Words Can Be Fun - Dawn Marie Hamilton

Wow! I can hardly believe it is January 21st and 2015 is in full throttle. I’m spending most of my time working on my next novel in the Highland Gardens time travel fantasy romance series, Just Wait For Me. I’m what writers call a pantser. I write by the seat of my pants—so to speak. Actually, the term means that I do minimal plotting before jumping in and letting the words flow.

Words can be so much fun. The other day, while doing research, I stumbled across a new-to-me word in the Etymology Online Dictionary. Fern-tickles. I just love the way the word sounds. Fern-tickles is from the late fourteenth century and means: freckles, spots or blemishes on the body.

So, I just had to use the word in my book…

Stephen meets Jillian for the first time in Just Wait For Me:

The lass standing before him must be the one of whom Munn spoke. Her garments were strange. Of a type of cloth unknown to him. But it was her face that left him spellbound. Dark lashes graced warm brown eyes specked with gold that made his insides shiver. And the tip of an impish nose sprinkled with fern-tickles—as if the lass was descended from the fae—begged to be kissed. And her lips—

Just Wait For Me

Coming Spring/Summer 2015

In the chaotic aftermath of the battle of Flodden, an injured Highland warrior makes a bargain with a twenty-first century lass cast back in time by a meddling, matchmaking faerie. Stephen MacEwen promises that if the lass will help him get home, he’ll find a way to send her forward to her own time. But is that a promise he’ll want to keep after finding love in Jillian O’Donnell’s arms? And after saving Stephen’s life, will Jillian want to leave?

To learn more about the Highland Gardens series visit:
 Dawn Marie Hamilton Writes

~Dawn Marie

New Holiday Novella! Just in Time for a Highland Christmas -- Excerpt

I'm very excited to announce the release of my new holiday novella from the Highland Gardens series, Just in Time for a Highland Christmas...

Just in Time for a Highland Christmas
A Highland Gardens Novella
Book #2.5

e-Book available from Amazon
for an introductory 99 pennies
until December 1st.

Can a determined brownie craft a perfect match in time for Christmas?

When the Chief of Clan MacLachlan travels to the stronghold of his feuding neighbors to fetch his betrothed, she is gone. A year later, she is still missing. Making life more vexing, a band of reivers are stealing clan cattle, leaving behind destruction. Archibald MacLachlan determines to capture them and administer harsh punishment.

Though once in love with the man, Isobell Lamont refuses to wed her clan's enemy. After running away, she joins the band of reivers set on revenge.

Can Archibald forgive the raven-haired beauty? Will a journey through time bring them together for a Highland Christmas?

Just in Time for a Highland Christmas, a Scottish historical time travel romance, is 101 pages of Highlanders, scheming faeries, a mischievous brownie, magic, adventure, and romance set in 16th century Scotland and the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

Read an excerpt... 

The fae are causing havoc again. Munn, the MacLachlan clan brownie, is determined to bring the unlikely couple together...


Munn entered the council chamber and grinned.

Maids and gillies hurried to and fro, making ready for the wedding feast that would take place after the pledging of vows. He was sure the chief was up to the task of bedding the lass and planting his seed. The third match would be complete. Caitrina would be free to return to Tir-nan-Og—the fae land o’ heart’s desire—and the MacLachlan clan would be blessed.

He was certain the lass would come around and pledge her troth to Archibald along with her love. If she continued to refuse, Caitrina would do something to make the lass change her mind.

Lines furrowed his forehead as his skin started to itch. Caitrina’s unusual fae scent, a combination of peony, freesia, and sandalwood perfumed the air before she shimmered into corporal form in front of him.

“You were wrong,” she said without preamble.

“Dinnae tease.”

“Oonagh returned from the sojourn in Ireland and provided the players for the last match.”

“Archibald and Isobell,” Munn said. “Admit I was right.”

“Cannot.”

He frowned. “Then who?”

“Nae concern of yours.” Caitrina faded.

“Wait! You must help with Archibald and Isobell.”

