Nancy Lee Badger's Blog, page 47

October 22, 2015

Nancy Lee Badger Interviews Author Elysa Hendricks


Elysa Hendricks stopped by to share some intimate details about her and her new book. 
STAR CRASH is a sexy, sci-fi romance. Please tell my readers a little bit about your book.
Elysa - Did you ever wonder what it would be like if we humans weren’t the reigning species on the planet? That thought occurred to me one day while I was at the zoo watching the gorillas and they were watching me back. What did they think about us?  What if we were the ones in the cage? At that point memories of the movie Planet of the Apes and the Twilight Zone episode People Are Alike All Over starring Roddy McDowell washed over me. Combine those with my love of sci-fi and the idea for STAR CRASH was born.
Nancy - Describe the genre of this particular title, and is it the only genre you write in?
Elysa - While STAR CRASH falls firmly in the sci-fi romance genre, I also write romances set in the Old West, contemporary romances set small town America, as well as fantasy romances set in an alternate universe.  The storyline and character determine the sub-genre of the romance.
Nancy - When did you start writing toward publication?
Elysa - Christmas Eve 1989 I sat down to write a short, contemporary romance. When my heroine turned out to be a winged, telepathic alien who stows away on a passing space ship, I realized I enjoyed writing about different worlds and times.  
Nancy - Did you have several manuscripts finished before you sold? If so, did you send them out yourself?
Elysa - Fast forward to 1993. I finished the first draft of my first book in three months, then I spent the next three years learning how to write. In that time I also completed two more books, western historical romances. I sold my third completed manuscript in 1999 to Hardshell Word Factory, one of the first digital publishing houses. After that I sold five titles to ImaJinn Books and three titles to Dorchester Publishing. When Dorchester went out of business I took back my rights and reissued STAR CRASH , STAR RAIDERS and THE SWORD AND THE PEN . I also reissued the western historical romance HER WILD TEXAS HEART (originally titled RAWHIDE SURRENDER ,) and began my journey into self-publishing. Since 2011 I’ve released an additional nine full length novels and seven short stories.
Nancy - Why have you become a published author?
Elysa - An unsung song is never heard. An unpublished book is never read. I write because the characters in my head and heart need their stories to be told, to be read. In order for that to happen those stories need to be published.  
Nancy -Do you have any rejection stories to share?
Elysa - One line from my very first rejection has become a running joke in my family. Every time we watch a movie or TV show with an unbelievable storyline or plot twist, someone pipes up with the line “too contrived, with too many unlikely events.”
Nancy - Please Share three fun facts about you that most people don’t know.1) I co-host a community radio show – wscqfm.com2) I’m an Italian who dislikes most Italian food.3) I think that the best sporting event is – one that’s over.
Nancy - What’s next for you?
Elysa - I’m working on a romance trilogy set on an island off the Gulf coast of Florida about three sisters, as well as several more sci-fi romances.
BOOK BLURBWhen Planet of the Apes meets Star Trek what's a girl to do?
After recon pilot Cora Daniels crash lands on an alien planet she finds herself a prisoner of the Flock: a race of birdlike humanoids. Trapped in their zoo she discovers they intend her to mate. To breed. To be part of their human herd.
She's placed in a cage with a man - a powerful, virile man, but not just any man - Alexander. Was he her lost love, who'd disappeared so long ago? Here he was: naked, glistening, a warrior trained by the Flock to fight for their amusement. How could the brilliant man, the tender lover she remember have become this animal born to dominate and destroy? Was he a pawn of the Flock or would their flight to freedom be a long-sought reunion?
Excerpt "What mad scheme are you planning?"
Alex's tone reminded Cora of all the times he'd asked that question while they were at the academy. Now, as then, she knew he would try to talk her out of doing anything dangerous. He'd always been the cautious one, looking before he leaped and weighing the odds of success before he tried anything. His careful study of the facts would have served him well as a First Contact diplomat. She on the other hand preferred to gamble. Pilots had to be willing to take calculated risks. And now as then, she'd prevail. She had to. Their lives depended on it. In this she couldn't give him a choice. Couldn't let him retain control.
She led him into the chamber and sat with him on the pallet. "We need to get out of here, to escape. You can't be here for them to take you tomorrow."
"I've told you, escape is impossible."
"Us here together is impossible, but it happened. We--I can't . . . I won't stay here. I'd rather die trying to escape than remain an animal in a cage, but . . ." Her voice broke. "I can't leave you behind."
Buy Links….  AMAZON

