WINNERS of the Blog Hop tour!

Thank you all so very much for stopping by my blog during the blog hop! I loved all your comments and really appreciate your interest in my books. Believe me, I write them from the heart and so hope to entertain you.

Congratulations to:

Kristin Van Dyken
cheralyn

Please email me at karagrif66 @ comcast.net (without spaces) and let me know which book you'd like. I do have various formats, so if you have a preference, let me know.

Fondly,
Kara Griffin

If the Voice Fits

I often think I was born during the wrong era. I mean, why else would I be so fascinated with the past? As a history major, professor and all around geek, I’ve been sucked in by various eras. First, it was Vietnam, then Nazi Germany, followed by Romanov Russia and the American Civil War. Yet, when I first started writing, I didn’t write historical.
That didn’t last very long.

Oh, I had a decent voice for contemporary and paranormal, but when I started writing historical romance something special happened. I lost myself in the writing and the research. It was like watching a wonderful movie every time I sat down and entered that world—a world where I could inject an untold story into what people believed they already knew.

History is written from the point of view of the victors, for the most part. Who are the victors? Different peoples across different centuries, but typically, men. Mainstream history is not written about the little people, which includes most women. It doesn’t tell the stories of love, loss, and betrayal that happen to everyone. Or stories of overcoming odds and obstacles, battles of the heart that drives both men and women to do unbelievable and unexpected things. Those were the stories I wanted to tell.

Writing Surrender to the Roman was like putting together a puzzle. Finding just the right time in history, using the famous figures already present, getting all the details just right. The general and the princess had to appear at the right moment to be believable as bitter enemies, the circumstances had to be accurate, and the relationships framed correctly for the time. Beyond that, the depth of the love story needed to be at the heart of everything, which makes the historical details no less important, but does relegate them to the background. The stage needed to be well set before the characters could tell their story.

I loved the challenge of putting this story together, and hope readers will lose themselves in the pages in the same way.

As the Romans storm the last stronghold of Dacia, Princess Ademeni awaits her fate. Taken as a slave, she is deposited into General Marcus Cordovis’s home as a gift.

Driven to avenge her family, Ademeni plots to kill her captor and escape. Though not the cruel victor she expects, Marcus keeps her too close to make escape easy—so close that Ademeni is soon tormented by an unbidden, traitorous attraction. In a moment of weakness, a passionate kiss almost undoes them both.

But the handsome, widowed general has another surprise for Ademeni: a young daughter. Marcus dares ask Ademeni to help him bridge the gap between him and his little girl. And now, Ademeni is growing too fond of those she is supposed to despise. As Marcus prepares for the triumphal march and the opening of the gladiatorial games—where captives of her homeland will be sacrificed—Ademeni readies for her own battle between revenge and love.

Surrender to the Roman will be available at Carina Press on April 9, and is currently available for pre-order at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

I love to hear reader feedback, so feel free to contact me via:

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Author.MK.Chester
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/M_K_Chester
• Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/mkchester

How do you take Historical Romance, with one lump or two?

One of the things I love best about writing historical romances is research. Often I come across an article, picture, or historical fact which inspires something in my stories. I love to read about history, especially when it involves a good mystery or folklore. One of the most interesting facts about history or historical figures was that many people were superstitious. Today we adhere to those very superstitions. Ironic isn’t it? Imagine someone in the long lost past thought, “If I step under this latter, bad things will happen to me.” How many of us today refuse to walk under a latter?

I read once that if a butterfly enters your home, good fortune would come to you. That of course is Scottish folklore. I think perhaps if a butterfly entered your home it would bring delight and would make you feel as though you had good fortune. Well, that’s my take on it. As much as historical is factual, there is a lot of subjective information to take from it.

I have found a lot of tidbits of history to add to my stories. I don’t try to bore people with a history lesson, but instead weave the fact into the characters, story, or have it support both. As a longtime reader of historical romance, I admit there are parts of books where I just skim through, because the author has felt the need to go on about political dealings or delve deeply into a historical fact. I do feel bad about that, because I know ever word an author writes should be coveted. Unfortunately, I want romance and don’t want it overtaken by such detail.

In a new series I am working on, I have tried to weave history in it. However, it takes place in modern day. The characters in each book resemble those from history (some actual, some fictional). In this way, we can still connect with them knowing a little of what drives them to be who they are.

