Special Guest Author B.J. Scott and Giveaway

Joining us today to answer my questions and tell us more about her newest release, Highland Quest,  is author B.J. Scott. 

How long does it take you to write a book?

I am not a speed writer and it usually takes me close to a year to write and edit a book. It of course depends on how the muse is talking and how busy real life gets.

What do you think is the best way of publishing a book these days?

While it appears to be easier to get picked up by an e-book publisher and even the larger publishers are doing more e-books, I still dream about being picked up by one of the major publishers in New York. I don’t think print books will ever become obsolete and would love to see the industry shift back to the traditional forms of publishing.

When did you write your first book?

In 2001, but never sent it in for publication. Highland Legacy was my first book I sent in for consideration and it was published in Nov 2011

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I enjoy reading, a variety of hand crafts, camping, antiquing and going for walks on the beach. We live in a small town on Lake Erie.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite? I have written five, published two and am working on the third book in my series now. I like Highland Quest better than Highland Legacy but think Highland Homecoming, the one I am working on now, will be my favorite of the three.

Can you tell me and your readers something about your main characters?

Bryce Fraser is the youngest of three brothers. He is by far the ladies’ man of the group but has no desire to take a wife. His first brush with love, when he was a lad ended in disaster and he vowed never to risk his heart again. Strong, handsome and every bit an alpha male hero, he is fearless in his quest to find his destiny and to rid Scotland of the English who occupy his homeland. He is driven by passion and the desire to avenge the deaths of his parents, two brothers, and many friends lost in battles. He finds the heroine Fallon beguiling when he meets her in the first book Highland Legacy and his ability to resist temptation and to stray from his chose path is tested on many occasions during Highland Quest. He is uncertain of his future, if he will survive the next battle and carries a secret that makes if difficult for him to let down his guard.

Fallon MacCrery is a beautiful, mysterious woman who we first meet in Highland Legacy. She is the clan healer and takes care of the heroine in the first book. There is an immediate spark between her and Bryce the minute they meet, and she believes he is different from any of the other men she has met, but she has lost everyone she has held dear and believes her love is a curse. Fallon is also gifted with second sight, something that Highlanders believed strongly in and often feared. Because of that she was shunned by many of the villagers and lived most of her life alone. She sees Bryce’s death in a vision on more than one occasion, but her attempts to warn him falls on deaf ears. Fallon is strong, independent and spirited, unlike most women of the day. She was raised to stand her ground and refused to comply with or to cower to any man. We see her as resourceful and a woman of conviction throughout the book, but she is also compassionate and self-sacrificing, even in the face of dire odd.

Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

I love hearing from my readers and for the most part, they have wonderful things to say about my books. Many have asked for more and that is the main reason Highland Quest was done before other books I was working on. You will always get the occasional person who did not care for you book and that is to be expected. Sadly they seem to have the most to say, but it goes with the territory and I feel you can learn as much from them and maybe more than those who tell you they loved the book.

What are your favorite book genres in writing and reading? Why?

I am a history buff and my first pick is usually historical romances, set in medieval Scotland. Many of my book outlines take place during this time period. I also enjoy books about the American Civil war and Native American history. I have outlined books using these topics as well. I also enjoy time travel, paranormal and romantic suspense.

 

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions.  And now readers for a little more about Highland Quest and an Excerpt.

 

 

No longer content in the shadows of his older brothers and on a quest to find his destiny, Bryce Fraser's chosen path is fraught with danger, passion, and decisions. Can his unspoken love for spirited, beguiling Fallon be triumphant in a time of war and uncertainty, or will they both fall prey to the devious plans of a traitorous laird from a rival clan?

 

 

Excerpt

Loch Ryan Scotland, 1307

“Wa . . . water,” Bryce mumbled, but there was no one there to listen.

His throat was parched and he ran his tongue over dry, cracked lips, but his action offered no relief. An entire loch lay only a few feet away, but he couldn’t muster the strength to drag himself to the bank and quench his thirst.

“Cold . . . so cold.”

Despite the sun beating down on him, he’d swear he was encased in ice. His life’s blood seeped from his wounds, soaking the ground beneath him. He tried to raise his head, but the excruciating pain radiating across his chest stole his breath away.

Was this what it felt like to die? If so, he prayed the Almighty would be merciful and take him now.

Bryce moaned, a shift in his position bringing on another nauseating wave of agony. He sucked in a short, sharp, gulp of air and stretched his arm out as far as he could, his fingers grappling in the dirt.

If only I could reach my sword.

Beads of perspiration dampened his brow. As the strength slowly drained from his body, drawing a simple breath became more difficult. The end grew near. No time to make amends for sins of the past, and he had committed his share.

Regrets? He had those, too. “Fallon.” He whispered her name then heaved a ragged sigh.

 
Now Available at:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Soul Mate
Kobo books

 

More About The B.J. Scott

 

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.

https://www.facebook.com/authorbjscott

http://www.authorbjscott.com/

 http://authorbjscott.wordpress.com/

 

 

Be sure to leave B.J. Scott a comment before you leave and be entered into her giveaway.  B.J. is awarding gifts of swag (including a canvas tote bag, a mouse pad, a pen, book thong, bookmark, can cooler, magnet, and key chain -- US/Canada only) to randomly drawn commenters from this tour and her Virtual Book Tour, as well as a grand prize of one $50 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter from this tour and her Super Book Blast.

 

Visit all her stops to increase your chances of winning. Her other tour dates and stops can be found here: http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/12/virtual-book-tour-highland-quest-by-b-j.html