Ask any historical romance author if they believe their history is accurate, and you are likely to see the hackles go up, just like a bird. Why? Because we all do our best to be historically accurate, but sometimes it’s difficult. It’s even more difficult if you write in a time period that has little written about it.

The time period of both of my Scottish series is the 1200s. I have had two different historians with advanced degrees in medieval history tell me I chose an excellent time period to write about because there is so little written about Scotland in the 1200s. There was a bit about the Battle of Largs, the setting for Love Letters from Largs, and I loved writing about that battle. But now that I have advanced to the 1280s for The Highland Clan, the only thing worth mentioning is that King Alexander III died in 1286. I’m not quite sure how I’ll deal with that yet.

Two of my favorite historians have also advised many that if you plan to be completely accurate, you’ll never get around to writing your novel.

The Grant and Ramsay Clans are completely fictional, but I do stick with the primary historical figures, such as King Alexander and Alexander of Dundonald. The heroes/heroines….all created in my mind.

The point I wish to make is this: this is historical romance and it’s fiction. As authors, we choose what is accurate and what is not. We each create our own world based on history and what the readers want to hear.

What???How could you say that?

We each choose which parts of history we wish to keep and which parts we change because….that’s what you, the readers, want to hear. Do you expect your Highlander to be wearing a kilt? Of course, you do. Don’t we all?

So you are still not a believer, I see. You still believe that every book of historical fiction MUST be accurate.

Here’s a few things I’d like to point out that my historians have informed me about the Scottish Highlands we all know and love:

1. There were no lairds in the 1200s, only chieftains.
2. The Highlands were not called the Highlands then.
3. Lowlander Scots talk (bairn, ye, yer, ken, dinnae etc.) was not spoken in the Highlands until much later than the 1200s. This is major for me. My clans are Gaelic, and I cannot write my books in Gaelic (nor could you read it), but the surprise to me was that the traditional dialect we are all accustomed to reading in our Scottish historical romances has no place in my novels. The Lowlander Scots had not spread north yet.
4. They did not wear kilts in the 1200s. They were not called kilts until the 1500s. So I refer to them as plaids (blankets). One reader advised me they are tartans. Only in today’s world, not in the 1200s, my dear.

I could go on, but I won’t. It’s important for you, the reader, to understand two things:

1. Just because you read something in one Scottish romance does not mean it is correct for all Scottish romances. What took place in Outlander time is much different from Medieval time.
2. We, the author, each create our own world, much as the fantasy authors do. So you accept it, but remember-it may not always be true. 😉

This is such a great topic, I’ll write more later…I’ve given you enough to think about today!

Keira

I knew Jake’s story would be special. I mean, look how the poor lad came into the world. His mother had a dagger at her throat while she was going through the trials of childbirth, the madman threatened to kill her and her twin babies, but she fought through it all. After the fool’s death, Alex did the unthinkable and sat behind her on the bed to help her deliver the two bairns. Why? He just couldn’t leave her after seeing her with a dagger at her throat. 

John Alexander Grant was born. James Alexander Grant came shortly after. 

Here’s why I enjoyed telling Jake’s story:

1. We had to learn how Jake and Jamie were disciplined. 
2. How did Alex teach his sons to respect women?
3. We had to peek at Alex and Maddie’s relationship two decades later. Do you think it was still as strong? 
4. Jake had to deal with being the son of the famous laird of the Highlands that wore the golden helm at The Battle of Largs. Could he measure up? 
5. You’ll find out if Alex still spends his time in the parapets. 
6. Has Alex ever been able to stop his loud voice around his dear wife when he gets upset?

You’ll find out the answer to all these questions sometime in the first two weeks of June. I’ll aim for the first week, but we’ll see!

On to Ashlyn’s story…

Keira

 

So I see two types of reviews on Lily. I appreciate all those who have posted a review because they adored Lily. You are my motivation!

I also appreciate those that posted reviews saying they are disappointed with Lily. Various reasons  pop up but the most common complaint is just …Lily. 

First, let me tell you that she’s not autistic, developmentally delayed, mentally challenged, or a spoiled brat. 

What is she? Well, apparently I didn’t tell her story well, because what she is to me is a lass that has been loved and cherished by a clan, the chieftain’s daughter, the clan’s pride and joy, the child who everyone loved. She’s light-hearted, a dreamer, and always positive. 

So what happened to her? 

For the first time in her life, she met the person that didn’t love her (or so he said), and she couldn’t handle it. 

Could you? If everyone treated you like a princess, could you handle the one that didn’t treat you that way being the one you love? Do you recall the times when you had crushes, the times when boys whispered about girls? There is a time when everything in your life is wonderful, until you meet that one boy who not only turns you down, he insults you in front of everyone, just as Kyle did.

How could you ever hold your head high again? 

I’d like to tell you a couple of secrets. 

Secret #1. I thought this was my best work ever. 

WHAT??? 

Wait…you say…I just read a review saying it’s not your best, and another said it’s your worst…how could that be?

That’s right. When I sent this to my editor, I thought Lily was my best character ever. My editor did not disagree with me, nor did she think I’d made Lily too immature. None of my beta readers or proofreaders complained either. 

