Authors Margaret Mallory & Sue-Ellen Welfonder & a giveaway!
:::: We have a two copies of Chieftain and Seduction of a Highland Warrior to give away. Two winners will each get a copy of each book. How do you enter to win? Just join in the conversation and add a comment. Don’t forget to add your email addy or to check back later this month to see if you won:::
Q & A with Margaret Mallory
Every writer dreams of getting “the call”. What were you doing when yours came? Who got to hear the good news first?
Margaret: I was in a parking lot an hour and a half from home, and I had just come out of an exhausting, all-day workgroup meeting on high risk kids. Before starting my car, I saw that I had a call from my agent and called her back. She told me that Grand Central was offering me a two-book deal. I was dying to tell someone, but I couldn’t reach a soul. I left a screaming message for my husband, then I had to drive through terrible and seemingly endless road construction & rush hour traffic before I could talk to anyone. It was lucky I didn’t get into an accident!
Who gave you the one piece of writing advice that sticks with you to this day?
Margaret: In Stephen King’s book, On Writing, he recommends setting daily page or word-count goals. I’m a slow writer, but I am also extremely goal-oriented, so this has been the very best advice for me. When I’m writing my first draft, in particular, I set daily, weekly, and monthly word-count goals.
What has been your biggest adventure to date?
Margaret: My biggest adventure will probably always be the two years I spent living in West Africa when I was in 7th & 8th grade. My latest big adventure was travelling to Scotland with my daughter to research this series. By the way, I’ve posted photo albums that go with each book on my website. We had an amazing trip, & I’m dying to go back. 
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Q & A With Sue-Ellen Welfonder
Sue-Ellen: It’s so much fun to be here to celebrate Seduction of a Highland Warrior’s release at such a popular romance site. Readers: Romance Junkies sent me a list of questions and it was so hard to pick just three. As I’ve done so many Q&As over the years, often with these questions: (‘why Scottish medievals?,’ ‘what’s the appeal of Highlanders?,’ ‘why do you love Scotland so much?’), I ran with the more unusual questions.
Romance Junkies, thanks for the opportunity to be a bit different today!
RJ: What has been your biggest adventure to date?
Sue-Ellen: Before writing, I worked for the airlines for 23 years. Flying free was a wonderful perk and I took full advantage, spending those years seeing the world, both on duty as a stewardess and through constant private travel. I could note scores of grand adventures that I remember fondly, but one of the wilder trips was backpacking through the whole of Indonesia with a girlfriend. We traveled rough, using only sleeping bags, at times bathing in rivers or ponds in the middle of bamboo forests, we opted for only local transportation, and visited places so remote that our blond hair and blue eyes astonished the locals, and where head-heading was in full swing only fifty years or so before. In fact, in some villages in these more remote areas, we were now and then invited into the ‘shamans’ huts to see their collection of trophy shrunken heads. We also were lucky enough to witness a wedding in Bali (incredible) and several ritual funerals on some of the less-visited islands. A stop at a cave inhabited by millions of bats was a highlight, as was exploring the cliff-side burial caves of Sulawesi which are filled with a jumble of bones and skulls while the cliffs have rows of life-size wooden effigies of the dead guarding the cave entrances. (think Indiana Jones) See here: http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/bizarre/news-macabre-burial-sites-indonesias-torajan-people
RJ: When it comes to food, are you the adventurous type who will try anything once, or do you prefer stick to tried and true foods and recipes?
Sue-Ellen: I love to eat and love to eat everything. There isn’t anything I won’t try. One of my greatest pleasures when I flew and traveled so much was discovering out-of-the-way dining spots, the places frequented by locals and where I could enjoy whatever regional specialties were offered. I still do this when traveling and also collect cookbooks from places I visit so I can try and duplicate foreign foods in my own kitchen. (I love cooking and baking). I’ve enjoyed street vendor fare in Thailand, the most delicious steamed mussels in Bruges (Belgium), escargot and frog legs in the most scrumptious garlic sauce in Alsace-Lorraine (France). A favorite foodie adventure was when a Turkish shopkeeper at Istanbul’s famous bazaar took me to lunch at a tiny, hidden away restaurant where a table was spread to groaning with Turkish specialties, all to be washed down with lots of raki. Indeed, such a luncheon is called a ‘raki table.’ And I love, love, love haggis, which is always my first food indulgence when I’m in Scotland.
RJ: What is your favorite comfort food?
