A new segment on Castles & Kisses!

Hi Readers,

Welcome to my blog if you have not visited before. I try to keep up with it, but I am often so busy with writing books, promoting, and handling admin things to get on here and share something.

But now, I have a wonderful partner who will inspire me to write more in my blog. Meet Matilda!

Matilda was found by my husband in a pile of cocoa bean sacks in his warehouse. He knows what an animal lover I am, and so he brought her home. She's a tiny wee thing, and I have to bottle feed her. Of course, she had to be named after a famous queen, Queen Maud of Scotland. 

Matilda will share her musings with you as she learns how to be an important partner when I am writing. Let us hope that she doesn't walk across my computer, sit on it, or play with all the fascinating objects that surround me when I'm writing. We shall see.

Join us on Sunday mornings as we feature MATILDA'S MUSINGS.

Thank you, Readers, for your support and for welcoming Matilda.

Kara

Back on board

Hello Readers!

It's been a bit, hasn't it? I've been on hiatus because of illness. But I'm doing much better and am excited to be writing again and interacting with readers and authors. I hope you'll subscribe to my newsletter because 2024 is going to be an exciting year for me. There's a link here or you can visit my website at:

https://karagrif66.wixsite.com/authorkaragriffin/newsletter-giveaways

I'm celebrating my newest book release Making Her a Mackay! Follow me on social media to see where I'm at and for special events and giveaways. Hope to see you.

Fondly,

Kara Griffin

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

Monday's Musings - A Highlander In Peril

Hello Readers! So we continue our musings with A Highland In Peril. Confession here, as I was writing this story it gave me such contention. I wasn't sure I liked the story or the hero or heroine. By the time I finished it, I fell in love with them. Sean Gunn is such a gentle warrior and Frances, a spirited lass. It's funny, but readers really enjoyed their chemistry. I pulled my hair out to make them fall in love, lol. But it was worth the torment in the end.

As to the historical elements, I always try to enrich my stories with historical facts. I also love adding old tales or stories in them. The Fox and the Goose story was found on Electric Scotland and is a Scottish children's story. And if you've read the book, you probably enjoyed Mistress Ina's antics. I came across the story of Finn Mac Cool and the ballad 'Am Bròn Binn' on EducationScotland.gov.uk. She's a saucy woman for sure.

With Sean and Frances' story, I had to mix in a little drama on the part of Scotland's queen. Alexander married Joan when she was only eleven years old. Imagine that, marrying a man at such an age. Poor Joan, right? But Joan was close to her brother Henry, the king of England, at the time. She didn't have a strong position in Alexander's court. And Alexander was plagued during his rein with wanting the lands that were promised to him when he married her. The two kingdoms settled their disputes with the Treaty of York, which finally defined the boundary lines between the countries -- and which still stands today. So perhaps it's a good thing Alexander married Joan.

I loved that the characters all meet up again at the Gunn keep on Saint Swithin's Day. That holiday is endeared to me and I couldn't resist adding it again.

This book is probably the darkest Scottish romance I'd written. The villain is deceptive, but you get a sense of why he does what he does... During this time, people were fearful of superstitions and our villain uses such to get notoriety. He's truly a knave.

I hope you read the story if you haven't, and if you have, loved the story. In the end, it's truly a romantic tale worth your time.

Happy Historical Reading,

Kara Griffin

Monday's Musing - One & Only

Hi Readers! Welcome back. Today we look at the research/inspiration for One & Only, the first book in the highly rated and acclaimed book one in the Gunn Guardsman series.

It's funny how I always begin my books with an idea and it rolls into a series. That was the case with this series. I wanted to write Graeme's story and more stories formulated for the other men in the story. But first...let's start at the beginning. So I got the idea thinking about a young lass who was troublesome and the lad she tormented because we know girls always bother the boys especially at young ages. I always pestered my brothers and the boys who played outside on our street, but that's me...a minx.

The beginning of the story was inspired by the idioms don't throw the baby out with the wash water dates back to the 1500's. In medieval times, people shared bathwater and by the time the baby was bathed in it, the water was so murky the baby was in danger of being tossed out. Most believe this idiom means don't do something which you'll regret. 

Also, I loved the spare the rod, spoil the child idiom. Since Bree was a little vixen and because she was so cute and adorable no one wanted to punish her when she did wrong (which was often.) The meaning: children would become weak or vulnerable if not chastised, physically or otherwise, for any wrongdoing. Perhaps that is true, but no spoilers here :)

I think it's fun to include sayings from earlier time periods, especially those that no longer exists or known today. And I loved King William in this story. In researching him, I found that he had some illegitimate children and I thought hmmm.... So Aubrey/Bree was born to him.

