I’m proud and excited to be interviewing Mary Morgan, award-winning author of the series Order of the Dragon Knights. Mary is a prolific writer with a brilliant and beautiful imagination. I just finished reading/listening to the second book of the series, Dragon Knight’s Medallion. And yes, I do mean reading and listening. It’s hard to be very active and busy and enthralled by a story at the same time – but I’m managing it! Mary has two other series, Legends of the Fenian Warriors and Highland Holiday Books. Her new romance, To Weave a Highland Tapestry, is latest in the Order of the Dragon Knights series. I’ve already met a few of the Fenian warriors in the Dragon Knights series, and I have to say that I think I might already be madly in love with … all of them? But enough gushing. I have burning questions. Welcome, Mary. Thank you so much for joining us. I’ve fallen in love with your beautiful characters and the world you’ve created. How in the world did you come up with these stories/legends? What was your inspiration? Thank you so much for the wonderful welcome, Anastasia! I’m delighted to be here, and thrilled you’re enjoying the first few stories in the Order of the Dragon Knights series. My inspiration began when I took my first trip to Scotland twenty years ago. The birth of a series--the Dragon Knights were born one evening while I was sitting on a boulder in the Highlands surrounded by the magic and the mists of the land. However, on the second half of my trip, I visited beautiful Ireland. As I wandered the soft rolling hills in various shades of green, the land spoke to my soul and urged me to place the Dragon Knights here as well. It would be several more years before I decided to use both countries—Scotland and Ireland as part of my stories. A perfect solution to a problem I had been debating on for the Dragon Knights—my mythical Highlanders. It's a perfectly wonderful solution and we, your readers, are benefitting from your decision. You mention the magic of the land. You felt it, then? There’s no shortage of references to the magical quality of Scotland and Ireland. In your travels, have you found this to be true? Definitely, Anastasia! In truth, I blame part of the magical quality on my own DNA: Irish, Welsh, Scottish, and a wee amount from Sweden. The land speaks to my soul, especially in Scotland and Ireland. Your affinity for these lands comes across in your stories. Is there a particular location that has impacted you more than others? The Highlands touched my soul first. Each time I’ve returned, I know the precise moment we’ve crossed the border from England into Scotland. No matter if I’m reading or eating on a train, I have this spark of awareness within my soul that I’ve come home. I understand that feeling of homecoming. It’s a beautiful thing. With all this in mind, if you could magically transport to just one location at your earliest convenience, where would you go? Whisk me away to Urquhart Castle in Scotland! I finally had a chance to visit these incredible ruins three years ago. My husband never uttered a word of complaint as I stayed and roamed the area for almost four hours. In addition, he took many phenomenal photos and captured the epic landscape and castle ruins. I just finished reading and listening to Dragon Knight’s Medallion. It has one of the most emotional endings I’ve ever come across in a romance. I was stunned. Once I finished listening to it, I actually read it just to prolong the experience. I appreciate that you put your characters through torture, but not through unnecessary angst. Will you tell us more about your writing? I write from my heart and soul. Life and love are messy. In my humble opinion, love is the greatest power—it can bring such joy and sorrow. Yet the rewards are epic. Everyone should experience love at least once in a lifetime. I’ve been blessed to find my own knight in shining armor, so I believe in happy ever after. I’m really excited to continue the journey with your characters, especially since we get to move on to those gorgeous Fenian warriors. Did you always mean to have a special series for them, or did their characters demand it as you wrote? Absolutely! The moment Fenian Warrior Conn MacRoich stepped into the scene in Dragon Knight’s Sword, I knew his story had to be told. And he made his demands known, too. By the end of the series, the MacGregor brothers (Rory and Liam) would also have tales to be written. As far as their leader, Aidan Kerrigan, I made a promise to my editor that I would write his and Rose’s love story. I won’t give away any spoilers for your readers, but let me say it was important to honor this couple with their own story. It’s also such a boon that we have a new Dragon Knights book to enjoy. Will you tell us a little about To Weave a Highland Tapestry? This is the third spin-off (Highland Holiday Books) from the Order of the Dragon Knights. I felt it was time to give the hero, Patrick MacFhearguis, brother to Adam MacFhearguis from Dragon Knight’s Ring his own happy ever after. He’s been a secondary character since my first book and series, too. I sensed he was brooding at his home in Scotland. What he needed was a wife and a purpose. I wove his castle, Leòmhann, as the center of this love story, along with an ancient yew tree. What began as a Highland holiday novel, morphed into a much broader story—one that connected the past and present-day Clan MacFhearguis. And incorporating the Dragon Knights (Clan MacKay) into the story meant I was in for an even larger scenic tale. If you’ve read my stories, nothing is straightforward with these two clans. They dominate every scene they enter, each fighting for control. While they started out as bitter enemies, they are now allies and good friends. With this friendship, there also came loss. I realized both clans still mourned the absence of family members. Now that I’m in the middle of Dragon Knight’s Axe, I can really appreciate your giving Clan McFhearghuis some spotlight. With all of these wonderful characters, do you have a favorite or two? Oh, Anastasia, all my characters are favorites. They are my fictional family within my mind and heart. The only time one will edge out above the others is when I’m writing their story. Currently, it’s a Viking/Scot hero called Magnar. A Viking/Scot? Maybe Magnar is my favorite already! More seriously, that’s how I feel when I read your stories. My favorite hero is the one I am reading about, but really, I