Wednesday, July 25, 2012

The Highlander's Fury: An Interview with Author Maeve Greyson and a Giveaway!


"Tarry among my worlds. Lose yourself in Celtic mists of magic and explore the ripples of time." That about says it all! Please welcome Maeve! 

Tell us something about Maeve!

I’m an old soul trapped inside a goofy woman who swears by love at first sight. After all, why else would I marry a man I’d only known for three short months and STILL love him after thirty-three years? By day, I’m a middle-aged grandma working at a steel mill. By night, my old soul takes over and we soar into our adventures.

Did you plan to be a writer or did it just happen?

It just sort of happened. As a child, I escaped an abusive childhood by “zoning out” to much more enjoyable places. Many years later, when my mother sorely needed the same type of escape, I helped her by creating a safe haven with words.

What is your favorite non-writing pastime?

Photography, reading, and watching every episode of my two favorite series of all time: Frasier and As Time Goes By (Google Judi Dench and BBC) ;-)

What has been your greatest challenge as a writer? Have you been able to overcome it?

Greatest challenge? That would have to be finding the courage to believe in myself as much as my family does. Have I overcome it? Not completely. I’m still a work in progress.

If you had to sum upThe Highlander’s Fury in 30 or less words, what would you say?

I kinda like what RT Book Reviews said when they gave it 4 stars: A satisfying blend of saucy sensuality and heartrending sincerity

Do you have a favorite character in The Highlander’s Fury? Who and why?

Even though I love ALL my characters, I must admit that Ciara is my favorite. She’s an immortal Fury hell bent on punishing evil. I’ve often fantasized about possessing Ciara’s powers –especially when I see some sort of heart-sickening news about needless suffering and torment.

Without giving it all away, please tell us a little something about how the hero, Faolan MacKay is going to get through his biggest challenge.

Faolan no longer believes in trust, love or magic. In his opinion, those three “weaknesses” are the cause of all his pain. When he finally gives in and risks loving again, his worst fears are realized: the pain of a shattered heart. But that’s only because he hadn’t fully embraced the most important of the three. It takes the stubbornness of a child to teach Faolan the strength of pure trust.

What message do you hope readers take away from the book?

Never give up on the magic of love and trust.

Do you share any personality traits with Faolan or Ciara?

I “own” Faolan’s unforgiving stubbornness and the unsavory habit of holding a grudge. And Ciara’s love for animals comes from my heart.

Do you have to be alone or have quiet to write?

Unfortunately, I have to have silence when writing. If anything else is going on in the room, I’m like a dog who suddenly notices a squirrel. I’m distracted very easily.

What has been your greatest pleasure in writing this book?

Killing a bad guy…er…I mean meting out justice to unsavory characters. ;-)

What do you have in store next for your readers?

I just signed another contract with The Wild Rose Press for my first try at a novella. A Highlander in Her Past is Trish’s story (See Beyond a Highland Whisper)

Congrats Maeve! What has been your greatest pleasure or personal success as an author?  

Having readers enjoy my stories.

What type of hero do you like best?

Bossy, super strong alpha male that turns into a big old teddy bear when the heroine gets a hold of him. ;-)

What type of heroine do you like best?

Smart, sassy and doesn’t take any crap and she’d risk her life for those she loves.

Is there any place and time in the world and in history that you would like to visit?

Medieval Scotland – the Highlands of course. ;-)

I'm packing my bags--let's go! What appeals to you most about your chosen genre?

Anything might happen to get to that happily-ever-after and love doesn’t recognize any type of boundaries –what is meant to be WILL be.

What is the best piece of writing advice you’ve received?

Listen to your heart and your gut when it comes to your story. Instinct and intuition will not lead you astray.

What are you reading now? Why did you choose that book?

I’m currently reading Temptation in a Kilt, an upcoming release from the very talented Victoria Roberts. Why did I choose this book? The tumultuous history of Scotland, smokin’ hot Highlanders, feisty women and the tenacious honor of a stubborn Scot. This book’s got it all!

Does where you live or have places you’ve been influenced your work?

Most definitely. As we say in Kentucky, I live out in the boonies. My backyard looks like a Disney movie with deer, raccoons, squirrels and the occasional possum or skunk. When Hubby and I visited Scotland and Ireland, I was amazed at how similar the hills of Kentucky were with those glorious places.

Are there certain characters you would like to go back to, or is there a theme or idea you’d love to work with?

At some point in time, I’d love to revisit my magical dragons from Eternity’s Mark. Maybe delve deeper into the land of the mystical Draecna.

What challenges did you face in getting your first book published?

Rejections. Self-doubt. Not enough hours in the day. You know. The usual writerly obstacles.

How long did it take to get this book from idea to being published? What was the most grueling process?

It was probably at least two years between “hey, I’ve got an idea for a great story” and “OMG! It’s release day!”

