Exploring the Highlands!
Sometimes those who don’t read romance don’t realize how much work goes into creating the story in those innocuous paperbacks. Even those of us invested in these stories are amazed to discover the level of detail and meticulous care crafting them takes. Here today to share how Highlander romances come to be is Madelyn Hill. Welcome, Madelyn!
How much research do you do and where do you get your information?
Since I write historical romances, I do a lot of research via the internet, books, and interviews. I start with an idea, flesh out where the book will take place, and research a specific clan for my Scottish books. In the Wild Thistle Trilogy, I used the history of female lairds for book 1, Highland Hope. In book 2, Highland Faith, I used historical information for the hero’s background to be his motivation and conflict. In the 3rd book, Highland Honor, the heroine is a healer, so I had to research herbs and roots which grew in the Highlands. I also had to make sure what Honor used to heal was how those herbs and roots were used at the time. Once the research is done, I head over to Pinterest and begin a board for visual inspiration. Before Pinterest, I had binders full of images and research.
Are you a pantser or a plotter? How does that impact your work?
I am definitely a panster! After I do all of the research, I create a page or two at the beginning of the manuscript that has all of the details involving the character’s profile, such as their looks, goals, motivation, conflict, and endearing traits. Of course being a panster, there can be issues along the way. If I am stuck, I revisit my character profiles and Pinterest board to become re-inspired.
Who was your biggest help in writing this story – publisher, cover artist, editor, spouse, child, parent – and why?
My editor, Mary, worked with me on book 2, so she was familiar with the story and very helpful with keeping the book flowing with enough background information from book 1 and 2 that Highland Honor could be a standalone. But why not read the entire trilogy?
Also, my daughter, Giuliana, is an avid reader and a great sounding board for ideas and plots. She reads my stories before they are sent to the editor.
What comes next for you as a writer?
I am working on a new series sent in Regency England. This series features a stalwart heroine who is trying to solve the mystery of her father’s death and stumbles into other murder mysteries. There will be one murder mystery per book and the underlying search for the truth of her father’s death and the ramifications that will have on her life. Of course there is a romance element involving a rich American who happens to weave his way into our heroine’s life.
About Highland Honor –
Lady Honor MacAllister can heal everything but a broken heart . . .
Lady Honor does not believe in marriage. Her father’s death broke her mother’s spirit and took her from her daughters emotionally well before her own death. When Honor is attacked in the forest, she keeps the event to herself, lest her lairds search for the man and strike him down. As a healer, she’ll do anything it takes not to cause harm. Rumors of attacks in the Highlands forces the lairds to increase guards and security measures. When Bryce Calder is assigned to protect Lady Honor, she fights the burgeoning attraction for the man, knowing she’ll never risk her heart to love.
Warrior Bryce Calder trusts no woman. Women only strive to better themselves through cunning, as his father warned throughout his childhood. When he is asked to escort Lady Honor while she gathers healing herbs, he is vexed. Training the men and protecting the clan are his duties, not following the sharp-tongued lass about the wood. With each passing day, Bryce becomes enchanted by Lady Honor, despite his father’s words, but his unworthiness halts any proclamation of his desire.
An unlikely partnership develops during the frequent trips to the forest and work in the apothecary. The walls each has erected to protect their hearts and their future crumbles. Until a stranger arrives at the keep. Lady Honor’s secret is threatened to be revealed putting in jeopardy the growing romance between the ardent healer and the reluctant warrior-suitor.
Find Highland Honor on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CSY4PGY/
About Madelyn –
Madelyn Hill has always loved the written word. From the time she could read and all through her school years, she’d sneak books into her textbooks during school. And she devoured books daily. At the age of 10, she proclaimed she wanted to be a writer. After being a “closet” writer for several years, she sent her manuscripts out there and is now published with Soul Mate Publishing. And she couldn’t be happier!
A resident of Western New York, she moved from one Rochester to another Rochester to be with the love of her life. They are busy with their 3 children and a puppy named Cannoli! They love to cook, go to the movies, and hang out with friends.
Where you can find Madelyn –
- Website: www.madelynhill.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madelyn.hill.94
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorMaddyHill
- Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/madelynhill68
- GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2919194.Madelyn_Hill
- Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.com/Madelyn-Hill/e/B00ELRG34U/
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/authormadelynhill
kathybryson 
My pleasure, Madelyn! I look forward to reading all your Highlander stories!
Thank you for hosting me today!!!