love them all. Can you tell us a little more, clue us in? What can we look forward to next? I’m delighted to announce that this summer comes a brand new paranormal historical series set in thirteenth century Scotland and the Orkney Islands. Mercenaries, spies, thieves, rogues, and seducers. These men are known as the Wolves of Clan Sutherland—Protector of King William The Lion of Scotland. Look for the cover reveal of Magnar, known as the Barbarian and leader of the wolves next month! I can hardly wait! So exciting! Before we go, I feel it important to mention Mary’s wonderful website and blog. On her blog, Mary’s Tavern, readers can find book reviews and wonderful recipes. One of her last foodie posts is about honey – something the characters in Dragon Knight’s Medallion uniquely enjoy. Having just finished the book, I recalled the scene with delicious clarity and a big grin. I will definitely be trying her recipe for Honey Butter. Following are links to Mary's books as well as her blog and social media. There is also a special treat -- an excerpt from To Weave a Highland Tapestry. Mary, thank you for sharing your time and imagination with us. EXCERPT: TO WEAVE A HIGHLAND TAPESTRY (A Tale from the Order of the Dragon Knights) By Mary Morgan Release date: December 9, 2019 Publisher: The Wild Rose Press Genre: Time-travel/Scottish medieval/Paranormal Romance Length: Novel Patrick MacFhearguis, hardened by battles won and lost, desires what he can never have—peace within his heart and soul. Yet, the ever-meddling Fae weave a new journey for him to conquer—a task this highlander is determined to resist. When skilled weaver, Gwen Hywel, is commissioned to create a tapestry for the MacFhearguis clan, she embraces the assignment. While seeking out ideas, she finds herself clutching the one thread that can alter the tapestry of her life and heart. A man conflicted by past deeds. A woman with no family of her own. Is it possible for love to unravel an ancient past, in order to claim two badly scarred hearts? Or will the light of hope be doused forever? Excerpt: Gwen approached quietly by his side. “Pity. It was a great throw.” “Aye,” he acknowledged softly. “One of my best. My brother, Adam was a champion at this game. I should have studied him more.” “Interesting,” she mused. Straightening, Patrick started forward. “I can help ye pick more mushrooms. Are they for the Midwinter feast?” “Yes. Apparently, they’re for an onion and cabbage dish. Sounds delicious. I’m amazed at how all the women have managed here in this time-period.” “I had heard it was a struggle in the beginning for them.” He glimpsed sideways at her. “How do ye find being here? I cannot fathom what ye must miss.” She shrugged. “There’s simplicity here. I’d almost call it serenity. I’ve learned a lot this past month. Whereas, in my town you can go crazy trying to keep up with everything.” Gwen waved a hand outward. “And don’t get me started on city life. Traffic congestion, speedy drivers, people always on their cell—” She giggled. “Sorry. Too confusing for you.” Patrick smiled, trying to perceive everything the lass was saying. Each time she spoke, her face would light up. There was a musical lilt to her voice that soothed him. He found her enchanting, regardless of the words spewing forth from her. Noting a group of mushrooms, he moved away from Gwen. “Since you have lost, what about my end of the bargain? I believe I can claim something of value.” Patrick froze in his steps. Glancing over his shoulder, he stared at her in disbelief. “Ye wish to claim a reward?” Hope soared within his heart as if the sun’s rays stoked the emotion. Her tongue darted along her lower lip. “Absolutely.” He turned slowly around. “Name your reward.” Tension coiled within his muscles. She approached him in an unhurried fashion. “You might have requested one kiss as your reward, but I’ll take four—the same number of times you skipped the stone over the water.” His heart hammered against his chest. His mind refused to understand the magnitude of her words. “Four?” he uttered in a hoarse voice. “Four,” she affirmed, stepping closer. “Do not keep me waiting.” In one swift move, Patrick crushed her to his chest. Her soft curves were warm against his body. “Start counting, leannán.” She never had a chance to respond as he hungrily covered her mouth with his lips. Buy Links: Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Weave-Highland-Tapestry-Dragon-Knights-ebook/dp/B07Z2ZWQW7/ Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/to-weave-a-highland-tapestry-mary-morgan/1134375461?ean=9781509229079 AppleBooks: https://books.apple.com/us/book/to-weave-a-highland-tapestry/id1483415813?mt=1 Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/to-weave-a-highland-tapestry About the Author:
Award-winning Celtic paranormal and fantasy romance author, Mary Morgan resides in Northern California with her own knight in shining armor. However, during her travels to Scotland, England, and Ireland, she left a part of her soul in one of these countries and vows to return. Mary's passion for books started at an early age along with an overactive imagination. Inspired by her love for history and ancient Celtic mythology, her tales are filled with powerful warriors, brave women, magic, and romance. It wasn't until the closure of Borders Books where Mary worked that she found her true calling by writing romance. Now, the worlds she created in her mind are coming to life within her stories. If you enjoy history, tortured heroes, and a wee bit of magic, then time-travel within the pages of her books. Connect with Mary at these places: WEBSITE/BLOG: https://www.marymorganauthor.com/ TWITTER: http://twitter.com/m_morganauthor FACEBOOK AUTHOR PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/MaryMorganAuthor/ GOODREADS: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8271002.Mary_Morgan AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE: http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Morgan/e/B00KPE3NWI/ PINTEREST: www.pinterest.com/marymorgan50/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/marymorgan2/ BOOKBUB: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mary-morgan LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-morgan-2634a77a/ AUDIBLE AUTHOR PAGE: https://www.audible.com/author/Mary-Morgan/B00KPE3NWI CAPTIVATING QUILL: http://www.thecaptivatingquill.com/Author/Mary-Morgan
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