“Not my problem.” And she was gone. Vanished to another time and place.

Damn Caitrina. Munn huffed. What was he to do? Archibald and Isobell needed to be matched. ’Twas their destiny.

Munn crossed arms over his chest and scowled. Why was the lass resisting? Archibald was a man with a full head of hair and numerous teeth. Did she think she could do better?

Bah! The chief should drop her into the pit to linger for a long while. At least until she cowered like a proper wife. Munn scratched his chin and scoffed. None of the other wives he kenned were submissive to their men. The Highlanders grew weak. Led around by lasses in skirts.

He shook his head. ’Twas a damn shame.

Ach, he needed to think. Invisible to the others in the hall, he paced from the chief’s table to the aumbry, one end of the council chamber to the other and back, and again.

An argument near the hearth rumbled in the background. Archibald and the Lamont disagreeing yet again on how to handle Isobell’s rebellious ways. Another stubborn lass came to mind—Lady Laurie.

Try the wine. Spontaneous inspiration came over Munn. Why hadn’t he thought of it sooner? He spun in a circle and travelled to another part of the castle.

~Dawn Marie

Just in Time for a Highland Christmas by Dawn Marie Hamilton ----- Available for Pre-order

Available for Pre-order at Amazon
$0.99 Introductory Price

Just in Time for a Highland Christmas

A Highland Gardens Novella - Book # 2.5
Release - November 20, 2014

 Pre-order Now

Can a determined brownie craft a perfect match in time for Christmas?

When the Chief of Clan MacLachlan travels to the stronghold of his feuding neighbors to fetch his betrothed, she is gone. A year later, she is still missing. Making life more vexing, a band of reivers are stealing clan cattle, leaving behind destruction. Archibald MacLachlan determines to capture them and administer harsh punishment.

Though once in love with the man, Isobell Lamont refuses to wed her clan's enemy. After running away, she joins the band of reivers set on revenge.

Can Archibald forgive the raven-haired beauty? Will a journey through time bring them together for a Highland Christmas?

~Dawn Marie

Cover Reveal - 'Just in Time for a Highland Christmas'

**Release - Late November 2014**

Just in Time for a Highland Christmas

A Highland Gardens Novella - Book # 2.5

Can a determined brownie craft a perfect match in time for Christmas?

When the Chief of Clan MacLachlan travels to the stronghold of his feuding neighbors to fetch his betrothed, she is gone. A year later, she is still missing. Making life more vexing, a band of reivers are stealing clan cattle, leaving behind destruction. Archibald MacLachlan determines to capture them and administer harsh punishment.

Though once in love with the man, Isobell Lamont refuses to wed her clan's enemy. After running away, she joins the band of reivers set on revenge.

Can Archibald forgive the raven-haired beauty? Will a journey through time bring them together for a Highland Christmas?

~Dawn Marie

Cover Reveal: Just Wait For Me by Dawn Marie Hamilton

**Estimated Release - Late Fall 2014**

Just Wait For Me

A Highland Gardens Novel - Book #3

In the chaotic aftermath of the battle of Flodden, an injured Highland warrior makes a bargain with a twenty-first century lass cast back in time by a meddling, matchmaking faerie. Stephen MacEwen promises that if the lass will help him get home, he'll find a way to send her forward to her own time. But is that a promise he'll want to keep after finding love in Jillian O'Donnell's arms? And after saving Stephen's life, will Jillian want to go?

Visit Dawn Marie Hamilton Writes for more information about the Highland Gardens novels.

~Dawn Marie

Happy Holidays

Wishing our readers a joyous holiday season!

From:  Dawn Marie
            Patrick and Laurie
            Finn and Elspeth

Virtual Blue Ridge Mountain Tour




Photo Taken from the Skyline Drive in VA

Sometimes I need a break, a getaway. Since the National parks are closed, how about taking a virtual trip to one of my favorite getaways--Shenandoah National Park?



