Today, I’ve got an interview with a new writer to me, but she’s a Wild Rose Press sistah, so I know she’s fab! Please give a warm welcome to author Alyna Lochlan as she tells us a little about herself and then gives you a peek at her newest release – today! -of DRAGON LAIRD.
Welcome, Alyna…..
Alyna, The Writer
- What drives you to write?
I love to read and have built stories sense I was a little girl. I wrote my first story in kindergarten with a friend illustrating it.
- What genre(s) of Romance do you write, and why?
I have always loved fantasy and paranormal. The magic and adventures with unseen twists and turns then add in a sexy vampire or a dragon and sorcerer is awesome. Past or future it works for me.
- What genre(s) of Romance do you read, and why?
I read the same genre I write. I am hooked on fantasy and paranormal. I also love to read historicals as well.
- What’s your writing schedule? Do you write every day?
Yes I try to. I schedule to write one thousand words a day and have twenty-eight books in the works with four series. J
- Give us a glimpse of the surroundings where you write. Separate room? In the kitchen? At the dining room table?
Normally I write in my office. I sit at a large wrap around desk with two computers and three monitors. I have music and candles going and shelves with dragons on them. Many of the dragon statues have come from fans. I love them. I display everything fans send me in my office. I will also write on the back porch in sunny weather, and if it’s late I will sometimes take pen and paper to bed with me and write there. I always have a pen and pad by my bed so if an idea pops up I can write it down.
- Are you the kind of writer who needs total quiet to compose, or are you able to filter out the typical sounds of the day and use your tunnelvision?
I can get distracted easily. I have to turn off my phone and I use earphones with music to loose myself in the story. I love to burn candles as well.
- Do you listen to music while you write, and if so, what kind? If not, why not?
Yes this is an important part of my writing. The music I listen to goes with what I am writing. Hard fast rock with battle scenes and music with a strong beat goes with sex scenes. Music for me is inspiring.
- How did you come up with the plotline/idea for your current WIP?
Funny that normally the characters come to me and start bombarding me with their stories or I will dream an idea and have to write it down. I even get ideas in the shower and that sucks because I have to wait until I get out to write it down.
- Which comes first for you – character or plot? And why?
The character comes to me and shows me a scene of their lives and then hounds me to get it down on paper. I have a DVR movie that runs through my head so I can see, hear, smell, and taste everything the character shows me. And if I don’t get it down on paper it’s like the movie got stuck on repeat and plays over and over like the movie groundhog day.
- What 3 words describe you, the writer?
Passionate, dedicated, imaginative.
Alyna, The Person:
- Tell us one unusual thing about yourself – not related to writing!
I have a graphic design business and love to can and preserve food.
2. Who was your first love and what age were you?
His name was John and I was 14
3. If you could relive one day, which one would it be? Think GROUNDHOG DAY, the movie for this one – you’ll have to live it over and over and….
The birth of my daughters would be right up there. Loved every minute of it.
4. Do you like a guy in boxers, briefs, or commando?
Oh baby commando is sooooooo hot. Love that idea.
5. If you had to give up one necessary-can’t-live-without-it beauty item, what would it be?
This is hard. I have to have my mascara. I hate to go out without mascara. LOL
6. What three words describes you, the person?
Creative, busy, loving
7. If you could sing a song with Jimmy Fallon, what would it be?
LOL it would have to be, Whip my hair.
8. If you could hang out with any literary character from any book penned at any time line, who would it be, why, and what would you do together?
I have a bad boy vampire named Blade I am writing now that I so love, and honey I would do anything he would let me do with him. LOL
Bonus round
I love the Actor’s Studio show on Bravo, so this is my version of it:
- Favorite sound
Wow do I have to choice only one? I can’t do that. I love Two steps for Hell, Sickicks, Chainsmokers, Sucide sheep or only a few. Music to me is like breathing.
- Least favorite sound
I don’t do rap. I just can’t get into that.
- Best song every written
Barbra Streisand – Somewhere. Love this song. Inspires dreamers to make a world where everyone is accepted just the way they are. J
- Worst song ever written
I don’t listen or remember songs I don’t like.
- Favorite actor and actress
Actor: I think Jason Momoa is soooo hot he is Blade in my new book Tame the Blade coming out in 2018.
Actress: I have always like Angelina Jolie. After her movie tomb rader I was a big fan.
- Who would you want to be for 1 day and why? ( It can be anyone living or dead)
LOL you didn’t offer anyone that is fictional. If it was fictional I would be Laura Croft. But if I had to pick someone in real life, I would say myself. I like the person I am. Wink.
- What turns you on?
I really love a confident guy. A man who’s not afraid to tell me what he wants or his likes. A man that knows who he is and can be in touch with how he feels and his needs.
- What turns you off?
