Friday, July 9, 2010

Interview with Loucinda McGary

Today's special guest is Golden Heart Winner, Romance Bandit and lover of all things Irish:  Multi-published Romantic Suspense author, Loucinda McGary.  Aunty Cindy, as she's known to her blog visitors, was kind enough to take a break from her world travels to recently talk to me about her July 6th release, The Wild Irish Sea and a variety of other topics.  Hmm, I wonder if any of those luscious cabana boys from the Lair followed her over? 



Welcome to The Romance Dish, Cindy!

Thank you so much for having me as a guest here today!

Congratulations on the recent release of your third published novel, The Wild Irish Sea. Will you tell us a bit about the story?

Again, thanks for the opportunity to talk about my new release, I’m very excited to see this one on the shelves!

Fraternal twins Amber and Parker O’Neill have shared a special telepathic connection all their lives. When Parker inadvertently witnesses a murder and is then targeted by the killers, his sister receives his mental distress call and rushes to the rugged shores of Ireland to rescue him. Once she reaches Donegal, Amber enlists the aid of troubled former police inspector, Kevin Hennessey to find her missing brother.

Though Kevin is reluctant to become involved with the beautiful American, something about her will not let him turn her away. As they race to find Parker, Kevin and Amber also become embroiled with some orphaned children, suspicious townsfolk, and a group of dangerous smugglers. Plus they discover a shared connection of mind, body and spirit unlike anything either of them has ever known.

There are some intriguing secondary characters (Parker!) in this book that I’d love to see more of. Will any of them be in future books?

Sadly, there are currently no plans for future books with secondary characters from any of my stories. However, if readers feel strongly that they’d like to read a particular character’s story, please let me and/or my editor know.

Your three published books are either set in Ireland or have an Irish connection. What draws you to the Emerald Isle?

Well, with a name like McGary (and yes, that is my real name) where would you be thinkin’ my ancestors came from? LOL! I’ve always felt a great attraction for the auld sod, and my DH happens to be Irish too! His grandmother came from Ireland in 1912, and he still has relatives who live in Northern Ireland. Visiting them is what inspired me to set my first published book, The Wild Sight in Ireland. It is such a beautiful and mysterious place full of lovely, friendly people that I couldn’t resist the opportunity to tell another story set there. I hope my readers feel the same.

As for why I write Irish heroes, it has to be that accent! I’m afraid a man with a brogue could talk me into just about anything.

Have to agree with you on that accent.  Mesmerizing!  

We love call stories! How did you get the news of your first sale?

It was Friday September 14, 2007 at 8:30 in the morning. I was still in bed contemplating what to fix for breakfast, when my phone rang. Everyone who knows me also knows NOT to call me before 9:00 A.M., so when I snatched up the phone, I was expecting bad news.

Instead an unfamiliar woman’s voice asked for me, and when I identified myself, she said, “This is Deb Werksman from Sourcebooks and I’d like to buy your Irish book.” I’m afraid I screeched, “Oh my God!” in my poor editor’s ear about a dozen times. Fortunately, she just laughed and said, “I love making these kinds of phone calls.”

LOL!  What a great visual!  Did you do anything special to celebrate?

I used to have a standing lunch engagement with three good friends every Friday. So after I hung up the phone, I rushed out to meet my friends and share the wonderful news. More screaming and much laughing ensued, as I recall.

My DH was at work but was due home shortly after noon. I couldn’t reach him, so I left a note that said, “I sold the Irish book!!!” When I got home he was waiting to help me celebrate, though he did admit that for a couple of minutes he thought I’d sold one of my research books on Ireland and couldn’t understand why I was so excited. MEN!

How wonderful that you were able to celebrate with your good friends.  Too funny about your husband's reaction but I'm sure he made up for it once he understood which book!

Tell us about a typical day in the life of Loucinda McGary. How do you manage to travel the world, blog at multiple sites, hit the social network, take care of real life responsibilities and still find time to turn out terrific stories? Your time management skills must be a whole lot better than mine!

Time management? Don’t you mean time manglement? Honestly, don’t give me too much credit. Some days, the only reason I know my own name is because my son, my DH and/or my BFF keep yelling it at me.

