Writing "Highlander" Romances in the 21st Century... a Guest Post by Historical Romance Author Paula Quinn

A Guest Post by Romance Author Paula Quinn...

Today I want to welcome guest author Paula Quinn! She's the lovely lady whose book Ravished by a Highlander I just turned the last page on and was totally swept away by. If you love romance with a good Highlander and Historical Romance, you'll want to put Paula Quinn on your reading list... And that's what Paula is guest posting about today- how she writes those wonderful "Highlander" romances...

Writing "Highlander" romances in the 21st century, where Paula gets her stories and how she keeps them fresh...

It isn’t difficult for me to write Highlander romances in the 21st century because I don’t always live in the 21st century. One of my passions is the past. Give me a time machine and I’m outta here—at least, until I need an Advil. Not everyone would prefer to live a few centuries ago, but the Highlands and Scotland are synonymous with romance. It’s the whole wind-swept moors, rugged guy in a plaid who knows how to handle a big sword thing. The fact that these men no longer exist makes them more interesting to create—or read about.

I don’t usually start out with an idea of a story line/plot, but rather with a character. They always come to me first. People are what make history exciting. Once I know my hero or heroine’s goals and desires, I can build around it. Rob MacGregor came to me long before I began writing my latest release, Ravished By A Highlander. He was immediately dominant, taking full charge of my ideas and showing me the path he was meant to take. Some scenes weren’t going to fly, which upset my pragmatic, obstinate alpha male, but I’m the boss of him no matter how big his Claymore Still, I never plan how a story is going to proceed unless I have to do a proposal—which I dislike. Every scene has the potential to change the flow of the tale. I prefer to let my characters lead the way and I’ll polish up as we go.

Keeping my stories fresh can be a bit of a challenge. After all, there are millions of romances out there. How many different ways are there to fall in love? But I think that as an historical romance author I have a tiny advantage. Because my stories take place in the past, the possibilities are endless. I mean, I have eighteen centuries to choose from, each with a very unique flavor. In my new Children of the Mist series, the action begins in 17th century Scotland during the Stuart reign and will end with William of Orange taking the throne. I love the political intrigue surrounding the period, the social and religious unrest that give the tale more depth and pull the best, or the worst from a hero or heroine. Drop any character into a tumultuous era, test his loyalties, and watch him come alive. Give him and his lady an almost impossible obstacle to overcome before falling in love and a little free reign to do it, and the story will come to life around them.

I want to thank Paula for stopping by and sharing her insights into her historical romance writing today! It's so interesting to actually get a glimpse of the writing process and the history that motivates an author. Now about her latest novel Ravished by a Highlander...

Davina Montgomery is no ordinary English lady. For her own protection, she's been locked away from society, her true identity the Crown's most closely guarded secret. Until a shocking betrayal--and a bold rescue--land her in the arms of a fierce Highlander, a powerful warrior whose searing gaze and tantalizing touch awaken her body and soul.

As the firstborn son of a powerful Scottish laird, Robert MacGregor has no loyalty to the English throne, but he's not the kind of man to leave a woman in distress, even if she is English. He vows to deliver Davina to safety, unharmed and untouched. Yet one stolen kiss leaves them both smoldering with desire...and desperate for more. With Davina's secret threatening to destroy his clan, Rob must choose between everything he holds dear and the one woman he can't live without.

Ravished by a Highlander was HOT, fun and full of wonderful characters! Stop back this week to read my review of Paula Quinn's latest novel, Ravished by a Highlander, and there will be a GIVEAWAY too!