MORE ABOUT THE AUTHORElysa Hendricks is 5'6" tall. She has curly hair and brown eyes. She's an author, a wife, a mother and a daughter. Everything else is subject to change without notice.
Elysa enjoys writing stories set in different places, times, and realities. She's published 14 full-length books, ranging from sweet contemporary to sexy sci-fi, as well as numerous short stories.

While living in north east Illinois she helped found the Windy City, and Futuristic, Fantasy & Paranormal chapters of Romance Writers of America,. She's taught workshops on writing at writer’s conferences and at community colleges.
Recently relocated to sunny Florida she and her husband Vern are volunteer staff at the new Sun City Center community radio station WSCQ-FM 96.3.  You can listen to her Live on Thursday mornings from 9-11am EST at http://wscqfm.comby clicking on the Listen "Live" button at the top of the page.
Because for "real life" her motto is: Boring is good, excitement is vastly overrated, she saves the adventures for the characters in her books.
You can find more information about Elysa Hendricks here: WEBSITE     Facebook  Amazon Author Page 


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Published on October 22, 2015 22:00

October 15, 2015

My Hunted Highlander-Scottish Time Travel & GIVEAWAY



Would you like to win this Scottish Window sticker? First, let me tell you about my latest Scottish time travel romance. My Hunted Highlander takes place in two distinct locations. Can a location be a character in a romance novel? YES! 

The fictitious New England Highland Games are located in the present-day White Mountains of New Hampshire. The mountains in September, the oddly changing weather between this place and the wintry weather of the other locale, give my hero and heroine many problems to overcome, while falling in love.

The North Sea plays a vital part, as my hero starts the book by being rescued by pirates. When he escapes the Scottish pirates' hidden island, and heads to the mainland, the snow begins to fall. Keep warm with My Hunted Highlander !

Here is an excerpt from My Hunted Highlander , a full-length novel available in ebook & print:


   The small craft slipped into the surf. Niall jumped into the boat, and helped Blair climb in. Waves thundered nearby, and the memory of Blair’s crushed skiff made him set the oars into motion. Thrusting them into the turbulent sea, they rode over the waves, until the boat entered calmer water. Keegan unfurled the sail, and Blair worked the rudder.   “What can I do?” Niall asked, after pulling in the oars, feeling slightly useless.   “Take over when I tire. Right now, my adrenaline is making my blood race!”   “Adrenel-what?”   “Never mind. No time to explain. We have to get away, in case we’re followed.” She turned to her son. “Keegan, hide under that canvas and get some sleep.”   Keegan nodded, then gazed up at her. “What happened? Why do we no’ take The Black Thistle?”   She sighed. How much of their problem would she share with the lad? Though small, Keegan was smart. He trusted his mother. Niall did, as well.   “Raven has mutinied against me. He tried to kill Balfour.”   “Nay, I canno’ believe that.”   “He tried to slay yer mother, as well, lad,” Niall added, “so ‘twas time to go.”   The lad’s eyes widened, and he swallowed hard, but did not say another word. He had not burst into tears, even though they had left behind everything, and everyone, he knew. Once Keegan was safely secured beneath the tented canvas, Niall sat beside Blair, with the rudder between them.   “He is a brave lad. Just like his mother.”   She smiled, but the smile did not reach her eyes. “Yes, but he’s a handful. I could not have left without him.”   “Understandable, Blair.”   She visibly bristled, then her shoulders sagged. “Right. I am no longer the captain of a Scottish pirate ship. Now, I’m nothing.”   “Nay, lass. Ye be more than a title. Yer a mother, a lover, and I wish to know more.”    She smiled sheepishly. When her cheeks darkened beneath the moonlight, she cupped his cheek. “You know more about me, than most men.”
   “Aye, we have shared our bodies, yet I yearn to learn more about the woman.”


