Christine Young Features Highland Quest

Please welcome B.J. Scott  author of Highland Quest. If you leave a comment, you will be eligible to win a prize.





The author will award 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, and a grand prize of one $50 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter from this tour and her Super Book Blast.

Highland Quest

by B. J. Scott

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BLURB:

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?

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1.What or who inspired you to start writing?

Being a true Gemini and blessed with the gift of gab and the need to tell a story, I come by it naturally ;)  I have always had a fondness for reading and writing, but started to write in earnest about ten years go. I took a few creative writing classes at the local college and the day my teacher wrote on my assignment “Have you ever thought about writing for Harlequin?” I asked myself, was it because she thought my writing was good or too sentimental? She encouraged me to take my love of writing that step further and suggested I submit my manuscripts to publishers.

2.How did you come up with ideas for your books? 


I know it sounds cliché, but they just come to me. I have always loved historical romance and anything to do with Celtic history, especially Scottish so this seemed like a good place to start. I am constantly coming up with new ideas and characters so always have a pen and pad ready to write down the ideas. There are so many stories, just need to find the time to write them.

3.What components are necessary for the genre of this novel?

Researching the time period in which the story takes place is crucial if you want to be taken seriously as a historical romance writer. Readers of this genre tend to be very well versed in the eras and expect accuracy and historical facts peppered into with the story. The hardest part is not to let the history overshadow the romance. You don’t want it to become a history lesson  

4.As far as your writing goes, what are your future plans?

Like many writers my goal is to be able to write full time and give up the day jobs. I am currently working on book three of the Highlander Series and have several other works in progress.

5.If you could be one of the characters from any of your books, who would it be and why?

I love both my heroines for different reasons, but think I would choose Fallon from Highland Quest. She is not only resourceful and a woman of conviction, but she possesses a level of compassion and self-sacrifice that shines through time and time again. The fact she never gives up, no matter how dire the circumstance is something I admire in a person.

6.Do you belong to a critique group? If so how does this help or hinder your writing?

I did belong to two large critique groups but found it difficult to do my share of the critiques and keep up my own writing. I found the wide range of taste and writing experience in the members also made it challenging. I now work with three crit-partners and find this works well. I need extra eyes to go over my work, since a writer often misses what other see, and working with people who have similar goals and critique ethics is great. We offer suggestions and honest opinions but do not try to rewrite the person’s book. Having three amazing, supportive women with teaching/literature/English backgrounds is very helpful too.

7.When did you first decide to submit your work? Please tell us what or who encouraged you to take this big step?

I had been working on manuscripts for couple of years when I met my husband. Things got so busy that I put writing aside for several years and concentrated on our marriage and life together. A couple of years ago the writing bug bit again and I started to jot down my ideas, when my hubby asked what I was doing and read my work, he encouraged me to follow my dream and submit my manuscripts.

8.What is the best and worst advice you ever received? (regarding writing or publishing)

Best Advice: Write…write…write. Never give up and use the rejection notices and constructive criticisms you are bound to get to your advantage.

Worst advice: really all advice can be used to better your understanding of the craft. But assuming once the book is done, the publisher will do all the promo is a misconception. A writer does the lion’s share so needs to be prepared.

9.Do you have any hobbies and does the knowledge you've gained from these carry over into your characters or the plot of your books?

I am a huge history buff and love anything to do with Celtic and Scottish history, Civil war time period, war of 1812 and Native American history, so this naturally carries over into my work. I have spent some time in the museum studies and as a costumed interpreter at a historical village so that helps to get you into character too. I was also involved in war of 1812 and Civil War reenactments.

10.         Do you have an all time favorite book?

As a child, C. S. Lewis sparked my interest in books so The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe will always have a place in my heart. I think I took the book out of the school library at least 10 times when I was in the fourth grade.

11.         Have you started your next project? If so, can you share a little bit about your book?

I am currently working on book three of my series. This book while a stand alone title picks up where Highland Quest leaves off. It features Alasdair Fraser, the oldest brother and least likely of the three to fall in love or take a bride. When he finds a beautiful woman, unconscious on the beach and has no choice but to care for her, his convictions as a sworn bachelor are put to the test.

12.         What is your favorite reality show?

I am drawn to the talent shows like Dancing with the stars, so you think you can dance, the Voice, X factor. Not a fan of the ones that have people stranded on an island or ones like the Bachelor.

13.         Who are your favorite actor and actress?

Can’t honestly say I have a favorite right now. I don’t have much time for TV or movies so am out of the loop in this area.

14.         Anything else you might want to add?

Thanks Christine

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.

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

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/


Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AQKYPU0  

Soul Mate Publishing http://www.soulmatepublishing.com/highland-quest/  

Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/highland-quest-bj-scott/1114002946?ean=2940016110769&isbn=2940016110769

Kobo  http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Highland-Quest/book-3h45k9pPxkaA9JX__x0mRw/page1.html?s=W28tjCmTwESL-eKO_pW68A&r=1

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