What is your next book about and when will it be out?
The Hunter, the seventh book in the Highland Guard series, will be released on June 25, 2013. The best way to be kept up-to-date about future books is to join my mailing list. And of course, all of your information will be kept private.
Want to learn more about the new series? Read All About the Highland Guard!
Will you be writing a story for each member of the Highland Guard?
When I conceived the series, I planned it for between ten to twelve books. Most of the guys will have the stories, but there will be twists, turns, and surprises along the way.
Want to learn more about the new series? Read All About the Highland Guard!
When will you write [fill in the blank]’s story of the Highland Guard?
Wondering who will be next is part of the fun! See above (re surprises!). To avoid spoilers I won’t announce “who’s next” until I have to—in other words until the book is up for pre-sale on Amazon. One of the things I didn’t think about when I decided to use the guys “war names” as titles was that because the book goes up way in advance on Amazon (which is a good thing!) it gives away the hero of the story. This came into play with The Ranger. Originally, I wanted Arthur Campbell’s role in the guard to be much more ambiguous—i.e. is he with them or not? But I ended up re-writing portions of The Chief and The Hawk when it became clear that my “secret” was just going to be confusing. That being said, however, I will keep the secret about who’s the next hero for as long as I can.
Want to learn more about the new series? Read All About the Highland Guard!
Why did Arthur Campbell leave the Highland Guard? Will he be coming back?
Arthur was forced to leave the guard when Bruce decided to plant him as a spy in the enemy camp. Tor MacLeod is the only guardsman who knows the truth in the beginning, but eventually the others are told. You can find out the full story in The Ranger (Arthur’s story).
Want to learn more about the new series? Read All About the Highland Guard!
Do
I need to read your books in order?
No. Although the books are connected, each book stands on its own. That being said, the stories are chronological and some of the earlier characters do appear in the later books.
What is the order of the MacLeod Trilogy?
Highlander Untamed,
Highlander Unmasked,
Highlander Unchained.
What
is the order of the Campbell Trilogy?
Highland Warrior
Highland Outlaw
Highland Scoundrel
What
is the order of the Highland Guard Series?
The Chief
The Hawk
The Ranger
The Viper
The Saint
The Recruit
The Hunter (available June 25, 2012)
Want to learn more about the new series? Read All About the Highland Guard!
How do you get your ideas?
Usually from research. I'll find some interesting historical tidbit and play off of that for the plot. The romance always comes from the characters. Once I figure out "who" they are, I like to devise lots of ways to put them through the wringer.
Will you write about Niall
Lamont and Annie MacGregor?
I sure hope so, but right now I don’t have their story worked out in my head, and I really want to do them justice. The best way to stay informed about future books is to join my mailing list.
How long did it take you to sell?
I had been writing for a little under 4 years before I sold. At the time I'd completed four manuscripts. I ended up selling the first two. The last year before I sold was a whirlwind. I finaled in the 2005 Golden Heart Contest (with my third manuscript) in March, got an agent in early April 2005 (my first agent actually ended up leaving the business a few months later, but two agents in the same agency took me over), and had "the call" in November 2005.
Do I need an agent to sell?
No, but I think your odds improve exponentially if you find one. Some publishing houses (like my publisher Ballantine) won't take unagented submissions.
What is your favorite part of the writing process?
Hmm. This is difficult, but probably the research. It's the point where I feel like the "world is my oyster."
What is your least favorite?
Revisions. Unfortunately, a necessary evil.
Are your book available in audio?
The first three books of the Highland Guard series are available in audio (The Chief, The Hawk, The Ranger) from Recorded Books. I don't have any information on when/if the others in the series will be released. My suggestion would be to contact Recorded Books directly and request them.
The MacLeod and Campbell trilogies will be available on audio from Tantor Audio in Spring 2012. Please check their website for specific release dates.
Unfortunately, I also don't know when/if specific recordings will be made available on itunes or audible. My advice would be to send an email to the publisher (Recorded Books or Tantor) and ask.
When will [fill in the name of the] book be available in [fill in the foreign language]?
I have no idea! My publisher holds my foreign rights, so I have very little information on the details on when and/or if a certain book will be made available in a specific language. My suggestion would be to contact the publisher directly.
If you are a foreign publisher and would like to purchase the translation rights for one of my novels, please contact Random House directly: The Ballantine Foreign Rights Department, 1540 Broadway, New York, NY 10036.
I have a great idea for a story (or a character), can I send it to you?
Please don't! My stories and characters are planned well in advance. In fact, all 12 books of the Highland Guard series have been planned out from day one. I have to be inspired by my own ideas. Emails like this will not be read and will be immediately deleted.
Where do you find the cover models for your books?
My publisher is in charge of the covers (hasn't it done a fabulous job?) and it picks the models for the cover shoots. I keep offering to come along, but sadly Random House has yet to take me up on the offer. I believe Nathan Kamp is the model on the MacLeod trilogy covers, but I don't know who the models are for the others.
Do you have any advice for new writers?
The industry is changing very fast, but I recently wrote a blog on this very subject.
Who are some of your favorite (Scottish) Romance Novelists?
I have so many, but click here for a few of my favorites.