Photo Taken from Discovery Hiking Trail

Nothing like a hike in the mountains to ease stress. Now, let's head south on Skyline Drive to the Blue Ridge Parkway and drive to North Carolina where some of the characters from the Highland Gardens novels live.

Photo Taken From the Blue Ridge Parkway in NC

Did you know time-traveling Highlanders live in the Blue Ridge Mountains?

Available for Kindle, Nook, and Kobo

 

Just Beyond the Garden Gate

A Highland Gardens Novel
Book 1

 

The Scottish Highlands—a place where faeries and brownies and other fae creatures dance through time. On occasion, so do mere mortals.

Determined to regain her royal status, a banished faerie princess accepts a challenge from the High-Queen of the Fae to unite an unlikely couple while the clan brownie attempts to thwart her.

Passion ignites when a faerie-shove propels burned-out business consultant Laurie Bernard through the garden gate, back through time, and into the embrace of Patrick MacLachlan. The arrogant clan chief doesn’t know what to make of the lass in his arms, especially when he recognizes the brooch she wears as the one his stepmother wore when she and his father disappeared.

With the fae interfering at every opportunity, the couple must learn to trust one another while they battle an enemy clan, expose a traitor within their midst and discover the true fate of the missing parents. Can they learn the most important truth—love transcends time?

Journey from the lush gardens of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina to the Scottish Highlands of 1509 with Just Beyond the Garden Gate.

~Dawn Marie

Highland Gardens

I've been knee deep, promoting my Highland Gardens series. It's great. It's fun. I need to get back to writing. So I'm working on the next two stories. In a month or so, I'll post about the new stories. For now, the Highland Gardens series...

Highland Gardens

 

Scottish Time Travel Fantasy Romance Series

The Scottish Highlands—a place where faeries and brownies and other fae creatures dance through time. On occasion, so do mere mortals. This is the setting for HIGHLAND GARDENS, a time-travel romance series spiced with scheming faeries and one incredibly mischievous brownie. Journey from the lush gardens of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina to the Scottish Highlands of the early sixteenth century.

Just Beyond the Garden Gate

 

The Scottish Highlands—a place where faeries and brownies and other fae creatures dance through time. On occasion, so do mere mortals.

Determined to regain her royal status, a banished faerie princess accepts a challenge from the High-Queen of the Fae to unite an unlikely couple while the clan brownie attempts to thwart her.

Passion ignites when a faerie-shove propels burned-out business consultant Laurie Bernard through the garden gate, back through time, and into the embrace of Patrick MacLachlan. The arrogant clan chief doesn’t know what to make of the lass in his arms, especially when he recognizes the brooch she wears as the one his stepmother wore when she and his father disappeared.

With the fae interfering at every opportunity, the couple must learn to trust one another while they battle an enemy clan, expose a traitor within their midst and discover the true fate of the missing parents. Can they learn the most important truth—love transcends time?

Journey from the lush gardens of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina to the Scottish Highlands of 1509 with Just Beyond the Garden Gate.

Available for Kindle and Nook

Just Once in a Verra Blue Moon

 

That happens when a twenty-first century business executive is expected to fulfill a prophecy given at the birth of a sixteenth-century seer? Of course, he must raise his sword in her defense.

Believing women only want him for his wealth, Finn MacIntyre doesn't trust any woman to love him. When, during Scottish Highland games, faerie magic sends him back in time to avenge the brutal abduction of his time-traveling cousin, he learns he's the subject of a fae prophecy.

Elspeth MacLachlan, the beloved clan seer, is betrothed to a man she dislikes and dreams of the man prophesized at her birth, only to find him in the most unexpected place—face down in the mud.

With the help of fae allies, they must overcome the treachery set to destroy them to claim a love that transcends time.

Available for Kindle and Nook

Enjoy the fantasy. Dare to dream!

~Dawn Marie

Cover Reveal - 'Just Once in a Verra Blue Moon'

**Coming Soon**

 

Just Once in a Verra Blue Moon

A Highland Gardens Novel - Book #2

What happens when a twenty-first century business executive is expected to fulfill a prophecy given at the birth of a sixteenth-century seer? Of course, he must raise his sword in her defense.