Sue-Ellen: Potato anything. I’m a potato zealot and proud to be one. I love potatoes in any and all variations. I could live on potatoes and be entirely happy. And if I could time travel back to medieval Scotland, potatoes would be the one thing I’d take along. (well, also my dog) Otherwise, forget mascara and email, give me my tatties. A favorite recipe is Stovies, a Scottish specialty made with potatoes, onions, garlic, and leftover roast beef. Here’s a genuine Highland recipe from my blog, Tartan Ink: http://tartaninkblog.wordpress.com/2012/03/05/the-great-stovies-recipe-saga-iii/
Thank you so much for having me here today. It’s been wonderfully fun to chat outside the tartan box for a change. Not that I don’t love Scotland passionately – I do!
Highland Blessings! Sue-Ellen Welfonder
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“Spellbinding! Few writers share Margaret Mallory’s talent for bringing history to vivid, pulsing life.” — New York Times bestselling author Virginia Henley on Knight of Desire
THE CHIEFTAIN by Margaret Mallory
Publisher: Forever Mass Market /$7.99; February 26, 2013
About the Book: In THE CHIEFTAIN, Margaret Mallory pens her last tale in the seductive Scottish series Return of the Highlanders.
Connor, chieftain of the MacDonalds of Sleat, holds the fate of his people in his hands. Rival clans are plotting to take over his lands, and duty determines whom he will fight, trust . . . even marry. Seeking guidance, Connor turns to Ilysa,
a young lass with the gift of foresight, who reveals an approaching danger-and a passion that burns only for him. But the warrior must make a powerful marriage alliance, and Ilysa’s bloodline is far too humble.
With her powers to heal and see evil where others cannot, beautiful Ilysa dresses plainly, speaks softly, and loves her chieftain from afar. Yet when Connor finally stokes the embers of desire that have so long burned within her, Ilysa feels bliss unlike any she’s ever known. Now as he is forced to place duty before happiness, Ilysa senses Connor is in grave peril. Can she find a way to prove she is the woman he needs by his side?
About Margaret Mallory
Margaret Mallory abandoned a career as a lawyer to become a romance novelist. Why this surprised everyone, she doesn’t know. Who wouldn’t rather have thrilling adventures with handsome Highlanders than write briefs and memos? Margaret lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her husband, a goofy dog, and a crabby cat. With her children off to college, she spends most of her time working on her next book in The Return of the Highlanders series. Margaret loves to hear from readers.
www.MargaretMallory.com/ www.facebook.com/margaretmallory.author / @margaretmallory
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“Few writers can bring history to life like Sue-Ellen Welfonder! For anyone who loves historical fiction, the books in the Highland Warriors trilogy are a true treasure.” – New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Heather Graham
SEDUCTION OF A HIGHLAND WARRIOR
By Sue-Ellen Welfonder
Publisher: Forever Mass Market /$7.99; January 29, 2013
About the Book: In SEDUCTION O F A HIGHLAND WARRIOR, Sue-Ellen Welfonder delivers the stunning conclusion to her sensual Highland Warriors trilogy.
At the King’s request, chieftain Alasdair MacDonald has sworn to preserve the peace in the Glen of Many Legends. Though he’s handsome and fearless, his warrior’s heart belongs only to his beloved land—until the fair sister of
his oldest enemy shatters his defenses, branding his skin with a single touch, and sealing his fate with one stolen kiss…
Lady Marjory Mackintosh will do anything to unite the warring clans, even seduce Alasdair Macdonald. She has loved the rugged Highlander since she first saw him and now, as temptation leads to surrender, Marjory dares to possess him, body and soul. But a dangerous new menace enters the Glen, and he will stop at nothing to strip Alasdair of his honor—and the only woman who can claim his heart.
About Sue-Ellen Welfonder
Sue-Ellen Welfonder is a Scotophile whose burning wish to make frequent trips to the land of her dreams led her to a twenty-year career with the airlines. Now a full-time writer, she’s quick to admit that she much prefers wielding a pen to pushing tea and coffee. She makes annual visits to Scotland, insisting they are a necessity, as each trip gives her inspiration for new books. In addition to Scotland, her greatest passions are medieval history, the paranormal, and dogs. She never watches television, loves haggis, and writes at a 450-year-old desk that once stood in a Bavarian castle. Sue-Ellen is married and currently resides with her husband and Jack Russell terrier in Florida.
www.welfonder.com /https://www.facebook.com/Sue-Ellen-Welfonder /Twitter: @se_welfonder
February 16th, 2013 at 12:03 pm
Thanks so much for participating in our blog tour! It’s been fun doing this with Sue-Ellen.
