Interview and Giveaway: Mary Wine

Please join me in welcoming Mary Wine back to Debbie's Book Bag. Mary is here promoting her latest release in the Highlander series, The Highlander's Prize. The publisher is sponsoring a giveaway for two copies of Mary's book, see details at the end of the post.

DEB: Mary, you've been with us before here at Debbie's Book Bag. Tell us what you've been up to since you were here last.
MARY: I’ve been busy working on new Highlander books. The first one is ‘The Highlander’s Prize’. I’ve also been writing a Steam Punk saga that will begin releasing in August.
 
DEB: Tell us about your latest release, The Highlander's Prize. Is this a single title, a part of a series, etc.
MARY: The Highlander’s Prize is book one of a new saga set in the era of the war of the roses. This a a very troubled time in both England and Scotland and I do love to set a couple in troubled times to see just how they manage to find love. It will be followed by ‘The Trouble with Highlanders’ in the fall of 2012.

DEB: You've always written such great highland characters. What was your inspiration for Broen? Does he mirror a historical figure or is he purely your imagination? Either way we approve!
MARY: Thanks! I just love the Celtic culture. Crafting a warrior in this setting and among these people is a delight! My heroes often form as I am reading history.
 
DEB: What kind of research did you do for this novel? Were there specific aspects of the book that you needed more information for?
MARY: I adore history. I watch history channel specials and love to prowl around old buildings and what not. I often decide on a book because I’m hooked on some program and I get to thinking…hummm…who lived through this? What was their story?
 
DEB: The spirit of the highlands is synonymous with strong warriors and resourceful women. What made you start writing about these wonderful people?
MARY: My fascination with them. Strength is something I admire. Being able to survive in the highlands of Scotland took grit, lots of it. But these people also crafted some of the most soul inspiring music while they were facing the challenges.
 
DEB: Do you incorporate any of the highland legends and folklore into your books, or have you stayed away from those kinds of ideas? If so, why?
MARY: Yes, I do. But I tend to keep them as lore. It’s sort of an essential flavoring for Highlander titles.
 
DEB: Do you have advice for new writers?
MARY: Write. Finish the book and begin another. Editing has its place but after a while, it’s just a comfortable place to hide while you never step up and allow someone else to read your book.
 
DEB: What are you working on right now? Or what are your plans for the future as far as writing goes?
MARY: Right now, I’m finishing up my second Steam Punk title. It will follow ‘A Lady can Never be too Curious’ which will release in August 2012.
 
DEB: Do you have a favorite author or genre? What do you read when you have the opportunity?
MARY: I love to read and I read a wide variety. I’m currently reading ‘Seal of Honor’ by Gary Williams. But I am also on my way to the Romantic Times Booklovers convention and I am happily anticipating finding some books there.
 
DEB: Tell us one thing about you that readers may not know?
MARY: I just took and passed my third degree black belt test in Tae Kwon Do. 

DEB: Thanks again for the opportunity!
MARY: Thank you so much for having me. Hop over to my Facebook page for info and contests!

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

The publisher is sponsoring a giveaway for two copies of The Highlander's Prize by Mary Wine.

~ You must be a GFC follower or E-Mail subscriber to participate. 
~ US and Canadian Addresses only.
~ The deadline to enter this giveaway is Midnight EST May 2nd.


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