Believing women only want him for his wealth, Finn MacIntyre doesn't trust any woman to love him. When, during Scottish Highland games, faerie magic sends him back in time to avenge the brutal abduction of his time-traveling cousin, he learns he's the subject of a fae prophecy.

Elspeth MacLachlan, the beloved clan seer, is betrothed to a man she dislikes and dreams of the man prophesized at her birth, only to find him in the most unexpected place—facedown in the mud.

With the help of fae allies, they must overcome the treachery set to destroy them to claim a love that transcends time.

 

 

For up-to-date news, visit my FB Author Page or Blog.

 

~Dawn Marie

 

 

Whew! Great Conference

RWA® 2013

 

You've probably seen a ton of posts on blogs, FB, and Twitter about the 2013 conference in Atlanta, so I'll keep this post short. After the long drive home yesterday, I feel as if I have a bit of a hangover. Although I'm moving a bit slow, my mind is in a whirl, making to-do lists.

 

There are so many reasons to attend a conference such as this. Number one for me is connecting with other writers who understand the ups and downs of the business. Last year was my first conference and this year I enjoyed hanging with friends I'd made and meeting new friends.

 

Workshops are the second reason I attend National conference. I was happy to see so many self-publishing workshops this year. Thank you, RWA! I attended several, along with the spotlights on Kobo and Smashwords.

 

Many chats in workshops and around the lounge referred to a somewhat new term, hybrid author. An author who publishes both traditionally and indie like our very own Terry Spear. I also heard the term tri-published. An author who publishes digital only with a small publisher, traditionally, and indie. The times they are a changing! Yay!

 

~Dawn Marie

Author of  Just Beyond the Garden Gate, A Highland Gardens Novel

Available on Kindle and Nook

 

 

Take a Moment to Enjoy the Flowers...

Night Blooming Daylily

Whoa! I’ve been crazy-busy for the last several months. June totally blew by with the release of Just Beyond the Garden Gate and the following virtual tour. Next week, I’ll head to Atlanta to attend the RWA® 2013 national conference. I’m a tad overwhelmed by all I need to do before I leave. But, I took a deep breath and stole a moment to enjoy the beauty in my WIP garden.

 

Aren’t these daylilies gorgeous? Well, actually they are special. They bloom in the evening. I purchased them when we lived in New Jersey and were working late hours. In July, these beauties greeted us at our doorstep after a long day in the corporate world. We potted a few plants and moved them to Maryland with us.

 

Last night, we enjoyed their sweet perfume while having a glass of wine. I imagine faeries visited after we went to bed.

 

 

Available for Kindle and Nook



The Scottish Highlands—a place where faeries and brownies and other fae creatures dance through time. On occasion, so do mere mortals.

Determined to regain her royal status, a banished faerie princess accepts a challenge from the High-Queen of the Fae to unite an unlikely couple while the clan brownie attempts to thwart her.

Passion ignites when a faerie-shove propels burned-out business consultant Laurie Bernard through the garden gate, back through time, and into the embrace of Patrick MacLachlan. The arrogant clan chief doesn’t know what to make of the lass in his arms, especially when he recognizes the brooch she wears as the one his stepmother wore when she and his father disappeared.

With the fae interfering at every opportunity, the couple must learn to trust one another while they battle an enemy clan, expose a traitor within their midst and discover the true fate of the missing parents. Can they learn the most important truth—love transcends time?

Journey from the lush gardens of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina to the Scottish Highlands of 1509 with Just Beyond the Garden Gate.

 

~Dawn Marie

Give Me a Minute to Catch My Breath…

Wow! So much has happened since announcing here at Voices my intention to indie-publish the Highland Gardens series.

The first mind-blowing event was the phone call from RWA with the news that my manuscript, Sea Panther, was a Golden Heart® Finalist in the paranormal category. Lots of confetti throwing over that news.

