Interview with Celtic paranormal romance author Mary Morgan

Novelist Mary Morgan is here today and we’re chatting about her new time-travelling Scottish paranormal romance, To Weave a Highland Tapestry.

During her virtual book tour, Mary will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble gift card to a lucky randomly drawn winner. To be entered for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit her other tour stops and enter there, too!

Bio:

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.

Welcome, Mary. Please share a little bit about your current release.
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?

What inspired you to write this book?

I felt it was time to give the hero, Patrick MacFhearguis his own “happy ever after.” He’s been a secondary character since my first book and series, Dragon Knight’s Sword, Order of the Dragon Knights. I sensed he was brooding at his home in Scotland. What he needed was a wife and a purpose. In truth, he has been a favorite of mine since he stepped into the first story. I wove his castle, Leòmhann, as the center of this love story, along with an ancient yew tree.


Excerpt from To Weave a Highland Tapestry:

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.

What exciting story are you working on next?
I’m working on the first book in a brand new series called, The Wolves of Clan Sutherland. I’ve returned home to medieval Scotland and the Orkney Islands. It’s a blend of Norse and Celtic mythology. These men are the elite guard for King William, “The Lion” of Scotland.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I’ve been writing stories since I was a young child—from daily happenings and poems in diaries, to plays for my siblings to perform for our parents.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?

I’m a full-time writer. My day begins at 5:00am. I grab a cup (or two) of coffee and for the next 2-3 hours I tackle the emails and marketing. When I’m done, it’s either a bike ride or walk. After lunch, I retreat to my writing cave and work on the current story until late afternoon. I’ll end my work day checking on emails one last time and then call it a “wrap” for the day.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I have to take three deep cleansing breaths before I start writing. If I don’t do this little quirk of mine before I start, the writing doesn’t seem to flow.

I always begin each story with a brand new leather journal. It has become a tradition to find the one that feels right. This is where I put all the pertinent character(s) information, settings, and any plot ideas. It’s also a form of reference material and word count. I start with a basic outline, but my characters always take me in another direction. I might begin as the “captain at the wheel,” but in the end, the characters are the ones guiding the tale.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be an astronaut or a ballerina. Of course, neither came to fruition.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

Only that I feel incredibly blessed to be doing this amazing job of “storytelling.” I get to play every day with my characters in their world.

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