There are only a few days left in my Christmas Giveaway. To join simply leave a comment here on my blog before noon EST on December 20th. For complete details see either my Events or Drawings page. The winner not only receives a set of eight recently released Highland romances, they will also receive an e-copy of my next novel Highland Courage, on its release day in April and an e-copy of Tanya’s next novel, Highland Fire, direct from Amazon on it’s release day in January.

Tanya, thank you for agreeing to do an interview for me. I would like to start by sharing information about HIGHLAND FIRE.

HIGHLAND FIRE is my first historical romance in a decade. It stands alone as a new series, but re-introduces beloved characters from The Highland Brides. The first book written under my own imprint, a portion of the proceeds for this book will also be donated to the National Autism Association to benefit families living with autism.

Note from Ceci: Anyone wishing to donate to this great cause can do so here: http://nationalautismassociation.org/.

Do you have other works in process?
I do. I just finished the second of a suspense series for Kensington books. That’s due out in March. I’m also working on an anthology with two amazing authors Glynnis Campbell and Laurin Wittig. The Winter Stone is due out in April. And then, of course, book two of the new series is tentatively scheduled for fall 2014.

Who will enjoy your book?
Anyone who has enjoyed The Highland Brides or who loves Scottish historicals.

Did you have input into the cover art? If so did it turn out as you had hoped?
I did, actually! Digital art is a hobby for me and I actually created the cover for Highland Fire myself. That said, for all my other historicals I’ve had the pleasure of working with the very talented Ravven.

Do you have a favorite author? If so who?
That’s a really tough question, because I love so many. And it really depends on my mood. I love Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Laura Kinsale, Anita Mills, Julie Garwood, Judith McNaught and so many more.

What authors do you think have most influenced you?
I guess it really depends. I love Julie Garwood’s humor, envy Anita Mills her amazing gift of storytelling, adore Hitchcock’s way of putting a very creepy backdrop around a seemingly innocent story. I suppose we take a little bit of something from all our favorite authors.

What draws you to your genre?
I absolutely adore Scotland’s history, and I love medievals. I’ve actually written across the spectrum though—everything from Westerns, Revolutionary War, Victorian, Turn of the Century, contemporary suspense. But I always seem to come back to my Scottish historicals.

If you could instantly transport yourself to anywhere in the world right now where would you go and why?
To Charleston. It’s my first Christmas in a very long time away from my family and though I absolutely love my hometown, I miss my family.

If you were recognized by posterity for only one thing, what would you wish to be known for?
“She loved everyone well.”

Note from Ceci: What a great answer!

If you had to choose a color that most accurately describes you, what would it be?
I’d like to think it would be green – the color of growth in nature.

If you could have lived during one period of time in the past when and where would it be?
Right here, right now. I am grateful for every day I have with the people I love and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

If you could decide how to spend your last day alive what would you do?
I’d spend it with my family.

If you could host a dinner party with any four famous people (living or dead) who would it be?
Hmm … Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Leonardo da Vinci and Pope Francis.

Note from Ceci: If Pope Francis is coming, please invite me.

If you were given $5000 to spend in only one store, what store would you spend it in?
That’s tough, because I’m not much of a shopper but I’d have to say Apple!

If you could permanently eliminate one pet peeve, what would it be and why?
Personal? Or globally? Globally, I’d have to say that I hate that the media preys on people’s fears. Personally, I really hate that I bite my cuticles when I’m stressed!

What are three words your friends might use to describe you?
Kind, loyal and short!

What are three words your family might use to describe you?
Stubborn, loving and bossy.

What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment, personally or professionally?
I’d say my children, though truthfully the way they turned out is as much their achievement as mine – and more so, because they are the ones who made the choices they’ve made. So I guess I’ll say that I’m pleased to have been able to do something with my career that I love – writing. I’m blessed.

What would the person who knows you best say is your best character traits?
I had to ask my husband. He says my loyalty.

Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years?
Doing what I’m doing now, only better!

Do you have a favorite television show? What is it?
Game of Thrones!

Note from Ceci: Me too!

Tell me at least one little known fact about you.
I sob at movies and laugh at them with equal intensity. I completely embarrassed my son and his best friend when we went to see Mrs. Doubtfire years ago.

Is there anything you would like your readers to know about you?
I appreciate them all more than words can say.

Available for pre-order from Amazon: Highland Fire (Guardians of the Stone)

The guaranteed pre-order price of this book is $3.99, available exclusively through Amazon. Regular price is $4.99. A percentage of pre-order proceeds will be donated to the National Autism Association to benefit families living with autism.

Scotland, 1125, the Legend Begins …
For two centuries, Aidan dún Scoti’s kinsmen have guarded Scotland’s greatest secret, the real Stone of Destiny. Now King David seeks an alliance with the fierce mountain Scot. But only one woman will tempt Aidan–the accursed beauty whose father once betrayed his clan …

Tempted by Revenge
Cursed by Aidan’s people for the sins of her father, Lìleas MacLaren is the one woman Aidan believes he is immune to. Offered in marriage as a guise for peace, she is also the one woman who may bring the fierce chieftain to his knees.

Rich with history and lore, HIGHLAND FIRE brings back favorite characters from The Highland Brides and introduces you to new ones.