What was one of the most surprising things you learned while writing The Highlander’s Fury?

At the end of a long stressful day, it’s very relaxing to kill off obnoxious characters.

Do you have any interesting writing quirks?

Hmm…I’m not sure if they’re interesting or just weird. I always write better first thing in the morning. I always wear some sort of amethyst jewelry and a gallon of black coffee does wonders for my muse.

When did you write your first book and how old were you?

Wow. I guess it was sometime in my late twenties. For the record, I’m proud to say I’m fifty-one years old. I look at aging as the best revenge against those who’ve attempted to do me in.

What is your favorite movie based on a book, where you preferred the movie?

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (all of them) I’ve read all of Tolkien’s books and while I adore them, they’re not easy reads.

Laptop, desktop or notebook and pen for writing?

Laptop(s). Plural. I tend to be a little rough on technology.

Do you believe in writer’s block? Has it ever happened to you?

Yes. And yes. The muse can’t be forced. If she locks up on you, just let her rest. When she’s finished pouting, she’ll start talking to you again.

Is there a book you’ve ever read more than five times? Which book and what drew you back to it?

Jean M. Auel’s Clan of the Cave Bear series. My particular favorite is Valley of Horses. I adore Auel’s voice and the way she pulls you into such a long ago time.

Have you ever literally deleted or thrown away a book you’ve written?

Yep. Several times. And later regretted it. I recommend stashing stories away somewhere but don’t ever completely delete them. It’s kind of like throwing away that perfect pair of jeans because you don’t think you’ll ever lose that weight. It never fails, as soon as they’re gone; you drop ten pounds and wish you had them back.

You’re spending one year living on a desert island – which three authors do you want with you?

Victoria Roberts
Beth Trissel
J. Michael Radcliffe

Is there anything else you’d like to share with your readers today?

I’m currently working on a new series that I hope they’re gonna love.


The Book
An average day in the life of an immortal fury: flex powers, locate evil, administer justice. Until Ciara’s goddess mothers convince her to seduce a brooding mortal and bear the man a gifted child. All she has to do is swap places with his betrothed. The task is simple−become the seductive wife, bear the man a child and train the young one in the Ways. Once the boy reaches seven years of age, they’ll swap her back with the wife he thinks he selected and Ciara can resume her job of rousting wickedness from the world.

Faolan MacKay’s advisors plague him daily about his matrimonial duties as laird, dragging prospects from across the Highlands: plump dowries attached to each one. Faolan’s lost everyone he’s ever loved. He’d rather go straight to the fiery pits of Hell than down the wedding aisle. Out of desperation, his plan takes seed. He’ll select a wife he can ignore. There’s just one problem with this foolproof theory. Nobody ignores Ciara. Against his better judgment, he’s enthralled with the woman and to Ciara’s surprise, this strange thing called love burns hotter than her hunger for vengeance.

At the end of the seven years the ruse is up, all will return to as it was. Can the bond of love overcome the mandate of the ultimate powers?
 
The Giveaway
Comment for a chance to win an eBook edition of The Highlander's Fury! Winner will be drawn on August 1st! 


Where can your readers find you? 

My Goodreads author page: http://www.goodreads.com/MaeveGreyson

An Excerpt

“What the hell did ye find wrong with that one? She’s a well bred lass with a tempting dowry and ye’re a blind man if ye missed those breasts.”

Faolan ignored the exploding advisor, staring down at the sea where it white-capped against the blackened walls of the keep. Damn, the man’s voice scraped his nerves raw. He’d give his best dagger if the old fool would cease this endless prattle.

“Ye must marry, Faolan. Ye know as laird, ‘tis your duty to your clan. Do ye no’ wish to leave an heir to protect us when ye’ve gone?”

“Shut up, Fergus! I weary of your banter. ‘Tis all ye’ve blathered about since father died and I’ve heard all I intend to hear.” Scraping his fists atop the roughened stone battlement, Faolan glowered at the gray-haired man. “If ye’re a wise man who values his hide, ye’ll haul yer arse down off this roof and find someone else to nettle.”

Fergus widened the stance of his knobby, bowed legs and puffed his chest as he stood his ground. With a stubborn glint flashing in his eyes, he jutted his grizzled chin a bit higher as he hooked his thumbs into the top of his kilt. “I’ll no’ leave here until ye tell me why ye refused Lady McGonagall. Colum, Ranald and I struggled with that alliance for months. Ye’ve no’ exactly made this easy, ye realize?”

“Who the hell is the laird here and who is the damn advisor?” Fergus clenched his teeth as a distant hint of lightning flickered across the horizon. Frustration pounded against his senses lengthening into icy claws of dread.

Faolan lifted his face to the rising wind, narrowing his eyes to the roiling storm clouds gathering to the north. One deep breath of the electrified wind told him he neared disaster. He’d managed a bit of control over his emotions. He’d be damned if he’d lose his temper over this sorry business and unleash a raging tempest.