Yikes! My blog wasn’t done yet, so I scrambled to get that up and running. Stop by Dawn Marie Hamilton Writes when you have a moment and let me know what you think. Fortunately, I was already on Twitter, but needed to scurry to join Facebook.

Then there was the scramble to finish edits on Just Beyond the Garden Gate, design the cover, and complete the formatting in order to meet the planned release date in late May. Cool! Three people purchased the book before I received the email that it was available for Kindle on Amazon. Then I got a thrill setting up my author page. After a couple of weeks, the e-book was also available for Nook at Barnes & Noble. More confetti throwing.

What? I need an author page on Facebook? Okay. Done. My author page would love a visit the next time you’re on Facebook.

The next place I joined was Goodreads. Not sure what to do there, but I’m sure to figure it out.

Now, I’m getting Just Once in a Verra Blue Moon ready for a planned September release and getting myself ready for the RWA National Conference and more celebrating. Can’t wait to go to Atlanta.

Just Beyond the Garden Gate 

The Scottish Highlands—a place where faeries and brownies and other fae creatures dance through time. On occasion, so do mere mortals.

Determined to regain her royal status, a banished faerie princess accepts a challenge from the High-Queen of the Fae to unite an unlikely couple while the clan brownie attempts to thwart her.

Passion ignites when a faerie-shove propels burned-out business consultant Laurie Bernard through the garden gate, back through time, and into the embrace of Patrick MacLachlan. The arrogant clan chief doesn’t know what to make of the lass in his arms, especially when he recognizes the brooch she wears as the one his stepmother wore when she and his father disappeared.

With the fae interfering at every opportunity, the couple must learn to trust one another while they battle an enemy clan, expose a traitor within their midst and discover the true fate of the missing parents. Can they learn the most important truth—love transcends time?

Journey from the lush gardens of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina to the Scottish Highlands of 1509 with Just Beyond the Garden Gate.

 

~Dawn Marie

Shenandoah Waterfalls and Recharging the Muse

Rose River Falls

Sometimes a writer needs to recharge her muse. So last Thursday, we loaded the car with camping gear and drove up to Shenandoah National Park for a long weekend getaway. One of our favorite places to unwind.

We did a bit of walking. The first day out, we hiked the Rose River Loop trail. For most of the trail, we enjoyed the pleasant sound of running water along the river, cascades, and falls.

Upper Section of the South River Falls

While camping at Lewis Mountain we heard an interesting presentation from Ranger Mike on the origins of the campground and met several thru-hikers making the trek along the AT from Georgia to Maine. Wish I had that kind of stamina.

On the second day of hiking we traveled along the South River Falls trail, stopping at the oberservation point to take this photo of the upper section of the 83' waterfalls, returning to our car via the South River fire road. We were exhausted when we reached the parking lot, but it was a good kind of tired.

How do you reenergize?


Now that we're home, I'm back on virtual tour with Just Beyond the Garden Gate. Here is where I'll be for the rest of the month.

06/11/13 Romance Junkies - Guest Post

06/12/13 Nancy Lee Badger’s Blog - Guest Post

06/13/13 Books ‘a la Mode - Interview
06/14/13 Star Crossed Romance - Guest Post
06/18/13 Anne Lange's Blog - Guest Post and Recipe

06/19/13 House Millar - Interview

06/21/13 Sweet ‘n Sexy Divas – Soulful quotes by Renee Vincent
06/23/13 Dawn Marie Hamilton Writes - Full Moon Book Giveaway

06/24/13 Fresh Fiction - Guest Post

06/27/13 Melissa Limoges's Blog - Guest Post

I'll also be visiting the Firebirds blog on June 26th as a 2013 Golden Heart® Finalist.

~Dawn Marie

New Release: Just Beyond the Garden Gate

Just Beyond the Garden Gate
Scottish Historical Time Travel with Faeries

I'm excited to announce the release of Just Beyond the Garden Gate, the first novel in the Highland Gardens series. Visit Dawn Marie Hamilton Writes on May 25th for the Full Moon Book Giveaway.