On a typical day, I start working on my current work in progress after lunch, and I usually keep writing for four or five hours until dinner, which my DH cooks. After dinner, I do critiques, revisions, research, or I watch a movie (I LOVE my Netflix). This is my routine for week days. On Saturday, if it is auto racing season or a deadline is approaching, I’ll write from about 3:00 P.M. until around midnight or so. I don’t usually work on Sundays unless I’m really into my story or I’m facing a deadline.

The writers I admire most are those who have full-time jobs and young children (definitely a full-time job) at home. I have neither. I also do not cook, clean, or apologize for my deficiencies in those areas. Travel and writing are my priorities, so that’s how I spend most of my time. I squeeze in chores and errands when I can no longer avoid them. Now that you all know the ugly truth, if you repeat any of this I will disavow every word!

Repeat what? *g*

Speaking of travel, you’ve traveled extensively throughout the world. What is the most memorable location you’ve visited and what place is on your bucket list of “must visit” sites?

I’ve visited so many fascinating places that it is difficult to pick one as most memorable. In fact, I find just about every place I visit memorable and fascinating in some way. Last May we visited Arches National Park near Moab, Utah and it was absolutely awesome. But so was The Sistine Chapel (which I saw for the first time in 1994), and in a completely different way.

Two places, I often rave about that most people find unusual are Bangkok, Thailand and Cappadocia, Turkey. Bangkok is one of the most beautiful cities in the world with pristine, ancient temples and gleaming high-rises, and some of the friendliest people I’ve ever met. The Turks are wonderfully friendly too, and Cappadocia is like no other place on this planet with incredible stone ‘fairy chimneys’ and underground cities dating back some 1500 years.

When we first started traveling, I told my DH there were three places I wanted to see before I died: Venice, Ireland, and The Great Wall of China. I’m happy to say that I accomplished all of those by Feb. 1997 when I stood on The Great Wall with my teeth chattering from cold but a huge grin on my face! The place that now occupies my #1 slot (and has for awhile) is Egypt, but there are plenty of other places on the list too.




Let's say you've just booked that trip to Egypt. Which fictional characters should start packing their bags to go along with you?

I’d definitely want to take Amelia Peabody and her hubby Emerson, so they could tell me all the history surrounding whatever tomb or pyramid we happened to be visiting. They probably won’t need to pack, as they will undoubtedly already be in Egypt.

Oh, and I’ll need Brendan Fraser’s character Rick O’Connell from the movie The Mummy to protect me with all those lovely big guns of his (and supply some great eye candy).

Great choices!

RWA National is coming up in a few weeks and readers will be standing in long lines to have their favorite books autographed. (You'll be missed!)  What authors would you stand in line to have a book signed by?

Any and all of my Banditas, of course! I already stood in line last year for Janet Evanovich’s autograph, and the other author for whom I have stood in line probably won’t be in Orlando either – Diana Gabaldon.

I will certainly miss seeing everyone at National this year (and getting some yummy chocolate turtles from you, PJ), but I plan to be in New York for the 2011 conference, so I’ll see you all there!

What’s next from the creative imagination of Loucinda McGary?

One of my favorite modes of travel is cruising, and to date, I’ve gone on sixteen cruises (number seventeen is booked for November). For my current work in progress, I decided to use all that experience, so I’ve set the story on a cruise ship. I hope this will be the first in a series centered around this fictional cruise line.

I love cruising!  I'll be looking forward to the new books.

Is there a question you’d like to ask our visitors?

Because I liked it so much, I’ll repeat one of your questions: 

What is the number one destination on your bucket list, and which fictional characters will you take with you?  

One randomly selected commenter will win an autographed copy of The Wild Irish Sea.

67 comments:

  1. Congratulations on the release of THE WILD IRISH SEA. It sounds like a great read.

    My top bucket list trip is to Ireland and Scotland. There have been so many kilted warriors in the books I've read, it would be hard too choose. Since the Beauty and the Beast story line is my favorite, I'll have to dig through my books and find one of them, or I'll just take the Beast and turn him into my Prince Charming.

    I am envious of all your traveling. Some day soon we hope to start getting more travel time in.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I loved this book I read it in one sitting Way To Go Aunty Cindy on another awesome story. I am in the crowd that want Parker's story I do hope we see that one day and I too love cruising so I am looking forward to reading your next book.

