Interview with Mary Wine, author of Highland Heat (and giveaway!)

Today, I'm very pleased to welcome Mary Wine for a little Q&A session about her new book, Highland Heat, why we love highlanders, and various other topics. I have to say, I think this was the most fun I've had as I read through Mary's answers. It's funny when you have certain expectations, but are pleasantly surprised by reality. Curious? Well read on and see what I mean!

Jackie: Can you tell my readers a little about what to expect in Highland Heat?

MW: A scorching love story. These are the two who refused to bend in the two previous books. I could see them moving closer to one another but they are both independent. When I write a historical…I like to show just how strong the women where during these periods. Banish the idea of fainting maidens, you won’t find those in my books.

J: What is it about Highlanders that makes them so interesting to read about? Or, for that matter, to write about?

MW: Ah Highlanders….what an amazing people. Rome failed to conquer them. The Vikings settled among them. They live on land that is as beautiful as it is harsh. Their music is soul inspiring…what’s not to love? Mix in the lore and legend and it’s a wonderful place to write a book in.

J: You are a historic costumer. What time period(s) do you create costumes for? (Note: I’d love to add some pictures of Highland costumes, if available)

MW: I do Elizabethan, reign of Elizabeth the first, Victorian 1880, medieval, colonial and just about anything else I have a reason to make up a suit for. At the moment I’m working on an 1885-90 because I’m launching a Steam Punk saga. It really comes down to needing a dress for some event. I’m on the hunt for fabric for Tudor era gown too…

J: While you write different romance novels, spanning past, present and future, can/would you pick a favorite and why?

MW: My favorite is normally the one I’m working on, right after I get finished with it because normally during the process I’m ready to strangle my hero. Quinton was defiantly one of those but I love Highland Heat. I wanted to write Deidre’s tale but I knew it was going to be a challenge.

J: What is more difficult to write fighting scenes or the romantic interludes?

MW: Neither…at least for me. I’m a second degree black belt in Tae kwon Do. I get stuck between those scenes, when I need to move my characters around and all I want to do is jump ahead to the action…lol.

J: Have you visited the Scottish Highlands? If so, can you tell us a memorable experience?

MW: Not yet but I did have the opportunity to have lunch with a wonderful Scottish Highlander. It’s the truth that I met him in a bar, which was once a famous brothel. I was in Alaska and heard his brogue, turned around and there was a Highlander, off to see the wilds of Alaska like I was. He was a wonderful man, yes, he plays golf. For formal night aboard ship, he’d brought along his kilt and I had my Victorian bustle gown…they said formal but didn’t give a year mind you. We had a wonderful time in our finery.

HIGHLAND HEAT BY MARY WINE – IN STORES MARCH 2011

Ruined, Betrayed and Banished…

As brave as she is impulsive, Deirdre Chattan’s tendency to follow her heart and not her head has finally tarnished her reputation beyond repair. But when powerful Highland Laird Quinton Cameron finds her, he doesn’t care about her past—it’s her future he’s about to change.

But It’s Never Too Late for Redemption…

From the moment Quinton sets eyes on Deirdre Chattan, rational thought vanishes. For in her eyes he sees a fiery spirit that matches his own, and he’ll be damned if he’ll let such a wild Scottish rose wither under the weight of a nun’s habit…

With nothing to lose, Deirdre and Quinton band together to protect king and country. But what they accomplish alone is nothing compared to what they can build with their passion for each other…

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mary Wine is a multi-published author in romantic suspense, fantasy and western romance; now her interest in historical reenactment and costuming has inspired her to turn her pen to historical romance. She lives with her husband and sons in southern California, where the whole family enjoys participating in historical reenactments. For more information, please visit http://www.marywine.com/.

As a special treat, thanks to Danielle at Source Books, I have 2 copies available as a giveaway, of Highland Heat. To enter, just leave a comment below with your e-mail info to contact if/when you win. You must be a follower to enter and it's open to US and Canadian addresses only. I'll draw for the winners on March 15, 2011 (so entries no later than midnight on the 14th). Good luck!

And thanks again to Mary for stopping by! It was a great pleasure.