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With a passion for historical romance, history in general, and anything
Celtic, B.J. always has an exciting work in progress. Each story offers a blend
of romance, adventure, suspense, and, where appropriate, a dab of comic relief.
Carefully researched historical facts are woven into each manuscript, providing
a backdrop from which steamy romance, gripping plots, and vivid
characters—dashing alpha heroes and resourceful, beguiling heroines you can’t
help but admire—spring to life. A member of RWA, World Romance Writers, Celtic
Hearts Romance Writers, and Savvy Authors, B.J. also writes contemporary,
paranormal, time travel, and romantic suspense.
C.S. Lewis first captivated B. J.’s imagination in the fourth grade, and
her desire to write sprang from there. Following a career in nursing and child
and youth work, B.J. married her knight-in-shining-armor, and he whisked her
away to his castle by the sea. In reality, they share their century-old home in
a small Canadian town on the shore
of Lake Erie with three
dogs and a cat. When she is not working at her childcare job, on her small
business, or writing, you will find her reading, camping, or antique hunting.
Q: Welcome B.J.! Please
tell us about your new release.
A
: Highland Homecoming is the third and final book of my Fraser Brother Trilogy. This story
takes place in 1308, during the first war for Scotland’s independence. The book
revolves around Highland patriot, Alasdair Fraser, the oldest and least likely
of the three brothers to fall in love or to take a bride. However, when he
finds a beautiful, unconscious lass on a beach in Northern Scotland and has no
choice but to tend to her needs, he finds himself questioning his chosen path,
torn between duty and desire. When she awakens, she has no memory of her past,
but as she slowly regains her memory, she opts not to tell Alasdair what she
recalls in a dream. The question is, will he drop the shield that guards a once
wounded heart, or will the secrets she fails to reveal and his own stubbornness
drive an impenetrable wedge between them?
Q: Sounds like a fantastic story. What inspired it?
A: As
mentioned this it third book in my series. I am a history buff and love
anything Scottish so writing a Scottish historical was a logical choice. In
addition to being a romance, each book has allowed me to share some interesting
information about Scotland’s first fight for independence with my readers.
Q: Did you
choose the title of your book and if so how did you do it?
A:
Yes,
I chose the titles for each of the books in my series. The title of the first
book in the series, Highland Legacy, was something that came to me as being
suited the theme behind the book. I figured it would be working title, but my
editor decided she liked it and wanted to keep it. Each book in the series has
a title that is fits the plot of the story. Highland Quest was about the
youngest brother, Bryce, and his quest to get out from the shadows of his
brothers and make a name for himself. This final book, Highland Homecoming is
the final in the trilogy and despite his aversion to settling down and taking a
wife, Alasdair, the oldest brother finds himself faced with a challenge and some
decisions that will affect his chosen path.
Q: I love the titles. Where is
your favorite place in the world?
A: My
favorite place I have visited is Hawaii, but my heart belongs to Scotland. I
hope to someday visit the birthplace of my paternal grandmother.
Q: I hope you do too! Please
tell us about your favorite character in the book.
A: I
love Alasdair. In book one, Highland Legacy, we meet a larger than average, outspoken man
who openly renounces love and marriage, but has a fierce loyalty to family,
king and country. In book 2 we get to know him better, but he still comes off
as being awkward and uncomfortable around women, a fierce warrior.
Q: Sounds like a setup for some wonderful conflict. When did
you know you wanted to be an author?
Being a Gemini, I
was born with the gift of gab and need to tell a story. I have always loved
reading and jotting down stories, but started writing in earnest in 2000. I
joined an online writing group and enrolled in some college courses in creative
writing. When my teacher asked if I had ever considered writing for Harlequin,
I was not sure if she liked what she saw or thought it too sentimental and
romantic. She said that is why she thought I was suited to write romance books.
Since anything Celtic or historical is a passion writing Scottish historical
romance seemed fitting. I wrote several manuscripts between 2000 and 2003 when
I met my husband and real life got in the way of my writing. In 2010 I took out
my books and started to submit to publishers, my husband being my biggest
supporter.
Q: What is your
writing process or method?
