Vonda Sinclair writes Scottish historical romance. My Fierce Highlander (4.5 stars on 26 reviews) and My Wild Highlander (4.5 stars on 13 reviews) is her newest release. Her favorite indulgent pastime is exploring Scotland, from Edinburgh to the untamed and windblown north coast. She also enjoys creating hot, Highland heroes and spirited lasses to drive them mad. She is a past Golden Heart finalist and Laurie award winner. She lives with her amazing and supportive husband in the mountains of North Carolina where she is no doubt creating another Scottish romance story.
Please tell us about your latest release.
Thanks for allowing me to be here today! My Wild Highlander is my newest release. Lady Angelique Drummagan, a half-Scottish, half-French countess, has suffered much pain and betrayal in her past. She wants nothing to do with the sensual Scottish warrior that the king has ordered her to marry because the rogue could never be a faithful husband, but she has little choice in the matter. Dangerous, greedy enemies threaten her from all sides and she’s in dire need of his protection.
Sir Lachlan MacGrath, known as Seducer of the Highlands, possesses a charming wickedness and canny wit which has earned him much popularity. After the king decrees that he wed the fiery hellion, Lachlan discovers there is one woman who can resist him–Angelique. Can he break through her icy façade and melt her heart, or will the dark secrets lurking in her past not only cost them their future together, but their very lives?
This book follows My Fierce Highlander in the series.
What makes your books different from other Scottish historical romance novels?
My books are probably more fast-paced. I don’t like to read (or write) stories that drag. The characters are the heart of the story, and they also drive the plot forward in interesting ways. I love to bring the historical Scottish setting to life as vividly as possible for the readers. I want them to truly feel they’ve gone back in time.
How do you develop characters?
I look into their backstories to see what has brought them to this point. What have they suffered? What do they still need to heal from? What do they want? I also use archetypes to learn more about my characters.
How do you feel about the research for your Scottish historical romances?
Everything about Scotland is fascinating to me. I love doing hands-on research in Scotland and I’ve visited three times. I managed to rope my husband into going on the last trip and now he loves Scotland as much as I do (maybe.) LOL One interesting thing about Scotland is the weather. It’s so unpredictable and tempestuous. Every time you go outside, you don’t know what will happen. I love surprises like that. Touching ancient castle walls is a special treat, as is sometimes feeling the spirits of those who lived there in the past. It was necessary to walk on the moors and along the coast lines to really be able to describe these things and bring the setting to life.
Are you a plotter or pantser?
I’m a hybrid plotter/pantser but I probably lean more toward the pantser side. I find I have to know before starting what the hero’s and heroine’s goals, motivations and conflicts are. I need a broad overall vision of where the story is going so I’ll know beforehand that it will work out in the end and have a tight, fast-paced plot where everything ties in together. After that bare bones framework, I let my imagination take flight.
What is your family’s view of your writing career?
My husband has always supported and encouraged me in my writing. He believed in me even more than I believed in myself at times. My parents and other relatives are happy about my publishing success.
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy photography, graphic art, hiking, swimming, jewelry making, travel, etc.
Links:
My website: http://www.vondasinclair.com/
Author group blog, Fierce Romance: http://fierceromance.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/VondaSinclair
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/vondasinclair
Click here to buy My Wild Highlander.
Click here to buy My Fierce Highlander.
DBT: Vonda thank you for the wonderful interview. Good luck with your Highlander series.
