@MageelaTroche Author of The Marriage Alliance #Highlander, #Laird, #ScottishHistoricalRomance

I’d like to welcome Mageela Troche, author of The Marriage Alliance to my blog today.

RW:      Tell us about yourself, your family, where you live, etc.

MT:       Where do I begin? I’m an Air Force brat who now lives in New York City. I’m the proud owner of a black-mask lovebird named Boobula. He has a lot of personality. That’s a nice way of saying he’s a stubborn bird, but he’s too cute so I don’t mind.

RW:       How many hours a day do you spend writing?

MT:        If I had to count, I would put that number around six hours. I don’t really count. I like to write until my mind has turned to jelly and can’t think of anything else to write.

RW:       Why did you decide to write? When did you submit your first manuscript and what genre was it?

MT:        I have always constructed stories. Even as a child of four or five, I can remember weaving stories in my head. But for college, I thought I had to study (International Relations by the way) something so I could get a job. But I was reading a book by Rachel Gibson. The novel was such fun that I didn’t want it to end so I decided to write. Funny, though, I write historical romance not contemporary.

My first manuscript submission was Western and I submitted it to Grand Central. I received positive rejections—yes, they do exist. I have a few.

RW:      Has your life changed since you became a writer? What’s the best thing about being a writer?

MT:        My life hasn’t really changed. It has been the same, but my outlook on writing has changed. I see writing not as something that happens when the Muse visits but a job that needs doing every day.

And the best thing is sharing all these stories that race through my head.

RW:       Who are your favorite authors? Who influenced your writing?

MT:      Favorite authors: I love Edith Wharton and Jane Austen. Favorite authors are not really my thing—I’m more of a favorite book person. I don’t think any particular author has influenced my work but various books have. The Age of Innocence, Pride and Prejudice and so many romance novels have help create my style.

RW:       Who are your favorite characters among the books you’ve written?

MT:       I love Lachlan. Readers will meet him in The Marriage Alliance.

RW:      What makes a good book? A great romance? Is humor important in fiction and why?

MT:        For me a great book is one that stirs you whether it’s emotions or your thoughts. It has to stay with you, and that can be done either by making me as a reader laugh, cry, feel scared, or think. Those types of books end up on the keeper shelf.

RW:       How much does reader feedback matter to you? Do your fans’ comments and letters influence you in any way? Do you have a favorite comment or question from a reader?

MT:       I love reader feedback. I received a fan letter and kept it. Actually, we’ve become friends.

RW:    Bubble baths or steamy showers? Ocean or mountains? Puppies or kittens? Chocolate or caramel?

MT:        Bubble bath. Ocean. Puppies. Chocolate.

RW:      Satin, Egyptian cotton, jersey, flannel… What are your favorite sheets?

MT:        I had satin sheets once and slipped and slid all over the place. I have to say Egyptian cotton—smooth and cool.

RW:       Those are all the questions I have for you. Thank you for speaking to me.

MT:        Thank you for having me here.

The Marriage Alliance

The Plot

Her hand in marriage could secure peace and safety for those she longs to protect.

Lady Ailsa Cameron is not the most patient of souls. She has even slept through a few high masses. Still, this gentle lass never did anything wicked enough to deserve her father’s pronouncement that she must wed the dread Black Duncan, Laird of Clan MacLean.

As leader of the Spartans of the North, Duncan MacLean has inspired many a gruesome tale throughout the majestic highlands and beyond. Duncan accepts Laird Cameron’s offer of his daughter’s hand in marriage and pledges to make war against their shared enemy, Clan MacKinnon.

Duncan aches to possess his ravishing bride as passionately as he vows never to lower his defenses again. Love blooms between them nonetheless, until betrayal incites a war. Clan MacLean is in danger as are Ailsa and Duncan—but the thing in most peril is their love.

Can past enemies become lovers at last? Or will the flame in their hearts be consumed by the fires of war?

An Excerpt:

He clamped his arm upon her shoulder and dragged her through the yawning crowd. For his every step, she skipped to match his sweeping stride and if by chance she fell, he was bound to drag her behind him.

If her arm wasn’t ripped from her body.

His arm weighed her down. She felt she was shouldering a small horse or at the very least a pony. Ailsa attempted to shrug him off but her shoulder never budged. The man was as dense as his muscles.

“Duncan, your arm is too heavy.”

