Guest Author, Amanda Scott & Giveaway!
by sue on Jul.14, 2010, under Book Chat
Amanda Scott, TEMPTED BY A WARRIOR, July 2010
Setting: Annandale and Galloway, Scotland 1377
Subgenre: Scottish Historical
Hero: Sir Richard “Dickon” Seyton, Laird of Kirkhill and mighty warrior in service to Archie the Grim, Lord of Galloway
Heroine: the lady Fiona Dunwithie Jardine of Spedlins Tower, younger sister of Mairi Dunwythie of SEDUCED BY A ROGUE, and wife - perhaps widow - of womanizing Will Jardine
One sentence summary: Suspected of killing the husband with whom she eloped in defiance of her parents, and finding herself under the thumb of the powerful, commanding Laird of Kirkhill, who now controls her husband’s estates, Fiona wants nothing more than to prove her innocence to him—only she’s not sure she is innocent.
Scene you like most and would never cut: The scene in which Kirkhill floors and then fires the household steward, a man he had hired against Fiona’s wishes (because the man behaved disrespectfully to Fiona), and then “explains” to Fiona just why the whole incident was her own fault. Not only does the scene lead Kirkhill to realize how much he cares about Fiona, but it also teaches Fiona an important lesson about household management, about Kirkhill, and about herself.
Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying: She would not willingly submit to anyone without a fight. She would never say, “I promise that I will obey your every command.”
What celebrity is your hero like: I don’t think in terms of celebrities except, perhaps, when I’m describing a character’s appearance to someone who has specifically asked what celebrity a character might physically resemble. The simple fact is that I develop my characters from the outside in and the inside out, which is to say that I try to keep them in context with their settings, the needs of my plot, the people around them, and their places in history. Then I give the hero traits that will conflict with traits of the heroine, vice versa, and build from there. I might be more inclined to think of certain celebrities if I were writing about ego-driven types of the 21st century, but they just don’t come to mind when I’m thinking about heroes and heroines of fourteenth-century Scotland.
What celebrity is your heroine like: As I mentioned above, this isn’t the way I think of my characters, but maybe some readers can answer this in the comments section.
What is your heroine’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should she be doing: The lady Fiona Dunwythie Jardine is a beautiful, intelligent young woman who thinks of herself as the lady of the manor at Spedlins Tower. She is capable of managing a complex household and competent at many things, but having lived with a brutal husband and his equally ruthless father, she is unaccustomed to men who respect her opinions or the opinions of women in general. Nevertheless, Fiona has maintained her self respect. She is a young woman who fights for her rights, and she will fight even harder for her freedom from domineering men.
What is your hero’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should he be doing: Sir Richard Seyton, Laird of Kirkhill, is a baron with vast estates of his own, a knight of the realm, and a skilled warrior. Kirkhill has a commanding presence and takes all of his duties seriously, so when his uncle summons him and tells him that he has named him trustee for Fiona and guardian for her unborn child, Kirkhill readily accepts. He assumes that Fiona will readily submit to his authority and that he will speedily solve the mystery of her missing husband. He soon discovers his error, however. He also does not expect to fall in love with Fiona. Nor does he expect members of his own family to add to his woes. However…
What you think readers will like best about this book: I think readers will enjoy the lively repartee between the two main characters as they strive to learn what happened to her husband and to conceal their growing – and illicit, if her husband lives - mutual attraction from each other. I think readers will also enjoy Fiona’s self-appointed protector, a boy called Jeb’s Wee Davy, and the off again, on again marriage negotiations between Kirkhill’s temperamental sister Nan and her longtime, determined admirer, Sir Antony MacCairill.
The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet: The most common such request that I receive is for books about children or siblings of my main characters. I have written about many of them, but I do still get requests for a book about Chuff, one of the two children in HIGHLAND TREASURE who helped the heroine escape from the villain at the beginning of the book and then moved in with her and the hero’s family for the rest of it. Chuff’s sister, Pinky, did get her own book (HIGHLAND SPIRITS), but Chuff never has. I receive even more requests, however, for a book about Jake Maxwell, whose father was Captain Maxwell of the Serpent Royal, the “modern” galley that hero Giff MacLennan “borrowed” from the villainous Earl of Fife in KING OF STORMS. Jake was a fearless, outspoken, and resourceful 8-10 year old in KOS, and at the end of the book, he proved his mettle in such a way that many readers have written to ask me to continue his story. I’m pleased to announce here that Jake’s book will be the third one in my forthcoming Scottish Knights Trilogy, which will follow TEMPTED BY A WARRIOR in February 2011.
What’s next: The Scottish Knights Trilogy: HIGHLAND MASTER, HIGHLAND HERO, and HIGHLAND LOVER. These stories take place in early fifteenth-century Scotland at a time when the third in line for the Scottish throne was determined to rule Scotland, the heir to the throne was a reckless, womanizing profligate, and the second in line was a seven-year-old boy. Three close friends, all knights who studied together under the Bishop of St. Andrews, will do all they can to aid the rightful heir in his battle against the murderous efforts of his wicked uncle to seize Scotland’s throne.
Would you like to sound off? I am always eager to learn more about readers’ thoughts and expectations. So, if you’ve yearned to read about something historically Scottish or a particular type of hero or heroine that you have yet to discover in my books or anyone else’s, just let me know. Likewise, if you have a pet peeve, just say so. I’ve received many excellent suggestions from readers in the past (such as the one who discovered the unpublished 16th century manuscript from which sprouted the seeds for the trilogy now ending with TEMPTED BY A WARRIOR).