Another thing I find interesting about writing historical romance is – the go-between the hero and heroine. I want my characters to be who they are in their time frame. Unfortunately that means the woman won’t be a kick-ass who takes the man she wants. I know, I know, we all want to read about women who are empowering – but remember a woman could be empowering and still be coy or sweet or demure (and still get what she wants).

So readers, I ask you, how do you like your history in romances? We authors would love to hear your feedback. When you read a historical romance, does too much history detract from the pleasure of reading? Does too little history detract from reading and you hoped there was more? Do you stop or have you stopped reading because you didn’t agree with the author’s historical facts?
I know I will always cherish reading historical romances, and I do hope authors continue to put out such marvelous books.
Kara Griffin

LEPRECHAUN LUCK: ROMANCE DWELLS WITHIN A HEART OF GOLD BLOG HOP TOUR (MARCH 23-25)

**OFFICIAL TOUR RULES TO BE POSTED:**

1) HAVE FUN!!!

2) INVITE ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS!!! SPREAD THE WORD!!!

3) THIS TOUR STARTS: Friday, March 23, at Midnight (Arizona Time) THIS TOUR ENDS: Sunday, March 25, at Midnight (Arizona Time) Winners will be drawn and posted Monday, March 26! ***

4) MEET AND MINGLE WITH ALL THE AUTHORS & BOOK PAGES! EXPERIENCE A NEW DESTINATION AT EVERY STOP! PARTICIPATE IN EVERY BLOG CONTEST AND BE ENTERED FOR CHANCES TO WIN MULTIPLE PRIZES! EVERY BLOG VISITED IS ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO WIN!!

5) PARTICIPATION AT ALL BLOGS IS RECOMMENDED, BUT NOT REQUIRED. REMEMBER, THE MORE BLOGS YOU HOP, THE BETTER YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING PRIZES. EVERY AUTHOR & BOOK PAGE IS WAITING TO MEET AND INTERACT WITH YOU, SO PLEASE BE SURE TO SHOW THEM SOME LOVE!

6) DID I MENTION TO HAVE FUN? WHOO! HOO!! HERE WE GOOOOOOOOOOOO!



Anyone who leaves a comment or participates in the "Historical writing" post will be entered to win a free download of their choice of Claimed By A Charmer or Lass' Valor! So be sure to post a comment and say hello! There will also be a special prize drawn from all entries for a piece of bling.

Kara Griffin

http://www.karagriffin.webs.com

If you're a historical lover

Join me this weekend here at Castles and Kisses for some excitement. I'll be blogging about writing historical romances and have invited other authors to join in. Readers, it would be wonderful to hear your view on the subject, because after all, you are who we write these fabulous books for :)

I'll be taking names to do a giveaway of a free book, but also will have some other lovely prizes available for readers. Does the word bling bring anything to mind??

I hope you'll join me.

And if you're wanting to preview excerpts and get the inside scoop on some of my books. Stop by SEXYDELIGHTS Yahoo Group throughout the weekend.

xo,
Kara Griffin

For all you Scottish romance book lovers

Here's an upcoming sneak peek at ONE AND ONLY, a Scottish romance ~

Excerpt is copyright 2012 by Kara Griffin
*The published version may differ/please do not copy or post this excerpt

Lead in: Grey's betrothal day. He was supposed to be watching the lass, his intended future bride. But all Grey wanted to do was watch the warrior's fighting...

*****

The lads continued to watch the soldiers, their earlier mischief forgotten. After the late-afternoon sparring ended, Grey was found by his da and his closest ally, Donal Ross. Laird Ross and his father had been friends for many years, and great allies of King William.

“Lad, I’ve been looking for ye. Have you learned anything this day?” His da tilted his head in the direction of the soldiers.

“Aye, Da, I’ve learned never to take your eyes off your opponent,” he said, eyeing Duff.

Laird Ross chuckled low. “Good lesson, lad. Never underestimate him neither. Always be ready for anything and ye shall never be defeated.”

His da said, “That goes for all of ye. Be off, Grey has duties to attend.”

His friends left and Grey stepped between his father and Laird Ross.

“I best get back to watching Albrey. She’s probably awakened by now.”

Laird Gunn patted his son’s shoulder. “Aye, ye do your duty well watching the lass. It was honorable of ye to do so all day, lad. We best get to the betrothal ceremony, all are likely in their cups by now and won’t get to enjoy the announcement.”

Laird Ross stopped him with a hand to his shoulder. “Before we do, I want to give ye this.” He pulled out a steel dagger from a leather sheath. The dagger was well made, encrusted with a row of red jewels on the handle. “I give ye this gift, Grey, on this your betrothal day. As your champion, I bid you to always protect what is yours.”

“I will, Laird Ross.” Grey was pleased by the gift. He slid it back in the sheath and tucked it inside his tunic. “Thank ye for giving it to me.”

“Come, we shall find the lass and shout the news afar. She’ll be a bonny lass, Grey, when she’s older. Albrey will give you fine sons with strength enough to lead our soldiers. You will be an honorable man and she deserving such.” Laird Ross clapped his shoulder.

Grey walked beside his da, stepping lively. He wanted to hear the grand gesture of what the betrothal meant, once again. When his da and Albrey’s father was given the order by King William to betroth Albrey to him, Grey had been awakened in the middle of the night and related the dictate.

The only promise Albrey’s father asked of him was that their families be at peace and that Albrey be safe from harm be it from he or his enemies. When asked if he could handle the task, Grey nodded and assured them he was capable, for which he received a few punches to his arms and grunts of approval.

Grey would always protect her and keep her in comforts, safe from his enemies, and he’d do his best to adore her. It’s what his da had done for his ma. His father had placed his mother in high regard, always telling anyone who would listen that if it were not for her, he would be a lesser man. Laird Gunn taught his men to follow his lead and revere the women in their clan with the greatest respect. Grey had received such lessons since he’d been able to walk. Without women, men would suffer so—they would not have such tasty meals, clean tartans, tidy homes, or children to strengthen the clan.

As Grey reached the table where his ma had sat, he frowned. Neither Lady Mackay nor his ma was there. The spot where Albrey had lain was unattended, the grass undisturbed. She hadn’t lain very long. He should have known she would flee as soon as everyone’s backs were turned. Then a twinge of guilt came upon him and he scolded himself for not checking on her sooner.

Both the Mackay and Gunn clans, as well of those attending the celebration, searched for hours. All looked for the missing lass, well into the morning light. Grey wouldn’t return to his family’s holding no matter how much his ma pleaded. He kept the search going, lighting a torch and checking most of her hiding spots.

The lass had disappeared altogether. Grey dejected, could only blame himself. Their earlier conversation came back to him and he told his da. He envisioned her face when she’d told him of her fear. But his da didn’t put much weight in Albrey’s concern about Kenneth MacHeth.

After nearly three days of looking for her, Grey finally conceded defeat. As he stood before his family’s home crestfallen, his da came outside.

“Come inside, Grey. Your ma is worried sick.”

Grey pulled the dagger from his inside tunic, given to him by Donal Ross. Fitting it symbolized his betrothal, a union that would never be. Taking hold of his plaid, he tore it off, and then ripped his tunic until he felt the breeze on his uncovered chest. The air was crisp enough to bring a speckle of goose bumps to his flesh. Grey paid no attention to the effect of the night wind and looked up at his father.

“I didn’t keep my promise to Albrey. I swore to protect her. She’s lost to me forever, Da. This will always remind me of my failure.” Grey drew the pointed end of the sharp dagger over his heart, making a decent sized slash, one that would certainly need stitching.

Blood began pouring out of him and all he felt was the warmth of the liquid flowing over his skin and the sting of his failure.
“Grey! God Almighty! Grey!” His da roared an anguished cry and he caught Grey’s body before it fell to the ground.


I hope you enjoyed this little sneak peak. ONE AND ONLY will be out for your enjoyment this summer.

Fondly,
Kara Griffin

Don't forget friends, Castles and Kisses Blog is part of the LEPRECHAUN LUCK: ROMANCE DWELLS WITHIN A HEART OF GOLD BLOG HOP TOUR (MARCH 23-25) Hope we get lots of visitors. We'll be posting about historical romance. So authors and readers, make sure you pop by and post your view on the subject. I am so looking forward to it. Kara

Here's new cover for Lass' Valor! Coming later this month. Can't wait. Kara

Ebook Week 3/4 to 3/10!

Next week (March 4-10th) is "Read an Ebook" week! Get Claimed By A Charmer at 50% off at Smashwords!

CLAIMED BY A CHARMER AT SMASHWORDS

I hope you enjoy this story, it's one of my favorites. Kara