1. Tell me about your
latest release? Genre?
My latest release, A
Sense of Duty, is a contemporary romance and the second book in the Honorable
Men series. The story is set in Braemar, Scotland. I think readers will relate
to this tale of mending damaged hearts and healing from past hurts.
2. Where did the idea
arise?
Many years ago I
visited Braemar briefly as part of a tour of Scotland. I returned the next year
and stayed overnight in a lovely old cottage converted to a Bed and Breakfast,
an ideal location around which to set a story. And I couldn’t resist writing a
contemporary Scottish hero.
As for the scenery,
traveling over snowy mountain roads into Braemar was a new and exciting
experience for someone who isn’t used to snowy weather.
Later that year, already
thinking about setting my story in the town, an unexpected opportunity arose to
revisit. I decided to take advantage and refresh my memories. I based Lindsay
House loosely on the two-storey B&B. Though I was disappointed that accommodation
was unavailable, I was fortunate to book a room at the Fife Arms for a few
days. The hotel also features in my story.
3. How much research
was involved? Did you stay on point or be distracted by wanting to look at just
one more thing?
I’ve visited all the
places mentioned in the story, and soaked up as much as I could. I took notes
on the surroundings to bring the setting to life. I wrote the story when the
location was fresh in my mind. As a tourist, I particularly enjoyed visiting
both Blair Castle and Braemar Castle. Each has its own style and were built for
different reasons. Braemar Castle was within walking distance, and I enjoyed a
day trip by coach to Blair Castle. No doubt some things have changed since I
visited the area all those years ago.
The one more thing I
didn’t do: I was curious about the duck pond, tucked away on the edge of town,
and decided to take a walk and check it out. The pond seemed close enough on
the map, but the afternoon was drawing to a close, and I’d had enough adventuring
for the day. I changed my mind and went back to the hotel, leaving Braemar the
following day. I was happy with all the information I’d collected.
4. How long did you
take to write the book?
As I wrote the book
many years ago, I can only guess at how long it took to write. Maybe around 12
months, more or less. I’ve re-polished the current edition, though didn’t
change the essence of the book at all.
5. Now a bit about
you. How long have you been writing? What is your Sun Sign?
I began writing in
the mid-1990s. My first book was epublished on a floppy disc early in 1999,
when epublishing was a fledgling industry. Look how far it’s come! I had more
books published in the following years, but lost my way with my writing career
for about ten years, though never wanted to let it go. Must have been my
stubborn streak. I’d always anticipated I’d be back. In August 2014, Books We
Love published two of my previously published novels, No Boundaries and
December Heat Wave. My most recent novels, A Sense of Duty and A Traditional
Affair are the last of my earlier novels now published by BWLPublishing Inc. https://bookswelove.net/macneil-joanie/
I’m looking forward
to working on two brand new stories for publication next year.
My Sun Sign is
Cancer. My birthday is 22 July, so depending on which horoscope I read, I may be
a Leo. I usually read both, out of curiosity. There are occasions when one
rings more true than the other…or not at all. I did read my horoscope years ago
after a major upheaval in my life. I couldn’t believe how much it related to
me.
6. Do you write in a
number of genres or stick to one?
Contemporary romance
is my favorite. Many years ago, I considered writing a time travel. I can’t see
that happening for a while, though the interest remains, and I still have my
rough notes…somewhere safe.
7. Where on the
internet can you be found?
https://www.facebook.com/romanceauthorjoaniemacneil/
https://www.instagram.com/joanie_macneil_romance_author/
https://www.pinterest.com.au/joaniemacneil/romance-author-joanie-macneil/
https://twitter.com/JoanieMacneil
Joanie is one of my favourite writers and I look forward to reading this book when time permits. Tricia
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