Secret #2. I had more fun writing this book than any other novel. I wanted to make you laugh, cry with tears of joy, and chuckle aloud over the antics of an endearing lass that was suddenly lost. 

Instead, many of you became so upset that you sent me emails, Facebook messages, and contacted me through my web page. 

At first, I took it pretty hard. I did tell you I thought it was my best work ever, didn’t I? I’ve had bad reviews before, but usually I know why. I know when there’s too much abuse, the faeries are far-fetched, the wolves are pushing it. 

But Lily? I had no idea. I was blindsided. And I still love Lily.

Fortunately, I’ve always said I have the best readers, but now I’ll say it even louder. Why? 

Because for those of you that didn’t like this book, you still say you’ll read my next book about Jake. 

How great is that? What more could a writer ask for? 

So thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for staying with me. 

And on the advice of my son-in-law who said something like this, “Well, (famous comedian) tried to star in a drama and bombed. Just write what you’re good at.”

So I promise never to write a humorous, light-hearted book again. I guess humor isn’t my strength. 

But I won’t change Lily. She’s my Lily.

Keira

After a reader requested the family tree for the Grants and Ramsays, I decided to post the list here. I’m hoping when I hire my assistant for the summer again that maybe she can actually do a family TREE. It is not in my skill set to do a tree on my computer so until then, you’ll have to settle with list form. I will also post a new page under Scottish for the Family Tree. 

The Grants and Ramsays in 1280.

Grants

1. Laird Alexander Grant, and wife, Maddie (Book #1 of Clan Grant)
   1. Twin lads-James (Jamie) and John (Jake)
   2. Kyla
   3. Connor
   4. Elizabeth

2. Brenna Grant and husband, Quade Ramsay (Book #2 of Clan Grant)
   1. Torrian (Quade’s son from first marriage) and Heather- daughter, Nellie, son (Book Two of Highland Clan)
   2. Lily (Quade’s daughter from first marriage) and Kyle (Book Three of Highland Clan)
   3. Bethia
   4. Gregor
   5. Jennet

3. Robbie Grant and wife, Caralyn (Book #4 of Clan Grant)
   1. Ashlyn (Caralyn’s daughter from a previous relationship)
   2. Gracie (Caralyn’s daughter from a previous relationship)
   3. Rodric (Roddy)
   4. Padraig

4. Brodie Grant and wife, Celestina (Book #3 of Clan Grant)
   1. Loki (adopted) and Arabella- son, Lucas (Book One of Highland Clan)
   2. Braden
   3. Catriona
   4. Alison

5. Jennie Grant and husband, Aedan Cameron(Book #7 of Clan Grant)
   1.    Riley
   2.    Tara
   3.    Brin

 

Ramsays

1. Quade Ramsay and wife, Brenna Grant (see above)

2. Logan Ramsay and wife, Gwyneth (Book #5 of Clan Grant)
   1. Molly (adopted)
   2. Maggie (adopted)
   3. Sorcha
   4. Gavin
   5. Brigid

3. Micheil Ramsay and wife, Diana (Book #6 of Clan Grant)
   1. David
   2. Daniel

4. Avelina Ramsay and Drew Menzie(Book #8 of Clan Grant)
   1. Elyse
   2. Tad
   3. Tomag
   4. Maitland

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m thrilled to say that 2015 brought me two beautiful granddaughters. How blessed I am. So what’s coming for 2016?
Well, here’s part of my plan:

1. Torrian- The Highland Clan Book Two-will be released early February.
2. Lily’s story is next. I’m hoping for release day in early April
3. Jake’s story-hopefully in June
4. A new Summerhill story- Lauren’s story. I don’t have a projected release date, but I’m hoping to release by summer.
5. Another Summerhill story for the second half of the year, though not sure who yet. It could be Mallory or Spencer. We’ll see!
6. Another Highland Clan story, but not sure which one yet. I have Ashlyn’s story plotted out, but it could be Jamie’s story or Gracie or Molly or….you see my dilemma.

So that’s SIX novels for the next year. I’d love to release another novella. I still have plans for a St. James novella- Graham’s story. Maybe later this year? I’ll try my best!

What else?
7. I’ll be attending RWA in San Diego, Ca., and hopefully will be able to join in the book signing there. Come visit!
8. I’m hoping to do a couple of other book signings this year over the summer, no locations chosen yet.

And many more giveaways!!

And I’m sure there’s even more. Can’t wait to see!

Happy Reading! 

Keira 

My two new granddaughters will arrive sometime this month, so I just wanted to warn you that if I disappear for a few days, I’m in the hospital with my daughter. I’ll be at her house for a couple of weeks, as I’m sure she could use a hand with TWO newborns. 

So I may skip a couple of Scottish Saturdays, or I may not post much on Facebook. Do not despair, I’ll be back. I’m still planning to write 6 books next year, so not much has changed, but I will be taking two weeks off for family and holidays. 

Lovely and talented Ashley will still be at Keira’s Highland Clan and will keep you updated. 