    On my bucket list one place I would love to visit is The Scottish Highlands men in kilts just do something to me and a fictional character I would take would be Mel Gibson ( can't think of his characters name at the moment LOL) from Braveheart I am sure he would show me around

    Have Fun
    Helen

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi, Cindy! I finished reading THE WILD SIGHT today. I really, really loved it!! It grabbed me from the first page and did not let go. I can't wait to start your next book!

    My top bucket list trip would be Ireland and all of Britain. I would love to see the land of my ancestors someday, and I'd love to bring Donovan with me! *wink*

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh goody! This book sounds enthralling! Hope to read =D

    My bucket list destination: Italy. Beautiful, rustic, italy! I want to experience the food, culture and beauty that is there! I would love to take Sebastian St.Vincent from Devil In Winter with me! mmmhmmm....

    ReplyDelete
  5. The #1 destination on my bucket list is Great Britain - I'd love to take a nice long tour of the entire British Isles. I would take Robin Fitzvitry, the fun-loving Earl of Huntersdown and Petre d'Avernio from Jo Beverly's A Lady's Secret. I think they'd be a blast on a road trip.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Congrats on your new novel....can't wait to read it!!!

    Hmmmm....Top Fantasy Bucket Wish List?

    I'd have to say time travel thru the stones in Scotland (as Claire) to meet Jamie....and experience everything she's enjoyed.....Hehehe.

    Or maybe....I'll just chose to be a Bond Girl and dive for shells????

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi Aunty Cindy,
    Congrats on the new release. Egypt is definitely on my bucket list. I want to see all the archaeological sites and take a cruise on the Nile. I would like to bring Hercule Poirot with me. He would be handy if we get caught up in a murder mystery.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hello Aunty! One place on my bucket list is the British Isles. I have to lump them together because I can't choose one. If I ever make it over the big water then I want England, Ireland, and Scotland all to be my destination. I am proud of my American Heritage but my heart is
    in the Isles. I am a hodgepodge and my ancestors did not get along, neither does my present day family. LOL

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi AC!! Congrats on the release again!

    My top trip would be to Ireland since I'm also Irish and have never been to the mother land. I think I would take one of my own heroes if that's okay. :)
    I'll bring along Somerton who is a secondary character in all my published books and the hero of the next book. I still love that bad boy.

    And I have The Wild Irish Sea loaded on my Kindle app on my phone to take with me on my cruise next week.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Congrats on The Wild Irish Sea!! I'm reading great reviews.
    My dream trip is to Hawaii. I hope I can go in a few years. I would take Ashcroft from Anna Campbell's My Reckless Surrender. He is a dream.
    Hope you have a great day!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Your book sounds great and I love Irish settings.

    Bucket list trip would be to the highlands of Scotland with Gerard Butler. I've been to Scotland before and just love it. However, I've never been escorted by Gerard Butler. :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Good Morning All! Thanks for stopping by. Aunty Cindy is on west coast time so she'll be by a bit later.

    ReplyDelete
  13. or I'll just take the Beast and turn him into my Prince Charming.

    Librarypat, I like the way you think! :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. I am in the crowd that want Parker's story.

    Helen, I'm in the same crowd. I *so* want Parker's story!

    On my bucket list one place I would love to visit is The Scottish Highlands men in kilts just do something to me

    I'd love to visit the Scottish Highlands with Veronica Wolff's hero, Alasdair MacColla as my guide but I imagine his heroine, Haley would insist on coming along. Wonder if she'll share? ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Diana said; My top bucket list trip would be Ireland and all of Britain. I would love to see the land of my ancestors someday, and I'd love to bring Donovan with me! *wink*

    Now that would be a lovely trip!

    ReplyDelete
  16. HistoricalRomanceJunkie said; My bucket list destination: Italy. Beautiful, rustic, italy! I want to experience the food, culture and beauty that is there! I would love to take Sebastian St.Vincent from Devil In Winter with me! mmmhmmm....

    Oh, yes! Sebastian would make a fascinating travel companion but, like my Alasdair above, I'm afraid he'd come as a package deal with Evie by his side.

