Monday's Musings - In Love With A Warrior

Hello Readers! Welcome back to Monday's Musings. This week we talk about In Love With A Warrior. SO James Gunn is probably one of my most tortured heroes. I just love him and his braw (strong). He's definitely a hero to sigh over. And Emlyn, I wanted to smack her throughout the book, because she tried to thwart the relationship with James. I won in the end, lol.

James fell in love with Emyln at first sight. He's a man who knows what he wants, but unfortunately, he has to go through hell to get it. Emlyn is a woman who is ahead of her time, but when she risks losing James, she must figure out how to be herself and give in a little.

This was my first foray into medieval Wales and let me tell you, the stories I could write...which I plan to. It's as beautiful, stark, and magical as Scotland, and I am completely drawn to it. In researching for this story, I always try to bring actual historical figures into the tale. William Marshall, the son of the most famous knight of all time, was my villain. I had to make him a little chivalrous because his father would've had an impact on his behavior. He was somewhat gentle when it came to dealing with Emlyn.

I wanted Emlyn to have a pet (because you know how I love to include animals in my stories) and in my research for the kind of dog she would have, I cam across weird but true animal friendships. There was a dog and owl in Wales that befriended each other. I thought they'd make the perfect duo for our heroine. You can find out more about them here:  http://www.today.com/pets/magical-mates-owl-hitches-ride-dogs-back-739540

In Welsh mythology and literature, the Pair Dadeni (The Cauldron of Rebirth) is a magical cauldron able to revive the dead. I couldn’t resist including it in the story. I hope to one day explore Wales’ realms and see the awe-inspiring places that have enriched the folklore of that land. Additionally, Llywelyn is said to be the last great chieftain to rule Wales. David, the chieftain’s son, was unable to keep Wales from the powerful English king’s army and was executed for treason in 1283 by Edward I of England.

Ending a series is like breaking up with your hero. I was sad to leave the Gunns and sometimes I reread the stories because they're every Historical Romance lover's dream.

Join me next week and we'll begin delving into the remarkable tales of the Legend of the King's Guard, a series that takes place during the Wars of Independence.

Happy Historical Reading,

Kara Griffin

Finding Inspiration ...

Finding motivation, inspiration, and the time to write is a challenge for many authors. In the last year, it had been so for me. Lately I have been inspired and motivated but unfortunately lack the time to get to all of my writing needs.

Now it is time to get down to business and get these stories written. Here's a list of my current works and some events that are coming up.

This July is the 20th anniversary of the first book in the Pith Trilogy. I cannot believe it's been that long since I wrote my very first romance WARRIOR'S PLEDGE. It is a story I still smile at when I remember the characters. I plan to celebrate this milestone by revamping all the stories (just a smidgen mind you) and giving them gorgeous new covers. Look for the updates beginning in July and fanning out to end of year.

The first book in the Mystic Ladies of Britain series is due out soon. The first in the series PENDRAGON'S PRINCESS is in editing and will soon be in your hands. The second book THE GOOD WITCH AND THE WARRIOR is sure to be an incredible love story. The last book, THE KNIGHT'S LOVE (title TBA) is the conclusion.

I don't know about you, but I love me some scary in my romance stories. I've begun the tale of THE DAUGHTERS OF DUNFELD -- a collection of stories that is sure to be a frightening romantic good time. Look for the release near October 2019!

And of course I'll be writing more series. There are currently two on the back-burner: THE MARVELOUS MACLEERS and THE KEEPERS OF THE KINGDOM. You'll hear more about these series as I plot and plan.

If you haven't read any of the books in these series, be sure to check them out.

• THE LEGEND OF THE KING'S GUARD series books are discounted from 5/9 to 5/16 in the US/UK for 99 cents.
• THE GUNN GUARDSMAN series books are discounted from 5/16 to 5/23 in the US/UK for 99 cents.

Be sure to visit my website as I start a new monthly giveaway of a print book. This month I'm giving away a copy of CONQUERED HEART, the first book in the Legend of the King's Guard series. Visit my website at: https://karagrif66.wixsite.com/authorkaragriffin and check out the NEW look.

I am ready, motivated, and am truly inspired to give you stories to make you swoon, sigh, and perhaps cry a wee bit at the sweet, sexy, and passionate stories I have planned.

Happy Reading!
Kara Griffin

Can't have enough FANTASY!

One of the best things about being a writer is creating a fantasy world. Every fiction book, regardless of genre is a fantasy. At least in my eyes they are. I absolutely adore writing historical fiction, add in romance, medieval times, some sexy Scots in kilts ... Sigh. But sometimes writing historical is exhausting. Mainly because I'm a stickler for historical fact and I love to weave in real happenings. There comes a moment when, as a writer, I need a break from being so regimented. What do I do? WRITE A FANTASY!

I love this genre and when my book cover artist put up a premade cover, it inspired me. I decided to take a break from my devilishly handsome Scot warriors and write about ... yes -- DRAGONS. A story idea came and now I'm enthralled and want to write the entire thing. Although, I have several projects that have been waiting in line. BUT write what's inspiring you, right?

Anyway, I am loving these characters, the dragons, and story line. Here's the blurb.

He is the last of his kind. King Rhydderch Pendragon guards his secret: that he rules the last dragon in the kingdom. Uthur, his beloved pet, is ill and he cannot figure out what’s wrong with him. As Rhyder’s wedding day draws near, he is apprehensive about leaving his pet and retrieving the lass he was betrothed to when he was a child.

As the youngest daughter of King Raedwald Baldach, Cathryn is the only one who can save their kingdom from marauders and embarrassment. When her sister compromised herself rather than wed the dragon king, she’s substituted as the would-be bride. As a child she was teased and told scary stories of the man she’d wed. Now grown, Cathryn accepts her destiny with an open heart, especially when the sexy, brooding, man comes to claim her.

Rhyder vaguely remembers meeting the lass when they were young. He doesn’t have the time or inclination to get to the know the reserved, beautiful woman. That is until Cathryn reveals a secret of her own. Cathryn does more than touch his heart when she vows to save his cherished pet.

I am excited about this story and cannot wait to share it with you.

Fondly,
Kara Griffin