To those making the three best suggestions, I will happily send autographed copies of HIGHLAND MASTER when it comes out in February. I will also acknowledge each winner in the particular book that includes my use of their suggestion, or I will, with their permission and if appropriate, name a character after the winner or someone else that the winner specifies.
& don’t miss Friends & Family 7/16-19/10:
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July 17th, 2010 on 6:20 am
i love, really love historical fiction! i love scotland (scottish dh will one day take me in the spring or summer when i won’t freeze to death!) my mom turned me onto amanda scott (nice reading 91yo lady).
pet peeves: incipid (sorry, can’t spell) characters. historical characters who speak with a modern voice.
July 16th, 2010 on 10:35 am
I also like accuracy in my historical romance novels. The one area that I have not seen written accurately is the relationship between the Irish Highlands and the Scottish Highlands. I am always amazed with the kinship that the Irish have with the Scots. You rarely see that in novels, Besides their shared hatred for the English for taking over their land, they both share their Celtic heritage and the rough terrain. Donegal is just as beautiful and rocky as any Scottish Highland. It was not uncommon for the Irish and the Scots to wed between the clans. I’d love to see more of that.
P.S. I love your books!
July 15th, 2010 on 2:37 am
Hi! I, too, enjoy reading reasonably historically accurate facts in historical romances. I don’t mind if the book isn’t that accurate; it just adds to my enjoyment if it were accurate.
On the topic of accuracy, how cold is Scotland in winter? How did they heat their drafty castles back then and did the smoke affect their lungs? I guess I’ve always thought that such a northern place as Scotland would be horribly cold in the winter. And historically, those Scots would not have the high tech cold weather clothing that we have now.
July 15th, 2010 on 2:18 am
Hi Amanda, I love your books and you have been a auto buy for me for a long time. I love Scottish books and you do them so well. I guess I am one of the few people who really doesn’t care if the book is perfect in history, after all it is just a work of fiction. So if some of the parts are right I am happy with that. I just don’t get upset if it isn’t. For me if it is a good story I’m happy
July 15th, 2010 on 12:34 am
I am always a fan of scottish mythology and stories. Whether it involves the scottish independence wars, the loch ness, or even the ulster cycle (I am such a fan of Cúchulainn!) which, I guess is more gaelic than scottish- but I love seeing my favorite tales included into the books I read. : P
As for what I think is done to death? Time travel and/or fae. Scottland is such a magical place full of history and flavor without having to resort to extra ‘magic’ to make it interesting.
I haven’t read these books before, but I think I might have to now. : P
July 14th, 2010 on 11:05 pm
I just like my historicals to be as authentic as possible. I have actually learned a lot about history from reading historical romance. Sadly history wasn’t my favorite subject in school, but I have really enjoyed learning about early English, Scottish, Irish and American history.
July 14th, 2010 on 9:05 pm
I love anything to do with historical Scotland.
I really like it when the periods match the real history with maybe some of the historical figures in the book. 
Larena
July 14th, 2010 on 6:29 pm
I love historicals & Scottish have always been some of my favorites — Congrats on your new release!
Sue
July 14th, 2010 on 5:50 pm
I read a book where the hero who was blind (though with “special” glasses, he could see shapes.) I would like to read books with a main character who has a physical disability.
July 14th, 2010 on 6:26 pm
Catherine Anderson is an author that does this amazingly well.
July 14th, 2010 on 2:53 pm
I love books that add historical details, such as landmarks or events that are not necessarily common knowledge - I think it adds depth to the story and I learn something too. I enjoy heroines with a mind of their own - who won’t bow down to anyone, even when it might be easier for them to do so.
I’m looking forward to reading Tempted by a Warrior and your upcoming Scottish Knights trilogy.
July 14th, 2010 on 6:27 pm
I think I’ve learned most of my history lessons from romance books — sorry public schools!
July 14th, 2010 on 12:21 pm
I love all books having to do with Scotland. I think it would be interesting to go all the way back to the beginning - who were the first to come into power. And of course the women who came with them.
July 14th, 2010 on 11:23 am
I love to read the Scotish Highlander books, any of them about work for me. I really enjoy them if there is time travel envolved. So maybe something like a good time travel!
July 14th, 2010 on 10:36 am
I prefer strong-willed heroines in historical romance. I’ve read a couple that the heroine makes me think she is just TSTL, so reading about your book I smiled because Fiona has a mind of her own and isn’t afraid to let anyone know it!
July 14th, 2010 on 10:12 am
I like stories about haunted Scottish castles. My heroine would be working on her family tree,( her reason for visiting Scotland), and meet up with a ceturies old ghost, who’s really Hot! I have loved Scottish romances since I saw “Brigadoon.”
July 14th, 2010 on 9:32 am
I have read one of your books and enjoyed it. How about some information in one of your books about Scotland’s Trail of Tears?
July 14th, 2010 on 8:56 am
Hello, Amanda! I loved “Tamed by a Laird” and “Seduced by a Rogue”, and I look forward to reading “Tempted by a Warrior”! I am of Scottish descent, and I have long been fascinated by “small, but mighty” Bonny Scotland : ) Just the thought of this relatively tiny country brings forth larger than life images of brawny Highland Hunks, kilted warriors, and tall, tall tales and legends. Not to mention craggy shores, fields of heather, and ancient castles–some in ruins and some amazingly intact! There is a fierceness to Scotland–a refusal to be overlooked. That fiery fierceness is surely also to be found in the warrior women of Scotland! Behind every Great Scot is a great Scottish woman, and in front of many a highland hero is a a grand Scottish warrior woman!