A lot of the scenes in this story was inspired by images I found on the web or those on the Pinterest board. Check them out here: https://www.pinterest.com/karagriffin/one-and-only-gunn-guardsman-1/

And a song that played on repeat while I was writing it was Mayday Parade's "We Were Kids In Love" Quite inspiration. 

Also I have never been a good cook. I can be when I want to be, but I though I would make my heroine a great cook and everyone loves her food. The theme can be found throughout the book because it is Bree's "go to" when she's upset or needs something to distract her.

If you've read the book or may want to there are a good many researched themes within. For example, medieval people had many festivals and feasts in honor of all sorts of things. There is a wonderful holiday the ancients celebrated called Saint Swithin's Day. It coincided with the harvest festival. I find it sad that some of our ancestor's holidays fell by the wayside. Saint Swithin's Day is like America's Ground Hog Day in that it foretold the weather as an 'old wives tale.' There's a cute song that goes with it:

St. Swithin's day, if thou dost rain,

For forty days it will remain;

St. Swithin's day, if thou be fair,

For forty days 'twill rain na mair.

In the story there are two lords who are featured: MacHethe and MackWilliams, who were indeed after King William's crown and then his son, Alexander's. There was a lot of turmoil embedded within their trying to usurp the kings, but all were squelched by the growing strength of the Scottish kings.

There's also reference regarding executions. In those times many people were mainly executed with men by hanging and women by drowning (pit and gallows). The Scots were superstitious and continued to practice Norse law (especially north and in the Highlands) where the men were sent to Woden (hanging by wood) and the women were given to Ran (a sea goddess, drowning.)

This was a fun series to research and I was like a kid in a candy store when I found bits of history to add to the story. If you've read One & Only, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Tune in next week and we'll talk about On A Highland Hill. Two of my favorite people - Kenneth and Elisa!

Happy Historical Reading,

Kara Griffin

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

Monday's Musings - Claimed By A Charmer

Hi Readers, welcome back to Monday's Musings. Early on in writing my books, I didn't include an Author Note, but I will discuss some of the elements in the second book in the Pith Trilogy. In case you didn't know Pith means love. So the books are really the love trilogy :)

Today I'm talking about Claimed By A Charmer (one of my favorite books) although, I love all the stories I've written. This book is kind of dear to my heart. The heroine Isabel is probably the character I most identify myself with.

Her backstory - she has a terrible home life and gets to go to her uncles where she meets a friend. They have a lifelong friendship and Isabel falls hard for her friend's brother. Unfortunately, Isabel has an unruly father, a despicable brother, and a brother who she loves dearly.

Douglas is every lass's dream. He's ever the charmer and captures Isabel's affection (well not really) from the moment they meet.

SO the musing -- This story came to me on a Sunday morning as I was watching some book related show (can't remember the name now, but it was on PBS) and they were discussing a movie The Magdalene Sisters. If you don't recall it, it was about {Three young Irish women struggle to maintain their spirits while they endure dehumanizing abuse as inmates of a Magdalene Sisters Asylum.}

Isabel's story instantly came to me while I listened to some of the horrible things the girls endured in the movie. Though the movie was set in Ireland, my story takes place in Scotland -- and also the asylum Isabel is sent to is one that is ruled by an awful caretaker, not nuns. So there are vast differences. I just imagined what would my heroine do if she was sent to such a place and the story wrote itself.

Isabel makes me want to be courageous, to face the world head on, and win. She's a gentle woman faced with dark moments. But she also is kind and wants to save the world.

Douglas is a swoon-worthy hero, although he saves Isabel a few times, he's also saved by her. Mentioned in the story is Douglas's stepmother who has a tattoo. People have been putting images on their bodies forever - going back to ancient times of the Picts etc. So that she had one wasn't really a stretch. I love that element of the story because Douglas needs it to prove to Isabel he loves her. No spoilers here lol.

Poor Douglas unfortunately makes an enemy who hexes him throughout the book. But he doesn't know who is causing the trouble. When he finds out, he's relieved he made certain choices in his life. The mystical element is underlying and not the focus of the book, but it make for an interesting twist to the story. I had a great time researching potions, hexes, and mystical chants.

The themes of this book are rich with friendship, family, courage, and love.

I hope you enjoyed this insight into the book and its research.

Stop back and we'll take a look at Lass' Valor next week.

Happy Historical Reading,

Kara Griffin

Monday's Musings - Warrior's Pledge

Warrior's Pledge was my first book. I will never forget the love and heart that went into that book. Unfortunately, I hadn't included an author note, but below, you'll find some of the ideas and research that went into the story.