Kindle Edition Available at Amazon

The Scottish Highlands—a place where faeries and brownies and other fae creatures dance through time. On occasion, so do mere mortals.

Determined to regain her royal status, a banished faerie princess accepts a challenge from the High-Queen of the Fae to unite an unlikely couple while the clan brownie attempts to thwart her.

Passion ignites when a faerie-shove propels burned-out business consultant Laurie Bernard through the garden gate, back through time, and into the embrace of Patrick MacLachlan. The arrogant clan chief doesn’t know what to make of the lass in his arms, especially when he recognizes the brooch she wears as the one his stepmother wore when she and his father disappeared.

With the fae interfering at every opportunity, the couple must learn to trust one another while they battle an enemy clan, expose a traitor within their midst and discover the true fate of the missing parents. Can they learn the most important truth—love transcends time?

Journey from the lush gardens of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina to the Scottish Highlands of 1509 with Just Beyond the Garden Gate.

Excerpt:

Laurie opened her eyes a crack. Her head pounded, her pulse raced. This wasn’t good. Those couldn’t be two, huge, leather-clad feet inches from her face.

She opened her eyes wider. Raised her gaze higher.

Those feet—the ones that couldn’t be there—was it possible they were attached to two muscular calves wrapped in soft napped animal skins?

Higher still. Bare knees. Plaid wool and saffron linen.

Farther up, she took in all of the man who towered over her. Piercing blue eyes blinked. Crinkles appeared in the corners. He was grinning. Not outwardly. The perfectly shaped lips remained tight and straight, but something within this gorgeous man was pleased.

She gasped with recognition. This was her man, the one from her heated dreams and visions. The man she didn’t believe existed. The man who made her insides flip-flop.

Unsure what had just happened, she gave her head a firm shake. Mistake. Dizziness hit in waves. She swallowed hard. When the nausea passed, she pushed her palms against the ground and rose to her feet. Unsteady, she swayed. The stranger’s image blurred.

Large calloused hands gripped her arms. A strange though familiar jolt of energy coursed through her, causing her heart to beat too fast.

He quickly released her. He must have felt it too.

Again, she swayed. She reached for his support at the same time he took hold of her upper arms.

She blinked to clear her vision and moistened dry lips. The flash of desire in his eyes made her shiver. He smiled for real this time, leaned forward, placed a hand behind her head, and brushed her lips with his. Gentle at first, then with vigor, his tongue delved into her mouth.

Instinct insisted she struggle. Holding her body rigid, she fisted her hands, which he’d trapped within his embrace. She forced her fingers open and pressed her palms against his hard chest—a vain attempt to push him away.

The current flowing between them became overpoweringly seductive. No man had made her feel this way before. For several moments, she wavered between fighting him—a familiar stranger—and succumbing to the delicious sensations swamping her. He deepened the kiss, and the internal battle ended. Desire won. She clasped hold of the front of his shirt with shaky hands and kissed him back with pent-up passion.

Satiny lips anchored her in a storm of unfamiliar sensation. Pleasure vibrated along her body. She opened her eyes a slit. The intensity of the man’s shocking kiss matched the masculine power burning in his startling blue eyes.

His grip tightened. His fingers burned through her clothing, searing her skin. She closed misty eyes and sank into the reality of her dream lover’s embrace.

Amazon Author Page

Twitter

 

~Dawn Marie

Virtual Book Tours

There are service providers who schedule blog tours for authors for a fee. A couple that come to mind are Black Lion Virtual Book Tours and Goddess Fish Promotions.

An author must carefully decide what they can afford to spend on marketing. And which avenues best suit their needs. Sending out requests and scheduling blog dates is time consuming, but mostly free. The cost is in the time away from writing the next book.