    I hope you're able to make it to Italy one of these days. It's the country of my heart. I adore its history, its people, it's food. *g*
    If I had the money, I'd visit there every summer and never tire of it.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Barbara E said; I would take Robin Fitzvitry, the fun-loving Earl of Huntersdown and Petre d'Avernio from Jo Beverly's A Lady's Secret. I think they'd be a blast on a road trip.

    Oh, think of the adventures you'd have with those two! Great choice!

    ReplyDelete
  18. MitziH said; I'd have to say time travel thru the stones in Scotland (as Claire) to meet Jamie....and experience everything she's enjoyed.....Hehehe.

    I'm probably the only romance reading person in the world who hasn't read those books. One of these days...

    ReplyDelete
  19. Jane said; Egypt is definitely on my bucket list. I want to see all the archaeological sites and take a cruise on the Nile.

    I love travel and exploring new places but I've never had the urge to visit Egypt. I wonder if it's all that sand? I have friends who have visited and rave about it and one neighbor who lived there for several years. I hope you make it there one of these days, Jane!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Dianna said; One place on my bucket list is the British Isles. I have to lump them together because I can't choose one.

    I'm the same way, Dianna. I'd want to visit all three. The majority of my ancestors hail from the British Isles. It would be great fun to go exploring and see if I could find any info on them.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Christie said; I'll bring along Somerton who is a secondary character in all my published books and the hero of the next book. I still love that bad boy.

    Oh, good choice, Christie! I am so looking forward to Somerton and Victoria's story! Counting down the days to October 5th and the Scandal of the Season!

    I love cruising! What ports will you be visiting?

    ReplyDelete
  22. Runner10, hope you make it to Hawaii. That's a place I've always wanted to visit. Warm tropical breezes and all those lovely tanned and toned (male) surfer bodies! *vbg*

    Ashcroft is a wonderful choice. I'm sure he'd make it a vacation to remember!

    ReplyDelete
  23. susied said; Bucket list trip would be to the highlands of Scotland with Gerard Butler.

    Oh, what a fun trip that would be! We have a few women around here who would likely challenge you to the rights to that vacation!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Congratulations on the release of TWIS, Aunty!I love those Irish heroes.

    Greece is #1 on my bucket list, and I think I'll go way back for my fictional companion and choose Max Gale from Mary Stewart's This Rough Magic. He's a man who knows the isles well, and he was one of the first Romancelandian heroes to steal my heart.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Hi Cindy,
    Congrats on your new release!

    The number one place to visit on my bucket list is England. There is so much history and culture there that i could spend months happily cursing the place. Hmm do we have a limit on the amount of fictional characters we can bring? If not i have a whole male Hiram. I'd want Sirius Black & Remus Lupin from HP, Obi-Wan Kenobi from Star wars, Bit Carroway from England's Perfect Hero, Nick Montrose from The Seduction of Sara, Kent Ouvrelet from Summers at Castle Auburn, Mr. Knightly from Emma.... oh i can just go on and on... ^^

    Melissa

    ReplyDelete
  26. Morning, Jo!

    I'd love to visit China someday. It still boggles my mind that they were able to build that wall. Amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Oh, good choice, Janga! I'd love to visit Greece someday and Max would be a perfect companion. I think it may be time for another re-read of his story. :)

    ReplyDelete
  28. Sounds like a fun trip, Melissa. That's quite an entourage you have going! :)

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hi Everyone,
    Sorry to be even later than usual, but I had a doctor's appointment earlier. :-(

    THANK YOU, PJ! For the great interview and for holding down the fort here. Nice to "see" so many familiar faces, and I hope you all enjoy The Wild Irish Sea.

    AC

    ReplyDelete
  30. Librarypat,
    Thanx for the congrats! I hope you get to make that trip to Ireland and Scotland in the not too distant future. I myself have NEVER been to the Highlands! *GASP* I KNOW!!! Those are definitely on my bucket list. I wanna stand on the shores of Loch Ness and try to catch a glimpse of Nessie! :-)

    AC

    ReplyDelete
  31. AWWW! Thank you yet again, Helen for being such a big fan of TWIS and Parker!

