BOOK CLUB FRIDAY--GUEST AUTHOR BRENDA B. TAYLOR

Today historical romance author Brenda B. Taylor sits down with us for an interview. Learn more about Brenda and her books at her website.

When did you realize you wanted to write novels?

Having a great imagination and enjoying reading, I began to write my own stories in the third grade. I wrote a story about a horse similar to Black Beauty.

How long did it take you to realize your dream of publication?

I worked in the Texas Public Schools as a teacher and school administrator for many years. I harbored a desire to write fiction, but had little time to pursue a writing career. After retiring, I studied the craft of writing fiction and began filling books with stories.

Are you traditionally published, indie published, or a hybrid author?

Because of getting a late start in writing, I didn’t have enough time left to go the traditional publishing route. I took several online courses in self-publishing and went the indie route.

Where do you write?

I write in a special place overlooking bird feeders, blooming flowers, and trees of several varieties.

Is silence golden, or do you need music to write by? What kind?

Silence is golden for my writing time. Sometimes I may listen to soft music, but most often I write in a quiet environment.

How much of your plots and characters are drawn from real life? From your life in particular?

I became interested in genealogical research after retirement and began researching my family ancestry. The lives of my ancestors grabbed my interest and curiosity. I researched and traveled to their homes and wrote about those in post-Civil War Missouri and Scotland. Historical romance is my favorite genre to read, so I crafted romances into the plots of the stories.

Describe your process for naming your character?

I chose names that best fit the character’s personal traits and time. The names in the post-Civil War series were not difficult, I chose those I felt best fit the character, but the Scots’ names required research.

Real settings or fictional towns?

Both series are set in the actual locations where my ancestors lived.

Ocean or mountains?

I love both ocean and mountains, but the mountains hold me captive. I enjoy their majesty and beauty. My husband and I spent summers in the Rockies and Grand Tetons—climbing, hiking and camping. We can always find a new adventure on mountain slopes.

City girl/guy or country girl/guy?

After being born, raised, and now living in the country, I am definitely a country girl. City traffic gives me the hives.

What’s on the horizon for you?

Continue writing books in the two series—Wades of Crawford County and Highland Treasures. I have a lot of time and research invested in both series, so I’ll continue with writing in them.

Anything else you’d like to tell us about yourself and/or your books?

I have one regret in my second career as a writer and publisher—wish I had started sooner.

A Highland Ruby

She must choose between a life of adventure with the man she loves or a settled, secure life with her betrothed. Flora Vass forced Gavin Munro out of her heart and mind until he returned to Scotland after an adventurous five years in the New World. Gavin leaves no doubt he returned to make the bonnie Flora his own and intends to fight for her. Flora's betrothed, Iain MacKay, and Gavin's brother, Chief Andrew Munro, have other plans. Andrew needs her to marry the MacKay and bring peace between the two clans. Iain MacKay desires an heir. War with England looms on the horizon, forcing Flora to make crucial decisions.

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