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After wrestling with Mia a bit (I'm pretty tough, too, ranching in the Ozarks), I did get her to tell us a little about herself some of the things she's had to overcome. I'm delighted she's visiting Over Coffee.
Hello Sia and all your
lovely blog-ettes! I’m so excited to be with you today, but I gotta confess
something. When I first saw your guidelines for blog posts and your suggestion
that I write about ME, I wilted a bit inside. Writing about myself is the
hardest thing I do as a author. I suffer from chronic Midwest-itis. Comes from
a lifetime of being trained never to be the grabby child and always to take the
smallest piece.
Of course, I don’t
live in the Midwest now. My DH and I have made our home in Boston since 2007.
Who’d have guessed a pair of Ozarkians could settle down and enjoy life in
Beantown? I’ll admit there have been some adjustments. Driving here requires
nerves of steel and the reflexes of a cat. But all those things you hear about
New Englanders being cold and stand-offish just aren’t true. Every time I get
behind the wheel, other drivers honk and give me friendly hand signals. Of
course, in Missouri we used a different finger to wave at folks.
Another thing Sia
suggested was that I share my personal challenges. So here goes. Until 2008, I
took my good health for granted, but that was the year I was diagnosed with
cancer. No one was more surprised than me. Hearing that C-word is a surreal
kick in the pants.
However, we caught the
cancer early and my prognosis is excellent. I’m cancer-free and counting.
November 2013 will mark 5 years since my diagnosis and I’m looking forward to
the lovely day when I can finally use that other “C-word”—Cured! Thank you,
God.
I share this because
if your doctor suggests any kind of cancer screening test, you really should
take it. What you don’t know can hurt
you.
Other tidbits about
me: I’ve been married to the same great guy for more years than either of us
was single. We have two daughters. We love animals and have had two horses, I
don’t know how many assorted dogs, cats, goldfish and one gerbil I thought
would never die. And my DH still knows how to show a girl a good time. Because
he works in the travel industry, we’ve been able to take some really fabulous
trips all over Europe and the US. I’m lucky and I know it. My cup is so full
it’s running over and making a mess all over the place.
I’m a great list
maker. Mostly because if I don’t write it down, it’s likely not to get done. So
I routinely post “bucket lists” of things I want to accomplish. (The latest
incarnation is on my website www.miamarlowe.com
)
People always ask
where I find ideas for my books. They’re all around me—in music, art, overheard
conversations at the coffee shop... I’ve often said if I was a reality show, I
would canceled because my life is too boring. At least on the outside.
Actually, my life is filled with tons of drama, excitement and angst, but most
of it never really happens. Except inside my head. And in my books.
I’ll wrap this up now
because I know Sia is going to tell you about my new release SINS OF THE HIGHLANDER
and believe me, it’s much more interesting than I am. So finally I’ll share
that recently I heard a country song that stuck with me. (This was a real
surprise to me since I’m a classically trained soprano and my kids routinely
accuse me of being a musical snob.) The
chorus went like this: “God’s great. Beer’s good. People are crazy.”
I agree with two of
those sentiments wholeheartedly. I’ll let you guess which ones!
Make your guess, or
share which ones you agree with and you’ll be entered in the drawing for SINS
OF THE HIGHLANDER. Or you can ask me a question. Just remember I write fiction.
If I don’t know the answer, I’ll make something up.
Thanks again, Sia!
SINS OF THE
HIGHLANDER
– IN STORES JANUARY 2012
Abduction…
Never had Elspeth Stewart
imagined her wedding would be interrupted by a dark-haired stranger charging in
on a black stallion, scooping her into his arms, and carrying her off across
the wild Scottish highlands. Pressed against his hard chest and nestled between
his strong thighs, she ought to have feared for her life. But her captor
silenced all protests with a soul-searing kiss, giving Elspeth a glimpse of the
pain behind his passion—a pain only she could ease.
Obsession…
“Mad Rob” MacLaren thought stealing
his rival’s bride-to-be was the prefect revenge. But Rob never reckoned that
this beautiful, innocent lass would awaken the part of him he thought dead and
buried with his wife. Against all reason, he longed to introduce the luscious
Elspeth to the pleasures of the flesh, to make her his, and only his, forever.
