When your destiny lies far from where you began …
Scotland 1072
The Norman Conqueror robbed Steinar of Talisand of his noble father and his lands, forcing him to flee to Scotland while still recovering from a devastating wound. At the royal court, Steinar becomes scribe to the unlettered King of Scots while secretly regaining his skill with a sword.
The first time Steinar glimpses the flame-haired maiden, Catrìona of the Vale of Leven, he is drawn to her spirited beauty. She does not fit among the ladies who serve the devout queen. Not pious, not obedient and not given to stitchery, the firebrand flies a falcon! Though Catrìona captures Steinar’s attention, he is only a scribe and she is promised to another.
Catrìona has come to Malcolm’s court wounded in spirit from the vicious attack on her home by Northmen who slayed her parents and her people. But that is not all she will suffer. The man she thought to wed will soon betray her.
When all is lost, what hope is there for love? Can a broken heart be mended? Can a damaged soul be healed?
Buy Links for Rebel Warrior: http://www.amazon.com/Rebel-Warrior-Medieval-Warriors-Book-ebook/dp/B01DUWOHHQ
Excerpt from Rebel Warrior:
“Here,” he said reaching toward her, “take my hand and allow me to help you out.”
There was fire in her eyes but she took his hand while holding on to her shoes, soaked with water.
He pulled her from the stream, sodden and shivering. It was the first time they had touched and, even dripping wet, the feel of her skin caused a surge of desire to course through him. The wet gown clung to her body, revealing her nipples hardened to small buds and her curves in vivid detail. Wet, she was even more alluring than before. He wanted to pull her close, to feel her softness, but instead, he merely steadied her with his hands. “Did you not see the moss that grows on the log? ’Tis quite apparent.”
Her brow furrowed. “You might have warned me.”
“You fell before I could.”
Wiping water from her face, she looked up at him. Her eyes were the green of the forest around them. Light filtering through the trees added a soft glow to her pale, damp skin. His gaze dropped to her lips, the color of wild roses. He ached to kiss them.
Bending his head, he moved his lips closer to hers.
Water suddenly dripped from her hair onto her nose, causing her to sniff and step back.
Still holding her shoes in one hand, she shivered. “I… I must look a mess.”
“Indeed not, but you are pale.” Recognizing her predicament, he said, “I wear no cloak to offer you, but I can give you the heat of my body.” Taking the shoes she carried and dropping them to the ground, he pulled her into his arms and held her against his chest, ignoring the water soaking into his tunic. Her breasts pressed into his chest, warming him as his body responded to the nearness of the woman he could not dismiss from his thoughts.
About the Author
Regan Walker is an award-winning, #1 bestselling author of Regency, Georgian and Medieval romances. She has five times been featured on USA TODAY’s HEA blog and four times nominated for the prestigious RONE award (her novel, The Red Wolf’s Prize won Best Historical Novel for 2015 in the medieval category). Regan writes historically authentic novels where history is a character and her readers experience adventure as well as love.
Regan loves to hear from readers, and you may contact her via her website: http://www.reganwalkerauthor.com
Social Media Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/regan.walker
Twitter: https://twitter.com/regansreview
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/reganwalker123/
Thanks so much for having me as a guest, Ruth! It's an honor.
Regan, it's my pleasure! Have a great weekend.
Gosh, I love learning more about you and your work, Ms. Walker! I love Scottish stories and your are simply awesome!
Thank you for sharing with your readers.
AprilR
Gosh, I love learning more about you and your work, Ms. Walker! I love Scottish stories and your are simply awesome!
Thank you for sharing with your readers.
AprilR
Hi Ruth and Regan
This is a wonderful book I really enjoyed It plus I love authentic history layered with a fictional romance. My favorite combination! Great interview Ruth!
Barb
Thanks Barb. It was a joy hosting Regan. I also LOVE her books.
Hi, April. Thanks so much for coming and for your kind words. I am honored to have readers like you!
I do agree, Barb, that Ruth asked great questions. Thanks so much for gracing us with your presence. I know you are busy so it's a treat to have you!
Like you, Regan, I started with some of the Tamer paranormals and graduated to those with an historical background, and finally to Regency romances. And I've gone further back in time to Medievals (thank you for your wonderful stories) because of my roots in Scotland. I do love your knack for storytelling! Thanks for your interview and post, Ruth! jdh2690@gmail.com
Like you, Regan, I started with some of the Tamer paranormals and graduated to those with an historical background, and finally to Regency romances. And I've gone further back in time to Medievals (thank you for your wonderful stories) because of my roots in Scotland. I do love your knack for storytelling! Thanks for your interview and post, Ruth! jdh2690@gmail.com
Thank you, Janice, for sharing and for your kind words! So glad you stopped by!