Nancy Lee Badger's Time-Traveling Highlanders + Book Giveaway!

Please welcome our guest today, Nancy Lee Badger!


Nancy Lee Badger loves chocolate-chip shortbread, wool plaids wrapped around the trim waist of a Scottish Highlander, the clang of dirks and broadswords, and the sound of bagpipes in the air. After growing up in Huntington, New York, and raising two handsome sons in New Hampshire, Nancy moved to North Carolina where she writes full-time. Nancy is a member of Romance Writers of America, Heart of Carolina Romance Writers, Fantasy-Futuristic & Paranormal Romance Writers, and the Celtic Heart Romance Writers and also writes as Nancy Lennea.

Q: Welcome, Nancy! Please tell us about your latest release.
A: My latest release is My Banished Highlander (Sept. 1, 2012) and is Book #2 in the Highland Games Through Time series. Kilts, castles, Highlanders, time travel, and romance.
Q: What is the story behind the story?
A: My family and I have volunteered for many years at the New Hampshire Highland Games. In fact, we recently returned from this year’s festival with photos, ideas, and great memories that I will use in upcoming books in the series.
Q: I love Highland Games! How did your story’s setting impact your plot or characters?
A:  In this book and its predecessor, My Honorable Highlander, I set the present-day portions at the fictitious New England Games. I use ideas I have picked up from visiting several games from Maine to Georgia, and added portions of each into my story line. I chose the time period around 1600 in ancient Scotland for my stories as many things threatened the Highland clans around that time. Politics are a b*tch no matter where or when you live, I guess.
Q: How do you choose names for your characters?
A: Most of the time, names pop into my head. I make sure to search their origins on internet ‘names’ sites, and I also have a book on baby names. Attending Scottish Games means that I have met thousands of people with interesting Scottish first names as well as their clan names.  My first and second books dwell mainly on the Gunn, Mackenzie, and Keith clans. My husband is a descendant of the Gunn Clan, who once fought the other two clans. Research has given me great ideas.


