Welcome back to the Visiting Authors Corner, Mary!

What drew you to writing?

Ever since I was a young girl, I’d make up stories in my head. Often times, I was told to stop daydreaming and pay attention. Yet the stories lived inside me—my mind was my playground. I used to keep diaries, which were filled with poems and daily happenings in my young life. In addition, I composed plays for my family and my siblings, and we would perform them in front of our parents. They were usually plays centered around Christmas.

As I grew older, the dream of being a writer faded. It wasn’t until my first trip to Scotland and Ireland that I reconsidered writing again. And the stories began to unfold.

The Order of the Dragon Knights was created in the Highlands of Scotland on a cool summer evening of June 2000. Sitting alone on a large boulder, I was surrounded by the magic and mists of the land, including a few bleating sheep. The Dragon Knights were born that evening. The awakening and sense of a story overwhelmed me, and I can recall vividly these men and some of their tales. I wove my fascination with Celtic mythology, which began years before my first trip, into these epic stories of men who were part Scottish and Fae.

What was your inspiration for TO WEAVE A HIGHLAND TAPESTRY?

In To Weave a Highland Tapestry, I considered it time to give the hero, Patrick MacFhearguis his own “happy ever after.” He’s been a huge 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 made his castle, Leòmhann, as the center of this love story, along with an ancient yew tree.

Do they dare unravel the past for a future of love?

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?

BUY ONLINE: AMAZON ~ AMAZON CA ~ AMAZON UK ~ AMAZON AU ~ B&N ~ APPLEBOOKS

What’s on the horizon for you?

I’m working on the first book in a brand new paranormal/historical series set in thirteenth century 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. Mercenaries, spies, thieves, rogues, and seducers. These men are known as the Wolves of Clan Sutherland. I’ve given you a teaser within To Weave A Highland Tapestry.

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.

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.