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by Amanda Forester Little did I know when I began writing my first Highlander book that it would become a series. I wrote it for myself without the slightest thought that it would become published. In fact, I had my laptop password protected so nobody could sneak on and read my fledgling novel. Somehow, my feelings about this changed dramatically over time and I eventually sent it into Sourcebooks, who have published not one but three Scottish Highland books, thee Highland novellas, with two more novels on the way.   As I am now writing my 8 th Highland story, I find I wish I had known from the start that I would be writing a series and taken some steps to help myself along the way. If I could create a time machine and give myself a little advice when I started, here is what I would say:   1)       Keep track of all your characters . You have no idea how much time you’re going to waste, going back through previous books to remember the nam...

by Amanda Forester For Valentine's Day I have been thinking of what to get my sweetheart to show my love and affection. I got to thinking about what my previous heroes and heroines might give each other for Valentine's Day. But did medieval Highlanders celebrate Valentine's Day, you ask?   Maybe. How about in the Regency?   Most likely. In the 5th century, Pope Gelasius set aside February 14th as St. Valentine's Day, to honor a priest named Valentine who married couples in defiance of a Roman decree (he was sentenced to death for his romantic nature).   As early as the 15th century people were exchanging written valentines and love poems.   The practice has continued throughout the ages until the present day where over a billion valentines are sent each year.   Considered one of the most romantic days of the year, an estimated 6 million couples will become engaged on Valentine's Day.   Wow! So what will my historical heroes and heroines give eac...

by Amanda Forester I am very excited to share with you all the release of my second Highlander book, THE HIGHLANDER'S HEART . I had a lot of fun writing this story. Lady Isabelle is a determined heroine who often rushes into trouble, upsetting all of Laird Campbell's careful plans to avoid matrimony, and a bloody clan war. Standing on the brink of war, Isabelle may be his only hope to save his clan, and his heart. Here is what Publisher's Weekly had to say: Forester follows 2010’s The Highlander’s Sword with another vivid portrait of romance in 14th-century Scotland. Five years after Lady Isabelle Tynsdale leaves her aged husband, she travels to the king’s court seeking to have her marriage dissolved, narrowly avoiding a confrontation with her husband’s soldiers. Isabelle is saved from a band of attackers by Sir David Campbell, a Highlander known as an enemy of the king. Their mutual attraction doesn’t stop David from taking Isabelle prisoner when he learns her identity, ...

by Amanda Forester I recently completed the final round of edits for my next book, The Highlander's Heart, due to hit the shelves November 1. After a long writing process, I am excited to see it finally in print. Since the topic this month is about heat, I thought I'd share an excerpt about a time when my heroine is feeling a little too hot for comfort. In this scene, Lady Isabelle Tynsdale has woken up in bed next to the man she loves, Laird David Campbell. Trouble is, they are not supposed to be together, and she can't remember exactly what happened. “Lady Tynsdale, I would speak to ye,” said Campbell, gathering his courage. “Yes, I would like to speak with you too,” said Isabelle. “Ye would? Aye, well, I feel I need to apologize for the other night. I dinna intend to… that is to say I did intend, but I…” Campbell rubbed his forehead with one hand and gestured in the air with the other. “It just happened.” “It?” Isabelle’s eyes grew wide. “It? How could ...

by Amanda Forester My story of "the call" began with me coming down with a cold. I had planned to go to the 2008 Emerald City Writer’s Conference but I got sick, of course. Doesn’t that always happen when you plan a trip? I was feeling cruddy so I figured I might as well cancel. Sure, there were going to be opportunities to meet with editors and agents at the conference, but no one ever sells from one of those appointments – right? I was at the point of cancelling, but I had actually finished my first manuscript. I had taken Cherry Adair’s “Write the Damn Book” challenge and had my shiny new manuscript all ready to go. The amazing Cherry gives tremendous support to up-and-coming writers, which is why she was awarded the RWA 2011 PRO Mentor of the Year! I knew if I went I would get a certificate (now framed on my wall) for completing my manuscript, and that more than anything else got me to pack my tissue box and head out to the conference. At the conference, I pitched my manu...

by Amanda Forester Ta da!! Here is my new cover for The Highlander’s Heart , which will be released in November. Since we are on the romantic topic of first kisses this month, I thought I’d share the first kiss from The Highlander’s Heart . Let me set the scene. The year is 1355 and tensions are high between England and Scotland. The English Lady Isabelle manages to escape her murderous husband but gets lost along the border and wanders into Scottish territory. Isabelle stomps through thick brush all day only to find highwaymen on the road, and worse yet, one of those barbarian Highlanders. Laird David Campbell is returning home to the Highlands when he discovers a bonnie lass being accosted on the road. He races to her defense only to find she is actually English, and a disgraced miss from the look of her. She demands to be taken back to England but since there is a price on his head Campbell refuses. With indomitable English spirit, Isabelle marches back into the forest to walk hom...