He slipped it off and placed his large hand on the small of her back. His fingertips grazed the curve of her buttocks. Tingles raced up her spine. The firm pressure sparked conflicting sensations through her. Should she be outraged or resigned that this was her husband or should her body relax and luxuriate in his tender touch? Whatever her body may do, she was thankful for his support. She was light-headed and knew she would trip. She took another step and his fingertips grazed the dip of her buttocks. She stiffened. “It’s because you’re puny.”

She glared. “I am feminine and since I am a female, ‘tis only proper.”

He shrugged his indifference. “MacLean women are bigger.”

With a saccharine smile matching her voice, she said, “Sadly, I didn’t feast on human flesh as a babe.”

“You are daft.”

She sputtered. “How can you say that when you’ve known me for less than an hour?”

He grunted this time. “In that short of a time, nothing but daft notions passed your lips.” The brute halted at the donjon’s stairs, long enough for Ailsa to suck in a breath before he tugged her up the stone steps. For the first time, she faced the clan as their Lairdess. The clan gawked at [her]. “My woman.”

“I do have a fine name,” she muttered to herself.

“I know, Ailsa and you’re still mine,” he whispered, having heard her over the clamor of his kinsmen. His breath tickled the tender skin and sent a shiver down to her toes. She should be insulted but hearing her name spoken as soft as an endearment wiped away her ire. For now.

Mid-stride into the donjon, her father halted her gripping her forearm. “Laird MacLean, we must depart.”

She lifted her chin at his insult. Honestly, Ailsa expected no different but had hoped…foolishly.

Duncan’s face blanked, banishing his rascally quality. Ailsa understood how he inspired fear and terror in so many. She prayed never to receive such a fierce look from him. “Then go.”

The bite in his voice chilled her but her father deserved it. Duncan turned away and led her into the inner sanctions of the donjon.

“I must say farewell.”

“Nay, you do not but if you wish, be quick.” He dropped her arm and went to the two men standing in the shadow of the entrance.

As she whirled about, his grim voice reached her. “Follow that bastard until he’s off MacLean land. Never trust a Cameron.”

The hollow hope for happiness that had started to build collapsed. What did her life hold if she never had his trust? The same life she had before except now she was married.

Mageela Troche

Bio

An Air Force brat, Mageela Troche has lived throughout the world and then landed in New York City. She wanted to leave the same day she arrived. Yet, with her stubbornness, Mageela learned to like the place, and the libraries were the main reasons. Since she was a little girl, Mageela wanted to be an author and an actress. However, once in college, Mageela changed her life plan in the pursuit of money. After all, college loans must be repaid. At Syracuse University, she studied International Relations and Geography with plans to make the world a better place.

But after a tragic life event, Mageela put those plans aside and returned to New York City where she tried to find her way through life. After studying fashion design and working at various jobs, she decided to take a risk and do what she truly desired all her life–writing.

Mageela returned to writing and focused on the romance genre. Her first break came when she sold a short story to a magazine. She sold two more before the publication of her historical romance novel, The Marriage Alliance. She has gone on to write four more novels and a novella.

Mageela is currently writing in the cramped corner of her Big Apple apartment. She is the proud owner of a Black-masked lovebird named Boobula. She loves to hear from her readers and can be found online.

Book Links:

Video Trailer URL: https://youtu.be/B92P5ndrd3o

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072N3G575

Contact Mageela At:

Website & Blog: https://MageelaTroche.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMageelaTroche/

Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/MageelaTroche

E-Mail: mailto:MT@MageelaTroche.com

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Mageela-Troche/e/B00CHTIRFW

Ruth Kaufman @RuthKaufman #Author #Actor #HistoricalRomance

I’m thrilled to welcome Ruth Kaufman to my blog this week.

RW:   Tell us about yourself, your family, where you live.

RK:    I live in Chicago, not far from Lincoln Park Zoo and Lake Michigan. I’m also an actor and voiceover talent. On any given day, I could be auditioning in person or from home, doing an on-camera and/or VO job, writing, or working on releasing or marketing my books. I have a TV commercial running, do a lot of e-learning narration and will soon film a recurring role in a web series. If anyone is interested in that career, more info is at www.ruthtalks.com.

RW:   How much of your personality and life experiences are in your writing?

RK:    It depends on the book and the characters. I make my medievals as historically accurate as I can, so I endeavor to see the world through those characters’ eyes in their time period. I wrote two contemporary humorous women’s fiction novels (hwf) that are perhaps and perhaps not somewhat informed by many years working in corporate America, my pursuit of acting, and (see below) dating after 40. As they say: “Only my hairdresser knows for sure!”