    Mel Gibson played William Wallace, a real historical character in Scottish history. And he looked verra fine in a kilt, I might add! But most of those Highlanders do. ;-)

    AC

    ReplyDelete
  32. Hi Diana!
    Looking forward to guesting with you on the 19th. (make a note everyone, Book of Secrets 7/19)

    I'm sooo glad you loved Donovan! Yes, he would be very fun to travel around Ireland with. Just steer clear of the museums or he might end up face down in front of a display of ancient Celtic jewelry like he did when he was a teen. :-)

    AC

    ReplyDelete
  33. HRJ Rita,
    Italy is one of my favorite places to visit! I'd go there tomorrow if I had the time and $$. ;-) The Tuscan hill towns are GREAT and so are the towns in the Cinque Terra. If you'd like a wee taste of Venice, then please try my second published novel The Treasures of Venice. It has a charming Irish hero and lots of great Venetian scenery.

    AC

    ReplyDelete
  34. Hi Barbara E!
    Thanks for popping by! Another vote for the British Isles. I must say they are gorgeous and the people are lovely and friendly. But with the traveling companions you've selected, how could you NOT have a good time!?!?

    AC

    ReplyDelete
  35. OOOO Mitzi!

    You just mentioned one of MY top fantasies... Jamie Frasier! LOL!

    Of course the new James Bond, Daniel Craig is one fine specimen too!

    AC

    ReplyDelete
  36. HI Jane!

    So glad to "see" you on my latest stop on the tour. :-) Here's a proposition for you: Me, You, and Eric B. on a felluca on the Nile! No murders, please!

    AC

    ReplyDelete
  37. Hi Dianna!

    HUGS on the battling family members. I'm afraid I'm all too familiar with that scenario. :-( Hey, do you know why the Irish fight amongst themselves? Because they have no worthy opponents! Okay, I'm allowed to say that because I'm Irish. ;-)

    I hope you make it to the British Isles someday. I KNOW you'll enjoy yourself.

    AC

    ReplyDelete
  38. YAY Christie!
    Thanks for putting the Kindle version of TWIS on your phone. I hope you enjoy lots of leisurely reading on your cruise! That's about the only time I get to engage in real LEISURE reading is when I'm cruising.

    We all want a FULL REPORT when you get back!

    AC

    ReplyDelete
  39. AC said; Hi Diana!
    Looking forward to guesting with you on the 19th. (make a note everyone, Book of Secrets 7/19)


    Here's the url:

    http://diana-book-of-secrets.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  40. Runner,
    Hawaii if truly paradise! I've only been to 3 of the islands so far and it is a close call, but I'll say Maui is my favorite.

    And with one of Anna C's sexy heroes as a traveling companion you are sure to have a FANTASTIC time!

    AC

    ReplyDelete
  41. Susied,
    I'd go just about ANYWHERE with Gerry B! LOL! That man is one CHARMING rogue... in fact, he was the model for my hero Keirnan in The Treasures of Venice. ;-)

    Thanks for dropping by today and I hope you enjoy TWIS.

    AC

    ReplyDelete
  42. Hi Cindy! It's great to have you with us today. Hope all went well at the doc's this morning.

    Your cruise book sounds very intriguing. Can you share any more info with us? Will you be taking the characters to exotic ports of call? When might we expect to see the first book published?

    ReplyDelete
  43. Hey PJ!
    Thanx for the link to Diana's Book of Secrets, and an even BIGGER THANX for hosting me today!

    I'm ready to go with you every summer to Italy! If you don't eat well when you are in Italy then you have a SERIOUS problem. OMGosh, Italian food is FAB-U-LOUS! Of course, as the saying goes, you don't visit the British Isles for the food... ;-)

    So glad you loved Parker! Maybe 'the powers that be' will pay attention if Parker's fan grow large and vocal enough.

    AC

    ReplyDelete
  44. Hi Jo-Mama!
    (Aunty waves madly at her fantastic critique partner) Let me say YET AGAIN that TWIS would have never made it to its current incarnation without YOUR help!

    China is soo fascinating! I'd love to go back. It was changing so rapidly when I was there 12 years ago that I doubt I'd recognize it now.

    AC

    ReplyDelete
  45. Hey PJ,
    It was some routine tests at the doc this AM. Just enough to make me GRUMPY! LOL!