Amazon   NOOK   Smashwords      iBooks    AllRomance    Amazon printBarnes and Noble Print    KoboBooks-A-Million    Book Depository            Powells Books

Please Take a Moment to enter my GIVEAWAY!One lucky reader will win a SCOTTISH DRAGONWINDOW STICKERwhich makes sense...since the drawing endsOctober 31st... SAMHAIN!
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Published on October 15, 2015 22:30

October 8, 2015

Nancy Lee Badger Interviews Author Alina K Field

Alina K. Field stopped by to share a few intimate details about her life, and to discuss her latest book.
Liliana’s Letter is a Regency novella on pre-order at Amazon with a release date of October 15th. Please tell my readers a little bit about your book.  
Alina- Liliana’s Letter is a prequel to my novel, Bella’s Band. The hero in Bella’s Band had a newlywed uncle, and this is the story of how that widowed uncle found his new baroness. It was great fun to write because the characters are a bit older than the usual Regency misses and lords.
Nancy- Describe the genre of this particular title, and is it the only genre you write in?  
Alina - Liliana’s Letter is my third published Regency story. I have a four-book Regency series in the works, but I also have a bunch of completed contemporary works, including a Valentine’s Day story in my local RWA chapter’s anthology. When my Regency novella Rosalyn’s Ring was published in 2013, I slipped the contemporaries “under the bed”. One of these days I’ll pull them out and finish editing!
Nancy- Do you have any rejection stories to share?
Alina- No, but I had one pretty bad experience pitching a secret baby story to a male editor who was as hostile to the concept as my eighth grade teacher, Sister Cyprian, would have been! Amazingly, he still asked for a full, but since I believe that cordiality and respect in this business should always be a two-way street, I passed.    
Nancy- What is your writing routine like?
Alina - I’m a morning writer and try to push through a first draft as quickly as possible, though it usually takes two to three months. It’s the part I dislike most. I’m not a plotter and those first drafts are really messy. The part I love is the editing.    Nancy- Are you a member of any writing organizations and, if so, have they helped?
Alina - I belong to four Romance Writers of America chapters, two of them local, East Valley Authors and Orange County Chapter RWA, and two online, Celtic Hearts and the Beau Monde. I’ve learned—and continue to learn—so much from all the members, and being active has given me access to a great network of writers and publishing professionals.
Nancy- Will you share some encouraging words for authors still struggling for that first contract? 
Alina - Keep writing. Keep learning craft. Keep reading. Be kind and professional at all times, whether you’re giving or receiving criticism. All of that will pay off, probably when and how you least expect it. Remember that one door closing doesn’t mean all the doors will stay shut forever. Most of all, remember that you’re the only one who can tell your story—have fun writing it!
Nancy- Please Share three fun facts about you that most people don’t know.
1) I once sang in Carnegie Hall (on the stage, not in the audience!)2) In college, my only sport was fencing.3) As an Air Force brat I lived in six different places before I entered first grade.
Nancy- What’s next for you?
Alina - I’m going back to finish the draft of the last book in my four book Regency Series, and then I’m going into editing mode for the series.  
BOOK BLURB from The Matchmaker
Lord Grigsby wants nothing more than to retreat to his study, but a promise to his long-dead sister has forced him back into society to broker the marriage of his nephew to the heiress whose money can save the young man’s earldom. If only the young lady’s starchy hired companion would move out of the way. 
The Matchbreaker
Hired to launch an heiress’s society debut, seemingly straitlaced spinster Liliana Ashford’s future as a professional chaperone depends on the girl’s successful marriage. But Liliana had her own close encounter with a scoundrel years ago, and she won’t let her charge be forced into marriage to the same kind of rogue, no matter how hard the man’s widowed uncle tries to woo Liliana around to the match.
