Friday, September 9, 2016

Books, Chocolate and Wine with Mary Morgan

My guest today on Books, Chocolate and Wine is author Mary Morgan. She's answered ten provocative questions about her book, Dragon Knight's Ring and writing. She's included a great book trailer at the end of the post!

1. How did you come up with the idea for Dragon Knight’s Ring?
Dragon Knight’s Ring was the fifth and final book in my series, Order of the Dragon Knights. For several years, I didn’t know the identity of the fifth Dragon Knight. He suddenly appeared in the fourth book, and I remember shouting, “You’re the last Dragon Knight!” Each of my books has a central theme and at the core a relic for each of the Dragon Knights. I wanted to tie in the heroine and hero with something symbolic and thought Ring would fit. And it worked out fabulously!
2. How long did it take you to write Dragon Knight’s Ring?

Six months. Since this was the final book, I spent seven days a week pouring out my soul into this story.


3. How much research did you conduct for Dragon Knight’s Ring and what was the most interesting thing you did while conducting your research?

The hero, Adam MacFhearguis left Scotland and fought in the Crusades. I read and studied maps of the time-period, which were fascinating. Adam’s guest was to be a pilgrimage, but in the end, he found more bloodshed and violence. He returned home more scarred than when he left.  

4. Why did you decide to write paranormal romance?

I have a fascination with history, mythology, and fantasy. What better way than to combine them all and create my own world. 

5. When you are writing, who is in control? You or your characters?

I always think I’m the one in control, but once the writing starts—look out world. They (my characters) take over the story.

6. What advice do you have for other writers?

If you believe in your story, don’t let anyone discourage you. A dream is a wish your heart makes, so don’t give up! 

7. What books can we expect to see in the near future?

I’ve just wrapped everything on a holiday romance called, A Magical Highland Solstice. The hero is a secondary character from the Order of the Dragon Knights. I truly felt he needed his own story. It’s a time-travel romance, and I had so much fun writing this book. The cover is spectacular, and I should hear about a release date soon. 

8. What was the defining moment that you considered yourself an author?

This might sound strange, but when I received my first rejection letter. I shouted, “I’m acknowledged!” Of course, I cried for several moments, and then submitted to fifteen publishers that day. I wasn’t going to give up. I believed I was walking toward the right “fit” for a publisher.

9. What’s your favorite place in the world to visit?

Scotland! Take me home…

10. What is your favorite quote?

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” –Eleanor Roosevelt


Death destroyed their love. Yet, can a trio of Fenian warriors roll back time to reunite two lost souls?

Crusader, Adam MacFhearguis is on one last quest to the standing stones in Scotland where he seeks to bury the past. However, a silent prayer sends him to an unknown future and to his beloved Meggie. When he uncovers a shocking revelation, Adam questions everything about the woman he thought he knew and loved. He may have traveled the veil of ages, but time is now his enemy.

Margaret MacKay lives a life in the future without the memories of her past—her death. When Adam arrives at her door confessing he knows her, she is confused and wary. With each passing day, she yearns to learn more from this stranger. Yet, when a truth is revealed, can she trust the man to unlock the chains from her mind and heart?

Will love free the bonds to unite the two lovers who were doomed centuries ago? Or will evil finally claim victory over the Dragon Knights?


Excerpt:

Meggie brushed her fingers over the leather pouch. “It feels empty.”

“Are you not tempted to take a wee look inside?”

She snatched her hand back. “I’m not peering inside the man’s belongings. As soon as he wakes, he and his horse can leave.” Giving the horse a firm pat, Meggie walked out of the stall and away from her smirking cousin—only to run smack into her other cousin, Lena.

“Blast,” snapped Meggie, grabbing her cousin by the arm to help steady them both. “Sorry, didn’t see ye,” Seeing the excitement in Lena’s eyes, she stepped back. “What?”

“I hear you have a Highlander in the guest room,” she replied, giving Meggie a wink. “Are you going to share?”

Meggie placed her hands on her hips. “He’s not my Highlander. Feel free to have him, though as soon as he wakes he’s gone from here.”

Lucas strode out of the stables, wiping his hand on a cloth. “I think I’ll go introduce myself, since I think this man bothers you. You keep stating he must leave as soon as he wakes.”

Lena pushed her cousin aside. “No, Lucas. I will go check on him.”

“Ye are both crazy,” protested Meggie. “He’s just a man.” Stepping past them both, she marched away from the stables.

Approaching the entrance of the castle, her nerves tingled and the air cooled. Halting on the gravel courtyard, she slowly glanced up at the guest bedroom window. Gazing down at her was the dark Highlander. His hands were braced on either side of the glass, and Meggie could swear for an instant, she recognized him from somewhere. A dream, perhaps? The look he gave her pierced her soul, and she shivered.

“Impossible,” she muttered. “I don’t dream. And ye are leaving now.”

Breaking from his stare, Meggie entered the castle, almost running up the stairs. By the time she reached the guest room, her hands were shaking. Not even bothering to knock, she pushed open the door and stormed inside.

Her mouth became dry, unable to form the words to order this giant out of her home. His bulk blocked the light from the window as he leaned against the ledge staring at her. She was not one prone to swoon at men—any man, but this one made her a jumbled mess. Moving to the table, she picked up his sword and took it over to him. His eyes widened as she approached and she fell into their dark blue depths. 

“I…um…” she stammered before continuing. “Ye should leave.” There, she got the words out.

Instead of reaching for his sword, the man lifted two fingers and caressed her cheek. She gasped, the touch searing her skin, and she took a step back. She could see the look of shock pass over his features, as if he felt the same reaction.

Meggie shoved the sword into his arms and ran for the door. Yet, when her hand touched the handle, she heard him speak.

“Dinnae leave me again, Meggie.”

Book Trailer:


Buy Links: 



MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Scottish paranormal romance author, Mary Morgan resides in Northern California, with her own knight in shining armor. However, during her travels to Scotland, England, and Ireland, she left a part of her soul in one of these countries and vows to return.

Mary's passion for books started at an early age along with an overactive imagination. She spent far too much time daydreaming and was told quite often to remove her head from the clouds. It wasn't until the closure of Borders Books where Mary worked that she found her true calling--writing romance. Now, the worlds she created in her mind are coming to life within her stories.

You can find more information about Mary Morgan here:

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