Why Scotland?

Anyone who knows me, knows I talk about Scotland, Scottish history and, of course, men in kilts. I was sitting here thinking about why I have such an obsession with all things Scottish. To be honest, I really can't say. I suppose my writing could be to blame partially, but I'm pretty sure my obsession with flash-backs on Highlander the series (the flash-backs in which Duncan was wearing a kilt and using that brogue), came way before I started writing seriously.























I'll start with my childhood. When I was three or four, my first dog was a Scottish Terrier named Sammy. Next comes the Irish Setter named Rusty. Of course, at the young age of five, I hardly had a say in dog breeds, nor did I have any concept of geography....but I thought it was worth mentioning.

Aside from the dog choices my parents made, I'm not sure my childhood contained any foreign influences until I turned about 12. I discovered a brown paper sack in my mom's closet. In it was a treasure. Book after book of historical romances a friend had given her. I would sneak them out and upstairs to read one at a time. Lords, Knights, Pirates and of course Highland Rogues. Looking back, probably wasn't the best way to form my outlook on relationships and romance, but it's a bit too late to undo that now!

So as my 40th year comes to an end, I have to ask myself this, "What makes me happy?" ROMANCE of course! I'm a hopeless romantic. There, I said it. Whew. It's like an alcoholic admitting they're a drunk. First step I suppose. 


Next step? I think it should be to find a Scottish man and just get it out of my system. Yeah, that's exactly what I think (although the spiced rum I'm drinking Christmas Eve may have something to do with my frame of mind).

So if you're single, Scottish, halfway intelligent, like American women (i.e. ME), by all means leave me a comment or better yet, email me. I'm also not opposed to referrals, so if you know someone, send me his info.

Happy holidays to you all!


I forgot to add that if Gerard Butler reads this, I am MOST definitely interested.

Awa' An' Bile Yer Heid

Please don't ask me to pronounce this colorful, yet informative book title!

The good news here is that it is chocked full of some pretty colorful insults. The bad news is out of 178 pages, I'll probably only use a small handful.

That being said, I thought I would share some pretty cool (in my opinion of course) words from the glossary of insulting terms found on page 45 (for those following along).

**Hope I'm not infringing on any copyright laws, if so, it is unintentional!

clag-tail:un-wiped arse (my 12 year old son and his friend like this one the most)

dreik:excrement

numpty:idiot

plookie:pimple-faced

snash:abusive language

sumph:great fool

tumshie:idiot (literally, turnip)


Those are just a few listed, and I am sure I will be referring back to this book for quite some time as I work on revisions, and start on the next few books in the series.

That being said, I have been an absolute slug for three days. I have read 4 books, the afore mentioned insult book being the last.

The first three were a trilogy by Julia London. They, of course, were set in Scotland, although a few decades following my time period. The first two were nominated for a RITA in the historical romance category. As I read them, I found myself wondering just what the RWA looks for while making these nominations.

There was great character development, well defined plot, and sex. Plenty of it! In fact, my husband couldn't believe that I actually COMPLAINED about the amount. I think he thinks that I am some literature-based nympho. If that were the case, I would be reading/writing erotica INSTEAD of what I like to call "serious historical romance" (don't laugh).

I love a book with a good plot, and even some well thought out sub-plots. What I hate is the gratuitous sex that so many writers throw in. I actually start skimming when there are 5-6 page sex scenes, and that speaks volumes when you are as OCD about finishing a book (all of it) as I am. Alright already, I get it, they had hot, sweaty single sex (you remember? the sex we all had BEFORE we got married). It has NOTHING to do with developing the plot, at least after the first time.

So in order to be nominated for a RITA, I wondered, as I read, MUST you have LOTS of explicit sex scenes?

I can't WAIT to see some of the responses to this post!

Terri