I'm visiting with the Ruby Slippered Sisterhood (2009 Golden Heart® Finalists) at their blog today, talking about 'the dream'. Please stop by if you have a free moment.
~Dawn Marie
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Sneak Peek Sunday - 'Just Beyond the Garden Gate'
For this week's Sneak Peek, we'll continue from where we left off last Sunday. Patrick is escorting the strange lass (Laurie), whom he found near the faerie mound, to his castle. For more Sneak Peek fun, check out the other participating authors by clicking the link below. Hope you enjoy this wee snippet!
He shouldn’t have kissed her, but hadn’t been able to stop.
~Dawn Marie
He shouldn’t have kissed her, but hadn’t been able to stop.
Feathery lashes graced smooth cheeks silvered in the
moonlight. Patrick feasted on the sight like a starving man. His chest
tightened for lack of air. This wouldn't do. He tore his gaze away. An ardent
fondness for the lass would bring naught but trouble.
Though she belonged to him, it would be best to maintain a
distance. He couldn’t afford becoming attached. Not with the false betrothal
hanging over his head. But damn, he desired the lass with every breath.
Arriving at the castle side of the small bay, he jumped into
the shallow water. The boat scraped along the bottom when pulled onto the
beach. Still, she didn’t stir.
Patrick lifted the woman, held on tight, and strode across
the shingle to the castle. Entering through the main gate, he made haste to the
wheel stair. The tight space required caution to ensure the woman’s head didn’t
bang against rough stone.
In the great hall, he found his cousin with Elspeth seated
before the fire. His sister leapt from her chair and ran to him. “Stephen told
me what happened in Fir-wood.” Her gaze slid over the woman in his arms, and
her eyes widened. “Did you hurt her?”
Click here
to join in the fun
and hop along
with Sneak Peek Sunday.
~Dawn Marie
Friday, June 28, 2013
Folklore Friday: Brùnaidh (Scottish Brownie)
Contradictory information regarding the diminutive creatures known to the
Lowland Scots as brownie and to those who speak the Scottish Gaelic as brùnaidh
abounds. I've seen where the brùnaidh is mistakenly lumped together
with the ùruisg and the gruagach but each is a separate
species of otherworldly creature, the brùnaidh being of the household,
whereas the others are creatures of nature.
My first exposure to brownies was as a young Girl Scout. Scouting Brownies take their name from the folklore brownies, as the wee men are a model for the young girls due to the brownie's penchant to assist in household chores, asking for only a bowl of cream or a honey cake for payment.
I became reacquainted with the brùnaidh while doing research for my first romance novel. Thus was born my Highland Gardens series, which revolves around the MacLachlan clan, who resided at Old Castle Lachlan on theshore
of Loch Fyne
In the classic work, Faeries, from Brian Froud and Alan Lee—I have the twenty-fifth anniversary edition—brownies are introduced as a species of faerie. The brownie is described as a shaggy male of short stature, no more than twenty-five inches tall, wearing either tattered garments or nothing at all. It is also suggested that brownies living in theHighlands
have no fingers or toes, whereas those living in the Lowlands
have no noses.
Other references tell a different tale. "In appearance, they (brownies) have been variously described, from squat, shaggy, naked creatures to tall, handsome and well proportioned. They usually kept to themselves, being mostly solitaries, unlike the fairies who were notably gregarious." –Scottish Fairy Belief by Lizanne Henderson and Edward J. Cowan
Although few brownie names are known, there are some who've achieved notoriety: Billie Blin, Aiken Drum, Wag-at-the-wa', and Puddlefoot. With Meg Mullach, also known as Hairy Meg, being one of the few females.
Superstitions of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, by John Gregorson Campbell is available on the internet for download and provides additional references to the wee men.
As historical figures might be included in a story, why not take the folklore and, using creative license, tweak the nature of these otherworldly beings to include them in romance novels? In my Highland Gardens series, I borrowed the incredibly mischievous brùnaidh of MacLachlan legend. Since brownies are known to have a keen sense of responsibility, Munn is duty bound to the Chiefs of Clan MacLachlan. Part of the twist since many accounts state brownies in general prefer mistresses to masters. In the series, Munn creates all kinds of havoc for my heroes and heroines.
Some say brownies evolved from the lore of the elf, and in my mind, they have
similar physical characteristics. The included drawing is of an ancient elf,
but his image is similar to the one I imagine for a brownie.
The Brunaidh, whose duty it was to watch over Clan MacLachlan, sat on a stool near the fire, reciting rhymes for Elspeth. He waved his arms as he spoke. Dressed for foolery, the brownie wore baggy brown leather trews and a knee length leine of fine woolen cloth secured at the waist by a thick leather belt adorned with bronze. Around his shoulders, he wore a green brat held in place by a bronze brooch with a large clear crystal in the center. He tapped his feet in rhythm to the cadence of his voice. On those wee feet, he wore green boots with toes that pointed upward.
"Munn," Patrick bellowed.
The little man twisted around, his whisker-covered face scrunched up more than usual. Panic flashed in blue-green eyes, and he jumped to his full three-foot height. His bent nose twitched and he grabbed hold of the funny-looking pointed green cap he always wore.
Have you read a story including such creatures? What do you think of fae creatures in romance novels?
~Dawn Marie
My first exposure to brownies was as a young Girl Scout. Scouting Brownies take their name from the folklore brownies, as the wee men are a model for the young girls due to the brownie's penchant to assist in household chores, asking for only a bowl of cream or a honey cake for payment.
