I thought readers might be interested to see what goes into
writing historical fiction, so I’ve included a picture of some of my reference
books. It took me a year of reading, note-taking, research and plotting before
I typed a single word of TRUE TO THE HIGHLANDER.
Have I taken liberties for the sake of the story? Yep. Like
kilts. Experts say kilts as we know them were not popular until the eighteenth
century. TRUE TO THE HIGHLANDER is set in 1423/1424, but I included kilts
anyway. To me, a Scottish historical without kilts is like toast without
butter, or coffee without cream. It’s just not . . . complete. Have I
manipulated historical events and facts here and there for the sake of the
story? Yep. I write fiction.
However, the inspiration for the story, like the Feast of
Reconciliation between the Comyn and MacKintosh clans, and their long-standing
and brutal feud, are based upon well-documented historical events. Only, in the
real version, a young woman was murdered by her own father (the Comyn laird),
who suspected she revealed his nefarious plot to slay the MacKintosh during the
feast. I just . . . changed the outcome a little.
That’s what I love about writing “fiction.” We get to make
stuff up, change tragic outcomes, turn them into happily-ever-afters, and save
lives that would otherwise have been lost.
A king held for ransom, a country under thumb, clans at one
another’s throats. Malcolm of clan MacKintosh has enough to worry about without
finding a mysterious lass sleeping on the side of his road. He tries to help
her—in his overbearing, arrogant way—and winds up flat on his back. God’s
blood, who is this woman . . . and why does she captivate him so?
And
only she can tip the scales.
The fortune-teller said something about saving a life, then
zapped Alethia Goodsky back to fifteenth-century Scotland—a land bristling with
broadswords and intrigue. Alethia is no damsel in distress, though, even if
brawny, blue-eyed Malcolm has sworn to protect her. With her wits and special
abilities, she races to solve the gypsy’s mystery and protect those she’s come
to love. The stakes climb higher and enemies close in, forcing Alethia to
choose between finding her way home . . . and staying true to her Highlander.
Visit Barbara at...
Her website: www.barbaralongley.com
1 comment:
Thanks so much for hosting me today, Eliza! YOu have a lovely site, and I'm seeing all kinds of books I want to read!
Post a Comment