While I’m here, I also want to thank you for your recent review of my last release, THE WARRIOR (THE RETURN OF THE HIGHLANDERS). http://romancejunkiesreviews.com/artman/publish/historical/RH_The_Warrior.shtml. That review is one of my all-time favorites & is up on my frig.
I hope readers (& your reviewer) enjoy THE CHIEFTAIN. While this is the 4th & final book in the series, I write all my books so that they can be read independently as stand alone books. I do think, however, that readers enjoy them a bit when they read them in order.
Thanks again for the feature!
Margaret
February 16th, 2013 at 12:47 pm
I just love hot Scots in kilts and their big swords *snicker*.
February 16th, 2013 at 6:23 pm
Very nice interview. I like highlanders.
bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com
February 16th, 2013 at 6:23 pm
Both of these are excellent authors. I hope I win.
debby236 at hotmail dot com
February 16th, 2013 at 7:39 pm
Love the recipe! Both books sound great.
skye4774 AT yahoo DOT com
February 16th, 2013 at 7:54 pm
Thank you so much for such a fabulous feature! And thank you again for the great list of questions. It is late here and I only now realized this was posted. I will mention it on my blog, Tartan Ink, so my readers know.
Thank you again! This is a great way to wind down the blog tour.
February 16th, 2013 at 9:02 pm
I have previous books by both of these authors and love their writing — well, ANYTHING that features a Scot in a kilt.!!
If you haven’t visited Sue-Ellen’s web site — it is a MUST SEE.!! The photos from her many travels will transport you vicariously to foreign places.
since I have some of the previous books in the series from both of these authors, I would be over-the-moon to win this.!!!!
February 16th, 2013 at 9:04 pm
[...] Romance Junkies [...]
February 16th, 2013 at 9:10 pm
I really enjoyed the interviews. I enjoy reading books from both of these wonderful authors.
kscathyATyahooDOTcom
February 16th, 2013 at 9:18 pm
No wonder you write such fascinating stories since you have had some amazing life adventures. Being taken to different worlds is the best part of reading. I am so looking forward to reading both stories!!
catslady5@aol.com
February 16th, 2013 at 9:24 pm
I have really enjoyed this book tour blog. I have learned a lot about both authors and can hardly wait to read their newest releases. Both of them had interesting careers before turning to writing; indeed many authors seem to have had also. Now as I read their books, the characters will come more alive to me! Don’t think I could be quite as adventurous as Sue-Ellen though even though I’ve done my share of camping from little on up.
February 16th, 2013 at 9:33 pm
First , please don’t enter me as I already own both books, loved them both too. Wow such grand adventures.
Z
February 16th, 2013 at 10:12 pm
Great questions. I know what you mean Margaret about having big news and no one to tell. I’m glad you got home safe!
Sue-Ellen you are so much braver and more adventurous than me. I’ll taste just about anything but I do have lines I won’t cross, lol. And your adventure in Indonesia is way beyond me. My biggest adventure before I was married was hiking Mt. Rainier with the Girl Scouts. After that my family and I ended up at a resort in Mexico that Hurricane Emily blew through. THAT WAS AN ADVENTURE!
February 16th, 2013 at 10:41 pm
I am so glad that Margaret did not have an accident on her way home after getting her ‘call’. I am also happy that she gave up the ‘court room’ for the ‘author’s room’. Sue=Ellen I have traveled rough a little but nothing like your Indonesia trip. That really sounds like a 16th C Highland adventure except, I think I would have a laddie with me….. Thank you to both authors for this neat blog tour and to Romance Junkie for this give away. I hope I am the lucky one… Helen in Ark.
February 16th, 2013 at 10:59 pm
I have loved visiting the stops along the way on this tour and one thing that stands out are that the questions for the authors have been so original.
Margaret, I could feel the excitement of that first call through your words. I imagine you were beside yourself with joy and having to hold it all in…..I would have rolled the window down in the rush traffic and screamed it to everyone I passed, LOL!
Sue-Ellen, your travels and experiences just amaze me. What wonders you have seen to carry with you through life! That link awed me. It’s so interesting to see how other cultures live.
Please don’t enter me for I own both these books. Top on my list of favorites!
February 16th, 2013 at 11:17 pm
Such wonderful comments! Thank you all for stopping by.
