Guest Blogger: Author Sandy Blair

Please welcome guest blogger Sandy Blair, author of the In a Kilt series about hot men from medieval Scotland.

(Can anyone say...Gerard Butler? I know, I know...he's not medieval. But he's got that accent!)

Sandy is also a member of the Wet Noodle Posse, and she's signing a copy of her latest book, A Thief in a Kilt, for a lucky person who comments on my blog today! So ask away.

Now, without further ado, let's chat with Sandy.

So, Sandy, why are all your books set in Scotland?
I’ve spent time there and found the country beautiful—in places ethereal, the people charming and funny, and the history intriguing.

It might also have something to do with the fact that I’m married to a 6’ 5” Scot.

When you start a new book, what's your process?

I usually have one character fleshed out in my mind. I know his goals and motivation, what he fears most and can see his black moment. In the case of A Thief In A Kilt it was my randy hero, Ian MacKay. With the writing comes his perfect match and for the rest...It’s a great adventure.

I know you travel a lot. Tell us about the most beautiful place you've ever seen...and about the one place you wouldn't want to go back to.
Tough question. I adored Skibo Castle in Dornock, Scotland and Adare Manor in Kilkenny, Ireland.

As for where I’d just as soon not return, that would have to be Cairo. The pyramids and Sphinx were awesome as was the Citadel and the old city, but the modern parts of the city I found far too congested. I did, however, enjoy exploring the rest of Egypt.

What's the best thing about being a full-time writer? What's the worst?
The best part would be receiving fan letters. Hearing that my stories have touched someone or brought them a moment’s joy. (And my work hours aren’t bad either.)

As for the worst, it would have to be waiting to see how a current book is being received.

So...what do men wear under their kilts?
Depends on who you ask. You can find some of my heroes’ answers by clicking on the “What’s Under the Kilt?” page on my site: sandyblair.net

(Hmmm...When I was in Scotland, I met some people who'd worked on Rob Roy with Liam Neeson. Apparently, when he was asked, "What do you wear under your kilt?" he replied, "Lipstick.")

And what's this about you falling off a cruise ship??
Augh! There I was minding my own business, on a week-long cruise on a luxury liner going down the Nile, when our tour guide—intent on taking my dh and I on a side trip to Elephantine Island--brings me to a ship’s open portal and tells me to walk down this 2ft x 24 ft plank leading to a small skiff that’s floating in the river below, beside the ship.

Now, there are no handrails, no guide rope. Nothing besides this wooden plank. But others had successfully accomplished the feat so I grab hold of my courage and my big picture hat and take a step onto the plank.

The little skiff chose that moment to shift in the current and whooooooooops, the plank falls two stories...with me on it.

Yup. Down I go.

The plank wasn’t attached to the ship. Just leaning against it. Scared the beweejes out of yours truly, my hubby and our guide, not to mention the little Nubian boatman I was fly towards. Ugh. I was bruised and sore for days, then the Pharaoh’s revenge hit. Overall, I don’t recommend it.

And, since you're on my blog, we have to know the answers to these questions:

Who's your favorite Disney villain?
The wicked lady in the 101 Dalmatians

What TV shows do you watch? Have given up on?
I’m addicted to Project Runway and Top Chef. I adored West Wing while it was on, have all the CDs and have yet to find a show to replace it.

And I gave up on talk shows a la Dr. Phil and Oprah ages ago.

And, finally, where do you stand on the hotness (or not) of Leo DiCaprio and Matt Damon?
Dare I admit “not hot?” (No problem, as long as you're talking about Leo...)

I’m into chiseled features, like those of Daniel Day Louise. (Imagining him in the Last of the Mohicans. Hmm,mmm,mmm. )

Anything else you'd like to add?

Thanks for asking.

As a thank you to readers and to celebrate the launch of A Thief In A Kilt, I’m gifting one reader with an expense paid trip to the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention in Houston this coming April.

The gift includes:

1. Round trip coach airfare from any major city in the contiguous US.
2. The registration fee ($435.00) and all meals, publisher parties, book signings, model parties and classes included in their registration fee.
3. A five night stay at the convention hotel
4. A special dinner with me...and a surprise author or two.

The application can be found on the Contest Prize page of my site: sandyblair.net

Those applicants who answer the 9 easy questions correctly will move on, will have their “Why I love romance” letters read. The winner will NOT be selected on perfect prose or punctuation but on “WHY they love Romances.”

I’m really looking forward to meeting the winner!

Wow! What a great prize. Thanks for joining us, Sandy!
Don't forget to make a comment or ask a question for a chance to win A Thief in a Kilt.

Guest Blogger: Author Sandy Blair

http://colleengleason.blogspot.com/2006/11/guest-blogger-author-sandy-blair.html