For the upcoming releases of Just Beyond the Garden Gate and Just Once in a Verra Blue Moon, I’ve opted to schedule my own tours—late May/June and late August/September. I plan to visit the sites of several author friends and several book blogs. Lead-time is critical. Book bloggers’ calendars fill fast.

 

 

Just Beyond the Garden Gate Virtual Book Tour:

05/21/13  Jenn Nixon’s Blog - Teaser Tuesday
05/22/13  Babette James’s Blog - Guest Post
05/23/13  Vintage Vonnie - Guest Post
05/28/13  Dey For Love - Blurb & Excerpt
05/29/13  Across the Plain of ShiningBooks - Interview
06/05/13  Faeries, Dragons and Spaceships - Guest Post
06/11/13  Romance Junkies - Guest Post
06/12/13  Nancy Lee Badger’s Blog - Guest Post
06/13/13  Books ‘a la Mode - Guest Post
06/19/13  House Millar - Interview

06/21/13  Sweet ‘n Sexy Divas – Soulful quotes by Renee Vincent
06/24/13  Fresh Fiction - Guest Post
06/27/13  Insert Clever Quip Here - Guest Post & Review

I hope to add more guest appearances, so visit Dawn Marie Hamilton Writes for an up-to-date list of tour stops.

BTW: I should mention, there will be giveaways along the route. J

Have you ever set up a virtual book tour or followed a favorite author’s tour?

~Dawn Marie

The Making of a Highlander Romance Novel Cover

Just Beyond the Garden Gate Cover Reveal

 

On Friday, I revealed a new cover at Across the Plain of Shining Books for my soon to be released self-published novel, Just Beyond the Garden Gate. Unlike Janet discussed in the ‘In Search of the Perfect Cover’ and ‘More Cover Mania’ posts, I designed the cover myself. I considered hiring a cover artist, but decided the money would be better spent on editing.


Available June 2013

I had no clue how to start. I’m not an artist and I never used Photoshop. So, I signed up for ‘Creating the Perfect Cover’ workshop with Andris Bear and Lily Smith, and downloaded a copy of Photoshop Elements 11. The workshop was great! Videos were used to present the lessons. I created several mockup covers during the two weeks.

Where to start? The royalty free picture sites. My first idea was to have a background image of a garden gate and add some symbols from the story—tartan plaid, sword, a brooch. I found the garden shot I used at iStock. I didn’t really want a hunk on the cover, but the first lesson was to check out the books published in your genre. Gah! The majority had gorgeous Highlanders on the covers. After some perusing of the images at Hot Damn Stock—so not a chore—I found my cover model. Brooks Johnson. Doesn’t he look great wearing a kilt and holding a sword?

I used comp images to create the mockups. Good thing. The first model image I used didn’t work. I ended up selecting a different image of Brooks. By using the comps for the mockups, I saved myself from purchasing an image I didn’t use. Once I had the mockups the way I wanted them, I purchased the images. Then I played around with the text, trying different fonts and colors. Originally, the title was in teal. I liked it, but the instructors recommended bright pink. Wow. What a difference. The title popped.

I absolutely adore the cover for Just Beyond the Garden Gate. Hope you like it too.

~Dawn Marie

 

Scottish Historical Time Travel with Faeries

Just Beyond the Garden Gate   Coming Soon

I plan to indie-publish the Highland Gardens series. No release dates yet, but I’ll keep you posted…


The Scottish Highlands—a place where faeries and brownies and other fae creatures dance through time. On occasion, so do mere mortals.

Determined to regain her royal status, a banished faerie princess accepts a challenge from the high-queen of the fae to unite an unlikely couple while the clan brownie attempts to thwart her.

Passion ignites when a faerie-shove propels burned-out business consultant Laurie Bernard through the garden gate, back through time, and into the embrace of Patrick MacLachlan. The arrogant clan chief doesn’t know what to make of the lass in his arms, especially when he recognizes the brooch she wears as the one his stepmother wore when she and his father disappeared.

With the fae interfering at every opportunity, the couple must learn to trust one another while they battle an enemy clan, expose a traitor within their midst and discover the true fate of the missing parents. Can they learn the most important truth—love transcends time?