Margaret
February 17th, 2013 at 6:18 am
Sue Ellen, I love that your adventures in life have the same excitement and passion as do your stories. What an exciting life.
But, I now it means new Highlanders will be on their way and I can’t wait to meet them. Thanks for interviews and posts.
Ladies, this has been a great Tour and I hate that both f your series have come to an end.
Carol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
February 17th, 2013 at 6:58 am
I just copied down the recipe for Stovies – thanks, Sue-Ellen – looks yummy! (big potato lover here, too!)
~Lindy
aromagik@yahoo.com
February 17th, 2013 at 7:27 am
Good interview questions. Sue-Ellen, thanks for another peak into that backpacking adventure.
Sue-Ellen and Margaret it has been fun tagging along with on the tour.
Please do not enter me in the drawing as I am Sue-Ellen’s blog partner.
February 17th, 2013 at 10:34 am
I have all of both of you gal’s previous books and love anything Scottish. I would like very much to be a winner of your new books. Because of all the snow and icy roads I have not been out to buy them yet. I hope you both will keep writing about handsome highlanders and their love of strong women.
February 17th, 2013 at 10:47 am
Gotta love those Scottish men and their kilts! Happy blog tour ladies! Enjoyed reading the Q&A! Thanks for sharing!
greenshamrock AT cox DOT net
February 17th, 2013 at 10:56 am
I love the blog tour and the interviews that are posted on each of the blog stop. I also love the sneak peek of the Chieftain and the previous books. I also love your travel posts.
Thanks for the giveaway.
kmccandle(at)yahoo(dot)com
February 17th, 2013 at 11:57 am
A couple of you noted that this is THE CHIEFTAIN is the last book in THE RETURN OF THE HIGHLANDERS series. I’m working on a new Scottish historical series, THE DOUGLAS LEGACY, set a few years later. If you want to receive the news when the first book is available, you can sign up for my newsletter from my website, http://www.MargaretMallory.com. I’m active on Facebook & Twitter–links are on my website–and will also post the news there.
Thanks again for all the great comments and a big thank you to RJ for having us!
Margaret
February 17th, 2013 at 12:24 pm
Great interview! It was interesting reading about your adventures, since that’s where you both take us–the readers–in your books. Thank you for sweeping us away within the pages of your stories.
February 17th, 2013 at 3:06 pm
I like to read both of these authors so would welcome a copy of these books
February 17th, 2013 at 5:19 pm
Medieval Highland romances are my favorite. There is something special about the time, the place, and the people. Margaret Mallory and Sue-Ellen Welfonder are two of the wonderful authors writing stories to bring us back in time to share these couples adventures on their way to an HEA.
Thanks for hosting this book tour. I hope those who have not yet read anything by these two authors will give them a try. They will be happy they did.
February 17th, 2013 at 6:04 pm
Forgot to leave my email address:
librarypat AT comcast DOT net
February 18th, 2013 at 5:22 pm
My favorite part was learning about your adventure. That must have been exciting and perhaps a bit scary seeing the trophy shrunken heads!
Cambonified[at]yahoo[dot]com
February 18th, 2013 at 8:36 pm
enjoyed the interview
both books sound enjoyable (have part of Ms Mallory’s series already, so this one is already on the wish list).
pagalatheart – at- yahoo – dot- com
February 18th, 2013 at 9:01 pm
I love series about Highlanders – these two look wonderful – can’t wait to read them!
sallans d at yahoo dot com
February 19th, 2013 at 11:12 am
I am a big fan of Highlander stories, and both of these books are already on my TBB list!
castings at mindspring dot com
February 19th, 2013 at 4:34 pm
Love reading both these series. Great interview, love to be able to travel as you ladies do. Love escargot and froglegs, and those stovies sound good, too, but Sue Ellen can keep the haggis, lol.
February 23rd, 2013 at 3:27 am
They both look like exciting stories and Scotland is such a great setting that I have never had the opportunity to visit but do enjoy seeing it in stories.
March 18th, 2013 at 11:31 am
Congrats
Winner1# 9 Cathy P Says:
Winner2: # 7 Ruth C.
You won!
Please send your contact info to chaoscat @ romance junkies.com
Thanks everyone for stopping by and joining in!
March 18th, 2013 at 1:22 pm
I have enjoyed visiting Scotland three different times and fall in love with it all over again. I think I have at least a thousand Scottish romance novels on my book shelves and on my Kindle. I would love to win these two books to add to mine.
March 18th, 2013 at 4:21 pm
Congratulations, Cathy and Ruth!