Ask the Author: Cathy MacRae
Answered Questions (7)
Cathy MacRae
Hi, Cathy! Thanks for your questions!
There are always scenes that I love, but don't really move the story forward. The only scene my critique partners have requested I put back in was from Highland Escape. It was the wedding night and involved a tub... :-) (It's under consideration)
As for selecting character names, I pay particular attention to name meanings and how easy/difficult they are to pronounce. I'm not a fan of names I can't pronounce :-) And I strive to keep the names accurate within the time period I'm writing.
There are always scenes that I love, but don't really move the story forward. The only scene my critique partners have requested I put back in was from Highland Escape. It was the wedding night and involved a tub... :-) (It's under consideration)
As for selecting character names, I pay particular attention to name meanings and how easy/difficult they are to pronounce. I'm not a fan of names I can't pronounce :-) And I strive to keep the names accurate within the time period I'm writing.
Cathy MacRae
If I am having difficulty with a story, I take a step back. I may have written a character into an unrealistic position, acting in a way not consistent with his personality. Or, perhaps I've lost the original story thread. Usually I can straighten these instances out in short order. If not, I might write a different scene and merge the two- just keep words flowing. I can also take a break and do something else creative for a bit. Cooking, work on my website, write up a blog. Challenge another part of my brain for a bit.
Cathy MacRae
I love writing stories and I love interacting with people who love to read.
Cathy MacRae
Keep writing. Keep learning. Hone your craft. There are many groups available to help you grow as a writer. Join them. And keep writing!
Cathy MacRae
My next book, The Highlander's Tempestuous Bride, is the 3rd book in th series. The heroine's daughter from the second book, Gilda, is now 17 and falls head over heels in love with the wrong young man. I am looking to release this book later this summer.
Cathy MacRae
Listening to the ideas in my head! No special music since I prefer quiet when I write, but to keep my place in medieval Scotland, I tend to read a lot of other period romance and watch historical-based movies when I'm not writing.
Cathy MacRae
The second book in The Highlander's Bride series was inspired by the hero's brother in the first book. I had several requests for his story. I was interested in adding pirates to the book, so his move to the coast was one reason the setting changed.
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