Secrets and a Scandalous Murder
A shadow from Liliana’s past appears bearing an unfortunate letter she wrote long ago, and then the earl is murdered, evoking the scandal of the season. While she scrambles to make a respectable match for her charge before her own past can be exposed, Grigsby sets about finding his nephew’s killer—and Liliana’s secrets. 
Excerpt from Lillian's Letter
   The woman at Grigsby's side was like a lightning rod expecting a bolt to strike, or like a Fury about to deliver one. This close, scent wafted from her, roses and lemon, he'd guess. Tall, straight, and stiff, underneath her self-possession was a temper ready to unleash. He would bet on it.    Intriguing. He dared to poke her ire. "You clearly don't approve of the match. Do you intend to openly oppose it?"    Her head whipped around, and she glared. "It's not for me to approve or disapprove. Katie—Miss Mercer—will decide."    Passion flashed in her eyes, sending an answering spark through him. She was magnificent—though so very mistaken.    "Really? Then her father is more liberal than I expected."    She looked him over more closely. "What do you know of this matter?"    I might ask you the same question. Her tone had been stiff, like the crystallized dome covering bubbling lava. He fixed her with his sternest glare, not entirely surprised at her cheek.    His glower didn't impress her. She lifted her shoulders higher. Stood a little taller, proud, lovely, and filled with indignation.   Quite righteous indignation. He gave into an unmanly sigh, truly weary of his responsibility for Thomas. "I know a good deal, Miss Ashford. I have been negotiating for these nuptials. The arrangement is my doing as much as Mr. Mercer's. Much more than it is my nephew's. He is probably the least culpable, except for his abominable behavior."    She clenched her hands tightly. "I see."    "Thomas's mother was my older sister. I made a promise to her that I would look after him." Her gaze softened, and she bit her lip in a way that made him want to taste the part that she was nipping.    And where had that thought come from?    "And your nephew needs money and an heir."    He nodded. As a woman of the ton, of course she would understand how marriage worked. Marriage wasn’t about love, or the bride’s approval, or a plump lower lip that begged to be kissed.    "He needs money most of all. He has a younger brother in the army who would make a far more dutiful earl."    He covered his mouth with his hand. The words had rolled out, shocking him. He rarely spoke this frankly with any woman.    Very well, he never spoke this frankly with any woman.   She released a soft breath. "And there is the matter of the ore."    His mouth gaped and he quickly closed it. Mr. Mercer had shared that information? Well. "That part of the county is rich with newly discovered veins of iron."    That information brought her up straighter. She looked away, gazing intently at a thick, dark spot of foliage, making him want to pry into that sharp mind.    "I see,” she said. “I believe we should go back in now." Not yet. He tucked her hand over his arm but did not move. "I had hoped we were not finished talking. I've learned your Christian name is Liliana, but I don't know anything else about you. I don’t know where you're from or anything about your family."    He sensed her bristling, and waited for some reaction, perhaps a slap, verbal, or, with a woman of her passion, even a physical one. Strictly speaking, he was importuning her, and damn if he wasn't enjoying the nerves rippling through her.
Buy Link….  http://amzn.to/1KGBeMp  Award winning author Alina K. Field earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and German literature, but she found her true interest in reading and writing romance. She shares a midcentury home with her husband and a blue-eyed cat who conned his way in for dinner one day and decided the food was too good to leave.
She is the author of the 2014 Book Buyer’s Best winner in the novella category, Rosalyn’s Ring, and a 2015 RONE Award finalist, Bella’s Band, both Soul Mate Publishing releases.
Visit her here:
Website  Facebook
Twitter   Goodreads
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Published on October 08, 2015 22:00

September 29, 2015

I just returned from a 2,000+ car trip so that I could vo...