    How sweet of you to ask about the new WIP. I don't know if it will EVER be published, but I'm HOPING! The first book in the series has the ship sailing around the Mexican Riviera (West coast of Mexico) a route I've taken close to a dozen times, so the "research" was a snap! ;-)

    I hope to set future books in the series on Alaskan and Caribbean cruises, because I've been on both those more than once too.

    AC

    ReplyDelete
  46. Janga,
    You've mentioned one of my favorite authors of all time: Mary Stewart! I even named my son after one of her characters in The Moon Spinners.

    I've only been to Athens and would LOVE to see some of the Greek Isles. The photos of Santorini literally make my mouth water. ;-)

    Glad you like my Irish Hunk Heroes and hope you enjoy reading about Kevin.

    AC

    ReplyDelete
  47. Jedisakora,
    Sounds like you will need to book an entire TRAIN for you tour of England. LOL!

    But you are right about the history being all around you. I'll never forget the first time I saw Stonehenge. I could not get over that those massive stones were standing there in the middle of a sheep pasture! :-)

    Thanks for commenting today and I hope you enjoy TWIS.

    AC

    ReplyDelete
  48. Hey there, Cindy!! We're happy to have you with us today. Congratulations on your newest release!! I will second PJ in that you will be missed at Nationals!

    Oh, I will agree with several others that I would love to visit the UK! One of these days I will. Of course, I'd love to go with my hubby, but since he's real and you asked about a fictional character, I'll take Harry Potter with me! And Ron and Hermione, too. ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  49. PJ said: I'm probably the only romance reading person in the world who hasn't read those books. One of these days...

    PJ, you are not alone! I've not read any of the Outlander books either!

    ReplyDelete
  50. Karyn,
    Chalk up another one for the Auld Sod! :-) I know you will LOVE a trip to the British Isles, and I'm sure once you go, ONCE will never be enought. HA!

    As much as I LURVE men with a brogue, he could whisper "pogue ma hone" in my ear and I wouldn't care!

    AC
    P.S. for those who don't want to look it up, that's 'kiss my arse' in Irish Gaelic, and that phrase was taught to me by an EX Irish priest before my first trip to Ireland. ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  51. PJ and Andrea...
    GET THEE to the library and check out Outlander and Dragonfly In Amber (books 1 and 2 of the series) because I GUARANTEE once you read the first one, you will NOT want to stop! ;-) Jamie Frasier has got to be one of the greatest romance heroes of all time!

    AC

    ReplyDelete
  52. Andrea,
    I am bummed that I won't be at National to see everyone. :-( However, I really won't miss going to Florida in JULY! UGH! Try to stay cool everyone... as in do NOT leave the air conditioned buildings. :-P

    RT is in California next April so I hope to be able to attend (for the very first time) as well as NYC (and seeing Jane!) for RWA.

    AC

    ReplyDelete
  53. I love that you have done so much traveling. It is truly a passion of mine, too. I hope to be able to do so much more.

    I would love to visit Egypt, Ireland, Russia, and so many more.

    As you mentioned, I've love to have Brendan Fraiser with me, too ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  54. OOO Angela,
    Russia is another place on my bucket list of places to visit. I'd love to take one of the northern cruises that stops in St. Petersburg. The Hermitage is one place I've wanted to see for a VERY long time!

    Hope you get to visit there and all the rest.

    Appreciate you stopping by today,
    AC

    ReplyDelete
  55. YAY, Aunt Cindy is here!!!! Congrats on the new release! It sounds really, really good. I'm looking forward to getting my hands on a copy.

    I love to read about your travels. It makes me want to pack my bags and hit the road. Unfortunately, two little ones at home make that a little impossible right now. But one day . . .

    I am sad to hear you will not be at Nationals this year. I was so looking forward to meeting you!!

    ReplyDelete
  56. Hi, Aunty! So glad you're dishing with us today. I loved THE WILD IRISH SEA (my review will be posted on Sunday *g*), and I hope the powers that be will let you write Parker's story!