Q: Did you choose the title of your book and if so how did you do it?
A: The first book changed names four times. I knew I wanted ‘Highlander’ as part of the name. I feel this gives a reader an instant idea of the book’s setting. My first book’s hero was an honorable man who planned to give up his freedom by marrying the niece of an enemy in the name of peace. When he met my heroine, his honorable thoughts were tested again and again! The hero in Book #2 is less than honorable. Cameron is accused of treason, kidnapping, and causing the death of a clansman. Forced to make his way in a future world, Iona literally stumbles into his arms.
Q: Which element of this story was the hardest for you?
A: The hardest part was knowing my hero was destined to feel pain…physical and emotional. Sorry, but it was the only way to get through to Cameron that he was lusting over the wrong woman. Too bad he almost died in the process. Thankfully, my heroine, Iona, knows how to use a spell book.
Q: Please tell us about your other books.
A: I started out selling two very different books to different publishers who released them at the same time! Secret Love Match (Red Rose Publishing June 2010) is a contemporary romance set in New York City and Baltimore. Dragon’s Curse (Whispers Publishing June 2010) is a Scottish historical paranormal set mainly on an island off the west coast of Scotland. Each was fun to write and were written simply because an idea popped into my head, and off I went. Since then, I have released 9 books, 4 of which I have self-published.
Q: Please describe your journey to publication.
A: Exciting, scary, hopeful, stressful-but a good stress, more like “Am I doing everything I can to release the best book possible?” As an older woman, whose children have left the nest, I was able to plan my ‘retirement’ from the workforce and write full time. It has not been easy, but my family is very supportive. It is much easier to keep reaching for your goal with cheerleaders on the sidelines!
Q: What do you wish you’d known before becoming published?
A  I soon realized that the money does not fall into your lap. Time is the culprit. Editors, covers, promotions all take time. Time is a reoccurring theme when it comes to royalties and, after 4 years of striving to be a published author (and two years since that first book showed up on a publisher’s website) I am seeing some money trickle in. Luckily, I have a wonderful husband who agreed I should quit my stressful job as a 911 Dispatcher to do what I love.
Q: What’s next for you?
A:  Funny you should ask. I recently volunteered at the huge New Hampshire Highland Games and attended the Georgia RWA Moonlight & Magnolias Writers Conference in Atlanta. Next week I am heading to the Stone Mountain Highland Games in Georgia. Using research, photos, and ideas from the games and from spending time with other authors, I am well on my way to writing my next book in the series, My Reluctant Highlander.
Q: Would you like to ask readers a question?
A: Yes, and I would like to offer a prize to a reader who leaves a comment with an answer to this question: “What Scottish first name do you recommend for a hero who is of Scottish descent, lives in present day New England, is very wealthy in the business world, but spends weekends competing as an athlete at Highland Games?”
The winner will have a choice of an e-book of either My Honorable Highlander or My Banished Highlander. (Please remember to leave your email address so we can contact you if you win.) One of the names may show up in the next book!
EXCERPT
Cameron smiled, and everyone clapped. He and Iona walked hand in hand to the grand table on the dais. Food and drink appeared as if by magic and a bagpiper played a gay tune. Haven and Kirk disappeared up the stairs, while Fia sat on Marcus’ lap. Her color was still too pale until Marcus dropped a gentle kiss on her lips. Her cheeks pinked, and she looked one-hundred percent better.
Iona inhaled the scent of tallow candles, roast venison, and the sweetness of cider. Her stomach was in knots, so she nibbled off their shared trencher while Cameron spoke to old Dorcas. Skye sat alone in the corner and Iona thought she probably missed sparring with Jake.
A feeling of dread hovered, a feeling she wanted to ignore. Cameron picked at his food, then rubbed his abdomen. Was he revisiting the horror when the sorcerer stabbed him? Perspiration beaded on his forehead, and his skin paled.
“Cammie, are you sick?”
“Aye, something is not right and…” His voice trailed away, and he slumped over the table. His tankard went flying and Iona jumped to her feet.
“Cammie!”

Wow what a cliffhanger, Nancy! Great excerpt!
Everyone, please visit Nancy online at her
Website                  
Blog                        
Facebook               
Goodreads            
Twitter                  

You will find My Banished Highlander at:
Amazon                        http://amzn.to/PAYBbX  
NOOK                          http://bit.ly/OREYO7
AllRomanceEBooks    http://bit.ly/Qgdymm
Smashwords                 http://bit.ly/OIbim4
KOBO                          http://bit.ly/TWCxty

Thanks so much, Nancy, for being our guest today! 

28 comments:

Gerri Bowen said...

Lovely interview, ladies!

Nancy Lee Badger said...

Thanks, Gerii. The questions were fun. Back to writing the next book in the series...

Terry Spear said...

Hey, Nancy, You and your hubby look great! Sounds like you're having so much fun with the games. :)

How long does it take for you to write a book?

Joanne said...

Congrats on the release. This book sounds fantastic. Can't wait to read it to see what happened to Cameron. Thanks for the great interview and excerpt.

e.balinski(at)att(dot)net

Paisley Kirkpatrick said...

I smiled through your interview, Nancy, because I can see so similarities in my life. I treasure my Scottish heritage and wear it as a badge of honor.

I think Magnus that means great would be a good name for your hero.

Anonymous said...

That was a great interview ladies. I am almost finish with "My Honorable Highlander"! I love it !and I can't wait to start with your new addition. Banished Highlalnder hummm wonder what they get into...
It was so good to see you and the family again up here in NH. Best Wishes to you and your hubby for a great snuggling warmer winter.
Sue Campbell B.

pc said...

wonderful excerpt...looks like a must read!
ivegotmail8889@yahoo.com

Vonda Sinclair said...