Journey from the lush gardens of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina to the Scottish Highlands of 1509 with Just Beyond the Garden Gate.

 

~Dawn Marie

Time to Start a New Story

It's that time. Time to start a new story.

Decision time. Which story idea bumbling about in my head should I start?

I've been working on two series. Crimson Storm has one completed manuscript, Sea Panther, which I'm currently submitting to traditional publishers. Highland Gardens has two completed manuscripts. I hope to self-publish Just Beyond the Garden Gate in late May, followed by Just Once in a Verra Blue Moon.

Since I've been in edit mode for those two manuscripts, perhaps I'll start the third story for Highland Gardens, which might be a novella. Maybe a novel. Not sure yet. The ideas aren't fully gelled.

Starting a new story is a lot like designing a new garden. A seed of an idea sets in your mind, hoping to blossom. Instead of perusing flower catalogs, I dive into research, using books, and the internet, and the knowledge offered by fellow writers. While the research continues, a plan evolves. For the garden, I use graph paper, templates and pencils. For my story, I use a storyboard, index cards, a notebook and a computer.

How do you decide what project to work on next? What tools do you use?

~Dawn Marie

Yippee! Just Once in a Verra Blue Moon—Finalist in the 2012 Golden Gateway Contest

I'm so very excited to have Just Once in a Verra Blue Moon, the second novel in the Highland Gardens series, appear on the list of finalists. Thank you to the judges and coordinators.

Congratulations to all the finalists! Good luck in the final round.

~Dawn Marie



FTHRW 2012 Golden Gateway Finalists

PARANORMAL/FANTASY/SCI-FI/TIME TRAVEL

The Ring by Jaclyn V. Di Bona

Stone Guardian by Danielle Eliot w/a Danielle Monsch

Just Once in a Verra Blue Moon by Dawn Wolzein w/a Dawn Marie Hamilton

Shift Happens: A Carus Novel by Jasmin McKenzie w/a JC McKenzie

Moon Borne by Heather Boey

 

HISTORICAL

The Parachutist by Dora Mekouar w/a Diana Quincy

The Wicked Earl of Westfield by Betty Trovarelli w/a Renee Ann Miller

Dark Star by Callie Burdette w/a Callie Russell

Miss Chesley's Secret Night by Barbara Huddleston w/a Barbara Bettis

Dagger's Destiny by Karen Woodward

 

MAINSTREAM WITH ROMANTIC ELEMENTS

Synchrony's Call by Susan J. Bickford

Close Knit by Beverly Diehl

Seemingly Perfect by Mary E. Strand

Sunsets on Catfish Bar by Mary E. Strand

Rifles, Racquets, and Rabbit Holes by Robin Haseltine

 

LONG/SHORT CONTEMPORARY SERIES

The Billionaire's Hypnotized Mistress by Greta MacEachern

When Sparrows Cry by Heidi Luchterhand

Love on the Menu by Joan Rhine

Fugitive Heart by HiDee Ekstrom

Ms. Scrooge by Anita Calhoun

 

SINGLE TITLE

Hawaiian Heat: The Marriage Trap by Diane Garner

Jungle Blooms by Evelyn M. Timidaiski w/a Evie Morris

Love Waltzes In by Alanna Albertson

Going All The Way by Heidi Ulrich w/a Megan Ryder

 

ROMANTIC SUSPENSE

Guilty by Design by Mary E. Strand

Looking into Hell by Kristine Thompson

Waking Up In Hell by Kristine Thompson

Mint Condition by Katina Drennan w/a Kat Drennan

Her Unreasonable Doubt by Anne-Marie Carroll

 

PUBLISHED DIVISION

Tracked Through Time by Becky Lower

Alien Contact for Idiots by Edward Hoornaert

The Missing Time by Sandra J. Clarke

The Last Bachelor by Tina Radcliffe

Read My Lips by Kelle Z. Riley