    I have been lucky enough to travel quite a bit---due to my hubby's time in the military---and even live overseas twice (Bahrain and Italy). But top of my bucket list is Ireland. I have Irish roots and long to visit the auld sod. ;-) Oh, how I would love to take Roarke (from J.D. Robb's In Death series) or I wouldn't mind having Jamie Fraser either. Completely yummy either way! *vbg*

    ReplyDelete
  57. I made it to page 95 at 0300 this morning and I'm loving it!! Makes me want to eat Irish soda bread and drink tea!
    Bucket list & bucket man...Jamie Frasier and Scotland sounds great...maybe Italy with one of my favorite couples from SEP's book, Blue and Dean Robillard...Blue would love the art Italy has to offer and it would be a fun trip to hear their banter.

    I'v mentioned it before...I'd like to see a book about Keirnan's sister and the Italian agent from Treasures of Venice!!
    Congratulations! =:0)

    ReplyDelete
  58. Hey Buffie!
    It's always great to hang out here with the Dishie Dames! :-)

    I gotta admit, traveling with little ones is no picnic. I didn't start doing MAJOR traveling until my son was 17, though I did make one trip to England without him when he was 8. He got stung by a bee on his cheek while I was across the pond and he's NEVER let me forget it!

    I hope you enjoy TWIS and I'm really looking forward to meeting you in NYC in 2011.

    AC

    ReplyDelete
  59. Gannon, m'luv!
    I'm sooo glad you enjoyed TWIS! And hurray for another vote for Parker's story. ;-)

    OMGosh! Roarke from J.D. Robb's in death series could take me ANYWHERE! PLEASE! Talk about one HAWT Irish HUNK!

    Thanks again for your support and the good review,
    AC

    ReplyDelete
  60. Page 95 eh, Pink?

    Then you're about to find out about the Golden Eyed selkie prince! (very big grin)

    More GREAT choices for destinations and traveling companions.

    And you weren't the only one to ask about Kathleen and Carlo. I could definitely see sparks flying between those two.

    Let me know when you finish TWIS,
    AC

    ReplyDelete
  61. My bucket list is Venice, Italy. Wouldn't it be wonderful to float around in a gondola with...
    there are so many, I can't pick one. But up at the top of the list is James Bond.

    Have a wonderful book release party!

    ReplyDelete
  62. Congratulations on the release of The Wild Irish Sea. This book sounds great.
    My bucket list trip would be to Scotland with Jamie Fraser.

    ReplyDelete
  63. Suzannelilly,
    Venice is indeed a very romantic city! That's why I set one of my novels there. ;-) And gondolas are lovely, but I'm afraid there wouldn't be much idle floating if you were in the company of Mr. Bond!

    AC

    ReplyDelete
  64. Chey,
    Thank you for dropping by today, and I hope you enjoy The Wild Irish Sea.

    I think Jamie Fraser is going to be very busy guiding so many of our commenters around Scotland! ;-) But he's a hardy lad and I'm sure he'll be up for the task.

    AC

    ReplyDelete
  65. Hi! Congrats on "The Wild Irish Sea"!

    I'd like to visit Ireland as my boyfriend has some Irish blood, but not in winter. Brrr! My fictional tour guide would be Finian O'Melaghlin from "The Irish Warrior" by Kris Kennedy (it was the last book I read with Irish characters in it). I'll be sure with Finian as the guide for sure.

    ReplyDelete
  66. Hi Cindy! Huge congrats on the release! So elated about this book!

    Loved the interview and neat asking back, What is the number one destination on your bucket list, and which fictional characters will you take with you? I've not traveled much since I don't do well on planes, and the two times I did go, it was like at the most, 45 minute flight, and I want to go to Ireland, and that is like a day or more or something, so I wouldn't be able to tolerate it. It would take a lot of driving to get on a cruise to go to. So I'll have those memories mostly from all I read! My hubby is Irish and when I first read a setting there, I so love finding out more and more about it! I love so many heroes so I would take the one I'm reading recently, Alice Gaines's MISS FOSTER'S FOLLY and the hero Derry, David Winslow, Marquess of Derrington with me! I love how sure he is that he loves her and doesn't give up on this chase!

    cathiecaffey @ gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  67. Hi, AC!!! Top of my bucket list is Australia and New Zealand, although I would leap at the chance for a round-the-world tour ;) As for who to bring with, a delectable Aussie hunk or two, with that lovely accent!

    Thanks for the lovely interview--very enjoyable reading!!

    ReplyDelete