Mary Wine Guest Blog and Giveaway, Author of To Conquer a Highlander

Today I am super excited to have author Mary Wine here on Book Junkie as my guest author! Mary is celebrating her latest release To Conquer a Highlander , first in a trilogy of sexy Scottish Highland romance published by Sourcebooks Casablanca. Just released on July 6th, To Conquer a Highlander is a MUST read, sexy and deliciously delightful, with believable characters, hot romance,  and lot of action you just can't lose! Please hop over HERE and read all about it in my review! I hope you enjoy Mary's Guest Post and don't forget to enter the contest!!!!

Five things I wish I’d known about writing…

Now there’s a topic that I think I could write an entire novel on. Writing and becoming published are two goals, separated by a vast distance. What do I mean by that? Well…the first thing that any writer has to achieve is to finish the book. That is often harder then you anticipate; I know it was for me. I underestimated how important a good outline of my story was. Now, there is always a finished one on my desk when I’m writing. That’s not to say that things can’t change but it really helps me keep the flow even.

Now that you have a finished novel, the next thing I never knew about was pre-readers. Those folks who are kind enough to read my newest creation and give me truthful feedback. It’s really easy to become absorbed in your world and make the mistake of not explaining it to the reader.

Finding a publisher is another thing entirely. You need to do your homework before submitting. Each press is unique and just sending off your book to one that doesn’t publish that gene is a waste of time. Not to mention very frustrating when you receive rejections.

Over all, I think the thing I’ve learned to value is that being a writer is a full time job. You need to maintain your own self discipline, just as you would be expected to do in any work place. Keep regular hours so that you can be reached when an editor or agent is looking for you. Every on line post should be professional.

Becoming a published writer has been an amazing journey for me. I’ve loved every moment of it, even the frustrating ones….okay…maybe it took a little time to appreciate those moments but I can honestly say I see the value in them now. My dreams are full of more books and finding ways to connect with publishers so that I can bring those stories to my readers.

Thank you for inviting me to guest blog!

Mary Wine

TO CONQUER A HIGHLANDER BY MARY WINE—IN STORES JULY 2010

A fierce Highland laird ready to kill for king and country…

When Torin McLeren discovers his neighbor’s plot against his king, he takes their daughter as his prisoner, thereby stopping her father’s plot from going forward. But that leaves him with a woman under his roof whom he can’t ignore, and not just because she’s his enemy’s daughter…

A woman who’s as much trouble as she is temptation…

Shannon McBoyd decides to use her captor to experience passion for the first time, and then to destroy him. But her plan goes awry because once she has lured Torin into her bed, she no longer wants to hurt the one man who seems to value and understand her…

Even if her father will kill him—and her—when he discovers what they’ve done...

About the Author

Acclaimed author Mary Wine has written nearly twenty works of erotic fantasy, romantic suspense, and historical romance. An avid history-buff and historical costumer, she and her family enjoy participating in historical reenactments. Mary lives with her husband and two sons in Yorba Linda, California. For more information, please visit http://www.marywine.com/.

***GIVEAWAY***

With many thanks to Danielle @ Sourcebooks I have 2 copies of To Conquer a Highlander to giveaway.. 2 winners, US and Canada only please  (sorry publisher rules)

RULES:

MUST leave a comment for Mary on either the guest post or my review of To Conquer a Highlander

MUST be a follower or become one

MUST leave your e-mail!!!!

+ 5 if you post this contest anywhere MUST leave link in comment

Winners will be chosen on July 12th