RW:   What kind of research do you do for a book?

RK:   That depends, too. For my first medieval, I actually visited Castle Rising in England, where the heroine lives. For my second, in which the heroine is a stained-glass painter, I jumped through a lot of hoops to track down a key book available only at the Art Institute of Chicago. My third book features a bride tournament. I researched the rules and procedures for jousting-type tournaments, but adapted them to what I thought they’d be if women competed for a man’s hand in marriage. I set my hwfs and also part of a time travel in Chicago to make it easier for me to see and know where they are as the characters makes their way about town.

RW:  Tell us about your latest book. What motivated the story? Where did the idea come from?

RK:   My most recent novel-length release, My Once & Future Love, is a medieval Arthurian paranormal. The opening scene of a wounded man fleeing his enemies popped into my head. Then I had to figure out who he was, who was after him, who might help him, etc. He had a few secrets, and I had to figure out what those were.

RW:   Can you describe the funniest thing that ever happened to you?

RK:    How much time do you have? I’d say online dating in general. If you’re in a relationship or off the market, you probably can’t imagine what it’s like out there. I tell stories at live lit events about my experiences, so at least something good comes out of them. At the last show, the audience was so incredulous and laughed so hard I ran out of time before the big finish. Unfortunately for me, every word is true....

RW:   City life or country life? E-Book or paperback? Zebras or elephants?

RK:    City! I love going to the theatre and checking out some of the many amazing restaurants in Chicago. I need to go a lot of places for my acting career, so it’s great to have public transportation because I can learn lines/read, etc. on the bus or train. Both e-books and paperbacks have their purposes. I read e-books when I’m out and about so I don’t have to add the weight of a paperback to my bag. I like paperbacks at home, because even advancements in e-page turning aren’t quite as satisfying as an actual book.

RW:   What can we expect from you in the future?

RK:    I’m planning to release those two hwfs (see above), one in the spring and one in the summer. I’m working with a cover designer on both covers. And perhaps I’ll release that time travel in the fall. On the other hand, discoverability is such a challenge that I don’t know if I’ll continue beyond this year.

RW:   Which comes first, the story, the characters, or the setting?

RK:   The first scene, which has elements of all three, almost always comes first. An image just pops into my head. For At His Command, I saw a woman collapsed on a horse that was plodding over a hill in a forest. Then I “what if,” or ask questions to expand upon what I already know. Who would see her, and what would they do? If someone was following her, who would that be and why? Who is she, where was she going and why?

I’ve had a lot of improv training (and give workshops for authors). I think that helps with this approach. In an improv scene, once something has been established, you’re not supposed to negate it. Rather, you justify and heighten it. So if you say, “I’m so glad I’m your sister,” I can’t say, “No, I’m not, I’m your boss.” I can say, “And I’m glad you’re the little sister so I can boss you around.”

RW:   Are you in control of your characters or do they control you?

RK:    I’m a pantser (write from the seat of my pants), not a plotter who outlines in advance. So I want them to take control and let me see through their eyes. I think if I control too much, it might sound like author intrusion...something I want to say vs. what the character wants to say. I think my acting background and the experience of portraying other characters in a variety of settings helps with motivation in particular.

RW:   I’m always ready for (fill in the blank).

RK:    Peanut butter and chocolate ice cream. Watching “my” TV shows. I really enjoyed No Tomorrow, adore The Good Place and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (and wish I could be them), and confess that on many Monday nights my neighbor and I will probably be watching The Bachelor. Dance Moms, anyone?

RW:   Thanks so much for joining me, Ruth. One of these days I’ll have to get downtown so we can get together. Maybe I can catch a ride with the kids next time they take the great-granddaughter to the zoo. Let me know when you’re going to be at a convention. I’d love to take one of your improv classes. And now I’m going to have to go look up your commercial!

At His Command

The Plot:

King Henry VI sends Sir Nicholas Gray to protect the recently widowed Lady Amice Winfield from undesirable suitors. Though Nicholas intrigues her, she yearns to run Castle Rising without a man’s control.

Nicholas doesn’t want the responsibility of marriage, but can’t deny he’s attracted to Amice. And he’s surprised to finally find in Castle Rising a place he feels at home. A kiss sparks desire neither can ignore, yet serving opposing factions seeking to govern England threatens to pull them apart.