I just returned from a 2,000+ car trip so that I could volunteer again at the New Hampshire Highland Games and Festival. Enjoy the following sights and sounds...


Sheep Dog Trials
The Red Hot Chili Pipers Entertaining the crowds
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Published on September 29, 2015 21:30

September 27, 2015

FREE on Amazon-My Honorable Highlander

The book that began it all...
You can download this ebook forFREE at Amazon through October 1st!
My Honorable Highlander is a Scottish time travel romance, the first of the Highland Games Through Time series which continues through to the Kilted Athletes Through Times series.
The Story...Bumbling present day herbalist, Haven MacKay, gets more than she bargains for when her love spell goes awry, is cast back in time, and meets her true love -- Laird Kirkwall Gunn. 

Kirk’s plans go slightly off course when he falls in love with a woman wandering through the Scottish Highlands. After all, he has pledged to marry another, from an enemy clan, in order to end a century-old feud.
Download at AmazonHERE
*Remember, this FREE deal ends October 1st
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Published on September 27, 2015 08:30

September 24, 2015

Nancy Lee Badger Interviews Author Alanna Lucas

Alanna  Lucas stopped by to share some intimate details of her life as a writer, and to talk about her new book.  Dancing Around the Truth  is a historical romance set in the Regency and was released on July 23, 2015. Please tell my readers a little bit about your book.  
Alanna Dancing Around the Truth  is the fourth book in the In His Arms series. After Philippa created all sorts of havoc by eloping and enlisting her sister to cover for her in  When We Dance - the second book in the series, I decided that Philippa’s story needed to be told.
A little teaser:Dark secrets, lies, and a far too enticing widow threaten to destroy the orderly world Benjamin Weston, the illegitimate son of the late Baron Albryght, has made for himself…and Mrs. Philippa Keates might just also hold the key to unlocking his heart.
Nancy - Did you have several manuscripts finished before you sold? If so,did you send them out yourself?
Alanna - I had two manuscripts finished (which are currently under my virtual bed making friends with imaginary dust bunnies), which I had sent out * mumbles into her hand * times before entering Boroughs Publishing Group’s ‘What’s in a Name’ novella contest. My road to publication began with winning that contest.
Nancy - What is your writing routine like?
Alanna - I am an organized panster. I always begin by journaling character names, scene ideas, and sketch anything that influences that story. The journal goes everywhere with me. Once I have a clear picture in mind, I begin to write- sadly, never in chronological order. My daily writing routine varies depending on kids activities and real-life obligations, but I am always thinking about the story.
Nancy - Will you share some encouraging words for authors still struggling for that first contract?              Alanna - Connect with other writers, take classes, enter contests, and don’t be afraid to take chances. Good luck and happy writing!
Nancy- Please Share three fun facts about you that most people don’t know. 1) I play the piano2) I studied Art History in Paris, France3) I homeschool my two kids
Nancy- What’s next for you?
AlannaI’m excited to be part of an anthology entitled Once Upon a True Love’s Kiss with some amazing authors that will be released in January 2016. 
Book Blurbs 
SECRETS & LIESMrs. Philippa Keates thought she’d found her happily-ever-after when she eloped, but two years and no children later she is named a widow. Then a woman claiming to be her late husband’s wife appears, and Philippa demands answers.
AND LOVEBenjamin Weston, the illegitimate son of the late Baron Albryght, has made a name for himself conducting investigations for those willing to pay a high price for discretion. When a childhood friend shows up on his doorstep, begging for his assistance, Weston fears most of all that she will discover the truth…and thus bring further scandal to herself, the only woman he has ever loved. But as he unravels her mystery, as secrets of his own begin to come to light, soon it becomes clear that there is more at stake than just Philippa’s reputation—and nothing less than her heart.
Excerpt “I...I wanted to...apologize for what happened in the stables.”
“You have no need to apologize,”
Weston said with quiet emphasis.“But I acted like a child, sobbing because...” Philippa turned away, she could not bear to look at him and confess her fears. “I could not muster the courage to ride.”
“You never have to apologize for anything.” She turned back toward him and met his gaze. Weston took a step closer. “It just might be too soon, but never believe you are a coward. You can do anything you put your mind to.”That was not what Philippa was expecting to hear. The sound of her heart pounding ricocheted in her ears as his sheer strength surrounded her, comforted her. It was more intense than what she had felt that afternoon when he held her.Philippa suspected that the emotions were one-sided. Continuing with her rehearsed speech, she sputtered at a rapid pace, “It was quite unladylike for me to make such a mess of your shirt.”“Philippa,” Weston whispered her name as he closed the distance another inch. His warm breath caressed her cheek.For reasons she couldn’t explain, she did confess one of her fears. “I feel like my life is over,” she murmured into the darkness, unsure how Weston would react.“Your life is not over.” He was standing mere inches from her. Leather and countryside invaded her senses, stirring sensations in places she did not know existed.“It’s not?”“It’s only just beginning.” Weston’s words cascaded across her cheek; his hot breath was like an aphrodisiac. She wanted more, oh dear lord, she wanted more.
Nancy How can my readers buy your book?
Alanna - Readers can go to the publisher’s home page HERE 
Buy Links
Amazon   Barnes and Noble   
Kobo    AllRomance    