With two clans against them burning for battle, they must find a way to
join together—body, breath and soul. Or both will be made to pay for the Sins of the Highlander? Excerpt
BUY: AMAZON, BARNES and NOBLE, CHAPTERS INDIGO (canada)
~*~*~*~

42 comments:
Ceud mìle fàilte!
I'm so glad you're here Mia. This story sounds great.
So how do the two of you write as partners, Mia? Do you take turns on writing scenes or chapters?
Wonderful and interesting post to read Sia,
Yvonne.
Hi Sia,
It's great to be with you today. My partnership with Connie is pretty fluid. We don't have any hard and fast process. We both loved our hero, Rob very much and I think following him around was our guiding principle.
Thanks for dropping by, Yvonne
Oh how I would LOVE to win copy!!! I have read many of Connie's books over the years. I am looking forward to read a book that is from a partnership of Mia and Connie!! TY fo the opportunity to win a copy.
bettysunflower@hotmail.com
Thank you for the interview and I'm off to read an excerpt. Mia, hang in there...deep down, we New Englanders ARE nice! It just takes us forever to warm up...especially when it's 10 degrees out...like today! Sia, your music is stunning. If you have time and could comment on my blog what it is, I'd be delighted.
You're welcome, Betty. Good luck!
Congrats! As to the guess...
I think we both agree people are crazy.
The second one is harder, but since I personally detest beer, I'll pretend it's "God's great."
You are so like me in other ways, though! Lists are my speciality. I make one pretty much every single day. Got one this morning (though I've been ignoring it so far).
Great luck with the book tour!
BTW, the music rocks on this site! Totally love it! I'm so glad I had my sound turned on.
Oops! Sort of let my real name cat out of the bag there. Good thing it's not a deep dark secret.
Liza--New Englanders are wonderful...when they're not behind the wheel. Of course, it may be because I still drive Midwestern. ;-)
Shakespeare--The only problem with my lists is that they are perfect. I am not.
Hi Mia!
Thanks for sharing so much about yourself. And congrats on your continued good health!
As I writer, I'm very possessive of my characters and their journey. Which makes me curious... what was it like for you to write with another author? How did you resolve differences as to where to take the story next?
Hi Mia, thanks for sharing some details of your life with us. I'm praying that you stay cancer free and in good health.
I've often wondered myself how two Authors collaborate when they're writing a book. Do you actually get together personally or, do you do it through emails, etc?
Thank you for giving us all another opportunity to win "Sins Of The Highlander". I would really love to read this.
dpd333 (at) aol dot com
People are definitely crazy! I have more fun people watching than most. I love this book and can't wait to get my hands on it!
Shakespeare, thank you. I love it too. I'll be adding more. I do love instrumentals and as I was in a Scot competition pipe band, you know I love Celtic music.
My son is disgusted with me, he thinks I should be sharing some of our favorite rock songs, lol! Ah, no, kiddo, not my favorite with morning coffee.
Thanks for stopping by.
Diana, that's a great question. I've collaborated on some projects and where to take the project next is a big one.
Mia, as far as lists go, I have them so I can remember what I need to do and when, not because I love them. Ugh.
I'm not going to let my guilt beat me when I can't get to them all. They're not hard and fast tasks for the day. Just reminders.
I've learned, the hard way, as I bet you have too, to savor life. Can't do that if I'm constantly running.
*raising my coffee cup
Here's to good health and continued life!
Diana--Fortunately, Connie and I have very similar writing styles. We both love a little adventure in our romances. We insist on an alpha for our hero. There was very little disagreement between us--probably because Connie is such a gracious lady!
Diana D--Thanks for your well-wishes. Connie and I have actually only met once in person. Everything else is done by email. I wish I could say we sat down at each other's kitchen tables each day, but Boston and Florida are a long step from each other.
Renee--Agreed. People are definitely crazy. And God is undeniably great. I'm afraid beer always smells like horse urine to me.
Mia! It was great to meet you here with a cup of coffee :-). I have ALL your books under all your pen names and I have SO looked forward to this series, Connie's been at this for a long time. I grew up with her books.
As to which two of “God’s great. Beer’s good. People are crazy.” I think it's "God's great & People are crazy". Beer's not my favorite beverage although I think the Scot's liked their ale and of course their "Scots whiskey" ;-).
