New Interview with Marisa Dillon, Author of The Golden Rose of Scotland. **Excerpt - Giveaway**

The Golden Rose of Scotland
Ladies of Lore Series
Book Two
Marisa Dillon
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing
Date of Publication: November 22, 2017
ASIN: B077678SYH
Number of pages: 247
Word Count: 78.955
Cover Artist: Anna Lena-Spies


Romantic Adventures, Not for the Faint of Heart


When poisonings are an everyday occurrence, healer Rosalyn Macpherson must be ready with an antidote. Unless it’s for the English Lord who means to claim her clan’s Highland castle.

What’s in a name? Everything, for Lord Lachlan de Leverton, a charismatic English aristocrat. He’ll break the law to sever his ties to his notorious family. But first, he must secure the deed to Fyvie Castle before the feisty Scottish lass wins it.

Because of their conflicting claims, Rosalyn and Lachlan are ordered to appear in Edinburgh’s royal court, and in an unusual twist of fate, they are assigned as guardians, rather than prisoners, to a caravan carrying the Golden Rose, a papal gift for the King of Scots.

When the royal decree becomes a forced union between the two, it’s not the remedy Rosalyn had hoped for, but by now she doesn’t hate this Englishman quite as much.

Before the knot is tied, the Rose is stolen and Lachlan’s suspected of the crime. Rosalyn then faces the hardest decision yet. Must she sacrifice her precious Philosophers Stone or the land she loves, or both, to save him?

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An Interview with Marisa Dillon

Welcome to JB’s Bookworms with Brandy Mulder
Thanks for having me, Brandy. I’m so happy to meet your readers.

Tell us about your newest book. 

I think the back blurb sets the tone best: When poisonings are an everyday occurrence, healer Rosalyn Macpherson must be ready with an antidote. Unless it’s for the English Lord who means to claim her clan’s Highland castle. 

What’s in a name? Everything, for Lord Lachlan de Leverton, a charismatic English aristocrat. He’ll break the law to sever his ties to his notorious family. But first, he must secure the deed to Fyvie Castle before the feisty Scottish lass wins it.

Because of their conflicting claims, Rosalyn and Lachlan are ordered to appear in Edinburgh’s royal court, and in an unusual twist of fate, they are assigned as guardians, rather than prisoners, to a caravan carrying the Golden Rose, a papal gift for the King of Scots.

When the royal decree becomes a forced union between the two, it’s not the remedy Rosalyn had hoped for, but by now she doesn’t hate this Englishman quite as much.

Before the knot is tied, the Rose is stolen and Lachlan’s suspected of the crime. Rosalyn then faces the hardest decision yet. Must she sacrifice her precious Philosophers Stone or the land she loves, or both, to save him?

Writing isn’t easy. What was the most difficult thing you dealt with when writing your book? Meeting deadlines is the most difficult part of producing a great novel for me. With a full time career as a marketing consultant in the television and digital world, I often have work more than sixty hours a week. When edits for final publication are due, I may have to write well past midnight on a work day to meet the timeline my publisher sets.

Tell us a little bit about your writing career. 

As a marketing professional, I write every day, which helps keep the writing muscles flexible and strong. However, most often I’m restricted to scripts of: 30 seconds or less in length and creative brand strategy messages of 140 characters. Writing a novel of over 70,000 words takes a tremendous about of patience and stamina. But along the way, I’ve learned a number of ways to make my writing time more productive and on point. My dream is to do this full time one day!

They say Hind-sight is 20/20. If you could give advice to the writer you were the first time you sat down to write, what would it be? 

I’m surprised by my answer, but I wouldn’t change a thing about my writing journey so far. Check back with me in a few years and let’s see if I still feel the same way. Ha!

What was your most difficult scene to write? 

Usually, chapters over scenes fall into the difficultly category. I always think the first and last are the most challenging, but the first is critical, or you don’t sell the book.

Are themes a big part of your stories, or not so much? 

The use of themes are discussed at many craft workshops and often writers are encouraged to consider an overarching theme to their stories or to make their locales part of theme. I believe if your overall concept works with theme it’s great, but if it’s forced, that strategy won’t serve the book in the long run.

What are you working on now? 

I’ve outlined both a novella and a third novel for the “Lady of Lore Series.” I’m so excited about these new stories for many reasons, but it’s most rewarding when readers fall in love with your characters and ask that you continue to include their favorites. 

Is there a release date planned? 

The novella will be released sometime this year, but no specific date has been set. It all depends are how quickly I can get the words down and ready for readers.

Who is your favorite character from your own stories, and why? 

Oh, no, Brandy. That’s like asking who my favorite child is. I have two sons, Zach and Jamie, and I could never choose between them. I feel the same about my characters. Perhaps down the road that may change, but for now I can’t possibly pick one.


Most writers were readers as children. What was your favorite book in grade school? 

“Misty of Chincoteague,” by Marguerite Henry. Of course, I tried to talk my parents into buying a horse for me after reading the book. No, that didn’t happen, but they did spring for horseback riding lessons. Hmm…perhaps that’s why there are horses in my books? LOL.

What are your plans for future projects? 

Beyond the “Lady of Lore Series,” I have another series in the works and the first book is called “The Crystal Palace.” I hope to be invited back when I have new releases and will look forward to telling you more about this one.

Is there anything you would like to add before we finish? 

I’d love to invite your readers to check out my video trailer. I have so many talented friends who worked with me to produce it. And this will give them a sense of my humor too.


Good luck with your newest release, and thank you for being with us today. 

It’s been my pleasure.

Keep reading for an excerpt from The Golden Rose of Scotland.

Excerpt

What was Lachlan up to? Why was he toying with her like a wench? For if his aim was to take her virginity, should he dally with all of Scotland waiting?

But just as she was about to protest, his gaze met hers, revealing the passion trapped inside begging to be released. With his other hand, he shoved the remaining silk strap off her shoulder and let the wedding gown fall to her feet. She was totally exposed to her new husband’s whims. Nothing covered her but her own passion.

“You are so beautiful,” he gushed like a lad with a new shiny object. “I would savor you like a feast, but the guests and the king await.” As he held her gaze, he gathered her into his arms and gently laid her back on the bed.

Even though he had every right to take her, and he’d ignited a passion storm inside her, she was not ready to give up her virginity just because a king wanted her to. So when Lachlan turned away from her and began to loosen his belt, Rosalyn swiftly and silently stole his dagger from its sheath.

Now, would she have the courage to use it?

About the Author

With a bachelor’s degree in journalism, Marisa has spent many years writing for the television industry. As an award-winning producer/director/marketer, she has worked on commercial production, show creation, product branding and social media.

Marisa has always enjoyed reading romance novels and now realizes a dream come true, writing page-turning romantic adventures.

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