More About the Author
Alanna Lucas grew up in Southern California. From an early age, she took an interest in travel, incorporating those experiences into her writing. When she is not daydreaming of her next travel destination Alanna can be found researching, spending time with family, or going for long walks. Alanna Lucas is a member of the Romance Writers of America. 
Contact Alanna here:
Website    Twitter    Facebook
Amazon Author Page
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Published on September 24, 2015 22:00

Only 1 Month to Go! HCRW Workshop with Joshilyn Jackson

Writer's WorkshopOctober 24th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.With New York TimesUSA Today Bestselling Author Joshilyn Jacksonsponsored by the Heart of Carolina Romance Writers (HCRW) a chapter of Romance Writers of America. 
 Location: the new Hilton Garden located at 3912 Arrow Drive in Raleigh. A book signing, open to the public, will follow the workshop.
JoshilynJacksonPhoto The workshop will be conducted by Jackson, who is the author of Gods in AlabamaBetween, Georgia, The Girl Who Stopped Swimming, Backseat Saints, and A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty. Jackson will present “No Place Like Mine,” a discussion on how to create richly imagined, evocative settings that can transport readers to the world of your book. Her books have been translated into a dozen languages, won SIBA’s novel of the year, twice been a #1 Book Sense Pick, twice won Georgia Author of the Year, and twice been shortlisted for the Townsend prize. 

Registration is now open. The session is expected to fill quickly, so early registration is encouraged.Full day: $65 for HCRW/CRW members / $72 for non-membersAfternoon only: $35 for HCRW/CRW members / $40 for non-members

Registration fee includes continental breakfast, both workshops and priority at book signing. A convenient box lunch can be pre-ordered and raffle tickets for gift baskets will be available at the event.
For more information email vicepresidentprogramming@heartofcarolina.org
To register please click here.
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Published on September 24, 2015 10:48

September 15, 2015

Writer's WorkshopOctober 24th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.W...

Writer's WorkshopOctober 24th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.With New York TimesUSA Today Bestselling Author Joshilyn Jacksonsponsored by the Heart of Carolina Romance Writers (HCRW) a chapter of Romance Writers of America. 
 Location: the new Hilton Garden located at 3912 Arrow Drive in Raleigh. A book signing, open to the public, will follow the workshop. JoshilynJacksonPhoto The workshop will be conducted by Jackson, who is the author of Gods in AlabamaBetween, Georgia, The Girl Who Stopped Swimming, Backseat Saints, and A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty. Jackson will present “No Place Like Mine,” a discussion on how to create richly imagined, evocative settings that can transport readers to the world of your book. Her books have been translated into a dozen languages, won SIBA’s novel of the year, twice been a #1 Book Sense Pick, twice won Georgia Author of the Year, and twice been shortlisted for the Townsend prize. Registration is now open. The session is expected to fill quickly, so early registration is encouraged.Full day: $65 for HCRW/CRW members / $72 for non-membersAfternoon only: $35 for HCRW/CRW members / $40 for non-membersRegistration fee includes continental breakfast, both workshops and priority at book signing. A convenient box lunch can be pre-ordered and raffle tickets for gift baskets will be available at the event.For more information email vicepresidentprogramming@heartofcarolina.org. To register please click here.
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Published on September 15, 2015 03:54