At court, the king and queen reject Amice’s pleas and command her to wed a highly-ranked lord who’ll provide connections and coin for the king’s depleted coffers that Nicholas cannot. How can she follow the king’s command when she’s a scribe for his rival? How can she marry another man when she’s falling in love with Nicholas?

Ruth’s Bio:

Ruth Kaufman is the author of My Once and Future Love and the Wars of the Roses Brides trilogy, AT HIS COMMAND, FOLLOW YOUR HEART and THE BRIDE TOURNAMENT. Accolades include 2016 Booksellers’ Best Historical and Best First Book award winner and Romance Writers of America® Golden Heart® winner.

An actor and storyteller with an M.S. and J.D, Ruth has had roles in independent features, web series, pilots, national TV commercials, and hundreds of voiceover projects. She enjoys chocolate peanut butter milkshakes and singing in a symphony chorus. Learn more at www.ruthkaufman.com and www.ruthtalks.com.

Excerpt:

Sir Nicholas Grey’s scout leaned forward in his saddle, holding up two fingers to let the others know two horses approached. Nicholas heard only the slight jangling of harnesses blended with wind rattling through the trees, but relied on his scout’s uncanny ability to hear what no one else could.

He and his eight men sat alert, deep enough in the forest to avoid being seen while maintaining a clear view of the road through leafless branches. Nine armed men could frighten travelers. ’Twas best to let them pass.

Each man watched, each horse sinking deeper into chilling mire as a mud-covered, black palfrey plodded over the rise in the road, its long mane whipping in the frigid winds.

“No rider,” Martin, the scout, murmured.

“Look again,” Nicholas replied. At first, he too had thought the horse was riderless. Now he could see a woman collapsed on the animal’s back. Her dark hair draped down its flank, mingling with the horse’s mane. The palfrey placed each step as if trying not to jostle its burden.

Another horse, this one a brown rouncey ridden by a thin, balding man, galloped after the palfrey. A look of triumph brightened the man’s face as he spotted the horse ahead of him. He bent forward, extending his hand. Fingers like talons grasped the woman’s tangled hair.

“Mine!” he cried.

***

Amice Winfield jerked awake. Agony forced her head back, allowing her to see the man who gripped her hair as though he’d perish if he let go.

Harry Winfield.

She screamed. Arrows of fear pierced her as she clawed at his fingers. Her horse bolted, leaving her dangling from Harry’s hand by a small clump of hair. The long strands held for a few seconds, then tore from her head.

Pain seared her scalp. She dropped into a puddle, stunned by her fall and her stinging head, Amice could only stare at her tormentor while freezing water soaked her clothes. How she hated him. How she regretted her desperate flight from home. But what other choice did she have?

Harry gaped at the dark tresses hanging from his hand. He threw them to the ground as she struggled to rise. Panic gripped her as his hostile glare changed to a slow, confident smile.

“There’s nowhere to run. I’ll catch you if it’s the last thing I do,” he vowed. He leapt off his horse.

Amice tugged her sodden skirts, trying to haul them out of the puddle. Where was her mount? Too far away to reach without being caught, weighted down as she was. Sprays of water flew as she heaved her skirts over her arm. Heart racing, she ran for the trees. A branch snagged her. With a cry of frustration, she pulled the wet wool until it wrenched free.

Ignoring twigs tearing at her skin and icy mud that sucked away one of her shoes, she forged ahead. She gasped for air as she plunged into a tiny clearing, then came to an abrupt halt at the sight of a group of mounted men. Slimy hair slapped her face and clung to her cheek.

Panting, cold air stinging her throat, she sought a path to escape the strangers. Alarm coursed through her. She focused on the man at the head of the group. Anxiety and uncertainty warred within her though she sensed an almost tangible power emanating from him. The wind tossed his chin-length black hair as he stared down with a stern expression.

Will he help me? Am I better off with him or...? Before Amice could decide, branches snapped behind her. Harry ran into the clearing. Instinctively she moved closer to the commanding stranger.

Contacts:

Website www.ruthkaufman.com

Blog http://www.rjkaufman.blogspot.com/

Twitter  @RuthKaufman https://twitter.com/RuthKaufman

Facebook Ruth Kaufman Author & Actress https://www.facebook.com/ruthtalks

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7454412.Ruth_Kaufman

Amazon Author Page http://www.amazon.com/Ruth-Kaufman/e/B00JH7Z40S

Buy Links:

Amazon:  http://amzn.com/B00QPG52A6