A: While I have
the basic story line and characters planned out, I basically write as I go.
Nothing is carved in stone until I write the end.
Q: Please
describe your journey to publication.
A: I
have always loved reading and started jotting down stories when I was a teen,
but they were for my eyes only. In 2000 I joined an online writing group and
enrolled in some college courses in creative writing. When I met and married my
husband in 2003, I put my writing aside, but started writing again in 2010. I
had several contemporary books written along with some romantic suspense, but
my heart in historical romance so
decided to start with my series. Finished in the fall of 2010, I started
submitting to agents and editors, utilizing their helpful comments to hone my
book. In Aug of 2011 I signed one of the first contracts with Soul Mate
Publishing, a new publisher on the e-book scene and has grown by leaps and
bounds over the last two years. My first book came out in Nov 2011. Requests
for sequel prompted the writing of the second book and then the third.
Q: Do you
have any advice for unpublished authors?
Write from your
heart and what you love and know about and it will show in your work. Don’t be
afraid to follow your dreams.
Q: Wonderful advice. What’s
next for you?
A: I
am currently working on another Scottish historical entitled, Bedded by her
Highland Enemy. This is a book I have wanted to write for a long time and
finally have a chance to do so. I have a few other books in the works, including
a time travel/ historical and an anthology of short Highland stories.
Awesome! B.J. is giving away a prize she made herself to one commenter today. Please tell us about them, B.J.
The readers
choice of a Celtic Santa Christmas ornament or beaded book thong with Celtic
charms.
They're beautiful! It would be difficult to choose. :) Here is an exciting excerpt from Highland Homecoming:
Northern Coast of Scotland.
Summer 1308
Hooves pounded against rocks, surf,
and sand as Alasdair Fraser pushed his mount beyond reasonable limits. Few
things rivaled the thrill and exhilarating rush of mastering the powerful
destrier between his thighs, controlling the magnificent beast with reins and
will. The wind whipped through unbound hair and the tangy scent of the salty
sea air filled Alasdair’s nostrils.
He’d ridden hard all afternoon,
hoping to reach the stronghold of his longtime friend, Jayden Sinclair. But the
sun had slipped below the horizon, the twilight sky ablaze with orange, red,
and purple hues. Darkness would soon be upon him and he’d be forced to make
camp for the night. He licked his parched lips and his stomach rumbled. Many
hours had passed since he’d last eaten, but a hot meal and a tankard of ale
would have to wait. Water, oatcakes, and a bit of dried venison would suffice
until he reached his destination.
He dug in his heels, and the steed
surged forward. The more distance they covered before nightfall, the shorter
the journey would be on the morrow. But as they rounded a bend in the
shoreline, Odin faltered, reared up on his hind legs, then began to dance
nervously from side-to-side. The battle-hardened warhorse didn’t spook easily
so Alasdair took heed of the animal’s uneasiness.
With one hand resting on the hilt of
his sword, the other fisting the reins, he carefully surveyed the immediate
area. Nothing appeared out of the ordinary, yet the niggling of trepidation
gnawing at his gut led him to believe there was something amiss. He nudged the
horse’s flank and the pair advanced with caution.
They’d only traveled a short distance
up the beach when the sight of something a few yards ahead at the water’s edge
brought them to an abrupt halt. With his heart hammering in his chest, Alasdair
cupped his hand over his brow and narrowed his eyes, trying to get a better
look. The image came into focus and he could make out the unmistakable outline
of a person sprawled out on the shore.
“What is it, Odin? Or, should I say,
who is it?”
While this could be someone in need,
it might also be a trap, an enemy or bandit lying in wait. Without hesitation,
Alasdair slid from the saddle, pulled a claymore from the baldric slung on his
back, and raced down the beach on foot. Stopping a few feet away, he sucked in
a sharp breath.
“Mo chreach!”
He sheathed his weapon and took a
step closer. A young woman, wearing nothing more than a thin nightrail, lay
motionless in the sand, the waves of the incoming tide lapping at her bare
feet.
Please remember to leave a comment to be eligible for one of the beautiful prizes B.J. has created.
Thanks!
Vonda