The inspiration for Warrior's Pledge came about from a dream I had while I was sleeping in the car on the way home during an 18 hour drive from Chicago. Of course I'd been an avid Historical Romance reader at the time and was devouring books at least one per day then.

When I got home, I got on the computer and started writing. The name Julianna was inspired by my Great-great-grandmother. Of course I had to add a little magical element in the story which is where Julianna's friend Bleeth comes in. The heroine's story came to me and I researched King John's life and learned his father King Henry II had many mistresses and children out of wedlock (but didn't they all!) I wanted her to be related to John and so I made her his sister via his father. Her story begins as a young girl who witnesses her mother's death - but as all children of a young age, memories are hard to decipher. 

{This actually is a personal connection for me. My father died when I was four. Through my life memories have come to me of him. When I spoke of them to my mom, she clarified the actual situation. Of course I had a different view as a child so it was nice to find out the reality of my memories.}

Colin's life was filled with turmoil with the dysfunction of his family (his parents had a terrible relationship - but no spoilers here lol). He has a good relationship with his brothers and clan, but doesn't think he's capable of love. Perhaps Juliana will prove him wrong on that matter.

In this book, I enjoyed the descriptive scenes of the Scottish landscape. Because I was landlocked here in the US I did extensive research and fell in love with its stark beauty. It's said that during Pangaea Scotland was connected to North America around the north eastern part of the US. I have lived in Pennsylvania and there are many similarities of the land there, rocky mountainous places, streams, lakes, etc. When the Highland clearances happened in the 1600's many Scots found their way to Pennsylvania. I like to think they settled there because it reminded them of home.

George, the goat in the story, was inspired by a dog we once had that was such a trouble-maker. He wouldn't stay out when he was supposed to or in. I love adding animals/pets to my story. Animals have always been a part of human's life and adding them makes characters more interesting and lifelike.

That's it for now :) Be sure to check back next week when I share inspiration/research bits about Claimed By A Charmer.

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

Attack of Inspiration!

Often I get asked where do you get the inspiration for your books? For my historical novels, I do a lot of research and often come across a piece from the past that inspires a scene or a character. During my research I often find little tidbits that make me stop and make a note of a fact or historical figure. I can't help wanting to add or even find out more about such events or people.

In Claimed By A Charmer, I was watching BookTV and saw an interview about the movie The Magdalen Sisters. The author was speaking about real events that were shared in the story. One of the themes centered around the movie was how young girls were sent to the asylum by their parents. It inspired me to have Isabel being sent to an asylum and where she's saved by the hero. The asylum where she's sent is just as horrid as that depicted in the movie, and there are some dark events that take place.

In One And Only, I was researching medieval festivals and read about St. Swithin's Day. Of course I had to use it as the festival day when Bree goes missing as a small child. And I just loved the ditty about the festival too, and had her sing it.

In my newest story, On A Highland Hill, I wanted to put something historical in my story and was researching pinsels and found out that Alexander II was the first to use a royal standard of Scotland. In my story, a woman (of course fictitious) was sewing a banner for him and used some of the images in her pinsel for Alexander. There's also a little bit about what it means to be born on a certain day. Monday's child is ... You'll have to read the book to see :) but it's a fun bit of inspiration I got from research.

I know that many authors, like me, do try to be accurate about historical events, and so I try to weave them into my stories without compromising history too much.

Hope you enjoyed this little insight into where I get my inspiration.

Fondly,
Kara Griffin

HERO DAY!

HERO DAY AT CASTLES & KISSES

Question for readers & writers ~ Who is the greatest hero you've written or read?

We all love to read about our dashing heroes and see him develop through the story. He may start off brash, cross, filled with angst. He may be a tortured soul or a man whom no one understands. He may be charming, but hides his heavy heart. It takes an amazing woman to deal with such a man, but he is the essence of the romance we love to read.

My answer:
For me, my favorite hero I've ever written has to be Douglas Kerr from Claimed By A Charmer. There's so much going on with him. I don't think I ever fully wrote the entire complexity of his character. He still nudges me from time to time, and I just smile because his story is written and that is that. And yet I wonder if I was able to make him truly happy with my choice of heroine for him. Isabel certainly gave him some surprises. With a man like Douglas, he needs a woman to keep him on his toes. Don't they all?

Claimed By A Charmer

(2nd book in the Pith Trilogy series)

In CLAIMED BY A CHARMER, Isabelle Calvert hopes to win the heart of Douglas Kerr by being the sweet, coy woman all men want. But what Douglas doesn’t know is Isabel’s true nature.