Thanks so much for being our guest here today, Nancy! I enjoyed interviewing you!

Ann Q said...

I love a man in a kilt, and the bagpipes swell my heart. I always said that I wanted to marry a man in a kilt. It did not happen, so, i have to read about them. FINLAY meaning White Warrior would be a good name for your character.

Anonymous said...

I have been going to Scottish Games in CA for awhile. Love them, especially the people you meet. I actually found my Clan and became a member of our association. Would love to win the first book in this series. I have added both to my tbr list.
Thanks for the chance to win.
Patricia
panthers.ravens@yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

Fun interview. I love Scottish games.

Nancy Lee Badger said...

What wonderful comments. Thanks! In answer to Terry about how long it takes to write a book, I say "It depends". Book #2 was 1/3 written when I stopped and concentrated on getting Book #1 polished and up. once that was up (last May) I finished Book #2 and posted in in September. If I finish Book #3 by March, I'll be thrilled.

Unknown said...

I really enjoyed this interview - a good biography of the author, and some good points about getting published.
As for Celtic/Scottish names:
Luthias means Famous Warrior.
I found a good site of Celtic male names and their meanings and origins. You might find this useful. Let's see if I am allowed to post it!
< http://www.amethyst-night.com/names/scotmale.html >

Lynn Erla

desitheblonde said...

i love te book and your kilts and then i love to read and blog on the book hopt the next one wil do good and win awards

Mickey said...

I enjoyed reading My Honorable Highlander now to be followed by My Banished Highlander. Your guest spots always contain such good information about Scotland.

I think the name Logan would be perfect in one of your novels.

Jennifer (JC Page) said...

Interesting comments and information, thank-you Nancy!! I like Logan or Hamish. When I hear them, I think of men that are certainly charming, but a little mischevious...

Nancy Lee Badger said...

What wonderful comments...and name ideas. I need more choices (name suggestions or lack there of will not affect who wins my ebook...my kilted hubby will pull a name our of his sporran!)

Chrisbails said...

Great post. Loved the excerpt. I think either Duncan, Mac, or Ethan. You are a new author for me and will be checking out your books. Thaanks for the giveaway.
Christinebails@yahoo.com

BonSue Brandvik said...

Nice interview! I love that you are able to combine your real-life interests with time travel fantasy. Thanks for sharing!

pc said...

Congratulations on your new release and thank you for the interview/intro and insight on the story behind the story (loved this!)! It's wonderful your personal passion has inspired your stories!
I rather like the name Finnean.

ivegotmail8889@yahoo.com

Nancy Lee Badger said...

Thanks, Bon Sue, for pointing out that my real life interests spurred this book. Many writers 'write what we know' and I took it farther using my imagination. Lots of good name ideas, too. Keep them coming! I will be drawing a winner in a few days.

Karen Michelle Nutt said...

My husband and I go to the Queen Mary and Costa Mesa Highland Games. They're a lot of fun. My husbands from the McNaughton clan. My side is Irish, but there are Colemans that are with the Buchanan clan.

Names...How about:
Ian MacCallen or Jack Sloan

Rush said...

Thanks for the interview! It is a great opportunity to get to know you as a writer a little bit more!
taina1959@yahoo.com

Debby said...

Hi, this is my first visit in a bit and I enjoyed reading the interview.
debby236 at gmail dot com

desitheblonde said...

ilike the blurp and then i love your pic and costumes wow

Carol A. Strickland said...

You had me at "chocolate-chip shortbread." What, no recipe link? Best of luck with all your kilted hunks!

Nancy Lee Badger said...

Carol, I know I should have posted it but I usually BUY chocolate chip shortbread. Once in a while I see that walkers has it, but it is usually only at Highland Games. If I see any this weekend at Stone Mtn, I will share!

Vonda Sinclair said...

Ellaquinnauthor is the winner of Nancy's book! Congratulations, Ella!