Glancing to the sky, Fergus retreated a step, coughed and took a fortifying breath before stepping forward again. “Ye know I mean ye no dishonor, Faolan. But ‘tis time ye chose a wife. I understand why ye find it so difficult. But ‘tis not like we’ve chosen unsavory prospects.”

Faolan thought back over all the women Fergus and the other advisors had selected. No, he couldn’t say they hadn’t been comely maids. Hell’s fire. He wanted nothing to do with a wife. Uneasiness chugged in his gut as he studied the agitated gaze of the spindly-legged, old man. Fergus meant well, as did all the MacKay advisors. Faolan snorted as bitterness lashed through his thoughts. The advisors had their sights on increasing the strength and wealth of the clan. They wouldn’t give up until he stood shackled to a plump, healthy dowry.

As another flash of lightning lit the clouds off to the east, Faolan smiled as it all became clear. Every muscle in his body relaxed with his newfound plan. He exhaled a relieved breath and leaned back against the wall. It all seemed so simple, why didn’t he think of it before? Let them accomplish their obsession to saddle him with a wife. He knew the perfect choice.

22 comments:

  1. Thanks so much for having me over for a visit, MK! Your blog is so lovely and I always enjoy chatting with friends. :-)

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  2. I'm sure you meant to say, "Fifty-one years YOUNG" you gorgeous lady, you! :)

    Hiya Maeve and MK. Fabulous, in-depth interview. And I totally agree with you on the Lord of the Rings movies versus books. Sadly, I've tried three times now at different ages, and I still can't get into them! LOVE the movies though especially as they show off my beautiful country :)

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  3. Interesting blog post, Maeve. The Highlander's Fury sounds very good, and since I want to know how the issue resolves, I guess I'll have to buy and read it! :)

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  4. LOL! Absolutely, LaVerne! Thanks so much for stopping by. :)

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  5. Thanks so much, Gerri. I hope you enjoy The Highlander's Fury. :)

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  6. The Highlanders Fury sound great.

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  7. Hmmm. Why haven't I read The Highlander's Fury yet? So many titles, so little time. Great interview, ladies.

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  8. Hi Maeve,

    Great interview. I'm with yoiu, I need silence while I'm writing or I'm very easily distracted. If there's something else going on in another room of the house, sometimes I'll pop in a classical CD or movie score to create a bit of white noise.

    Congrats on your new contract with TWRP. I never thought I could do a novella, and I've written several in the past year and am loving it!

    debrastjohn08@yahoo.com

    DebraStJohn

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  9. I'm a little late to this party! I just wanted so say a big thank you to Maeve for joining us today. You think like I do--Scotland would definitely be choice if going anywhere at any time. I'm a morning writer too--the brain always works better before the sun comes up!

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  10. Thanks,Marian!

    LOL! I know exactly how you feel, Mac. We need 48 hr days to catch up with all the great books.

    Thank you, Debra. I struggled with that novella. Writing short is a CHALLENGE.

    Thanks again, MK! I'm having a great time. :-)

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  11. Maeve, I just love the diversity of your writing. Keep those stories coming!

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  12. Thanks so much, Pat. I hope you have a lovely time in Ireland. But then again, how could you not? ;)

    Safe Journey to you!

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  13. " very relaxing to kill off obnoxious characters" - too true! Best of luck with your writing.

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  14. Hello Maeve. I haven't 'spoken' to you in a while. Great interview and always some new things to learn. Best wishes!

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  15. Hi Nancy! I know - we've both been so busy. Thanks so much for your kind words and I'm really looking forward to your upcoming releases. You're going to be one busy author in August. Best of luck to you too! :-)

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  16. I love how brave and candid you are. I was struck with some of the negative things that happened in your life and how you turned that into your creativity. I especially love what you said about helping your mother. You're a wonderful human being, Maeve. I wish you great success with your new series. All the best to you.

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  17. Maeve,
    I enjoyed your post and learning so much more about you.

    You had a tough childhood and you came out the other end with a positive outlook on life. So wonderful! How special to have found your soul mate, too.

    I love time travel, magic all things Celtic!! Ireland and Scotland sing to me, too. Perhaps, we knew each other in another life. lol

    Enternity's Mark-- gosh, I remember this one when it was just a WIP. How time flies.

    I wish you the best success with all you do.

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  18. Jennifer (JC Page)July 26, 2012

    Enjoyed your interview... yes, instincts and intuition make the way. I agree with you.

    Happy to hear of your contract Maeve!

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  19. Thank you so much for your kind words, Sarah. It's folks like you that make life a joy. :)

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  20. Hi Karen! *waving from Ky* You are so right. Where does the time go? :)

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  21. Hi Jennifer! I'm glad you stopped by and thank you for your well wishes. :)

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