I don’t care for winy people at are negative about everything and feel they need to point out everything that can or will go wrong. Yes shit happens so what. Life is an adventure. Live it to the fullest. J
- Give me the worst 5 words ever heard on a first date ( here’s mine: “Is that your real hair?”)
LOL “Are you paying for mine?”
- What’s your version of a perfect day?
Sunny in the 70’s, sun sinking over a mountain range. You on the over hanging porch in a large cushioned lounge, cuddling with your favorite man, drinking your favorite beverage. Music playing and a log fire burning in the fire-pit close by, and the man can’t keep his hands off you.
Blurb for Dragon Laird:
Enchanted as a child, Rhiannon grows up hidden, safe from a destiny that could be disastrous to her world. But when an evil sorcerer, seeking to destroy the Power of Two, opens the veiled gate that holds the dragons underground, Rhiannon must emerge. She must find the warrior marked with the dragon’s flame, for only he can defeat the evil devouring the land.
Laird Dylan is a shadow in his own keep. Branded at birth with a dragon’s head mark, he is shackled to a cursed life. Now dragons lay waste to his land. But his duty to stop them is derailed when he meets a woman who is unafraid of his shadowed past—a woman he could love.
In the midst of evil, Dylan and Rhiannon find a love more powerful than dragons and sorcerers. But will it be lost to save the world they know?
Excerpt:
When Laird Dylan’s gaze touched hers, the breath left her body. It was as if her soul somehow connected with his. He was the very image of the warrior from her dreams, but could they be one and the same? Could this be the man Dela had spoken of, the enemy who would be hers? She wondered how he would affect her life, this man from her vision. She placed a hand over the moonstone lying under her shirt and felt its cool surface. There was not evil within the walls of this castle. She couldn’t look away from him, but he broke the gaze first, as he continued his inspection of the prisoners. A guard to her right yelled, startling her from her thoughts. “Kneel ’afore the Laird Dylan MacGregor.”
Rhiannon watched the members of her clan kneel one by one. Some of the men were bleeding, and most of them were muddy and defeated. A new shaking took over as anger filled her.
Her thoughts turned to the women without husbands, children without fathers, and sisters far from their brothers. When all knelt but her, she knew she would not and stiffened her spine. She would endure this humiliation. She stood up for all that died that day.
The guard advanced, pulling his sword free. “Kneel or I shall cut you down where you stand.”
Never taking her gaze from the Laird, she spoke clearly, “My knees are stiff from the mud and blood. They will not bend.”
She knew they saw through her lie from the expressions of surprise, open irritation, and even apprehension. The warrior sneered and moved to strike her.
There was a stirring among the people kneeling on either side of her. The spirit was returning to them and though unarmed they would protect her.
The MacGregor’s eyes narrowed. Their dangerous sparkle pierced her soul. She knew he saw the peril of more bloodshed and barked a command before the blade met her flesh.
“Hold!”
The guard stayed his hand and turned toward his laird. The blue fire in the MacGregor’s eyes severed her failing courage, yet she could not find the strength to bend her knees.
“Lad, speak truth, why do you not kneel, knowing you will be struck down if you do not?” The laird asked.
Before she could hold her tongue, words bubbled forth. “The MacKays have been humbled enough. We have lost this day’s fight and have yet to bury our dead. We concede to your victory for battle is honorable. But we will not toss our already wounded pride and honor upon the floor to be trampled.”
A few gasps echoed in the hall from those standing about, followed by a deathly quiet. Even the hounds that sat around the Laird’s feet raised their heads from their bowls.
All waited to see what Dylan MacGregor would do. He held her gaze for a long time, making her uncomfortable. Again, she felt him piercing through her disguise to touch her very soul. He wanted something from her. What, she didn’t know.
“You speak well, lad. You have courage to speak truth. For this, we will leave you your honor.”
He turned to the Highlander who had commanded them to kneel. “Put a task to each man, then find them a warm place to lay their heads and someone to bind their wounds. They may start work on the morrow. The lad will serve me.”
She gasped and curled her toes in worry, but gave no other outward sign of her terror. Had he guessed she was a lass and not a lad? Would he take her maidenhead before the night was through? It was his right as victor. The laird still had his dark gaze locked on her, and she had no wish to give her fears away. She had a part to play.
As each MacKay passed, they slapped her on the shoulders to show their pride. Several slaps almost sent her to the floor, but she accepted each with pleasure.
The MacGregor went about filling his trencher, but she knew he missed none of the exchange. Then, with all her kinsmen gone, she stood alone.
Dylan MacGregor’s handsome face and body moved with a predator’s grace. The hair that hung around his shoulders shone like black onyx in the candlelight. His clean-shaven chin a strong compliment. Deep blue eyes, the color of the sea were set with thick black brows. The muscles in his arms twisted and bunched as he used his blade to cut through a piece of meat. His straight white teeth tore into the flesh, causing the meat’s juice to run down his fingers. The smell of roasted chicken made Rhiannon’s stomach gurgle. She hadn’t eaten since the night before.
