Mary Morgan Writes Medieval Romance

Mary Morgan writes amazing medieval romance. A fellow Wild Rose, Mary loves magic, ancient curses, and history. But I will let her tell you about what she writes and her newest release.

Take it away, Mary…

I am a constant daydreamer, Zara. Creating a tale has always come easily. I blame it on my Irish, Scottish, and Welsh heritage. There were many great bards in my family.

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Is writing something that comes easy to you?

My first recollection as a weaver of stories was when I was four years old. After a vivid dream, I told my mom the story, giving her a detailed description. Within a couple years, I was jotting down stories in a diary. I lived in my own fantasy world most of the time. Even now, I’m always in another realm with my characters.

Do your travels influence your writing?

My travels definitely influence my writing. They are the spark and muse for my stories.

On my trip three years ago to the Orkney Islands, I discovered a vast landscape steeped in ancient legends, ruins, standing stones, and my fictional world of the Wolves of Clan Sutherland. They emerged quietly before I took my journey across the northern seas and entered with force once I arrived in Kirkwall.

Here is a rough draft of what I wrote in my travel journal after a long day on Orkney…

“Though this warrior moves with stealth-like mastery, the veil of darkness cloaks him. The light of the full moon shimmers not from the steel of his weapon, but the silver within his eyes. He walks between the shadows of man and wolf.”

These words resonated inside me and managed to become a central part of my prologue for the first book in The Wolves of Clan Sutherland, MAGNAR.  

How did you choose the genre you write in?

I’ve often been asked this question, “Why Medieval romance? Why not Regency, Victorian, or Western?” In truth, I love them all, but my heart belongs to one. It started when my fingers opened a book about the great Irish King, Brian Boru (941-1014A.D.). His story is legendary, especially with the people of Ireland. King Brian led the Irish to the peak of their Golden Age—from poetry, arts, saints, and scholars. A spark ignited within my soul for more. 

I sought out tales of knights in shining armor and folk heroes, delving into a life teeming with richness, though at times harsh and violent. Yet, it wasn’t until I devoured the history of Brian Boru that I became immersed in medieval life. From there, I treasured tales of life in castles, traveling on horseback, studying foods and herbs. My list is endless and always growing on medieval ways. Yes, there are even days when I long to travel back in time and explore the history, lore, and beliefs.

Furthermore, when I combined this time-period with my fascination with Celtic and Norse mythology, I found I had the perfect genre to write my tales. My brand says it all, “Where history meets magic!”  

One might say I live vicariously through my characters. It’s a love affair with all things medieval and paranormal.

Where is your favorite place to write?

The magic happens in the corner of my bedroom overlooking my garden. My writing desk is an antique, approximately 300 years old. To my right is my father’s desk he had as a child. Books on writing, history, and mythology surround me. Ancient maps, stones (from my travels in Europe), and crystals are tucked into nooks within the desk. In addition, I’ve become a collector of blades—from owning a claymore to a small sgian dubh, a Scottish small, single-edged knife.  

Can you tell us about any other upcoming books, series, or writing plans?

Currently, I’m working on the second book in The Wolves of Clan Sutherland. Here is a snippet…

His love conquests are many. Yet only one has captured the heart of this man—she is also the one woman who despises everything about Rorik MacNeil, also known as The Dark Seducer.

Thank you so much for hosting me on your lovely blog, Zara!

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MAGNAR: The Wolves of Clan Sutherland, Book 1 By Mary Morgan

After Elspeth Gunn’s brother the Chieftain of Castle Steinn is murdered, she flees with her nephew, and finds safety amongst a band of men who are rumored to be part wolf. When the king forces her to wed a heathen Northman, she fears losing her heart and soul not only to the man, but the beast as well.

In order to restore peace to a shattered clan, Magnar and Elspeth travel a treacherous path that challenges their beliefs. When evil seeks to destroy ancient traditions, will Magnar be compelled to restrain his wolf or allow him free to protect those he loves?

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Read An Excerpt:

She stomped the ground with her foot. “I will not be forced to marry a…a heathen!”

He gritted his teeth—her words sparked outrage from his inner beast. Glancing over his shoulder, he offered, “Then which would you prefer? Halvard or me? Make your choice, Elspeth. Did you not consider I do not favor this union either?”

Confusion marred her features. She fisted her hands on her hips and glanced upward. “Did you argue against this marriage with King William?”

“Aye.”

“Yet he convinced you?”

“Aye.”

When she returned her gaze to him again, resolve and a bit of stubbornness filled them. “Why, Magnar?”

 “The king will permit me to continue with my duties with the elite guard, including an important task which requires my attention after our marriage.”

Chewing on her bottom lip, she nodded slowly. “Then you will be absent most months from Steinn?”

“Most assuredly, and when I am there, Erik will be my focus.”

Her face softened as she moved slowly toward Magnar. “Therefore this marriage is in name only for Erik’s protection, aye?”

Annoyed with the direction of his thoughts, he looked away. How Magnar longed to tell the lie on the tip of his tongue. The word ached to be released. He turned and stared into her jeweled eyes in an attempt to offer her any hope of what she wanted to hear.

When she placed a hand on his arm, she whispered, “Tell me honestly, Magnar.”

He swallowed and removed her hand from his arm. Placing it securely over his heart, he stated, “Our marriage will be binding in all ways, Elspeth—in name and body. You may worship your God and I shall do so with mine, but ken this, you will be mine completely.”

The battle of emotions splayed across her face. She stepped closer and pulled her hand free from his. “Then you understand this, Magnar MacAlpin, you can have my body on my terms. The time of my choosing. I am tired of having men telling me what to do. Will you accept my terms?”

By the hounds! Her words sparked his lust further. Magnar concluded he did not want a simpering wife by his side. For the first time, he yearned to have one challenging him—in mind and body.

Grasping her around the waist, he ignored her gasp and cupped her chin. Her eyes widened as he slowly lowered his head. “Agreed.” He breathed the word against her cheek.

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Buy Links:

AMAZON | B&N | APPLE | KOBO

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About the Author

Award-winning Celtic paranormal and fantasy romance author, Mary Morgan resides in Northern California with her own knight in shining armor. However, during her travels to Scotland, England, and Ireland, she left a part of her soul in one of these countries and vows to return.

Mary’s passion for books started at an early age along with an overactive imagination. Inspired by her love for history and ancient Celtic mythology, her tales are filled with powerful warriors, brave women, magic, and romance. It wasn’t until the closure of Borders Books where Mary worked that she found her true calling by writing romance. Now, the worlds she created in her mind are coming to life within her stories.

If you enjoy history, tortured heroes, and a wee bit of magic, then time-travel within the pages of her books.

Connect with Mary at these places: