Monday's Musing - Lass' Valor

Inspiration for Brendan MacKinnon 

Today we delve into the backstory and inspirational research for Lass' Valor, the 3rd book in the Pith Trilogy. The 13th century is my favorite historical time frame to write in. I don't know why it appeals so much to me. Perhaps it's because it's been romanticized so much with courtly love, chivalry, knights in shining armor... 

In the last book of the Pith Trilogy, I thought of a lass who could take care of herself and yet hopes to find love. Kaitlin's father has left her an orphan and her guardian means to use her to gain the wealthy possession her father sent her from the crusade. She's taken to the guardian's home and finds a wee lass there. Kaitlin loves children and she can do nothing but rescue the child.

Brendan is probably the fiercest warrior in the clan. He's superstitious and has prebattle rituals (which is a throwback to his ancestors). Researching the warrior's rituals was inspiring, especially because the Scots were fearless in their pursuit of war. They fought with passion and typically for something that meant a great deal to them. They were dedicated to their clansmen and country and resigned to fight to the death for their sovereign or lord or even for the ideal of an important matter.

Kaitlin has a cat who was inspired by my own sweet kitty Trixie. I got to enjoy 19 years with my persnickety feline. She passed to kitty heaven in 2008, and sadly not a day goes by that I don't think about her. But I found a cat Princess Pearl who greatly resembles Trixie in her mannerisms. Yeah, she's a bitch too. lol. But I still love her. I told you animals were a typical thing in my stories, and I hope they add a sweetness to the characters.

I couldn't help but make Brendan a cantankerous sort of fellow. He's been a quiet sort in the previous books and keeps to himself mostly, until his story comes to light. Though he's close to his brothers, he's kind of an outsider within his clan. Then he meets Kaitlin and everything changes for him. But he must be accepting or else he'll lose all.

I find in life sometimes it is hard to accept life's choices or to even make them. The fear is what if it's a mistake, what if what I hope happens, doesn't? I suppose that's how life is...to go forth and not look back. Make the most of the situation you're in and follow your heart, right? I kept telling my characters that and fortunately in the end, they listened.

Happy Historical Reading,

Kara Griffin