I will be following your blog tour hoping to win a copy of your book. I read so many books a month it's nice to win one once in a while...Giving us a little personal peek wasn't so hard now was it? glittergirl54 at ymail dot com
Glittergirl--No it wasn't so hard to share about myself. I was just afraid it would be so boring. My life is very pleasant and I'm happy most of the time, which makes for no drama whatsoever. That's ok. I'll save it for the books!
Good luck in the drawings. See you on the tour!
Yay. It's always good to meet other Ozarkers. (Well, although you don't live here right now, we'll always claim you, Mia. ;> ) I'm So glad "Sins..." is finally here. Been awaiting it since the partnership was announced. With you and Connie together, it's bound to be a success. Also looking forward to your own next 'touch' book. Good luck on the tour--and with the release.
Sia, I really like your blog. I hope to visit for coffee again real soon.
Mia, boring is OK, it saves your energy for writing all those exciting books. I have enjoyed your books because you place them in the historic times and places that interest me. I discovered history through biographies in late elementary school. As I got older I stumbled onto romance books and I've never looked back. Your fascination for Vikings, Pirates, England and now Highlanders have kept me reading. Highlanders with their kilts and brogue make my toes curl :-)
The answer is God's great, People are crazy, and I'll take bourbon any day. LOL! I'm glad to hear you've got the big C on the run and I'll be keeping you in my prayers. And the book sounds fabulous! Wishing you every success!
That was really amusing! She's got a good sense of humor. And cured is better than the other C word.
Most definitely that people are crazy! & God's great (I can't stand beer either). I know I'm kinda wacky :)
I'm in total awe that you're a classically trained soprano; I've always wished that I had a musical talent.
Love your parting comment!
thumbelinda03@yahoo.com
Funny post! I'm not an Ozarkian but I'm a Missourian and I have to agree about the different finger waving..lol.
I have to go with God is Great and People are Crazy as being true...sorry I just don't like beer!
Thanks for the giveaway!
junegirl63 at gmail dot com
Okay, I like dark beer.You can keep the amber, I agree, it's too much like most of you describe.
I don't think I've seen so many Missourians here, lol! And if they were, they haven't said so before.
Funny, hubs is from New England, an hour west of Boston. Little town called Clinton. Most haven't a clue where that is but they do know where Worcester is. I have some great in laws.
I do like that particular country song too, Mia.
I'm so glad to have had you visiting!
This site is amazing. I had the headphones on when I came and was Pleasantly surprised because I LOVE Celtic music also. :) Very inviting Sia.
Hi Mia, I have read so many of Connie's books and Mia's as well as Diana and Emily. lol Congrats on 5 years Mia. wish you continued health. My 24 year old daughter uses the C word for cured of Cancer. It's 14 years for her. I d4efinitely cannot wait to read this one by 2 great Authors. Both are automatic buys for me. No questions about it. Thanks very much for the opportunity to win Sins of The Highlander.Loved the excerpt on your site Mia.
Carol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
Barbara--We're planning on being Ozarkians again as soon as we can. We love the relaxed pace of life and beautiful rolling hills.
Glittergirl--don't get me started on the brogue! I LOVE a Scottish accent. (Turn out the lights and talk to me, Sean.)
Thanks, Kat. I appreciate the prayers. Whenever I speak to writers' groups, I always end with my cancer story, because women are likely not to take care of themselves with screenings. But catching the cancer early saved my life.
Thanks, Alex. Agreed on the C word!
Linda, I started in a nursing program in college, but music called to me. Even though I'm no longer singing professionally, I still love classical music. It moves me.
Of course, I also like Santana.
Maria--The first time I ever had beer was when we were in Germany and went on a pub crawl with some of my DH's business associates. There was only one microbrewry that produced something I could enjoy. The beer tasted like warm bread.
Sia--I hope I haven't offended all New Englanders. My experiences on the road are probably due to my own very defensive driving. And the NECRWA chapter here has welcomed me with open arms. As lovely a group of people as you could wish.
Thanks, Carol. So glad you've followed my work. I'm honored and humbled to be an "auto-buy."
Great post!!! I'll definitely go with "God's Great! and People are Crazy."
Thank you Carol! I try to make it a nice place to stop and visit, if only a few minutes.
Thanks, Tyrean. I'm with you! BTW, I've never run across your name before. It's beautiful. What's it mean?
Happy writing and blending two storytellers into one cohesive book. Speaking of lists, I usually forget mine when at the store and think of new things to add when no paper is at hand. I love crossing tasks and events off lists.
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