Research: Scottish American Style

I didn't have an opportunity to go to Scotland before writing my Scottish inspired fantasy time-travel series—Garden Gate. I read dozens of books and ran internet searches on the clan, time period and setting. I also traveled to North Carolina and attended the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games and Gathering O' Scottish Clans where the stories begin.

To immerse myself in the culture of my characters, I continue to attend Scottish gatherings in the US. If you're on the East Coast and so inclined here are a couple of upcoming events you might consider attending:

New Hampshire Highland Games on September 16, 17 & 18 at Loon Mountain, Lincoln, NH.
Maryland Renaissance Festival with guest Albannach from Scotland on September 24 & 25 near Annapolis, MD.
Virginia Celtic Gathering & Highland Games on September 30 & October 1 at Rockahock near Williamsburg, VA.
Stone Mountain Highland Games on October 14, 15 &16 at Stone Mountain Park, GA

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Dawn Marie Hamilton writes Scottish inspired fantasy and paranormal romance. You can also visit Dawn Marie at Castles and Guns on Tuesday September 13 & 27. Twitter: @DawnM_Hamilton

Celtic Inspiration

For those of us who write Celtic-inspired romance novels and can't spare the time or expense of traveling to the Scottish Highlands, the Emerald Island, Wales or Brittany, we must find our muse closer to home. Fortunately, it's festival time. Grab a hat and your sunglasses and find a Celtic festival, Scottish gathering or Highland games near you.

Last Saturday was the 33rd Celtic Festival of Southern Maryland at the beautiful riverside grounds of Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum in St. Leonard, Maryland, sponsored by The Celtic Society of Southern Maryland.

So much to see. So much to do. So little time.

Listen to a storyteller: As romance writers, we follow in the tradition of oral storytellers who mesmerize their audience with tales of passionate heroes and their fair ladies. Of course, ever-after might not always be happy. But it's unlikely to disappoint. Storyteller at right is Margaret Chatham.


Watch athletes compete:
In the 56-pound Weight Toss the athlete stands with his back to (and almost directly under) a crossbar. He grasps the weight with one hand, lifts it in front of him, swings it back between his legs then forward and up in a smooth motion to arc over the crossbar. When the weight lands, it is usually at the heels of the athlete. Gotta love those brave men in kilts!

Enjoy music and dance: Cheer for your favorites in the dance, harp and fiddle competitions then find inspiration listening to the many Celtic musical groups such as Iona, The Martin Family Band and The Rovers.


Discover history: Living history groups conduct demonstrations as Vikings, Swordsmen from the Welsh Court, Border Reivers and Highland Regiments.





Check out The Association of Scottish Games and Festivals to find an event near you.


Dawn Marie Hamilton writes Scottish inspired romance stories. You can also visit Dawn Marie at Castles and Guns every other Tuesday starting May 10.