Today I’m thrilled to have Dawn Marie Hamilton author of Just Once in a Verra Blue Moon with me in the Blue Rose Writing Room.
So, do you use a pen name/pseudo name? If so, why? If not, why did you decide to write under your own name?
Yes, I use a pen name. It’s my maiden name. Since my books are inspired by Scottish history, Hamilton fits best.
I totally understand that since I write Scottish Regencies and Cameron is Scottish. I even have a character with Hamilton for a surname.
Can you tell us how long you have been writing?
About twelve years. The first story was written before I knew there were rules. LOL. Now I know there are rules and like to break them.
Those darn rules! And all that other stuff we have to know, right?
What’s one thing you absolutely can’t tolerate during your writing? One thing you can’t write without?
Noise. I know a lot of writers write to music. I find it distracting. The words from the song end up on the page and I lose momentum. The storyboard, research material, and inspirational pictures nearby while writing are a must.
I can’t tolerate noise either. The darn air conditioner even distracts me.
What is one place you absolutely want to visit before you die?
At least one more trip to Scotland. And a trip to Ireland. And a trip to France. And…
I’m with you there. I do get to visit Scotland in 2015 and I’ve been to France, though I’d love to go back.
Why did you choose to write in this genre? Have you ever written any other genre? Do you plan on doing so in the future?
I love all things Scottish and enjoy attending Highland games and gatherings so threading Scottish history through my stories seems natural. Fantasy and paranormal elements will always be a big part of the stories. I have an idea for a future Native American paranormal series. Even that will more than likely have a Scottish character or two. Gotta love a Highlander.
Absolutely!
Is there any genre you won’t read? Write? Can you tell us why?
Although my stories are on the spicy side, I don’t like to read erotic, erotica, etc. As to writing, I don’t think I could do justice to a straight contemporary, YA, or NA. History, paranormal and fantasy are my thing.
What historical figure do you wish you could have met?
This is a hard question. There are so many. Any highlander (especially a clan chief) from the 16thcentury, one of Catherine the Great’s Ladies of the Court, A French noble and a peasant before the revolution, a Mayan, and many others.
What are you most afraid of?
Heights. Causes vertigo.
I hate heights!!
Do you have a favorite quote?
“The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it.” ~ Michelangelo
That’s lovely!
Tell us something unusual, quirky, or odd about yourself.
I had an imaginary playmate named Michael when I was four. I didn’t have a play phone so I used the pull chains on the fireplace screen as a telephone. One end went to my ear the other in front of my mouth. I talked to Michael for hours on that make-believe phone.
Okay, now for the quickie questions: Answer in three words or less. Ready? Go!
Favorite Disney Character? Jafar (Aladdin)
Favorite Fruit? figs
Favorite Hero? Finn (Just Once in a Verra Blue Moon)
Favorite Eye Color? blue
Best Vacation Destination? Blue Ridge Mountains
Food you can’t stand? olives
What annoys you? the phrase ‘just saying’
Coffee, tea, or something else? hazelnut coffee
Nightgown or Jammies? t-shirt
Prefer dogs or cats? dogs (sheltie)
A bit about Dawn Marie
Dawn Marie Hamilton dares you to dream. She is a 2013 RWA® Golden Heart® Finalist who pens Scottish-inspired fantasy and paranormal romance. Some of her tales are rife with mischief-making faeries, brownies, and other fae creatures. More tormented souls—shape shifters, vampires, and maybe a zombie or two—stalk across the pages of other stories. She is a member of The Golden Network, Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal, Celtic Hearts, and From the Heart chapters of RWA. When not writing, she’s cooking, gardening, or paddling the local creeks of Southern Maryland with her husband.
The blurb about Just Once in a Verra Blue Moon
What happens when a twenty-first century business executive is expected to fulfill a prophecy given at the birth of a sixteenth-century seer? Of course, he must raise his sword in her defense.
Believing women only want him for his wealth, Finn MacIntyre doesn’t trust any woman to love him. When, during Scottish Highland games, faerie magic sends him back in time to avenge the brutal abduction of his time-traveling cousin, he learns he’s the subject of a fae prophecy.
Elspeth MacLachlan, the beloved clan seer, is betrothed to a man she dislikes and dreams of the man prophesized at her birth, only to find him in the most unexpected place—facedown in the mud.
With the help of fae allies, they must overcome the treachery set to destroy them to claim a love that transcends time.
Enjoy an excerpt from Just Once in a Verra Blue Moon
Elspeth caught her breath. Everywhere Finn touched as they tried to break apart, her skin tingled. When their gazes met, everything else faded away. The world reduced to only the two of them, and his mouth dipped toward hers.
His lips grazed hers and fire blazed through Elspeth to her toes, the moment lasting an eternity. Finn’s tongue pushed between her lips, seeking entrance. Her mind reeled. With little thought, she wrapped her arms around his waist and twirled her tongue around his. Passion. Unlike the minimal pecks she’d received from Alexander, Finn’s fierce kiss conquered, possessed.
She wanted more.
The sound of a throat clearing broke the spell, and Finn’s sinful mouth pulled away, leaving behind a fracture in the foundation of Elspeth’s expectations for the future.
How could she go on as before?
“Let me help you.”
She gazed up through the haze of awakened sensation. Uncle Donald stared at her, a sly gleam in his eyes. He reached a hand down and helped her rise before assisting Finn. Unstable on his feet, Finn leaned on her while her uncle retrieved the walking stick.
She swayed—not from the burden of Finn’s weight, but the desire awakened by their kiss.
Here’s how you can contact Dawn Marie
Thanks again, Dawn Marie, for joining me here today!
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