Highlighting Historical Romance: Madelyn Hill answers our questions about the genre.
Caroline: Why do you write historical romance (or historical novels if appropriate)?
Madelyn: I love to write historical romance because it is my favorite genre to read. I also love history, research and I’m an old movie buff. There are so many great things to be researched and I find that searching for nuggets of history is so interesting.
Caroline: What is your favorite historical period and why?
Madelyn: I love 1600-1700s. I’m not sure why I gravitate this time period, because I love reading Medieval historicals as well! I think when I look at the Highlands and see what was happening and going to happen, it gives me enough fodder to develop a plot and interesting story.
Caroline: Did you base your characters on real people?
Madelyn: My books are not based on “real” people. There may have been some traits or their looks in which I was inspired by someone. For example, for Highland Hope, the heroine’s looks were inspired by Mila Kunis. Her character traits were a mix of Maureen O’Hara, Merida (from Disney’s Brave), and many women leaders throughout history. The hero was inspired by Tyler Hoechin, he’s stern, but has a sense of ease which draws people to him. That can be so many men!
Caroline: What is your favorite scene in this book?
Madelyn: My favorite scene is when Hope and Aidan decide to work together in in the midst of Aidan’s deceit. The ever strong Hope realizes she can accomplish more if she works with Aidan, instead of against him.
Caroline: What was the hardest scene to write and why?
Madelyn: Hmmm, this is tough. Just as the scene above was my favorite because the hero and heroine work together, the scene in which Hope learns of Aidan’s deceit and is so devastated by his betrayal was difficult to write. Pulling the emotional responses, especially for such a strong heroine was tricky, because she kept pushing me to keep her strong and not show how Aidan had broken her heart.
Caroline: What, aside from writing, do you like to do best?
Madelyn: I love to cook and bake. We watch a lot of cooking shows and we gather recipes and hold event nights throughout the year
About the Book: Highland Hope – Book 1 Wild Thistle Trilogy
“Remember, lasses. Through Hope, Faith and Honor, ye can rule,” were the last words Lady Hope MacAlister’s father spoke before dying. Those very words direct her every action and thought. Sword fighting and leading the men of her clan was second nature to Hope and she has little time for herself or any thoughts of love. Until Aidan MacKerry is captured spying on the clan.
She is beautiful, strong, and quick to pull a sword. But when he kisses her, all thoughts of the lairdship Aidan MacKerry seeks flee his mind. When the enemy continues to undermine Hope, Aidan is determined to aid her—only he didn’t think he’d lose his heart to the Laird of Wild Thistle Keep. When the enemy reveals Aidan’s secret, he must fight for his right to be laird and prove, despite their differences, he loves Hope.
The enemy refuses to back down and continues to threaten not only Hope, but the security of the entire clan. Only together will they be able to save the clan and save their love.
About the Author
Madelyn Hill has always loved the written word. From the time she could read and all through her school years, she’d sneak books into her textbooks during school. And she devoured books daily. At the age of 10 she proclaimed she wanted to be a writer. After being a “closet” writer for several years, she sent her manuscripts out there and is now published with Soul Mate Publishing. And she couldn’t be happier!
A resident of Western New York, she moved from one Rochester to another Rochester to be with the love of her life. They now have 3 children and keep busy cooking, watching their children’s sporting events, and of course reading!
Contact Information:
Email: madelynhill68@gmail.com
Website: www.madelynhill.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madelyn.hill.94
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorMaddyHill
Thank you so much for hosting me!