Leaning over the table, The MacGregor motioned for a man to come to him, then spoke in low tones. The man nodded.
She was having trouble separating The MacGregor from the man in her dream. Dela told her she was to join with her enemy or great evil would befall them all. Being a maid, she had no idea how to go about finding out if he was the one. She had yet to see the mark of the dragon. There must be no doubt before she gave herself to him.
She shook her head. She was more than a little weary, yet she continued to stand and wait. A thirst pulled at her throat. Mayhap this weakness was going to her head. She noticed a large barrel with a drinking scoop near the door and turned toward the water.
“Hold!”
She stopped and turned around to meet the laird’s angry gaze.
“You will not attempt to leave.”
“I was not leaving. I but wanted water to ease my thirst.”
“You will stand by my chair and wait upon my pleasure.”
She wanted to stomp her foot but instead clenched her hand into a fist and grinded her teeth as she went over to stand close to the table. Ignoring her, he resumed eating. Rhiannon waited a few minutes more, and when it seemed he would not give her a drink, she stepped to the table and took a cup full of liquid. She lifted the cup to her lips.
The scrape of a chair was her only warning before a strong hand grabbed her wrist, making her spill some of the liquid down her arm. He took the cup from her hand and put it back on the table.
“What are you doing? I thirst,” Rhiannon snapped. Would he starve her, too?
“You will not take anything but what I give you. You are a prisoner now and subject to my demands. If you thirst, ’tis I you will ask for drink, and if you hunger, you will wait ’til I give you food. Do you ken?”
So, he wished her to beg. Well, he would soon see she would not bow to anyone. She raised her chin.
The Laird’s brow narrowed, and he leaned close. “’Tis by my good grace that you will receive all you need. Do not defy me, lad. For I am law here.” Dylan waved his hand in dismissal of the man beside him. “You may take your leave, Orin. I wish to speak to the lad alone.” The man seated at the table nodded and left.
“Do all jump to your command?” Rhiannon asked. Geoffrey often had to hit a person before his orders were followed.
“Aye.” He answered as he reclaimed his seat. He kicked out a chair beside him. “Do you think your knees will bend enough to allow you to sit?”
Rhiannon moved over to sit in the chair. Every bone ached with tiredness. She yawned and put her hand to her mouth, then realized what she’d done. She closed her mouth and looked at The MacGregor. He watched her, and one corner of his mouth lifted, as did an eyebrow. A small smile curved his lips, and a sparkle lit his eyes.
Without comment, he handed her his mug willing to share his brew. “Drink. A lad seeing his first battle should have good Scottish whiskey. How old are you?”
“Old enough.”
“For what? For battle? For women? I think naught. You cannot even grow a beard. Here, eat, you are by far too skinny.”
Rhiannon was too hungry to take offense at his words and found the meat fresh and juicy. She had seen how her cousins treated their prisoners. No mercy was allotted them. Her clan had said Dylan MacGregor was worse, yet this seemed unfounded. “Why are you being kind?”
“Why should I not be? Have you done something to warrant punishment?”
She shrugged.
“Being kind does not make me less of a man. My judgments are swift, but deserving. Do as I ask and you will not find life here so bad.”
Dylan sat back in his seat to watch the lad eat. There was more to this boy than met the eye. At times, he acted almost feminine. He had heard of a person being a man with a woman’s mind, but he didn’t think this was the case. The lad had courage and strength, but his hands were small and slender, his face delicate, and he moved with a gentle grace. The bare skin of those knees below the kilt was smooth and well rounded.
If indeed a female, why would she dress as a man and fight in a battle? He couldn’t understand a woman doing something so absurd and dangerous. Also, there was the strength of character and honor he had never seen in a woman. Mayhap she had followed her lover to the battle. Many women did, but that still didn’t explain the disguise. She could be a thief stealing from the dead. With winter just past, many were without and they took any means to feed their family but it was all speculation
Buy Links:
Amazon // Wild Rose Press //
Award-winning author of Scottish paranormal dragons and wizards and dark vampire bad boy romances, Alyna Lochlan has a love for all things mysterious and magical. It is the heartbeat of all humans to wonder what lies beyond the next turn or what dwells in the darkness. She started writing stories at a young age. She held on to her secret passion and has won various writing awards, one being Romantic Times’ Reviewers Choice Award, Book of the year.
Ms. Lochlan studied commercial art in college, developing several commercials for Channel 6 TV, as well as menus for some top restaurants in Florida. She also is a cover art designer for published books at DCAGraphics.com, but her love of the written word held fast.
Alyna has completed many novels and novellas with many others in the works. Her other published works have appeared in health magazines, newsletters, and other short story publications. She also works as an editor, helping others obtain their dreams.
You can connect with Alyna here:
Amazon // Website //Twitter // FaceBook //
Peggy Jaeger, Author 