Lady Isabel Calvert hides her true spirit from everyone, especially her best friend's brother, Douglas, whom she secretly admires. Isabel'solder brother attempts to do the unthinkable and one night he almost succeeds. After the incident her father's superstition nature induces him to send her to an asylum. She must escape, her only hope—Douglas Kerr. Isabel is no shrinkingviolet, but she intends to be the timid woman all men want, in hope that Douglas will love her.

Laird Douglas Kerr is forlorn at his mission to find a wife. He was charming, wasn't he? At least that's what everyone teases him about. Douglas thought he'd found the woman of his dreams, but she turned out to be a harlot. He's asked by his sister to retrieve her friend, Isabel, the fiery, red-haired, cat-eyed, temptress he'd met when he escorted his sister home for their father's burial. When he meets the woman again, he doesn't find the hellion he believes her to be. Nay, she's a sweet, coy woman who intrigues him. As Douglas' life becomes complicated with mysterious happenings, he also find the love he's been missing all his life.

Can this dagger wielding woman win the heart of the Charmer?

Please do share your favorite character, whether you've read or written him. We would love to read your thoughts on the greatest hero!

~ Kara Griffin

To read a book or watch TV?

The scales are tipping these days. Gone are the days when I preferred reading a book to TV. But we have to admit there are so many good shows on right now. I still prefer reading, especially a historical. Still, I cannot miss my favorite TV shows. Good thing there's On Demand TV.

I cannot miss: Dexter, Hell on Wheels, Boardwalk Empire, Copper ... and some are getting ready to come back Borgias, Game of Thrones, and a few others.

Which shows would you watch over reading a book?

~Kara

A writer's weird ...

You may think you may know me but ...

When I sit down to write all must be right in my world. I cannot concentrate or even begin to start writing unless everything is in order. If I sit to write and there is one thing out of place, I must take action. Strange isn't it? I guess it's my quirky weirdness. But really if I want to focus on writing I must be in a clean, orderly room - with no distractions.

And that's not even the worst of it. I need to have a clear mind so all the stuff that fills my brain must be shoved out so I can think and concentrate. In order to do this, I sit, breathe, and kind of meditate until there is nothing in my thoughts but my story.

I'm not hard to live with. Well maybe I am.

I feel slightly sorry for my family who has to put up with these quirky personalities. For me, all needs to be settled before I can even think to sit and write.

What about you? Are you of a similar mind?

~Kara

What kind of character would you be?

After writing my last book, One & Only (and truly being sad to leave the characters) it got me to thinking, what kind of character would I be if I were written into a story?

For me, I would have to say I'd be an elegant lady in medieval times. I would have to be from a wealthy family, because let's face it - unless you were born of a noble household or married into one, life was pretty darn difficult (and dirty) lol. I would have to have servants, who I would treat kindly, because an elegant lady treats everyone with kindness. I am not sure though that I'd be amiable to the obey thy lord. I have never obeyed anyone, lest of all my husband (who I adore, and he knows all he has to do is ask...) I dislike being commanded. That would probably be the only flaw in choosing that character. I suppose I would have to be extra sweet to my lord, laird, or king so he would purchase me fabulous material for my gowns.

So who would you be? Would you be a villain? What era would you want to be in? Contemporary? Whose author's characters do you relate to? For me it would have to be Julie Garwood's because she writes such elegant medieval ladies. If I had chosen contemporary, I would have to say Lizzie T. Leaf's characters are pretty awesome, and if I wanted to be kick-ass or vampish, I'd have to say Marie Treanor's characters would suit me.

Writing characters can be fun, but oftentimes it is difficult for writers to let them go. The good news is, for the next couple of months, I'll be sharing my story, One & Only with you, and hope you enjoy it.

Fondly,
Kara Griffin



Image credit: aspenphoto / 123RF Stock Photo

Dashing Heroes

When it comes to creating heroes, I always have a certain image in mind. For my new story, One And Only, I see Grey looking like this. Forimidable, yet beautiful. My heroine certainly doesn't mind that he's attractive.

I always try to make each hero individual, giving them traits unto themselves. Grey is like a lost soul. He is dedicated to the extreme and when he loses his love, he won't love another. His traits were easy to come up with mainly because he just sort of came alive with each tap of my fingers. He wants to be the kind of man that is kind, caring, and considerate -- yet he can when called for it, be quite intimidating. Grey would like nothing better to settle down and give one woman all his attention.

I hope you've enjoyed this little foray into Grey's character. Look for more character insight to come.

Happy reading,
Kara Griffin