I became reacquainted with the brùnaidh while doing research for my first romance novel. Thus was born my Highland Gardens series, which revolves around the MacLachlan clan, who resided at Old Castle Lachlan on the
In the classic work, Faeries, from Brian Froud and Alan Lee—I have the twenty-fifth anniversary edition—brownies are introduced as a species of faerie. The brownie is described as a shaggy male of short stature, no more than twenty-five inches tall, wearing either tattered garments or nothing at all. It is also suggested that brownies living in the
Other references tell a different tale. "In appearance, they (brownies) have been variously described, from squat, shaggy, naked creatures to tall, handsome and well proportioned. They usually kept to themselves, being mostly solitaries, unlike the fairies who were notably gregarious." –Scottish Fairy Belief by Lizanne Henderson and Edward J. Cowan
Although few brownie names are known, there are some who've achieved notoriety: Billie Blin, Aiken Drum, Wag-at-the-wa', and Puddlefoot. With Meg Mullach, also known as Hairy Meg, being one of the few females.
Superstitions of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, by John Gregorson Campbell is available on the internet for download and provides additional references to the wee men.
As historical figures might be included in a story, why not take the folklore and, using creative license, tweak the nature of these otherworldly beings to include them in romance novels? In my Highland Gardens series, I borrowed the incredibly mischievous brùnaidh of MacLachlan legend. Since brownies are known to have a keen sense of responsibility, Munn is duty bound to the Chiefs of Clan MacLachlan. Part of the twist since many accounts state brownies in general prefer mistresses to masters. In the series, Munn creates all kinds of havoc for my heroes and heroines.
Some say brownies evolved from the lore of the elf, and in my mind, they have
similar physical characteristics. The included drawing is of an ancient elf,
but his image is similar to the one I imagine for a brownie.The Brunaidh, whose duty it was to watch over Clan MacLachlan, sat on a stool near the fire, reciting rhymes for Elspeth. He waved his arms as he spoke. Dressed for foolery, the brownie wore baggy brown leather trews and a knee length leine of fine woolen cloth secured at the waist by a thick leather belt adorned with bronze. Around his shoulders, he wore a green brat held in place by a bronze brooch with a large clear crystal in the center. He tapped his feet in rhythm to the cadence of his voice. On those wee feet, he wore green boots with toes that pointed upward.
"Munn," Patrick bellowed.
The little man twisted around, his whisker-covered face scrunched up more than usual. Panic flashed in blue-green eyes, and he jumped to his full three-foot height. His bent nose twitched and he grabbed hold of the funny-looking pointed green cap he always wore.
Just Beyond the Garden Gate by
Dawn Marie Hamilton
Have you read a story including such creatures? What do you think of fae creatures in romance novels?
~Dawn Marie
Thursday, June 27, 2013
'Just Beyond the Garden Gate' Tour Stop: Melissa Limoges Blog
Today, I'm visiting with Melissa Limoges. Giveaway: A PDF copy of ‘Just Beyond the Garden Gate’ to one commenter. Stop by and share with us your dream setting to fall in love.
~Dawn Marie
~Dawn Marie
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Daylilies and Firebirds
Look what greeted me this morning. This sweet plant was thrown in as an extra when I ordered other plants several years ago. The daylily moved with me from New Jersey to Maryland. Aren't the blooms lovely? They make me smile.
Today, I'm visiting with the Firebirds, the 2012 Golden Heart® Finalists. I'm sharing a wee bit about my journey into indie-publishing. Stop by if you have an extra moment.
~Dawn Marie
Monday, June 24, 2013
'Just Beyond the Garden Gate' Tour Stop: Fresh Fiction
Today I'm visiting Fresh Fiction. Giveaway: A PDF copy of ‘Just Beyond the Garden Gate’ to one commenter. Stop by for a visit.
~Dawn Marie
~Dawn Marie
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Sneak Peek Sunday - 'Just Beyond the Garden Gate'
For this week's Sneak Peek, we'll continue from where we left off last Sunday. Patrick is escorting the strange lass (Laurie), whom he found near the faerie mound, to his castle. For more Sneak Peek fun, check out the other participating authors by clicking the link below. Hope you enjoy this wee snippet!
~Dawn Marie
She teetered and collapsed against him.
He shook her. Even with gentle slaps to her cheeks, she
didn’t respond.
For all the saints, what was he to do with her now? He
lifted her and carried her to the water’s edge. She weighed naught and was easy
to carry.
Patrick placed her into the currach he’d left on the
beach. She didn’t stir, and a knot of alarm twisted in his stomach. He climbed
in behind her and sat. The small boat, made of skins and wicker, pitched. He
carefully settled himself and pulled the lass onto his lap—to balance the boat,
not for any other reason.
Paddle in hand, he rowed toward the opposite shore.
He frowned at the limp woman. Women didn’t swoon in his
presence. There must be something wrong with the lass. At least her chest rose
and fell with her breath. He hadn’t scared her to death.
Here's where I'll be this week:
6/24 Fresh Fiction
6/26 Golden Heart Firebirds
6/27 Melissa Limoges's Blog
Visit the Full Moon Book giveaway today. I'm giving away two e-copies of Just Beyond the Garden Gate.
Here's where I'll be this week:
6/24 Fresh Fiction
6/26 Golden Heart Firebirds
6/27 Melissa Limoges's Blog
Click here
to join in the fun
and hop along
with Sneak Peek Sunday.
~Dawn Marie
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