September 12, 2015

Dragon Bites Ebook: FREE @Amazon

For those of you NOT getting free books through Amazon's Kindle Unlimited Plan, here is your chance to get my ebook 
DRAGON BitesFREE!
FREE Offer Ends Tuesday September 15th
BUY LINK:
Amazon
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Published on September 12, 2015 07:43

September 10, 2015

Fairies with Sheila Currie

Nancy - Author Sheila Currie stopped by to discuss one of my favorite subjects: Fairies. So I asked her, what Good are the Fairies??
Sheila - The fairies can be useful and kind to human beings. They bring food when a family is poor, build houses or barns overnight, and reward favours with gold. However, if they aren't treated with respect,  the food will not nourish, the houses or barns disappear, and the gold turn to stone.
Moral: Treat fairies (and people) right and you'll be fine.
Parents of young Highlanders warn their daughters to beware of a handome stranger.  He might be a leannan-sìth or fairy lover. If he is one of the fairy folk, a Highland girl might find seaweed or sand in his hair. The parents can also test him with mìosach, fairy flax. A person who can handle the plant without difficulty, is a human being.
Moral: A new boyfriend should be checked out by parents.
Children are carefully watched and baptised as soon as possible to prevent the fairies from lifting the baby and taking it to a fairyhill. If a child, which was once happy and lovable, cries loudly and throws tantrums, the real baby may have been stolen. Especially if it eats enough to feed the whole village. Dead giveaway. A child wasn't left but a bodach, an old man, or changeling as it is in English.
Moral: DNA is not responsible for a child's character, the fairies are.
The banshee or ban-sìth in Gaelic means 'woman fairy'. While she has a bad reputation among English-speaking people, she has a very important purpose--to warn people of death. She sings her lament outside a house because she cannot enter the homes of the living. Those who are involved with the care of a sick or very old person know that they should prepare a funeral sooner than later.
She has fearsome magicial powers. If a man finds her ivory comb and keeps it, Lord help him, his life will not be pleasant. An intelligent man, who meets a lone woman calmly combing her hair in the moonlight, will sprint in the opposite direction to avoid disturbing her. This tranquility in a seemingly helpless female is the mark of a banshee. Or a woman who appears to be one. The number of rapes in the Highlands is extremely low.
My novel The Banshee of Castle Muirn tells the story of this sort of woman fairy. Needless to say people are frightened to deal with a banshee. Imagine the thoughts of a young woman who has the potential to become one. Lose her friends? Be ostracised by the people of her village? Scare off every male in the wide world? No chance! But an evil man is determined to marry her for her dowry and finance rebellion with the proceeds. What if her powers as a banshee are the only thing which will save her family from him? What if the only other help comes from a man of an enemy clan? Truly she must make decisions which will change her life.

Nancy- Please share 3 things readers might not know about you.
--Fairly fluent in Scottish Gaelic--Studied Scottish History and Celtic Studies in Scotland--Born on the east coast of Canada of Scottish, Irish and French parentage
Nancy - What’s next for you?
Sheila - To finish The Banshee of Castle Muirn and two more books in the trilogy.
Nancy - Tell us more about you.
Sheila - I love research and travelling in Europe--and plan to do more of the same! Connect with me at my  WEBSITE   

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Published on September 10, 2015 22:00