But I’ve checked much off my list in the last two weeks:

1. Released Loki-YAY!
2. Finished proofing Highland Harmony audio which will be available mid-month. Keep checking at Amazon and Audible. 
3. Submitted Loki for audio. Will probably be available early March. 
4. ALMOST finished Torrian’s story, but I’m still working on it. 
5. Finished my plotline and character arcs for Lauren Grant for #3 in The Summerhill Series.

As you can see, I’m keeping busy! But I can’t wait to see my first grandbabies. 

Happy Holidays!

Keira 

One of the things I notice when I talk with readers who love Highlanders is that they often don’t know the classics. So I’m going to do a giveaway once a week to entice readers to try some of the older novels. There are so many! I have many favorites that are keepers, and I hope to introduce some new ones to you. 

Every Saturday I’ll post the name of a book on my Facebook page along with a question, and to enter, you just have to post your answer. On Sunday, I’ll randomly select a winner. 

Good luck! 

The first week’s book is actually two-The Pride of Lions and The Blood of Roses by Marsha Canham. 

I love Alex and Catherine so much that I named my first hero Alex (as you know). 

Here’s the story from Amazon: 

Forced into an unwanted marriage by a reckless game of chance, how was the spoiled and pampered Catherine Augustine Ashbrooke to know the handsome stranger with the brooding midnight eyes would make her the pawn in a dangerous game of his own?

Alexander Cameron may have won the highborn English beauty in a duel, but not even the lure of long-forgotten desires could keep him from his meeting with destiny. He had no choice but to carry his reluctant bride off to the Highlands, to a world of ancient blood feuds and a brewing rebellion–a world where fiery passion and breathtaking courage would prove that even legendary warriors could lose their hearts.

This novel does have quite a bit of history in it, but I loved it. This is also the only novel that caused me to throw the book across the room because I was so mad at the author. Oh, but she got me good! See if you can guess which part in the second novel upset me so. This isn’t normally the trope I like because they both start out hating each other, but oh, how their love does grow. 

If you’re still interested, then answer this question on my Facebook page. 

What makes a hero special?

Lots of things happening soon and I’m excited!

1. LOKI – Book one of my new series, The Highland Clan, will be out by the first week in December which is almost here! That means a newsletter and prizes!
2. RESCUED BY A HIGHLANDER-2nd Edition will be out sometime in December. I know I said I would not rewrite it, but after seeing my worst reviews on the National Library site, I decided it was time to fix it. I’ll write a separate blog post when I do release it. Just know I’ve been working with my current editor to rewrite, mostly to cut out my repetitiveness (the teacher in me can’t help it) and to tame the overall flavor of it. I love Maddie and Alex too  much and want their story told in the best light possible.
3. I’m currently working on TORRIAN’s story.
4. Ashley Reader Granger will be starting a Facebook Group titled Keira’s Highland Clan. Lots of giveaways for this!
5. I hope to release and bundle the first four books in the series with the updated second edition of Rescued by a Highlander.
6. I’m going to Charleston for a lovely family Thanksgiving! My daughter-in-law is a great cook!
7. Let’s not forget I have two wee grandchildren coming by January 10th, our first grandbabies (which is why TORRIAN’s story must go to my editor by mid December). 
8. Christmas holidays in my house! Yay!

It will be a great two months!!!

Oh my goodness! Finally typed THE END to Loki’s story yesterday, and did he challenge me! I chose the name Loki because it means wee “trickster,” and I can’t argue. Truth is, telling his story pulled me in so many ways, I had to ask him to PLEASE calm down. Loki, I’ll tell your story…all of it…but you have to be patient.

He’s not. But I think you all knew that about him already.

I even had friends stop in while I was in the last chapter, and they looked at me as if I were half crazed…Loki nearly did make me feel that way. And, yes, he did make me cry, too. 

But all was told as he asked by the end, and that’s what is most important. It was a difficult story to tell because it is the start of my new series, but I am happy with it. The lad has quite a history. 

But I think you knew that, too.

So I sent Loki’s story off to my editor. It will be probably be the first of December before it reaches your hands, though I’d love to have it ready for Thanksgiving. We’ll see!

Happy reading!

Keira

No, no, no…never say never. Yes, I said Avelina’s story was the last for a few reasons:

1. There were 4 Ramsays and 5 Grants= 9 stories except Brenna Grant married Quade Ramsay….so 9-1=8.  (from the former math teacher)
2. I wanted to progress to the bairns’ stories quickly. So I’m moving ahead only 13 years to the year 1280 for Loki’s story. Trust me, there are so many more stories with the Siol (descendants) a wee bit older.  If I didn’t “end” the Clan Grant, you may not have been willing to try the Siol series.
3. I never say never…someday, someone will appear in the next series, and I’ll want to go back and tell their story. 
4. I can picture novellas for the Clan Grant. Maybe a holiday novella, or imagine when the four lads (Gregor, Gavin, Roddy, and Braden) are all ten and their sister is trying to date a lad. Or maybe Jamie and Jake have some issues in their teen years. Oh, there are so many more possibilities…
5. I could tell the love story of either set of parents-Ramsays or Grants. 

As you can see, it isn’t really the end yet…just time for a wee break. 🙂

Thanks so much for reading about our clan. 

Keira